Description
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the best hikes in the world due to the exquisite beauty of its natural surroundings, taking you through various ecosystems and terrains. From the high Andean plains to the cloud forest, this adventure allows us to explore mysterious archaeological sites, partly covered by jungle vegetation as if we were discovering them for the first time. The hike culminates with the awe-inspiring sunrise view from the Sun Gate, providing a majestic perspective of Machu Picchu!
Itinerary
Pick up from your hotel around 5 am before we head towards km. 82 in Ollantaytambo, where the hike begins. We will ascend for about 3 hours (10 km) until we reach the archaeological site of Llactapata. There we enjoy lunch before a short hike of approximately 30 minutes (1 km) to Huayllabamba. In the afternoon, we will prepare for camping and dinner will be around 7 pm.
Early breakfast in the morning, then we continue the ascent for approximately 4 hours (10 km) to Warmiwañusca (4200 m / 13,780 ft). From here, we will observe a variety of ecosystems ranging from the dry puna (mountain grasslands) to the high jungle. After lunch, around 2 pm, the descent takes 3 hours (9 km) towards the Pacaymayo Valley. Here we camp near the river where we’ll also enjoy dinner.
Early in the morning after descending, 45 minutes exploring the archaeological complex of Runkurakay and the Inca citadel Sayacmarca. Then we head towards Puya Patamarka where we will have lunch and continue walking for 2 hours until we reach the archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna. If we book at least 6 months in advance, we will have the opportunity to set up our camp there, and then dinner will be served around 7 pm.
After breakfast, we will hike for 1 hour ascending through the high jungle to reach Inti Punku, “The Sun Gate”. Here, you will have breathtaking views of Machu Picchu. Following this, we will have a guided tour of Machu Picchu lasting 2 hours. Eventually, we will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes where we meet at the train station half an hour before our train departs to Ollantaytambo, where we take a van to Cusco.
• To climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, book at least 3 months in advance (US $70)
Included / Excluded
- Pre-trek briefing at our office the day before your tour
- Hotel pick-up – transport to km. 80
- 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners (vegetarian options available)
- Inca Trail entrance ticket
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- Professional bilingual guide
- Chef and assistants
- Spacious dining tent and kitchen tent
- 3 nights of camping
- Return train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo
- Transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
- Personal care ítems
- Tip for the guide and porters
- Breakfast on the first day, lunch on the last day
- Walking poles
- Sleeping bag
- Access to Aguas Calientes hot springs
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu (book 3 months in advance, US $70)
What to Bring?
- Walking shoes
- Lightweight backpack (20L)
- Cash (preferably small bills)
- Hat or cap
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Long and short pants
- Raincoat, thick sweater, plastic bags
- Scarf, gloves, and hat for cold weather
- Eco-friendly water bottle (reusable bottle)
- Sunglasses, toilet paper and flashlight
- Camera and cellphone chargers
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Medical and personal items
