Inca Trail 4D / 3N - Tour Express Perú

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The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is definitely one of the most requested tours by those visiting Peru who are looking for adventure. From beginning to end, you will enjoy breathtaking landscapes of the Andes with an eclectic mix of highlands and jungle.

There is no other place on Earth that can offer you such an exclusive experience of nature through constantly changing ecosystems where you’re surrounded by astonishing views of mountains and rivers, while being exposed to a wide variety of animals and plants. The art of the Incan architecture harmonizes perfectly with its ambient natural environment. This World Wonder is truly worth the effort to visit and behold.

Itinerary

DAYS
/ 3 NIGHTS

Day 1: Cusco- Km 82 - Wayllabamba

Lunch – Dinner

You will be picked up from your hotel in our private car and transported to Km 82. We will drive through the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas. After approximately an hour and a half, we will cross the small town of Ollantaytambo, where we will stop briefly to take pictures of the massive fortress here and rest.

Afterwards, we will continue our journey along a rural road that parallels the railroad and leads to Km 82. Upon our arrival at Km 82 (2,792 m/9,158 ft), we will unpack and prepare ourselves for the hike ahead of us alongside our excursion team (cooks, assistants, and porters). Before proceeding further, all passengers will have to show their passports to the security personnel here.

Once approved, we will cross a bridge to the other side of the river where we’ll begin our ascent paralleling the Urubamba River (a river that crosses the Sacred Valley from north to west). In this first portion of the Inca Trail, we will visit the Miskay community (2,800m/ 9,186 ft) where we’ll stop to meet the natives and try the popular drink known as “chicha”, which will be served to us by the local women here. Soon after, we will climb up to a small plateau where we’ll take in amazing views of the Andes with a beautiful Inca building known as “Patallacta” nestled at the base of the mountains. We’ll stop here, and a local guide will share information with us about this interesting Inca legacy.

We’ll then continue walking upwards for two hours along the Cusichaca River until we reach a beautiful spot where we’ll take our lunch break.

Shortly afterwards, we will continue with our hike through areas of dense vegetation where you are more than likely to catch a glimpse of the giant hummingbird native to this region. After about two hours, we will arrive to our first camp site in Wayllabamba at an altitude of (3,000m/ 9,843 ft).

Note: During the dry season (May to September), the days can be quite hot. We strongly recommend packing light and breathable clothing, as well as quality sunscreen and a hat.

Camps will be assigned depending on the season and availability of entrants into the Inca Trail.

Accommodation: Camping.
Highest Elevation: 3,000m/ 9,843 ft.
Lowest Elevation: 2,792 m/9,158 ft.
Distance to walk: 12 km/ 7,47 miles.
Approximate walk time: 5 – 6 hours.
Level of Difficulty: Moderate.

Day 2: Wayllabamba – Pacaymayo

Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

On the second day of our Inca Trail experience, we will wake up around 6:00 AM. An early start will ensure we have plenty of time to get ready and have breakfast together before starting our excursion.

We will walk along a narrow road covered by plants and across a small bridge that will lead us towards a uniquely beautiful cloud forest. In this portion of the trip, passengers will need to climb many stairs.

We highly recommend that you take your time and stop for breaks whenever necessary. Following our route, we will eventually arrive in the Llulluchapampa area, where we will take a quick break before climbing to the famous Warmy Huañuska pass (the highest altitude of our hike, located at (4,200m/13,776ft).

Because we will be walking a distance of about 2 kilometers that can be a bit steep at times, we recommend going slowly and stopping for a break whenever necessary. This part of the trip will be the most difficult part of our hike, as we will be walking at altitudes of over (4,200m/13,776 ft); however, this part will also be the most rewarding as you take in one of the most beautiful landscapes of the world. Once we reach the top of the mountain, we will be greeted with a spectacular view of the Andes mountains.

At the top, you will be able to take pictures of the classic Inca Trail. You may even spot diverse species of wild birds.

Afterwards, we will arrive at Pacaymayo camp (3,600m/11,808ft) where we will spend a comfortable night. Pacaymayo is an official camp site, offering baths and showers; however, be aware that the water in this region is very cold.

Accommodation: Camping.
Highest Elevation: 4,200 m/13,776 ft.
Lowest Elevation: 3,600m/11,808ft.
Distance to walk: 11 km /6,84 miles.
Approximate walk time: 6 – 7 hours.
Level of Difficulty: Challenging (due to elevation).

Day 3: Pacaymayo - Wiñaywayna

Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Many visitors say that Day 3 is one of the longest days of the excursion, but also one of the most spectacular days due in part to the remarkable Incan buildings scattered along the trail. We will start our day at 6:00 AM. After a savory breakfast, we will begin walking up a steep road.

Before long, we will arrive at the beautiful Runkurakay ruins (3,800m/12,464ft), an oval construction believed to have been used by the Incas as a watchtower. After being given the background to its history, we will make our way to the Runkurakay pass located at (3,970m/13,022ft).

During this part of the hike, we will pass a small lake where you just might see Andean geese among other native bird species. After the pass, we will descend through a beautiful valley full of plants. In the valley, we will visit the Sayacmarka ruins at a height of (3,624m/11,887ft). This is an interesting Inca construction that was built over a steep slope and is surrounded by mountains.

After visiting Sayacmarka, we will continue descending through the cloud forest and arrive next at the Phuyupatamarca ruins (3,700m/12,136ft). These ruins showcase the Incas impressive hydraulic engineering consisting of spectacular fountains and water channels. From here, we will continue downward until we reach one of the most beautiful Inca buildings of all – the ruins of Wiñaywayna (2,650m/8,692ft).

A close second to Machu Picchu, these are without a doubt one of the most beautiful of all the ruins. Wiñaywayna means “forever young,” and it is said that its name comes from the abundant orchids (bearing the same name) native to the area. After exploring every corner of Wiñaywayna, we will head to our final camp site located just a few meters away.

This night, we will organize a small thank you party as we say goodbye to our porters and tour staff who helped make our venture a reality.

Accommodation: Camping.
Highest Elevation: 3,970m/13,022ft.
Lowest Elevation: 2,650m/8,692ft.
Distance to walk: 16 km/9,94 miles.
Approximate walk time: 8 – 9 hours.
Level of Difficulty: Challenging

Day 4: Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu- Cusco

Breakfast

On our last day, we will wake up very early at 4:00 am. We will quickly venture through the control gate and enter the path that leads directly to Machu Picchu. We advise you to bring a flashlight with you, as it is normally dark at this hour. After walking for about an hour and a half, we will arrive at Inti Punko or “Sun Gate” (2,700m/ 8,858ft) – a magnificent outlook over the city of Machu Picchu.

Here you will be able to relax and take picturesque photos of the group before we finally make our way down to the iconic Machu Picchu: one of the seven Wonders of the World.

It was long thought that Machu Picchu was merely a legend – that was until the American explorer, Hiram Bingham, discovered it in 1911 after making many expeditions in the area. Machu Picchu rises to a height of (2,430m/7,972ft) and is extraordinarily located in the middle of a tropical forest.

It is without a doubt one of the most amazing urban creations of the Inca Empire with its rocky cliffs still showcasing to this day the masterful precision used to cut and form massive walls, terraces, and ramps. Our guide will take you on a two-hour tour through this beautiful and impressive Incan citadel.

Around 12:00 hours we will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes (2,040m/ 6,692 ft). In the afternoon we return to the station to catch the train to Ollantaytambo and then transferred to a tourist bus to return to the city of Cusco.

The trip to the Cusco will take approximately 4 hours.

End of the trip.

* Departure and arrival times are approximated.

** Campsites are subject to change in accordance with governmental regulation of the usage of the Inca Trail, as well as with our guide’s criteria and the group’s progress.

Accommodation: Not Included.
Highest Elevation: 2,700m/ 8,858ft.
Lowest Elevation: 2,430m/7,972ft.
Distance to walk: 6 km/ 3,7 miles.
Approximate walk time: 2 – 3 hours.
Approximate time of Visit: 2 – 3 hours.
Level of Difficulty: Easy.

Included in the program

Briefing time one or two days before the trek.
Private Transportation from Cusco to the start of the trail for Inca Trail Classic.
Professional English Speaking guide.
Assistant guide from more than 9 passengers.
Entrance fees for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
High Mountain Tents (The North Face), model VE-25 of 03 people of high-quality material for two people to offer more comfort and space for the pack of our customers.
One inflatable sleeping pad per person (Therma-Rest).
Dining tent with tables and chairs.
Kitchen tent.
Porters (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment).
Duffle bags for personal luggage, per person.
Personal luggage (Maximum 06 kg per person).
All camp waste is hauled out of the park.
Andean chef specializes in exquisite camping meals.
Meals (03B, 03L, 03D + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day).
Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost.
One Textile Snack Bag per person, to avoid the usage of plastic bags that contaminate our environment.
Others: hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning and night, and at lunch time if requested with enough time ahead.
Toilet tent with bio-degradable toilet facilities (only if assigned campsites do not have toilets).
Comprehensive first-aid kit including oxygen bottles.
Bus ticket from Machu Picchu ruins down to Aguas Calientes – 4^th day.
Train ticket (Expedition class) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy– 4^th day.
Transfer from the train station- hotel in Cusco.

What is not included:

Fourth Lunch in Aguas Calientes – 4th day
Extra Porter.
Sleeping Bag.
Walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Inca Trail)
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Dinner on the last day
Visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes: a relaxing way to end-up the trek while you’re awaiting the return train to Cusco, only 10 minutes from the village center, entrance fee is S/10.00 (Peruvian Soles). Towels can be hired in Aguas Calientes.
Hotels and meals in Cusco
Extra services not mentioned in the program
Tips for guides, porters or chefs and extra expenses

What We Recommend That You Bring – Essentials:

Original passport.
Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru).
Good daypack (the smaller, the better).
Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbak or Water Bottle NALGENE 1L, are encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles).
Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Inca Trail).

For You Duffel:

Porters will carry up to 6 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rent one). From us these two items weigh 3 kg.

2-3 wicking t-shirts.
2-3 hiking pants.
4 sets of undergarments.
4 sets of hiking socks.
1 Fleece.
1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night.
1 Rain jacket and pants.
1 sun hat.
1 wool hat.
Headlamp: essential.
Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them).
Sandals or comfortable shoes for camp.
Walking boots.
Waterproof jacket/rain poncho.
Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean – might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap.
Battery Charger: ¡There is no place to plug in while trekking!
Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -16C at least.

Toiletries:

Sunscreen.
Face moisturizer.
Bug spray.
Hand sanitizer.
Wet wipes.
Toothbrush and paste.
Toilet paper.
Personal medication.
First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

Inside Your DayPacks:

Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, no bag larger than 25L will be allowed in. If larger, you will need to store outside citadel gates.

Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won’t have time to filter water until your first lunch.
Sunhat.
Rain gear.
Fleece.
Camera.
Music (iPhone).
Hand sanitizer.
Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste.
Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips.

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