Peru Trekking - Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (Cusco to Cusco)

The Inca Trail is Peru's best known hike. This 43km trek combines visits to archaeological sites, amazing mountain scenery and lush cloud forest rich in native plants such as orchids with many different species of hummingbird.

Day 1: Cusco to Wayllabamba 12km

Between 5:00-05:30 am we will pick you up from your hotel and travel by private bus bus to Piskacuchu (2700m) which is a small community located 82 along the railroad from Cusco to Machu Picchu (also known simply as km82). Buses normally stop at the town of Urubamba in the Sacred Valley for about an hour or so to give people the opportunity to have breakfast.

Hikers cross the Vilcanota River and follow the trail to the right as it climbs steeply up from the river. After passing through the small village of Miskay, the ruins of the Inca hill fort of Huillca Raccay come into view high above the mouth of the river Cusichaca ('happy bridge'). It is a simple descent down to the Cusichaca river. From parts of this trail there are great views of the Cordillera Urubamba and the snow capped peak of Veronica 5860m.

You'll also get a great view over the extensive Inca ruins of Llactapata (also known as Patallacta on some maps). Llactapata 2750m means 'upper town' in Quechua and was first discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and was primarily an agricultural station used to supply Machu Picchu with maize, the staple crop of the Incas. The settlement comprised over one hundred buildings, houses for the workers and soldiers, including five baths.

For a further 7 km the path follows the left bank of the river up to the small village of Wayllabamba (3,000m). The name in Quechua means 'grassy plain'. This is the last place along the trek that you can buy snacks and drinks.

Day 2: Wayllabamba to Pacamayo 12km

We will wake up at about 6:00 am and after breakfast we will leave Wayllabamba behind and begin the most difficult part of the trek. Following the left bank of the Llulluchayoc river for about 1 hour brings you to 'Tres Piedres' (three stones) and a small bridge over the Huayruro river. The stream is named after the Huayruro which is an ornamental tree. It's seeds are red and black. Many of the porters from the Ollantaytambo district are also known as Huayruros because of their traditional red and black ponchos! A little further on you'll enter a beautiful cloud forest passing a waterfall.

A further three hours trek through steep woods and increasingly spectacular terrain brings you to the tree line and a meadow known as Llulluchapampa (3,680m). It is another 1½ hours climb to the first and highest pass of the trail (Abra de Huarmihuañusca or 'Dead Woman's Pass) at 4,200m. Once at the top hikers can celebrate having completed the most difficult section of the trail.

The decent from the pass is steep although not difficult, following the trail on the left side of the valley to the valley floor and to the 2nd night's campsite at Pacamayo (3,600m). There are toilet facilities here.

Day 3: Pacamayo to Winay Wayna 15km

This day is the longest but also the most impressive and most interesting due to the many Inca ruins that we will visit along the way.

From the campsite at Pacamayo it takes about an hour to climb up to the ruins of Runkuracay (3800m). These small circular ruins occupy a commanding position overlooking the Pacamayo valley below.

Another 45 minute hike will bring you to the top of the second pass: Abra de Runkuracay (4,000m). At last you'll feel that you are walking along the trail of the Incas with paving, for the most part, being original. The descent down the steps from the pass is steep so take care. This section of the trail, up till the 3rd pass, is particularly beautiful as the path crosses high stone embankments and skirts deep precipices. After about 1 hour from the 2nd pass you'll arrive at Sayacmarca (3624m) by way of a superbly designed stone staircase. The name Sayacmarca means 'Inaccessible Town' and describes the position of the ruins perfectly, protected on three sides by sheer cliffs. No one knows the exact purpose of these ruins.

From then on the path descends into magnificent cloud forest full of orchids, hanging mosses, tree ferns and flowers, passing through an impressive Inca tunnel, carved into the rock, on the way.

The trail then climbs up to the 3rd pass (3,700m). The view from the pass offers excellent views of several snow-capped peaks including Salkantay (6,180m) and Veronica (5,750m). A few minutes after the pass is Phuyupatamarca, the most impressive Inca ruin so far. The name means 'Town in the Clouds'. Access to the ruins is down a steep flight of stairs passing six 'Inca Baths' probably used for the ritual worship of water.

Leaving the site via an impressive Inca staircase you descend a thousand or so steps. Be careful with your knees which will feel the strain by the end of the day.

After about an hour of walking through cloud forest you may just be able to see the tin roof of the Trekkers Hostal at Wiñay Wayna, although it probably won't be for another 2 hours until you arrive.

Wiñay Wayna is the last official campsite before Machu Picchu. There is a restaurant where you can purchase drinks and even a well deserved beer, as well as hot showers ($1.5) and toilet facilities.

A short trail leaves from the southern end of the hostal to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna. The name in Quechua means 'forever young' and is named after a variety of pink orchid which grows here. The ruins comprise magnificent agricultural terraces set in an impressive location. There are also many buildings of good quality stonework and a sequence of 10 baths, suggesting that the site was probably a religious centre associated with the worship of water. Ritual cleansing may have taken place here for pilgrims on the final leg of the trail to Machu Picchu.

Day 4: Winay Wayna to Machu Picchu 5km

We'll wake early at 4.15am, have breakfast and set off on the trail again by 5.15am to get to Machu Picchu before sunrise. The sky starts getting light by 5:30am and the first rays of the sun reach Machu Picchu at about 7:00am. The trail contours a mountainside and drops into cloud forest before coming to an almost vertical flight of 50 steps leading up to the final pass at Intipunku (Sun Gate). From this point you will be able to see sunrise over Machu Picchu which is spread out before, an unforgettable experience.

From Intipunku we will descend for about 40 minutes to Machu Picchu. When you arrive at the ruins you'll have plenty of time to take photos of Machu Picchu from the classic view point. Most groups wait at this point for a while so most of your photos should be 'tourist free'. When the group is back together again we descend to the main entrance where we will have to register and where you can safely leave your large backpacks. You can also go to the toilet and have a quick coffee in the restaurant just outside the entrance. With just your daypack on the group will re-enter the ruins with the same guide for a complete tour of the major sectors. The tour takes about 2 hours so by about 10:30 you'll have free time to explore the ruins alone.

The train back to Cusco departs from Aguas Calientes which is the nearest village to the ruins of Machu Picchu. The train departs at approximately 16:30 (time can vary) and you'll arrive back in Cusco for about 21:00. Included in our standard service is the tourist bus from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes, the train back to Cusco and a transfer from the station to you hotel. Sometimes, however, we buy train tickets just back as far as Ollantaytambo and then bring you back to your hotel in Cusco by private bus. The later method usually works out about 30 minutes quicker.

We suggest that after visiting Machu Picchu that you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes by 15:30 at the latest (assuming train departs at 16:30). Buses depart every 15 minutes. Check with the guide for actual times. This leaves you plenty of time at the ruins to climb Wayna Picchu (the mountain that you see in the background). It takes about 1 hour to climb and 40 minutes to descend. Most people, however, leave the ruins at about 13:30 and return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (at the ruins there is only one restaurant and it's very expensive). There are several small restaurants in Aguas Calientes to satisfy all budgets. You may also wish to pay a visit to the town's famous thermal springs which feel great after finishing the trail. Entrance to the springs costs US$2, allow 2 hours to really enjoy them.

(Note that this is a typical trekking itinerary and may be subject to change depending on speed of the group, group size and availability of camping space allocated by the UGM. Alternative campsites may be used.)

Inca Trail Weather & Trek Preparations   

To do the Inca Trail you have to be fit. You don't have to train as if you were entering a marathon but we recommend that you take plenty of exercise prior to the trek, running or walking briskly for an hour each day for at least 30 days before you arrive in Peru.

The Weather on the Inca Trail: (temperatures in °Celsius)

May to August:

Generally the weather on the Inca Trail is similar to that in Cusco. During the day you can expect blue skies and sunshine. The sun as this altitude can be very strong so it is important to bring a hat and plenty of sun cream to protect you. Trekking in T-shirt and shorts is ideal but have warm sweater handy in your day pack. During these months there is little chance of rain but we recommend that you bring a rain jacket or lightweight plastic rain poncho (can be bought for US$1 in Cusco) just in case.  As soon as the sun goes down the temperature can rapidly drop maybe to freezing during the early hours of the morning. It is important to keep warm so bring a jacket, woolly hat and scarf. Thermal underwear is ideal for these conditions.

April, September and October

During the day you can expect to encounter all 4 seasons. Generally you will have at least one wet day on the trek. The rain can be very heavy at times so it is important to bring a good rain jacket or medium duty rain poncho (can be bought in Cusco for US$5-10). Between the showers the sun can be strong and quickly dries the rain up. Shorts and T-shirt are fine for the day. Bring a sun hat and high factor sun protection cream.

November - March

This is officially the wet season in the Andes but it also coincides with Summer. Expect at least two days of rain on the trail so bring a good rain jacket or poncho. Pack all of your clothes in plastic bags and bring a cover for your backpack. Generally the skies are overcast but you'll have plenty of sunny spells. When the sun is out is can be extremely hot so a hat and sun cream is essential. The nights on the trail are mild so bringing items such as woolly hats and scarves is not necessary. January is popular with Latin Americans enjoying their summer holidays. The trail will be closed during the month of February. 

Things to bring:

Backpack, Sleeping bag (can be rented in Cusco), Rainwear, Strong footwear, Complete change of clothing, Sweater, jacket (something warm), Water bottle and sterilizing tablets (Micropur are recommended and can be bought in local pharmacies in Cusco), Flashlight and batteries, Broad-brim or peaked cap, Sun block, Insect repellent, Toiletries and toilet paper, Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits etc, Camera and film.

Group Size: Typical group size 12-14, Maximum 16 persons

What is included:

• Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure

• Private bus from your hotel to the start of the trail

• Inca Trail & Machu Picchu entrance fees

• English speaking professional guide (two guides for groups over 9 persons)

• Igloo tents - 2 persons in each 4-person capacity tent with plenty of space for your backpacks

• Double thickness foam mattress

• Cook and Cooking equipment

• Meals (03B,03L,03D) - food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking, hot drinks including coca leaf tea which is excellent for the altitude.

• Teatime everyday (tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn)

• Porters (to carry the tents, food, and cooking equipment)

• Dining tent with camp tables and chairs

• Kitchen tent

• Accommodation for our porters and cooks

• First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle

• Bus from Machu Picchu ruins down to the village of Aguas Calientes

• Train ticket (Backpackers service) from Aguas Calientes to Cusco

• Transfer from the train station to your hotel.

• All Sales Taxes IGV

What is not included:

• Breakfast on the first morning. Some hotels offer an early morning breakfast service. If not, we stop at the town of Urubamba on the way to the start on the trek where you’ll have the opportunity to have breakfast,

• Meal in restaurant in Aguas Calientes on day 4 of the trek.

• Entrance to the thermal springs in Aguas Calientes US$3.

• Sleeping bags can be hired in our office for US$15 for the 4 day trek.

• Tips for the guide, cook and porters

What you need to bring/carry:

• Backpack,

• Sleeping bag (can be hired from our office for US$15 for the 4 day trek)

• Sleeping mattress (we will provide you with this)

• Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco for a few dollars)

• Strong, comfortable footwear

• One complete change of clothing (you can afford to carry more changes of clothing if you hire a personal porters, see options below)

• Sweater and jacket (something warm)

• Water bottle and purification tablets (Micropur are recommended and can be bought in local pharmacies in Cusco)

• Flashlight and batteries

• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun

• Sun block (sun protection cream)

• Insect repellent

• Toiletries, towel and toilet paper

• Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits etc,

• Camera, plenty of film and spare batteries

• Swimsuit (if you plan on visiting the hot springs at Aguas Calientes after the trek - entrance not included in price)

• You also need to bring your original passport on the trail and your student ISIC card (if claiming a student discount)

Options:

(1) Personal porters can be hired to help carry your personal items such as clothes, sleeping bag etc. They can be hired for US$80 (US$100 as from March 2007) for all 4 days and will carry up to a maximum of 18kg (usually 1 porter between 2 persons is more than sufficient). You can hire the services of a half a porter to carry up to 9kg for US$40 (US$50 as from March 2007). However, even with a personal porter, you will still need to bring a day pack for essential items.

About 30% of the group usually have personal porters to help them. If you hire a porter we will provide you with a sack to put your items in to give to the porter. This extra porter will help you carry: duffle bag or sack (we will provide you with this), sleeping bag, mattress (we will provide you with this), clothing, sweater, jacket, woolly hat, scarf, gloves (something warm for at night), flashlight and batteries, toiletries. Your personal porter, however, will not walk at your side so you will still need to bring a day pack for essential items. You will meet up with your porter at lunch time and at the campsite late in the afternoon. Equipment to be carried by yourselves: small day pack, water bottle and sterilizing tablets, warm sweater, broad-brim or peaked cap, sun protection cream, insect repellent, toilet paper, selection of small snacks for the day etc, camera, lightweight plastic poncho just in case of rain (can be bought in Cusco for US$1) Important note: You must decide if you want to hire the services of a personal porter in advance when making your trek reservation since we need to purchase the porter's trekking permit. You cannot decide to hire an additional porter at a later date or once you arrive in Cusco.

(2) An extra night in Aguas Calientes can easily be arranged. We can change the date of your train ticket to the following day. Hotels costs and costs associated with returning to Machu Picchu the following day are additional to trek costs.  You need to advise us at least 1 month prior to your trek date.

(3) Vegetarian Meals. We can provide vegetarian meals or cater for special diets with no extra cost. Just let us know at least 2 days prior to trek departure.

(4) Sleeping bag hire. If you haven't got a sleeping bag or you don't want the hassle of bringing one all the way to Peru with you, then we have standard sleeping bags in our office for rent. The price is US$15 per person for the 4 day trek.

Other information:

(1) Luggage storage. When you go on the trek it is best to leave any luggage that you are not going to need behind in Cusco. Nearly all the hotels in Cusco provide a secure luggage deposit. Put any valuables in their safe. Very rarely do hotels charge for this service especially if you are returning to the same hotel after the trek. If there are any problems with your hotel we can arrange to store your luggage at our office.

(2) Time of arrival in Cusco after returning from the trek. Unless you plan to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes, you will return to your hotel in Cusco for approximately 8:30pm on the 4th day of the trek.

Important: Before you travel please check your Tour Voucher and Arrival Information for the latest joining instructions. This will be sent to you upon receipt of final payment.

All itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.

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