Highlight:

Machu Picchu, Wayllabamba, amazing mountain scenery, High Mountain passes, quieter trails, less tourists, local villages.

 

Begin from: Cusco / Km 82

End in: Machu Picchu / Cusco

Duration: 04 Days/ 03 Nights

Physical Rating: Moderate/Challenging

Accommodation: Camping service & Mattresses

 

Difficulty degree of this hike: Moderate/Challenging due to the altitude: we recommend a period of at least 2 days for acclimatization in Cusco or over 3000m/9840ft.

 

Unforgettable trek thought the ancient pathway of the Incas

The legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most rewarding eco-adventures. Essentially the Inca Trail is a mountainous jungle hike leading to the sacred Inca city of Machu Picchu. The 45km trek is usually covered in 4 days, arriving at Machu Picchu at daybreak on the final day before returning to Cusco by train in the afternoon. The Inca Trail is Peru's best known hike, combining a stunning mix of Inca ruins, mountain scenery, lush cloud-forest and rich subtropical jungle. Over 250 species of orchid have been counted in the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary.

 

“We strongly recommend that you make your trek booking as soon as possible because permits for certain days has now sold out, then you should have a look and take one of our best alternative option “

 

The Inca Trail Closed throughout the month of February. Machu Picchu opens as normal

Day 01 – Cusco / Km 82 / Wayllabamba

Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 day, pick up from the Hotel at 06:00 drive to Km 82 which is the starting point of the Inca Trail. We begin our hike by crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River and walking along its left shore as it flows northwest. Following the trail along a flat terrain, we arrive in Miskay (2800m/9184ft), to then ascend and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the impressive Inca city of Llactapata (2650m/8692ft). We continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for about five hours until we reach the community of Wayllabamba (3000m/9840ft), our first camping.

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

 

Total distance:  12 km (7, 47 miles)

Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours

Maximum altitude point: 3000m (9840 ft)

Day 02 – Wayllabamba / Pacaymayo

Breakfast early morning; we begin the most difficult part of the trek, which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km along this climb. On the way to the first mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman´s Pass – 4200m/13776ft), we may see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at high altitude. We also cross an area of the so called cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows, and the Andean bear. We advise that on this day specially, your daypack is well stocked with candies, chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high, and help with altitude sickness. After the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600m/11808ft), where we camp.

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

 

Total distance:  11 km (6, 84 miles)

Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours

Maximum altitude point: 4,200 m (13,776 ft)

Day 03 – Pacaymayo / Wiñay Wayna

Breakfast; we ascend again past the small Inca site of Runkuracay (3800m/12464ft). As we reach the second pass (3900m/12792ft), the landscape opens onto spectacular new views to the snow peaks of the Pumasillo range. Then we descend towards Yanacocha and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3624m/11887ft). This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Continuing up an easy climb to the third pass Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft), we go through an Inca tunnel to later arrive at the aforementioned pass and down to the complex of the same name. Continue our trek down the long descending stone steps that lead us to Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft), an impressive Inca complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector, close to which our camp is located.

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

 

Total distance:  16 km (9, 94 miles)

Estimated walking time: 8 hours

Maximum altitude point: 3,900 m (12,792 ft)

Day 04 – Wiñay wayna / Machu Picchu

Breakfast very early; we wake up at 04:00 an hour later and climb to the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) from this fabulous spot, we may see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu 2,400 m (7,872 ft). From here we descend into Machu Picchu, 40 minutes later we enter the citadel from the highest point through the “House of the Guardians”. We then descend to the control point where we register ourselves and leave our backpacks. We immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around, climb the Wayna Picchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machu Picchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or visit the Temple of the Moon or the impressive Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where we take the train back to the city of Cusco and transfer to your hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

 

Total distance:  4 km (2, 49 miles)

Estimated walking time: 2 hours

Maximum altitude point: 2,700 m (8,829 ft)

Price per person: (Shared Group *)

• US$ 465 per person

 

(*) Price based in sharing one tent 2 people

 

Fixed departures: Mondays & Fridays

Shared Group Size: Minimum 4 and Maximum 12

 

Rates:
No people	2 people	3-4 people	5-6 people	7-9 people	Up to 10 people
Prices per person:	US$765	US$ 689	US$ 620	US$ 558	US$ 502
(*) Price based in sharing one tent 2 people

Private Group means:

A private service trek is organized just for you with private transport and your own personal guide. We don't add other people to your group. This enables us to provide the best service possible with personal attention and added comfort.

Private departures:

Any date that you want; depending of the Inca Trail availability

Available discounts (these discounts are not cumulative):

• Students: US$ 40 (students require a valid International Student Identity Card. Please note that Youth Travel Cards are not valid)
• Teenagers: US$ 40 (up to 15 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)
• Children: US$ 80 (up to 7 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)

Payment Details:

We will require a non-refundable trek deposit of US$ 200 per person payable Sun Gate Tours. The deposit is to be paid by our VISA & MC Payment On-Line.

What is included?
Shared Service	Private Service
Pre-departure briefing Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure. Bus to Km 82, head of the Trek Entrance fee to the Inca Trail & Machu Picchu English Speaking Professional Guide (two guides for groups over 8 persons) 4 Season tents, 2 people in each 3-people-capacity tent Sleeping mattresses Chef and cooking equipment Dining tent with tables, chairs and Kitchen tent Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food) Toilet tent Accommodation for all our staff First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle. Bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes Train back to Cusco (Backpacker, Vistadome Class upon request) Transfer from the train station to your hotel.	Private service is organized just for you and your own personal guide. We don't add other people to your group. This enables us to provide the best service possible with personal attention and added comfort. Private service includes all the list from Chart 1 and the following extras: Private transport to Km 82, head of the Trek Thermal Rest Mattresses One pillow per person One extra porter each two people (to carry up to 9kg/20 pounds per person)
Not included is: Breakfast on the first morning. Some hotels offer an early morning breakfast. If not, we stop at the town of Ollantaytambo to have breakfast. Lunch on the last day: after the guided tour at Machu Picchu. Entrance to the thermal springs in Aguas Calientes US$ 3. Sleeping bags (can be hired in our office for US$ 20 for the 4 day trek). Tips for the guide, cook and porters (A good rule of thumb is anywhere from US$ 5-10 dollars per day).

Optional Services:

• (1) Overnight in Aguas Calientes on 4th night add US$ 30 (Hotel Presidente/La Pequeña Casita) with variety or train return and breakfast included, double basis with private bathroom.
• (2) Personal porters can be hired to help carry your personal items such as clothes, sleeping bag etc. They can be hired for US$ 120 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$ 60. However, even with a personal porter, you will still need to bring a day pack for essential items. Please note that due to new government regulations the maximum number of porters that we can use in each group has now been capped.




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.

 

• (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 sleeping bags in our office for rent. The price is US$ 20 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. Free and safe Storage for your belongings while you are on tours in 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.

What we recommend that you bring:

• A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek.
• Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco).
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended.
• Sandals or jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp.
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
• Flashlight/headlamp and batteries.
• Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions).
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold.
• Sun block.
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body.
• Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported.
• Handkerchiefs.
• Toilet paper.
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in our selection.
• Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning. Optionally: water -sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far.
• Small towel.
• Swimsuit (if you wish to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes).
• Cash in soles and/or US$.
• Original passport.
• Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount).
• Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage archaeological sites).