Inca Trail Essence: 4-Day Machu Picchu Trek
Inca Trail
Price
$890.00
Trip Overview
Trip itinerary
Departure Date
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Trip Overview
Peru’s Hidden Treasures: A Sustainable Journey on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Step into the heart of Peruvian heritage on the ‘Inca Trail Essence‘ tour, a 4-day expedition blending adventure with cultural immersion. Starting in Cusco, this tour takes you on the historic Inca Trail, a path that winds through the ancient Sacred Valley. Experience the raw beauty of the Andes and unravel the mysteries of Inca civilization. Your trek is punctuated by visits to fascinating Inca sites, each a testament to the ingenuity of this ancient culture. The ultimate reward is the arrival at Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas, where you’ll witness sunrise over the ruins — a moment that transcends time. This small-group tour is designed with sustainability in mind, ensuring minimal environmental impact and fostering genuine connections with local communities.
Highlights
- Cusco’s Cultural Mosaic: Begin your adventure in Cusco, a city rich in Inca and Spanish heritage. Delve into its vibrant streets and discover a fusion of historical cultures.
- Sacred Valley Wonders: Traverse the Sacred Valley, encountering ancient Inca ruins and lush landscapes that echo the valley’s timeless allure.
- Inca Trail Majesty: Embrace the challenge of the Inca Trail, a 43-kilometer trek through diverse terrains, leading to the majestic Machu Picchu.
- Machu Picchu Sunrise: Experience the unforgettable sight of sunrise over Machu Picchu, entering the iconic site through the celebrated Sun Gate.
- Sustainable and Intimate: This small-group tour emphasizes sustainable travel, offering a responsible and intimate way to explore Peru’s Inca heritage.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Begin the Inca Trail – Km 82 to Huayllabamba
Start your journey with a transfer to Km 82, the official beginning of the Inca Trail. Trek through stunning landscapes, passing small settlements and ancient ruins, to reach the campsite at Huayllabamba. This first day is a gentle introduction to the trail, offering a mix of Andean and sub-tropical scenery.
Day 2: Trek to Paqaymayu – Crossing the Highest Point
The second day is the most challenging, as you ascend to the highest point of the trek, the Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215 meters. The effort is rewarded with panoramic views of the Andes, before descending to the campsite at Paqaymayu. This day truly tests your endurance but offers an unparalleled sense of accomplishment.
Day 3: Descend into the Cloud Forest – Paqaymayu to Wiñayhuayna
On the third day, you’ll descend into the mystical cloud forest. Witness the change in the ecosystem as you trek through lush greenery and past several Inca sites, including the beautiful Phuyupatamarca. The destination for the day is Wiñayhuayna, an impressive Inca complex with terraced ruins.
Day 4: Sun Gate and Machu Picchu
The final day begins before dawn. Hike to the Sun Gate (Intipunku), where you’ll catch the first breathtaking glimpse of Machu Picchu in the soft morning light. Descend to the ancient city for a guided tour, exploring its iconic ruins and learning about its historical significance. This final day encapsulates the magical experience of the Inca Trail, leaving you with memories to last a lifetime.
Prices for this trip
| GROUP TOUR PRICE |
|---|
| US$ 890 per person |
Includes and excludes on the Inca Trail
Included
- The clients will receive a briefing the night before the trek.
- Pick up from the hotel and transfer to Km. 82 (starting point of the trail).
- Entrance fees to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu (but not Huayna Picchu Mountain).
- Personal tents accommodate two persons each, allowing for more comfort and secure bag storage. Our tents are 4-season and highly maintained to ensure excellent performance on the field.
- Dining tent with tables and chairs. Kitchen tent.
- Toilet tent with bio-degradable toilet facilities.
- English-speaking tour leader plus an assistant guide for groups of over eight trekkers
- Chef and cooking equipment.
- Porters (to carry tents, food, and cooking equipment)
- Meals (3 breakfast, 3-lunches, three dinners + daily morning snack + daily tea service except for last day). Vegetarian or special diets are available at no extra cost.
- A cloth bag for everyday snacks saves plastic bags and decreases waste.
- We will provide boiled water from lunchtime on the first day.
- Bio-degradable personal hand soaps.
- Our kitchen staff uses bio-degradable dishwashing detergents.
- Hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water to fill in the water bottle every morning, night, and lunchtime.
- We bring a first-aid kit, including an emergency oxygen bottle.
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu ruins down to the village of Aguas Calientes.
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy (Expedition train or similar) according to availability – we can upgrade to Vistadome service upon request.
- Transfer from Poroy or Cusco train station to Cusco Hotel.
- 24-hour support by our local staff.
Not Included
- The price does not cover domestic or international flights. Consult a travel agency if necessary.
- VISA procedures, travel insurance, pre, and post-tour accommodation.
- Additional personal costs (alcoholic beverages, laundry).
- The price does not cover gratuities for tour guides, drivers, and support staff.
- Guidance in another language (Germany, French, others), in case you request them, please ask your travel agent.
- Additional items are not included explicitly in the itinerary description.
- Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
- Breakfast on the first day.
- Entrance fee to the Aguas Calientes thermal springs.
- Sleeping bag.
- Each individual should bring an inflatable sleeping mat.
- Personal porter for personal equipment 7kg (15lbs)
- Lunch on the last day after visiting Machu Picchu.
Trip code: CITM4D01-GR
Trip itinerary
Day 1 – Transfer to Km 82, Hike to Huayllabamba
- Pick up from the hotel at 06:00 am and transfer to the head of the Inca Trail at Piscacucho, Km 82 (2,850m/9,350ft), where we meet the porters. Three hours drive to Piscacucho, and our car typically stops for an hour at Ollantaytambo for breakfast.
- We begin our trip on the Inca Trail by crossing the Urubamba River on a bridge. Then we trek down the Urubamba River’s left bank towards the Sacred Valley. We follow a level path to Miskay. Enjoy an airborne panoramic picture of the fantastic Inca City of Llactapata as we continue on our way.
- Continue our hike through the Kusichaca Valley for about five hours until we reach Huayllabamba town (3,000m/9,840ft) and camp for the night. Throughout the drive, we marvel at the magnificent Vilcanota ridge on the other side of the Urubamba River. The Veronica peak towers above us at 5,832m (19,134ft).
- The first day of the Inca Trail trek is easy and prepares for the days ahead.
- Overnight in camp.
- Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner.
Day 2 – From Huayllabamba to Paqaymayu
- This day is the most challenging and high-altitude day on the Inca Trail trek, with an 11 km steep rise. Pack the day bag with lots of chocolates or candy to maintain blood sugar levels and prevent altitude sickness.
- After breakfast, we begin our demanding day with a sharp climb to the Warmi wañusca Pass, the Dead Woman’s Pass (4,200m/13,776ft). Along this path, the surroundings transform into a mountainous terrain where we may see local alpacas and llamas grazing on the Ichu grass.
- We walk downwards on a meandering trail that skirts around the valley next to our next campground. Additionally, we pass through a region known as the cloud forest, home to various species, including sparrows, hummingbirds, and the Andean bear, the spectacled bear.
- After 6 hours of trekking on the Inca Trail, we descend into the valley of Paqaymayu (3,500m/11,480ft), where we find our campsite. Enjoy a wonderful meal and rest after an exhausting day.
- Overnight in camp.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 3 – Paqaymayu to Wiñayhuayna
- Following breakfast, we continue down the Inca Trail’s longest and most spectacular route. Numerous ancient monuments, lush cloud forests, and thriving wildlife and flora of the Andes. We go from Paqaymayu to Abra Runkurakay (3,955m/12,975ft), the second pass.
- About halfway up the Inca route, we will come across the ruins of Runkurakay, a semi-circular Inca dwelling with a view of the Paqaymayu valley. After a brief stay, we continue into the Cloud Forest to the Sayacmarca Archaeological Site.
- Continuing the walk, we reach Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft) and descend to Phuyupatamarca, commonly known as “the town in the clouds,” where we may explore this incredible Inca remnant.
- We descend a long stone stairway to Wiñayhuayna (2,700m/8,858ft), an impressive Inca town with a vibrant agricultural complex, urban sector, and religious center near our camp.
- It is the final official camp before Machu Picchu. Get enough sleep to see the magnificent sunrise at Machu Picchu.
- Overnight in camp.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 4 – Hike Sun Gate, Visit Machu Picchu Sanctuary
- At around 04:00, we have breakfast and continue on the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, the last part of the journey, so we arrive at the Sun Gate by 06:00 am.
- After 40 minutes of walking, we arrive at Machu Picchu (2,430m/7,972ft) via the “House of the Guardians.” Machu Picchu (2,430m/7,972ft) was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
- Around 08:30 am, the guided tour begins; the guide expertly directs through the astounding ruins and main streets. Then wander around the town squares and climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone. Machu Picchu is considered the world’s spiritual center by esoteric wisdom.
- The guided tour takes around two hours and 30 minutes.
- From 12:30 pm to 13:30, take the bus to Aguas Calientes.
- From 13:30 to 15:00, take lunch at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes (not included).
- Board the train to return to Cusco later in the day. Arrive at Poroy station and then be picked up and transported to the Cusco hotel.
- Meals Included: Breakfast.
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