INTRODUCTION TO THE 4 day INCA TRAIL

This is one of the most famous and incredible trekking routes in the world! The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most impressive examples of the approximate 40000 kilometres of roads built by the Incas some 500 years ago! Inca road roads were built across the deserts, highlands and jungles stretching from south Colombia throughout Peru, Bolivia, Northern and Central Chile and the norwest part of Argentina! The Inca Trail starts in a typical Andean region and finishes in a jungle region going through cloud forests, Inca tunnels, bridges and snow on the way!! Undertaking this trek is an opportunity to go back in time and live with the Incas for 4 indescribable days...remember, the Inca Trail is not only for your feet but also for your mind... 

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ITINERARY

(only for 4day /3 night hikes (Group service or Private Service)) camps for the 5 day tours are at different locations.

IMPORTANT: The night before your trek there will be a pre-trek talk (brieffing) in our office at either 6 or 7pm (exact time will be confirmed).

Day 1 – The Start of the Adventure - 'Inca flat'!!

We will meet and pick you up from THE REGOCIJO SQUARE at 5am and travel by bus to Piskacucho (you will hear this be called kilometre 82) where the trail starts. There will be a breakfast stop in Ollataytambo (06:30am) to load up on energy!
On arrival at kilometre 82 (08:30am), it is necessary to show entrance tickets, passports and (if paying a student rate) student card.

To start the trail (2720m/8923ft), we cross the Vilcanota River and follow its route to the right. The first day is relatively easy (a warm-up on the 'Inca flat' terrain) and we will have great views of the site of an Inca Fortress (‘Huillca Raccay'), the vast and incredible Inca site ‘Llactapata' (officially called ‘Patallacta'), the Urubamba mountain range that divides the jungle and the Andes and the beautiful snow-capped peak of 'W'akay Willca' (5860m/19225ft), known in books as Veronica.
Our  first campsite (Ayapata) will be 1 hour and a half up the small village of Wayllabamba (3000m/9842ft) in the temperate green valley of the same name. Temperature at night is usually around 5ºC (depending on the month).

Day 2 – The Trail Trial! we go over 2 passes....

After waking up at 6am (maybe at 05:00-depending on your Guide)  and have  breakfast, we will start a steep ascent towards the highest pass (Abra de Huarmihuañusca/'Dead Woman's Pass’ – 4200m/13779ft). On this day a real sense of achievement is felt on reaching the top! After a rest here, we begin the descent to the lunch stop which is located at Pacamayu (3550m/11646ft).

On the way up to the pass we will be able to see lots of humingbirds and other birds. Also we will have the time to appreciate an incredible variety of endemic plants and trees such as the 'Polilepys ' or Q'ueuña tree which grow in the astonishing cloud forest located at 3650/11972m!!

After lunch begings the second steep climbing to Runkuraqay pass (almost 4000 meters) to arrive in our campsite by 5 or 5:30 pm. This was a very long day!

Temperature at this campsite around 4ºC during the nights

Expected Weather in Cusco and on the Inca trail.

In Cusco dry season starts in April to October, the days are usually sunny and hot but temperatures drop abruptly after 5-6 pm until 7-8 am. Weather is very changeable from November to March and heavy rains are expected being the wettest month December to March although is not as cold as it is in the dry season.

· Please note: Temperatures are for the Valley of Cusco at 3400masl. And temperatures change depending on the altitude (higher altitude = colder) Also note that it could be a bit wet on the 3rd and 4 day of the Inca Trail (cloud forest regions).

Day 3 – Back in the past! beautiful and short walk

This is the most impressive day (in our opinion!!!) so just keep thinking of that on the ascent on day 2! Again we wake up for breakfast at 6am, and start the day with a gentle climb to visit the archaeological site of ‘Phuyupatamarca’(meaning ‘Town in the Clouds’) and to reach the third highest point on the trail (3680m)). Views of the mountains, canyons and surrounding area, from these points, are spectacular.

The Inca site, ‘Phuyupatamarca’ , is located a few minutes walk from the third pass and after visiting this, we continue walking (3000 steps!) onwards through the cloud forest, through the impressive agricultural Inca site of ‘Intipata’ until we arrive at our third campsite Wiñay Wayna (2680m/8792ft). oiday we have only walked about 5 hours.

A short distance from this campsite is located the Inca site of the same name ‘Wiñay Wayna’ (‘Forever Young’). Even if you are tired after your day’s trek, don’t miss out on visiting the most impressive site on the trail.

Temperature during the night around 12º C

Day 4 – Machu Picchu in its Glory!

We leave the last campsite at about 5.30am on the final day (breakfast 4.30-5am). It is an early start in order to get to ‘Inti Punku’ (‘Sun gate’) (2730m/8792ft) before sunrise. This is the place from where you will have your first dramatic view of Machu Picchu (2400m/7873ft) with the sun rising over it! After some time there, we will walk down the last part of the trail to the spot where you can take the classic photo (picture postcard shot) of this ancient city. Finally we visit Machu Picchu itself!

A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city by yourselves. If you still have energy you can also climb Huayna Picchu (2720m/8923ft)!!! It takes 45 minutes to reach the top.

You will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes (it can be reached by bus or on foot) for lunch and to be given your train tickets back to Cusco.Train included in all tours is the Cerrojo backpacker (to Ollanta) and bus to Cusco.

If desired, an extra night in Aguas Calientes can be arranged. This option is very popular as it allows more time to explore Machu Picchu. You can also go to the thermal springs in the town - a real treat after finishing the trail!!!

* Allocations or Itinerary are subject to change depending on time of booking and campsites provided by INC (institution that runs the Inca Trail). 

  Dificultu Level (4 day Trip):

Please Note: Dificulty level depends very much on your fitness and aclimatization.

http://www.llamapath.com/trekking-tips.htm (to learn more about treking)

Includes:

• Professional, bilingual Tour Guide
• Assistant Guide (for groups of 9 or more people)
• Collection from Regocijo sq.
• Return transportation;bus to kilometre 82 and train back (Backpacker cerrojo service to Ollanta) and bus to Cusco.
• Collection from train station (on day 4th).
• Water (only for first 4 hours of trek, then we will provide you with drinking -previously boiled- water).
• Entrance fee to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
• 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 afternoon snacks, 3 dinners and various snacks to be eaten throughout the day (breakfast on day 1 + lunch in Aguas Calientes are not included)
• Dining tent with tables and chairs
• Cook
• 2-man tent
• Sleeping mattress
• Porters (they carry cooking and camping equipment)
• Bus trip from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes
• Oxygen bottle
• First Aid kit.

Vegetarian food on request at  no extra cost!

What you need to take:

• Original passport (and *International Student card (ISIC) if applicable)
• Travel Insurance is essential
• Sleeping bag (not included but can be hired from us)
• Walking boots
• Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
• Warm jacket
• Hat and gloves
• T-shirts
• Comfortable trousers
• Sun hat
• Sun protection cream (factor 35 recommended)
• Insect repellent
• Water (only until lunch time on day 1)
• Toiletries and hand sanitizer.
• Personal medication
• Camera and films
• Torch with spare batteries (headlamps are useful)

*To qualify as a student, it is necessary to have a valid ISIC card, scan and email us at the time of booking.
**If desired train back to Cusco can be upgraded to Vistadome (+$20) or Hiram Bimgham.

Optional items to take:

• Shorts
• Walking stick (with rubber tip)
• Plasters and bandages
• Sandals
• Extra money
• Bathing suit (for hot springs in Aguas Calientes)

Optional services (not included):

• Hire of sleeping bag - 5 seasons $20.
• 1st breakfast and lunch on day 4.
• 1 Extra porter to carry personal items ($100)
• Half porter up to 7 kilos ($50) If required, please advise us when filling in booking form. 7 kilos includes sleeping bag and mat's weigh (aprox. 3.5 kilos)
• Walking sticks ($8).

For further information on prices and services please click :

 Imperial service   (private service)  Comfort service (group service).

*** Prices are based on $1=3.15 peruvian soles exchange rate (sudject to change)

IMPORTANT, check the following link for available spaces on your preferred date:   

  Inca Trail official availability 2009 (click here)

Useful Phone Numbers:  

0051 84 240822     Cusco main Office.

0051 84 984336138 Mobile (out of Office)

105*3279     Nextel

0051 1981053279 Mobile Out of Office