- Days 1 to 2
- Days 3 to 4
- Remarks
- Pricing
- F.A.Q.S
- Bookings
Tour
Lenght:4
days
/
3
nights.
Activities: Cultural,
Archaeological, Ecological, outdoor.
Spots to visit: Wayllabamba
/ Pacamayo / Wiñay Huayna /
Machu
Picchu .
Fixed
Departures:
Every
day
except
Sundays
of 2011 / 2012 from
Cusco.
No Operating: All February.
Domestic
Flights: Not
included.
Min.
Paxs: 02
pax,
max.
16
pax.
This is
our most popular trek and offers visitors
the most economical method to trek the
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. A pool service
is basically a group that you can just
join. You'll be trekking with like-minded
hikers from all over the world, a great
chance to meet new friends and travel companions. The
Inca Trail is Peru's best known hike and
perhaps in the World too. 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 hummingbirds.
Day 1 KM
82-WAYLLABAMBA
Between
8:00-08:30 am we will pick you up from
your hotel and transfer to Piskacuchu (2700m)
which is a small community located 82 along
the railroad from Cusco to Machu Picchu (also
known simply as km82). Hikers cross the
VilcanotaRiver 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-PACAMAYO
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 LlulluchayocRiver for about 1 hour
brings you to 'Tres Piedras' (three stones) and a small bridge over the Huayruro river. The stream is named due 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
Huayruro 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 steepening 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 in 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.
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Day 3 PACAMAYO-WIÑAY HUAYNA
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. 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.
Wiñay Wayna is
the last official campsite before Machu
Picchu; there is
a restaurant where you can purchase drinks
and even a well deserved cold beer, as
well as hot showers ($1.5) and toilet facilities. A
short trail leaves from the southern end
of the hostel 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.
Day 3 WIÑAY HUAYNA - MACHU PICCHU
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 cloudforest
before coming to an almost vertical
flight of 50 steps leading up to
the final pass at Inti Punku (Sun
Gate). From this point you will be
able to see sunrise over Machu Picchu
which is spread out before, an unforgettable
experience. From Inti Punku we will
descend for about 40 minutes to Machu
Picchu. 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 return 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 return in
Cusco for about 21:00. Included in
our standard service are the tourist
bus from Machu Picchu down to Aguas
Calientes, the train return to Cusco
and a transfer from the station to
you hotel. Sometimes, however, we
buy train tickets just return as
far as Ollantaytambo and then bring
you return 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
in the latest (assuming train departs
at 16:30)
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Personal Porters
Personal porters can be hired to help carry your personal items such as clothes, sleeping bag etc. They can be hired for $70 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$35. However, even with a personal porter, you will still need to bring a day pack for essential items. About 30% of the group usually has 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, wooly hat, scarf, gloves (something warm for at night), flashlight and batteries, toiletries. Be aware, 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 in the campsite late in the afternoon.
Personal Stuff
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 once you arrive in Cusco.
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.
Sleeping bag
hire
If
you haven't got a sleeping bag or you don't
want the hassle of bringing one with you then
we have sleeping bags in our office for rent.
The price is US$2 per person per day.
Other Useful Information
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.
Time of arrival
in Cusco
Unless you plan to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes, you will return to your hotel in Cusco for approximately 9pm on the 4th day of the trek.
Download a Complete File about the Inca Trail !
Help us to improve this web site !
If you feel that is lacking an important part of information or part of it is not enough clear, please do not hesitate in contact us !
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This is our most popular trek and offers visitors the most economical method to trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. A pool service is basically a group that you can just join. You'll be trekking with like-minded hikers from all over the world, a great chance to meet new friends and travel companions.
Typical group size 10-12, Maximum 16 persons
DailyE except Sundays and on February when the trail is closed.
Recommended months to do the hike:
From April to December.
- Collection from your hotel in the morning
-
Private bus 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, etc)
- 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.
- Breakfast on the first morning.
- Some hotels offer an early morning breakfast
- service. If not, we stop in 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$1.5. Sleeping bags can be hired in our office for
- US$10 for the 4 day trek.
- Tips for the guide, cook and porters
-
Backpack, Sleeping bag (can be hired from our office
- for US$2 per day)
- 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), insects repellent
- Toiletries, towel and toilet paper
- Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits etc,
- Camera, plenty of spare batteries
- Swimsuit (if you plan on visiting the hot springs at
- Aguas Calientes after the trek)
- You also need to bring your original passport on
- the trail.
- Domestic flight.
- Airport Taxes
- Alcoholic drinks, soda or bottled mineral water.
- Other Items stocked in the Hotel mini-bars.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips.
- International or National personal telephone calls.
- Laundry.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Inca Trail
If you're unable to find the answer to your
question in our F.A.Q please do not hesitate to Contact Us.
How long is the Inca trail?
How difficult is the Inca Trail?
Is altitude sickness common, and how high is the Inca Trail?
When do we reach Machu Picchu?
Do porters carry our luggage while on the Inca Trail?
How cold does it get on the Inca Trail?
What type of accommodation is used on the Inca Trail?
Is purified water available on the trail?
What type of food will we get on the Inca Trail?
How much should I tip the guides and porters?
What are the requirements to hike the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail is 43 kms (27 miles) long and depending on which campsites are used the approximate hours hiked per day are:
Day 1: 5 hours
Day 2: 8 hours
Day 3: 7 hours
Day 4: 4 hours
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How difficult is the Inca Trail? The Inca Trail is considered a moderate hike. It's not a technical hike but there are a lot of Inca staircases to walk up and down, and the altitude may affect some individuals. We recommend purchasing a wooden walking stick while in Peru as it will help with your balance and reduce the load on your knees. We ask that you not use a metal tipped walking stick as it can harm the fragile environment along the trail.
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Is altitude sickness common? And how high is the Inca Trail? It's impossible to predict who will be affected by altitude. Your ability to adapt to high altitude is determined by your genetic makeup and has little to do with fitness or health. Most people will have no problems as long as they take the time to acclimatize properly. A full day spent in Cuzco (3249m), taking it easy and drinking plenty of water, is usually enough for most people. The highest point you will reach while hiking the Inca Trail is 4200 meters. You will sleep at 3600 meters for one or two nights.
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When do we reach Machu Picchu and how much time do we spend there?
You will reach Machu Picchu at sunrise on Day 4 (the hike begins at approx. 3am). After viewing the sunrise you will be met by a local guide who will take you on an informative 3-hour tour of the ruins. After the tour you will have a few hours of free time to explore the area on your own before the group travels by bus to Aguas Calientes where we catch the train back to Cuzco.
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Do porters carry our luggage while on the Inca Trail? No! In Cuzco prior the departure, at the evening briefing the day before, you will be adviced to carry a small backpack in which you can place up to 7kg of personal items. If you don't want to carry your backpack the advice is to hire a personal porter along with your booking for the trail. Items not required while on the trail can be stored safely at your hotel in Cuzco. All you will be required to carry is a daypack containing items you will need during the day (ie. Water, camera, sunscreen, rain poncho, etc..).
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How cold does it get on the Inca Trail (will I need to bring hats and mitts)? Cold. The altitude means it can get quite chilly, especially during the Andean winter (May - September) when the temperature can drop to below zero degrees (Celsius) at night. It can still be cool at other times of the year and so we recommend bringing thermal underwear and a warm sleeping bag. You can purchase warm, inexpensive and locally made hand-woven mitts and gloves in Cuzco.
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What type of accommodation is used on the Inca Trail? Three-person tents are used to accommodate two same-sex travellers. There are a few places where permanent but very basic toilet facilities exist and when they are not available our team will set up portable toilet tents. Trekkers are provided with a bowl of hot water (and a hot drink) every morning in their tent. Is a sleeping bag and mat included? Sleeping bags are not included and so we recommend bringing a compact three-season sleeping bag. A popular alternative is to rent a sleeping bag in Cuzco. They are clean, warm and cost approximately USD$10 (for all three nights). Some renters may choose to bring a sleeping bag liner or sheet. Foam mats are provided however some travelers also bring their own self-inflating mat (ie. a Thermarest).
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Is purified water available on the trail? Bottled water can be purchased on day 1 and on the evening of day 3 of the Inca Trail however we discourage trekkers from purchasing bottles as it increases the amount of garbage that must be packed out. Boiled water will be provided every evening after dinner so that you can refill your water bottle(s). If you wish to add water purification tablets you should bring these with you.
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What type of food will we get on the Inca Trail? Our cooks prepare excellent high-energy meals appropriate for a trek of this nature. The menu usually includes pasta, rice, chicken, fresh fruit and vegetables and a variety of oatmeal, eggs and other breakfast foods. Vegetarian alternatives are available upon request at the time of booking.
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How much should I tip the guides and porters? Tipping is at your discretion but always appreciated. A good rule of thump is anywhere from $5-10 dollars per day for the porters.
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What are the requirements to hike the Inca Trail? To hike the Inca Trail with you must be over 12 years of age, with moderate level of fitness, and hold a passport that is valid for up to 6 months after you return to your home country. We will require your passport at the time of booking, as this is essential to purchase the Inca Trail permits. Bookings should be made 3-4 months in advance to ensure a permit could be obtained. A limited amount of permits are available each day for hikers, in an effort to preserve the trail.
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Help us to improve this web site !
If you feel that is lacking an important part of information or part of it is not enough clear, please do not hesitate in contact us !
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NEWS & EVENTS
3/12/2011
Peru Offers Cultural and Traditional Tours as well as the Best Treks in Peru
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PDF]
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1/29/2011
The Inca Trail to Machu Pichhu is open again for the 2011 Season
[Download
PDF]
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1/18/2011
Peru is luring more and more people
[Download
PDF]
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