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Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Embark on an Unforgettable Journey: Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Adventure

On every adventure seeking tourist’s bucket list of must-do hikes, the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is an adrenaline filled exploration of Inca history along the beaten path. The Incan citadel of Machu Picchu, resting between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountains upon the Andes of Peru, will be your final destination on this astounding trek. The Classic Inca Trail to get to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Machu Picchu, will have all your senses immersed in a Peruvian cultural experience like no other.

The 4 day Classic Inca Trail Trek will take you through archeological sites like Llactapata – also known as Patallacta – Runcu Racay, Dead Woman’s Pass, Sayacmarca, and the Sun Gate. The erection of these ancient monoliths by the Incas along steep mountain edges and slopes is an impressive feat and the sites therein are definitely worth a visit.

You’ll also get to see farming terraces, elaborate water fountains, and temples – a true testament to the sophistication of the Incan civilization. Traversing through different ecological zones, a fantastic valley, snow-capped mountains, and with over 450 species of birds and 200 species of orchids taking up residence along the Classic Inca Trail, this path to Machu Picchu will be a truly sensory experience.

Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

4 days / 3 nights
From: $820 $738 Per Person

For treks and tours, the deposit is $200 + $10 service fee = $210 per person. The remaining balance must be settled before the tour.

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Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Tour Info

Destination:Machu Picchu, Inca Trail
Duration:4 days / 3 nights
Difficulty:Moderate
Total Distance:46 km / 28.5 miles
Group Size: 2 – 8 Persons
Price:$820.00p/p$738.00p/p
Payment Terms: Price and availability for Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu :Advance of US$ 210 through PayPal and Balance on Arrival
Price Includes:

What is Included for the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

  • Tour briefing, the night before you set off
  • All transportation provided including pick up and drop off at your hotel
  • Professional guides
  • Assistant tour guide (for groups of 9 or more)
  • Our chef, porters, horsemen, and mules to carry food and equipment
  • Hearty and wholesome meals to fuel you on your hiking tours (vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals available)
  • Drinking water
  • Daily snacks
  • Dining tent with tables and chairs
  • Equipment (Eureka Timberline tents)
  • Entrance fee to Inca Trail
  • Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
  • Train tickets
  • Bus tickets
  • Satellite phones, first aid kit, and oxygen tank
Not Included:

What is not Included for the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

  • Rentals (can be hired from us)
  • Sleeping bags
  • Inflatable air mattresses
  • Walking sticks
  • Final day’s lunch in Machu Picchu town, also known as Aguas Calientes

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco, KM 82, Llactapata, Ayapata

To kick start your Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, we’ll pick you up from your hotel between 4:30 am and 5:30 am, depending on where your hotel is located. We’ll then drive to Km 82 of the Inca Trail, arriving by around 7: 00 am. You’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast before setting off to the first check point of the Classic Inca Trail trek.

The first 2 hours of the trek are relatively easy. You’ll travel through the Sacred Valley where local farmers still grow corn and potato, past snow-cappedpeaks of Wakay Willca or Mount Veronica, and the beautiful Urubamba river. Imbibe in the natural beauty of the Classic Inca Trail until we reach the first Inca archeological site called Llactapata, an ancient Inca checkpoint to Machu Picchu.

Another 2 hour walk from Llactapata will take us to Hatunchaca where a delicious lunch prepared by our chef using natural and organic local ingredients, awaits your arrival.

After lunch, another 2 hour hike will take us to the first campsite located in Ayapata. Arriving at approximately 5:00 pm, our crew will cook and set up camp while you rest and enjoy the view of the mountains before teatime and dinner.

- Difficulty:Moderate
- Distance:14 km / 8 miles
- Altitude:2,600 m / 8,530 ft. above sea level
- 3,300 m / 10,826 ft. above sea level
- Time:8 hours
- Weather:Warm and windy
- Meals:Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodation:Camping

Day 2: Ayapata, Dead Woman’s Pass, Runcu Racay, Chaquicocha

On day two of the Classic Inca Trail, you’ll wake up to a hot cup of tea followed by breakfast. Considered the most challenging day of the Inca Trail, day two starts off with a 4 hour uphill trek to Dead Woman’s Pass. At 4,212 m / 13,818 ft. above sea level, it’s considered the highest point along the Inca Trail. Along the way you’ll see hummingbirds and Queuña trees among a variety of other bird species and native plants.

We’ll then take a 1 hour and 30 minute descent downhill to Pacaymayu Valley where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch. After lunch, a 2 hour trek over the Pass, will take us to the Incan archeological site of Runcu Racay, distinguishable by its semi-circular architectural design.

Then a 1 hour 30 minute downhill trek will take us to the magnificent Sayacmarca.

After a 20 minute walk we’ll reach Chaquicocha, your second campsite where you’ll be able to bathe in the light of a beautiful sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range. You’ll then be treated to a hot cup of tea and a spot of dinner after an exhausting day of trekking the Inca Trail.

- Difficulty:Difficult
- Distance:16 km / 9 miles
- Altitude:3,300 m / 10,826 ft. above sea level
- 4,215 m / 13,828 ft. above sea level
- Time:11 hours
- Weather:Cold and windy
- Meals:Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodation:Camping

Day 3: Chaquicocha, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Wayna

After a hot cup of tea followed by breakfast, you’ll get to relax and enjoy the easiest portion of the Inca trail, the trek to the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca which means ‘place above the clouds’.

Phuyupatamarca is the third highest point along the Inca Trail at 3,680 m / 12,073 ft. above sea level. From this elevation you’ll be able to see stunning views of the Salkantay and Veronica mountains.

Then, a 3 hour walk down the Inca stairs will take us to the next Inca site of Intipata or ‘Terraces of the Sun’ which overlooks the Urubamba River and Machu Picchu mountain.

We’ll then take a pit stop for lunch and a short siesta at Wiñay Wayna. Then it’s off to explore Wiñay Wayna while our tour guide explains the history of this remarkable Inca archeological complex.

You’ll then be able to enjoy teatime and a delicious dinner. After this, it’s time to say farewell to our team who took care of you throughout your Inca Trail.

- Difficulty:Easy
- Distance:10 km / 6 miles
- Altitude:3,600 m / 11,811 ft. above sea level
- 2,680 m / 8,792 ft. above sea level
- Time:6 hours
- Weather:Warm and humid
- Meals:Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodation:Camping

Day 4: Wiñay Wayna, Sun Gate, Machu Picchu, Cusco

The final day of the Classic Inca Trail will take you to the highly anticipated destination of your trek, Machu Picchu. We’ll wake you up early to get ready for the day. Then we’ll go straight to the checkpoint and wait until it opens at 5:30 am. From there, a 1 hour walk will take us to Intipunku which means ‘Sun Gate’, as on a clear, mist-free day you can see the sunrise from behind Machu Picchu.

We’ll then take a gradual downhill walk towards Machu Picchu. Once at Machu Picchu, you’ll have time to explore the legendary Inca citadel as our guide takes you on an immersive tour of ancient architectural and engineering genius.

You’ll then get to explore Peru’s urban areas independently and enjoy a little spontaneous exploration of Peru’s famed archeological site.

You’ll then hop on the bus and head down to Aguas Calientes, where you will reunite with our tour guide. You may then take a pitstop for lunch at a local Peruvian restaurant (not included in the tour package) and take a dip in the hotsprings of Aguas Calientes (optional) before taking a 2 hour train ride back to Ollantaytambo.

From here you will be chauffer driven to Cusco where you will be dropped off safely at your hotel.

- Difficulty:Easy
- Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
- Altitude:2,680 m / 8,792 ft. above sea level
- 2,000 m / 6,561 ft. above sea level
- Time: 2 hours
- Weather:Warm and humid
- Meals:Breakfast

Packing List

Day Pack

  • Backpack for hiking (25L to 30L)
  • Water (we provide water with every meal)
  • Sun hat
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece
  • Camera
  • Music(Phone)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste

Official Papers

  • Valid and Original Passport (same passport used for booking your trek)
  • Travel Insurance (we strongly recommended you take out travel insurance for your trip)

Duffle Clothing

- 3-4Wicking t-shirts
- 3-4Hiking pants
- 4 setsUndergarments
- 4 pairsHiking socks
- 1Fleece
- 1Warm down jacket (for the chilly night air)
- 1Rain jacket and pants
- 1Sun hat
- 1Woolen hat
- 1Swimsuit
- 1 Headlamp (essential)
- 1 pair Waterproof gloves
- 1Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
- 1Large towel (we will be providing a small towel)
- 1Sleeping bag (we recommend down bags for 14 °F (- 10 °C), at least)
- Large plastic bags (to help organize and keep clean)
- Power banks (no outlet to plug in battery chargers while trekking)

Footwear

  • Sturdy hiking boots (waterproof, lightweight, broken-in with aggressive tread)
  • Comfortable shoes (walking shoes, sandals or other comfortable footwear to wear on campsites)

Travel Accessories

  • Reusable water bottle
  • Flashlight
  • Watch with alarm or travel clock
  • Toilet paper
  • Sunglasses and retainer strap
  • Sunblock and lip balm
  • Toiletry kit
  • Small washcloth
  • Earplugs
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Insect repellent and appropriate clothing for mosquitoes
  • Several ziploc bags

Extra Money For

  • Drinks
  • Tip or gratitude
  • Souvenirs

Reviews

Important Info

  • how long is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?: The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a 4-day trek that covers a distance of approximately 43 kilometers (26.7 miles) and reaches an altitude of 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) at its highest point.
  • The difficulty level of the Classic Inca Trail is considered moderate.
  • The Inca Trail is part of an enormous network of trails that connected the entire Incan Empire, from Ecuador and Colombia through Peru and down into Chile, even crossing parts of Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil.
  • is the inca trail worth it?: The trail is famous for its combination of spectacular landscapes, rich history, and personal triumph, and is often described as the “world’s greatest hike”.
  • The trek to Machu Picchu is unlike any other adventure in the world, as it offers an opportunity to walk through awe-inspiring terrain while passing 500-year-old archaeological treasures1.
  • The Inca Trail was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in the early 20th century.
  • It is important to note that hiking the Inca Trail requires a permit, and only a limited number of permits are issued each day.

Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Map

Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

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