OVERVIEW
- Availability: Throughout the year except February
- Style: Guided
- Grade: Moderate to challenge
- Maximum elevation: 4,200 meters
- Accommodation: Camping tents
- Transport: Bus, train and trekking
- Meals included: As mentioned in the itinerary
- Timing: 4 days and 3 nights
- Starting and Ending point: Cusco hotel
BRIEF ITINERARY FOR INCA TRAIL
Day 1: First walking day
Early pick-up from your hotel in Cusco and we’ll transport you in our private bus to km 82 or Pisqhakucho (the starting point for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu). Today, we will trek through stunning Valley and we will visit Patallacta Inca ruins. 8 hour-trek.
Day 2: Trek across the highest pass
We’ll start at 07:00 a.m and head toward the highest pass from where you will be rewarded with stunning Mountain scenery. We will visit Runkuraqhay and Sayacmarka Inca ruins.
Day 3: Descent 3,200 Inca steps
Short and beautiful day; we will trek through cloud forest and we will visit Phuyupatamarka and Wiñayhuayna Inca ruins.
Day 4: Explore Machu Picchu
Early start to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu from the Sun gate, and then we’ll continue to Machu Picchu and explore with your guide for two hours after which you will have free time to explore by yourself; in the afternoon, you will return to Cusco.
DETAILED INCA TRAIL ITINERARY
DAY 1: Cusco – Pisqhakuchu – Llulluchapampa
The adventure begins with an early pick-up from your hotel in Cusco and we’ll transfer you in our private bus to Pisqhakucho or km 82 (the starting point of the Inca Trail ) for approximately 3 hours; with many beautiful views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Urubamba River, Andean villages, and the Inca town of Ollantaytambo.
In Ollantaytambo, we’re stop for breakfast and purchase some items for the trek; here also, we will meet our trekking crew: Chef and porters; who will carry our belongings during our 26 mile-trek; then, we’ll continue the bus journey for 1 hour more to Pisqhakúcho or km 82.
Passports in hand we head toward the check point then, we’ll cross a suspension footbridge across Urubamba River, and begin our trek with a gentle climb. We’ll have 3 hours on relatively level topography as we follow the course of the river, rewarded with superb views of Veronica Mountain (5,750 masl). The easy walk passes through a forest of giant cactus and native bushes.
At Miskay, we’ll take the trail to the left, ascending gradually to Willkaraccay and the Inca town of Llactapata (up city) which contains plenty of Inca terraces. The terracing system were used during Inca times for growing maize, a prestige crop that needed irrigation in the dry highlands.
After short rest, we’ll continue 2 hours and half to the village of Wayllabamba where the lunch will be served. After a good rest, we’ll continue 3 hours through the “Huayruru Valley” until we arrive to Llulluchapampa Campsite (3,800 masl). From there, we will be able to admire the stunning mountain views.
- Meals: L-D
- Accommodation: Camping
- Maximum Altitude: 3,800 m
- Minimum Altitude: 2,750 m
- Distance Travelled: 15 km approx
- Approximate Walking Time: 7 – 8 hours
DAY 2: Llulluchapampa – Dead Woman’s Pass – Chakiccocha
We’ll leave from the Llulluchapampa camp at 07:00 a.m. Today will be the longest day, but one is rewarded with spectacular views, down several valleys and up many snow-covered peaks. From the camp, the trail climbs for two hours along a large number of steps, some of them newly laid to protect the mountain from erosion.
You can walk at your own pace, stopping to catch your breath whenever you like, this hard climb brings us to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,200 masl), the first of two that we will cross today. After we take the pictures and rest on the pass, we’ll descend by Inca steep into the Paqhaymayo Valley where the lunch will be served. In the afternoon, we’ll continue the second ascent toward Runcuraccay Pass (4,000 masl).
From the pass, in clear weather, you can look back to the Dead Woman’s Pass and forward to a breath-taking sweep of snow-capped peaks. From here, most of the trail is downhill to Chakiccocha camp (3,600 masl).
- Meals: B-L-D
- Accommodation: Camping
- Maximum Altitude: 4,200 m
- Minimum Altitude: 3,600 m
- Distance Travelled: 15 km approx
- Approximate Walking Time: 7 – 8 hours
DAY 3: Chakiccocha – Phuyupatamarka – Wiñaywayna
After breakfast, we’ll start the hike at 07:00 a.m; today will be the shortest day with stunning views of the Vilcabamba mountain range and hiking through the cloud forest. From Chakiqcocha camp, it will take us about 1/2 hour to the third pass named Phuyupatamarca (3600 masl) from where you can see the Mountain of Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu; five minutes beyond the pass is located Phutupatamarka (spot over the clouds) ruins;
At Phuyupatamarka we will visit the Inca temple dedicated to the water were still exits six water baths; the whole day you will hike through well-kept paved stone, still in great condition after many centuries.
From Phuyupatamarka, the trail continues down through 3,200 steps, you will be rewarded with cloud forest where hundreds of birds and hummingbirds live, also different species of flowers including orchids; after three hours of descending you will arrive to Wiñaywayna camp (2,600 masl); here the lunch will be served and after the lunch, you will explore the Inca ruins of Wiñaywayna located close the camp.
- Meals: B-L-D
- Accommodation: Camping
- Maximum Altitude: 3,600 m
- Minimum Altitude: 2,600 m
- Distance Travelled: 10 km approx
- Approximate Walking Time: 5 hours
DAY 4: Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – “Aguas Calientes” – Cusco
We will start very early (at 04:00 a.m) to get early to “Inti Punku” (the Sun Gate), and overlook Machu Picchu for the sunrise. From the camp to Inti punku, we will hike for 1 hour and 30 min with significant upward stretches in the last half.
After we observe the Sunrise, we’ll descend to Machu Picchu. Once we arrive to Machu Picchu, you will have sufficient time to take classic pictures of Machu Picchu; then we will initiate with the guided tour of 2 hours; the guide will lead you accross this historical wonder giving you explanations on principal remains and monuments, such as the: Main Square, Temple of Three Windows, Intiwatana, The Quarter of the Mortars, The Temple of the Condor, the cemeteries and enclosures, sacred sources, urban and agricultural sector and others.
After the tour, you will have free time to continue admiring the place to take plenty of photos.
At midday we will take bus for 30 minutes down to the town of “Aguas Calientes” where you will enjoy your lunch; after that, you can wander around this picturesque town and then head to the train station to return to Ollantaytambo and then by bus to Cusco.
- Meals: B
- Accommodation:
- Maximum Altitude: 2,700 m
- Minimum Altitude: 2,400 m
- Distance Travelled: 5 km approx
- Approximate Walking Time: 2 hours
THE PRICE
TYPE OF TRAIN | PRICE PER PERSON |
Expedition Class | US$ 650 |
Vistadome class | US$ |
Hiram Bimgham class | |
PRIVATE DEPARTURES
Why not arrange your own departure? For you and your party, we can offer tailor-made private departures for any of our published tours enabling friends, families or organizations to enjoy our style of travel at special rates. Tailored itineraries and departure dates can be chosen to suit your needs.
PRIVATE SERVICE PRICE FOR INCA TRAIL
- 2 people US$ 700 PP.
- 3 people US$ 670 PP.
- 4 people US$ 645 PP.
- 5 people US$ 615 PP.
HOW TO BOOK A TOUR
How to book to book a trip? … you will need to complete a reservation form and pay a non-refundable deposit that you can make by using our online booking function for most trips, or submit your reservation form and deposit it at our office or travel agent. We can also help you with any additional arrangements you may need, such as competitive airfare to your destination, stopovers, pre-trip or post-trip accommodation, or any additional trips you wish to take.
CHANGING MONEY
Cash points/ATMs are widely available and are the safest and easiest way to access cash.
Most major credit cards are accepted throughout the region. We recommend that you bring yours along in case you see something special, which you hadn’t budgeted for.
Please note credit cards cannot be used to pay for Optional Activities.
It is advisable you notify your bank or credit card issuing company of your intention to travel as for security reasons, banks and credit card companies sometimes blocks cards when withdrawals are unexpectedly made overseas.
British pounds, Euros and US dollars are easily exchanged in Peru and are an alternative to using ATMs. US dollars cash can also be used for some purchases
IMPORTANT NOTE:
There are two USD rates of exchange in Peru, the bank rate and the street rate, and these rates can be significantly different. Banks will buy your USD, but they will rarely be able to give you USD in exchange for another currency. As such, the functioning exchange is the street rate, which is not as favorable if you want to purchase USD.
Therefore, we highly recommend that you bring USD with you to pay for your tours.
Upon arrival to Peru airport it is advisable to cash up about USD100. This will cover any expenditure on your Cusco sightseeing day and give you flexibility until you need to change more money where you can get a better exchange rate.
On your trip you will be given the opportunity to change money at either a bank or hotel.
SPENDING MONEY
Based on past experience, we recommend at least Peruvian soles 200 – 500 (approx USD 120 – 150) per day to cover your normal expenses including sightseeing, small souvenir shopping and meals. If you wish to purchase expensive souvenirs, you will need to budget for more, or use your credit cards for these purchases.
Remember, this is a rough figure only and spending habits vary greatly between individuals according to their budget and habits!
MEALS
Your included meals for the tour are detailed in the ‘Inclusions’ section of this document.
Breakfasts are included every day in all your trips (except on the first morning). A typical breakfast may consist of cereals with milk or yoghurt, bread, croissants, cold meats, cheese and a range of spreads, with fruit juice, tea or coffee to drink. It is rare to get a hot breakfast, though on some occasions there may be some hot food available as well.
When included, evening meals are in local restaurants or you place of accommodation and are either two or three courses. In most cases table water is provided with the meals, and if you wish to purchase additional drinks you can do so at your own expense.
If you have any dietary requirements we will make every effort to cater to your specific needs as long as you advise your travel agent or SUNRISE PERU TREK trip Consultant when you book. But please be aware that although we will do everything in our power to arrange it, we cannot guarantee that every restaurant we use will be able to cater to all dietary needs. We also cannot cater for tastes or dislikes, as most of our included evening meals feature a set menu.
If you allow USD 20 per day in Peru for meals not included you will be able to eat fairly well.
GRATITUDE
Although you may not be accustomed to tipping at home, tipping (known locally as ‘baksheesh’) is an important way of life in Peru and is something that is done by locals as well as tourists.
When travelling with top deck, tips are already included on anything that forms part of your itinerary, including bus/coach drivers, included meals, hotel staff, local guides, etc. This includes your SUNRISE PERU TREK tour leader. That means you do not have to tip for any of these included services!
However, you will need to tip for services that are not included, so please take this into consideration when working out your budget. For example, you will need to tip at non-included meals when you pay for the meal yourself, even if your Trip Leader has helped organize it, and you will need to tip for anything you do on your free time.
Your Trip Leader can advise you what an appropriate tip amount is. A general rule when tipping is if the service warrants it, tip what you think is a fair amount, and if you do not think so, then do not tip or tip less than normal. Also, do not get bullied into tipping and disregard any comments that you have not given enough.
ENTRANCE FEES
Please note: while we make every effort to keep these prices as accurate and up-to-date as possible, they are subject to change and in rare circumstances the actual price may vary slightly to what is published here.
INSURANCE
Is compulsory for all passengers to take out comprehensive travel insurance before the trip departs covering cancellation, medical expenses including repatriation, loss or damage to baggage and personal belongings, money and personal liability.
You must bring a copy of your travel insurance policy with you on the trip.
Your Trip Leader will make a record of your travel insurance details at the start of your trip, e.g. the name of the insurance company, the 24 hour emergency telephone number, and your policy number. These will be sent to our operations team to ensure that if you lose your policy details, they can be easily retrieved.
TRANSPORT
Depending on your trip, you could be travelling in a modern air-conditioned coach or mini-buses, or tourist train.
Importantly we own all of our coaches, meaning we can be sure they are well serviced and of a high standard. The quality of all other types of transport has been thoroughly checked and verified by our local offices to ensure they meet our specific requirements. All transport is included in your trip price, and will ensure you arrive at each destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
We want to make sure you’re having the time of your life while travelling with us. Therefore, if you suffer from any kind of medical condition or allergies, we will need to know at the time of booking, or at least 2 weeks prior to the departure of your Tour.
If you require regular medication, you must have a sufficient supply before your trip departs, as it may be difficult to obtain while travelling. You must be able to administer your own medication.
Strict food and water hygiene is essential to avoid diarrhoea. Make sure food has been properly prepared, drink only boiled or bottled water and keep in mind that ice will likely come from tap water. Also take precautions against insect bites and sunburn. During the hot summer months it is advisable to carry bottled water in your day-pack at all times.
VACCINATIONS
We recommend that you ensure your tetanus, diphtheria, typhoid, polio and hepatitis vaccinations are up to date. Please consult a medical practitioner for the relevant requirements prior to travelling.
SAFETY NOTE
If you are arriving a few days before the start of your Tour, please be advised not to accept offers from people to visit specialty shops or to take guided tours. These people are not associated with SUNRISE PERU TREK and therefore we can’t be responsible for the service you receive from them. Your SUNRISE PERU TREK trip includes professional guides who will accompany you to all the sites mentioned in your itinerary.
CONTACT US
Should you encounter any difficulties meeting your transfer from the airport to the starting hotel, depending on which country you are in you can contact a SUNRISE PERU TREK representative on the following:
Mauro Pedraza – Operations Manager
Mobile: +(51) 984 734633
Henrry Chauca – Operations
Mobile: +(51) 950 313131
Sharon Ovalle – SUNRISE PERU TREK Representatives Supervisor
Mobile: +(51) 974 359484
IN CASES OF EMERGENCY
While we hope you never have to use it, if for any reason you need to contact someone from SUNRISE PERU TREK, whether it be that you have missed a trip departure meeting, have become separated from your trip on the road or any other unforeseeable problem, the following options are available to you.
Cusco Office
Your best recourse to assistance during the day is to call our team between 8am-9pm Monday to Friday and 9.30am-4pm.
Telf: +51 84 237404
Emergency Contact
If you need to contact SUNRISE PERU TREK outside of the above hours the following number is available:
Mobile: +(51) 984 734633
Please remember if it is a genuine emergency, we of course want you to call us; however, if it can wait until the next day, we ask that you call during our office hours. Thank you.