Visitors come from all parts
of the world to Peru, not only to see Machu Picchu but to walk
the Inca Trail, the most famous hike in South America. They come
to see the ruins and the scenery which makes this trail so
famous. The total distance of the Inca trail is approximately 43
kilometres, departing from the place known as Kilometre 88. To
begin the trip, one crosses the narrow bridge at Kusicancha, and
afterwards heads towards the left hand side of a forest of
Eucalyptus trees. Camping on this night is either in Wayllabamba
or Llullucha. The second day is more difficult, as you have to
climb to 4200 metres at the Pass of Warmiwañusqa (Dead Woman’s
pass). The third day is the longest, but also the most
interesting for many people as you can visit impressive ruins
like Runkuracay and Sayaqmarca. Camping is either in
Phuyupatamarca or Wiñayhuayna. On the final day many groups
leave early to see the sun rise over Machu Picchu from the Inti
Punku (sun gate). The remainder of the day is spent exploring
this fabulous ancient city.
First day – Kilometre 82 to
Wayllabamba Campsite
This day begins early as
passengers are collected from their hotels between 6.30am and
7am. We travel for about 3 hours in the bus with a one hour stop
in Urubamba to buy provisions, continuing onto Kilometre 88,
which is past the village of Ollantaytambo. Here the passengers
must register at the check point in order to begin their hike.
From there, there are just 42 kilometres of mountains, Andean
valleys, rivers and tropical forests that separate you from
Machu Picchu. The first section, heading to the campsite of
Miskay, where we can lunch, takes just one hour and is mostly
flat with light climbs. After lunch, we cross a canyon. Once out
of the canyon, we can see the ruins of the small city of
Llactapata. The trail descends to enter the valley of the
Kusichaca river, and from there the trail has a light climb to
the campsite of Wayllabamba, where we arrive after 2 or 3 hours
after the lunch break. The campsite is at 3,000 metres and one
can feel the cold at night. After dinner, and before going to
bed, it’s great to observe the stars. On nights without stars,
it is possible to see the Milky Way.
Second day - Wayllabamba
Campsite to Pacaymayo Campsite
The Porters wake up the
passengers at 6am so that they can pack their things and have
breakfast. The second day is considered by many the most
difficult because one must climb 1200 metres to the highest
point on the trail, the Warmiwañusca Pass (or Dead Woman’s Pass)
at 4200 metres. This climb will take about four or five hours.
When you arrive at the pass, you may feel like a rest. It can
get quite cold at such an altitude so it is necessary to have
lots of warm clothes. If you have contracted a porter to carry
your things, don’t forget to have a thick jacket and long pants
on hand for the pass. Once we have conquered the pass, we
continue with a descent to the campsite. The descent takes about
two hours, however, some groups like to stop and prepare lunch
in the middle of the descent, in order to rest a little. Other
groups like to have lunch in the campsite for the night - at
Pacaymayo. In this form, you can rest for the whole afternoon.
There are cold showers available at this campsite. Advice: It is
possible to contract the services of porters to carry your
backpacks for the whole journey. Alternatively, you might like
to contract them to carry them to the Pass or to the campsite of
Pacaymayo. This is recommended if you don’t feel prepared for
the altitude and the long hike, it is more important to enjoy
the walk than suffer under your backpack. You can coordinate
this with your guide and pay your porter directly.
Third Day: Pacaymayo Campsite
to Wiñaywayna campsite
The third day is considered
the most interesting, but it is also the longest. We begin with
an ascent of an hour and a half to the Pass of Runkurakay, at an
altitude of 3950 metres. On the trail we visit an ancient
control post of the Incas, as well as a lagoon where it is
possible to occasionally see deer drinking. Once we have climbed
the pass, the rest of the trail is mostly downhill. While on the
trail we visit four more ruins, the first being Sayacmarca which
in the Inca period was a control point for the trails that
headed toward Machu Picchu. After visiting these ruins, we will
continue to Phuyupatamarca where groups often lunch. From here,
the descent is inclined and tiring because it is mostly stairs.
Finally, we arrive at the ruins of Intipata, a complex of
terraces and andenes constructed in the middle of the slope of a
heavily vegetated mountain. The trail winds finally to the
campsite of Wiñaywayna where one can camp, buy a well deserved
beer, or take a cold shower. You should also visit the ruins of
Wiñaywayna which are similar in type to those of Intipata, but
more impressive.
Fourth day Wiñaywayna
campsite to Machu Picchu
This day begins earlier than
normal, at 5.30am, as the groups begin their walk towards Machu
Picchu. It is important to carry a torch because it is dark at
this time and the path is narrow. We arrive after an hour and a
half of hiking at Inti Punku – or the sun gate, where it is it
possible to see for the first time the majestic Inca city of
Machu Picchu. From here it is only a half hour more to arrive at
the ruins where you will have plenty of time to explore. It is
recommended, if you have the energy, to climb the peak of Huayna
Picchu from where you can have a spectacular view of the lost
city.
Our Services include:
Pick up all
participants from different hotels, then transfer by
bus to 82Km. (start of the trail).
Entrance Fee, Inca
Trail and Machupicchu city.
Large tents, each for
2 persons occupancy.
Mattresses, one per
person.
Kitchen tent.
Dining tent.
Tables and chairs.
Toilet tent (This is
used in case the campsite does not have toilets).
English speaking
professional tour guide (over 8 members, 2 guides).
Expert cook.
Porters (only to carry
tents, food supplies and kitchen equipment)
Train Ticket (Backpacker
train from Aguas Calientes village to Cusco).
Full meals during the
trek.
Daily snack bag.
Daily afternoon tea
service.
Daily wake up call
tea, and warm water for washing.
Daily morning boiled
and cold water to refill water bottles.
Emergency oxygen
bottle and first aid kit.
Transfer train station
/ hotel
Our services does not
include:
Breakfast the first
morning (you can order an early breakfast at your
hotel)
Lunch and Dinner the
last day (on your own).
Hot springs pools
visit (on your own).
Bus Ticket from Machu
Picchu Inca city to Aguas Calientes village.
All our programmes can be tailor made according
to your requirements, whether regarding the
length of your tour, any special interests or
specific activities, flight reservations,
optional destinations or tours.
