Peru’s best-known hike visited by thousands of tourists every year. The classical 43-km trek leading to the Sacred Inca City of Machupicchu combines the visit of mysterious archaeological sites, amazing mountain scenery and lush cloud forest rich in Andean flora and fauna. Machupicchu is reached at sunrise on the fourth day.

 

" For this Tours it is necessary to check availability "

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco to Wayllabamba

 

Between 05.30am our private transportation and staff will pick you up from your hotel. We drive to Piskacuchu (2700m/8856ft), a community located on the 82nd kilometer of the Cusco –Machupicchu railroad, which is the starting point of the Inca Trail. We begin our hike by crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River and walking along its left shore as it flows northwest along the Sacred Valley. Following the trail along a flat terrain, we arrive in Miskay (2800m/9184ft), to then ascend and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the impressive Inca city of Llactapata (2650m/8692ft). We continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for about five hours until we reach the community of Wayllabamba (3000m/9840ft), where we set our first camp. All along the way we enjoy spectacular views of the Vilcanota ridge on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, where the impressive Veronica peak reigns at above sea level. Not to mention the diversity of wild flora and fauna that can be found all along the valley.

Meals: B, L, D

 

• Total Distance: 12 Km (7,47 miles)
• Estimated Walking Time:  5-6 hours
• Maximun Altitude Point: 3.000 m (9.840 ft)
• Campsite Altitude: 3.000 m (9.840 ft)
  
  

Day 2: Wayllabamba to  Pacaymayu

 

We wake up at around 6:00 am and after breakfast, we begin the most difficult part of the trek, which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for . Along this climb, the landscape changes from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation). On the way to the first mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman´s Pass – 4200m/13776ft), we may see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at high altitude. We also cross an area of the so called cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows, and the Andean bear, which is also called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus). We advise that on this day specially, your daypack is well stocked with candies, chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high, and help with altitude sickness. Immediately after the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600m/11808ft), where we camp after approximately 7h of hiking.

Meals: B, L, D

 

• Total Distance: 11 Km (6,83 miles)
• Estimated Walking Time:  6-7 hours
• Maximun Altitude Point: 4.200 m (13.779 ft)
• Campsite Altitude: 3.500 m (11.482 ft)
  
  

Day 3: Pacaymayu to  Wiñaywayna

 

This day is the longest but also the most impressive and the most interesting, due the number of archaeological sites and the lush cloud forest area that we cross, so rich in Andean flora and fauna. From Pacaymayo we climb to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970m/13022ft). Halfway up, we stop to visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3800m/12464ft, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower. After going over the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3624m/11887ft). This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Continuing up an easy climb, we arrive at the third pass, the Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft). Along this climb we can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient craft, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain, and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order, saving the trail from the multileveled Andean geography. We go through an Inca tunnel to later arrive at the aforementioned pass and down to the complex of the same name. This is one of the most complete and best-preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machupicchu, and is located on the highest point of a mountain. Curiously, Phuyupatamarca means ¨town over the clouds¨. From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River valley. We continue our trek down the long descending stone steps that lead us to Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft), an impressive Inca complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector, close to which our camp is located. This campsite hosts a trekker lodge, a bar and bathrooms with hot shower facilities. After visiting the impressive archaeological site, we enjoy our farewell dinner at our camp.

Meals: B, L, D

 

• Total Distance: 16 Km (9,94 miles)
• Estimated Walking Time:  8 hours
• Maximun Altitude Point: 3.900 m (12.792 ft)
• Campsite Altitude: 2.650 m (8.692 ft)
  
  

Day 4: Wiñaywayna to Machupicchu

 

On this fourth and last day we get up at 4.00 am to leave Wiñaywayna an hour later and climb to the Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we may see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machupicchu. From Intipunku we descend into Machupicchu, and 40 minutes later we enter the citadel from the highest point through the ¨House of the Guardians¨. We then descend to the control point where we register ourselves and leave our backpacks. We immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around, climb the Huaynapicchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machupicchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or visit the Temple of the Moon or the fabulous Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in its hot springs. From here we take the train back to the city of Cusco, where we arrive after nightfall.

Meals: B

 

• Total Distance: 4 Km (2,49 miles)
• Estimated Walking Time:  2 hours
• Maximun Altitude Point: 2.700 m (8.829 ft)
• Campsite Altitude: 2.400 m (7.872 ft)
  
  

Notes:

 

• Departure and arrival times are approximated.
• Campsites are subject to change according to the designation of the governmental institution regulating the use of the Inca Trail, as well as to our guide’s criteria and the evolution of the group.
  
  

" For this Tours it is necessary to check availability "

 

Important

According to the Resolution #002-2004-UGM-CD, published in El Peruano on Nov 12, 2004, modifying chapter III of the Inca Trail Regulation which refers to Inca Trail space bookings, bookings will only be guaranteed by the governmental institutions when providing full names, nationalities and passport numbers of passengers, and when having paid the full amount of passengers and staff (cook and team of porters) entrance fees.

 

Therefore:

 

• Sky Adventure Tour Operator will guarantee the spaces booked provided:
• The booking has been first confirmed by our Reservation Department by e-mail, this meaning that spaces are available on the Inca Trail for the requested date at the moment of the booking.
• The full passenger data have been provided and the required deposit has been paid for.
• Since the Inca Trail has a maximum allowance of 500 people per day (including passengers and agency staff), we strongly recommend to make your bookings as much in advance as possible to make sure you will find spaces on the desired departure date. We are already receiving bookings for departures scheduled as far as one year prior to the trek departure date, so if you wish to travel with us to the Inca Trail, please make sure to confirm your booking as soon as possible. Otherwise, we have also available alternative routes of equally awesome beauty and interest to offer to you.
  
  

Very Important:

 

The following client information is requested for any Inca Trail booking:

 

• Complete names and surnames
• Nationality
• Passport number
• Date of Birth
• Gender
  
  

The exact information provided by you will be submitted to the governmental institution in charge of regulating the access to the Inca Trail and will be included in the official permit to enter the Inca Trail on the requested date. Should there be any change in the above-mentioned data (ie. New passport number), we kindly request you to inform the Reservation Department at Sky Adventure Tour Operator via email as soon as possible. The government reserves the right not to allow the entry to any visitor whose data are not the exact ones as those in the official permit. Sky Adventure Tour Operator excludes any responsibility for a no entry in case the passenger information has changed without prior notice to us.

Included

• Transfer from the airport  to your hotel in Cusco once you arrive and Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private bus to km.82 (starting point of the trail)
• Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entrance fee (valid for 4 days)
• Personal tents: 2 people in each 4-people-capacity tent, to allow for higher comfort and a safe keeping of backpacks. Our tents are 3-season, 2017-new, highly maintained to ensure an excellent performance in field.
• One foamy sleeping pad per person
• Dining tent with tables and chairs
• Kitchen tent
• Toilet tent (only if assigned campsites do not have toilets)
• English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups over 8 people)
• Cook and cooking equipment
• Porters (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment)
• Accommodation for our guides, cook and porters
• Meals (03B, 03L, 03D + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day)
• Others: hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning and night, and at lunch time if requested with enough time ahead
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
• Bus ticket from Machupicchu ruins down to the village of Aguas Calientes
• Train ticket (Expedition service) from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
• Transfer train station-hotel included.

Not Included

• Breakfast first day, Lunch and dinner on the last day: after the guided tour at Machupicchu, you can enjoy free time to further visit the ruins and choose to have lunch either in Machupicchu or in Aguas Calientes at your own expense. Arrival in Cusco is estimated after nightfall, dinner being at your own expense too.
• Visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes: a relaxing way to end-up the 4-day trek while you’re awaiting the return train to Cusco, only 10 minutes from the village center, entrance fee is US$ 3,50. Towels can be hired in Aguas Calientes.
• Tips: please beware that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not according to your wish.

Recommendations

• A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
• Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping
• Sleeping bag (it can be hired at our agency for US$ 9.00 / day)
• Mattress: will be provided by the agency but is to be carried by you
• Flashlight and batteries
• Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
• Sun block
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
• Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported
• Handkerchiefs
• Toilet paper
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please beware that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in our selection.
• Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning. Optionally: water sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far.
• Small towel
• Swimsuit (if you intend to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
• Cash in soles and/or US$ (no ATM machines in Aguas Calientes)
• Original passport
• Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Inca Trail)

Optional Services

• An extra porter to carry your personal items: US$ 140.00 / 4 days. A porter can carry up to 15 kg, which should be enough for 2 people.
• An extra hotel night in Aguas Calientes can be booked for you at an additional cost depending on the hotel you choose. Please beware that if you wish to visit Machupicchu again the following day, the additional cost of the entrance fee is not included
• Vistadome Service train (First Class) instead of the Backpacker one (Tourist train),
• Sleeping Bag: US$ 9.00 dollars per day, our sleeping bags are –20ºC-comfort and mummy form. They are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips.
• Walking sticks or poles US$ 05.00 dollars per day (rubber covers are included in order not to damage the Inca Trail)
• Therm-a-rest inflatable mattress US$ 25.00 dollars.

More Info

Appropriate clothing along this hike

 

Hiking pants and T-shirts are commonly used during the day, complemented by sweaters, fleeces and waterproof jackets. It is very convenient to have light raingear available in the daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants) as the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing is required, down jackets can be useful, otherwise a fleece and a jacket. During the fourth day (if sunny) and in Machupicchu, convertible hiking pants are useful, and can be switched into shorts if necessary. Machupicchu has a warm climate, getting only cold at night. The rest of necessary implements are included in the “What we recommend that you bring” list.

 

Climate

 

Cusco’s climate is divided into two differentiated seasons: the rainy season, from November to April (the heaviest rainfalls occurring usually between January – March); and the dry season, from May to October. The dry season is colder, so temperatures can drop to below 0 degrees at night.

 

Along the Salkantay route, temperatures range from 10- during the day if it’s sunny, to 05- during the day if not sunny and can drop below freezing at night. In Aguas Calientes/Machupicchu, at lower altitude, temperatures are usually warmer though warm clothes are still recommended at night.