Day 1: CUSCO – KM 82 – WAYLLABAMBA – AYAPATA

Today, begins your adventure of a lifetime with the Classic Inca Trail! We will pick you up from your hotel in our private van at 4:30am. From there, we travel to Piskacucho, which is known as kilometer 82, where the Classic Inca Trail begins. Along the way, we stop for breakfast in Ollantaytambo at 6:30-7am to load up on energy for our start of the trail. (Breakfast is not included)

Upon arrival at kilometer 82 (8:30am), we will have some time to organize ourselves by using the restrooms, applying sunscreen, insect repellent, etc. Once at the Inca Trail checkpoint, be ready to show your entrance tickets, passports and (if paying a student rate) your student card.

At the start of the trail (2,720m/8,923ft) we will cross the Vilcanota River and follow its route towards the right. The first day is relatively easy, a warm-up along the ‘Inca flat’ terrain. There are great views of the Inca Fortress (Huillca Raccay), the vast and incredible Inca site of Llactapata, (also called Patallacta), the Urubamba mountain range that divides the jungle, the Andes Mountains, and the beautiful snow-capped peak of W’akay Willca (5,860m/19,225ft), known in books as Veronica.

Our first campsite is in Ayapata, an hour and a half up towards the small village of Wayllabamba (3,000m/9,842ft) located in the temperate green valley of the same name. Temperatures at night can be as low as 5ºC, depending on the month.

During the day, we will enjoy spectacular views of the snow-capped mountain W’akay Willca, (5,860m/19,337ft), the lush green valley around us and a myriad of flora and fauna.

Meals: Lunch, snacks, afternoon tea, and dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Distance: 12kms/7.5mls (6 hours more or less of hiking)
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Day 2: AYAPATA – PASS – PAQAYMAYU – CHAQUICOCCHA

After waking up at 5am to 5:30am and enjoying a hot breakfast, we start a steep ascent towards the highest pass, Abra de Warrmihuañusca, also known as Dead Woman’s Pass at (4,200m/13,779ft). On this day, you will feel a real sense of achievement upon reaching the top! After a well-deserved rest, we begin the descent towards our lunch spot, which is located at Pacaymayu (3,550m/11,646ft).

On our way up towards the pass, we will be able to see an array of hummingbirds and a variety of other species of birds. There will be plenty of time to appreciate the incredible variety of native plants and the Polylepis, or Q’ueuña trees, which grow in the astonishing cloud forest located at (3,650m/11,972ft)!

After lunch, we begin the second two-hour steep climb towards Runkuraqay pass (almost 4,000m/13,123ft). We arrive at our campsite by 5 pm. Temperatures at this campsite are around 4ºC during the night.

Meals: Breakfast, water, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Distance: 16kms/10mls (9 hours more or less of hiking time)
Difficulty: Moderate/challenging

Day 3: CH’AQICOCHA – PHUYUPATAMARCA – WIÑAY WAYNA

This is the most impressive day by far, so keep this in mind as you ascend on day three! We wake up for breakfast at 6am and start the day with a gentle climb towards the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca, which means ‘Town in the Clouds’. Here, we reach the third highest point along the Inca trail (3,680m/12,073ft). The views of the mountains, canyons and surrounding areas are spectacular!

The Inca site of Phuyupatamarca, is located a few minutes’ walk from the third pass. After visiting this site, we continue walking down 3,000 stairs through the cloud forest to the impressive agricultural Incan site of Intipata. After taking some time to visit this site, we continue until we arrive at our third campsite Wiñay Wayna (2,680m/8,792ft). Today, we will only walk about 4 to 5 hours. We arrive at camp by lunchtime! Temperatures during the night are about 12º C.

A short walk from our campsite is the famous Incan site of ‘Wiñay Wayna’ which means `Forever Young` in Quechua. It is named after a special orchid which grows abundantly in the area.

Meals: Breakfast, water, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities and hot showers
Distance: 10kms/6.2mls (5 hours more or less of hiking)
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4: WIÑAY WAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

At around 4:00am, it is time to wake up, have breakfast and start day 4 on the Inca Trail. This is the final part of your journey, and we arrive by 6:00am at the Sun Gate, also known as Inti Punku. At that point, the majestic Machu Picchu Citadel will be in front of us with its intense beauty – an incredible sight for all to see. Finally, we walk downhill towards Machu Picchu Citadel (2,400m/7,872 ft.). After walking about 40 minutes, we enter the citadel from the top through the “House of the Guardians”. From there, we proceed towards the control point, where we register and leave any large backpacks or walking poles. You are only allowed to take small bags into the citadel, such as camera bags. Walking poles are not allowed because they can damage the stones. Your professional guide will direct you throughout the astounding ruins and its most important areas. You can wander around the incredible architecture, as well as climb the intricately carved stone stairways. On your 2.5 hours private tour, your guide will expertly direct you through the enigmatic ruins and its most important sites. You will see the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Condor, Temple of Three Windows, Sun Dial, Quarry, the House of the Inka, the urban areas, agricultural terraces and many different types of architecture. Machu Picchu is considered one of the world’s most important spiritual centers. Once the guided tour is over, you will have free time to explore the site, depending on current government regulations.

You will also have time to indulge in a few of the following activities on your own if you choose. These options require an additional fee.

Climb up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there. These extra hikes must be requested at the time of booking.
Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the local museum or a relaxing soak in the hot springs.
You will descend to Aguas Calientes by bus (included) and will have plenty of time to have lunch on your own. We board the Expedition train which departs at 14:55pm to head towards the Ollantaytambo Train Station. This is where you will meet our private van and will be transferred to your hotel in Cusco, arriving around 7:00pm.

Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 6kms/3.7mls
Difficulty: Easy

*** The Huayna Picchu Hike the Machu Picchu Mountain Hike depends on availability, please let us know if you want to add one of these extra hikes at the time of your booking.

ONLINE BOOKING IS CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE ON FINDLOCALTRIPS.COM FOR TOURS OF MACHU PICCHU DUE TO GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS ON TICKET SALES, ALL OTHER TOURS ARE AVAILABLE TO BOOK HERE ONLINE.

PLEASE CONTACT THE OPERATOR DIRECTLY TO RESERVE YOUR MACHU PICCHU TOUR AND MENTION FINDLOCALTRIPS.COM SENDING THEM A LINK TO THIS PAGE TO ENSURE YOU GET THE BEST PRICE AS SHOWN HERE

DAY 1: 4:30AM

HOTEL PICK UP IN CUSCO

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DAY 1: 6:30AM

BREAKFAST STOP IN OLLANTAYTAMBO

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DAY 1: 8:30AM

ARRIVAL AT KILOMETRE 82

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DAY 1:

KM 82 – WAYLLABAMBA – AYAPATA

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DAY 2: 5-5:30AM

BREAKFAST

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DAY 2:

AYAPATA - HIGHEST PASS - PAQAYMAYU – CHAQUICOCHA

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DAY 3: 6:00AM

BREAKFAST

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DAY 3:

CHAQUICOCHA - PUYUPATAMARCA – WIÑAY WAYNA

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DAY 3:

LUNCH AT WIÑAY WAYNA CAMPSITE

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DAY 4: 4:00AM

BREAKFAST

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DAY 4: 6:00AM

ARRIVAL AT INTI PUNKU

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DAY 4:

MACHU PICCHU: TOUR AND FREE TIME

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DAY 4:

RETURN TO CUSCO: AGUAS CALIENTES - OLLANTAYTAMBO - CUSCO

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- Pick up at your hotel
- Private transport from Cusco to Piscacucho (the start of the trek)
- Breakfast by the trail head
- 2 person igloo tents (large and comfortable)
- Inflatable mattress
- English speaking professional guide experienced in mountains
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request)
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
- Porter to carry tents, food, and cooking equipment
- Extra porter for your belongings, it means you will only need a day backpack to carry the things that you will be using throughout the day!
- Hot water for washing purposes
- Boiled water to fill your bottles
- Expedition Tourist Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and private transport to Cusco
- Admission Ticket to the Inca trail and Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex
- Guided tour in Machu Picchu
- Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Dining and cooking tents with tables and chairs
- Chef, cooking equipment and kitchen tent
- Hot water for drinking and washing purposes
- Pillow
- Rain Ponchos
- Taxes (18%)
- Tea time
- Day pack rain covers

- Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain
- Sleeping bag US$20 (temperatures can drop to minus 8 ºC)
- Energy snacks (such as chocolate bars, dried fruit)
- Last lunch & dinner

- OPTIONAL UPGRADES:
Vistadome Train to Cusco instead of Expedition Train, US$47 per person
- Tips for your crew, guide, cook, porters
- SAM TRAVEL PERU staff receive a fair and decent payment immediately after they end their trip, tips are optional but of great appreciation for them

- Backpack
- Sleeping bag (temperatures can drop to minus 10ºC - can be rented at SAM TRAVEL PERU office for US$20)
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Warm clothes and trekking pants, not jeans
- Layers for variable temperatures, especially at night
- Flash light with extra batteries
- Camera, extra film & batteries
- Sun protection: sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses
- Thermals: woollen socks, gloves, scarf, woollen hat (for cold nights)
- Insect repellent
- Rain poncho/rain jacket
- Extra plastic bags, especially in the wet season
- Toiletries: toilet paper, small towel
- Bathing clothes for the hot springs (optional)
- Water bottle, water purifying tablets (optional)
- Personal medical kit with a simple whistle
- Original passport and ISIC student card if applicable

No online booking at the moment

1. I cannot find my accommodation listed in the operator pick up locations when making my booking. What should I select?

   This operator only offers pick-ups from the hotel and hostel accommodation listed, this covers over 90% of the accommodation providers in the area. They do not provide pick-ups or drop-offs at private residences, Airbnbs, bus terminals etc. Select an alternative close by and be ready there for pick-up at the time on your booking confirmation.

2. How physically fit do I need to be?

   The Inca Trail Trek can range in difficulty however, most are classified as a moderate level. The Machu Picchu complex itself is not difficult, most people do not have any problems.

3. How do I avoid altitude sickness?

   Take Soroche (Diamox) pills, eat small meals, drink coca tea, drink lots of water, and avoid alcohol (it’s a dehydrator). The best way to avoid altitude sickness is to acclimatize yourself. The recommended approach for acclimatization is to ascend gradually, spending at least 24 hours at every 2,000ft increase in altitude.

4. What are the symptoms of altitude sickness?

   Common symptoms of altitude sickness (sometimes called acute mountain sickness) can be similar to a bad hangover, and may include headache, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite and shortness of breath. A severe headache (that is not relieved by medication), nausea and vomiting, and increasing fatigue or shortness of breath may indicate more serious problems – seek medical attention.

5. Are there any student discounts?

   Yes, there is a student discount. These discounts are only valid if you have an ISIC card and it matches your passport. They are very strict with this. You must bring your original I.D. to enter Machu Picchu.

6. Where is Machu Picchu?

   Machu Picchu is near a town called Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Town. From there, it is a 1.5 hour hike up steps, or a 20-minute bus ride to the complex itself.

7. Where is Huayna (Wayna) Picchu?

   Huayna Picchu Mountain is the peak located to the north of Machu Picchu citadel. It is the backdrop to the classic image of Machu Picchu. The peak offers inspiring views of the ruins and 360° views of the area. The climb to the summit takes 45 minutes, it is a challenging trek and is very steep in parts. Limited to 400 a day, tickets must be purchased as a combo ticket at the same time as your entrance to Machu Picchu. This ticket cannot be purchased separately and is always in high demand. It costs approximately $10 extra.

8. What is Machu Picchu Mountain?

   Machu Picchu Mountain is the peak located to the south-west of Machu Picchu citadel. The trek offers unparalleled sights of the ruins and panoramic views of the surrounding scenery. The trek is wide and well-marked. It is a moderate/challenging trek and takes 90 minutes to ascend. Limited to 800 a day, tickets must be purchased as a combo ticket at the same time as your entrance to Machu Picchu. This ticket cannot be purchased separately. It costs around $5 extra.

9. What are the hours of operation?

   The site is open daily from 6am until 5pm. It’s open every day of the year, including public holidays, Christmas and New Year.

10. Why is the train so expensive?

    Peru Rail and Inca Rail, the two operators have a duopoly on the route, so they can maintain very high prices.

11. Where can I leave my bags?

    You can leave your bags at your Cusco hostel/hotel. Note, if you take the train there are bag restrictions.

12. Is the bus from Agua Caliente to Machu Picchu worth it?

    The walk up to Machu Picchu can be seen as part of the experience. However, the bus is an option for those who are tired after a long trek or who just want to save their energy for all the walking at the top.

13. What kind of weather can we find in Machu Picchu?

    Machu Picchu is at a lower altitude level than Cusco. It contains part of the jungle, and the rains are present during all seasons. During the hottest days, the temperature can reach approximately 26° Celsius (79ºF), and during the cool, early mornings, the temperature can drop to -2° C (-36ºF). The best months to visit Machu Picchu are May and June, since they are the mildest ones.

14. Will I have problems with altitude sickness on this tour?

    Altitude sickness can catch many travellers a little bit off guard. Not everyone gets sick in high altitudes, and it is difficult to predict who is likely to be badly affected by it. For most people, it is nothing more than a headache and a dizzy sensation that diminishes over a short period of time, 1 to 2 days for most people. If you want to limit your chances of getting sick, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, do not fly directly into high altitude - proceed slowly, allowing your body time to acclimatise as you ascend gradually. However, for many that is not possible, so it’s important to drink lots of water, and to slow down! This sounds simple, but both of these things are very important. Your body is struggling because you don’t have enough oxygen, so avoiding any strenuous activity is a good idea. Chew some coca leaves - the native people of South America have been chewing coca for centuries, thanks to its ability to alleviate mild altitude sickness symptoms. Coca leaves can be bought in any supermarket, and even souvenir shops or street stalls. Take altitude sickness pills (Soroche): these are sold over the counter all over Peru and Bolivia, and are just a few dollars. If you are flying straight into altitude over 2500metres without spending any time at an intermediate elevation, and you’re worried about getting sick, you can ask your doctor for more specific and stronger altitude sickness medication in advance. In the rare case that your symptoms are more severe than a headache and mild dizziness, you should descend in altitude and seek medical assistance.