DAY 1: CUSCO - KM82 - AYAPATA

The first day of the Inca Trail is easy going to help you settle in to the trek. Covering 14km of the trail climbing gently up the Cusichaca Valley you pass by the Inca site of Llactapata, enjoy great views of the snow-capped peak Veronica (5900m / 19000ft) and get to see a variety of native plant life and birds throughout the day.

Our campsite for the night is at Ayapata (3300m / 10829ft) which is a little further along the trail than most groups go; as we're camping further up the trail the next day's trek up to the pass is a little easier for us and with fewer tourists at the campsite we can enjoy the peace and tranquility of this beautiful place.

DAY 2: AYAPATA - CHAQUICOCHA

Today is considered by many to be the hardest day of the trek; with 2 high passes (Dead Woman's Pass is the highest at 4200m / 13779ft) to cross and nearly 16km to walk today really tests your spirit. There's no need to worry though as thanks to our enthusiastic guides and team of porters helping you along you'll have all the morale and physical support you need to make it.

Today we get fantastic views of the high mountain ranges as we cross the 2 passes and will have the chance to visit 2 Inca sites (Runcuraccay and Sayacmarca). We will also see a variety of plant and life in the Polylepsis forests that cover this area and hopefully spot White Tailed Deer as we near Dead Woman's Pass. Our campsite tonight is at Chaquicocha (3600m / 11800ft) which like Ayapata is one of the quieter campsites and affords beautiful views of the sunsetting over the mountains in the distance.

DAY 3: CHAQUICOCHA - WINAY WAYNA

Having made it over the 2 passes yesterday we're now treated to a relaxing day through some of the most beautiful scenery the Inca Trail has to offer. With a relatively short distance to cover along what is known as Inca Flat (gentle ascents and descents) we get to enjoy the lush and verdant cloud forest around us and the spectacular views of the Andes in the distance.

With visits to 2 Inca sites (Phuyupatamarca and Winay Wayna) this is by far one of the most impressive days of the trek. Our campsite for tonight is at Winay Wayna (2680m / 8792ft) which we will arrive to be early afternoon and get to have an extended guided tour of once we have settled in.
DAY 4: WINAY WAYNA - MACHU PICCHU

Today is the highlight of the trek. Waking up early, you’ll head straight to the checkpoint to enter Machu Picchu. Once the site opens, you can carry on to the Sun Gate, where you'll get your first fantastic views of Machu Picchu.

On arrival to Machu Picchu, you'll have a 2-hour guided tour of the site, during which you'll learn about the Incas, and visit all of the most important areas of the citadel. After the tour, you'll have free time to explore the site by yourself, and to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain (if you have the permits). In the afternoon, you’ll take the train back to Ollantaytambo, from where you will carry on by bus back to Cusco.

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: 4:00AM

MEET AT LLAMA PATH OFFICE

DAY 1: 4:30AM

CUSCO - KM 82 - AYAPATA

DAY 2:

AYAPATA - CHAQUICOCHA

DAY 3:

CHAQUICOCHA - WINAY WAYNA

DAY 4:

WINAY WAYNA - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO

- Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
- Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+
- Chef
- Porters to carry cooking and camping equipment
- Pick-up from Plaza Regocijo (Cusco)
- Transportation by bus to Km 82
- Return transportation by train and bus to Cusco
- Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own)
- 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 afternoon snacks and 3 dinners. If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian food, please let us know
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- 4-man tent for every 2 trekkers
- Sleeping mattress (you need to carry this unless you hire a personal porter)
- Oxygen bottle
- First aid kit
- Entrance to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
- Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes

- Sleeping bag (can be hired from us)
- Personal Porter
- Breakfast on Day 1, and lunch and dinner on Day 4
- Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain
- Tips
- Travel Insurance - you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip

- Original Passport
- ISIC card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
- Warm jacket
- Hat and gloves
- T-shirts
- Comfortable trousers
- Sun hat
- Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)
- Insect repellent
- Toiletries and hand sanitiser
- Personal medication
- Camera and film
- Torch with spare batteries

No booking available at the time.

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.