Inca Trail to Machu Picchu:
The Inca trail is approx 26 miles (42 Kilometers) long and it is considered a moderate trek. If you are average fit which means you can hike for at least 6 hours a day, definitely you will enjoy it! During this four day trek, the highest point reaches approx 13,700 feet (The dead woman pass) but your mentality counts too. It is recommended to take some days off in Cusco or Sacred valley area before starting the trek to avoid altitude sickness. A wooden hiking stick will be helpful to ease the pressure on your knees during the trek and the coca leaves will help you breathe better!
Here you will find some important information before arriving in Peru.
If you have any other questions we are only an e-mail away!
Documents you require:
US and European community citizens just need to bring a valid Passport if you have a different nationality please e-mail us to help. No vaccinations are required.
Health:
The best medicine is to begin the trip in the best health possible. Get in shape, especially legs, cardiovascular, and lungs. Our treks go to areas over 14,000 feet so please contact your physician to be sure you are able to do the trek. If you have any heart or lung disease it is recommended to avoid traveling to high altitudes.
Medicines to bring:
Bring any special medications you require., it may be difficult to find it in the highlands.
Altitude Sickness:
We advise you to rest upon arrival in Cusco, eat lightly the first two days and drink plenty of bottled water. Spending at least 2 days in Cusco or the sacred valley area prior the trek will help, avoid alcohol and smoking. Coca leaves help too. The altitudes experienced in the Andes may have an adverse effect on you if you are not used to such heights. On reaching heights above 4000 feet, heart pounding and shortness of breath are a normal response to the lack of oxygen in the air. However, for some visitors symptoms usually develop during the first 24 hours at altitude. To prevent Soroche, on arrival don't over exert yourself. Be sure to rest. Avoid alcohol, cigarettes and heavy food. Drinking mate de coca (an infusion of coca leaves) will help. If symptoms become more severe and prolonged it is best to quickly seek medical attention and make arrangements to descend to a lower altitude. Diamox (acetazolamide) is a good medication for altitude sickness.
Dress in Layers:
Temperatures change rapidly and dramatically at high altitudes. You will want layers of clothing in your daypacks, "just in case". Our tour sites range from 6000-14,000 ft. In high altitude the sun is very intense but it may be very cold at night
What to pack:
Original valid Passport
Day backpack to carry your camera, water bottle and clothing
Sleeping bag with stuff sack (10°-20°F)
Water bottle capacity 32 oz/1 Liter
Mid weight wool sweater
Winter Hat and Gloves
Fleece pants
Zip-off hiking pants
Hiking shorts
Short and Long-sleeve shirts.
Underwear
Hiking socks
Swimsuit
Sun hat
Rain jacket
Athletic, waterproof and broken-in hiking shoes
Sandals
Flashlight
Pocket knife
Watch with alarm
Sunglasses
Sun block and lip balm
First-aid kit with Personal Medication
Potable aqua water treatment tablets
Hand sanitizer gel
Insect repellent
Camera, film and spare batteries
Altimeter
Earplugs
Energy snacks
Extra Money in small denominations (tips)
Cusco Weather
The Inca Trail is open from March to Jan (Feb is closed), and the best time to trek is during dry season (April to October), however it may rain at any time of the year. June, July and August are the busiest month, and just to let you know we provide you 4 season tents in case of much rain.
Average Conditions
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| Max F° |
70 |
70 |
70 |
69 |
69 |
69 |
69 |
68 |
70 |
70 |
71 |
70 |
| Min F° |
44 |
44 |
42 |
39 |
35 |
32 |
30 |
30 |
38 |
40 |
42 |
44 |
Money:
There are money changing booths almost everywhere in every major Peruvian city. The cash dollars you bring should be crisp, clean and new-no tears. It is a good idea not to use bills in excess of $10-$20.00 U.S., as you might find it difficult for the merchant to change anything larger.
Food and water:
Peruvian Food, is one of the best in the world, however you have to eat at the right place. Avoid eating from street vendors. Only drink bottled water- even for things such as brushing your teeth. Avoid fruits or vegetables that have not been peeled. Food depends on the geography of the country, its climate and the customs of their people. Have your water bottle filled up before starting the trek and then during the trek you will find streams where you can fill up your water bottle using the water treatment tablets. Boiled water is available during meal times.
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Itinerary
Day 1: Start Inca trail.
This morning you will start your unforgettable adventure in the Incas’ land. You will be picked up from your hotel to join your Inca trail group and driven to Chilca, the starting point of the Inca Trail where our native Quechua Porters will be waiting for us to start trekking the Inca trail; you will cross Urubamba River and hike through the eucalyptus groves, on the way you will have amazing views of the Vilcanota Mountain Range and the snow-capped peak Veronica, we will stop to have a view of Llaqtapata, a massive Inca complex of agricultural terrace and pass small native villages, finally we arrive at our first campsite near the indigenous community of Huayllabamba (hiking time: approx 6 hours).
Day 2: Warmiwañusca pass.
After an Andean dawn, you will start hiking through the dense forest while the trail begins to climb slowly; stop in Llulluchapampa (12,589.5 ft.), where your guide tells you the story of the name of this place. Now the trail climbs steeply towards our first highest pass, Warmiwañusca or known as well as well as the dead woman pass (13,776ft), from here you will have an impressive view of peaks and our route to Pacaymayo, our next camp site. Now we start to descend by a rock stepped trail, slowly and carefully, finally we arrive at our next campsite in Pacaymayo valley (hiking time: approx 7 hours).
Day 3: Wiñaywayna.
This morning, you will climb up for about one hour through an Inca stairway to Runkurakay ruins, a building which was used as a “Tambo” during Inca times a place to rest for couriers following the Royal Inca trail; the trail continues to climb toward Runkurakay pass (12,630 feet) having spectacular views of the snow peaks of the Pumasillo range; then you will descend gradually towards the Inca Complex of Sayaqmarka (11,772 feet); the trail starts descending and the forest forms a green tunnel along the way turning it into a fantasy walkway, beautiful orchids start to appear; it is so impressive how the Incas built these roads along the mountains and humid forest, then you will visit one of the most impressive Incas’ site, the archaeological center of Phuyupatamarka (11,722 feet), a strategic point with a beautiful view.
Finally, we camp near Wiñaywayna (8,829 feet), the most spectacular archaeological complex of the entire Trek (hiking time: approx 8 hours).
Day 4: Sun gate - Machu Picchu.
Very early morning wake up to make your way to Inti Punku (Sun gateway) from where you will have the most amazing picture of Machu Picchu, upon arrival you will have a guided tour of this impressive Inca city and learn about the history of this site, who lived here, how it was discovered in modern times and why the Spaniards never found it. You will have some insight into the various features of this sacred city and have free time to really enjoy yourself alone in this spectacularly located site, an unforgettable experience that will stay with you forever!
Afternoon: Vista dome train Aguas Calientes – Cusco.
On your arrival at Cusco train station you will be met by our representative and transferred to your Hotel.
(hiking time: approx 2 1/2 hours).
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