Inca trail to Machupicchu 4D/3N

Private Service

The Inka Trail to Machu Picchu is the most renowned treks in the Peruvian Andes, and ranks among the most popular and beautiful in the world. The classic 43 kilometer long trip combines a number of outstanding features, such as long hidden and rediscovered archaeological remains, stupendous mountain scenery, dense cloud forest containing an amazing diversity of flora and fauna, a truly astounding marvel of architecture and engineering as is the Inka Road, winding up in the most wondrous and dazzling prize of all: the Sacred Inca City of Machupicchu.

ITINERARY

Day 01 - Cusco to Wayllabamba

Between 4:00 and 4:30am our staff and private transport which be picking you up at your hotel in Cusco. We will drive to the trailhead situated hard by the rural community of Piscacucho at a point corresponding to kilometer 82 of the Cusco-Machu Pichu railway on the right bank of the Urubamba River. Here there is a bridge spanning the river over which we cross to the left bank and hike along it on relatively level terrain to shortly reach the small settlement of Miskay (elevation: 2800m/9184ft above sea level). We are rewarded with a stupendous view of the Inca city of Llactapata (elev.: 2750m/9020ft). We descend toward the archaeological site and from there begin trekking up the valley of the Kusichaka River, gradually ascending for several hours until reaching the farming community of Wayllabamba, (elevation: 3000m/9840 ft a. s. l, where we set up camp for the night.
Meals: B, L,D

Day 02 - Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo

We rise at 6:00am and leaving the village of Wayllabamba we depart from the main Kusichaka River Valley and begin ascending the tributary valley of Llulluchayoc following an easterly direction in the direction of Warwihuañusca pass ("Dead Woman Pass”). This is generally regarded as the most difficult or demanding section of the entire trek. There are, nevertheless, redeeming features for the appreciative mind, such as going through sections of cloud forest. There is abundant birdlife, with a predominance of Finches, Thrushes, Tanagers and Seed-eaters. The cloud forest is also one of the preferred environments of the Andean Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus). There are fine views of the surrounding mountains from the summit of the pass we then descend into the Pacamayo river valley (elev.: 3600 m/11808 ft. a. s. l.)
Meals: B, L,D

Day 03 - Pacaymayo to WiÑaywayna

Today is the longest day of the trek yet by far the most rewarding. From Pacaymayo we ascend the second pass, known as the Abra de Runkurakay (elev.: 3870m/13022ft. a. s. l.). Halfway to the summit lies the archaeological complex of Runkurakay, located at an elevation of 3800m/12464ft. a. s. l. It consists of a small slightly oval circular structure believed to have served the purpose of observation post or perhaps a small garrison. Once having surmounted the pass, we begin descending following a well defined Inka road, paved with granite flagstones and steps of quarried and dressed blocks of stone. We pass by Yanacocha (Black Lake), gradually entering the fringes of the vegetated area, until reaching the archaeological complex of Sayajmarca (elev.:3624m/11887ft a. s. l.). This is a strikingly beautiful site, constructed on a mountain spur, surrounded on three sides by precipitous slopes and reachable only through a steep and narrow stairway. Upon descending from Sayacmarka back on to the main trail we enter a stretch of dense cloud forest, then ascend a moderate gradient following a wide Inka road that eventually flows laterally on to the third pass of the Inka Trail, the Abra of Phuyupatamarka, the elevation of which is cited as 3700m/12136ft a. s. l. Just below the Phuyupatamerca Pass, lies the archeological complex of Phuyupatamarca. As seen from above –and subsequently confirmed as one walks through it- this is an architecturally sophisticated complex very probably of sacred or religious nature.

From the lower section of the Phuyupatamarca complex, a road –composed of thousands of steps and thousands of meters, descends to Wiñaywayna (elevation: 2650m/8692ft. above sea level). This is yet another archaeological site; in fact it is the largest site on the Inca trail, second only to Machu Picchu. There is also a campsite about 5 minutes away from the archaeological complex, which is where we camp.

Day 04 - WiÑawayna to Machu Picchu

On this final day of our trek, we rise at 4:00am and set off from Wiñaywayna at 5:00am. One more hour of hiking through the cloud forest on a walkway paved with ashlars, brings us to Intipunku ("the Gateway of the Sun") from where we can finally cast our eyes upon the fabulous hidden city of Machu Picchu. If we have managed to arrive at Intipunku in time for sunrise, we shall witness the same sacred manifestation that was so highly revered by the Inkas. From Intipunku, a 40 minute descent leads us to the so-called "House of the Guardians" and the entranceway to the citadel. From here we proceed down to the control station in order to register and deposit our backpacks, after which we immediately go forth on a complete guided tour of the citadel, lasting approximately 2 hours. Once the tour has concluded we will have free time at our disposal to walk around, explore and climb to the summit of Huayna Picchu mountain (usually seen in the background of the classic vista of Machupicchu) from where quite spectacular views of Machu Picchu seen from a different angle –as well as the breathtaking and dramatic panorama of the surrounding mountain peaks and the great gorge of the Urubamba canyon- can be fully appreciated. It is likewise possible, from the summit of Huayna Picchu, to visit the Temple of the Moon. Another feature of interest accessible from Machu Picchu is the vertiginous Inka Bridge. Come the afternoon, we all converge and meet up in the town of Aguas Calientes where those who may wish to do so can devote some time to rest and relaxation in the local hot springs. In Aguas Calientes we board the afternoon train back to Cusco, where we arrive after nightfall.
Meals: B

SEVICES INCLUDED

• Transfer on private Transport from Hotel in Cusco to Trailhead at Kilometer 82 on Day 01
• Inca Trail and Machu Picchu admission fee (valid days 01 -04)
• English-Speaking Professional Mountain Guide (additional guide for groups exceeding 08 Participants.
• Camping Gear - Tentage, etc:
  (a) Twin person accommodations in large capacity 4-person tents in order to provide greater loft, space and comfort as well as ample storage space for personal belongings and gear. Our tents are 3-season, with not more than 2 years of usage and well maintained for optimum field performance.
  (b) One foam sleeping mat per person
  (c) Optional upon request: One comfortable -10°C temp. range mummy sleeping bag. These bags are dry cleaned after each use and possess a life/use of 30 trips after which they are retired.
  (d) Dining and Mess Tent, including camp tables and stools.
  (e) Separate Kitchen/Cooking Tent
  (f) Professional Trail Cook, Staff, and all Commissary facilities and appurtenances.
  (g) Toilet Tent.
• Porters for transport of all camping and commissary equipment
• Porters for transport of personal gear up to 9kg. per pack (incl. sleeping bag and mat.)
• Separate accommodations and tents for Guides, Cooking staff and Muleteers
• All Meals and Commissary as stipulated ((04B, 03L, 03D + daily snack and tea service except on last day)
• Others: Wake-up tea + Hot washing water every morning and every evening / water boiled to purification point for filling flasks and water bottles every morning and evening, as well as at lunchtime pending prior request
• One hot shower ticket per person at Wiñaywayna
• First aid support and oxygen
• Bus ticket from Machu Picchu ruins down to the town of Aguas Calientes –day 04
• Train fare from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (Backpacker or Vistadome service, upon request)
• Transfer train station-hotel in Cusco

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED

• Dinner in Aguas Calientes on day 4
• Lunch and Dinner on last day: after the guided tour at Machupicchu, you can enjoy free time for lengthier visit of 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 as well.
• Visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes: a relaxing way to cap off the trek while awaiting departure on the return train to Cusco. The baths are only 10 minutes from the village center; entrance fee is US$1.50. Extra towels can be rented in Aguas Calientes. Use of swimming costume is obligatory.