7 Day Inca Trail Package to Machu Picchu

ITINERARY

CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TOUR PACKAGE TO MACHU PICCHU ITINERARY 2022-2023

Day 1: YOUR ARRIVAL IN CUSCO

As soon as you arrive in Cusco, our representative will greet you and take you to your hotel. You’ll receive a short briefing before having the rest of the morning rest and adjusting to the altitude. In the afternoon, take some time to explore the city at your leisure. You can enjoy the beautiful sights of Cusco’s indigenous and colonial heritages. In the evening, immerse yourself in Cusco’s vibrant nightlife, with some of the best music and dancing the city has to offer. You can also sample the unique Peruvian cuisine at one of the numerous traditional Peruvian restaurants. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to taste world-renowned Peruvian cuisine, such as Virgilio Martinez’s restaurant Senzo.

• 3-star Accommodations: Maytaq Wasin or Waman Qorikancha
• 4-star Accommodations: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection, or Novotel  Hotels
• Recommendations: We highly recommend walking around the city center of Plaza des Armas and visiting the vivacious, aromatic, and culturally diverse San Pedro Market.

Day 2: CUSCO – PISAC – SALT MINES – MORAY & OLLANTAYTAMBO

On the morning of your trip, we’ll get you from your lodging in Cusco at 7:30 AM in our confidential van. We’ll go to the Consecrated Valley of the Incas and make a stop at the Mirador of Taray where you can partake in a stunning perspective on the Urubamba Valley and its conventional cultivating towns. En route, you’ll perceive the way farming in the Consecrated Valley has remained generally unaltered for the beyond 500 years. Our next stop is the archeological site of Pisac, where you can investigate the Inca city for around two hours. You’ll see the painstakingly designed cultivating porches cut into the mountain, the Inca burrow, and the strict region of this significant fortification. Subsequently, we’ll visit the vivid market of Pisac and afterward drive to the lovely city of Urubamba for lunch.

The Nursery of the Incas

Then, we’ll visit the archeological site of Moray, known as “The Nursery of the Incas”. The porches cut into the bowl-molded arrangement have novel attributes and different microclimates, which persuaded archeologists to think that the Incas involved them to find the ideal developing circumstances for their yields. Proceeding with our excursion to the pilgrim town of Maras, we’ll peer downward on the pre-Inca salt mines called Salineras. These mines have been gone down through innumerable ages and utilized for salt extraction since before Inca times. The extraordinary properties of the water in this district bring about the creation of uncommon and important salts, including normally happening pink salt.

At long last, we’ll make a beeline for Ollantaytambo and investigate the Inca town that has stayed in one piece since Inca times. You’ll get an opportunity to investigate the monstrous Inca ruins with a learned aide. Visit the design of the Sun Sanctuary at the highest point of the considerable patios and find out about the site’s significance to the Inca during the start of the Spanish success. You’ll go through the night at your lodging in Ollantaytambo, prepared to begin the Inca Trail the following day.

• 2-star Accommodations: Veronica View Hotel
• 3 star Accommodations: Pakaritampu Hotel or El Alberge
• We’re sorry, but there are no 4-star hotels in Ollantaytambo

Day 3: OLLANTAYTAMBO – KM 82 – WAYLLABAMBA – AYAPATA

Today, begins your adventure of a lifetime, the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu!

At 6:00 AM, we will collect you from your hotel in our private van, and drive to Piskacucho, located at km 82, where the Classic Inca Trail commences.

Once we reach km 82, around 8:30 AM, we will take some time to prepare ourselves, use the facilities, and apply sunscreen and insect repellent. At the first control point of the Inca Trail, you will need to present your entrance tickets, original passports, and (if applicable) student card.

Beginning from 2,720m/8,923ft, we will follow the Vilcanota Stream on our most memorable day of the journey, which is moderately simple, permitting us to adjust to the height step by step. This section of the trail offers stunning views of the Inca Fortress Huillca Raccay, Llactapata (also called ‘Patallacta’), the Urubamba mountain range, the Andes Mountains, and the snow-capped peak of ‘W’akay Willca’ (5,860m/19,225ft), otherwise called Veronica.

We will show up at our most memorable campground, Ayapata, following 90 minutes of climbing to the little town of Wayllabamba (3,000m/9,842ft) in the mild green valley of a similar name. Please note that temperatures at night are around 5°C/41°F depending on the month.

Throughout the day, we will enjoy breathtaking views of Veronica Mountain (5,860m/19,337ft), the verdant valley around us, and a diverse array of flora and fauna.

• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea, and dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 12km/7.5mi (6 hours more or less of hiking)
• Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

• FALTA MAPA

Day 4: AYAPATA – PASS – PAQAYMAYU – CHAQUICOCCHA

Our second day on the Inca Trail starts early with a hot breakfast before we begin our steep ascent towards the highest pass of Abra de Warrmihuañusca, also known as ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’ at an elevation of 4,000m/13,779ft. Reaching the top will provide a real sense of accomplishment. We’ll have an opportunity to witness an array of bird species, including the beautiful hummingbirds. Also, the region is abundant in native plants, and we’ll have plenty of time to admire the ‘Polylepis’ or Q’ueuña trees, which are unique to the Andean landscape.

After lunch, we’ll continue our trek up to the Runkuraqay Pass, located at almost 4,000m/13,123ft, which takes approximately two hours. Along the way, we’ll have the chance to appreciate the beautiful scenery and take a break if needed. We’ll arrive at our campsite by 5 PM, where temperatures drop to around 4°C/39°F during the night.

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

Day 5: CHAQ’ICOCHA – PUYUPATAMARCA  – WIÑAY WAYNA

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

The Inca site of ‘Phuyupatamarca’, is located a few minutes walk to the third pass. Following visiting this site, we will continue walking down 3,000 stairs through the cloud forest to the impressive agricultural Inca site of ‘Intipata’. After taking some time to visit this site, we will continue on until we arrive at our third campsite of Wiñay Wayna. (2,680m/8,792ft).

On this day we will only walk for about 4 to 5 hours and we will arrive at camp by lunchtime!  Temperatures during the night are about 12º C/56°F.

Following a short walk from our campsite is the famous Inca site of  ‘Wiñay Wayna’ (‘Forever Young’). Even if you are feeling tired after your day’s trek, it’s a moment you cannot miss, the most impressive site on the Inca trail.

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

Day 6: WIÑAY WAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

On the fourth day of your journey along the Inca trail, you’ll be well en route to the radiant Machu Picchu Fortification. As early as possible at 4:00 am, now is the right time to get up and appreciate breakfast prior to setting out on the last leg of your excursion. Beginning instantly right now is critical to guarantee that you show up at The Sun Door by 6:00 am, where you’ll observe the dazzling magnificence of the Citadel as the sun rises. The view is genuinely stunning and will leave you feeling astonished.

While taking in the staggering perspectives, you’ll likewise be struck by the truth of the Inca nation’s exhausting excursion to this far-reaching sanctuary of Machu Picchu. We will then walk downhill toward the Machu Picchu Bastion at a height of 2,400m/7,872 ft. In the wake of strolling for 40 minutes, we will show up at the Bastion’s entry from the top through the ‘Place of the Gatekeepers’. Here, you can catch the well-known postcard pictures of Machu Picchu, so try to have your camera prepared. In the wake of partaking in the amazing perspectives, we’ll continue to the control point, where we will enlist and leave our effects. This is an essential move toward guaranteeing the safeguarding and security of this striking archeological site.

The set of experiences and culture of Machu Picchu

To begin, your guide will provide you with a complete visit through the remnants, which will require roughly two hours. During this time, you’ll have the chance to see the main pieces of Machu Picchu. Also, your aide will teach you about the remaining set of experiences and their importance. You’ll figure out how Machu Picchu is separated into three areas: rural, private, and strict. Your aide will furnish you with nitty gritty data about every area and its one-of-a-kind elements. You’ll likewise get the opportunity to clarify some pressing issues and take part in conversations with your aide. After the visit, you’ll have a more profound comprehension and appreciation for the set of experiences and culture of Machu Picchu.

After the visit, the people who have booked ahead of time for the additional climb up Huayna Picchu have the opportunity and energy to partake in the perspectives all alone. Whenever you’ve had your fill of the outstanding perspectives on Machu Picchu, you’ll bring the transport down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (excluded). Contingent upon your train flight time, you may likewise possess energy for some shopping, touring, or a visit to the historical center or underground aquifers.

The Campaign Train

The Campaign Train at 2:55 or 3:20 pm will return you to Ollantaytambo, following the astounding Urubamba Waterway. The gully is restricted, and the waterway has numerous wonderful segments of whitewater. Assuming you look in high on the lofty ravine wall, you can likewise see Wiñay Wayna from the train! Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to return you to your inn in Cusco in our confidential vehicle. You can hope to show up at your lodging around 7:00 pm.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Distance: 6kms/3.7mi
• Difficulty: Easy
• 3-star Accommodations: Maytaq Wasin or Waman Qorikancha
• 4-star Accommodations: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection, or Novotel  Hotels

***IMPORTANT:

•  On the 4-day Inca Trail, we will be doing circuit #3 and there is no way to do another circuit unless you buy an additional entrance to Machu Picchu.
• You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55 pm or 3:20 pm, 4:22 pm, or 4:43 pm. The cost is $67 USD.
• Early trains can be organized by request and it has to be done by booking time.

DAY 7: CUSCO – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN – CUSCO

We’re excited to take you on a memorable adventure to Rainbow Mountain! We’ll start bright and early, picking you up from your hotel at 4 am. The journey to the trailhead at Llacto (4,638m/15,216 ft) takes approximately 3 hours through the South Valley. During the drive, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the stunning views of Inca terraces, traditional villages, and towering Andean peaks.

At breakfast, you’ll be greeted by herds of alpacas and llamas, which is sure to be an entertaining and unique experience. Once we reach the trailhead, we’ll embark on our hike, following a gentle stream. Along the way, you’ll catch breathtaking glimpses of the Ausangate Mountain and glaciers. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet and learn from locals who still preserve their traditional Quechua culture. Discover the meaning behind their traditional clothing and the significance of the hats worn by the men. If you’d like, your guide can even teach you a few Quechua words!

Our final destination, Rainbow Mountain

After a 1.5-hour hike, we’ll reach our final destination, Rainbow Mountain (5,020m/16,466ft). The unique beauty of the area is sure to leave you in awe. You’ll have plenty of time to explore and take pictures or just sit back and enjoy the stunning views. We’ll spend approximately 30 minutes at the top, and for the adventurous souls, there’s an optional hike to the top of the Red Valley that takes about 45 minutes longer to get back to the trailhead.

As we hike back down the same way we came, it takes about an hour. We’ll enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our cook before beginning our journey back to Cusco, which takes approximately 3 hours. We’ll drop you off at your hotel in Cusco around 5 pm. If you have an evening flight, we can arrange transport to the airport for you.

• Meals included: hot breakfast & lunch
• Difficulty: moderate to challenging