Itinerary
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Piskacucho Km 82 – Llactapata- Ayapata
When you start your 4-day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek with Apple Travel, you can expect a pick-up from your accommodation in Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo. Depending on where you are staying, the pick-up time may vary. In Cusco, it will be from 4 to 4:30 AM, in Urubamba between 5:30 to 6 AM, and in Ollantaytambo, your pick-up will be from 6:30 to 7 AM. Your confirmed pick-up time will be communicated to you during the briefing. After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will take you to Ollantaytambo, where you will meet your experienced team of porters who will be taking care of all your needs during the trek.
Our journey will start at Km 82, where we will go through the first Inca Trail checkpoint. It’s essential to bring your original passport to enter the Inca Trail. The initial 2 hours of the trip are generally simple as we advance toward our most memorable Inca site of Patallacta, an old Inca designated spot for the methodology to Machu Picchu.
After Patallacta, we will hike for another 2 hours until we reach our lunch stop. We will continue our trek for another 2.5 hours to reach the first night’s campsite at Ayapata, located at an elevation of 3300 m/10826 ft above sea level. On this stretch, we will pass through two small communities where you can buy refreshments, energy drinks, snacks, or essential items you may have forgotten, like batteries. When we reach the campsite at 5:00 PM, you will have some downtime to unwind and enjoy a hot drink and snack with your team of porters, chefs, and guides. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with them and learn more about the local culture while you rest your legs and take in the stunning surroundings.. By 7:30 PM, dinner will be ready, and you can get some well-deserved rest after a long day of trekking.
Walking distance: 8.7 miles/14 km (6-7 hours)
Campsite altitude: 3300 m/10826 ft above sea level
Considered: Moderate day (getting used to the Inca Trail)
Weather: Warm and windy
Day 2: Dead Woman’s Pass – Runcuraccay Pass – Chaquiccocha
On the second day, we will have an early start since it will be our longest day, you will be awakened early by your porters with a hot cup of coca tea to get you ready for the day. We will hike for roughly 4 hours to the highest pass of the trek, Dead Woman’s Pass (4215 meters/13829 feet above sea level). Upon reaching the pass, we will stop for a short break to rest a bit and enjoy the views before setting off again to descend to the next valley of Pacaymayu Valley and Hidden River.
It is another hour and a half down the side of the valley to our lunch spot where you will have a chance to catch your breath and refill your water bottles. Afterward, we will begin ascending again to the second pass of the trek. Provided that, it will be 2 hours to get over the pass where we will stop at the small Inca site of Runcu Raccay and see two immense cascading waterfalls on the opposite side of the valley. After the second pass, there is about another hour downhill hike to reach the magnificent Inca site of Sayacmarca, which is an otherwise inaccessible village.
We will stop here to rest and have a quick tour. Afterward, we will be able to watch a spectacular sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range. Then, it will be just another 20 minutes until we stop for the night at our second campsite Chaquicocha (Dry Lake) at 3600 m/11811 ft. After dinner, if you’re not too exhausted, we can also do some star gazing, and we’ll point out the fascinating Inca constellations. Not to mention, this sky is something to behold in the magnificent Southern Hemisphere away from all the artificial lighting.
Walking distance: 16 km/9.94 miles (7-8 hours)
Campsite altitude: 3600 m/11811 ft above sea level
Considered: The most challenging day (you will have survived the two highest passes)
Area: Andes and Cloud Forest
Weather: Cold and rainy
Day 3: Chaquiccocha – Wiñaywayna
After completing Day 2 and beginning Day 3, this certainly calls for a well-deserved pat on the back! Again we will start the day early, waking up at 6:30 AM to begin what is commonly felt to be the most beautiful day of the whole Inca Trail. We will hike for 2 hours along what we like to call “Inca flat” (gradual inclines) and begin to enter the jungle, known as the Cloud Forest. As we walk, we will also have the opportunity to see Salkantay, the second-highest snow-capped mountain in the Sacred Valley, and a fantastic panoramic view of the Vilcabamba mountain range.
Towards the end of the Inca flats, we begin to make our way up to the last peak at Phuyupatamarka (Town in the Clouds) at 3600 m/11811 ft above sea level from where we will have great views overlooking the Urubamba River. Down in the valley, we get our first view of Machu Picchu Mountain, but the ruined site itself is still hidden. From Phuyupatamarka it is a 3-hour walk down a flight of steps to our last campsite close to Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young). Wiñay Wayna is the most spectacular Inca site on the trail, only surpassed by Machu Picchu, and the most popular campsite because of its proximity to Machu Picchu itself. During the descent, we will visit 2 Inca ruins, Phuyupatamarka and Intipata (Terraces of the Sun). Afterward, we will arrive at our campsite around 1:00 PM to have lunch.
Here we will have well-earned time to relax so that you will be ready for your final day at Machu Picchu. At around 4:30 PM, your guide will give you a short orientation, and you will visit the Inca ruins of Wiñay Wayna for an hour and a half. Your guide will then explain the significance of the site and encapsulate all the information given to you during the trek. This way you will be fully prepared for your visit to Machu Picchu the following day.
We do like to spoil our guests as we enjoy our last feast together with the porters and chefs. It is an Inca Trail tradition to organize a ceremony in the evening to introduce the team to the tourists once again. This is to thank them for the great job done (and if you wish to provide tips for them, you can do so at this time). It is advisable to go to bed at a reasonable time to get up in the early hours of the morning to arrive at Machu Picchu at the crack of dawn in the hopes that the weather will give us a beautiful sunrise over the ruins at Machu Picchu.
Walking distance: 10 km/6.2 m (5 hours)
Campsite altitude: 2.600 m/8530 ft above sea level (chilly weather)
Considered: Easy day – all downhill!
Area: High Cloud Forest
Weather: Warm and very humid
Day 4: Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – The Lost City Of The Incas
Your wake-up time is at 3:30 AM and eat breakfast at 4:00 AM. We will then wait at the checkpoint to be one of the first to start trekking when they open the gates at 5:30 AM. We’ll wave goodbye to our team of porters and chefs and then it’s “Forward On” to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). We will reach the Sun Gate by 6:30 AM. From here we have spectacular views of the mountains and Machu Picchu in all its glory. Then it’s just an hour’s trek down to reach the Lost City of the Incas.
As we hike and get closer to Machu Picchu, the views of the city get better and better. Around 7:40 AM we will reach the final checkpoint and enter the magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu to begin our 2-hour private guided tour. After the tour, you will be given your bus tickets to make your way down to Aguas Calientes, and there you will have plenty of free time to explore all the city has to offer on your own. You also have the option to climb one of the neighboring mountains – Huaynapicchu. This must be arranged ahead of time.
Your guide will offer to meet you down in the village of Aguas Calientes to enjoy your last lunch in a local restaurant. This is optional and not included. At lunch, your guide will give you your train tickets. So if you choose to have lunch on your own, please arrange with your guide to get these before leaving the ruins at Machu Picchu. Unless you arranged for an upgraded train, we will book the Expedition class train departing Aguas Calientes at 2:55 PM or 3:20 PM. Please make sure you are on the platform at least 30 minutes ahead of time. This will be a 2-hour train ride to Ollantaytambo or Poroy (based on which train you get), where an Apple driver will meet you and drive you back to the city on our bus and then drop you off at your hotel.
Considered: The most exciting and magical day (early wake up at 3.30 AM)
Area: High Cloud and Subtropical Forest
Weather: Hot and very humid (bring lots of water)
Inclusions
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
- Included
Professional Guides: All of our guides have a strong background in English and tourism, having studied these subjects at Cusco National University. What makes them stand out is their genuine love for the region they grew up in, and their eagerness to share their knowledge about the local culture and heritage with visitors like you. Our guides have a friendly and approachable demeanor but are also highly professional and committed to ensuring your safety and satisfaction throughout your journey. So you can relax and enjoy the experience, knowing that you’re in good hands with our team of experts.
Permits and Machu Picchu: To hike the Inca Trail and visit Machu Picchu, you need a permit to enter the trail. Only licensed Inca Trail tour operators, such as Apple Travel Peru, can obtain this permit. Once you provide us with your details and deposit, we will purchase your permit in your name for a specific date. Please note that the permit cannot be changed once confirmed, except for updating your passport number. The permit includes entrance to Machu Picchu.
Briefing: The night before your trek, you will attend a trek briefing at our office with your guide and other trekkers in your group. At the briefing, you will receive your duffel bag, which will be carried by the porters during your hike. The bag must not exceed 7kg/14 lbs and should include your sleeping bag and air mattress if rented or brought. Dressing in layers is essential.
A Porter for your Personal Belongings: We provide a personal porter who will be responsible for carrying your duffel bag. There is no extra cost for this service. You will not have access to your duffel bag until you reach the evening campsite. The duffel bag must not weigh more than 7kg, including 4kg of clothes, 3 kg for your sleeping bag, and a sleeping mat.
Green Machine Porters: Our porter team, known as Green Machine Porters, consists of men and women who are the most loyal and hardest working on the planet. They are responsible for carrying all camping equipment and food, setting up and breaking down each campsite, and assisting the chef with food preparation. By law, they can carry up to 20kg, which is a rule we take very seriously. For example, with a group of eight trekkers, there will be 15 porters.
Trekking Chef and Food: Our chefs are also incredible and will prepare amazing meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, often starting with a nutritious soup and serving family-style. There will always be protein, salad, assorted sides, and even amazing desserts. They cater to all food restrictions and ensure that everyone has enough food to make it up the mountain. Please inform your Apple Travel Peru booking agent of any food restrictions at the time of booking.
Water: Water is essential to feeling good on the trek. Hydration helps combat the effects of altitude, so bring something that can hold at least 3 liters of water. We provide water at each meal, boiling it, filtering it, and then cooling it down to ensure that it is clean and ready to drink. However, water will not be provided until your first lunch, so bring enough water for your first morning on the trail.
* Water will not be provided until your first lunch when our porters will have the ability to prepare clean water. Please bring enough water for your first morning on the trail.
Equipment: We use the best equipment on the market, including Eureka Timberline 4-person tents shared by only two people. Single tents are available for an extra $30 USD. We also have large dining tents for clients to enjoy their meals. Each client receives a pillow for sleeping and a foam sleeping pad to insulate them from the cold ground. All dining equipment, including chairs and dishes, is provided.
Hotel-to-Hotel Service: We offer hotel-to-hotel service. We will pick you up from your hotel on the morning of your trek and drive you to KM 82 in our comfortable, Apple Travel Peru van. After the trek, we will drive you from the train station back to your hotel or Airbnb.
Transportation and Train Service: All your logistics are included in this trek, including the bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes and your tourist class train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. This is a 2-hour trip, and it will take another 2 hours by car to return to Cusco. If you wish to upgrade to the Vistadome train, a train with larger windows and more comfortable seats, it will cost $75 per person.
First Aid: At Apple Travel Peru, your safety is our top priority. To ensure that our clients are in good hands, all our guides undergo training and re-training every February by a medical doctor. They are also equipped with first-aid kits and full oxygen tanks, and if necessary, we will get you off the trail as quickly and comfortably as possible and take you directly to a clinic for treatment. While these situations are rare, we always prepare for them.
Satellite Phones: We understand that some first-aid issues may require more attention, and that’s why our guides carry fully charged satellite phones with them on every trek. Being a phone call away from any doctor, hospital, or friend helps ensure our client’s safety. We also provide radios for non-emergencies, and while they can be expensive to use, they are available just in case you need to check in on things back home.
Extras: At Apple Travel Peru, we take pride in our attention to small details. We provide every trekker with a small pillow to sleep with, a foam mattress for insulation, a day pack cover to protect their belongings while hiking, and a rain poncho. We also provide hot water bins every day to help our clients feel clean and refreshed at night. In addition, we enjoy happy hour each evening to relax and unwind and discuss the day’s events. We are dedicated to creating the best vacation experience for our clients.
Taxes and Fees: We believe in transparency and honesty, and that’s why all taxes and permit fees associated with our trekking packages are included in our price. There are no hidden fees with us.
The APPLE Difference: While the below list is less tangible, it’s equally important and part of everything we do and include at APPLE TRAVEL PERU
Ethical and Responsible Treatment of our Porters: At Apple Travel Peru, we stand out from other tour companies in many ways. We are committed to the ethical and responsible treatment of our porters, who are the backbone of our company. Not only that but we also provide them with all the necessary gear, including warm jackets, hiking boots, backpacks, hats, headlamps, sleeping bags and pads, and tents.
There is a dedicated Porters House for our porters to sleep in the night before and after their trek, and we even provide a medical doctor to tend to their needs. We also support their families by helping their village schools, bringing doctors and dentists to visit with the families, and planting trees in their valleys and that is why Nancy Rocca Huarca founded this company. We are committed to our social projects and it is appreciated by the more than 300 porters on our team.
Porters Trip: We are thrilled to have the opportunity to take our hardworking porters and their families to Machu Picchu. Despite hiking to the famous citadel numerous times a year, they have never had the chance to explore it themselves. That’s why we organize four special trips every year to give our team the chance to experience the history and culture of their ancestors firsthand. During these trips, we spend two days exploring the ruins and providing a memorable experience for our porters and their loved ones. It’s truly one of our favorite parts of our job.
Equality Matters: Our commitment to equality is another important part of what sets us apart. We believe that every person contributes something unique and valuable to our team. We have had female guides, porters, and chefs on our team since 2017, and we are working towards achieving a 50/50 gender balance.
Sustainable and Responsible Tour Operator: At Apple Travel Peru, we take sustainability seriously. We make sure there is no trace left behind on any of our treks, and we even include an extra porter to help clean up trash left by other groups. We use local products that are biodegradable and organic whenever possible to minimize our impact on the environment.
Prices
Price per person
$677 per person
Student Discount
$35 off per person
Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17 years old or younger. For those using a University Student Card or those under 17 years old, we need to see a copy of their card or passport at the time of booking to receive the discount.
Please send all to appletravelperu@gmail.com
More Information about STUDENT CARD
- Additional Items
Below is a quick list of prices, but check our Additional Options section for more details.
- HUAYNA PICCHU is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45-minute hike to the top. Even when you will do this hike on your own, your guide will still show you the trail entrance. This trek is an additional entrance ticket that we can secure for you with advance notice.
Your tickets will be purchased to coincide with when you need to start the trial. Tickets are either for the First Session from 7-8 AM or the Second Session from 10-11 AM. We purchase the Second Session for our clients so you to enjoy your tour of Machu Picchu before you begin. This window is only your start time, and you may take your time up and down, so no rush.
- The ticket is $75 per person.
- Huayna Picchu
* Only possible to do if you have an extra day to visit Machu Picchu
The Machu Picchu Mountain towers over the ruins and boasts breathtaking views that rival those of Huayna Picchu. However, the ascent to the top takes around 90 minutes. If you’re interested in hiking this mountain, we can secure an additional entrance ticket for you.
It’s worth noting that tickets for Machu Picchu Mountain have a specific timeframe for entry, which is between 9-10 AM. Due to this limited time frame, it’s not possible to hike the Inca Trail and climb Machu Picchu Mountain on the same day. However, you can arrange for a second visit to the citadel on the following day.
- This ticket is $75 per person.
- Vistadome Train
All our tours include the Expedition Train. This train is usually booked at 4:22 p.m., leaving from Aguas Calientes. The Vistadome Train is an upgraded train that offers slightly larger seats, windows, and even some entertainment. Usually, the Vistadome train is booked for 4:43 p.m. and travels to Poroy, a train station closer to Cusco. While this is an upgraded fee, we will still include your transportation back to your hotel.
- This train is $75 per person.
Important Info
WEATHER IN THE FOR THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
The weather in Cusco can be quite unpredictable, so it’s best to be prepared for anything. Although the dry season typically runs from April to October, don’t be surprised if you encounter some rain in June or sunshine in December. No matter what month you’re planning your trek, make sure you pack rain gear, including a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves, but trust us, being cold and wet can really put a damper on your hiking experience.
In addition to rain gear, it’s also important to prepare for the various microclimates you may encounter on your trek through the Andes. Layering is key, as it allows you to easily adjust to different temperature changes. It’s a good idea to pack a warm, packable down jacket for the colder evenings.
Lastly, it’s important to keep in mind that the weather can sometimes force us to alter the planned itinerary for your safety. There may be times when certain routes become impassable, and our guides may need to rework your tour.
ALTITUDE
If you’re planning a trip to Peru, particularly to the high-altitude city of Cusco, you may be wondering about altitude sickness. At high altitudes, the air has less oxygen, which means your body has to work harder to get enough oxygen. Spend 2 days in Cusco before trekking in the Andes to help your body adjust. Explore the beautiful city of Cusco while acclimating, as there are plenty of things to do in this amazing place.
If you experience altitude sickness, you may initially feel like you have the flu or a hangover. Symptoms may include a headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, and trouble breathing during exercise. If these symptoms become severe, please let us know, and we will help you get to a doctor.
Fortunately, most of the time, altitude sickness symptoms are mild. It’s important to ease into physical activity slowly, giving your body time to adjust. Drinking plenty of fluids, like water or coca tea, can also help. Coca tea has been used for centuries to prevent altitude sickness, as the leaves from the Coca Plant. It contains alkaloids that bring oxygen into your blood, helping your body adjust to the altitude. We recommend avoiding alcohol, coffee, smoking, and sleeping pills, as they can all exacerbate altitude sickness symptoms.
When trekking to Machu Picchu, remember that it’s not a race. Even if you’re in great physical shape, rushing to the top of the mountain too quickly can cause altitude sickness. Take it slow and give your body time to acclimate to the elevation.
Your healthcare provider may also prescribe medications, such as acetazolamide and dexamethasone, to help prevent altitude sickness. If you’re prescribed medication, start taking it two days before you reach a high altitude and continue taking it while you’re there.
Remember that this is your holiday, and we don’t want you to stress about getting sick from the altitude. Take it slow, drink lots of water and coca tea, and enjoy your experience. If you do start to feel ill, let your guide know right away. Our APPLE TRAVEL PERU guides are trained to help you through any altitude sickness symptoms you may experience.
GETTING TO CUSCO
If you’re planning to travel to Cusco by air, it’s essential to keep in mind that the airport in Cusco only caters to domestic flights. Therefore, international travelers must first disembark in Lima and go through customs before continuing their journey. Even if you’re traveling with the same airline carrier and have a connecting flight to Cusco on the same day, you’ll have to pick up your bags in Lima and then check them in again.
Although there are various airlines to choose from, LAN Airlines is often the most expensive but offers the most flight options. However, flight delays and cancellations are not uncommon, and adverse weather conditions or high altitude in Cusco can affect air traffic. Whereas, bus travel is always an option, especially if you’re coming from a city closer to Cusco, such as Puno. Though it can be a long journey, buses in Peru are generally well-maintained and comfortable. However, if you’re coming from Lima, be prepared for a bus ride that can take up to 20 hours.
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4D/3N Group Tour
Please fill in our BOOKING FORM carefully with your correct personal details.
BRIEFINGS
We want to make sure you have all the information you need for your Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. That’s why we hold briefings at our office the night before your trek, starting at 6:30 PM. If you can’t make it to that time, please let us know so we can arrange another time that works for you. During the briefing, which lasts about 30-45 minutes, you’ll receive your duffel bags.
DUFFEL BAGS
Your duffel bags will be an essential part of your trekking gear. They measure 66 cm long x 36 cm wide (2 ft x 1 ft). Your porters will carry them for you and return them to you at each campsite. It’s important to note that the maximum weight for each duffel is 7kg. You’ll need to pack your clothes and personal items in 4kg, leaving 3kg for your sleeping bag and pad.
PICKUPS:
We know that transportation can be a challenge in Cusco, especially if you’re staying in a smaller hotel or Airbnb. But don’t worry, we’re one of the few tour companies that will pick you up directly from your hotel if it’s in the center of Cusco City. Your guide will let you know the pick-up time during the briefing. Kindly keep in mind that it may vary by 30-45 minutes due to traffic and other pickups.
Cusco’s streets are famous for their cobblestones and narrow passageways, which can make it difficult to navigate with luggage. If you’re booking your own accommodations, we highly recommend choosing a hotel with better access. We have a list of hotels that are comfortable and easy to pick up and drop off at, so please feel free to ask us for recommendations.
Some treks will allow for pickups in the Sacred Valley, which is outlined below.
The following chart refers to possible locations we can pick you up from when beginning the tour.
| Trek | Possible Starting Locations |
| Inca Trails | Cusco, Urubamba, Yunahuara & Ollantaytambo |
| Salkantay Treks | Only Cusco |
| Lares Trek | Only Cusco |
| Huchuy Qosqo Trek | Only Cusco |
| Ausangate and Rainbow Treks | Only Cusco |
| Day Tours | Cusco, Urubamba & Ollantaytambo |
RETURNING TO CUSCO
Leaving Machu Picchu requires a lot of logistics, which are all included in your tour.
- From Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, you will take a 25-minute bus down to the village. Buses first come first served and run all day.
- You will take the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy. Your guide will give you your train tickets with the train time. Make sure you get to the platform 30 minutes ahead of time.
* Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo is 2 hours
* Train from Aguas Calientes to Poroy is 3.5 hours - Once you arrive at the train station, look for a gentleman wearing green with an Apple Travel Peru sign. He will then drive you to San Francisco Square, Cusco
* Van ride from Ollantaytambo to nearby San Francisco Square is 2 hours
* Van ride from Poroy to nearby San Francisco Square is 30 minutes - Once you arrive nearby San Francisco Square, you will separate into separate pre-paid taxis and drive back to your hotel.
HUAYNAPICCHU/MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN
One of the best ways to fully appreciate the beauty of Machu Picchu is by hiking one of the mountains surrounding the ruins. Among them, Huaynapicchu is the most popular, and it’s important to book in advance since tickets sell out quickly. The hike takes about 45 minutes to reach the top and another 45 minutes to come back down. Tickets are sold in time sessions, and we recommend booking the second session from 10-11 AM so that you can first enjoy your guided tour of the ruins. Your guide will show you where to start the hike, but you will do it on your own.
Machu Picchu Mountain is less popular but longer, taking about 1.5 hours to reach the top and another 1.5 hours to come back down. There are two-time windows for this hike, from 7-8 AM and 9-10 AM, and we recommend the second one. However, if you’re doing the 4-Day or 7-Day Inca Trail trek, you won’t have time to do this hike and enjoy a tour of the ruins as well.
After completing either hike, you’ll have some extra time to spend exploring the ruins. It’s a great way to experience Machu Picchu from a different perspective.
HEALTH CONCERNS
It’s important, to be honest with your guide about any health conditions or concerns you may have. While our guides aren’t medical professionals, they have first-aid training and we also work with a clinic in Cusco that can help if needed.
Please make sure to assess whether a tour is suitable for you and consult with your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in planned activities. You should also seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions as APPLE TRAVEL PERU will not provide medical advice. It’s your obligation to assess the dangers and prerequisites of every part of the visit in view of your remarkable conditions, limits, wellness level, and clinical requirements.
If you develop extreme altitude sickness or any other illness that prevents you from hiking but still want to visit Machu Picchu by train, we’ll work with you to organize the trip. However, please note that this new trip may require additional fees. We’ll try to use as much of the original itinerary as possible to keep the costs low.
In case you experience any issues while hiking and cannot continue, a porter will accompany you to the nearest road and wait while a car comes to pick you up and take you to the nearest health clinic.
GROUP TOURS
When you join a group tour, you’ll be with people of all different ages and skill levels. It’s important to remember that some people may be slower or faster than you on the hike, but that’s okay! You’re free to trek at your own pace, and our guide will make sure to spend time with everyone in the group. If the group requests any changes to the tour, the guide will work with everyone to make the best decision.
STRIKES
Unfortunately, strikes are common in Peru, and they can sometimes affect our tours. Roads may be blocked, and trains may be stopped, but don’t worry! We’ll ensure your trek continues as planned, even if that means leaving the night before your start date. In some cases, we may need to cancel the tour for your safety, but our operations department will work with you to make the best decision.
LOST ITEMS
Please keep in mind that you’re responsible for your own belongings during the tour. Be diligent about where you leave your things and remember to remove all items from our vans, tents, restaurants, and other places. Don’t leave anything unintended during your hike, as other trekkers or teams may pick it up without knowing who it belongs to.
TIPS
Tipping is a tradition on the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, but it’s not mandatory. We pay our entire team good wages, but any extra tips are always appreciated. Usually, participants in a group pool their tipping money together for the porters and chef. The recommended amount varies per trek and is listed below. For the guide, it’s more personal and should be decided based on your relationship with them and done separately from the group. Note that porters and chefs prefer soles if possible, while guides are happy with U.S. dollars, Peruvian Soles, or even credit cards.
| Trek | Per Porter | Chef |
| Inca Trails (4, 5, and 7 Days) | 60 – 80 soles | 150 soles |
| 2D/1N Inca Trail with Camping | 50 soles | 100 soles |
| Salkantay Treks | 100-120 soles | 200 soles |
| Lares Trek | 100-120 soles | 200 soles |
| Huchuy Qosqo Trek | 50 soles | 100 soles |
| Ausangate | 100-120 soles | 200 soles |
* These numbers refer to what each member of Apple Travel should receive after the group pools their money. This is just a reference guide
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance is an important consideration when planning any trip, especially one that involves adventure travel. Although it’s impossible to predict what could happen, insurance can help protect your investment in case something unexpected occurs. Fortunately, travel insurance is usually quite affordable, so it’s a small expense that can provide peace of mind. If you need help finding the right insurance agent, we’re happy to recommend someone who can guide you through the process.
WEATHER
When it comes to weather, it’s always best to be prepared for anything. Even though the dry season in Cusco typically runs from April to October, rain can still fall in June and the sun can come out in December. So, it’s a good idea to pack for all eventualities. Make sure to bring rain gear, including a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. And don’t forget to pack a warm, packable down jacket for the chilly evenings. Since many treks through the Andes involve various microclimates, it’s important to pack layers that can be easily adjusted to different temperature changes.
Packing Checklist
ESSENTIALS
- Passport
- Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
- Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: Water reservoirs like Camelbaks are encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)
FOR YOUR DUFFEL FOR THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
Porters will carry up to 7 kg of your items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rent one). From us, these two items weigh 3.5 kg.
- 2-3 wicking t-shirts
- 2-3 hiking pants
- 4 sets of undergarments.
- 4 sets of hiking socks
- 1 Fleece
- 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
- 1 Rain jacket and pants
- 1 sun hat
- 1 wool hat
- Headlamp: essential
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger.
- A small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean – might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap.
- Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
- Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
- Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least
It’s also important to note that the weather can change a listed itinerary. There are times when routes become impassable, and our guides will be forced for your safety to rework your tour.
TOILETRIES
- Sunscreen
- Face moisturizer
- Bug spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Toilet paper
- Personal medication
- First aid kit: band-aids, moleskin, etc.
INSIDE YOUR DAY PACKS FOR THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, bags larger than 25L will not be allowed in. If it is larger, you will need to store it outside the citadel gates. But don’t worry, they have a secure storage facility.
- Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won’t have time to filter water until your first lunch.
- Sunhat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Camera
- Music (iPhone)
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and a small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
- Earplugs
