Inca Trail Trek
On this nine-day trip through the high Andes, we’ll explore majestic archaeological sites, remote villages and challenge ourselves on the arduous Inca Trail Trek, culminating with the magical entrance into the Citadel of Machu Picchu. Natural beauty and wildlife abound on this fully catered trekking adventure.
SUMMARY
DAY 1: CUSCO ARRIVAL
DAY 2: CUSCO EXPLORATION
DAY 3: SACRED VALLEY
DAY 4: INCA TRAIL TREK: PISKAKUCHO (KM. 82) – CHAMANA
DAY 5: INCA TRAIL TREK: CHAMANA – PACAYMAYO
DAY 6: INCA TRAIL TREK: LLULLUCHAPAMPA – PHUYUPATAMARCA
DAY 7: INCA TRAIL TREK: PHUYUPATAMARCA – MACHU PICCHU
DAY 8: DEPART SACRED VALLEY FOR CUSCO
DAY 9: DEPART CUSCO
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1
Your hotel is located right off the ever vibrant Plaza de Armas.
Overnight: Andean Wings
Cusco Arrival
Upon arrival, we will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. Rest and relaxation are encouraged today as the city sits at an elevation of 11,000' and most of us will be feeling the effects of the altitude. Enjoy a leisurely exploration of Cusco on your own.
Day 2
Over look Cusco from the ancient walls of Sacsayhuaman.
Meals: B
Overnight: Andean Wings
City and Ruins Tour in Cusco
After breakfast, we’ll explore the ancient city of Cusco. Our City Tour begins with a visit to the Temple of the Sun at the Korikancha, followed by a walk back to the Main Square (Plaza de Armas) to take in the impressive cathedral at its center. We then travel to the edge of the city where we’ll visit the Inca sites of Q’uenqo, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, as well as the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which is built strategically on a hill overlooking Cusco.
A pleasant walk downhill and back into town delivers an afternoon at your leisure.
DAY 3
The kindness of the locals is ever more vibrant than their attire.
Meals: B | L
Overnight: Pakaritampu
Sacred Valley
After breakfast, we will drive the Urubamba, or Sacred Valley, to visit the colorful Pisac Indian Market; where trading of products continues as it has since ancient times. We’ll explore and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing on to the Ollantaytambo Fortress, the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti who conquered the region and had the Incas build the town and the ceremonial center. At the time of the Spanish conquest of Peru, the Fortress served as a stronghold for Manco Inca Yupanqui, leader of the Inca resistance. You’ll have the remainder of the day to relax and prepare for tomorrow’s trekking adventure.
Day 4
The high altitude mountain views are unparalleled.
Meals: B | L | D
Overnight: Camping
Piskakucho (Km. 82) – Huayllabamba
After a relaxing morning in Ollantaytambo, we will drive to our trailhead at Km. 82 of the Machu Picchu railroad. After getting acquainted with our trail crew we set out, crossing a footbridge to hike a gentle two hours following the Urubamba river. Along the trek we’ll visit the imposing sculpted Inca farming terraces and settlement of Llaqtapata on the banks of the Cusichaca river. We then climb a short way up the Cusichaca valley to Huayllabamba, the last inhabited village on the trail, where we arrive at our camp.
DAY 5
You’ll be hard pressed to find a more idyllic view that those from the Inca Trail. This fully catered trek ensures you sleep well to better enjoy the view.
Meals: B | L | D
Overnight: Camping
Huayllabamba – Pacaymayo
After a warm cup of tea in our tents, we meet in the group tent for a hot breakfast. After getting ready and packing our day bag, we begin a steep ascent, climbing the Llullucha valley along a stream that rushes through enchanted native unca woodland. Crossing the rim of a small plateau, we abruptly find ourselves in the puna, the treeless grasslands of the high Andes. Here a stretch of open trail climbs beneath mighty crags to our first and highest pass, Warmiwañusca (4,200m/13,776ft).
From Warmiwañusca we can look back to the spectacular snow peaks and valleys of the Huayanay massif, and ahead to a distant view of tomorrow’s trail to the second pass. Descending a stepped stone trail we encounter our already set-up campsite in a clearing of the forested Pacamayo valley where food and freshwater await.
Overnight at camp.
DAY 6
History appears around every corner on this magical trail.
Meals:
B | L | D
Overnight: Camping
Pacaymayo – Phuyupatamarca
After breakfast, we pick up an Inca stairway and ascend again past the small Inca site of Runkuracay. As we reach the second pass the landscape opens onto spectacular new views to the snow capped peaks of the Pumasillo range. We descend again to the ruins of Sayacmarca (Inaccessible Town), an intricate labyrinth of houses, plazas and water channels, perched precariously on a rocky spur overlooking the Aobamba valley. The Inca trail, now a massive buttressed structure of granite paving stones, continues along the steep upper fringes of the cloud forest through a colorful riot of orchids, bromeliads, mosses and ferns. At the third pass we camp by pinnacles topped with Inca viewing platforms, overlooking the archaeological complex of Phuyupatamarca (cloud-level town).
Dinner and overnight at camp.
Day 7
Connection is the root of all travel.
Meals:
B | L
Overnight: El Mapi
Phuyupatamarca – Machu Picchu
After our final camp breakfast, we explore the wondrous maze of Inca stone towers, fountains and stairways spilling down the mountainside at Phuyupatamarca before beginning a long descent through ever changing layers of cloud forest. An Inca stairway partly cut from living granite leads us finally to the site of Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young), the largest and most exquisite of the Inca Trail sites. In the afternoon we follow the last stretch of trail across a steep mountainside through a lush, humid cloud-forest of giant ferns and broad-leafed trees.
Suddenly we cross the stone threshold of Intipunku (Sun Gate) and encounter an unforgettable sweep of natural beauty and human artistry - a backdrop of twisting gorge and forested peaks framing the magical city of Machu Picchu. We have a moment to savour our tough work before making our way to Aguas Calientes and a restful evening.
DAY 8
Reaching the Citadel of Machu Picchu will leave us awe inspired.
Meals:
B
Overnight: Andean Wings
Machu Picchu – Cusco
We return to Machu Picchu by bus and spend the day in both guided and individual exploration, visiting the most fascinating features of this astounding and mysterious Inca settlement. Some will want to take the optional hike to the summit of Wayna Picchu for an amazing overview of the site, while others may want to investigate Machu Picchu’s multitude of hidden nooks and corners. After a full-on experience of this glorious monument to the Inca achievement, we return to Aguas Calientes and board the return train to Cusco.
Option to hike Huayna Picchu if permits are available, additional charge.
Day 9
After a week of immersing in the culture, we have to say a bittersweet farewell.
Meals: B
Depart Cusco
Today, you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport.
Price Starting at: $2495 per person
Deposit: 30% due today
Final Balance: due 90 days prior to departure
Payment plan available, please inquire
Sample AcCommodations
Andean Wings Boutique Hotel is the premier accommodation in Cusco, situated two blocks from the Plaza de Armas in the heart of the ancient city.
This fully restored, sixteenth century colonial gem blends style, luxury, comfort and an unforgettable experience, with five-star amenities and unrivaled personalized service.
The seventeen rooms and suites are uniquely styled with local antiques and original art works (all available for purchase) offering modern comforts like decadent Jacuzzi bathtubs.
The hotel’s mission is to ensure both guests and employees feel at home, making every moment you spend with us, unforgettable.
Pakaritampu Hotel is located in the heart of the Sacred Valley in the village of Ollantaytambo. It is only two minutes away from the train station with a direct connection to Machu Picchu, and one hour and a half drive from the city of Cuzco. The beautiful gardens make for a relaxing haven after a day of exploration.
The name “Parakitampu”derives from the Quechua words “pakari”, which means “dawn” and “tampu” which means “home.”
The scenic town of Ollantaytambo is the starting point of the Inca Trail, and a beautiful place that offers plenty of attractions worth visiting.
Our superior guides and support staff will show you a camping experience like no other. Upon arrival at the trailhead, you feel supported in all areas. Our porters carry your bags to the campsite ahead of you, ensuring your campsite is set and ready for your arrival. Our spacious 3-person tents for 2 people and camping mattresses ensure you have a comfy sleep.
Each evening and morning you will enjoy a basin of hot water outside your tent to clean up and feel refreshed. We great you each morning with your choice of tea or coffee in your tent before you meet us in our dining tent equipped with tables and chairs for a hot breakfast. We also provide a private tent with a transportable toilet ensuring we leave no trace!
Step into the smart, contemporary and cozy confines of El MaPi, amidst the picturesque Machu Picchu Pueblo. Discover an efficient, lively and friendly atmosphere, welcoming guests expecting an unfussy, down-to-earth break. The flowing lobby creates a sense of vitality. Lofty ceilings, panoramic windows and an open café allow natural light to filter between tall dried eucalyptus branches, creating an ambiance of order and well being.
Relax and rest in a pleasant and wholesome ambiance after your unforgettable and enlightening trek along the incredible Inca Trail.
Included:
English speaking guide
Porters who carry the camping gear
First aid kit, incl. emergency oxygen
Inca Trail entrance fee
Accommodations as detailed
All transfers as detailed
Duffel bag for porters to carry your allotted 10 lbs.
Meals as indicated (All dietary requests available)
High quality four seasons tents (Eureka)
Sleeping bags (Alta Montaña & North Face) and Sleeping mattress (Thermarest)
Not Include:
Alcoholic beverages
Tips
Huayna Picchu entrance
Travel Insurance
Airline tickets (where applicable)
Personal gear or items