The Inca Trail

For the Inca Trail, the best months are from April to October, as it is the dry season and the chances of sunny, pleasant days are really good.

Today begins your eventful hike on the Inca Trail from Cusco to Machu Picchu. It is the most popular hike in Peru and an unforgettable experience for well-conditioned hikers and culture enthusiasts.

Early in the morning you will be picked up at your hotel in Cusco and taken by bus to Piskacuchu in the Sacred Valley. This small town is located about 45 km from Machu Picchu and is the starting point of your trip. Here you will be welcomed by your guide and meet your fellow travelers. Then you will be on your way. You will hike at your own pace past impressive Inca terraces as well as the archaeological complex of Llactapata until you reach your campsite for today in Wayllabamba after about five hours. For the way we have of course packed a lunch box for you - very tasty.

In the evening you will enjoy a simple dinner. Now you have the opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers better and to exchange ideas. As the nights can get very cold, we recommend you to wrap up warm.

Running time: approx. 5 hours / approx. 10 kmCampsite altitude: 3,000 m

Overnight stay with full board in Wayllabamba, Peru

Strengthen yourself by the rich breakfast, because today what is by far the most strenuous part of the hike is waiting for you. You will hike uphill for about three hours, pass through dense mountain forests and can marvel at different ecological zones and microclimates along the way. Have you perhaps seen a llama or two?

Then the pass is finally approaching. Exhausted, you'll cross Warmiwaniusca, the Dead Woman's Pass, at 4,200 meters above sea level, where you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding area. Take a breath - all the efforts were worth it. Let your eyes wander to the Vilcanota mountain range and enjoy this great panorama that will make your heart beat faster.

After a delicious lunch, you will start your descent to Pacaymayo, where you will set up camp for the night.

Enjoy your well-deserved dinner before you retire to your tent and recharge your batteries for the coming day.

Running time: approx. 8 hours / approx. 12 kmCampsite altitude: 3,600 m

Overnight stay with full board in Pacaymayo, Peru

Once again, today it's time to put on your hiking boots and head to the second highest pass of the Inca Trail at 3,850 meters above sea level. On the way, you will visit the archaeological complex of Runkurakay as well as the Inca citadel of Sayacmarca, considered one of the most beautiful ruins on the trail.

Afterwards, you will continue hiking towards Puya Patamarka, the town at the height of the clouds, where you will see an important archaeological monument and where your lunch will be served. Well fortified, you will start your last stage of the day to the beautiful site of Wiñay Huayna. Although this part of the hike is not as strenuous anymore, the descent through the countless steps, however, gets to your legs. In addition, the trail is peppered with great photo opportunities. Enjoy the untouched nature in the middle of the mountains with orchids, ferns and birdsong.

In the evening you will pitch your tent for the last time and enjoy a delicious dinner with your fellow travelers.

Running time: approx. 10 hours / approx. 16 kmCampsite altitude: 2.650 m

Overnight stay with full board in Wiñay Huayna, Peru

Today starts already in the early morning hours. After a hearty breakfast, you will hike for about an hour through the forest until you reach Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. From here you will see for the first time the excavations of Machu Picchu, which are especially beautiful at sunrise. A sight that will make you forget all the efforts of the last days. After taking your first great photos of Machu Picchu, you will hike downhill for another hour and finally arrive at the ruins of the ancient Inca city. Here, you will first take part in a guided tour and learn all about the discovery as well as the different theories about the origin of Machu Picchu. Although the theories differ, one thing is certain: this lost city of the Incas is not only one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, but also one of the most fascinating and exciting places in the world. Listen to your guide, take great photos and soak up the special ambience. We agree: there is magic here.

Explore the magnificent ruins on your own before meeting up with the rest of the group for your return trip. Take the bus to Aguas Calientes to catch the train to Cusco.

We are happy to organize your stay in Cusco or in any other region. Just contact us - we will be happy to advise you.

Duration: 7 km / approx. 2 hours

itravel - For that moment.

The campsites on the Inca Trail are very basic. You sleep in tents and on the first two days there is no running water for a refreshing shower. Only on the third day of the hike you can enjoy your well-deserved shower.

Duration of the trip: 4 days / 3 nights

Included

• 3 nights including full board in a tent at campsites
• Information meeting before the hike
• Entrance fee for the Inca Trail
• Entrance fee for Machu Picchu
• English speaking guide
• Shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes
• Train ticket (expedition)
• Porter for equipment
• Camping equipment: two-man tent, sleeping mat/thermal nest, dining tent with table and chairs, kitchen
• The indicated price is valid in the travel period 01.03.20 - 31.12.20

Not included

• International flights
• Domestic flights
• Meals and drinks not mentioned in the scope of service
• Porters for personal belongings
• Entrance fee Huayna Picchu
• Hiking boots
• Walking stick
• Travel protection

Notes

• Departure: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
• From a group size of 3 participants the start is also possible on other weekdays
• The Inca Trail takes place together with international travelers and an English speaking guide
• To prevent altitude sickness, it is recommended to spend a few days acclimatizing in the nearby high altitude city of Cusco.
• A certain level of physical fitness is recommended for the Inca Trail
• Reservations are accepted up to a maximum of 3 months before the start date
• The demand for the Inca Trail is very high and the places are very limited.
• In February, the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance.
• Prices for the Inca Trail on a private basis are available upon request.