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8-Day Classic Inca Trail Journey to Machu Picchu from Cusco
8 days
About this activity
Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVAL TO CUSCO
Pass By: Cusco 08007, Peru
Upon your arrival to the airport in Cusco, a Inkayni Peru Tours staff member will be there to greet you and take you to our partner hotel, located in the charming historic district of San Blas. The lodge is centrally located and only a few minutes’ walk from the Plaza de Armas, the beautiful and bustling town center.
This day will be reserved for resting to adapt to the altitude, approximately 3400 meters (11,000 feet).
Meet your expedition group at 5:00pm.
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Tandapata Boutique Hotel *** or similar.
Day 2: CHINCHERO – MARAS SALT MINES & MORAY
Stop At: Sacred Valley of the Incas, 0051 Peru
We will pick you up from your hotel around 8 AM and head to Moray. The drive is about 1 hour and 20 minutes and is absolutely beautiful. You will drive through the snow-capped peaks of the Andes, through lush yellow fields of wheat, past some villages.
Finally you will arrive to the fascinating display of terraces in Moray. Moray boasts three amphitheater-like terraces made by the Incas. These terraces, which are carved deep into the earth in a bowl shape, were thought to be used to determine the optimal conditions for growing crops.
When you are done exploring Moray you will head to the salt mines of Maras, which is about 2 miles away. This village is known as a former salt-producing center that is thought to date back all the way to pre-Inca times. There are over 3000 salt pools all carved into the mountain side, being filled daily by a little stream of water.
The last place to visit will be Chinchero. Here we can admire the well-preserved Inka walls of the main square as well as the many altars. We will also visit the beautiful colonial church, unique for its interior artwork and imagery. Moving on we will participate in a wonderful introduction and learning experience of the art of Andean textiles; throughout the afternoon we will become acquainted with the wisdom of Andean weavings as maintained since long before Inka times.
If you want to see something really different from ruins, this is your tour! The area is amazing and spectacularly beautiful. Once you are done with the visit, you will head back to the city in time to enjoy some lunch on your own.
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Tandapata Boutique Hotel *** or similar.
Day 3: FIRST DAY INKA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU: PISCACUCHO TO WAYLLABAMBA (12 KM)
Stop At: Inca Trail, Machu Picchu Peru
After breakfast we will travel to the starting location of the trail, known as kilometer 82. This first day is relatively easy going and smooth as we move along visiting ruins such as the city of Patallacta. This ruin, constructed at the foot of a mountain, was a very important center that had administrative, economic, and religious functions. We will also visit Willkarakay, a military post located above the site of Patallacta.
After visiting these two sites we will enter the valley of Wayllabamba, walking along the banks of the Cusichaca (“happy bridge”) River, also observing the Inca terraces that belong to the previous archaelogical sites. Continuing our gradual walk upward we will arrive to our first campsite in Wayllabamba.
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Campasite
Day 4: SECOND DAY INCA TRAIL: WAYLLABAMBA TO PACAYMAYU (11 KM)
Stop At: Inca Trail, Machu Picchu Peru
We will begin our day very early to reach at the end of the day the highest point on the Inca trail, the mountain pass of Warmihuañusca (dead woman’s pass).
The trek in the morning is rather physically intense, more so for those who are not accostumed to hikes in this altitude, yet it is alsoone of the most spectacular. The first part of the trail we will walk approximately 1 hour and a half through the cover of a densely vegetated Andean forest until arriving to the campsite of Three Stones, where we will take a short rest.
Continuing on our ascent, the habitat will begin to change as we enter the inter-andean forest full of Unca trees, unique to this area. Two hours later we will arrive to another campsite, Llulluchapampa, where we will take an extended rest with snacks and hot drinks. From here begins the final ascent to the pass of Warmihuañusca at 4,215 meters (13,829 ft), the highest point of the trek, a great opportunity for fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding valleys below, before descending a few hours to our next campsite in Pacaymayu for the night.
Duration: 7 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Campsite.
Day 5: THIRD DAY INCA TRAIL: PACAYMAYU TO WIÑAYHUAYNA (15 KM)
Stop At: Inca Trail, Cusco 08000 Peru
We will begin ascending about 45 minutes to the archaelogical site of Runkurakay, located mid-mountain, that was in ancient times a tambo, or resting place. Another 45 minute ascent will take us to the second highest pass of the Inca trail, Runkurakay (3950 m, 12,959 ft), after which we will descend to the beautiful archaeological site of Sayacmarca, constructed in a strategic location. After a thorough visit we will continue down the beautifully paved road to our lunch site at Chaquicocha.
From here onward to Phuyupatamarca we will enter the high Andean cloud forest, a maravillous display of Nature’s beauty. Here the trail continues a narrow ridge until arriving to the pass of Phuyupatamarka, a natural viewing area where it is possible to see the Sacred Valley and numerous mountain peaks, as well as our final destination of Machu Picchu. From here we will descend to our last campsite, passing a very important archaeological site and temple designated for offerings to the sacred mountain spirits of the area, as well as a large terraced area for agriculture. Slightly beyond is our campsite for the night, Wiñayhuayna.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Campsite.
Day 6: FOURTH DAY INCA TRAIL: WIÑAYHUAYNA TO MACHU PICCHU (5 KM)
Stop At: Inca Trail, Machu Picchu Peru
We will rise very early to complete the final stretch of the Inca Trail, which brings us to Inti Punku or the Sun Gate, the principal entrance of the crystal city of Machu Picchu. The trail here is fairly easy going and after about an hour we will arrive to Inti Punku, an awesome location to observe the citadel of Machu Picchu and, weather permitting, sunrise in the Andes.
Afterwards, a 45 minute descent will take us into the higher area of Machu Picchu, a natural lookout point for the “famous” classic picture and an opportunity for a group picture. Here we will enter as a group to the main entrance for registration before returning to the site for the main tour to learn more about this magical place of beauty and culture left by our ancestors. The tour will last approximately 2 to 3 hours, you can also climb the Huayna Picchu moutain (at an extra cost and have to be booked in advance). In the Afternoon we will descend by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes for lunch, then return to Cusco by train.
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Golden Sunrise *** or similar.
Day 7: FREE DAY
Pass By: Cusco 08007, Peru
Free day to explore the old capital of the Inca Empire, the legendary navel of the world. Colonial churches, mutiple parks, squares, and colonial mansions built atop perfectly constructed original Inca walls. Craft shops full of souvenirs of all kinds, weavings, jewelry, stonework and more! And of course, local restaurants with the best of Andean cuisine!.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Tandapata Boutique Hotel *** or similar.
Day 8: CUSCO WALKING TOUR – FLY TO LIMA
Pass By: Cusco 08007, Peru
Free morning to relax or do Cusco walking tour. The walking tour will visit the following places:
Plaza de Armas / Main Plaza, which is home to the main cathedral and colonial houses
Plaza Nazarenas
San Blas neighborhood
The twelve angle stone
San Pedro local market
In the afternoon there will be a transfer to the airport for your departure to Lima.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
Read more
Show less
Day 1: ARRIVAL TO CUSCO
Pass By: Cusco 08007, Peru
Upon your arrival to the airport in Cusco, a Inkayni Peru Tours staff member will be there to greet you and take you to our partner hotel, located in the charming historic district of San Blas. The lodge is centrally located and only a few minutes’ walk from the Plaza de Armas, the beautiful and bustling town center.
This day will be reserved for resting to adapt to the altitude, approximately 3400 meters (11,000 feet).
Meet your expedition group at 5:00pm.
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Tandapata Boutique Hotel *** or similar.
Day 2: CHINCHERO – MARAS SALT MINES & MORAY
Stop At: Sacred Valley of the Incas, 0051 Peru
We will pick you up from your hotel around 8 AM and head to Moray. The drive is about 1 hour and 20 minutes and is absolutely beautiful. You will drive through the snow-capped peaks of the Andes, through lush yellow fields of wheat, past some villages.
Finally you will arrive to the fascinating display of terraces in Moray. Moray boasts three amphitheater-like terraces made by the Incas. These terraces, which are carved deep into the earth in a bowl shape, were thought to be used to determine the optimal conditions for growing crops.
When you are done exploring Moray you will head to the salt mines of Maras, which is about 2 miles away. This village is known as a former salt-producing center that is thought to date back all the way to pre-Inca times. There are over 3000 salt pools all carved into the mountain side, being filled daily by a little stream of water.
The last place to visit will be Chinchero. Here we can admire the well-preserved Inka walls of the main square as well as the many altars. We will also visit the beautiful colonial church, unique for its interior artwork and imagery. Moving on we will participate in a wonderful introduction and learning experience of the art of Andean textiles; throughout the afternoon we will become acquainted with the wisdom of Andean weavings as maintained since long before Inka times.
If you want to see something really different from ruins, this is your tour! The area is amazing and spectacularly beautiful. Once you are done with the visit, you will head back to the city in time to enjoy some lunch on your own.
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Tandapata Boutique Hotel *** or similar.
Day 3: FIRST DAY INKA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU: PISCACUCHO TO WAYLLABAMBA (12 KM)
Stop At: Inca Trail, Machu Picchu Peru
After breakfast we will travel to the starting location of the trail, known as kilometer 82. This first day is relatively easy going and smooth as we move along visiting ruins such as the city of Patallacta. This ruin, constructed at the foot of a mountain, was a very important center that had administrative, economic, and religious functions. We will also visit Willkarakay, a military post located above the site of Patallacta.
After visiting these two sites we will enter the valley of Wayllabamba, walking along the banks of the Cusichaca (“happy bridge”) River, also observing the Inca terraces that belong to the previous archaelogical sites. Continuing our gradual walk upward we will arrive to our first campsite in Wayllabamba.
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Campasite
Day 4: SECOND DAY INCA TRAIL: WAYLLABAMBA TO PACAYMAYU (11 KM)
Stop At: Inca Trail, Machu Picchu Peru
We will begin our day very early to reach at the end of the day the highest point on the Inca trail, the mountain pass of Warmihuañusca (dead woman’s pass).
The trek in the morning is rather physically intense, more so for those who are not accostumed to hikes in this altitude, yet it is alsoone of the most spectacular. The first part of the trail we will walk approximately 1 hour and a half through the cover of a densely vegetated Andean forest until arriving to the campsite of Three Stones, where we will take a short rest.
Continuing on our ascent, the habitat will begin to change as we enter the inter-andean forest full of Unca trees, unique to this area. Two hours later we will arrive to another campsite, Llulluchapampa, where we will take an extended rest with snacks and hot drinks. From here begins the final ascent to the pass of Warmihuañusca at 4,215 meters (13,829 ft), the highest point of the trek, a great opportunity for fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding valleys below, before descending a few hours to our next campsite in Pacaymayu for the night.
Duration: 7 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Campsite.
Day 5: THIRD DAY INCA TRAIL: PACAYMAYU TO WIÑAYHUAYNA (15 KM)
Stop At: Inca Trail, Cusco 08000 Peru
We will begin ascending about 45 minutes to the archaelogical site of Runkurakay, located mid-mountain, that was in ancient times a tambo, or resting place. Another 45 minute ascent will take us to the second highest pass of the Inca trail, Runkurakay (3950 m, 12,959 ft), after which we will descend to the beautiful archaeological site of Sayacmarca, constructed in a strategic location. After a thorough visit we will continue down the beautifully paved road to our lunch site at Chaquicocha.
From here onward to Phuyupatamarca we will enter the high Andean cloud forest, a maravillous display of Nature’s beauty. Here the trail continues a narrow ridge until arriving to the pass of Phuyupatamarka, a natural viewing area where it is possible to see the Sacred Valley and numerous mountain peaks, as well as our final destination of Machu Picchu. From here we will descend to our last campsite, passing a very important archaeological site and temple designated for offerings to the sacred mountain spirits of the area, as well as a large terraced area for agriculture. Slightly beyond is our campsite for the night, Wiñayhuayna.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Campsite.
Day 6: FOURTH DAY INCA TRAIL: WIÑAYHUAYNA TO MACHU PICCHU (5 KM)
Stop At: Inca Trail, Machu Picchu Peru
We will rise very early to complete the final stretch of the Inca Trail, which brings us to Inti Punku or the Sun Gate, the principal entrance of the crystal city of Machu Picchu. The trail here is fairly easy going and after about an hour we will arrive to Inti Punku, an awesome location to observe the citadel of Machu Picchu and, weather permitting, sunrise in the Andes.
Afterwards, a 45 minute descent will take us into the higher area of Machu Picchu, a natural lookout point for the “famous” classic picture and an opportunity for a group picture. Here we will enter as a group to the main entrance for registration before returning to the site for the main tour to learn more about this magical place of beauty and culture left by our ancestors. The tour will last approximately 2 to 3 hours, you can also climb the Huayna Picchu moutain (at an extra cost and have to be booked in advance). In the Afternoon we will descend by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes for lunch, then return to Cusco by train.
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Golden Sunrise *** or similar.
Day 7: FREE DAY
Pass By: Cusco 08007, Peru
Free day to explore the old capital of the Inca Empire, the legendary navel of the world. Colonial churches, mutiple parks, squares, and colonial mansions built atop perfectly constructed original Inca walls. Craft shops full of souvenirs of all kinds, weavings, jewelry, stonework and more! And of course, local restaurants with the best of Andean cuisine!.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Tandapata Boutique Hotel *** or similar.
Day 8: CUSCO WALKING TOUR – FLY TO LIMA
Pass By: Cusco 08007, Peru
Free morning to relax or do Cusco walking tour. The walking tour will visit the following places:
Plaza de Armas / Main Plaza, which is home to the main cathedral and colonial houses
Plaza Nazarenas
San Blas neighborhood
The twelve angle stone
San Pedro local market
In the afternoon there will be a transfer to the airport for your departure to Lima.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
Included
- 7x Breakfast
- 4x Dinner
- 4x Lunch
- Accommodation included: 7 nights
- Before the Inca Trail:
- All transfers
- All breakfast included in the accommodations
- Professional English-speaking guide
- 4-night accommodation in 3 star hotels.
- During the Inca Trail trek:
- Pick-up from your hotel
- Transportation by bus to Km 82
- Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Assistant tour guide for groups of 9+
- Chef
- Porters to carry cooking and camping equipment
- Return transportation by train and bus to Cusco
- Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own)
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- 4-man tent for every 2 trekkers
- Inflatable sleeping mattress -(you need to carry this unless you hire a personal porter)
- Oxygen bottle and first-aid kit
- Entry/Admission - Cusco
- Entry/Admission - Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Entry/Admission - Inca Trail
Not included
- Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us)
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain
- Gratuities
- First breakfast and last lunch of the Inka Trail
- Extra Personal porter(USD$80)
- Single Supplement (USD$400 for accommodation and tent)
- International and domestic flights
- Travel Insurance - you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip
Additional
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Minimum age is 6 years old
- Not recommended for participants with back problems, heart disease or other serious medical conditions
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Important: Upon booking, please contact the email address on your voucher to advise of any specific requirements and flight information
- What you need to bring:
- Original Passport, ISIC card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
- Clothes: Walking boots, Waterproof jacket / rain poncho, Warm jacket, Hat and gloves, T-shirts, comfortable trousers
- Other items: Sunscreen (factor 35 or higher), insect repellent, toiletries and hand sanitizer, personal medication, camera and film, torch with spare batteries
- Note: Since 2000, the Inca trail has been regulated by the country of Peru. This has provided many wonderful things, like clean trails and camping sites, but it has also limited the amount of people on the trail each day. Now only 500 people are permitted on the trail every morning – this includes hikers, guides, porters and cooks.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
Features
Tourism
95%
Cultural
60%
Aquatic
30%
Original
20%
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