Inca Trail Trek & the Sacred Valley

♦ Start: Cusco
♦ Finish: Cusco

Every hiker dreams of hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu at some point in their life. It is a remarkable hike that retraces the steps of the Inca, crossing Dead Woman’s Pass (4,200 meters or 13,800 feet in elevation), and visits several isolated Incan ruins en route, ending at the Sun Gate overlooking Machu Picchu. For those willing to break a sweat, it offers stunning views of the surrounding cloud forest, jungles, and peaks of the Andes Mountains.

Duration

7 nights/ 8 days

Physical Rating

Difficult

Activities

Trekking

Places Visited

Cusco, Sacred Valley, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes

Highlights

5-Day hike along the famous Inca Trail to the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu
Enjoy a full day guided tour of Machu Picchu with the option of climbing Huayna Picchu, named one of the 20 most dangerous hikes in the world by Outside Magazine.
Travelling with us means discovering new trails paths away from the crowds. We have private campsites on our treks, allowing you to disconnect from the world and fully enjoy the adventure.
Soak in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes
Take a train with large panoramic windows from Machu Picchu back to Cusco

Is this trip right for you?

Due to the high altitude of the places we visit, the air is thinner and some people can suffer from altitude sickness. Some people aren’t affected at all, but if you are, be sure to drink plenty of water and don’t push yourself too hard. If possible, arrive into Cusco a few days early to allow yourself plenty of time to acclimate.
This trip involves a lot of strenuous hiking on mountainous and/or fairly difficult terrain and includes a lot of steep stairs. The trip is recommended for those who feel comfortable being active approximately 7-8 hours a day and requires an above average fitness level.
When hiking on the Inca trail, you’ll be camping with basic facilities. It’s not exactly the Hilton Hotel but the rewards of the trek are great.

INCA TRAIL PERMITS
Inca Trail permits are sold on a request basis only. Once deposit is paid and passport details provided, we will do our best to secure a permit for you. No more than 500 people per day are allowed to start the Inca Trail trek at km 82. This number includes all support staff (ie. porters, cooks and guides) and is very tightly controlled. Once this limit of 500 people is reached, the Trail is effectively closed off for the day and no further bookings can be made. Reservations are not held on the Trail and all permits to trek must be bought as far as possible in advance with complete and correct passport information, to which no modifications can be made. Any attempts at modifications result in a loss of the permit and any money paid. If Inca Trail permits are unavailable by the time you book, you can opt to hike the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu instead.

Important Note: The passport number and name that is submitted at the time of booking will be used to purchase the Inca Trail permit. This passport number and name will be used to identify yourself as you enter the checkpoint at the start of the trail and throughout the hike. If this information does not match the information you have submitted at time of confirmation, then you will be denied admission to the Inca Trail. Please note that these rules and regulations are strictly enforced by the governing bodies of the Inca Trail in Peru and are out of our control, meaning no exceptions can be made.

About Our Inca Trail Partner

Our Inca Trail partner has been operating tours to Machu Picchu since 1975. They were the first adventure company to operate commercial treks on the Inca Trail, as well as to Choquequirao and in the Carabaya Mountain Range. They are recognized as one of the World’s Leading Green Tour Operators by the World Travel Awards, and certified as a Sustainable Tour Operator by the Rainforest Alliance. All of our guides are English and Spanish speaking, and are not only experts on these routes, they have also been trained in first aid.

Cusco

Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel where you can start acclimating to being at 11,000 ft elevation in this beautiful city. This site was the historic capital of the Inca Empire from the 13th into the 16th century until the Spanish conquest. In 1983 Cusco was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

In the afternoon, we’ll take a walking tour of Cusco city and it’s archaeological and historical sites.

INCLUDED:

–Airport Transfer
–Half-Day Cusco Walking Tour

Overnight at Casa Andina or similar

Cusco Ruins, the Sacred Valley & Pisac Ruins (B, L)

Today, we’ll head out of Cusco to visit the main Inca ruins in the Cusco valley. We’ll visit Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachay, Pucapucara, and Q’enco. Leaving early by vehicle, we wind our way on the road to Sacsayhuaman, a vast fortress built on three platforms, overlooking the city of Cusco. From here we continue to Q’enco, a site of worship with a high rock carved into the shape of a Puma which dominates a series of canals, passageways painted with animals. The road continues uphill to reach Pucapucara and Tambomachay, a site with Inca baths. From here, we descend to the Sacred Valley overlooking the Pisac village and ruins, our first view of this beautiful Valley that runs from east to west.

The Spanish built the present-day town of Pisac along the Urubamba River half a century after the conquest, but the surviving terraces of it predecessor, Inca Pisac, are still draped across the mountains above. The signature terraces — stacked 40 high — are visible throughout much of the switch-backed drive from the market. The buildings are scattered nearly two square miles of the slope, and include fortifications, aqueducts, granaries, homes, and ceremonial spaces. A road takes us up to the ruins of Pisac where we will do a short hike over to the main temple and extended terracing before heading down to the village for lunch.

After lunch, we’ll head back to Cusco and spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the city.

INCLUDED:

–Guided tour of Cusco Ruins, the Sacred Valley & Pisac ruins
–Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Overnight at Casa Andina or similar

Inca Trail – Cusco to Llaqtapata Camp (B, L, D)

With your guide, you’ll be transferred from your hotel to Pisaycucho. You’ll start hiking at Km 82 on the railway along the Urubamba River stopping at Q’oriwayrakina for lunch. At Km 88, you’ll cross a small bridge at Q’ente and hike to the Llaqtapata campsite. If there is time, you may take a side trip to visit the archaeological remains of Qente and Machu Qente and the Llaptapata ruins. The camp is located amidst Inca terracing.

INCLUDED:

–Guided Inca Trail Trek w/ Porter Support
–Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 11 km (approx 6.8 miles)
Overnight at Llaqtapata Campsite

Inca Trail - Llaqtapata to Llulluchapampa Camp (B, L, D)

The Inca Trail winds slowly up to the Cusicacha Valley passing houses of settlers to finally reach the Andean community of Huayllabamba. From here the trail ascends steeply to a large pampa (meadow) below the first pass. At this campsite there is a breathtaking view of Mt. Huayanay. Along the trail up this narrow hanging valley is a rare Andean cloud forest that harbors the Que’ua tree, a rare forest found in the Andes.

INCLUDED:

–Guided Inca Trail Trek w/ Porter Support
–Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: 9 km (approx 5.6 miles)
Overnight at Llulluchapampa Campsite

Inca Trail - Llulluchapampa to Phuyupatamarca Camp (B, L, D)

A steady ascent on the Inca Trail up to the Warmiwañusqa pass (Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,200m (13,800 ft) affords a magnificent view of your ascent and the trail ahead of you. You’ll descend on a restored Inca Trail down to the Pacaymayo River to then ascend again to the ruins of Runkuraqay and the second pass at 4,050m (13,200ft). From here, you’ll walk down to the site at Sayacmarca at 3,850m (12,551ft) on the original Inca Trail, passing a dry lake and the first signs of the cloud forest. A beautiful location overlooking the Aobamba Valley, it affords a respite for a leisurely walk through its imposing structures. Continue along the ridge through amazing landscapes, viewing Mt. Salkantay from the western side and Mt. Pumasillo, a silhouette to the north on the horizon. Walking through a rolling flag stoned trail you arrive at Phuyupatamarca (the village on the edge of the clouds) in whose vicinity you’ll camp.

INCLUDED:

–Guided Inca Trail Trek w/ Porter Support
–Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking time: 7-8 hours
Distance: 14 km (approx 8.7 miles)
Overnight at Phuyupatamarca Campsite

Inca Trail - Phuyupatamarca to Machu Picchu via Winay Wayna and Intipunku (B, L)

An early departure today will have you trekking along a buttress and passing Phuyupatamarca ruins. The flag stoned trail winds sharply down into the cloud forest to the well restored ruins of Wiñay Wayna, located below the ridge on the same water course as the previous site. After a two hour walk through a cloud forest covered Inca Trail you’ll arrive at Machu Picchu the way the Incas used to come, watching the magnificent citadel at your feet from Intipunku (“the door of the sun”). Upon arrival, you’ll take a shuttle to your hotel in Aguas Calientes and once you get settled, relax your sore muscles in the Hot Springs of Aguas Calientes (not included).

INCLUDED:

–Guided Inca Trail Trek w/ Porter Support
–Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: 9 km (approx 5.6 miles)
Overnight at Waman Hotel or similar

Machu Picchu and return to Cusco (B, L)

A half hour bus ride will bring you back to Machu Picchu for a guided visit, which on average takes about three hours. Your’ll explore the extraordinary Inca remains with your guide, including an optional climb up Huayna Picchu, the towering mountain behind the site. For many people, climbing Huayna Picchu is one of the highlights when visiting Machu Picchu. The climb itself is interesting as you will see how the Incas cut out steps in the rocks as you wind around the side of a mountain. It will also allow you to see Machu Picchu from different angles. From a distance, the mountain looks impossible to climb without necessary tools, but the climb is quite possible for anyone who is averagely fit. The views of Machu Picchu seen from Huayna Picchu are breathtaking and really gives you an impression of the magnitude of the site.

In the afternoon, we’ll return by Expedition train to Cusco and transfer to our hotel. If we have any energy left, we can explore Cusco’s excellent nightlife. With a vast abundance of nightclubs, restaurants, bars and lounges, Cusco comes alive at night with the sights, sounds and experiences of a most fascinating, vibrating metropolis.

INCLUDED:

–Full Day Tour of Machu Picchu
–Expedition Train to Cusco
–Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Optional: Climb Huayna Picchu $85
Overnight at Casa Andina or similar

Cusco/ Departure

Today is departure day and you’ll be transferred to the airport at the appropriate time.

INCLUDED:

–Airport Transfer
–Meals: Breakfast

2018 Dates & Pricing

Go Private
Make it Custom

Gather your favorite people to share this adventure on the dates of your choice. Pricing available for individuals and 10% discount for groups of 8+!

Prices are valid for trips January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018

# People in Group:	Cost per Person: (double occupancy)
2	$2525
3	$2154
4	$2000
5	$1810
6	$1725
7	$1698
8	$1626

For groups larger than 8 people, please contact us for pricing.

All prices are per person in U.S. dollars based on double occupancy.

Want your own room? The single supplement fee for this trip is $314

Please submit your contact information along with booking preferences and we’ll confirm availability within 48 hours and request payment at that time.

NOTE: All quotations are based on the current rates of park fees, VAT, other government taxes, and current exchange rates. Should any of these be increased or a new tax introduced, these increases will be added on even if your trip has already been paid for.

Not finding what you’re looking for? We can tailor your adventure to fit your travel style, time frame, budget, and interests. From different styles of lodging to your favorite adventure activities, we’ll create the best custom itinerary for you. Feel free to call one of our travel specialists for information on custom trips. Let us plan your next adventure of a lifetime!

Request a Custom Itinerary

TRIP LEADER(S)

Local Guides

WHAT’S INCLUDED

4 nights hotel/ 3 nights camping	All meals indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L= Lunch, D=Dinner)
All transfers listed in the itinerary	Half-Day Cusco Walking Tour
Guided tour of Cusco Ruins, the Sacred Valley & Pisac ruins	Bilingual, certified guides (with first aid kit and oxygen)
Porters that carry equipment and luggage	All entrance fees
Fully supported 5-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek including: Large two-person tents and Thermarest sleeping pad, Inca Trail permits, all porters, cook team, dining tent and commissary gear, and portable toilet for Inca Trail (shared services)

NOT INCLUDED

Airfare to/from Cusco Airport (CUZ)	Beverages & Meals not specified
Optional Activities	Gratuities
Personal Expenses	Travel Insurance
Airport taxes and excess baggage fees