Day 1: Cusco – Km. 82 (Piskacucho) – Ayapata.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu begins with pickup at approximately 5:30 a.m. We will travel for 2 hours to Ollantaytambo (2,792 meters above sea level/9,169 feet), where we will stop for breakfast. After our stop, we will continue our journey in our private transportation to Km. 82 – Piskacucho (2,709 meters above sea level/8,887 feet), where the Inca Trail entry controls are carried out.

The Inca Trail begins once you have passed through the checkpoint. We will cross a suspension bridge over the Vilcanota River. The first day is relatively easy during the first few hours, as the terrain is relatively flat.

This day we will have wonderful views of the Inca fortress Huillca Raccay (2,750 masl/9,022 ft), the incredible archaeological site of Llactapata (2,650 masl/8,694 ft), and the beautiful snow-capped W’akay Willca, also known as Veronica (5,893 masl/19,333 ft). We will continue our hike through the Cusi-Chaca River Valley, where we will stop for lunch. Then we will arrive at the town of Wayllabamba (3,000 masl/9,842 ft), where we can regain our strength, since it will be uphill from this point to our camp. Upon arrival at our camp, our support group (porters and a cook), who will be called Waykis (a Quechua word meaning brother) for this narration, will welcome us.

Our first camp will be in Ayapata (3,475 masl/11,400 ft). which is a 60-minute hike from the small town of Wayllabamba.

• Difficulty level: Easy – Moderate.
• Total distance: Approx. 14 kilometers/8.6 miles.
• Hiking time: Approximately 7 hours.
• Ollantaytambo elevation: 2,792 meters above sea level/9,169 ft.
• Piskacucho elevation: 2,709 meters above sea level/8,887 ft.
• Patallacta elevation: 2,650 meters above sea level/8,694 ft.
• Huillca Raccay elevation: 2,750 meters above sea level/9,022 ft.
• Wayllabamba elevation: 3,000 meters above sea level/9,842 ft.
• Ayapata elevation: 3,475 meters above sea level/11,400 ft.
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and snack.
• Accommodation: camping.

Day 2: Ayapata – Warmiwañusca – Ch’aqicocha

This will be the longest, most difficult, and at the same time the most rewarding day of the Inca Trail. We will encounter spectacular Andean landscapes and unique vegetation (it is recommended to start early in the morning). We will start the day at 5:00 a.m. and after a good breakfast, we will begin a leisurely ascent to the Warmiwañusca Pass, crossing the Llulluchapampa camp at 3,800 masl / 12,467 ft. Located at the foot of the pass, here we will have a light rest to regain our strength and continue our adventure uphill for 2 hours to the Warmiwañusca Pass (a Quechua word meaning Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,215 masl / 13,828 ft. From here, after the 4-hour climb, we will celebrate together having reached the highest point. We’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, taking photos, and absorbing the energy of the mountains. We’ll enjoy unique views, different microclimates, beautiful green valleys, and a unique contrast of flora and fauna.

During this tour, we’ll appreciate the varied vegetation, surrounded by attractive views of the Andean landscape, with native plants such as Polilepys or Q’ueuña, and fauna such as hummingbirds, deer, llamas, and others.

After a short break, we’ll descend for approximately two hours to the Pacaymayu Valley (3,350 meters above sea level/10,990 feet), where our Waykis will be waiting for us with lunch ready. After a well-deserved rest, we’ll continue our hike on the opposite side of the valley, heading toward the second pass on the trek. Along the way, we’ll have fantastic views of waterfalls as well as flora and fauna. Halfway through the trek, we will stop and visit the Inca site of Runkurakay (3,700 masl/12,139 ft) (a tambo – food storage). We will rest for a moment to catch our breath before continuing our ascent to Runkurakay Pass (3,850 masl/12,631 ft).

From Runkurakay Pass, we will begin our descent back into the cloud forest. After approximately 1 hour, we will reach the Sayacmarca archaeological complex (3,650 masl/11,975 ft), located to the east. We will have time for a guided tour.

Our day will be coming to an end with the sunset on the horizon, just 30 minutes from our campsite in Ch’aqicocha (3,680 masl/12,073 ft).

• Difficulty: Challenging – Difficult.
• Distance: 16 km/ 9.9 miles.
• Walking Time: 10 hours Approx.
• Height of Llulluchapampa: 3,800 masl/12t467 ft.
• Height of Warmiwañusca Pass: 4,215 masl/13828 ft.
• Pacaymayu height: 3,350 meters above sea level/10,990 ft.
• Height of the Runkurakay Inca site: 3,700 masl/12,139 ft.
• Height of Runkurakay Pass: 3,850 masl/12,631 ft.
• Height of CA Sayacmarca: 3,650 masl/11,975 ft.
• Height of Ch’aqicocha: 3,680 masl/12,073 ft.
• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner – Snack.
• Accommodation: Campsite.

Day 3: Ch’aqicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna

We’ll start the third day slowly, as our hike will only take approximately 5 hours. From Ch’aqicocha onward, the Inca Trail offers stunning views of the Vilcabamba mountain range, as well as abundant flora and fauna. We’ll hike for two hours, surrounded by unique greenery, gradual slopes, and abundant flora, leading us to the third pass, Phuyupatamarca (pass), altitude 3,650 meters (11,975 ft), where we’ll have our first view of Machu Picchu Mountain and the Urubamba River.

After a break, we’ll take a short tour of the Phuyupatamarca Archaeological Center, altitude 3,600 meters (11,811 ft). English: then continue our descent down cobbled steps, we will walk for a couple of hours until we reach the Inca agricultural site of Inti Pata at an altitude of 2,840 masl / 9,317 ft. where we can take a break and enjoy its magical surroundings. The next stop will be our camp in Wiñaywayna at an altitude of 2,650 masl / 8,694 ft. Located about 30 minutes away, we will arrive at this point around 12:00 pm. To enjoy our last lunch prepared by our Waykis, and as usual followed by a well-deserved rest, we will have free time to explore and enjoy this important archaeological center, where your guide will explain the historical importance of this archaeological site.

Wiñaywayna, this archaeological complex is the largest on the Inca Trail after Machu Picchu. It consists of an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center, with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector. At this site, we’ll find spectacular views over the narrow valley of the Urubamba River.

• Difficulty: Moderate.
• Total distance: 9 km/5.5 miles.
• Duration: 5 hours.
• Phuyupatamarca elevation: 3,650 masl/11,975 ft. (pass).
• Phuyupatamarca elevation: 3,600 masl/11,811 ft. (archaeological site).
• Intipata elevation: 2,840 masl/9,317 ft.
• Wiñaywayna elevation: 2,650 masl/8,694 ft.
• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon tea – Dinner – Snack.
• Accommodation: Campsite.

Day 4: Intipunku – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco

We’ll start the day at 4:00 a.m. After a light breakfast, we’ll head toward the last checkpoint on the Inca Trail, located 10 minutes from the campsite, where we’ll stay until 5:30 a.m. After passing through, we’ll face a relatively easy stretch that will take an average of 1.5 hours along a flat stone path in the high jungle until we reach the Sun Gate (Intipunku), at an altitude of 2,745 meters (9,005 ft). This is where we’ll take our first photos and witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu after three intense days of hiking.

After admiring the view of Machu Picchu from Intipunku (Sun Gate), it will take us approximately another hour to reach the site itself, the Archaeological Complex of Machu Picchu, at an altitude of 2,430 meters (7,972 ft). and take the classic photos. Then, as part of their work, the park rangers will direct us to the exit, so we can re-enter the complex and explore it.

Finally, once again inside the Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex (one of the New 7 Wonders of the Modern World), we will have a 2-hour guided tour with plenty of free time to explore and enjoy this beautiful place. There is also the option to climb Huayna Picchu, altitude 2,693 meters/8,835 feet (reservation required due to limited daily space). During your private tour, your guide will give you a detailed tour with stories and reviews about this impressive Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex.

Points of Visit

• The Temple of the Sun.
• The Intihuatana.
• The Quarry.
• The House of the Incas.
• Urban Areas.
• The Temple of the Three Windows.
• The Temple of the Condor.
• The Hall of Mirrors.
• The Staircase of the.
• Fountains.
• Huayna Picchu Mountain.
• The Temple of the Moon.
• The Main Plaza.
• The Royal Tomb.
• The Sacred Rock.

Starting at 2:30 PM, we will meet at a restaurant in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Village) at 2,060 meters above sea level/6,758 feet for our last lunch together. After lunch, you will receive your exclusive panoramic train tickets for your return trip to Cusco.

All of this makes Machu Picchu Peru’s top tourist destination, receiving nearly 2 million visitors a year, all of whom marvel at its majesty. Let us be your host, serving and guiding you to this Wonder of the World, and you too will be one of those privileged visitors.

SAMIN EXPEDTIONS will ensure your return to your hotel.

• Difficulty: Easy.
• Duration: 6 hours.
• Machu Picchu Height: 2,430 meters above sea level/7,972 feet.
• Huayna Picchu Height: 2,693 meters above sea level/8,835 feet.
• Aguas Calientes Height (Machu Picchu Village): 2,060 meters above sea level/6,758 feet.
• Meals: Lunch (not included).
• Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco.

• Experienced, professional, bilingual guide.
• Orientation meeting at your hotel with your guide 1 or 2 days before the start of the trek.
• Waykis porters to carry tents, food, and cooking equipment.
• Chef and cooking equipment.
• Permits: Since the Inca Trail is a protected area, government permits are required. As soon as we receive your information and a deposit, we will purchase your permits (pending availability; see our Inca Trail Availability link). These permits are for a specific date and in your name. They cannot be changed once confirmed. Only updating your passport number is allowed.
  • • Entrance to the Inca Trail.
    • Entrance to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu.
• All private transportation:
  • • Airport transfers to your hotel.
    • Pickup from your hotel by your guide.
    • Cusco to Piskacucho (start of the trek).
    • One bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
    • Expedition-class tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
    • Private transportation from Ollantaytambo station to Cusco.
    • Transfer from your hotel to the airport.
• 7 kg / 16 lb of your personal items (clothing, sleeping bag) will be carried by the porters; you will only carry your backpack.
• Tents (large and comfortable): 2 people per tent with inflatable mattresses.
• Dining room, kitchen, tents with tables, chairs, and portable toilets.
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (vegetarian food optional upon request).
• First aid kit, including an emergency oxygen tank.
• Hot water for personal hygiene.
• Cold, boiled water throughout the tour to refill your bottles or canisters.

Every hiker needs it.

• Sleeping bag.
• Inflatable sleeping mats.
• Walking sticks (with rubber tips) are optional but recommended. If you don’t wish to bring any of the above, all are available for rent:
  • • Sleeping bag: $25
    • Walking sticks (pair): $20
• Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD – you must book well in advance if you wish to add an additional hike. Please let us know at the time of booking.
• Vistadome Class train for $75 USD per person (upgrade).
• Lunch and dinner on the last day.
• Travel Insurance:
  • • To protect your travel investment, we recommend purchasing travel insurance. Obtaining travel insurance before leaving home is highly recommended and easy.
• *** TIPS ***
  • • At SAMIN EXPEDITIONS: our staff are provided a fair salary indicated as medium-high. Tips are optional but greatly appreciated.

Essentials:

• Passport.
• Valid STUDENT ID (if booked as a student).
• Immigration card (issued at the airport upon entering Peru).
• Backpack (the smaller the better).
• Water storage: A 2- or 3-liter camelback container is recommended.
• Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles).

For your carry-on bag:

Porters will carry up to 7 kg/16 lb of your personal items. This should include your sleeping bag and air mattress if you bring one.

• 2 or 3 T-shirts.
• 2 or 3 hiking pants.
• 1 comfortable outfit for the day in Machu Picchu.
• 5 sets of underwear.
• 4 sets of hiking socks.
• 1 thick, soft scarf.
• 1 warm jacket: it gets very cold at night.
• 1 rain jacket and pants.
• 1 sun hat.
• 1 wool hat.
• Headlamp: essential.
• Waterproof gloves.
• Comfortable camping shoes (tennis shoes).
• Hiking boots.
• Waterproof jacket/rain poncho.
• Quick-dry towel. We provide small towels; you may enjoy something a little larger.
• Small bottle of soap: warm water provided daily for personal hygiene.
• Battery charger: No place to plug it in during the hike!
• Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep the route clean.
• Sleeping bag: down bags rated for at least -10°C are recommended.

Toiletry Items:

• Sunscreen.
• Facial moisturizer.
• Insect repellent.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Wet wipes.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Toilet paper.

Inside your backpack:

Backpacks can be any size for the hike, but we always suggest the smaller the better. Inside the Machu Picchu citadel, backpacks larger than 25L will not be allowed. If it’s larger, you’ll need to store it outside the citadel gates. But don’t worry, they have a secure storage facility.

• Water: We provide clean water at every meal. You are responsible for bringing water for the first morning because we won’t have time to filter the water until your first lunch.
• Personal medication.
• Some snacks such as chocolate bars and fruit.
• Sun hat.
• Rain gear.
• Rain poncho.
• Fleece jacket.
• Camera.
• Music (cell phone).
• Hand sanitizer.
• Toilet paper and a small
• plastic bag for waste.
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips.

What is the Inca Trail?

• The Inca Trail (also called the «Inca Trail» or «Camino Inca») is one of the most important hiking routes in South America. This is influenced by its original Inca architecture, the archaeological remains along the route, and the natural mix of jungle and cloud forest along the way.
• The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or the Tahuantinsuyo Trail Network to Machu Picchu is a hiking trail in Peru that ends at Machu Picchu.

What is the Inca Trail and what places does it cover?

• If you thought the Inca Trail was just the route you hiked from Cusco to Machu Picchu, you were very wrong. The Tahuantinsuyo Trail Network actually covers 30,000 kilometers, spanning southern Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, and Chile.

How is the Inca Trail done?

• The Inca Trail is only permitted with a tour guide. Tickets must be purchased through an authorized travel agency. The agency will book your entrance ticket and everything you need to complete the Inca Trail. Tickets must be booked six months in advance.

Can people of any age visit Machu Picchu?

• Yes, it is open to people of all ages. However, to ascend Huayna Picchu, only people over 12 years old are allowed.

What time can I enter Machu Picchu?

• Public access is from 6 am to 5 pm.

What to see in Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is home to nearly 150 amazing structures. These are some of the highlights:

• The Temple of the Sun.
• The Intihuatana.
• The Temple of the Three Windows.
• The Temple of the Condor.
• The Hall of Mirrors.
• The Staircase of the Fountains.
• Huayna Picchu Mountain.
• The Temple of the Moon.
• The Gate of the Sun (Intipunku).
• The main plaza.
• The Royal Tomb.
• The Sacred Rock.