- .TOTAL DISTANCE: 45 KM / 26 MILES.
- GOOD FOR: THOSE WHO ENJOY HIKING AND HAVE A MODERATE LEVEL OF FITNESS.
- CONSIDERATIONS: PERMIT REQUIRED.
- HIKING SEASON: 11 MONTHS OF THE YEAR
- TRAIL CLOSE: ONLY FEBRUARY.
- ACCLIMATIZATION: PLEASE SPEND AT LEAST REST DAYS IN CUSCO BEFORE START YOUR HIKE.
- GROUP SIZE: CAN BE 2 OR 8 HIKER.
Overview
Economic Inca Trail 4 Days
Considered the best hike of Peru´ and the world for the beauty and wonderful archeological sites on the mountains. Also you can see different microclimates. we will also see some archaeological centers that are partially covered by the forest and makes it look as if we discovered it for the first time, to finally arrive at the lost city of The Incas, «Machu Picchu«.
It is perfect for those who seek to experience archaeological, cultural treasures and great diversity of native plants of the zone. This is one of the most known hikes in the world and will reward those who are willing to break sweat with an impressive combination of mountains and beautiful trails.
We run our own tours, which guarantees the fair treatment of our porters and quality equipment creating an unforgettable trip for you that will be engraved in your memory and you will not be able to forget it or compare it with others.
Itinerary
CUSCO ANDEAN HIKE will pick you up from your hotel very early at 5:00 a.m on our private bus. Maybe your breakfast is not included in your hotel we will stop at ollantaytambo (a village in the sacred valley) To have a breakfast and you can buy some things that you lack (breakfast is not included by CUSCO ANDEAN HIKE).
Then we continue with our trip to arrive at kilometer 82 Piscacucho around 8:30 am, we enlist With our backpacks, then we walked to stop us near the train track to make photographs under a large sign the beginning of the Inca Trail.
We see the checkpoint with tourists in the queue, we will show the ticket and passport. Once inside the Inca trail, the hike is easy, looking at the flora and fauna and archaeological sites, stopping in some places to have information about Inca sites, there are some villages with people selling water and food to tourists, we see the Way to LLAQTAPATA and the place of lunch Tarachayaq, after lunch we walk for an hour and half, to the camp that is in Huayllabamba village, a place to camp.
Meals: Lunch/Dinner
Accommodations: Camping
Maximum altitude: 2980 m/ 9776 ft
Minimum altitude: 2750 m/9000 ft
Distance walk: 14 km/8.7 miles
Approximate walking time: 7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
It is harder for everyone, we will gradually ascend to the highest point on the Inca trail, the dead woman's pass or Warmiwañuska(4215masl) we walk from the village of Huayllabamba (2980 masl) along the way we can find different native trees Of the area as it is also possible to find local animals like condor hummingbird, deer, foxes, along the way we can find only two places to buy water and some food, after the second place nobody sells anything. But do not worry we will make water to provide them during the last two days of the Inca trail.
Here you will have the great satisfaction of reaching the highest point of the entire Inca Trail. After this fabulous experience, we will have to descend to Pacaymayo, where we will have lunch, dinner and our camp
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodations: Camping
Maximum altitude: 4215m/ 13825 ft
Minimum altitude: 2980 m/9776 ft
Distance walk: 7 km/4.3 miles
Approximate walking time: 7 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
This day is one of the longest. But the presence of small Inca archaeological sites along the way makes it worthwhile. We will ascend by a steep path and to the second pass, where we will find the first archeological center of Runkuracay (3750 masl) and the runkurakay pass (3950 masl). Afterwards, we will descend to Sayaqmarka (3600 masl) known as "The dominant city".
After the visit of the archaeological center we continue for about 30 min until the lunch place chakicocha, then continue the journey until reaching the first tunnel on the way and Then we will arrive at the last step on the Inca Trail, from where we will see the city of Phuyupatamarca, "town on the clouds" (3665 masl), undoubtedly one of the most original cities of the Inca Trail. Then we will descend using around 2000 stone steps until we reach our last Wiñaywayna camp "forever young" (2667 masl).
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodations: Camping
Maximum altitude: 3950m/ 12959ft
Minimum altitude: 2667 m/8750 ft
Distance walk: 16 km/9.3 miles
Approximate walking time: 8 to 9 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
We will get up very early and have our breakfast. This day we will walk our last section of the Inca road about 6 km away, or 2 hours approx. Along the route, we can see a great variety of flora and fauna typical of the area. Afterwards, we will reach Inti Punku "SUN GATE" (2720 masl). It is an excellent opportunity to take panoramic photographs of the citadel of Machu Picchu (2430 masl), since it is clearly visible from this point, one of the most important urban constructions of the Inca Empire Period.
Once in Machu Picchu, we will have a guided tour of 2 hours approx. And after the tour you will have free time to visit the city and take more photos.
If you have some tikect to visit some of the mountains like Huaynapicchu or Machu picchu mountain you will have enough time to do it.
Then, we will take the bus in the direction of the town of Aguas Calientes 25 minutes. In this city, you will be able to have some time to take lunch and later we will take the train back to Cusco from Peru Rail - Expedition. You must be at the train station 30 minutes before to take the train to Ollantaytambo. In this city will be waiting for our transfer with our bus to take him to Cusco and his hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Maximum altitude: 2720m/ 8923ft
Minimum altitude: 2430 m/7972 ft
Distance walk: 6km/3.9 miles
Approximate walking time: 2hours
Difficulty: Easy
INCLUDED
- We have for you an Optional Walk. If you have time and are interested, we can do the acclimatization tour visiting one of the archaeological centers of Cusco and discover hidden places in the city.
- Explore Cusco (option).
- Professional Tour Guide.
- Approximate tour of 5 hours.
- This is a free activity for travelers who book tours from 2 days and require acclimatization.
- Informative meeting, one day before the adventure. Once there, you will receive all the pertinent information for your hike and the guide will answer all your doubts.
- Transport
- Private bus pick up from your hotel to the starting point of the trek km 82 or Piskacucho
- Bus ticket down. Machu picchu to Aguas Calientes.
- Return ticket by train EXPEDITION Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
- Return bus from Ollnataytambo station to your hotel in Cusco.
- Accommodation
- Camps for 4 days and 3 nights.
- Field Staff
- Professional travel guide in Spanish and English with many years of experience in adventure tourism
- Professional chef
- Porters to carry the necessary equipment and the personal effects of the passengers of up to 7 kg
- Water
- Cusco Andean Hike will provide you with boiled water (previously filtered and cooled) from your first lunch, last breakfast and for your bottles before each walk (you decide how many liters you need each day).
- Drinking enough water and hydrating is very important to be able to feel good in the mountains and thus avoid altitude sickness.
- Food
- Breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners (breakfast on day 1 and lunch, dinner on the last day are not included).
- Option Vegan, vegetarian.
- DUFFEL BAG
- You have included 7 kg so you can carry your personal belongings (be careful with the fragile items)
- Tickets
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Inca trail Permits
- Camping equipment
- High mountain tent for 4 people, but we use it for 2 people (more comfort for you). If you want a personal tent we also have personal tents (you must inform us in advance)
- Single mattress
- Bathroom / Bath Chemical
Excludes
- NOT INCLUDED
- Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4D/3N: Breakfast not included first day, lunch and dinner of the last day.
- Sleeping bag.
- Walking sticks.
- Ticket HUAYNA PICCHU and MOUNTAIN MACHU PICCHU (if you want any of the tickets you must inform us in advance to be able to make the reservation – any of the tickets has an extra cost)
- Extra Porter to carry personal belongings of customers more than those already included (for 7 kilos to 14 kilos).
- Tips for staff.
- Huayna picchu and Machu picchu mountain both must be previously reserved more information: info@cuscoandeanhike.com
Inca Trail 2024 FAQs
FAQs Inca Trail 2024
The Inca Trail is one of the most famous and most sought after Trek routes in Perú. Perhaps you are thinking of doing this hike and have some doubts.
Here we have the most frequently asked questions about the Inca Trail, which will help you better plan your adventure.
Is the Inca Trail open all year?
The Inca Trail in its various 4-day accesses as well as the short 2-day version are open every day of the year except for the month of February. That month, the rainiest of the year, road maintenance and cleaning work is carried out on the route.
Can the Inca Trail be done without a Tour Guide and Travel Agency?
No, since 2001 it is not possible to do the Inca Trail without the company of an official tour guide.
Therefore, you must contract the services of an official agency that operates the authorized Inca trail.
How long does it take to finish the available spaces?
The 500 permits per day are reserved well in advance. Due to the high demand and therefore it is recommended to book the Inca Trail permits 6 to 5 months in advance, with the most requested dates from May to August.
The 2-day Inca Trail, on the other hand, is 250 permits per day, it can be reserved 1 month or weeks in advance. According to the availability of the one-way train to the starting point.
What to do if I can’t find availability?
In case you do not find availability of the 4-day Inca Trail, in Cusco andean hike you can find different options to do other similar hiking trails, such as Lares trek + short Inca trail 4D-3N.
This very little-known hiking route in Cusco, but you have the option of reaching Puerta del Sol by the short version of the Inca Trail route and observing Machu Picchu from the distance.
Other good options are: the 5-day salkantay trek, the 4-day Huchuy Qosqo trek.
Is there an age limit?
No, anyone can do the Inca Trail, both in its 4-day and 2-day versions. However, both adventures are not recommended for children under 8 years of age and adults over 65 years of age (prior medical consultation).
Can I find Inca Trail permits once in Cusco?
No, the 4-day Inca Trail cannot be booked in Cusco, due to the fact that it takes a long time to plan. On the other hand, the 2-day Inca Trail can be purchased once in Cusco, just a few days in advance. (Previous availability of trains and permits of the Inca trail 2d-1n).
Can I only book the Inca Trail online?
Yes, the 4-day Inca Trail, due to the high demand for permits, can only be reserved online. If you live in the city of Cusco, you can approach an authorized Inca Trail tour operator.