Typical Classic 4 day Inca Trail Trek Itinerary and Trail Description
Day 1 (12km):
Travelers are collected early from their hotels and travel by bus, through the picturesque villages of Chinchero, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, for the 3½ hour scenic trip to kilometer 82 (the start of the trail).
Hikers cross the Vilcanota River and follow the trail to the right as it climbs steeply up from the river. After passing through a small village, the ruins of the Inca hill fort of Huillca Raccay come into view high above the mouth of the river Cusichaca ('happy bridge'). It is a simple descent down to the Cusichaca River.
[Note most tour operators now commence the trek at Km82 as this is as far as it is possible to go when travelling by bus along the Vilcanota valley. If travelling by train from Cusco you can get off a little further along the valley at Km88. There is, in fact, very little difference to the total length of the trail whether you start at Km82 or Km88 since the trails join approximately midway between the two.]
For a further 7 km the path follows the left bank of the river up to the village of Wayllabamba (3,000m). The name in Quechua means 'grassy plain'. Most tour groups spend the first night here although there are prettier campsites a little further on.
Day 2: (11km)
Climbing up from Wayllabamba for about 3 hours through steepening woods and increasingly spectacular terrain brings you to the tree line and a meadow known as Llulluchapampa (3,680m). It is another 1½ hours climb to the first and highest pass of the trail (Abra de Huarmihuaρusca or Dead Woman's Pass) at 4,200m. During this part of the trail hikers are exposed to the Andean elements: first scorching sun and then, closer to the pass, freezing winds. Once at the top hikers can celebrate having completed the most difficult section of the trail.
The decent from the pass is steep although not difficult, following the trail on the left side of the valley to the valley floor and to the 2nd night's campsite at Pacamayo (3,600m). There are toilet facilities here.
Day 3: (16km)
From Pacamayo it takes about an hour to climb up to the ruins of Runkuracay. These small circular ruins occupy a commanding position overlooking the Pacamayo valley below. Another 45 minute hike will bring you to the top of the second pass: Abra de Runkuracay (4,000m). At last you'll feel that you are walking along the trail of the Incas with paving, for the most part, being original. The descent down the steps from the pass is steep so take care. This section of the trail, up till the 3rd pass, is particularly beautiful as the path crosses high stone embankments and skirts deep precipices. After about 1 hour from the 2nd pass you'll arrive at Sayacmarca by way of a superbly designed stone staircase. The name Sayacmarca means 'Inaccessible Town' and describes the position of the ruins perfectly, protected on three sides by sheer cliffs. No one knows the exact purpose of these ruins.
You have to back track a little to rejoin the trail as it passes Conchamarca, a small Inca dwelling situated in the shadows of Sayacmarca, which was probably a tambo for weary travelers on their way to Machu Picchu.
From then on the path descends into magnificent cloudforest full of orchids, hanging mosses, tree ferns and flowers, passing through an impressive Inca tunnel, carved into the rock, on the way.
The trail then climbs up to the 3rd pass (3,700m). The view from the pass offers excellent views of several snow-capped peaks including Salkantay (6,271m) and Veronica (5,750m). A few minutes after the pass is Phuyupatamarca, the most impressive Inca ruin so far. The name means 'Town in the Clouds'. Access to the ruins is down a steep flight of stairs passing six 'Inca Baths' probably used for the ritual worship of water.
Leaving the site via an impressive Inca staircase leading from the west side of the ruins (the far end from the baths) you descend a thousand or so steps. Be careful with your knees which will feel the strain by the end of the day.
After about an hour of walking through cloud forest you may just be able to see the tin roof of the Trekkers Hostel at Wiρay Wayna, although it probably won't be for another 2 hours until you arrive.
The Trekkers Hostel certainly isn't considered one of Peru's best-looking hotels. It is also usually crowded and cramped, but it is the last official campsite before Machu Picchu, hence it's always full. There is, however, a restaurant where you can purchase food, drinks and even a well deserved beer, as well as hot showers ($1.5) and toilets. Trekkers on the Classic 4-day trek will camp here. The dormitory beds in the hostal used to be used by trekkers doing the shorter Inca Trail trek but trekkers now have to continue directly to Machu Picchu and spend the night at Aguas Calientes. There are plans to demolish the hostel in 2005 which, most people will agree, will be a great improvement.
A short trail leaves from the southern end of the hostel to the ruins of Wiρay Wayna. The name in Quechua means 'forever young' and is named after a variety of pink orchid which grows here. The ruins comprise magnificent agricultural terraces set in an impressive location. There are also many buildings of good quality stonework and a sequence of 10 baths, suggesting that the site was probably a religious center associated with the worship of water. Ritual cleansing may have taken place here for pilgrims on the final leg of the trail to Machu Picchu.
Day 4: Day 4 (6km)
The trail from the hostel to Machu Picchu is clearly marked and takes about 1½ hour. Most people attempt to wake up at 4.30am so that they can leave Wiρay Wayna by 5.30am to get to Machu Picchu before sunrise. The sky starts getting light by 6am and the first rays of the sun reach Machu Picchu at about 7am. The trail contours a mountainside and drops into cloud forest before coming to an almost vertical flight of 50 steps leading up to the final pass at Intipunku (Sun Gate). Suddenly the whole of Machu Picchu is spread out before you in all its glory - a fantastic sight for all.
INCLUDED:
Pick you up from your hotel in the departure day.
Private bus from your hotel to start the trail .
Inca Trail & Machu Picchu entrance fees.
English speaking professional guide (two guides for groups over 12 persons).
Igloo tents - 2 persons in each 4-person capacity tent with plenty of space for
your backpacks .
Doublι tickets fosan mattres.
Cook and Cooking equipment.
Meals (03B,03L,03D) - food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, vegetarian, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking, hot drinks including coca leaf tea which is excellent for the altitude.
Teatime everyday (tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn).
Porters (to carry the tents, food, and cooking equipment).
Dining tent with camp tables and chairs.
Kitchen tent.
Accommodation for our porters and cooks.
First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
Train ticket (Backpackers service) from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
Transfer from the train station to your hotel.
All Sales Taxes IGV (19%).
NOT INCLUDED:
Breakfast on the first morning. Some hotels offer an early morning breakfast service. If not, we stop at the town of Urubamba on the way to the start on the trek where youll have the opportunity to have breakfast.
Meal in restaurant in Aguas Calientes on day 4 of the trek.
Entrance to the thermal springs in Aguas Calientes US$4.
Sleeping bags can be hired in our office for US$15 for the 4 day trek.
What you need to bring/carry:
Backpack.
Sleeping bag (can be hired from our office for US$15 for the 4 day trek).
Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco for a few dollars).
Strong, comfortable footwear.
One complete change of clothing.
Sweater and jacket (something warm).
Water bottle and purification tablets (Micropur are recommended and can be bought in local pharmacies in Cusco).
Flashlight and batteries.
Hat or cap to protect you from the sun.
Sun block (sun protection cream).
Insect repellent.
Toiletries, towel and toilet paper.
Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits etc.
Camera, plenty of film and spare batteries.
Swimsuit (if you plan on visiting the hot springs at Aguas Calientes after the trek - entrance not included in price).
You also need to bring your original passport on the trail and your student ISIC card (if you have you can claim a student discount but only under 25 years old ).
Price per person US$ 320.00 ISIC discount US$ 30.00, Students must be in possession of a valid International Student Identity Card ISIC (a Student Youth Card is not valid) in order to qualify for the discount. We need to receive a copy of the ISIC card before paying your trek deposit, as we need the copy when purchasing your trek permit with the Peruvian Goverment to optain the discount. You must bring your ISIC card with you on the Inka Trail, if you forget, your trek permit becomes invalid, and you have to reapply for a new permit 1 5 weeks. The same discount for children under the age of 15 years old.
IMPORTANT:
Reservations to the inca trail must be do it minimum 3 months in advance TO RESERVE:
Full names of Passengers.
Number of Passport .
Age.
Sex.
Nationality
Scan or photocopy of the ISIC Card (If you are student). Copy of passport of childs .
Date you prefer the tour. Due special Peruvian Regulations there are only 500 spots to enter in the Inka Trail per day. This spots in high season are normally fully booked 2 months in advance.
In this link you can check all the places for the Inka Trail that can be booked and register in the UGM (Authorities in Cusco).
Prices per person $ 320
