Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu 5 days

5 day / 4 night
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Duration5 Day / 4 Nights
Group Size2/10
Activity LevelModerate / Challenging

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu in 5 days

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is rated among the best trekking trips in the world because of the exquisite beauty of its natural surroundings; these include different ecological areas from high deserts to Andean Tropical rain forests. Following this ancient Inca Trail we will be walking past mysterious archaeological sites, half covered by jungle overgrowth, that look like you are discovering them for the first time, and finally arriving to the lost city of the Incas: Machu Picchu.

The Inca Trail 5d/4n is for those people who want to do the Classic Inca Trail trek and climb the Huaynapicchu or Machupicchu sacred mountains.

Only the Peruvian Cultural Institute INC sell the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu permit combined with a Machu Picchu entrance for the price of US$75. To get the best value from this US$75 you should stay the night in Aguas Calientes and re-visit Machu Picchu the next day, the beginning of that following day being dedicated to climb up Huayna Picchu Mountain; this way you get to enjoy Machu Picchu for a full extra day (a walk to Inca bridge can complete this great experience). This is especially a good opportunity in wet season to give you a second opportunity to see Machu Picchu with a good clear weather!.

So this package includes the second entrance to Machu Picchu on the 5th day, permits to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain, the train in the afternoon to go back to Cusco and arriving at around 9pm on your 5th day.

  • Day 01: Caminata Piscacucho, Km 82 – Llactapata – Wayllabamaba
  • Day 02: Wayllabamaba – Warmiwañusca "Dead Woman's pass" – Pacaymayu
  • Day 03: Pacaymayo – Runkurakay - Phuyupatamarca – Inti Pata – Wiñayhuayna
  • Day 04: Wiñayhuayna – Inti Punku "Sun Gate" – Machu Picchu (Circuit 1 and Circuit 3) – Free Time
  • Day 05: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu, Circuit 3 and Wayna Picchu without guide – Cusco

Itinerary

Day 1 | Inca Trail

Caminata Piscacucho, Km 82 – Llactapata – Wayllabamaba

Patallacta viewpoint

Everyone is collected early from their hotels and we all travel by bus for a bit more than three hours, passing by the picturesque villages of Chinchero, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, until reaching the kilometer 82, the actual start of the trail.

We start our trek escorted by native "Quechua" porters going through semi-arid terrain along the Urubamba River valley, with magnificent views of the snowcapped mountain, Veronica (5822 meters).

We 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 hillfort of Huillca Raccay come into view high above the mouth of the river Cusichaca ("Happy Bridge"). It is then a simple descent down to the Cusichaca River.

For a further 7 km the path follows the left bank of the river up to the village of Wayllabamba (3,000 meters). The name in Quechua means "Grassy plain". We spend the first night here beside some spectacular ruins which, if you have the energy, we have time to explore.

  • Meals: Lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and dinner.
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities.
  • Distance: 11kms/6.8 mls (6 hours more or less of hiking)
  • Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.
  • Walking Time: Approximately 6 hours (including picnic lunch in route)
  • Walk and Terrain: Walk, canter on open roads, some steep ascending
Day 2 | Inca Trail

Wayllabamaba – Warmiwañusca, Dead Woman pass – Pacaymayu

Highest point, Dead Woman's pass

After a delicious breakfast, we start our second day of trekking, perhaps the most difficult, as we have to climb to the pass of the impressive Warmihuañusca ("Dead woman´s Pass") at 4,200 meters high. In this place, the highest in the Inca Trail, we enjoy a spectacular view of the Andes. The path continues on following a mountain stream up past hummingbirds and amazing stunted cloud forest. We pass by the beautiful grassy area at Llulluchapampa (3680 meters), which also possesses outstanding views down the valley.

After lunch, we start the descent towards the valley of Pacaymayu, where we make our second camp.

  • Meals: Breakfast, water, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities.
  • Distance: 16kms/10mls (9 hours more or less of hiking time)
  • Difficulty: Moderate/challenge.
Day 3 | Inca Trail

Pacaymayo – Runkurakay - Phuyupatamarca – Inti Pata – Wiñayhuayna

Ruins of Pacaymayu

From Pacaymayu it takes about an hour to climb up to the ruins of Runkuracay. These small circular ruins occupy a commanding position overlooking the Pacaymayu valley below. Another 45 minutes´ hike brings you to the top of the second pass: Abra de Runkuracay (4,000 meters). At last you feel that you are walking along the trail of the Incas with preserved paving for the most part.

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 deep precipices. After about 1 hour from the 2nd pass you 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. Even though till this very day 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.

  • Meals: Breakfast, water, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and dinner.
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities and hot showers.
  • Distance: 10kms/6.2mls (5 hours more or less of hiking)
  • Difficulty: Moderate
Day 4 | Inca Trail

Wiñayhuayna – Inti Punku, Sun Gate – Machu Picchu (Circuit 1 and Circuit 3) – Free Time

Sun Gate and viewpoint of Machu Picchu

After an early morning chance to catch the sunrise on the surrounding snowcapped mountains of Salcantay and Veronica, we offer a farewell to our porters with a traditional song and dance. Our final day of hiking brings us down the cloud forest on a series of Inca stairs to Winay Wayna, another interesting ruin full of swallows and orchids. Finally we reach Inti Punku, the gateway of the Sun and our first glimpse of Machu Picchu. We pass through the ruins and catch a bus down to our hotel in the colorful town of Machu Picchu Pueblo (formally known as Aguas Calientes) and celebrate our return to civilization.

In the late morning we have Machu Picchu virtually to ourselves for a full guided tour, after which you have a couple of hours for more exploring on your own, or just collapse under a tree in the central plaza area. If you are exhausted from so much walking just stay in Aguas Calientes and enjoy its hot springs as you have a second opportunity to see all of Machu Picchu well rested the day after!

Machupicchu is officially open from 6 am to 5:30 pm so could also soak in the hot springs in the afternoon or evening after you Machu Picchu tour.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Distance: 8.9kms/5.5mls “By Bus in 25 minutes”
  • Difficulty: Easy
Day 5 | Inca Trail

Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu, Circuit 3 and Huayna Picchu without guide – Cusco

Wayna Picchu and best viewpoint of Machu Picchu

After an early breakfast you can walk or take the bus back up to explore more of Machu Picchu and of course go for your climb of Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. If you were tired yesterday then this is the right time to really capture Machu Picchu today so better start out early as buses are available from 5:30 am and depart every 10 minutes.

You can store your backpack in your hotel and make sure you get back down to Aguas Calientes at least an hour before your train departure which is generally at 6:45 pm but you should recheck this with your guide on day 4. Grab some snacks and drinks before boarding the train as the journey back to Cusco is about 4 hours long!

Meals: Breakfast at hotel
Distance: 8.9kms/5.5mls “By Bus in 25 minutes”
Difficulty: Easy

What's Included?

    • Pre-departure briefing: You will meet your royal Inca Trail guide and group in our office for an orientation before your trek. The meeting will be at 6:00 PM the evening before the trip begins. In case you can´t come at this time “please let us know” to coordinate another time. 
    • Transfers In / Out.
    • Transportation from Cusco to Km 82/Piscacucho (where we start walking).
    • Professional bilingual tour guide (English/Spanish).
    • Guided visit to Machu Picchu and the ruins along the trail, except for Huayna Picchu.
    • Entrance Fee to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
    • 2nd entrance fee to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain (subject to the availability).
    • 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners and various snacks to be eaten throughout the day (Inca Trail).
    • Professional Cook: all our fresh vegetables are washed in iodine water prior serving and we provide only boiled, filtered or iodized water for drinking. Vegetarian food on request at no extra cost! All dietary requirements from vegans, lacto-allergies and general dislikes can be catered so long as prior warning is given when booking the trip.
    • Drinking water along the Inka trail.
    • 3 Camping nights.
    • Medical kit and Oxygen bottle.
    • Camping equipment (2 person tents, mattresses, Cooking equipment, tables and chairs).
    • Porters service (to carry the tents and cooking equipment only).
    • Bus tickets to Machupicchu town (Aguas Calientes).
    • Expedition train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
    • Transfer from Ollantaytambo train station to your Hotel in Cusco.
    • 24-hour guest service: Telephone service available 24 hours/day.
    • Free luggage store at INKA TRAIL offices.

What's not Included?

    • Trekking poles are not included but is highly recommend for the hike. You can bring your our or rent from us.
    • Sleeping bag.
    • Additional entrances (Huayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain).
    • The first breakfast and the last lunch are not included.
    • Additional costs or delays beyond our control, such as natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to passenger health issues (suffering from an illness or health problems), pandemic, changes in government policies, political instability, strikes, etc.

    Note: If you prefer, you can rent trekking poles, sleeping bag, additional entrance fees and lunch can be arranged on-site.

    *Note: "Machu Picchu mountain" refers to the peak opposite the main Machu Picchu ruins.

Additional Services

    • Trekking poles. ($15.00 USD)
    • Sleeping bags. ($25.00 USD) - 3kg
    • Economical Lunch in Machu Picchu town. ($15.00 USD)
    • Lunch at Sanctuary Lodge. ($45.00 USD)
    • Extra Porter for 6kg. ($80.00 USD)
    • Extra Porter for 14kg. ($160.00 USD)
    • Huayna Picchu mountain entrance, subject to availability and time slots: 7:00 am / 8:00 am / 9:00 am / 10:00 am ($75.00 USD)
    • Machu Picchu mountain* entrance, subject to availability and time slots: 7:00 am / 8:00 am ($75.00 USD)
    • Guided tour for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain*. ($75.00 USD per group)
    • Upgrade to the Vistadome train. ($50.00 USD)
    • Upgrade to Vistadome Observatory train Return. ($75.00 USD)
    • Simgle Tent at the campsites. ($50.00 USD)
    • We can assist you in booking hotels (standard and luxury) throughout Peru.

    *Note: "Machu Picchu mountain" refers to the peak opposite the main Machu Picchu ruins.

    Note 2: If you choose the option of Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, depending on availability, you may need to add an additional cost for a private guide.

What to Bring?

  • Original passport (and valid student ID if applicable).
  • Hiking boots/shoes.
  • Hiking Socks.
  • Waterproof jacket / rain poncho.
  • Warm clothing, hat, and gloves.
  • Casual mountains wear for evenings
  • Short or long-sleeved shirts.
  • Comfortable pants.
  • Sun hat.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Sunscreen (recommended SPF 35).
  • Reusable plastic or metal bottles, or a camelback.
  • Insect repellent.
  • Personal hygiene items or day Pack.
  • Personal medication.
  • Camera and camcorder.
  • Flashlight with extra batteries.

Extra Items to Bring

  • Shorts.
  • Trekking poles (with rubber tips).
  • Bandages and bandages.
  • Sandals.
  • Baiting suit for the hot springs.
  • Extra money for personal expenses, tips (recommend 200 Peruvian nuevos soles for extra expenses).

PRICES

DISCOUNTS: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights

  • 18 - 24 years old: We offer a $20 discount per student. To qualify as a student, you must have a valid student identity card and be under 25 years of age at the time of your trip. Scan and email us the copy at the time of booking.
  • Under 17 years old: We offer a $20 discount per child. you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trip (you will need to scan and email us a copy of the passports).

Important information

NOTES

  • The Itinerary can change according to the Peruvian government, climate and health status of the trekkers.
  •  The train schedule can change according to availability of the train company.
  •  The train that we provide is the expedition train to Ollantaytambo – if someone books a train ticket in the last minute it is not sure that they can come in the same train as the other group.
  •  If you would like to change your train schedule or tickets, you have to pay more for the transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco and for the price change of the train.

LIMITED spaces

YES. To protect the historical trail of the Inkas, the number of people allowed to hike the Inca Trail each day is limited to 250. That is why, you should reserve your space as soon as possible. Spaces can be filled up three to six months in advance. Spaces fill more quickly in the high tourist season, from May to September.

We highly  recommended  to do your trekking to the Machupicchu or Huaynapicchu Mountains in order to have the most stunning views of the archaeological place(Machupicchu)

HUAYNA PICCHU mountain

Huayna Picchu is one of the mountains that stands next to Machu Picchu and has amazing views from above. This hike is done after your tour with  us and takes 45 minutes to reach  the top and 45 minutes to came back down. Great oportunity to take  lots of photos, because of the incredible views . 
The Huayna Picchu Mountain is the one that you will see just  behind Machu Picchu on any postcard; the  Incas paths hidden alongside the mountain, it may frighten those  who have a fear of heights.

For those of you who struggle with heights you may need to know that you will be steps away from hundred foot plummets into an abyss, and in some places the path can be very steep and narrow.

There are times when you need to use security cables to support yourself; it is a challenge for anyone. If you suffer from vertigo or you have a hard time controlling your fear of heights we would recommend taking a different route. You will have to place reservations 6 months before if you would like one of the 400 available tickets to go up to the Huayna Picchu Mountain.

MACHUPICCHU mountain

Machu Picchu Mountain is an unforgettable and lesser-known hike above the Machu Picchu  with stunning panoramic view of the valley. Reaching the archaeological place which is only one part of the Machu Picchu experience.

The other one is climbing the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain at 3,050 meters above sea level for dramatic views of the place and lush mountains separated by deep valleys and Urubamba River.

As spectacular as seeing Machu Picchu is, the lost Incas city, tells us just little things  if you don’t see them in a perspective with the surrounding mountains. It is  when you can appreciate the enormous effort of Incas engineery to built their  citys 2,430 meters above sea level without using any  metal tools or  wheel. Why the city was initially built ?,still remains as mystery.

Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Availability


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