Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu |
code: CITTRE3- Duration: 3 Days / 2 Night
- Activity: Hiking / Trekking, Archaeology, Cultural Adventure
- Transport: tourist bus, walking, train
- Accommodation: Camping (2 Nights)
- Treking Grades: Moderate/Demanding ?
- Group Size:
- Type Service: We run only private groups ?
Highlights:
Trek the challenging ancient route of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
- Additional Services ?
- Trip Itinerary
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Day 1 - Cusco to Llulluchapampa
Pick up from the Hotel at 06:00 and drive to Km 82 the head of the Inca Trail. We begin our hike by crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River and walking along its left shore as it flows northwest. Following the trail along a flat terrain, we arrive in Miskay (2800m/9184 ft) to then ascend and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the impressive Inca city of Llactapata (2650m/8692 ft). We continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for about five hours until we reach the community of Wayllabamba. Continuing through the trail, we leave Wayllabamba behind to begin the most difficult part of the trek, we only climb half way up the pass, stopping at Llulluchapampa, where we camp and spend the night.Meal Include: L (box-lunch), DinnerTotal distance 17 km (10, 56 miles)
Estimated walking time 8-9 hours
Maximum altitude point 3850 m (12628 ft)
Day 2 - Llulluchapampa to Phuyupatamarca
After breakfast, we continue our hike up the highest point in the Inca Trail, reaching the mountain pass of Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass – 4200m/13776ft) after about 2 hours. Immediately after the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo Valley (3600m/11808ft), from which we then start to climb to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970m/13022ft). Half way up, we visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3800m/12464ft, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower. Continuing up an easy climb, we arrive at the third pass, the Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft). Curiously, Phuyupatamarca means “town over the clouds”. From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River valley. We set our camp in Phuyupatamarca and spend the night there.Meal Include: L (box-lunch), DinnerTotal distance 15 km (9, 32 miles)
Estimated walking time 7-8 hours
Maximum altitude point 4200m (13776 ft)
Day 3 - Phuyupatamarca to Machu Picchu / Back to Cusco
Breakfast; we wake up at 04:00 and start our way through the long descending stone steps which will lead us to Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft) Wiñaywayna is the biggest archaeological site in the Inca Trail besides Machu Picchu and consists of an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector, offering spectacular views over the already narrower Urubamba River valley. After our visit, we leave Wiñaywayna to climb to Intipunku (Sun Gate). From here we descend into Machu Picchu, 40 minutes later we enter the citadel from the highest point through the “House of the Guardians”. We then descend to the control point where we register ourselves and leave our backpacks. We immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around, climb the Wayna Picchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machu Picchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or visit the Temple of the Moon or the impressive Inca Bridge. In the afternoon take bus to Aguas Calientes town where we take the train back to the city of Cusco and transfer to your hotel.Total distance 11 km (6, 84 miles)
Estimated walking time 4-5 hours
Maximum altitude point 3600m (11808 ft)
- Dates & pices
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Ask for our Price
Students: US$ 30 (students require a valid International Student Identity Card)
Teenagers: US$ 30 (up to 15 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)
Children: US$ 70 (up to 7 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)
- Price include
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What is included? Taking the trek with Sun Gate Tours you are guaranteed the best in customer service from a Cusco-based service team. With the 3 days tour you will receive:
Transportation: Private transport from your Cusco hotel to km 82 (head of the trail)
Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
Return Backpacker train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (Vistadome upon request)
Transfer from Cusco train station back to your Cusco hotel
Camping equipment: 4 season tents, 2 people in each 3-people-capacity tent
Therma-Rest self-inflating mattress
A table and seat for each tent
Food and drink utensils
Dinner tent and Kitchen Tent for the group
First aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle
Team: Professional, knowledgeable bilingual guide
A cook to prepare your meals
Porters to carry provided equipment and food (additional porters are available for rent to carry your personal belongings)
Food: High quality meals to provide the necessary energy for this challenging trek
In addition to three meals daily, you will be given revitalizing snacks
Hot drinks such as Tea and Coffee as well as enough water for your canteens (taken from local streams and boiled while on the trek)
Entrance fee to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
Optional extras you may want: Chocolates and candy. Sugar boosts are great for keeping you going
Coca leaves and tea for relieving altitude sickness – can be purchased in Cusco
Wooden walking sticks to help you climb the trail. Trekking poles with metal tips are not permitted as they can ruin the trail
Not included is:- Sleeping bag (can be hired in our office for US$ 18 for the 3 day trek)
- Extra porter to carry your personal things like sleeping bag, clothes, etc
- Tips for the guide, cook and porters
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Domestic airfare to and from Cusco (+/- US$ 290 per person round trip)
- Visa fees (if required)
- Passport & Visa Costs
- Vaccination Costs
- Personal Spending Money
- Drinks
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Airport departure taxes
- Border taxes or fees
Transportation: Private transport from your Cusco hotel to km 82 (head of the trail)
Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
Return Backpacker train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (Vistadome upon request)
Transfer from Cusco train station back to your Cusco hotel
Camping equipment: 4 season tents, 2 people in each 3-people-capacity tent
Therma-Rest self-inflating mattress
A table and seat for each tent
Food and drink utensils
Dinner tent and Kitchen Tent for the group
First aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle
Team: Professional, knowledgeable bilingual guide
A cook to prepare your meals
Porters to carry provided equipment and food (additional porters are available for rent to carry your personal belongings)
Food: High quality meals to provide the necessary energy for this challenging trek
In addition to three meals daily, you will be given revitalizing snacks
Hot drinks such as Tea and Coffee as well as enough water for your canteens (taken from local streams and boiled while on the trek)
Entrance fee to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
Optional extras you may want: Chocolates and candy. Sugar boosts are great for keeping you going
Coca leaves and tea for relieving altitude sickness – can be purchased in Cusco
Wooden walking sticks to help you climb the trail. Trekking poles with metal tips are not permitted as they can ruin the trail
Not included is:- Sleeping bag (can be hired in our office for US$ 18 for the 3 day trek)
- Extra porter to carry your personal things like sleeping bag, clothes, etc
- Tips for the guide, cook and porters
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Domestic airfare to and from Cusco (+/- US$ 290 per person round trip)
- Visa fees (if required)
- Passport & Visa Costs
- Vaccination Costs
- Personal Spending Money
- Drinks
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Airport departure taxes
- Border taxes or fees
- Machu Picchu extensions
- Cusco Add Ons (Hotel and tours)
- Lima Add ons (Hotel and tours)
- Amazon Jungle Trips
- Northern Peru
- Lake Titicaca
- Lima City stop over or Arequipa extension
- Machu Picchu extensions
- Cusco Add Ons (Hotel and tours)
- Lima Add ons (Hotel and tours)
- Amazon Jungle Trips
- Northern Peru
- Lake Titicaca
- Lima City stop over or Arequipa extension
- Checklist
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Equipment List / Check List:
- Travel documents: original passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets, vouchers
- Health requirements arranged
- Money: travellers cheques/cash/credit card
- A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
- Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
- Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
- Sandals or jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp
- Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping
- Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
- Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold, Sun block
- After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
- Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported
- Handkerchiefs and Toilet paper
- Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning. Optionally: water -sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far
- Small towel
- Cash in soles and/or US$
- Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount)
- Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage archaeological sites)
- How to book
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Book now with Sun Gate Tours
Step 1
Before make any booking, you must read carefully our Booking Terms & ConditionsStep 2: Check your personal information
The following client information is requested for any Trip booking:- Complete names and surnames
- Nationality
- Passport number
- Date of Birth
- Gender
- Student with ISIC card: Yes/No
Details should be filled in for each group member. Please do not make a reservation until you have all the details below. We cannot accept a booking without all the names, nationalities, passport numbers, ages, etc
Also you have to check if you need any additional service like:
- Upgrade the train to Vistadome Class
- Sleeping bag during the tour ( -10°C)
- Extra night at Aguas Calientes after the trek
Step 3: Check the availability on the calendar
As soon you have all the information above, please check the availability and click on Check Availability CalendarStep 4: Deposit to secure the trip
To secure a booking with Sun Gate Tours, the client must deposit minimum US$ 200 per person. The deposit is non-refundable.