Hiking the Inca Trail is a highly rewarding holiday choice! It is the best of its kind in the world, due to its exquisite natural beauty and unforgettable views offering a wide variety of ecological areas, from deserts to tropical Andean cloud forest; home to exotic plants and animal life. On the Inca Trail, there are over 250 known species of orchids , and in the different ecosystems, numerous rare birds, animals, and reptiles including several species considered to be in danger of extinction.

The Inca Trail is Peru's best known hike, combining a stunning mix of Inca ruins, mountain scenery, lush cloud-forest and rich subtropical jungle. Over 250 species of orchid have been counted in the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, as well as numerous birds such as hummingbirds, waterfowl and the majestic Andean Condor. The star of the Sanctuary is the spectacled bear - a shy, herbivorous animal that is extremely rare and close to extinction.When attending your requests, being it a group service or a customized itinerary, we are taking into account all your needs to develop a proposal that tries to better match your style and interests. This is the only way your trip will become the once-in-a-lifetime experience you expect it to be.

Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco to Wayllabamba
Between 7:00 and 7.30am our private transportation and staff will pick you up from your hotel. Most Inka Trail treks begin at either Km. 82 on the railroad to Machu Picchu, or the village of Chilca, which lies in the Urubamba Valley downstream from Ollantaytambo, to which it is connected by a dirt road. We start walking the Inka Trail in a quite flat and beautiful walk along the Urubamba River with a view of Mt. Veronica's snowcapped peak in 5750 masl. We arrive to the village of Wayllabamba. (L+D).
Total distance: 12 km (7,47 miles)
Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,000 m (9,840 ft)
Campsite altitude: 3,000 m (9,840 ft)

Day 2: Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo
We wake up at around 6:00 am and after breakfast, we begin the most difficult part of the trek, which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km. From the campsites in the Huayllabamba valley, the Inka Trail struggles up above the tree line to cross the first and highest of the mountain passes between Llactapata and Machu Picchu. At Huarmiwañusqa, more popularly known as "Dead Woman Pass", the trail reaches an elevation of 4198 m. Just above Runkurakay, the Inka Trail becomes paved with stones and assumes the more engineered nature for which it is justly famed, and which characterizes it from here to Machu Picchu. (B+L+D).
Total distance: 11 km (6,84 miles)
Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours
Maximum altitude point: 4,200 m (13,776 ft)
Campsite altitude: 3,500 m (11,480 ft)

Day 3: Pacaymayo to Wiñaywayna
This day is the longest but also the most impressive and the most interesting, due the number of archaeological sites and the lush cloud forest area that we cross, so rich in Andean flora and fauna. From Pacaymayo we climb to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970m/13022ft). In the stretch of Inka Trail between Sayacmarca and the next major ruin, Phuyupatamarca, trekkers will find some of the most impressive Inka trail engineering. After breakfast we continue towards the third pass. This part of the Inka Trail is very beautiful with cloud forest, orchids, ferns and a colorful birdlife. At this point the Inka Trail is quite extraordinary with semi-carved tunnels and perfectly placed stones. After lunch we start the long descent to Wiñay Wayna, the place of our last campnight. (B+L+D).
Total distance: 16 km (9,94 miles)
Estimated walking time: 8 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,900 m (12,792 ft)
Campsite altitude: 2,650 m (8,692 ft)

Day 4: Wiñaywayna to Machupicchu
On this fourth and last day we get up at 4.00 am to leave Wiñaywayna an hour later and climb to the Intipunku, or The Sun Gate in time for sunrise, where a magnificent view will be printed in you mind; the Sanctuary of Machupicchu, the "Lost City of the Incas". From here we get the first glance of Machu Picchu between the mountains on its saddle high over the Urubamba River. We all meet at Machu Picchu at a decided hour to make the tour of Machu Picchu. (B).
Total distance: 4 km (2,49 miles)
Estimated walking time: 2 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2,700 m (8,829 ft)
Campsite altitude: 2,400 m (7,872 ft)

Prices per person 2006:
2006 from March 1st Adults US$270 - Students US$ 240.
From August 1st Adults US$300 - Students US$ 255.

Available discounts (these discounts are not cumulative)
Students: US$ 30.00 (students require a valid International Student Identity Card. Please beware that Youth Travel Cards are not valid).
Teenagers: US$ 30.00 (up to 15 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)-

Additional discounts (that may be added to the above-mentioned)
SAE: US$ 10.00 (valid South American Explorers Club membership card required).

Group Size: Typical group size 08-12, Maximum 16 persons.

Departures: Daily departures are available along the year. Exception: one-month closing period of the classical Inca Trail route in February.