1. Inca Trail
Cusco is Peru’s main tourist destination and one of the most important destinations in
the Americas. Known by the Incas as the “Home of the Gods,” Cusco became the
capital of one of the largest pre-Columbian empires: the Tawantinsuyo. Its name in
Quechua means “Navel of the World”
ITINERARY:
DAY 01: CUSCO – WAYLLABAMBA
Between 7:00 and 7:30 am, we pick you up at your hotel in our own private bus. We
then drive to Piskacuchu (2700 masl), a community located on the 82nd kilometer of the
Cusco –Machu Picchu railroad. Starting at this point, we cross the bridge and walk
along the left shore of the Urubamba River as it flows north-west along the Sacred
Valley. Following the trail along a flat terrain, we arrive in Miskay (2800 masl), to then
ascend and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the Inca city of Patallacta
(2750 masl). We continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River,
gradually climbing for about five hours until we reach our first campsite in the
Wayllabamba village (3000 masl). All along the way we will see spectacular views of
the Vilcanota ridge on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, where the impressive
Veronica peak reigns at 5832 meters above sea level. Not to mention the diversity of
wild flora and fauna that can be found all along the valley.
DAY 02: WAYLLABAMBA – PACAYMAYO
We wake up at around 6:00 am, and after breakfast we leave Wayllabamba behind to
begin the most difficult part of the trek, which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent
that stretches for 9 km. Along this climb, the landscape changes from sierra to puna (a
dry and high area with little vegetation). On the way to the first mountain pass, the
AbraWarmihuañusca (Dead Woman´s Pass), we see domesticated llamas and alpacas
grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at that altitude. We also cross an area of
the so-called cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like
hummingbirds and sparrows and the Andean bear, which is also called the Spectacled
Bear (TremarctusOrnatus). We advise that on this day specially, your day pack is well
stocked with candies, chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high,
and help with altitude sickness. Immediately after the pass, we descend into the
Pacaymayo valley (3600 masl), where we camp after approximately 6h of hiking.
DAY 03: PACAYMAYO – WIÑAYWAYNA
This day is the longest but also the most impressive and the most interesting, due the
number of archaeological sites that we visit and learn about from our guide. From
Pacaymayo we climb to the second pass, the Abra de Runkurakay (3970 masl). Halfway
up, we visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3800
masl, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a
watchtower. After going over the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon)
and enter the cloud-forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3624 masl). This is a
beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels,
narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Continuing up an easy
climb, we arrive at the third pass, the Abra de Phuyupatamarca (3700 masl). Along this
climb we can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient craft, by walking along
paths semi-detached from the mountain, and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect
order, saving the trail from the multileveled Andean geography. We go through an Inca

2. tunnel to later arrive at the aforementioned pass and down to the complex of the same
name. This is one of the most complete and best-preserved archaeological complexes
along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and is located on the highest point of a mountain.
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 and the long
descending stone steps along which we will continue on to Wiñaywayna (2700 masl).
At this campsite we find a lodge with a restaurant, bar and bathrooms with hot showers.
The campsite has the same name as the complex located only five minutes away from
the lodge. Wiñaywayna is an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with
numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector.
DAY 04: WIÑAYWAYNA – MACHUPICCHU
On this fourth and last day we get up at 4.00 am to leave Wiñaywayna an hour later and
climb to Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat
stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we may see the
sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. From Intipunku we descend into
Machu Picchu, and 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 Huaynapicchu 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 and the fabulous Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we meet in the
town of AguasCalientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in the thermal baths.
From here we take the train to the city of Cusco.
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure
Private bus from your hotel to the start of the trail
Inca Trail& Machu Picchu entrance fees (value US$80)
English speaking professional guide (two guides for groups over 9 persons)
Igloo tents - 2 persons in each 4-person capacity tent with plenty of space for your backpacks
Doublethicknessfoammattress
Cook and Cookingequipment
Meals (03B,03L,03D) - food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta,
chicken, fish, meat, rice, 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
Kitchentent
Accommodation for our porters and cooks
First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
Train ticket (Backpackers Service) from AguasCalientes to Cusco ,
First aid kits, including emergency oxygen bottle.
WHAT ISN´T 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 you’ll have the
opportunity to have breakfast,
Meal in restaurant in AguasCalientes on day 4 of the trek.
Entrance to the thermal springs in AguasCalientes US$3.

3. Sleeping bags can be hired in our office for US$20 for the 4 day trek.
Tips for the guide, cook and porters
Bus from Machu Picchu Ruins down to the village of AguasCalientes (value US$8)
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING/CARRY:
Backpack,
Sleeping bag (can be hired from our office for US$ 15.00 for the 4 day trek)
Sleeping mattress (we will provide you with this)
Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco for a few dollars)
Strong, comfortablefootwear
One complete change of clothing (you can afford to carry more changes of clothing if you hire a
personal porters, see options below)
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)
Insectrepellent
Toiletries, towel and toiletpaper
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 AguasCalientes 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 claiming
a student discount)
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hiker ignored or misunderstood our conditions. These conditions may change without notice.
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