05 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

DURATION 05 Day

MAX. ALTITUDE 13,779 ft.

PLACE Cusco

Min. Age9+

Group Size 12

Type of Tours : Adventure, Cultural, History, Nature

Moderate ACTIVITY LEVEL

Easy

These activities are a walk in the park! You will be able to enjoy the scenery, history, and time with loved ones without exhausting yourself. You do not need any special training, gear, or acclimatization for an “Easy” trek or tour. Terrain will be generally flat and comfortable, highly traveled.

Middle

A step up from “Easy,” these tours require a little more physical effort but are still 100% manageable to anyone with or without adventure experience. Again, you do not need special training, gear, or acclimatization for a “Mild” trek or tour. Terrain is generally flat but with possible gentle up- and downhills.

Moderate

Before embarking on a “Moderate” trek or tour, you should be at least partly acclimatized to the high altitude of the Andes as it affects your oxygenation, energy levels, and hydration. These tours are still very manageable without special training as long as you have spent a day or two at high altitude. Terrain often includes moderate up- and downhill walking with possible rough patches or infrequently-traveled sections.

Challenging

“Challenging” treks or tours require that you are acclimated to the Andes’ high altitude before leaving as it affects your oxygenation, energy levels, and hydration. Spending 2-3 days or more at high altitude will help you on the trek. You will need hiking shoes and possibly trekking poles for these treks. You will need to be in good physical shape, and it’s recommended that you train at least some beforehand, possibly with running, biking, or strenuous workout videos. Terrain is often rough, sometimes with steep up- and downhills and often not highly traveled. Generally, these last several hours.

Formidable

These “Formidable” treks are our most difficult treks and require serious effort but are also the most rewarding. It is necessary to be in pristine physical condition. Again, you must be acclimated to the Andes’ high altitude before leaving as it affects your oxygenation, energy levels, and hydration. Spending 4-5 days or more if possible at high altitude will help you on the trek. You will need hiking shoes and possibly trekking poles for these treks. It is important to train physically before these treks so that your body is prepared for the strenuous nature of the trip. Generally, these last at least an entire day in infrequently-traveled areas with rough paths.

Highlights

The 05 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most beautiful trail to machupicchu in the inkan times just high class people or important people made it. The inka trail combines Inca ruins, original Inca trail, Inca steep (up and down), ecological zones with exuberant and diversity vegetation and more than 350 species of orchids so far cataloged in the sanctuary, which are the most beautiful, diversified and evolved flowers in the vegetable kingdom and fauna with numerous species of insects,reptiles,birds and mammals, the most representative of these area the spectacled bears( tremarctus ornatus), the trail goes over the high passes(4200m), grasslands with unforgettable views of the magnificent mountains, through the cloud forests and finally into the subtropical vegetation arriving on the final day to Machupicchu.

Level of difficulty: (low, medium, high): medium

DAY 1: CUSCO TO Km 82 (WITH A PRIVATE BUS) – Km 82 TO WAYLLABAMBA (12 Km)

DAY 2: WAYLLABAMBA TO PACAYMAYU (11 Km)

DAY 3: PACAYMAYU TO PHUYUPATAMARCA (10 Km)

DAY 4: PHUYUPATAMARCA TO MACHU PICCHU (10 Km)

DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU TO HUAYNA PICCHU

Itinerary

DAY 1: CUSCO TO Km 82 (WITH A PRIVATE BUS) – Km 82 TO WAYLLABAMBA (12 Km)

Pick up from your hotel is very early in the morning (between 6.00 am and 6:30 am). Once we’ve left Cusco by private bus we’ll drive through the famous Sacred Valley (Chinchero, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo) and will arrive after about 2 ½ hours at “km 82”, that is the start of the trail. On our way from Cusco to km 82 our bus usually stops for around 40 minutes in Ollantaytambo in order to give our customers the opportunity to have breakfast or to buy something else (snacks, drinks etc.). Having arrived at km 82 at around 10:30 am you are going to cross the Urubamba river and follow the left bank of the river for about 1 ½ hours.

The first little climb will be to Wilka Rakay; from here there is a spectacular view of the Inca site Patallapta and the Kusichaca Valley. The subsequent descent down to Kusichaca river is very simple. On the way to our first camp side there are great views of the Urubamba mountain range with the snow capped Peak Veronica (5’750 m, Wakay Wilka). We’ll follow Kusichaca Valley for approximately 7km up to Wayllabamba (3’000 m), where we will spend our first night.

Lodging: Campsite

DAY 2: WAYLLABAMBA TO PACAYMAYU (11 Km)

After an energetic breakfast we will start climbing up for about 1 hour to Tres Piedras (The Three Stones). A little farther we will enter into the beautiful cloud forest. After having trekked for around 2 hours through spectacular vegetation we will reach the tree lines and Llulluchapampa at 3’750m. Here we will stop to have a short break with some tea or coffee and some sandwiches to regain your strengths. You’ll need them for the next 1 ½ hours of hiking that will bring us to the highest point of the Inca Trail – Abra de Warmihuñusca or dead woman pass (4’215m).

Predominant flora of this part of the trail is the vast grassy land that you’ll cross when getting closer to the pass. Once we have reached the summit of the pass, we’ll celebrate all together for having completed the most difficult part of Inca Trail. The following 2 hour descent will bring us to the base camp in Pacaymayo (3’600m) where we will spent the second night.

Lodging: Campsite

DAY 3: PACAYMAYU TO PHUYUPATAMARCA (10 Km)

The third day starts with a 40 minutes hike up from Pacaymayo to Runkurakay. These small ruins occupy a commanding position overlooking Pacaymayo valley and offering a very nice view. Another 45 minutes hike will bring you to the top of the second pass, Abra Runkurakay (3’950m). The descent down to Sayacmarka (3’500m) takes around 1 hour.

From here the trail descends into the magnificent cloud forest full of orchids, hanging moss, ferns and native flowers. It takes 30 minutes passing by the small Inca site Conchamarka and then reaching Chaquicocha (3’550m), where we will have lunch. On the way to Phuyupatamarka pass (3’700 m) where we will spend our last night also from here is possible to look the snow capped peaks Salkantay, Veronica, Pumasillu and also Machu Picchu mountain.

Lodging: Campsite

DAY 4: PHUYUPATAMARCA TO MACHU PICCHU (10 Km)

On the fourth day we will wake up very early to have breakfast to be able start our hike to Machu Picchu the descent to Inty Pata another arqueological site will take us around 2 hours that was a biggest agricultor sector that is located on the hill site and is facing to the east after we visited we will go to visit another arqueological site wich is Wiñay Wayna that was found recently in 1941.from Wiñayhuayna it will take us around 1 hour to get the sun gate (Inty Punku) from here you will see magnificient Machu Picchu for the first time.

It is around 40 minutes walk down to Machu Picchu and to get to the the classical viewpoint .from here you will be able to overlook and admire the entire Machupicchu complex. This is also the spot where you can take the famous classical post card picture. we can stay here for hours overlooking the citadel of Machu Picchu.

Now we have to descent to Machupicchu town by bus that the closest town to Machu Picchu and we spend the last night in the hotel because at the next day we go back to visit Machu Picchu.

Lodging: Golden Sunrise *** or similar

DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU TO HUAYNA PICCHU

The last day we will go up to visit Machu Picchu inkan city very early in the morning for the sunrise or the sun shining the inkan complex of Machu Picchu after that we will do our guided tour of Machu Picchu with your guide. The tour take approximately 2 hours.

Finally after the guided tour in Machupicchu we can climp up to the famous mountain Huayna Picchu the ascent from the base to the mountain top takes 40 or 50 minutes round trip 2 hours and from the top we can overlook all the sacred geografhy of Machu Picchu and the sacred river, also from this view point we can look the sacred snow capped mountains that are surrounding to Machu Picchu, Once you feel that you have seen every corner of Machupicchu we will take a bus down to the town Aguas Calientes the bus trip takes just 25 minutes that would the place where we can have our lunch and them we board the train to go back to Cusco.

NOTE: Huayna Picchu mountain will be optional just for the hikkers who are feeling physically well
The other can walk around the inkan complex.

What's Included

INCLUDED:

Professional English Speaking Tour Guide.
Chef.
Porters to carry cooking and camping equipment.
Pick-up from your hotel.
Transportation by bus to Km82.
Return transportation by train and bus to Cusco.
Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own).
4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 3 Afternoon Snacks (Happy Hour) and 4 Dinners. If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian food
please let us know.
Dining tent with tables and chairs.
Inflatable Sleeping Mattress (you need to carry this unless you hire a personal porter).
Comfortable and very spacious 4 man tent (one tent is used by two people).
Oxygen bottle.
First aid kit.
Entrance to the Inca Trail and 2 days Machu Picchu.
Return bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. 2 Days Tickets
Accomodation in Aguas Calientes 1 night.

NOT INCLUDED:

Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us).
Personal Porter to carry 6kg of personal items.
Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 5.
Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain. Extra US$ 85.00
Tips.
Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.

THINGS TO BRING:

Original Passport
ISIC card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
Walking boots
Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
Warm jacket
Hat and gloves
T-shirts
Comfortable Trousers
Sun hat
Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)
Insect repellant
Toiletries and hand sanitiser
Personal medication
Camera and film
Torch with spare batteries

Prices

PRICES 2019 **Daily Departure with at least 2 peopleCheck Inca trail availibility: Inca Trail Availability Includes a Personal Porter who will carry your posessions up to 7 kilos (including the sleeping bag : 2kgs); 2 Days Entrances to Machu Picchu and bus there too.**
NUMBER OF PAX	PRICE PER PERSON	ACTION
02 people	$ 880.00	BOOK NOW
03 people	$ 830.00	BOOK NOW
04 people	$ 800.00	BOOK NOW
05 people	$ 780.00	BOOK NOW
06 people	$ 750.00	BOOK NOW
07+ people	$ 730.00	BOOK NOW

Discounts:

Group of 5 or more: US$25.00 All of you need is to book the trek altogether at the same time.
Under 18 years old: US$35.00 Please send us a copy of the passport upon booking
Student Discount (Maximum Age 25 years): US$35.00 Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. For those using an university student card to receive the discount, we need to see a copy of the card when booking. For those booking children who are 17-years-old or younger, we need a copy of their passport at booking time. Please send all to info@wamanadventures .com. More Information here: STUDENT CARD

“WE ALSO HAVE THE FOLLOWING CONFIRMED DEPARTURE DATES”

Extra Services?

SERVICE	PRICE
Hire of sleeping bag 5 season	$25.00
Walking stick highly recommended!	$15.00
Single Tent supplement	$30.00
Additional porter for 5 kg.	$80.00
Additional night at 3 star hotel	$85.00

FAQS?

Inca Trail Availability

It is strongly recommended to book your Inca Trail at least 6 months in advance as permits can quickly sell out. Last year the demand was extremely high, and demand is projected to rise even more.

Waman Adventures offer daily departures on the Inca Trail (excluding February when the trail is closed).

Since 2000 the Inca trail has been regulated by the country of Peru. This has provided many wonderful things, like clean trails and camping sites, but it has also limited the amount of people on the trail each day. Now only 500 people are permitted on the trail every morning – this includes hikers, guides, porters and cooks. If your date is not available, do not fret, there are many wonderful treks to Machu Picchu – just as beautiful as the Inca trail and not as crowded.

Waman Adventures will create amazing expeditions to Machu Picchu, with great guides, chefs, and the unmatchable, unstoppable ‘green machinne’ Porters, as well as the best equipment tents, sleeping bags, matresses and pillows.

If your date is not available, look beyond to see that there are many wonderful alternative treks to Machu Picchu – just as beautiful as the Inca trail and not as crowded!

02 Day short Inca Trail
03 Day Huchuy Qosqo Trek
04 Day Lares Trek
04 Day Inca Jungle Adventure
05 Day Salkantay Trek

With How Much Time In Advance Should I Book My Inka Trail?

We recommend as soon as possible!! This is a famous route in high-demand, and because the government has restricted access and applied daily limits (200 hikers & 300 porters/staff per day). Due to these factors, we urge you make your reservation as far in advance as possible.

If you plan to travel between the months of April – September, you best make your reservation 06 months before your departure date.

Between the months of October – January, it is possible to make a reservation 03 to 04 months in advance.

What happens with the payment, do you need a deposit?

Once your reservation has been confirmed through our website or a sales agent, a deposit fee of US $ 250 (2017) must be made to confirm your trek. Deposits must be made through PayPal (quickest and preferred method), Western Union or bank transfer.

The remaining balance must be paid in our office in Cusco AT LEAST 48 hours before your trekking departure date, before 7:30 pm.

This remaining balance must be paid in cash (US$ dollars or Peruvian Soles). When we confirm your trekking reservation, we will send you the details on how to make the deposit for your trip. Please note that the deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. The deposit is used to purchase your trekking permit and reserve your space. After having made this purchase by sending your information to the government, NO adjustments or changes can be made (dates, names, personal data, etc.) to the reservation.

Is the trek difficult? Do I need to be in good physical condition?

All our treks (Inka Trail, Salkantay, Ausangate, Lares, etc) are moderately difficult, lengthy and traverse rough mountain terrain. We kindly recommend that if you plan to conquer any of these routes to be in relatively good physical condition, plus acclimatization. These means arriving to Cusco at least 02 days prior to your trek departure to adjust to altitude. During the last two months leading up to your trek we suggest a regular and moderate exercise routine to improve endurance and stamina. We wish for you to have the best experience possible!

Is there a maximum or minimum age limit for inka trail?

There are NO government restrictions regarding age limit for Inka Trail. However, as a responsible Tour Agency, we will only accept reservations for children 7 or younger if the parents assume full responsibility for them during the trek. *For families with children, we highly suggest booking a private tour to make your experience more comfortable*

All children below the age of 18 years must be accompanied by an adult.

We require all trekkers age 60 or above to hire an additional porter (12kg) for their convenience.

Trekkers age 65 + must consult with their physician before booking and also before traveling to verify health conditions for participating in a high altitude multi-day trek.

We also suggest that all medical or doctor recommendations be acknowledged, even if this means cancelling your travel plans. We recommend that all clients 60 years of age or above arrive to Cusco at least 03 days before your trekking date to adjust to altitude.

We recommend that all clients age 55 + speak in advance with their physician to consult the best way to plan your trek and inquire that your travel insurance covers activities such as adventure. We will require a medical file confirming a good state of health and NO cardiac problems.

Are vegetarian, vegan, and/or other special diet needs available?

Of course! Without any additional costs! When you make your reservation, please inform us of any dietary needs or requirements, including allergies!

Vegetarian foods will be absent of all meats, chicken or fish. We will assume that eggs and cheese or other lactose products are OK.

Most of our main meals are a buffet-style, leaving you the option to avoid anything undesirable to you.

If there are any food items or veggies that you cannot stomach, perhaps onions, tomatoes, mushrooms.. etc, upon your request we will ask our chef to leave them out or separate this item.

We can also attend lactose-intolerant or gluten-intolerant diets. We cannot accept individuals with serious allergic or life-threatening reactions.

I have a food allergy. May I still participate?

Every day we receive many clients with food allergies to nuts, wheat, etc. Please inform us in detail of your condition upon making your reservation.

We kindly ask that you declare the severity of your reaction and any medication that you take in case of emergency.

If your allergy is severe, we ask that you be accompanied by a friend or individual conscious and fully responsible of your situation and ready with any medication.

WE CANNOT ACCEPT CLIENTS WITH LIFE-THREATENING ALLERGIES

When must I arrive in cusco or arrive to your office?

We require that all clients arrive to Cusco at least 48 hours before the start of your trek, although 03 nights before is ideal. You must pay your remaining balance two days before your departure for your trek. This will assure that all individuals are acclimatized and adjusted to the high altitude conditions to begin your trek comfortably. Please note that your remaining balance must be paid in cash in our office and cannot be paid before your arrival.

Our office hours are Monday – Saturday 9:00am – 1:00pm, 4:00pm – 8:00pm. (Please aim to arrive 7:30pm at the latest!)

Are hiking sticks or poles necessary?

For this trek more than any other, we do recommend hiking sticks, especially for those with any known knee problems. The trail is full of steep ascents and steep drops on narrow Inka stairs. The poles will assist your balance and reduce the impact on your knees. *Waman Adventures and the INC (National Culture Institute) asks that you not use metal-tipped poles that will damage the trail.*

Waman Adventures will rent hiking sticks for $15

Where can I store my baggage that I dont need for the inka trail?

Any baggage that is not necessary for your trek may be stored in your hotel in Cusco (most hotels offer this service free of charge). In the case that your hotel may not provide this service, we will store your baggage safely in our office free of charge.

Should I hire an additional porter?

Remember that group service includes a personal porter to carry your things up to 05 kg / 11.02 lb. Before the start of your trek we will provide you with a duffle bag to bring your basic necessities, such as; sleeping bag (average 2,5 kg), and extra clothing (average 2,5 kg). Remember that your porter will not be hiking at your side during the trek, which means you will still need to carry a daypack to have your personal things on-hand throughout the day, such as drinking water, snacks, camera, fleece and raincoat.

How does Waman Adventures care for the porters?

a) GOOD WAGES:

As a responsible tour agency, we pay our porters a salary of 210 Soles for the 4-day trek AND their transportation expenses (nearly 20% above the legal minimum salary, making Inkayni one of the best trekking agencies in Cusco).

Ideally, all agencies in Cusco should pay this amount, yet sadly, to this day there are many agencies not even paying the minimum legal salary.

b) APPROPRIATE WEIGHT LIMIT:

Within the basic policies of Waman Adventures is respect for all staff, which means not exceeding weight limits.

This factor is extremely important when choosing a travel agency for trekking.

Unfortunately there are many irresponsible companies (even big-name commercial companies that have often grown due to labor exploitation) that force porters to carry well over 25 kg and disrespect their rights.

For this reason, Inkayni Peru tours will not offer you a private bathroom, hot showers, or personal porter that will carry more than 5kg. This may exceed weight limits for our porters.

We kindly ask that before you choose a company for your trek that offers you these luxury services that you consider the extra weight that will be on the shoulders of your porters.

c) INSURANCE:

Waman Adventures is one of few companies that offers insurance for our porters.

d) TREKKING UNIFORMS:

Waman Adventures offers proper attire for all our staff.

What is the weather like during the trek?

The best time for making the trek with good weather is between the months of April – October when there is minimal rainfall and clear skies. The driest months are June – August, which is winter in the Andes.

January to March is summer in Peru, which means rainy season for Cusco and especially the Inka Trail, which is located mostly in the tropical cloud forest.

Are there bathrooms on the Inka Trail?

Many new outhouses have been added throughout the Inka Trail, mostly in the main designated campsites. This has greatly improved the sanitary conditions of the Trail, yet still the situation is not always perfect. All outhouses have cold running water. We recommend you bring a hand-disinfectant for use after visiting the public outhouses. Before each meal, we will provide you with hot water and soap for washing.

What is the potable water situation along the trail?

Inkayni Perú Tours will provide you with boiled water after each meal-time, starting with lunch on the second day (02).

Before this, you may purchase bottled water from small local ‘shops’ located outside local homes, offering water, gatorade, or soda. It is recommended that each person drink at least 02 to 03 liters of water each day.

You will also find small streams, or water on tap roughly every 2 hours along the Trail where you may fill your bottle, provided you have proper filtration/purification system. Water in the Andes is generally clean, but even though it may appear pure, you still must use a purification method for it to become safely potable.

Please consider the environment when you decide to travel and make a trek. Every day technology is improving to make our lives easier and avoid trash. Bring a purification system or bottle (such as UV light) to avoid buying bottled water.

If I am traveling alone may I have my own tent ?

If you are traveling alone and are open to sharing a tent, perhaps with someone of the same sex, there will be no additional cost. NOTE that if you wish to have a private tent, there is an additional cost of US $40.

Is it guaranteed that we camp at Wiñaywayna on the third night of the Inka Trail ?

Wiñay Wayna is the closest campsite to Machu Picchu, making it the favorite site for everyone. At a mere two (02) hours from Machu Picchu, camping at Wiñay Wayna allows groups to arrive very early in the morning to the Sun Gate. Unfortunately, there is not much space available at this site for all groups on the Inka Trail. The second closest campsite known as Phuyupatamarca is still a 5-hour hike to Machu Picchu. When trekking permits are purchased, the goverment is responsable for asigning campsites to groups. Inkayni has the reputation of finalizing group reservations and obtaining permits well before other companies, which means we often have the blessing of camping at Wiñay Wayna the majority of our treks. Between 2014 – 2016 we camped at Wiñay Wayna 99% of the time. One group in all of 2015 could not camp at Wiñay Wayna, so they decided to arrive to Machu Picchu on the third day, sleep in Aguas Calientes, and return to Machu Picchu the 4th morning for sunrise. All of 2016 had us at Wiñay Wayna for our groups on Inka Trail.

Where do I have to be the morning of the start of my trek and where will I finish at the end?

17.- Where do I have to be the morning of the start of my trek and where will I finish at the end?

We will pick you up from your hotel to begin your trek and upon finishing, we will also leave you at your hotel.

I wish to have a train company or train option different to that which Waman Adventures offers, is this possible?

If you wish to change your train company or option (such as Vistadome de Peru Rail, to Ollantaytambo or the whole route to Poroy), or your departure time, additional fees may apply. You must speak with one of our sales agents to inquire about availability and the additional costs.