Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days

DAY 1: CUSCO – KM 82 – WAYLLABAMBA – AYAPATA

The excitement of this famous trail will get you ready by 04.30am for pick up and begin our journey to Ollantay Tambo, where you can choose to have breakfast. After getting energized we will board the train to KM 82 in Quechua terms Piskacucho Where you will suit up, boots on and ready to begin the first hike of the Inca Trail. But first! We would need to pass through our first checkpoint where passports and student cards are required.

After passing through checkpoint we are ready for the hike following and crossing through the Vilcanota river. No uphill on the first day as the path are pretty easy along flat terrain. There are some magnificent view of the Inca Fortress Huillca Raccay and also the inca site of Llactapata the incan site which constitute of Temples, Palaces and Terraces with a view of a snow capped peak of W´akay Willca. Continuing our hike towards Wayllabamba (3,000m/9,842ft) we are almost to our first campsite Ayapata. After settling in we will have afternoon high tea with a mountain peak view and later ending the day with an Andean dinner prepared by our trekker chef.

• Meals: Lunch. Afternoon tea. Snack. Dinner
• Accommodations: Camping facilities
• Distance: 12KM / 7.5MILES (at approx. 6-7 hours’ hike)
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

DAY 2: AYAPATA – PAQAYMAYU – CHAQUICOCCHA

Morning glory waking up at 05:00AM with a hot breakfast, coffee, teas served. A boost for our next trail. It would be a steep uphill towards the highest pass of Abra de Warrmihuañusca in other terms Dead Woman´s Pass! (4,200m/13,799ft) It maybe one of heaviest hike for a couple of hours but you will be mesmerized by the spectacular view after reaching the top. 

After a well-deserved rest, we will calmly hike down to Pacaymayu (3,550m/ 13,779ft) where lunch will be served. After lunch, we will continue our hike for another 2 more hours on a steep path towards Runkuraqay (4,00m/13,123ft) reaching our second campsite at 17:00PM.

• Meals: Lunch. Afternoon tea. Snack. Dinner
• Accommodations: Camping facilities
• Distance: 16KM / 10MILES (at approx. 9 hours’ hike)
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

DAY 3: CH´AQICOCHA – PHUYUPATAMARCA – WIÑAY WAYNA

Coming through day 3 of our trail rise and shine with hot breakfast served at 06:00AM. Begin with a moderate climb towards Phuyupatamarca, which means Town in the Clouds. Spectacular view of the mountains, the canyons and the panoramic surroundings.  It is known to be the third highest point of the Inca Trail at (3,680m/12,074ft) We will be spending some time on this site and getting a well-deserved rest.

After resting, we will calmly dive down through the cloud forest to the beautiful inca agricultural site of Intipata. Approaching the ruin of Wiñay Wayna (2,680m/8,793ft) also known as Forever young. Our third campsite of the day arriving at lunch time. Ending our last camp night with some delicious Andean food prepared by our trekker chef.

• Meals: Lunch. Afternoon tea. Snack. Dinner
• Accommodations: Camping facilities
• Distance: 10KM / 6.2MILES (at approx. 5 hours’ hike)
• Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 4: WIÑAY WAYNA – MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO

Finally, the moment you have been waiting for! Rise up at 04:00AM for an early hot breakfast, coffee and tea served. Excitement for this very last hike to Inti Punku also known as the Sun gate at 06:00AM for sunrise and the first peak of Machupicchu. We will continue walking casually downhill towards Machupicchu itself at (2,400m/7872ft) Our guide will then lead you to where you can store your belonging before the exciting tour. Having a 2.5-hour tour, our guide will direct you to one of the important site and the history of each ruins. You will learn about the temple of the sun, condor, three windows, house of incas and much more. But! There more than one peak to climb.

• Huaynapicchu: Known as the Young mountain, being part of the vast majority of the panoramic photos of Machupicchu citadel. Climbing Huaynapicchu, you may discover some archaeological sites including Temple of the moon, built in a natural cave.

• Machupicchu Mountain: is above the Sacred city of Machupicchu some breath taking views of Machupicchu, a uniqueness like no other place in the world. It is known as the Old mountain where summit was used by Inca priests to perform rituals.

By noon we will be taking the bus from Machupicchu to Aguas Calientes for lunch (at your own cost) There are many good restaurants and there will be time to explore Aguas Calientes. We will be boarding the train at 16:22PM to Ollantay tambo train station, from there we will be making another 2 hours’ journey by car to Cusco, arriving approx. 20:00pm dropping off at your hotel.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Distance: 6KM / 3.7MILES
• Difficulty: Easy

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

• Briefing a night before the trek at our office
• Extra porters for your belonging up to 7kg
• Hotel pick up
• Professional English tour guide
• Meals (Indicated on itinerary only)
• First aid kits
• Oxygen tank
• Hot water for washing at campsite
• Boiled water at campsite
• 4 season Eureka tents
• Thick foam mattress
• Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantay Tambo
• Transfer back to Cusco hotel
• Admission permits for the Inca Trail 
• Entrance ticket to Machupicchu
• 2.5 hour guided tour
• Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu
• Chef and cooking equipment
• Dining tents with tables and chairs
• Rain ponchos
• Day pack rain covers

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

• Huaynapicchu: US $75 per person and Machupicchu mountain US $75 per person Advance booking is required for these additional hikes. Please reserved upon booking.
• First breakfast in Ollantay tambo
• Last lunch in Aguas Calientes
• Upgrades: Vistadome train US $57 per person (return trip only)
• Tips for guide, cooking crew and porters

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY FOR 4-DAY / 3-NIGHT CLASSIC INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS

The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is available on any date as long as we have a minimum of 2 people and there are permits available. Please Enquire!

We require a minimum of 2 hikers to start this trek.

We operate group tours up to 12 hikers maximum.

DISCOUNTS

• 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD. Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card at booking is required & government approval for discount.
• Under 18 years old: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
• Under 11 years old: $40 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.

EXTRAS

• Sleeping Bag: $20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
• Air Mattress: $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
• Walking Poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
• Personal Tent: $30 USD – (For single travelers only)
• Additional Night in Aguas Calientes: From $60 USD (Depending on availability)
• Vistadome Train Upgrade: $57 USD per person (For the return to Cusco at 4:43pm)
• Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
• Machu Picchu  Mountain: $70 USD per person  (Please request when you book your Trek)

CHECK YOUR CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU TREK AVAILABILITY BY CLICKING ON MONTH OF YOUR CHOICE!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please read the following information to help answer any questions you may have about our Services and the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

ARRIVAL TO CUSCO

We will pick you up from the Cusco airport and take you to your hotel in Cusco. Please let us know your flight details at least 14 days before arrival. Our representative will be holding an orange sign reading ORANGE Nation outside the arrivals. You must exit the terminal to find our representative as they cannot enter. (Please let us know if your hotel is in the Sacred Valley so we can make the necessary arrangments). 

THE BRIEFING:

The Briefing will be the night before the trek at 6 pm in our office, which is located at Calle Santa Teresa Nº383; office 107 (first floor), next to SUBWAY restaurant, across the street from Sunat and the only 3 story building with 2 balconies.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE:

ABSOLUTELY! During the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are free.

HOW TO BOOK THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL?

FIRST, to book your Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here – BOOK NOW.

We will need the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). This information is necessary to purchase the entrance tickets to Machu Picchu the train tickets:

• Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
• Gender
• Passport number
• D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
• Nationality

SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person , in order to purchase your entrance to Machu Picchu and train ticket. You can make you deposit by clicking on the PAYPAL symbol on the top of our home page, or you can click on the PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?

UnUnfortunately No. Once the Permits have been purchased, the government does not allow any changes. That also includes the departure date. Tickets are also non transferable nor refundable. If you cancel your Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the deposit is lost!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU ?

DEFINITELY! You MUST bring your original passport with the SAME passport number you sent us to book your entrance to Machu Picchu, train ticket, other entrances and reservations. They will check when you enter Machu Picchu and to board the train.

In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, please send us a COPY of your old passport to secure your permit, and we can change it when we receive a COPY of your new passport for a fee of $25 USD per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.

If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to enter Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter into Machu Picchu or get on the train.

Remember to check your current passport to make sure it doesn’t expire within 6 months of your arrival to Peru!!! The Government of Peru is enforcing the existing law that requires all foreign travelers to have a passport valid for a minimum of six months past the time of entry into Peru. Peruvian authorities will deny entry into Peru for travelers not meeting this requirement.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?

The weather is very unpredictable and always changing in the Andes Mountains, so it is difficult to say with any certainty. We recommend that you be prepared for warm weather, possible rain showers (Orange Nation provides rain ponchos) and a warm jacket in case of cold. We also recommend that you dress in layers so you may take off or put on clothes as needed.

The climate in Cusco has temperatures between 10º – 20º C/ 50º – 68º F, with warm days and cold nights. The best time to hike the Inca Trail is between April and October, when the weather is warm. During June, July and August the nights are very cold, which is why Orange Nation rents good quality 4 season sleeping bags.

The rainy season is during the months of November through March, if you want to hike the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu during this season, bring warm clothes and be prepared for rain but there will be a beautiful landscape and colorful flowers.

The month of February, the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is closed for safety, repairs and restoration.

The Average weather conditions on the Inca Trail:

• Dry Season: April – October
• Day temperature: 20ºC – 25ºC – Night temperature -1ºC – 7ºC
• Wet Season: November – March
• Day temperature: 17ºC – 22ºC – Night temperature 4ºC – 7ºC

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?

For some visitors, the first hours in Cusco can be summarized as shortness of breath, discomfort in the body, dizziness, headaches, stomachaches, even vomiting. As great connoisseurs of natural medicine, the Incas used coca leaves to counteract soroche Quechua for high-altitude sickness.

Don’t do anything other than rest

If you travel from Lima to Cusco, the effect can be immediate. This lack of oxygen, scientifically known as hypoxia, begins to manifest itself at 7,874 ft (2,399 m) above sea level. That’s why right after landing in Cusco, visitors can feel fatigued and have difficulty walking. Walking one block could feel like walking ten blocks carrying a backpack full of rocks. It is advisable to take it easy on the first day and, if possible, rest the first few hours to help the body acclimatize to the altitude.

Stay hydrated

How do people feel after a night of drinking? Thirsty! That’s how you’ll feel when you arrive in Cusco. As already stated, the body dehydrates quickly in high altitudes. It is recommended you drink lots of water before and during your trip to Cusco. Also, avoid heavy meals since your stomach takes longer to digest food at high altitudes. A diet of low proteins and high carbs is advisable.

Discovering coca

No one knows the effects of high altitude better than indigenous people. Coca is the best natural medicine to combat altitude sickness. It was even considered sacred because of its curative powers and is still used in the same way now as it was in the time of the Incas. It contains iron, vitamins A, B1, B2, and calcium, among other nutrients. Coca makes it easier for your bloodstream to absorb oxygen, suppresses hunger, combats fatigue, headaches and can ease your stomach. If you don’t feel like chewing leaves (which can be bitter and numb your mouth), you can try drinking coca tea, which is most commonly found in the lobby of hotels in Cusco.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?

The maximum group size is 8 people. Usually, our groups are between 2-6 people. Orange Nation specializes in SMALL and PRIVATE groups and provides personalized service.

HOW MANY COOKS/PORTERS FOR THE GROUP?

You will have 1 cook per group. The number of porters depends on the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, there will have 4 porters, 4 trekkers will have 6 porters, 6 trekkers will have 9 porters, 8 trekkers will have 12 porters.

DUFFEL BAG AND SMALL BACK PACK

The evening before your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/15lbs including sleeping bag so 5kg/11lbs. Your team of porters will carry your duffel bag for you together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, rain jacket, camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 30 to 50L backpack is sufficient.

IS THE TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?

The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a 42km (24.4 miles) hike through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude on the trek is 4,217m / 13,907ft. On the second day of the trek, we climb two mountains. The Trail is fairly difficult, and you should be prepared and healthy before starting. You have to be relatively fit and exercise regularly. In preparation: try walking 15kms in a day or go to the fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 days in Cusco (3,350m/11,047ft) before starting the trek.

TIPPING

If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip is appreciated. It means a lot to the staff and their families who will take care of you during the tour. It inspires better service and is a major part of the tourism industry across many ORANGE Nation destinations. Of course, you are free to tip more or less what you want, depending on how you feel about the quality of service and the length of your tour.

ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?

Yes, we are a local sustainable & responsible tourism operator that incorporates the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our staff to know, understand, and respect the local places and its people.

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?

• Original  Passport: (Must be the same you used for booking your trek)
• Valid, University Card: (Only if you booked as a student)
• Good Daypack: One with extra room for a box lunch (the smaller, the better)
• Water: 2-3L (Camelbak bladders are encouraged)
• Boots: Comfortable broken in hiking boots or shoes (Boots with ankle support recommended).
• Sleeping Bag: 4 season bag (can be rented from ORANGE NATION)
• Headlamp or flashlight: Headlamp frees up hands (Back-up flashlight & batteries are recommended)
• Toilet paper: Make sure to bring your own.

WHAT TO PUT IN THE DUFFEL BAG FOR THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?

As a Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and  INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 15 lbs. including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.

• Warm clothes
• comfortable shoes for camp
• Quick dry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer your own
• Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
• Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them
• Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us for $20USD

TOILETRIES

• Hand Sanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Personal medications
• First aid kit

WHAT TO PUT IN THE DAY BACKPACK FOR THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 – 40 Litres for hiking. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.

• Drinking Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal. Please bring your canteens or bottles
• Sun Hat
• Sunscreen
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Rain gear
• Snacks like chocolate bars, ice cream, cereal bars, protein bars
• Coca leaves
• Rain plastic poncho (provided by Orange Nation)
• Gloves
• Camera
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
• Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips