The vast Inca’s Empire was connected by an extended
Inca trail system. The Classic Inca Trail is the most popular trail in
Peru. This is the only trail that has as final destination, Machu
Picchu. There are several places from where it is possible to start the Inca Trail, but the most popular one is the Classic Inca Trail which
consists of a The Classic Inca Trail is located in Cusco, Peru. If you
would like to hike the Inca Trail, you will need to have permit because
the Peruvian government only allows 500 people per day. The only way to
get a permit is by hiring a registered tour operator or a travel agency
working directly with a tour operator. All tour operators and travel
agencies offer packages including the permit and other services. It is
important to get book your Inca Trail with a travel agency or tour
operator that is going to provide you the service The Classic Inca Trail
starts at the kilometer 82 where the small Andean community of
Piskacucho is located. Piskacucho is located about 8,500 feet above sea
level. On the way to your first campsite you will be able to observe the
Urubamba River, beautiful nevadoes, and the ruins of Huillcaraccay,
Patallacta, and Pulpituyoc. Wayllabamba is the name of your first
campsite and is located about 10,160 feet above sea level.
The second day of the Inca Trail is the most
difficult one because you will hike at a constant incline until you
reach the first pass named Warmiwañuska or Dead Women’s Pass which is
located about 13,770 feet above sea level. This is the highest point of
the Inca Trail and you will be able to enjoy a beautiful view. Your
second campsite is named Pacaymayo which is located about 11,800 feet
above sea level. This is a magical spot where you will enjoy of the
mystical view provided by a sky full of stars. The third day of the Inca
Trail is the most beautiful one. A magical path is going to take you to
your next campsite named Wiñaywayna. Right after starting the day, you
will visit the ruins of Runkurakay and then you will recah to the second
pass named Runkurakay located about 12,330 feet above sea level. On the
way to your last campiste, you will visit the ruins of Sayacmarca and
Phuyupatamarca. Once at Wiñaywayna, you might visit the ruins of the
same name.
The fourth day of the Inca Trail, you will
wake up very early and then you will start your hike at about 5:30a.m.
In order to arrive at dawn to the Gate of the Sun or Intipunku which is
located about 8,920 feet above sea level. If it is not cloudy, you will
have an incredible view of Machu Picchu. Once at Machu Picchu, your
guide will take you to the main temples and rooms of Machu Picchu for
about two hours. Later on, you will take a bus to Aguas Calientes. Once
in Aguas Calientes, you will take a train to Ollantaytambo and then a
transfer will drive to your hotel in Cusco. Hiking the Inca Trail is an
amazing experience wich you will never forgetin your life. In order to
be ready to hike the Inca Trail, you should acclimatize to the altitude
of Cusco. Also, you should be in shape to really enjoy the trek. If you
are not used to hike, the service of an extra porter should be hired to
carry your personal belongings.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo- Piscacucho- Huayllabamba (L), (D)
• Around 6:15a.m. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel.
• At this time you will meet your co-trekkers
and will begin your journey to Ollantaytambo by bus which will take
approximately an hour and a half. Once in Ollantaytambo, you will be
able to make your last-minute purchases for your Inca Trail hike such as
walking sticks, water bottles, snacks, etc.
• After leaving Ollantaytambo, the ride to Piscacucho will take approximately 30 more minutes.
• This point is also called Kilometer 82. Here a
snack will be provided by your tour guide. At 9,000 feet above sea
level, you will start your Inca Trail hike by going up short hills and
walking on flat land for about two hours. At your arrival at Meskay, you
will enjoy a nutritious lunch. After another two and a half hours of
hiking, you will arrive at your first campsite, called Huayllabamba, at
9,840 feet above sea level. Here dinner will be served at about 7:00p.m.
• Today you will be able to observe the ruins
of Q’anabamba and Willkarakay from far and visit the ruins of Patallacta
during your trek. Also, you will enjoy an unforgettable astronomical
view at night.
• Camping
Note:
- Level of difficulty: moderate
- Hiking time: 6-7 hours
- Total distance: 12km/7.7 ml approx.
Day 2: Wayllabamba – Warmiwañuska – Pacaymayu (B), (L), (D)
• The cook’s assistant will awaken you about 6:00a.m., offering you hot tea. Breakfast will be served at about 6:30a.m.
• Today will be the most difficult day of the
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with mostly uphill hiking for the entire
morning. Once again, you will receive an energizing snack for the day.
• The first hour and a half of hike will take
you to the first resting point, called Yuncachimpa – Ayabacha, at 10,820
feet above sea level. After another hour of hiking, you will arrive at
the second resting point, called Lulluchapampa. Sport drinks, candies,
and other groceries will be sold here.
• The hardest part of the Classic Inca Trail
will take you to the “Dead Woman Pass” or “Abra Warmiwañusca” at 13,776
feet above sea level. This portion of the trek will take you about two
hours. Here you will have an amazing view of both sides of the valley. A
descent on original Inca Trail stairs will take you to the next
campsite, called Pacaymayu, at about 11,800 feet above sea level. Here,
lunch and dinner will be served.
• Today you will enjoy different views of the
trail, including a small waterfall, a view of the morning’s campsite
from far above, and various vegetation. If you are lucky, you may even
see a condor. At the end of the day, you will experience a feeling of
great accomplishment for a hard day’s work!
• Camping
Note:
- Level of difficulty: challenge
- hiking time: 8-9 hours
- Total distance: 15 km/ 9.5 ml approx.
Day 3: Pacaymayu – Chaquiqocha - Wiñaywayna (B), (L), (D)
• Once again your cook’s assistant will wake
you up around 6:00a.m. With a cup of hot tea. After breakfast at about
6:30a.m., you will start the most beautiful day of the Classic Inca
Trail to Machu Picchu.
• Your hike will start with a snack and a short
ascending hike until the ruins of Runkuraqay or “Egg Hut.” After a
presentation from your guide, you will continue your Inca Trail hike
until you reach the second pass, called “Abra Runkuraqay,” at 12,400
feet above sea level. Your next stop will be the ruins of Sayacmarca at
11,472 feet above sea level, where your guide will talk to you about the
ruins. Your last lunch with your group will be served at Chaquiqocha at
about 11:30a.m.
• After lunch, a stony road will take you to
your next campsite, called Wiñaywayna, at 8,692 feet above sea level. On
the way you will enjoy the amazing views of the green mountains,
rivers, and snowy peaks, as well as the ruins of the Phuyupatamarca,
where again your guide will make a presentation.
• This portion may take you about four and a
half hours. Once at the campsite, you might visit the ruins of
Wiñaywayna, take a shower, or just rest. After your last dinner, there
will be a small ceremony to say thanks to the hard work done by your
Inca Trail crew. You will also have the opportunity to tip your crew at
this time.
• Camping
Note:
- Level of difficulty: normal, unforgettable (easy)
- Hiking time: 5-6 hours
- Total distance: 10 km/6.5 ml approx.
Day 4: Wiñaywayna – Intipunku – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo- Cusco (B)
• Today you will need to wake up at 4:30a.m.
And eat an early breakfast because the police control office opens at
5:30a.m. A hike of an hour and a half will take you to the Gate of the
Sun, also called Intipunku, at 8,920 feet above sea level. If it is not
cloudy, you will be able to get an amazing view of Machu Picchu, which
is located at 7,875 feet above sea level.
• At about 9:00a.m., your guide will start your
tour of the “Lost City of the Incas.” After that you will have time to
hike the Huayna Picchu Mountain or just wander around. In the afternoon,
one or two hours before your train departure, you should take the bus
down to Aguas Calientes, where you will take the train to Poroy.
• Upon arrival in Poroy, transportation to your hotel in Cusco will be provided.
Note
- Level of difficulty: normal, unique (easy)
- Hiking time: 2-3 hours
- Total distance: 7 km/4 ml approx.
