Book 24 hours :
info@greenperuadventures.com
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days/ 3 Nights
As we operate the Short Classic Inca Trail ourselves, we have available departure dates for the whole year. Indeed if you prefer to join a group, here our confirmed reservations for departure dates:
The scenery of the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is well renowned! You will experiment the cloud forests as well as the rainforest which will provide an unforgettable experience for you – whilst also showcasing the ancient Inca way of life! The trail winds through areas of protected natural beauty passing by the archaeological site of Wiayhuyna, where one can appreciate the rich variety of flora and fauna of the forest, and finally leads to the great sanctuary Machu Picchu.
The Incas used this trail for their sacred pilgrimage to the citadel of Machu Picchu.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba – YuncachimpaWe start our adventure by picking you up at 05:30 am from your hotel in Cusco. Make sure you carry your original passport and ISIC student card (if applicable)! Then we take our tour bus to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Before we reach the official beginning of the Inca Trail at km 82 (Piscacucho), we make a short stop in Ollantaytambo to have breakfast. Arriving the starting point of the trail, we will pass through the control point and register your Inca Trail permits. We start the legendary hike, crossing the river Urubamba (2200m). In Miskay we will have lunch on a small riverbank while learning about the archaeological complex of Llactapata. After that, we will continue our hike to Wayllabamba (3100m/10170f) and ascend to the Yuncachimpa campsite (3300m/10826f). From here, we’ll have a spectacular view of the mysterious snow mountain Nevado Veronica. This first day is very easy and a good warm up for the following days! Level of difficulty: Normal (easy) |
Day 2 | Yuncachimpa – LlulluchapampaWarmihuausca pass – Pacaymayu – Runkurakay pass – ChaquicochaThe second day is the Free-Hike-Day! That means that everybody can walk at their own pace while you meet up during to have small breaks and see each other while climbing the stairs. Early in the morning the trail winds through the Valley of Llulluchapampa (3850 m/12631ft). The first 3 km are steep – time to enjoy the humid woodland and the natural water sounds. We follow the path from Llulluchapampa for 2-3 hours until we reach the highest point of this section, the Warmihuasca Pass (Dead Woman Pass) at 4200 m. This climb is known as the most difficult part of the Inca Trail. After a short break at the summit, you continue to hike down with a long and steep descent to the river Pacaymayo (Sunrise River) towards the Runkurakay pass (3050m/10007ft). We continue our hike until reaching our campsite Chaquicocha (3650m/11975ft). Here you can relax after the tough day hiking while enjoying an amazing view over the mountains. Level of difficulty: Challenging |
Day 3 | Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – WiayhuaynaThe third day is one of the most beautiful of the trek. You can see intense changes in the ecosystem while walking towards the tropical forest of Wiayhuayna. You will pass two small lakes at the top of the second pass (3950m) and then do a gentle climb through beautiful cloud forest and a small Inca tunnel. The following third pass (3700m) then offers a great view over the Urubamba Valley. Following the trek, we reach the near settlement Phuyupatamarca, “town above the clouds” (3600m/11811ft), which is a well-preserved site with a great territory full of Inca baths. Afterwards, we pass through another Inca Tunnel before visiting the ruins of Wiayhuayna (“Forever young”) at 2650 m. Continuing our journey, the Inca stairs change into a zigzag trail until we reach a red-roofed white building, our last campsite, and also the place to get hot water (5 Soles) and bottled drinks. Level of difficulty: Normal (easy) |
Day 4 | Wiayhuayna – Machu Picchu – CuscoAfter our breakfast at 04:30 am, we will head to the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) to catch the first glimpse of Machu Picchu and watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. The last triumphal descent will take almost one hour to finally reach the citadel of Machu Picchu (2400m/7874ft) at around 08:00 am. You can enjoy its unique spirituality during a guided tour (about two hours) that will help you understand the meaning and ancient uses of the different buildings. After this tour you will have enough time to explore the archaeological site on your own (for example go to the Inca Bridge, explore the variety of buildings or climb Huayna Picchu for an amazing panoramic view). After the tour, a bus then takes you down to Aguas Calientes. Here you can soak away your aches and pain in the local hot springs (10 Soles). You will leave Aguas Calientes in the afternoon. Level of difficulty: Normal, unique (easy) |
Notes:
(1) Visit to Huayna Picchu: The entrance ticket for Huayna Picchu Mountain is required to be booked a long time in advance. For an additional US$ 75, we’ll guarantee your entrance to Huayna Picchu.
(2) Extra porter: According to the law (26702) and supervised by the Ministry of Employment, an extra porter is given under the condition that the customer requires one. However, the customer luggage cannot exceed 15 kg, since the porter is only allowed to carry 20 kg. The Service costs US$ 140 and includes transport, entrance fee to the Inca Trail, food and camping equipment.
(3) Tips for porters, cooks and guides are always welcome. The porters are also very grateful for a small donation, for example, clothing or school equipment for their children.
Please read the Terms & Conditions for the Inca Trail:
Please note that the program’s deposit is non-refundable. The deposit is used to purchase the entrance ticket to the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and once a ticket is purchased it cannot be resold.
Green Peru Adventures will not give any refunds if a participant decides to cancel the trip prior to departure or during the trip. We will give you the tickets to the archaeological sites, the bus and the train.
If Green Peru Adventures doesn’t confirm the reservation, your payment will be fully refunded. All participants have to carry their own backpacks including sleeping bag and mattresses unless they booked an extra porter or the service includes porters.
A participant must declare if he/she has any sickness or medical disorder and must bring his/her own medication.
All participants must bring their original passport and, if available, their original ISIC student card.
It is mandatory that all clients have personal travel insurance. This insurance must cover personal accidents, medical expenses, loss of affects and all other expenses which might arise as a result of loss, damage or injury occurring to the client. Green Peru Adventures shall not be held accountable for any accident or loss of personal belongings of the customer.
In case force majeure occurs, such as an impossibility to operate the program or trek due to unusual or unforeseen circumstances outside of Green Peru Adventure’s control like: extreme weather conditions, landslides, strikes not allowing operation or putting it at risk, sudden inaccessibility of route etc., Green Peru Adventures will propose viable solutions to operate the program within the available dates, or if impossible, will then propose an alternative program. If the alternative program chosen by the client is of lower value than that originally booked one, then the client is entitled to a refund of the price difference. All cost overages will be at client’s expense. In case none of these would be feasible, Green Peru Adventures will refund all the paid money except already incurred expenses.
Altitude: 2050 – 4200 m/ 6730 – 13780 ft
Distance: 43 Km
High Season: March – January
Duration: 4 days/ 3 nights
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Route: Closed in February
Comments: 2-3 days of acclimatization required
Due to its popularity, permits for the Classic Inca Trail are sometimes old out. However don’t despair, there are other equally spectacular trails leading to Machu Picchu such as the Lares Trek and the Salkantay Jungle Trek.
| Included: |
|
| Not Included: |
|
| Recommendations, what to bring: |
|
| What we need when you make a reservation: |
|
Price US$ 660.00 per Person
Exclusive international transaction fees: The amount of the extra transaction fees depends on how the payment is made and on your bank. For further information please don’t hesitate to ask.
Upon request, with each booked tour with Green Peru Adventures, you will receive a free walking tour of the mysterious and historic city of Cusco. You will be guided by one of our multilingual, professional guides.
We are looking forward to creating an unforgettable experience for you.
