INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 5 DAYS: Trek at your own pace

At a glance:

• Style: Guided
• Grade: Moderate to challenge
• Maximum elevation: 4,200 meters
• Accommodation:
• Camping tents
• Transport: Bus, train and trekking
• Meals included: As mentioned in the itinerary
• Timing: 5 days and 4 nights
• Starting and Ending point: Cusco hotel
• 
  

Short  Trek Itinerary:

DAY 1: Cusco –  Huayllabamba

• 3 hour-travel by tourist bus to Pisqhakucho or km 82.
• Inca Trail Hike for 6-7 hours (11km)
• Visit the Patallacta Inca ruins.
• Lunch will be served on the way.

DAY 2: Pacaymayo

• Early breakfast in the Campsite.
• Start the Incas Trail trek at 07:00 a.m
• Trek for 7-8 hours from Huayllabamba to Pacaymayo.
• Conquer the highest pass named “Warmiwañusqha” or Dead women pass at 4,200 masl.
• Lunch will be served on the way.

DAY 3: Phuyupatamarca.

• Start the trek at 07:00 a.m.
• Trek for 7-8 hours from Pacaymayo to Phuyupatamarka.
• Explore the Runkuraqhay and Sayacmarka Inca Ruins.
• Trek though the Cloud forest.
• Lunch will be served on the way.

DAY 4:  «Aguas Calientes»

• Enjoy the sunrise over the highest mountain of the region: Salkantay at 6,271 masl.
• Trek for 7-8 hours from Phuyupatamarka to Machu Pichu; then bus to the town of «Aguas Calientes».
• Trek through the original Inca trail and pass through the Inca tunnels.
• The Inca trail runs through the cloud forest.
• Explore the Inca ruins of Phuyupatamarka, Intipata and Wiñayhuayna.
• Arrival in the afternoon for the sunset to Intipunku or Sungate.

DAY 5:  Machu Picchu Tour.

• Early breakfast in the hotel.
• Take the bus for 25 minutes up to Machu Picchu.
• 2-3 hour guided tour to Machu Picchu.
• Free time for further exploration.
• Optional climb to Huayna Picchu Moutain.
• In the afternoon, we will return to Cusco by train.
• Transfer to your hotel.

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Pisqhakucho (km 82) – Huayllabamba

The Inca trail 5 day-tour begins at 05:30 a.m when we’re gonna pick you up from your hotel, and travel in our tourist bus for 3 hours to trailhead at Pisqhakucho or KM 82; Here, we will meet our porters and trekking staff.

As our porters load the heavy gear, we will head off down river alongside the rushing Vilcanota River, through pretty cactus gardens with magnificent views of «La Veronica snow-peak mountain»; the trek of today will be trough the valley we will visit the Inca ruins of Llactapata (Up city) discovered by Mr. Hiram Bingam in 1915; following the Inca trail that goes through Cusichaca Valley with beautiful mountain scenery until we arrive to the small community of Huayllabamba (3,000 masl), here will be our camp site.

Meals Included: L – D.
Accommodation: Double occupancy camping tent.
Maximum Altitude: 3,000 masl
Minimum Altitude:  2,750 masl
Distance Travelled: 11 kilometers.
Approximate walking time: 6-7 hours.

Day 2: Huayllabamba – Dead woman pass (4,200 masl) – Pacaymayo

After breakfast, we will depart from the Huayllabamba camp at around 07:00 a.m. Today will be our longest and the hardest day of the Inca trail tour,  but rewarded with spectacular views down several valleys and up the surrounding snow-covered peaks; at the beginning of the trek, we’ll ascend steeply uphill through the Corralpunku Valley to the Llulluchapampa sector, where you might see several species of birds, from this point; you can see the highest pass ahead.

From Llulluchapamapa zone the trail climbs for two more hours along a large number of steps, some of them newly laid to protect the mountain from erosion. You can walk at your own pace, stopping to catch your breath whenever you like; the climb from the camp to dead woman pass will take us five hours approximately. After we rest and take pictures, we’ll descend following a numerous of Inca steps for three hours until Pacaymayo camp.

Meals Included:  B – L – D.
Accommodation: Double occupancy camping tent.
Maximum Altitude: 4,200 masl.
Minimum Altitude:  3,000 masl.
Distance Travelled: 11 kilometers.
Approximate walking time: 7-8 hours.

 Day 3: Pacaymayo – Phuyupatamarca

We will start at 07:00 a.m and continue ascending to the small Inca site of Runkuracay (round shape balcony) and later to the second pass (4,000 masl). As we reach the opened second pass of the landscape onto spectacular new views to the snow peaks of the Pumasillo range. From the pass, we’ll descend to the ruins of Sayacmarca (Inaccessible Town), an intricate labyrinth of houses, squares and water channels, perched precariously on a rocky spur overlooking the Aobamba valley.

The Inca trail continue with spectacular structure of white granite paving stones, continues along the steep upper fringes of the cloud forest through a colorful riot of orchids, bromeliads, mosses and ferns. At the third pass, we will camp by pinnacles topped with Inca viewing platforms, overlooking the archaeological complex of Phuyupatamarca (Cloud-level Town) and the Vilcabamba Mountain range.

Meals Included: B – L – D.
Accommodation: Double occupancy camping tent.
Maximum Altitude: 4,000 masl.
Minimum Altitude:  3,600 masl.
Distance Travelled: 13 kilometers.
Approximate walking time: 7-8 hours.

 Day 4: Phuyupatamarka – Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – «Aguas Calientes»

Our stroll along the Trail, leads us to the cloud forest; here is where the jungle begins, we will visit the Inca ruins of Phuyupatamarca (meaning the town over the clouds) and then, we will continue descending through numerous Inca steps with warm weather observing exuberant vegetation with beautiful orchids, begonias, bromeliads and great quantity of birds until we arrive to Wiñaywayna (young forever) a spectacular place to explore and visit the Inca farm terraces with exceptional views of the Urubamba Canyon; here lunch will be served.

Aafter resting and having a break, we’ll continue to the last part of our trek toward Intipunku, or Sungate known as the entrance gate to Machu Picchu, where you will have an amazing panoramic view of the entire Citadel of Machu Picchu and enjoy the sunset; after we take the pictures of Machu Picchu, we will take the bus to the town of «Aguas Calientes» and have accommodation in the hotel.

Meals Included: B – L – D.
Accommodation: Double occupancy camping tent.
Maximum Altitude: 3,600 masl.
Minimum Altitude:  2,400 masl.
Distance Travelled: 10 kilometers.
Approximate walking time: 7-8 hours.

 Day 5: «Aguas Calientes» – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Early breakfast and we will take the first bus to see the sunrise at the Machu Picchu Archaeological Site. Our expert guide will take you on a relaxing tour before other groups arrive at noon; during this tour, we will visit the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Mother Earth, the Temple of Wiracocha, the Sacred Square, the Intiwatana or the Sundial, the Temple of the Condor etc. Later in the afternoon, we’ll take the train back to Cusco; arrive there in the evening after which you will be transferred to your hotel.

INCA TRAIL TREK INCLUDES

• Transportation: Transfer from your hotel in our Tourist bus to Piscakucho (km 82), starting point of the trek – Bus down and up from Machu Picchu to the town of «Aguas Calientes» – Tourist train from Machu Picchu to Cusco – Transfer from the train station to your hotel.
• Entrance Fees: For the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
• Meals: (3) breakfasts (4) hot lunches – 3 hot dinners and delicious meals; food includes pancakes, omelettes, 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 every day (tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn), we offer vegetarian option, We provide available boil water each mourning for your water bottles
• Guide: Licensed bilingual tour guide (2 guides over 8 people)
• General Porters: For camping equipment, food and kitchen gears.
• Extra Porters: To carry your personal belongings 6 kilos per person in duffel bags that we provide.
• Camping Equipment: We provide 4 season tents, four people capacity tents for two people, Therm-a-rest, dinning room tent, kitchen tent, toilet tents, seats, tables, tent for the and porters, kitchen gear and backpacks, warm clothes and life insurance for the porters.
• Other Items: first-aid kit, oxygen bottle.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Breakfast: Breakfast on the first morning; some hotels offer early breakfast. If not, we stop at the town of Ollantaytambo where you can have breakfast and purchase some items for the trek.
• Meals: Lunch in the town of «Aguas Calientes» on the final day, you must consider a budget from US$15.00 to US$25.00 for this meal. Entrance to the thermal baths in «Aguas Calientes» (optional) US$ 6.00
• Sleeping bag: can be rented in our office for US$ 20.00 for the entire trek (every sleeping bag is washed prior to each use).
• Tips for the staff.

PRICE INFO:

The 5-Day Inca Trail Trek is available on any date that is best suited to you as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers

GROUP SERVICE – $980 USD per person

***Discount of $40 USD per person for groups of 5 or more persons

DISCOUNTS

• 18 to 25 years old:$30 USD. Information required from the student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date, etc. A copy of the card is required at booking to obtain government approval for the 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

• Personal Porter – To carry your personal items in duffle bag that we provide 7 kilos US 60
• 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 solo travelers only)
• Additional Night in Aguas Calientes – From $60 USD (depending on availability)
• Vistadome Train Upgrade – $67 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 – $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)

**Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional treks: it is not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.

BOOKING DETAILS

You should note that the government has strictly limited the number of people permitted on the 4-day tour Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (permits are issued to about 200 trekkers per day plus 300 porters this 500 permits include 2 days for the Inca trail). We recommend you to make your reservations at least 30 days in advance, however 3 months in advance is recommended especially during the months of June, July, August, September and October. It’s recommended to book the tour «4 days from the Inca trail to Machu Picchu» in advance, before booking flight tickets and hotels, because there are limited spots to reserve for Inca trail at INCA and PERU RAIL (train Tickets).9

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

• Original passport (the same used for booking your trek)
• Valid University card (if you booked as a student)
• Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
• Water storage:  2-3 L (Camelbacks are encouraged)
• Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
• Sleeping bag (can be rented from SPT Travel & Tours)
• Headlamp: essential
• Toilet paper

WHAT TO PUT IN THE DUFFEL BAG

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/15lbs including your sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters or horses. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. In these 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad. This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear.

• 2 t-shirts
• 2 hiking pants at least
• 4 sets of undergarments
• 3 sets of hiking socks
• Fleece/ Thermals
• Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
• Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
• Comfortable shoes for camp
• Quickdry towel. We provide small ones; you might prefer something larger
• Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
• Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
• Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to line your duffel
• Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us for $20 USD

TOILETRIES

• Face moisturizer
• Hand sanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Personal medications
• First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

WHAT TO PUT IN THE DAY BACKPACK

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

• Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring your canteens.
• Sun hat and sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Headlamp
• Wool hat and gloves
• Rain gear, poncho
• Fleece or warm layer
• Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
• Personal First Aid kit and personal medications
• Camera
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
• Valuables

ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION

IMPORTANT NOTES OF THE TRIP.

1. Please provide your full name exactly as it appears on your passport at the time of booking (including other names listed on your passport) for Machu Picchu Permits and train tickets. Charges may apply for changes to details within 45 days of departure and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.
2. A single supplement is available if you prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Talk to your reservation agent for more information.
3. This trip includes a visit to Machu Picchu. According to the visiting regulations of Machu Picchu, all visitors must follow a predetermined route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction and, once the guided tour has started, it is forbidden to leave and re-enter the site. After the guided tour is over, visitors must leave the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not allowed. See the Itinerary for more details.
4. Machu Picchu permits are sold on request only. Once the deposit has been paid and passport details provided, SPT Travel & Tours will attempt to obtain a permit for you.
5. Parts of your trip exceed 2,800 meters / 9,200 feet, where it is common for travelers to experience adverse health effects due to altitude, regardless of age, gender and physical condition. Consult your doctor for professional advice on high altitude travel if you have any medical conditions.
6. Most highland hotels are required to have oxygen cylinders, but you may be asked to pay extra for using oxygen for more than 5-10 minutes at a time.

ARRIVAL IN THE CITY OF CUSCO.

The tour begins in Cusco; You will be met at the airport and transferred in a private vehicle to your reserved hotel, make sure you tell us all your flight details at least 10 days before your trip. Once you arrive to the airport of Cusco, please look for our representative with a Blue SPT Travel & Tours sign.

TOUR’S BRIEFING.

It will take place at your arrival to the hotel. It will be for about half hour where with your guide you’ll review the details of the tour.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE IN YOUR OFFICE?

Yes, During the excursion your main luggage can be stored in our office or in your hotel, both are free of charge. It is very important ta have with you a small backpack for the day excursion where you’ll carry essential things for the day like water, jacket, etc.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

The remaining balance of the tour you’ll pay at the briefing time. We accept only in Cash and you will avoid high credit card fees in Peru, you can pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles). There are many ATMs in the historic center to withdraw money. You can also pay with VISA or PAYPAL online, but you will have to pay a 7% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you must log in to your PAYPAL account and use our email address: sunrisetrek@gmail.com

HOW CAN I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?

Under Peruvian law, you must be under the age of 18 at the time of your trek or visit to Machu Picchu (students over the age of 18 require a student ID). For example: If you book a hike at age 17 but turn 18 before taking it, you must have a valid college ID to qualify for the student discount.
College students must provide a copy of their ID card showing a photo, college name, and card expiration date. Cards must be valid for the current academic year only.

• All students from 11 to 17 years old, the discount is US$30.
• For children from 2 to 11 years old, the reduction is 40 USD.
• All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of booking to qualify for the student discount. Send us a copy to saleso@sunriseperutrek.com

CAN I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER PURCHASING THE TICKETS?

Unfortunately, the answer is NO. Once the tickets have been purchased, the government does not allow any changes, so we cannot change any departure dates after the tickets have been purchased. Tickets are also non-transferable and non-refundable. If you cancel your tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu, the deposit is absolutely non-refundable!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?

Yes! You must bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport that you sent us to reserve your entrance to Machu Picchu, train ticket, other tickets and reservations.
If you are renewing your passport or changing your name, feel free to send us your old passport information to secure your clearance, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or update your name for a fee of $25 per person. We need to have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before changing your passport, keep a copy of the 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 your old and new passports to enter Machu Picchu or on the train. If you do not have both, you will not be able to enter Machu Picchu or board the train.

VISA FOR PERU.

Citizens of Australia, United States, Great Britain, Canada, Germany, New Zealand and South Africa do not currently require a visa for Peru. For all other nationalities, please reconfirm your visa or entry requirements with the Peruvian consulate in your home country.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS.

If you travel above 2,500m, you can contract altitude sickness, which can be life-threatening and affect anyone, even if they are physically fit. You are at higher risk if you have ever had altitude sickness, if you exercise or drink alcohol before acclimatizing to the altitude, or if you have health problems that affect breathing. Consult your doctor before traveling and get advice specific to you and your situation.
check that your insurance covers emergency evacuation at height and associated medical expenses.

MEDICAL TREATMENT.

Medical treatment can be expensive and not always of high quality in some parts of the country. Make sure you have adequate travel medical insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

Parts of your journey exceed 2,800 meters / 9,200 feet, where it is common for travelers to experience adverse health effects due to altitude, regardless of age, gender, and physical condition.

Before your trip:

Some pre-existing medical conditions are known to be severely worsened at high altitude and difficult to treat adequately on land, leading to more serious consequences. It is imperative that you discuss your pre-existing medical condition(s) with your physician. We understand that certain medications are reported to aid in altitude acclimatization. Please discuss these options with your doctor.

During your trip:

Although our Guides have basic first aid training and know the nearest medical facilities, it is very important that you know the cause and effects of travel at altitude, monitor your health and seek assistance accordingly

MEALS NOT INCLUDED:

For this trip, we recommend between 25 and 50 USD per day. How to solve this problem?

Breakfast: If breakfast isn’t included, you can expect to pay $5-$10 at a local coffee shop.

Lunch: If you’re satisfied with a quick grab-and-go snack, you can get away with as little as $5 to $10 for a set menu at a local restaurant or a sandwich and drink at a coffee shop. In contrast, a lunch in a more touristy restaurant can cost between 10 and 15 USD.

Dinner: At dinner time, your chef will usually recommend restaurants where you can safely sample the local delicacies of the area. Expect meals to cost between $12 and $25 for an entree.
These are indicative prices only. If you are on a tight budget, only eat local food and don’t mind having a stomach ache from time to time, you can eat cheaper than this. If you want to taste the best cuisine in the best restaurants, you can expect meals to cost as much as in Western countries.

TIPS.

If you are satisfied with the services provided, a tip is appreciated, but not required. Although this is not common in your country, it is very important for the people who will take care of you during your Tour. It inspires excellent service and is an ingrained feature of the tourism industry in many SPT Travel & Tours destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as you see fit, based on your perception of the quality and length of your visit. Remember that tipping is not mandatory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

COVID-19 ENTRY AND EXIT REQUIREMENTS IN PERU.

• For the latest update on what is required to enter Peru, check your government’s foreign travel advice and visit the following website: https://www.peru.travel/en
  Requirements include an online health declaration, a negative PCR or antigen test performed within 72 hours of arrival, and an additional antigen test performed upon arrival.
• Also make sure you have your travel insurance policy that covers you for travel to and from Peru, as well as medical or COVID-19 related expenses in the country.
  Most air passengers are now required to take a COVID-19 test within 3 days of boarding their return flight. This includes citizens returning to their home country after their trip. Airlines must confirm a negative test result for all passengers before boarding; otherwise boarding will be denied.
• We can make it easy to take a COVID-19 test while you travel. Make sure you have funds available to cover the cost of this test, which will be paid directly at the test site. Your SPT Travel & Tours Guide will provide more details at the group meeting and schedule appointments for any travelers who need to be tested.