The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is also world famous, and for good reason, for being one of the world’s ten best hikes! Along the pathway to Machupicchu following the footsteps of the Inca you will witness more than half a dozen Incan archaeological sites and stunning Andean scenery. From glacier-covered mountains to spiritually significant Incan temples, your trek will be unforgetable.The Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary covers 32,952 acres and is home to a network of Inca trails, unique archeological sites, 10 ecological zones (from glacial peaks to tropical forests), over 450 species of birds and 200 species of orchids. It is also the home of the spectacled bear; as well as the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu!
Today your long-awaited adventurer dreams come true with the Classic Inca Trail! Your guide will pick you up from your Cusco hotel in our private van at 5:30 am. From there, we travel to Piskacucho, which is known as Kilometer 82, where the Classic Inca Trail begins. Along the way, we stop in Ollantaytambo, where you will have time for breakfast and to buy sweets, caramels, chocolates or other snacks that will help you during the hike.
We then head to Km. 82 Piscacucho (2700 m.a.s.l/ 8850 ft) where we will pass by the first control. Shortly after we will start the 2-hour hike to Patallacta (2750 m.a.s.l/ 9020 ft) an Inca archaeological site that will be explained by our guide. After visiting this interesting place we will continue to hike for 45 minutes to our lunch spot where our cook and his team will prepare an incredible meal for us. After lunch we will continue our hike for another one and a half hours towards the camping site Wayllabamba (3000 m.a.s.l/ 9800 ft) where you will have time for a well-deserved rest and an afternoon snack, followed by dinner before heading to bed.
In the morning we will have breakfast at 5:30 am and straight after continue our hike for 45 minutes to the second control point Wayllabamba. After we will begin the gradual ascent that will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes (4 km) to the second rest point in Llullucha Pampa 3800 m.a.s.l/ 12,460 ft. Following this we will continue the hike for 1 hour and 45 minutes (4 km) to Warmiwañusca pass located at 4215 m.a.s.l/ 13,800 ft. We will then rest for 2 hours and 30 minutes at the campsite of Pacay Mayo 3600 m.a.s.l/ 11,800 ft where we will have lunch, tea and later dinner and where we will also spend the night.
After breakfast we continue our hike, following a trail that is surrounded by jungle vegetation and a number of archaeological Inca sites that held different functions during their time. The first archaeological site we visit is Runcurakay (3750 m.a.s.l/ 12,300 ft), which is located 45 minutes from our starting point and is a complex Inca archaeological site composed of turrets that acted as strategic surveillance sites for the east valley. After, we continue to Runcurakay Pass 3900 m.a.s.l/ 12,800 ft where we will have an explanation on Inca culture and time for some relaxation. We continue walking for 1 hour and 30 minutes to the second archaeological site where we will visit Sayacmarka (a difficult zone to Access due to the may steep steps). After we continue for 25 minutes to our lunch point at Chaquicocha where we will have lunch, prepared by our cook. This will give us the energy to continue our hike to the next archaeological site called Puyuptamarca 3750 m.a.s.l/ 12,300 ft that will take about 2 hours and 30 minutes. From there we start a 3-hour descent (steps) to our camping site Wiñayhuayna where we will have tea and dinner. This will be a special one as it will be the final one with our team and where we will say goodbye to our porters.
Difficulty: Moderate 
Today is the highlight of the trek. we will wake up at 3:30 am, have breakfast and descend to the control point where we will wait 1 hour and 20 minutes until the gates open. Once we have passed through the control point we will hike 1 hour and a half to the famous Sun Gate where you'll get your first fantastic views of Machu Picchu ancient city. Shortly after we will descend for 40 minutes all the way to the citadel of Machu Picchu. On arrival to Machu Picchu you'll have a 2 hour guided tour of the site during which you'll learn about the Inca and you'll visit all the most important areas of the citadel. After your tour you'll have free time to explore the site by yourself and if you bought permits to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, this is the time. In the afternoon you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo from where you will carry on by car back to Cusco.
Prior to departure you will have a meeting with your guide in our office to go over all the details regarding your tour. The orientation will be at 6:00 pm the night before your trip.
EXPERIENCE OF OUR GUIDES :
All of our guides have a minimum of 3 years of guiding experience. They are professional, responsible, and all have a deep love and respect for mother nature and her mountains. They will make sure your trip is safe and enjoyable.
PORTERS
We include portesrs so that they can carry out camping things: kitchen tent, dinnind tent, chairs, tables and food for the entire inca trail
PERMITS:
When we receive your data and permits, we will buy your permits (depending on availability, ask us about our Inca trail availability). These permissions are for a specific date and in your name, they cannot be changed once confirmed. The update of the passport number is allowed, this permit includes the entrance to Machu Picchu.
FIRST AID:
All of our guides are certified in high mountain first aid training. They always carry a first aid kit on our treks (including pills for altitude sickness, diarrhea, vomiting, cuts, and cream for muscle aches). They also carry extra oxygen in cases of emergency.
TRANSPORTATION:
ENTRANCE TICKETS:
FOOD
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Trek is available on any date that is best suited to you as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers
Personal Porter (half) to carry 7kg of personal items is included in the price!
**Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel which do 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.
There are several extensions you can include to your Inca Trail. (group services)
If permits are sold out for the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu on your preferred date, you have so many other options that will still allow you to trek and enjoy the Andes on the way to MACHU PICCHU! Alternative treks are just as beautiful as the Inca Trail. They are less crowded because we take you through the inka roads little traveled in the Andes and we make sure you don’t miss anything along your trek to MACHU PICCHU.
Machupicchu Trekking Peru requires only a 2 participant minimum for our departures! You can choose any day that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 trekkers.
*If you are a solo traveller and are flexible with your start date, we will make sure you have a group to travel with so you won’t miss out on any of the fun.
SALKANTAY TREK 5D/4N
SALKANTAY TREK 4D/3N
INKA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU 2D/1N
LARES TREK 4D/3N
HUCHUY QOSQO 3D/2N
This walk has no age restriction, however, it is recommended for parents to take into account the travel of children under 8 years of age and also for older people.
The dry season between April and October, with sunny days, cold nights with frost and an average temperature of 13 ° C. The rainy season, between the months of November to March, the average temperature in this season is 12 ° C. On sunny days the temperature reaches 20 ° C, although the light mountain wind is usually cold.
The greatest influx of people to the Inca Trail occurs during the dry season between the months of May to September, however, July and August are the months that the Inca Trail receives the most visitors. It is important to make reservations in advance because although it is true there are 500 spaces for the Inca Trail Tour, these spaces include the porters and guide staff.
The season with the least influx of visitors on the Inca Trail, occurs between the months of October and April.
NOTE: During the month of February, the entrance to Machu Picchu is restricted due to problems of the rainy season, others that are used this month for the respective maintenance of the seventh wonder of the world.
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number, you sent to us to book your Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu permit. Your passport will be checked when you enter Machu Picchu , the Inca Trail and when you board the train. In case, you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permit and we can change it when you get your new passport. If so, please send us a copy of your new passport as soon as possible.
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you plan to always dress in layers to facilitate adjusting to the quickly changing weather conditions.
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimate normally. It usually take between 24 hours to 2 days.
The recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN, IF NEEDED. Our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. See our detailed information about Altitude Sickness under FAQS.
The maximum group service size is 16 persons. Our private groups are usually between 2-8 persons. Machupicchu Trekking Peru specializes in SMALL and PRIVATE groups and provides personalized service.
You will have 1 cook per group. The number of porters will depend 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, 10 trekkers will have 15 porters.
The evening before you start 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. Your team of porters will carry your duffel bag, 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 will need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 30 to 50L backpack is sufficient. 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 and animals. 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 this 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad (foam or air). This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear.
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a 42km (24.4 mile) hike through the Andes within the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is at (4,217m/13,907ft). On the second day of the trek, we will climb two mountains. The trail is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and take regular exercise. In preparation: try walking 15kms/9 miles in a day or working out 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 or 3 days in Cusco (3,350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
This has been highly appreciated by most of our clients, especially by our trekkers, who want a private, clean and sanitary toilet! Machupicchu Trekking Peru toilet facilities have an individual tent and a camping toilet with a seat. Check out the picture, which illustrates how we set up our camping toilet on the trek by using this link: picture of toilet tent. Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite. At night if you need to use the toilet it is readily accessible and clean, unlike the dirty facilities supplied by the government.
In the scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to health reasons, Machupicchu Trekking Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on our treks for any respiratory problems. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance is required and recommended). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Generally, those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly they continue the journey towards Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.
Absolutely!! Hotel pick ups and drop offs are included with all of our packages! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley, we will drop you off there and vice versa.
It will depend on the train availability but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco while on the train. Therefore, you will take the train at 14:55 or 15:20, depending on availability.
The Vistadome train service has nicer seats, panoramic windows and ceiling. You will be offered snacks and a dance show will take place on board. You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for $67 USD. These trains run from Aguas Calientes to Poroy. We will you up in Poroy and drive you back to Cusco, which takes about 25 minutes. Please request in advance.
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Machupicchu Trekking Peru destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you want, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator that incorporates universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.
Please read carefully the following information as it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and the Classic Inca Trail
You will be welcomed at the Cusco airport by one of our team and taken to your hotel (private services). Please ensure that you inform us of your flight details at least 14 days prior to your arrival. Look for our representative holding an dark blue board Machupicchu Trekking Peru at the arrival terminal. You must exit the terminal, in order, to find our representative (they cannot enter inside).
The briefing will take place the night before the trek at around 6pm in our office, which is located at Calle Santa Teresa 399, Cusco centre.
Of course! During the Classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you. Please only pack what you will need for the trek!
To book the classic inka trail, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here https://www.machupicchutrekkingperu.com/en/booking
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase to Machu Picchu permits and entrance tickets without the following information:
Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
Gender
Passport number
D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
Nationality
*** We require clear photos of each participants’ passport at the booking.
50% balance, to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay IN CASH at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATM within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by your CREDIT CARD but you will have to pay a 5% service fee, to the iZipay collection company.
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number, you sent to us to book your Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu permit. Your passport will be checked when you enter Machu Picchu , the Inca Trail and when you board the train. In case, you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permit and we can change it when you get your new passport. If so, please send us a copy of your new passport as soon as possible.
GENERAL CONDITIONS
Machupicchu Trekking Peru E.I.R.L. Tour operator travel agency, friendly with our customers. From the moment you contact us, during your stay and during the walk or tour, you will receive personalized advice and an unforgettable trip.
1.- Machupicchu Trekking Peru rates do not include:
In some locations, the services of a representative are not included, and, particularly if you have so requested, you may have only a driver who speaks a little English.
CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY
The 50% down payment
Important: services, tours, treks and packages booked with Machupicchu Trekking Perú is non-refundable, but could be changed of date without any administration charge.
DEADLINE TO CHANGE TOUR DATE
Tour date changes will be subject to availability of income to the Inca Trail, Machupicchu and hotels, without any administration charge, in the following time frame:
Inca Trail – at the latest 20 days prior to the departure date.
Tour with hotel – at the latest 15 days prior to the departure date.
Tours without hotel – at the latest 10 days prior to the departure date.
Important: Third party administration fees have to be paid at the moment of the date change (airline fees, transport companies, hotels, partner agency charges & entrance fee)
• If the client wants to change the date tour within the days timeframe prior to departure, the client will be charged an Administration Fee.
DEADLINE OF CANCELLATION
** In case of cancellation due to a serious illness or another serious situation, the following procedures are applicable (situations will be judged at the discretion of the Machupicchu Trekking Perú reservations department):
In case of cancellation due to a serious illness or another serious situation (measured by the Machupicchu Trekking Perú reservations department), the following procedures are applicable:
Machupicchu Trekking Perú Travel Agency will refund the respective amount at the latest 30 days after the date it received the written cancellation statement, in most cases by wire transfer.
BOOKING AND PAYMENTS
FIRST, to book your Tour or Trek to Machu Picchu, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here https://www.machupicchutrekkingperu.com/en/booking
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase to Machu Picchu permits and entrance tickets without the following information:
Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
Gender
Passport number
D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
Nationality
*** We require clear photos of each participants’ passport at the booking.
SECOND, we require a deposit of 50% per person in order to purchase a permit for the Tour or Trek to Machu Picchu. AFTER COVID 19 the fastest way to send and receive money with fairly low fees is WESTERN UNION You can make your deposit by clicking on the following link https://www.westernunion.com/us/en/home.html, de deposit will be in name of our manager JUAN CARLOS BECERRA BOLIVAR, DNI: 42399654, city: Cusco, country: Peru. After your deposit send us a screenshot or photo of the deposit through WhatsApp (+51) 928 738 468 or through our reservation email
reservas@machupicchutrekkingperu.com sales@machupicchutrekkingperu.com
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
50% balance, to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay IN CASH at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATM within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by your CREDIT CARD but you will have to pay a 5% service fee, to the iZipay collection company.
ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY FOR CHANGES
• There will be no cost of the Administrative Penalty in the date changes of a tour, walk or package in the indicated periods.
• Administrative fees charged by third parties such as (airlines, transport companies or associated providers, entrance fee) will be paid by the passenger, at the moment of the date chage.
The client will be charged an Administration Fee of US $20.00 Fee for all changes in bookings before the days frame time.
INSURANCE
We recommend that all customers obtain a travel or medical insurance policy in their home countries.
VISAS
PRIVACY POLICY
Machupicchu Trekking Perú Tour Operator is committed to maintaining your confidence and trust concerning the privacy of the personal information you give us and/or we collect from you. Your email address nor any other data will never be given to a third party.
COPYRIGHT
Machupicchu Trekking Perú Tour Operator reserves the right to use all possible photos taken during the passenger’s program unless the passenger refuses permission.
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