Inka Trail to Machupicchu 5days / 4Nights

Inca Trail to Machupicchu 5days / 4Nights

OVERVIEW:

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days 4 nights, is one of the most famous and incredible trekking routes in the world! Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days 4 nights is one of the most impressive examples of the Inca road were built across the deserts, highlands and jungles stretching from south Colombia throughout Peru, Bolivia, Northern and Central Chile and the Northwest part of Argentina!

Level Moderate difficult trekking – No need experience.
Duration 5 days/4 nights
Location Machu Picchu Sanctuary in Cusco
Season Recommended between April and December.
Departure Every day from March to January.

Pre-Trek Briefing
You will have an in-depth briefing with your guide 1 day before your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and you can take this opportunity to ask questions and make any final preparations.

Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba

Today has a relatively relaxed start for the Inca Trail and the walking is easy going to help you settle in to the trek. Beginning at Kilometer (Km) 82 (2,720 m/ 8,922 ft), we slowly make our way along the banks of the Urubamba River with great views of the snow-capped peak of Mount Veronica (5,900 m/19,000 ft). There will be a variety of native plant and birdlife around us during this stretch. As we continue to follow the trail along fairly flat terrain, we arrive in the small community of Miskay. From here we will gradually ascend for 2 hours and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the extensive Inca city of Llactapata (Patallacta).

You will be able to view over the extensive Inca ruins of Llactapata (also known as Patallacta on some maps). Llactapata means ‘upper town’ in Quechua and was first discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and was primarily an agricultural station used to supply Machu Picchu with maize, the staple crop of the Incas. The settlement comprised over one hundred buildings, houses for the workers and soldiers, including five baths.

We will continue the Inca Trail hike on a path that follows the left bank of the river up to the small village of Wayllabamba (3,000m). The name in Quechua means ‘grassy plain’. We will spend the night here depending on the speed of the group. (This is the last place along the trek that you can buy snacks and drinks).

Meals: Lunch/Dinner
Distance Covered: 12 kilometers
Approximate Walking Time: 5 -6 hours
Lowest elevation: 2,600 m/ 8,525 ft
Highest elevation: 2,950 m/9,676 ft
Difficulty: moderate

Day 2: Wayllabamba – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayo

After breakfast we will keep hiking the Classic Inca Trail as we climbing up from Wayllabamba following the left bank of the Llulluchayoc River, we arrive in ‘Tres Piedras’ (three stones). There is stream named after the Huayruro, which is an ornamental tree that has red and black seeds. Many of the porters from Ollantaytambo district are also known as Huayruros because of their traditional red and black ponchos.
As we trek further up the Classic Inca Trail, we will begin to see spectacular terrain known as Llulluchapampa. We will walk another 2 hours uphill to the first and highest pass of the trail (Abra de Warmiwañusca or ‘Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,215m. Hikers are exposed to the Andean elements: first scorching sun and then, closer to the pass, freezing winds. Once at the top hikers can celebrate having completed the most difficult section of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

The decent from the pass is steep but not difficult. We will follow the trail on the left side of the valley floor and spend our 2nd evening at the Pacaymayo campsite.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Distance Covered: 11 kilometers
Approximate Walking Time: 7 – 8 hours
Highest elevation: 4,215 m/13,821 ft
Difficulty: Challenge

Day 3: Pacaymayo – Runcurakay Pass – Phuyupatamarca

After breakfast, we continue our hike up the opposite side of the valley as we make our way towards the second pass on the trek. Along the way we have fantastic views of waterfalls and flora and fauna all around. Half way up we stop to have a quick visit to the Inca site of Runcuraccay (an Inca watchtower)
and to catch our breath before we continue our climb to the pass (3,900 meters).

From the pass we once again begin our descent heading back in to the cloud forest. After about an hour we arrive to Sayacmarca, one of the most beautiful ruins on the Inca Trail where we´ll have a guided tour for about an hour. From Sayacmarca we continue on down to our lunch spot at Chaquicocha (dry lake) where you can see some of the fantastic flora and fauna the Inca Trail has to offer. From Chaquicocha onwards we walk along Inca flat (gradual inclines) as we make our way towards our final campsite Phuyupatamarca (3680 meters).

This area of the Inca Trail is stunning with beautiful views of the Vilcabamba mountain range in the distance and abundant flora and fauna all around. It´s about 2 hours walk to our campsite and on arrival we´ll get our first view of Machu Picchu mountain and the Urubamba river far below us. We´ll settle in to our campsite and have the chance to explore the Inca site and as the sun goes down we can enjoy the
beautiful sunset over the snow-capped peaks.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Distance Covered: 11 km
Approximate Walking Time: 6 -7 hours
Highest elevation: 3,900m / 12,792 ft
Difficulty: Challenge

Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.

Today, we will have the chance to enjoy one of the most spectacular sunrises on the Inca Trail, weather permitting. After breakfast, you´ll have a guided tour of Phuyupatamarca. We will then start our way down the long descending stone steps to Wiñay Wayna 2,650m/8,692ft, where we will have lunch. As we near the bottom of the staircase, we will visit the site of Intipata (Terraces of the Sun). This site has beautiful views of the Sacred Valley and was an important agricultural site for Machu Picchu. After Intipata, we will
continue to Wiñay Wayna, the archaeological site that is the largest on the Inca Trail besides Machu Picchu. It consists of an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center, with numerous terraces, a religious sector, and an urban sector. This site offers spectacular views over the already narrower

Urubamba River valley. After our visit, we will have our last lunch with the porters. Following, it is a tradition on the Inca Trail to have a thanking ceremony for all the hard work the porters and cooks have provided. If you wish, you may leave a tip for them at this time. After we´ve said goodbye to our team, we will carry on to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where we will get our first views of Machu Picchu. It takes about an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones in the highland jungle to reach the Sun Gate. From there, it is
about another hour down to the site itself. Upon arrival, we´ll have a chance to enjoy the sunset and to see views of Machu Picchu without crowds, before taking the bust to your hotel in Aguas Calientes.

*Private groups can arrange to camp this evening, instead of staying at a hotel

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel
Distance Covered: 11 km (6.14 miles)
Approximate Walking Time: 6 hours
Lowest elevation: 2,040 m/6,691 ft
Highest elevation: 3,680 m/12,033 ft
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 5: The Most Important Day Machu Picchu

After breakfast we will board the bus which will take us to the biggest energetic center of the Incas, “Machu Picchu”. As part of our itinerary the same professional tour guide from the Inca trail to Machu Picchu 5 days 4 Nights; will teach you about all the history of this mysterious and mystical
place.

We will visit the Sun Temple, Royal palace, Main Temple, Three Windows Temple and Sun Dial. It will be an unforgettable experience. After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore on your own. If you have booked Wayna picchu, you will need to coordinate with your guide for Machu Picchu visiting depending on your scheduled time to the mountain, for people not hiking any of the mountains there are some other optional activities on your own (not included in the price) Train back to Cusco: In the afternoon you will return to the train station in Aguas Calientes for the trip back to Ollantaytambo. Upon your arrival to train station you will be transferred by car to your hotel in Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast
Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m/ 6,691 ft
Highest Elevation: 2,440 m/ 8,052 ft

The Inca Trail 5 days starts in a typical Andean region and finishes in a jungle region going through cloud forests, Inca tunnels, bridges and snow on the way!!

By booking your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days 4 nights with Cachi life Peru you are choosing the best. Don’t believe us? Check out our reviews on TripAdvisor!

Inca Trail Availability
We offer daily departures on the Inca Trail (excluding February when the trail is closed) It is strongly recommended to book your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days 4 nights at least 4 months in advance as permits can quickly sell out.

Pre-trek briefing with your Inca trail to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights tour guide.
Collection from your hotel in the morning of the trek departure.
Private Transportation by bus to Km 82 (starting point of the trek).
Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
English speaking, experienced professional guide
Comfortable tents (sleeping 2 people in a 4 person tent)
Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request)
All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen tent and toilet tent
Bus ticket from Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientas to Machu Picchu and return
First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
Private transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
Celebration dinner
Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom
Basic foam sleeping mattress
Private guided tour within Machu Picchu
Excellent Meals (4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners)
Food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken,
fish, meat, rice, all before rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking
(Vegetarian, vegan or special diet meals upon request).
Tea time before dinner (tea, coffee, coco, biscuits, popcorn)
Boiled water provided from 2nd day (for drinking).
Wake up coca tea in your tent.
Buckets of hot water for washing in your tent every day
Biodegradable soap and hand cleansing gel
Cusco Journeys & Adventure uses walkie-talkies on all treks.
Oxygen Tank & First aid kit
All local taxes

Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us)
Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 5
Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain USD $ 65.00
Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel
insurance for the duration of your trip
This will depend on the amount of people coming to the trek and to the kind
of accommodation.
**Tips for the crew (Porters, chef and guide)

A good day pack: such as Eagle Creek Afar Backpack (Appropriate pack to
carry your personal belongings.)
Original passport
Travel insurance (strongly recommended but not required
Lighter trekking boots (with good ankle support)
3 pairs of trekking pants (not jeans), 1 hiking, 1 cotton–which is just enough.
Please spray both pairs with an insect repellent spray before the trip.
Layers for variable temperatures especially at night
1 rain jacket: The first night the temperature can be as low as – 5 degrees
Celsius/23 degrees Fahrenheit. A rain jacket can be helpful, because there
are rainy days even in the dry season!
1 warm/winter jacket (Thermals: wool socks/gloves, scarf and woolen hat for
cold nights).
4 pairs of underwear, 6 pairs of socks (Bamboo or cotton/nylon-blend socks
dry faster than 100 percent cotton, which lose their softness when air-dried.)
It is nice to have a couple of extra pairs of socks to change into at night when
you’re not hiking. Also, we recommend bringing both really heavy hiking
socks and lighter socks as well as the weather is variable, so you want to
make sure you’re not too cold or too hot.
4 shirts, 2 long sleeve shirts
1 good sleeping bag liner which is super lightweight and easy to pack. This
definitely does its job!
Travel-size tissues and wet wipes–The air is cold and damp, so your nose is
going to run a lot. Everyone seems to run out of tissues by the end of the
trek. Also, most bathrooms do not have toilet paper (if you even get a
bathroom), so wet wipes are key.
Iron tablets and pills for altitude sickness. Several people on the hike have
varying degrees of altitude sickness and both of these remedies (in addition
to the coca tea) are very helpful in alleviating the symptoms.
Sun protection cream (SPF 45 or higher recommended).
Bug spray with 30% DEET in it–which you need, but it doesn’t work very well.
The issue with Cusco outdoor is that most of the bugs are not mosquitoes.
They are these small flies you can’t even see that leave weird bites that first
look like you pricked your finger and then blow up into itchy red bumps.
Unfortunately, these bugs seem to bite you no matter what kind of spray you
put on, so bringing some anti-itch ointment could be helpful.
Re-usable plastic or metal water container or a hydration pack such as
Camel-back
Water (Only for first day of the hike, as we will provide you with water
throughout the rest of the hike).
Camera and film
A headlamp to navigate camp in the evenings and pre-dawn mornings with
spare batteries
Bandages or moleskin
Flip flops to change into at night. Your toes will thank you!
Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste/floss, shampoo/conditioner, brush/comb,
Vaseline (great for potential blisters on the feet), feminine hygiene products,
deodorant, nail clippers/file/tweezers, spare glasses and/or prescription,
mini-eyeglass repair kit, contact lenses and supplies, hand sanitizer etc. Pack
what you need, but pack light.
Medication (Imodium AD or something for your stomach) because some
people get an upset stomach on the trek. Also, Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen
can be helpful to help with aches and pains after 8-10 hours of hiking each
day.
Plastic bags for dirty and wet clothes
Something to read in the evenings
Extra money for drinks
Emergency money at least 300-450 extra soles (USD$ 220)
**Tips (the amount you tip (or if you tip) is a personal decision and it is NOT an obligation.

We can leave any day of the week, as long as permits are available. Please remember, permits are only needed for your start date.

Group Price: 909 USD Per person

We need a minimum of 3 people to run the tour in group service. We
guarantee that your tour will be limited to a maximum of 8 people.

Private Price:
Private tours are available and priced by party size.
2 Trekkers: 1119 USD per person
3 Trekkers: 1069 USD per person
4 Trekkers: 979 USD per person
5 or more Trekkers: 879 USD per person
Important: Price includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be
carried by the mules (NO need of extra Porter hire!).

Discounts:
Student Discount: US$30.00 off per person, this discount only apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. For those using a University Student Card our under 17-years-old, we need to see a copy of their card or passport at the
time of booking to receive the discount. Please send all to info@cachilifeperu.com
Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):
Machu Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 65.00 (Need to book in advance)
Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 65.00 (Need to book in advance)
Upgrades:
Hotel Upgrades:

The hotel is 2-star and is based on sharing a room – either double, matrimonial, or triple. There is a single room surcharge of $30 if you are booking alone. Rooms all include private bathrooms, with hot showers and wifi. We can also upgrade your hotel if you prefer something fancier.

Please remember that the service you receive in Aguas Calientes may not be comparable to that in Cusco. Below is a list of possible upgrade options, although we can usually work with most hotels in Aguas Calientes. Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (5 star hotel) – US $580 per person per night (double occupancy)
Sumaq Machu Picchu hotel (4 star hotel) – US $345 per person per night (double occupancy)
Santuario Hotel (3+ star hotel) – US $65 per person per night (double occupancy) Train Upgrades:

Vistadome train -US $65 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Need to book in advance)
Hiram Bingham train (deluxe) -US $485 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy (Need to book in advance)
Rentals:
Hiking poles – US$20.00
Sleeping bag – US$25.00
Private Tent – US$30.00