Great Inca Trail To Machi Picchu!

Classic Inca Trail – Budget option to Machu Picchu 4 Days – You should book your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu months in advance (for some months 5 or 6 months) in order to get a space on the dates you wish.

The trek is 43 km long and includes some stunning scenery, a variety of Incan archaeological sites ending with the highlight of South Americas most famous tourist attraction – the site of Machu Picchu itself. The Inca trail to Machu Picchu is a for many a once in a life time experience.

Day 1: Starting from Cusco, the trek begins at KM 82 along the Inca Trail, passing through archaeological ruins and reaching the campsite in Huayllabamba.

Day 2: The trek continues with a challenging climb to a high pass at Warmihuañusca, offering panoramic views, before descending to Pacaymayu for the second night’s camp.

Day 3: The journey takes us through more archaeological sites like Runquracay and Phuyupatamarca before reaching Wiñaywayna for the third night’s camp.

Day 4: An early start leads us to Intipunku for a sunrise view of Machu Picchu, followed by a guided tour of the ruins before heading back to Cusco.

This is our budget option for the world-famous Inca Trail. This world famous Inca Trail is on many peoples “must do” list and it books up fast.

EXTRA OPTIONS

Climbing Huayna Picchu – Tickets for climbing up to the Huayna Picchu viewpoint must be booked in advance when booking Machu Picchu tickets but unfortunately this option is now not available for the Inca Trail as a standard add-on option. If you really want to do this you can purchase an additional Machu Picchu entry ticket with Huayna Picchu option which costs an additional 60 USD.
Personal porter – If you wish to hire a personal porter to carry your belongings on this trek you can book them with us – we have created a separate product for the porter option that you can purchase whilst booking this tour. Please use the following.

Rich Incan history and culture!

Itinerary of the Tour

🌞 Day 1 —

Cusco – Ollantayatambo – Km. 82 – Huayllabamba

Meals: lunch and dinner

Distance 12 km (7.47 miles), 5-6 hours walking time, max altitude 3000m (9840 ft) – campsite altitude 2980 m (9776 ft)

Pickup at 6.30 to 7.00 am and we start our drive to Chinchero and Ollantaytambo where we will find the starting point of the Inca Trail KM 82.

We need to pass through the control points for the Inca Trail and we will then meet up with our team of porters and cooks.

The first section leaves from by the banks of the Urubamba River and after sometime we will arrive at Llactapata where there is a group of archaeological ruins.

After visiting the ruins this will be our stop for lunch. After resting we set off again and continue until we reach the first days campsite in Wayllambamba.

That evening we will eat a delicious meal and have out first night of Inca Trail camping.

Day 2 ―

Huayllabamba – Warmihuañusca – Pacaymayu

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Distance 11km (6.84 miles), 6-7 hours walking time, max altitude 4200m (13,776 ft) – campsite altitude 3660m (11480 ft)

After a good breakfast we start our second day which is one of the hardest days trekking. The first ascent is a slow climb to a pass which offers great scenic views along the way.

This pass is called Warmihuañusca and has an altitude of 4200 meters / 13,800 feet. From the top of the pass we have a contrasting view of snow covered peaks in one direction and a semitropical valley in the other.

Here we will have lunch prepared by our cook. After resting to take in the views and recover our energies we descend to Pacaymayu where we will find our second night’s campsite.

The descent passes over wooden bridges, tunnels and down rocky steps and our final stop at the campsite is the river.

Day 3 ―

Pacaymayu – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Distance 16km (9.94 miles), 8 hours walking time, max altitude 3900m (12,792 ft) – campsite altitude 2650m (8692 ft)

On the third morning, after breakfast, we will set off along the trail until the archeological zone of Runquracay. Here our guide will explain about the evidence of Incan culture found at this site.

We will continue our trek until Sayacmarca and we will stop to explore a little. Later today we will reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca where our cooks will have lunch ready.

After lunch we will be continuing onto Wiñaywayna and our third night campsite. We will have dinner and spend the evening with our guide and porters.

Day 4 ―

Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Meals: breakfast only – bring some extra snacks with you for inbetween. Food can be purchased in Machu Picchu or you can wait until you are in Aguas Calientes mid afternoon.

Distance 4km (2.49 miles), 2 hours walking time, Max Altitude 2700m (8829 ft) – Machu Picchu altitude 2400m (7872 ft)

Today we have an early breakfast so we are ready to leave around 5am and start on our trek to Intipunku (Gate of the Sun). Here we will watch the sun rise and cast light over our panoramic view of Machu Picchu.

This is a magical moment and will re-energise us for the final descent that leads us into the ruins. At the ruins your guide will taken you on a tour of the site. We will visit enclosures, plazas, sacred fountains, temples, towers and he will explain the different functions of each area such as the agricultural and urban sections. The tour lasts for approx 2 hours and you will then have free time to explore the site yourself.

After spending some hours at Machu Picchu we unfortunately have to leave and the group will make its way down to the town of Aguas Calientes (you can walk or there is also a bus service for an additional cost) before taking the train back to Cusco.

You must be at the train station at least 30 minutes before your train departure time and the train journey takes about 1 hour 45 mins to get to Ollantaytambo, where we will transfer to a private bus to take you back to Cusco (you will be dropped off at the main square in Cusco).

Day 5 ―

Day 6 ―

Day 7+

Include / Not Include

— Included —

Transportation – Bus to start of trek , Train & Bus to return to Cusco
Entrance Tickets for the Inca Trail and to Machu Picchu
Guide – English and Spanish Speaking
Pre Tour Briefing the evening before tour
Porters to carry tents, food and cooking equipment (personal equipment porters available at extra cost)
Professional Trekking Cook
Meals as Indicated in description
Camping Equipment – tent, mattress, dining tent, kitchen tent
First aid kit and assistance in case of problems

— Not Included —

Sleeping bag (can be rented)
Personal equipment porters (available at extra cost)
Trekking poles – metal tipped poles are not allowed on the trail (can be rented)
Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
First day breakfast and last day lunch (or dinner)
Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
Extra snacks
Tips for porters / cook

— Recommended —

Personal medical kit
Travel Insurance
Sunglasses and sun cream
Insect repellent

You should book your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu months in advance in order to get a space on the dates you wish.

MAKING AN ONLINE BOOKING DOES NOT GUARANTEE YOU A SPACE ON THE INCA TRAIL – WE MUST CHECK AND BOOK AVAILABILITY FOR YOUR REQUESTED DATE AND WE WILL CONFIRM AS SOON AS WE CAN. WE CAN ONLY DO THIS DURING OUR OFFICE HOURS.

WE REQUEST YOU SUPPLY IS WITH ALTERNATIVE BOOKING DATES IN CASE YOUR REQUESTED DATE IS NOT AVAILABLE AND WE CAN CONFIRM THESE ALTERNATIVE DATES WITHOUT HAVING TO CONTACT YOU AGAIN FIRST. THIS CAN SAVE TIME AND ENABLE YOU TO NOT MISS OUT. YOU MUST BE ABLE TO COMMIT TO THE ORIGINAL DATE AND THE ALTERNATIVE DATE IF PROVIDED.

— What to Bring —

Original passport
Hiking boots or strong footwear, waterproof recommended!
Trekking poles: METAL TIPS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON THE TRAIL (you can rent trekking poles from us – 1 pole – $7 2 poles – $12)
A backpack (30 to 40L) with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
Water bottle – minimum 2 litres or plastic bottle
Rain gear – jacket + trousers or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
Warm clothes, including fleece jacket. Thermal clothing is highly recommended and can be also worn in the sleeping bag during cold nights
Trekking pants, zip off model is recommended
Gloves or mittens, scarf, woollen hat for cold nights
3 pairs of warm socks
Sandals or jogging shoes for comfort while at camp
Sleeping bag (you can rent one from us -$15 for the whole trip)
Flashlight / headlamp and extra batteries
Swimming gear for hot springs in Aguas Calientes
Binoculars
Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions) and waterproof bags for your camera
Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
Sun block
Insect repellent
Sunglasses
Hand sanitizer
Personal medical kit / supplies
Extra cash for snacks, water and energy drinks to buy on the way
Travel insurance

Frequent Questions

— Frequent Questions —

1. What is the best way to get to Machu Picchu?
The most common way to reach Machu Picchu is by taking a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, followed by a bus ride up to the site.

2. Are there accommodations near Machu Picchu?
Yes, there are hotels and hostels in Aguas Calientes, the town closest to Machu Picchu, where visitors can stay overnight.

3. How physically demanding is the hike up to Machu Picchu?
There are various hiking trails to Machu Picchu, with varying levels of difficulty. The most popular option, the Inca Trail, is a challenging but rewarding trek that requires a good level of fitness.

4. Is it necessary to book a guided tour of Machu Picchu?
While it is not mandatory, having a guide can greatly enhance your experience by providing historical and cultural context to the site. Guides can also help navigate the complex ruins.

5. Are there food and drink options available at Machu Picchu?
There are limited dining options within the site itself, so it’s advisable to bring snacks and water with you. Aguas Calientes offers a variety of restaurants and cafes for meals before or after visiting Machu Picchu.

6. Can I hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain during my visit?
Yes, you can hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain with an additional permit. SouthTreks can assist you in obtaining these permits and provide guidance on the best options for your visit.

7. What should I bring with me to Machu Picchu?
It is recommended to bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water, and a camera. SouthTreks guides will provide additional information on what to bring and what to expect during your visit.

— Restrictions —

Limited daily visitor capacity to protect the site and preserve its integrity.
Rules and regulations regarding where visitors can walk and explore within the site.
Prohibitions on bringing large bags, drones, or certain items into the archaeological site.
Regulations on the consumption of food and beverages within the site.
Restrictions on touching or climbing on the ruins to prevent damage.
Specific rules for hiking Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, including age and fitness requirements.
These restrictions are in place to ensure the safety of visitors, protect the environment, and preserve the cultural heritage of Machu Picchu for future generations.

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

From: $770,00

for a quick and easy booking process.
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Great Inca Trail To Machi Picchu!

Rich Incan history and culture!

🌞 Day 1 —

Cusco – Ollantayatambo – Km. 82 – Huayllabamba

Day 2 ―

Huayllabamba – Warmihuañusca – Pacaymayu

Day 3 ―

Pacaymayu – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna

Day 4 ―

Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Day 5 ―

Day 6 ―

Day 7+

— Included —

— Not Included —

— Recommended —

— What to Bring —

— Frequent Questions —

— Restrictions —

Duration

Transport

Altitude

Departure Place

Highlights

Spectacular Scenery

Cultural Immersion

Physical Challenge

Memorable Sunrises

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