DAY 1: CUSCO – SANTA ROSA - LUCMABAMBA

At 4:00 am, we pick you up from your hotel to take by private vehicle to Santa Maria). During this 5 hour ride, we can observe cloud forest and mountain landscapes, for example Abra Malaga (4,550 m/ 1455ft) Santa Maria is a little town where we are going to have our breakfast, then we will drive 15 min more in order to get the trail head of Santa Rosa, we get off the vehicle and start climbing to part of the Inca trail, along the way we are going to see break taking sceneries, coca plantation and most importantly see people farming. Later on, we continue our hike in order to get Quellomayu where our private van will wait for us and then drive for 1.30min to Lucmabamba. Here we are going to have a typical jungle lunch, small siesta. Because in the afternoon we will have a local experience with the coffee farmers, where you are going to harvest, roast, pound and taste areal organic coffee.

•  We overnight there in a nice hostel with a private bathroom.

DAY 2: LUCMABAMBA – LLACTAPATA – AGUAS CALIENTES

Our second day is going to be with a beautiful hike, we are going to star at 6841ft along the ways we are going to feel how fast changes the vegetation and astonishing views on the way, after 3 hours hiking finally!!! We are going to see the most mysterious, sacred  place of Machupicchu, and our Guide will share with you the mystery of this place. Later on we have to continue for almost 2.45 min but here is much easier just walking down in order to get Hydroelectric town, we are going to have lunch here and then we will walk another 3 hours to get Aguas Calientes town.

• Dinner and hotel

DAY 3: MACHUPICCHU - CUSCO

Today, we wake up very early to hike for 2 hours up to Machu Picchu!! In this amazing Incan citadel, our Tour Guide explains us about its each part function and its history. (Optional) Then, we are given time off to hike Huayna Picchu (45 minutes up and the same time down) where we can take panoramic photos of Machu Picchu! Later, we can return to Machu Picchu and explore it on our own. In the evening, we return to Cusco by train and then by bus.

Please note! If Huayna Picchu is fully booked in the time of your booking, we might replace it with Machu Picchu Mountain (a place where all typical postcard photos of Machu Picchu are taken) hiking! This trek is similar time to the short Inca Trail 2 days

WHAT IS INCLUDED

• Pre-trek briefing with your Tour Guide
• Transfer by private Minivan to the beginning of the trail
• Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
• Accommodation 1 night
• Entrance fees to Machu Picchu;
• A shuttle bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
• Meals: 2x breakfast, 2x lunch, 2x dinner (please let us know in advance if you are a vegetarian; this option is for NO extra additional cost);
• Experienced bilingual Tour Guide;
• Tourist train (Expedition) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo;
• Tourist bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco. 

NOT INCLUDED

• Breakfast on the first day and lunch in Aguas Calientes Town on the third day,
• Travel insurance,
• Tourist train from Hydroelectric to Machu Picchu Optional ($30)
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu mountain (U$ 30)
• Tips to local staff (please note: it is a custom to give tips in Peru; however, it is not obligatory);
• Other extras not mentioned.

Single room: If you like single rooms for this trek please choose the "Single room" option during your booking.

Local flights: No local flight is included in the trek´s price! 

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO TAKE

• Original passport (+ copies for a case of lost),
• Pocket money in Nuevos Soles,
• A backpack
• A small rucksack,
• Rain gear (a rain-jacket and a waterproof trousers or a rain poncho - this can be purchased in Cusco),
• Resistible footwear, waterproof trekking shoes are recommended,
• Sandals (for a higher comfort while at a campsite),
• Warm clothes such as a jacket, a fleece (thermal clothing is also recommended for cold nights during camping),
• Hat or a cap (to protect you against the Sun, rain as well as cold),
• Sun cream or sun block,
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body,
• Insect repellent – recommended minimum is 20% DEET (please note that no malaria cases have been reported during this trip!),
• Camera and its charger/batteries (please note that batteries are consumed quickly under cold conditions),
• Flashlight/headlamp + batteries,
• Handkerchiefs and toilet paper,
• Small towel and toiletries,
• Sufficient reserve of underwear,
• Swimsuit (to visit the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes),
• Snacks (biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.)
  Please note: we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. The recommendation of taken own snack applies only for customers who like a specific snack that might not be in our menu.
• Bottled water for the first morning and a water bottle to be refill.
• Optional: walking sticks; you can also rent it from us,
• Please note: we provide water during the entire trek, but if you like to use water from streams along the trail, you need to take some water-purifying tablets with you.

ESSENTIALS:

• Passport
• Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
• Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
• Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
• Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
• Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)

FOR YOUR DUFFEL:

Remember you are packing for 2 nights of camping and 1 night in a hotel. Porters will carry up to 8 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rent one). From us these two items weigh 3.5 kg.

• 2 wicking t-shirts
• 2 hiking pants
• 4 sets of undergarments.
• 3 sets of hiking socks
• Bathing suit for Hot Springs
• 1 Fleece
• 1 Warm, down jacket: this trek includes 2 cold nights camping
• 1 Rain jacket and pants
• 1 sun hat
• 1 wool hat
• Headlamp: essential
• Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
• Comfortable shoes for camp
• Walking boots
• Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
• Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger.
• Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean - might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap.
• Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
• Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
• Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least

TOILETRIES:

• Sunscreen
• Face moisturizer
• Bug spray
• Handsanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush and paste
• Toiletpaper
• Personal medication
• First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:

Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, no bag larger than 25L will be allowed in. If larger, you will need to store outside citadel gates.

PassportValid, STUDENT card (if you booked as a student)Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)Good daypack (the smaller, the better)Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)

• Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won't have time to filter water until your first lunch.
• Sunhat
• Rain gear
• Fleece
• Camera
• Music (IPhone)
• Handsanitizer
• Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
• Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips

• Hire of sleeping bag 5 season$25.00
• Walking stick highly recommended!$15.00
• Single supplement$60.00
• Additional night at 3 star hotel$85.00

Is the trek difficult? Do I need to be in good physical condition?

All our treks (Inka Trail, Salkantay, Ausangate, Lares, etc) are moderately difficult, lengthy and traverse rough mountain terrain. We kindly recommend that if you plan to conquer any of these routes to be in relatively good physical condition, plus acclimatization. These means arriving to Cusco at least 02 days prior to your trek departure to adjust to altitude. During the last two months leading up to your trek we suggest a regular and moderate exercise routine to improve endurance and stamina. We wish for you to have the best experience possible! To Cusco at least 02 days prior to your trek departure to adjust to altitude. During the last two months leading up to your trek we suggest a regular and moderate exercise routine to improve endurance and stamina. We wish for you to have the best experience possible!

Are vegetarian, vegan, and/or other special diet needs available?

Of course! Without any additional costs! When you make your reservation, please inform us of any dietary needs or requirements, including allergies!

Vegetarian foods will be absent of all meats, chicken or fish. We will assume that eggs and cheese or other lactose products are OK.of all meats, chicken or fish. We will assume that eggs and cheese or other lactose products are OK.

Most of our main meals are a buffet-style, leaving you the option to avoid anything undesirable to you.

If there are any food items or veggies that you cannot stomach, perhaps onions, tomatoes, mushrooms.. etc, upon your request we will ask our chef to leave them out or separate this item.

We can also attend lactose-intolerant or gluten-intolerant diets. We cannot accept individuals with serious allergic or life-threatening reactions.

I have a food allergy. May I still participate?

Every day we receive many clients with food allergies to nuts, wheat, etc. Please inform us in detail of your condition upon making your reservation.

We kindly ask that you declare the severity of your reaction and any medication that you take in case of emergency.

If your allergy is severe, we ask that you be accompanied by a friend or individual conscious and fully responsible of your situation and ready with any medication.

WE CANNOT ACCEPT CLIENTS WITH LIFE-THREATENING ALLERGIES

When must I arrive in cusco or arrive to your office?

We require that all clients arrive to Cusco at least 48 hours before the start of your trek, although 03 nights before is ideal. You must pay your remaining balance two days before your departure for your trek. This will assure that all individuals are acclimatized and adjusted to the high altitude conditions to begin your trek comfortably. Please note that your remaining balance must be paid in cash in our office and cannot be paid before your arrival.

Our office hours are Monday – Saturday 9:00am – 1:00pm, 4:00pm – 8:00pm. (Please aim to arrive 7:30pm at the latest!)

Are hiking sticks or poles necessary?

For this trek more than any other, we do recommend hiking sticks, especially for those with any known knee problems. The poles will assist your balance and reduce the impact on your knees.

Inca Footsteps Company will rent hiking sticks for $25

Where can I store my baggage that I dont need for the trail?

Any baggage that is not necessary for your trek may be stored in your hotel in Cusco (most hotels offer this service free of charge). In the case that your hotel may not provide this service, we will store your baggage safely in our office free of charge.

What is the weather like during the trek?

The best time for making the trek with good weather is between the months of April – October when there is minimal rainfall and clear skies. The driest months are June – August, which is winter in the Andes.

January to March is summer in Peru, which means rainy season for Cusco and especially the Inka Trail, which is located mostly in the tropical cloud forest.

Where do I have to be the morning of the start of my trek and where will I finish at the end?

We will pick you up from your hotel to begin your trek and upon finishing, we will also leave you at your hotel.

I wish to have a train company or train option different to that which Inca Footsteps Company offers, is this possible?

If you wish to change your train company or option (such as Vistadome de Peru Rail, to Ollantaytambo or the whole route to Poroy), or your departure time, additional fees may apply. You must speak with one of our sales agents to inquire about availability and the additional costs.

Llactapata trek is similar to Short Inca Trail 2 days. This archaeological site is small Inca ruins. Llactapata by name in Quechua means "TOWN ON THE HILL SIDE" shows us Its incredible weather located 2.840 m/ 8532ft, this archaeological site was part of the ceques system called nowadays Inca Trail. Llactapata still preserves the mystery of many generations, but was fulfilled a religious and agricultural importance is reflected by its proximity to other resorts where Pulpituyoc ceremony as important as wealth and fertile lands which were very well used were made. The strategic location indicates its importance which expressed the Inca domination. Llactapata invites us to enjoy the view of the sacred landscape of Machupicchu and the cloud forest. 

The last day, hiking to Machu Picchu and Guiding Tour in the "lost city of the Incas". Rest of the time free and train return to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco.