Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – KM 82 – Wayllabamba

We will depart from Cusco at 5 a.m. in a private transport and head toward KM 82, the starting point of the Inca Trail. After this beautiful drive. We start our hike walking along the left shore of the Urubamba River, following the trail along a flat terrain, to the community of Miskay (2800 m /9184 ft). The first two hours of the trek are relatively easy as we make our way to our first Inca site, Patallacta. This is an Inca checkpoint for the approach to Machu Picchu. After we arrive to Patallacta, we will make our way down into the canyon to enjoy lunch and the views of Patallacta. From Patallacta, we will continue on the trail at an easy pace, while enjoying the scenery and hearing stories from your tour guide. It's about a two hour walk to reach our camping site at the village of Hatunchaka (3,300 meters).

• Total Distance: 12 km (7,800 miles)
• Estimated Walking Time: 4 hours
• Maximum Altitude Point: 2,600 m (8,692 ft)
• Campsite Altitude: 3,000 m (9,842 ft)

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

We wake up early to begin our ascent to Dead Woman´s Pass. The views of the snow-capped mountains and the cloud forest are fantastic. This first stretch is the most difficult part of the trek. It consists of a steep ascent that stretches for nine kilometers, which will bring us to the first mountain pass in the Inca Trail, Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman’s pass). We will stop at Llulluchapampa to relax and to buy any last essentials. We may be able to see deer and falcons in this area. From Llulluchapampa, the landscape changes from cloud forest to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation). We will have the chance to spot domesticated llamas and alpacas, who graze on ichu (one of the few plants that grow at that altitude). Following, it's a two hour walk up to the pass, where we can enjoy the beautiful panorama and a refreshing cup of coca tea. After we've made it to the pass, it's downhill for the rest of the day. After about two hours, we'll stop for lunch and have a free afternoon in the Pacaymayo valley.

• Total Distance: 10 km (7,376 miles)
• Estimated Walking Time: 6 hours
• Maximum Altitude Point: 4,215 m (13,821 ft)
• Campsite Altitude: 3,600 m (11,811 ft)

Day 3: Pacaymayo – Runcu Raccay Pass- Sayacmaraca Ruins – Phuyupatamarca

After breakfast, we will 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 will see fantastic views of waterfalls and flora and fauna. Half way up, we will stop and visit the Inca site of Runcu Raccay (an Inca watchtower), and to catch our breath before we continue our climb to the pass (4,000 meters). From the pass, we will once again begin our descent back into the cloud forest. After about an hour, we arrive at Sayacmarca, one of the most beautiful ruins on the Inca Trail, where we'll have a one hour, guided tour. From Sayacmarca, we will continue to our lunch spot at Chaquicocha (dry lake), where you will see some of the fantastic flora and fauna the Inca Trail has to offer. From Chaquicocha onwards, we will walk along Inca flat (gradual inclines), as we make our way towards our final campsite, Phuyupatamarca (3,680 meters). This area of the Inca Trail had stunning views of the Vilcabamba mountain range, as well as abundant flora and fauna. After another two hour walk, we'll arrive to our campsite, where we'll get our first view of Machu Picchu Mountain and the Urubamba River. We'll settle in to our campsite, and have the chance to explore the Inca site. As the sun goes down, we can enjoy the beautiful sunset over the snow-capped peaks.

• Total Distance: 13 km (8,136 miles)
• Estimated Walking Time: 9 hours
• Maximum Altitude Point: 4,000 (13,123 ft)
• Campsite Altitude: 3,680 m (12,033 ft)

Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – 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, and then we will start our way down the long descending stone steps. This will lead us to Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m/8, 692 ft), which is where we will camp for the night. As we near the bottom of the staircase, we'll take a side path of the main route to visit the site of Intipata (Terraces of the Sun). This site has beautiful views of the Sacred Valley. It was an important agricultural site for Machu Picchu. We'll spend some time at Intipata, and then continue on to Wiñay Wayna. Wiñay Wayna is the biggest archaeological site 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, offering 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'll 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. Following, it is about another hour down to the site itself. Upon arrival, we'll have a chance to enjoy the sunset and to see Machu Picchu without crowds, before taking the bus to your hotel in Aguas Calientes.
*Private groups can arrange to camp this evening, instead of staying at a hotel

• Hotel: QUILLA INN (or similar)way
• Total Distance: 11 km (614 miles)
• Estimated Walking Time: 5 hours
• Maximum Altitude Point: 3,680 m (12,033 ft)

Day 5: The Most Important Day MACHUPICCHU – Cusco

We will wake up early and board one of the first buses to Machu Picchu, to enjoy the sunrise at the city (if the weather allows). These buses are first come, first serve, starting at 5:30 a.m. You'll have a two hour tour of the Inca city, and then some free time to explore. If you have purchased permits for Huayna Picchu, your guide will show you where this climb begins. It will take you 45 minutes to the top and another 45 back down. This needs to be booked in advance, and costs $75 per person. When you are done with the city, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, and meet for our last lunch in town. Lunch with your group is optional and is not included in the trek cost. Following, you will take the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private bus will be waiting to take you back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.

INCLUDED:

• Professional English Speaking Tour Guide.
• Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+.
• Chef.
• Porters to carry cooking and camping equipment.
• Personal porter to carry 13.23 lbs/ 06kg.
• Pick-up from your hotel.
• Transportation by bus to Km82.
• Return transportation by train and bus to Cusco.
• Water (excluding the first day of the trek when you need to bring your own).
• 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Afternoon Snacks (Happy Hour) and 3 Dinners. If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian food
• please let us know.
• Dining tent with tables and chairs.
• Oxygen botle.
• Inflatable ” Thermares or Rei sleeping Mattress (you need to carry ).
• EUREKA- Comfortable and very spacious 4 man tent (one tent is used by two people)
• First aid kit.
• Entrance to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
• Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Sleeping Bag (Optional Rental Fee will apply)
• Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 4
• Entrance Fee to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Extra US$ 80
• Tips for Staff
• Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.

THINGS TO BRING:

• Original Passport
• Current University Card (if you are a student and want to qualify for a discount price)
• Hiking Boots
• Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
• Warm jacket
• Hat and gloves
• T-shirts (quick dry)
• Comfortable Trekking Pants
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen (SPF 35+)
• Insect repellant (We strongly suggest NATURAL repellant)
• Toiletries and hand sanitiser
• Personal medication
• Camera and film
• Flashlite with spare batteries (or a environmental friendly option)

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:

Porters will carry up to 7 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.

• 2-3 wicking t-shirts
• 2-3 hiking pants
• 4 sets of undergarments.
• 4 sets of hiking socks
• 1 Fleece
• 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
• 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 Machupicchu city.

• 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

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS

Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45 minute hike to the top. While this hike is done on your own, your guide will direct you to where this hike begins. This is an additional entrance ticket that we can secure for you with an advance notice.

• The ticket is $80 per person.

Machu Picchu Mountain

Machu Picchu mountain is the other mountain that stands above the Machu Picchu city. It offers even more stunning views than Huayna Picchu but takes an hour and a half to reach the top. This is an additional entrance ticket that we can secure for you.

• This ticket is $80 per person.

Train 360° panoramic

All our tours include the Expeditions (Tourist) Train. This train is normally booked at 19:00 p.m., leaving Aguas Calientes. The 360° panoramic train is an upgraded train, that offers slightly larger seats, windows and even some entertainment. Normally the 360° train is booked for 4:43 p.m. and travels to Poroy, a train station closer to Cusco. While this is an upgraded fee, we will still include your transportation back to your hotel.

• This train is $75 per person.

Discounts:

• Group of 5 or more: US$25.00 Must be booked  all together
• Under 18 years old: US$25.00 Please send us a copy of the passport at the booking time
• Student Discount (Maximum Age 25 years old): US$25.00 Student discounts 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 to receive the discount, we need to see a copy of the card at booking. For those booking children 17-years-old or younger, we need a copy of their passport at booking time. Please send all to info@incafootsteps.com  More Information about STUDENT CARD

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.

05 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Private Service

The Tour 05 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most beautiful trail to Machu Picchu. In the Incan times just high class people or important people made it. The Inca trail combines Inca ruins, original Inca trail, Inca steps (up and down), ecological zones with exuberant and diversity vegetation and more than 350 species of orchids so far cataloged in the sanctuary, which are the most beautiful, diversified and evolved flowers in the vegetable kingdom and fauna with numerous species of insects,reptiles,birds and mammals, the most representative of these area – the spectacled bears( tremarctus ornatus). The trail goes over the high passes (4200m), grasslands with unforgettable views of the magnificent mountains, through the cloud forests and finally into the subtropical vegetation arriving on the final day to Machu Picchu.

Level of difficulty: (low, medium, high): medium

• DAY 1: CUSCO TO Km 82 (WITH A PRIVATE BUS) – Km 82 TO WAYLLABAMBA (12 Km)

• DAY 2: WAYLLABAMBA TO PACAYMAYU (11 Km)

• DAY 3: PACAYMAYU TO PHUYUPATAMARCA (10 Km)

• DAY 4: PHUYUPATAMARCA TO MACHU PICCHU (10 Km)

• DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU TO HUAYNA PICCHU