DAY 1: Cusco – Piskacucho – Km 82 – Wayllabamba

Trekking Km 82 “Piscacucho to Wayllabamba”

Today begins the adventure of a lifetime. We will pick you up at your hotel in our own van very early at 5:30 am. In one hour you will be driven to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where our truck will take us to Pescacucho, known as km 82, where the classic Inca Trail begins. On the way, we stop for breakfast in Ollantaytambo at 6:30-7 am to refuel (breakfast is not included). When we arrive at kilometer 82 at 11:30 we will have time to settle in. At the first Inca Trail checkpoint, be prepared to show your admission ticket, passport, and (if you are paying a student rate) your student card.

Today begins the adventure of a lifetime. We will pick you up at your hotel in our own van very early at 5:30 am. For one hour you will be driven to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where our truck will take us to Piskacucho, known as km 82, where the classic Inca Trail begins. On the way, we stop for breakfast in Ollantaytambo at 6:30-7 am to recharge our batteries (breakfast is not included). When we arrive at kilometer 82 at 11:30 am we will have time to settle in. At the first Inca Trail checkpoint, be prepared to show your admission ticket, passport, and (if you are paying a student rate) your student card. At the beginning of the trail (2,720 m / 8,923 ft), we cross the Vilcanota River and follow its direction to the right. The first day was relatively easy as the flat land of the Incas warmed up. Enjoy the beautiful views of the Inca Castle ("Huillca Raccay"), the vast and magnificent Inca site of Llactapata (officially "Patallacta"), and the beautiful snowy peak "W'akay Willca" (5860m/19225ft) known in the books as Veronica. Our first camp was at Wailampa (3000m/9842ft) in the green temperate valley of the same name. Night temperatures hover around 5°C depending on the month.

During the day we will enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped Veronica Mountains (5,860m), the green valley around us, and a multitude of flora and fauna.

Inca Trail 4 days

Meals: Lunch, snacks, afternoon tea, and dinner.

Accommodation: Camping facilities.

Distance: 11kms/6.8 mls (6 hours more or less of hiking)

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

Walking Time: Approximately 6 hours (including picnic lunch in route)

Walk and Terrain: Walk, canter, on open roads, some steep ascending

DAY 2| Trekking “Wayllabamba to Pacaymayuc/ Runkuraqay”

After getting up between 5 and 5:30 and having a hot breakfast, we set out to climb the highest pass, Abras de Warmihuañusca or "Paso de la Mujer Muerta" at 4200 meters / 13779 ft. On this day, you will have a real sense of accomplishment when you reach the top! After a well-deserved rest, we return to where we stop for lunch, which is Pacamayo (3550m).

On the way to the pass, we can see different groups of hummingbirds and other birds. You will have plenty of time to enjoy the amazing diversity of native plants and the 'Polylepis' or Q'ueuña trees that grow in the beautiful cloud forest at an altitude of 3650 meters / 11972 feet! After lunch, begin another two-hour steep ascent to the Ronkoracay Pass (about,000 meters / 13,123 feet). We arrived at the campsite which was about °C at night.

Inca Trail 4 days

• Meals: Breakfast, water, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and Dinner.
• Accommodation: Camping facilities.
• Distance: 16kms/10mls (9 hours more or less of hiking time)
• Difficulty: Moderate/challenge.

DAY 3| Trekking “Pacaymayuc to Wiñayhuayna”

It was the most awesome day yet. Don't forget it on the third day of climbing! We get up at 06:00 for breakfast and start the day with a walk and visit the archaeological site "Phuyupatamarca" (which means "City in the Clouds"). Here we reach the third highest point of the Inca Trail (3680 m/).

The views of the mountains, valleys, and surroundings are breathtaking! The Inca ruins of "Phuyupatamarca" are a few minutes walk from the third pass. After visiting the site, we continue walking 3,000 steps through the misty forest to Intipata, an impressive Inca agricultural site. After spending time visiting the site, we continued our trek until we reached the third camp of Wiñay Wayna. (2,680 m / 8,792 ft). Today we will only walk about 
4 - 5 hours.
We arrived at the camp at lunchtime! The temperature at night is about 12º C. A short walk from our campsite is the famous Inca site of “Wiñay Wayna” (“Forever Young”). Even if you feel tired after a day of hiking, this is a must-see, the most impressive site on the Inca Trail.

Inca Trail 4 days

• Meals: Breakfast, water, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and dinner.
• Accommodation: Camping facilities and hot showers.
• Distance: 10kms/6.2mls (5 hours more or less of hiking)
• Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 4| Trekking “Wiñayhuayna – Inti Punku & Machupicchu guided Tour”

Around 4 a.m., it's time to wake up, have breakfast, and start day 4 on the Inca Trail to get to Machu Picchu on time. This is the last part of your journey, arriving at 6 am to Inti Punku or the Gate of the Sun. At this point, the majestic ancient citadel of Machu Picchu looms before our eyes with intense beauty - an awe-inspiring sight for all. The reality of what the Incas must have encountered during their arduous journey to the vast temple of Machu Picchu.

At this point, we go down to Machu Picchu citadel. (2400m / 7872 ft.) After 40 minutes of walking, we entered the citadel from the top by "House of the Guardians". From there we went to the checkpoint where we checked in and left our belongings. Your expert guide will lead you through its amazing ruins and main streets.

You can stroll through the town squares and climb the intricately carved stone steps. Machu Picchu is considered the spiritual center of the world by esoteric wisdom. Once the guided tour is over, you'll have free time to explore the site on your own.

You will also have time to indulge in a few of the following activities on your own if you choose (not included in the price)

• Climb up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there.
• Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or bathe in the hot springs.

Back to Cusco: You will descend to Aguas Calientes by bus (included) and later board the Expedition train to the Ollantaytambo Train Station “Train departure time can vary according train schedule and availability”. In Ollantaytambo Train station you will meet our private van and be transferred to your hotel in Cusco.

Inca Trail 4 days

Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 8.9kms/5.5mls “By Bus in 25 minutes”
Difficulty: Easy

*** Huayna Picchu o Machu Picchu depende de la disponibilidad; por favor háganos saber si desea agregar una de estas caminatas adicionales al momento de su reservación.

*** Sólo aceptamos clientes de ITEP EcoTravel en nuestras furgonetas / coches - No utilizamos transporte público.

Note:

The itinerary and campsites provided by the INC (an institution that runs the Inca Trail 4 days) are subject to change depending on the time of booking. It can also vary depending on the climate or the health status of the trekkers. The train (to and from Ollantaytambo) included in every tour is the Expedition Service. Train times will only be confirmed near the time of the trek; thus if you join a group later we cannot guarantee you will be traveling on the same trains as the rest of the group. Train times are also subject to change depending on the train company timetables or availability.

What is Included in Inca Trail 4 days?

• Pre-departure briefing: You will meet your royal Inca Trail 4 days guide and group in our office for an orientation before your trek. At this time, we will provide you with the duffle bags which will be carried by our Porters. The meeting will be at 6:00 PM the evening before the trip begins. In case you can´t come at this time “please let us know” to coordinate another time.
• Touristic Transport: You will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco in the morning and will travel by private transportation to Piscacucho, the starting point of the Royal Inca Trail to Machupicchu 4 days.
• Adventure Experienced Royal Inca Trail 4 days Guide: English speaking, professionally educated, and official tour guide with tourism certification. They all grew up in this region and have a true passion to teach others about their heritage. Your guide will explain the culture and surroundings along the entire route, including leading your group in ancient ceremonies! He or she will keep you safe, sound, and comfortable on your trek so that you can enjoy your time along the inca path and will ensure you are safe and happy.
• Tour Guide in Machupicchu Cultural Experienced: English speaking, professionally educated, and official tour guide with tourism certification. For visit the sacred city of Machupicchu.
• Private campsites: Each campsite is carefully choosed for have a very local experience.
  • Night 1: Enjoy the 1st night in Wayllabamba on the route Royal Inca Trail 4 days and sleep in our 4 season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents. All our tents are 4 man tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
  • Night 2: Enjoy the 2nd night in Wayllabamba on the route Royal Inca Trail 4 days and sleep in our 4 season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents. All our tents are 4 man tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
  • Night 3: Enjoy the 3rd night in Wayllabamba on the route Royal Inca Trail 4 days and sleep in our 4 season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents. All our tents are 4 man tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.

Note: It is not usual that the campsites, lodges or hotels change after the confirmation, However it can vary per government regulations and authorization, also for bad weather conditions and maybe because physical condition of our visitors: any changes in this matter ITEP travel will be informing you previously and as soon as possible.

• Camping equipment: Dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs, and cooking equipment (all carried by our porters and horses).
• Entry ticket to The Royal Inca Trail 4 days
• Entry ticket to Machu Picchu Inka Site
• Professional Trekking Chef: A professional chef specialized in cooking on the trail, with an assistant, will prepare all of your delicious meals along our journey on the Trail to replenish your energy every day. You will never go hungry!
• Meals: 3Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners (Vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost) Please be in mind (1st breakfast and last lunch is not included”
• Boiled Water: Beginning from your first lunch until your last breakfast, Inka Trail Expeditions will supply all the water needed. This water will be boiled, filtered and then cooled, before distributing. You must supply your own water bottles or camel back. We recommend carrying about 3L worth. We will refill our waters at each meal.
• Wake up tea: Every morning at the campsite, you will wake up with a cup of coca tea! Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you will be warmed from inside out before you start your day.
• Tea time daily during the Trek: Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide our tea time with popcorn, biscuits, coffee, hot chocolate, teas, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you will not have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up, and enjoy a bite to eat!
• Products for hygiene: You will be provided with a small towel before each meal to clean your hands and every morning will be also a bucket with warm water for washes your personal hygiene.
• Medical kit and Oxygen bottle: Our crew will bring a first-aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle.
• Train tickets: From Aguas Calientes “Machupicchu village” to Ollantaytambo train station (departure time is confirmed the day of briefing and it´s subject to availability)
• Transfer back to Cusco: Private touristic transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco (Day 4)
• 24-hour guest service: We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication and preparation with the agency leading up to your trek.

Not Included:

• Sleeping Bags: You can rent one from our company if you do not have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy form and include a sleeping liner. The bags are cleaned after every use.
• Bus Concetur to Machupicchu inca City: Most of the times the wait to board the bus to Machupicchu is from 1 hour to 1:30 min, So we prefer that you decide a day before your visit to the Inca city of Machupicchu. If you wish to take the bus considering the waiting time. Or if you prefer to do the last stretch of ascent walking up 45 to 1 hour "everything will depend on your physical state, after the trekking done".
• Walking Sticks: You can rent a set from our company if you would like.
• Day 1: Breakfast: Approx. Usd5 to usd 10.00, Price can vary according your selection.
• Last Day: Lunch and Dinner in Aguas Calientes. Approx. Usd 20 to 25.00, Price can vary according your selection.
• Personal clothing and gear
• Travel Insurance
• Tips for our staff: Please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish “Recommendation usd 6 to usd 8 per day per traveler for all the trek staff”- Once again it is optional and can vary according your satisfaction.
• Additional costs or delays out of control of the management (landscape, bad weather condition, itinerary modification due to a safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.)

Extras

• Walking sticks (15 $ for a pair of sticks).
• Extra porter for personal items (90$ for 7 Kilos – max. 7 Kilos).
• Upgrade to Single room in Aguas Calientes (60$) for nights.
• Upgrade to Vistadome train (80$ ).
• Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu (75$) – There is only limited space at Huayna Picchu (400 persons per day), so it is a good idea to book in advance.
• We can help you to book hotels (standard and luxury) in the whole of Peru.
• Hotels in Cusco: no matter what standard you would like (Standard, Economy, First Class, or Luxury) you should ask us to book your room as we know all the different rates for every hotel in Cusco and might secure you a pretty sweet deal.

Discounts

• To qualify as a student, it is necessary to have a valid ISIC card. Scan the card and email us a copy at the time of your booking. We will then offer a $20 discount per student.
• For children younger than 16, we offer a $20 discount (you also need to scan and email us a copy of the passports).
• For children younger than 7, we offer a $50 discount (same here: you need to scan and email the passports).

You need

• Original passport (and International Student card (ISIC) if applicable).
• Walking boots.
• Waterproof jacket/rain poncho.
• Warm jacket, hat, and gloves.
• T-shirts.
• Comfortable trousers.
• Sun hat.
• Sunglasses.
• Sun protection cream (factor 35 recommended).
• Re - usable plastic or metal water containers or camel bags.
• Insect repellent.
• Toiletries.
• Personal medication.
• Camera and films.
• Torch with spare batteries (headlamps are the best).

Optional Items to Take | Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu 4 Days
Optional Items to Take | Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu 2 Days.

• Shorts.
• Walking stick (with rubber tip).
• Plasters and bandages.
• Sandals.
• Extra money.
• Bathing suit (for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes) where the entrance fee at the door is US$4.

WHEN TO BOOK THE INCA TRAIL TOUR 4 DAYS

The government has strictly limited the number of people permitted on the Inca Trail 4 days (permits are issued to about 200 trekkers per day plus 300 porters these 500 permits include 4 days of Inca trail 4 days ). We recommend that you make a trek booking as early as possible we recommend 4 months in advance.

It's recommended to book the tour Inca trail tour to Machu Picchu 2 days in advance, before booking flight tickets and hotels, because there are limited spots to reserve for the Inca trail 4 days at INC and PERU RAIL (train Tickets).

ADVICE BEFORE TRAVELLING TO MACHU PICCHU & CUSCO-PERU