Peru – Inca Trail & Machu Picchu

A truly unique 4 day trekking experience to the famous and incredible Machu Picchu. Trekking the Inca Trail we take in beautiful scenery, majestic Inca architecture and also spend some time in the old Inca Capital of Cusco. An 8 day round trip in total that is an iconic must in the world of adventure travel.

** We also offer payment plan options. Call us or send an e-mail to find out more **

BEGINNER

A reasonable level of fitness, trying on boots for maybe the first time and wanting to build adventure trip confidence and learn more about your capabilities and discover what clothing and equipment works best. Enjoys sharing great experiences with others in the outdoors. 5-6hrs of walking each day.

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION             

Departure is usually London Heathrow, this may vary and the specific location will be provided upon booking.

All international and connecting return flights are not included in the EDGE Travel Worldwide trip price per person. If you would like EDGE Travel Worldwide to book your flights, please note there will be a £100 administration fee applied.

DAY 1    Welcome to Peru – Lima.

Evening arrival at Lima’s airport. Transfer to hotel where we rest and unwind from the flight. All local amenities and facilities are available to us so we can relax and organise ourselves for the next few days of travel and the trek to Machu Picchu. (Breakfast)

DAY 2    Lima to Cusco

Early flight departure from Lima to Cusco, the old Inca Capital. The day is your own to either rest or explore the ancient City of Cusco and discover more about how the Incas built their City walls and how over the years the City has changed, but is still central to Peruvian history. In the evening, we meet our Inca Trail guide and have a brief of what to expect over the next few days of trekking. (Breakfast)

DAY 3    Cusco/Km82/Wayllabamba

Early morning pick up from hotel and drive towards Ollantaytambo town (2hrs,) where you can buy some coca leaves and have breakfast. We continue to Piskacucho (2,650m) which is a community located on the Km82 of the Cusco Machu Picchu railroad. At this point all hikers must show their original passport in order to enter the Inca Trail towards Machu Picchu. From this point, we hike 12km. We cross the bridge and walk along the left shore of the Urubamba river, following the trail along flat terrain, we reach the little community of Miskay (2,800m) where we have a short break. Continuing to walk up a steep path will lead us onto a high plateau, from where all hikers will be rewarded with an amazing view of an Inca building called Patallacta (2,700m.) After a brief explanation of its history, we carry on along a beautiful valley; we will gradually climb up for about 2hrs until we reach a lovely spot where our cook and porters have set up lunch. After lunch, we walk up hill for about 2hrs till we reach our first camp site at Wayllabamba (3,000m.) En route you will enjoy spectacular views of the Vilcanota ridge on the opposite side of the Urubamba river including the Veronia snow covered mountain(5,832m.)  (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

DAY 4    Wayllabamba/Pacaymayu

After an early wakeup and after breakfast we will start to climb up along a narrow ravine full of vegetation and fresh streams for 9km. On this section, we will experience an uphill climb on a steep path, full of steps, so we advise you to take it slowly. Later, we will reach Lluluchapampa. At this point we will be starting the climb to the highest and most famous mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass 4,200m.) It will take about 2 hours to get to the top; and again, we recommend just doing it slowly, without pushing yourself too much. The group will wait for everyone at the top of the Pass. Carry high energy snacks and coca leaves in your day sack, this will help to keep your sugar level high and help to ward off altitude sickness. Once reaching the pass, we will descend winding steps for 4km that cross a narrow valley. The valley is a natural habitat for many kinds of birds such as humming birds and sparrows. The Andean bear, which is also called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus) also lives here. We will have lunch along the way, and afterwards continue to our campsite at Pacaymayo Valley (3,650m) where we will have dinner and sleep. (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

DAY 5    Pacaymayu/Wiñaywayna

Today is the longest day of the trek which will cover 15 km; but also the most impressive and the most interesting day, due to the number of archaeological sites that trekkers can see along the way. We start off following a steep path that will lead us to the Runkurakay pass (3,970m.) Half way up, we will stop to visit the archaeological site of Runkurakay (3,800m.) After going over the pass, we will walk down to Yanacocha and arrive at Sayacmarca (3,624m.) After Sayacmarca, we enter the cloud-forest which undulates until the last climb up that leads us to the third pass; Abra de Phuyupatamarca (3,650m.) From this point the rest of the trail is mostly downhill. We descend steps, and then will see the ruins of Phuyupatamarca. From above, trekkers can observe a sophisticated complex made up of water fountains. The end of the day lead us to Wiñaywayna, where we will spend the night in the camping zone. This will be the night in which we will say good bye to our porters and cook, as the next day they will leave early to take the local train that will take them back to Cusco. (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

DAY 6    Wiñaywayna/Machu Picchu

A 4.00 a.m. wakeup today. Breakfast at 4:30 am, and by 5:00 am, we must be on the trail towards Intipunku (Sun Gate). This will take about an hour of hiking along a narrow trail through the cloud forest. At the Sun Gate visitors, will be able to see the Sunrise over Machu Picchu Mountain (This depends on the time of the year and the climate and also depends at witch campsite you sleep the night before). After taking pictures we will descend to Machu Picchu, where our local guide will give us a full explanation about this wonderful Inca Citadel. The tour will last about 2 hours, and then we will have time to take more pictures, explore by yourself around Machu Picchu or you might climb up the WAYNA PICCHU Mountain, the huge mountain that appears in every classic picture of Machu Picchu. It takes about an hour to get to the top, following very steep stairs, though is a little hard, at the top you will be rewarded with one of the most impressive views in your lifetime. (There is also a limit of spaces per day so it is recommended to buy the entrance ticket in advance) after that we take the bus to the town of Aguascalientes. Famous thermal baths are available to visit. The hot springs are located on the upper section of the village of Aguas Calientes. After lunch, we take the train back to the city of Cusco, where we will arrive after nightfall. Optional group dinner in Cusco. (Breakfast & Lunch)

DAY 7    Cusco to Lima

After breakfast, we say goodbye to the old Inca Capital and travel to the airport where we take a flight back to Lima. We then take a connecting flight back to the UK. (Breakfast)

DAY 8    Lima – Home

Transfer to the airport for the return flight. (Breakfast)

Personal Expenses

You will need extra money to cover the cost of drinks, souvenirs, meals (where applicable) airport taxes, etc. It is advisable to change money on arrival at international airports whilst waiting for your luggage, as opportunities for changing money are subsequently few. Credit cards are generally not accepted.

Altitude

The altitude of the Inca Trail makes the trip most suitable for the more serious walker with previous experience of hill walking. Extreme cases of Acute Mountain Sickness are rare, but if it becomes necessary for someone to abandon the trek in the interests of safety, the Tour Leaders decision on this is final.

Experience

Bearing the above in mind, we ask for a synopsis of recent walking experience from people intending to go on the trip.

Medical Examination

You should visit your GP and specifically mention the maximum altitude the trek reaches, i.e. 4,200m.

Personal medication

Please note all illness, injuries and medication need to be disclosed to EDGE Travel Worldwide at time of booking – please seek advice from your Doctor to your suitability of participating on this trip.

Park Fees

These will vary throughout the year, but early bookings will avoid a possible change in fee. (These are built into the trip cost.)

Tipping

In this area, tipping is a recognised part of life. Although EDGE Travel Worldwide pays most gratuities for the trip, porters and guides on the trips still look to members of the group for reward. Accordingly, you should allow $100 for tipping. (Please carry low denominations of US Dollar currency.)

Meal Plan

Local food and drink: Meals other than those included in the itinerary are paid for separately by the traveller.

Optional Excursions

These maybe available, please contact us for further details.

Clothing and equipment required for the trekking part of the trip

Personal first aid kit including any medication needed

Walking boots

Walking socks

Walking poles

Day sack: 35 to 50ltrs

Fleece

Waterproof jacket

Waterproof trousers

Gaiters

Warm and water proof gloves

Warm and water proof hat

Warm jacket for the evening

Trainers/sandals

Sun glasses

Sun protection for skin/head/hands

Water proof sacks for the inside of your day sack

4 Season Sleeping Bag & liner

X2 1ltr water containers

X1 3ltr bladder with drinking tube