A complete network of interconnecting roads linked Cusco to its provinces and other kingdoms and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was part of that system. Today it has become the most famous and popular trek in South America due to the variety of attractions it offers.
This spectacular trail runs from high mountains down to cloud forest, passing through a number of diverse ecological zones filled with an enormous variety of plants and birdlife. The route is also studded with archaeological sites which lead the visitor to the lost city of the Incas; Machu Picchu.
Abbreviated Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco / Chilca / Huayllabamba: Begin Trek
Day 2: Huayllabamba / Pacaymayo
Day 3: Pacaymayo / Wiñay Wayna
Day 4: Wiñay Wayna / Machu Picchu: Tour of site and train back to Cusco
Five-day treks are also operated by Andean Adventures. These allow for a more relaxed pace and more time at Machu Picchu. However, if you're in good shape and don't have a lot of time, the four-day trek is ideal for you. ...view more details
Our vehicle will take us to the trail head at Chilca. From here the trail follows the left bank of the Urubamba River from where we will see beautiful views of snow-capped Veronica (5850 m). After lunch we will visit the ruins of Llactapata before continuing along the Huayllabamba valley and camping near the village of the same name. (L, D)
Day 2: Huayllabamba / Pacaymayo
From the village of Huayllabamba the trail climbs steadily through high Andean woodland to a plain called Llulluchapampa just before the first pass, from where there are excellent views of the Huayanay mountain chain. After another two hours walking we will reach the pass of Warmiwañuska (4050m/13,280ft), before descending as far as the canyon of the Pacaymayo River, where we make our second camp. (B, L, D)
Day 3: Pacaymayo / Wiñay Wayna
The trail climbs to the second pass at Runcuracay from where we will be able to see the Vilcabamba and Urubamba mountain ranges. After a short rest we descend along a paved Inca road to the ruins of Runcuracay and Sayacmarca, which have been recently restored. Here we enter the cloud forest and in the afternoon the trail descends via a stone staircase past the ruins of Phuyupatamarca to Wiñay Wayna, where we camp for the night. (B, L, D)
Day 4: Wiñay Wayna / Machu Picchu
After about two hours we arrive at Inti Puncu, or the Sun Gate, from where we will get our first glimpse of Machu Picchu. On arriving at the citadel we will tour the temples, houses, agricultural terraces and palaces of this magical place. Return to Cusco by train in the afternoon. (B)
This provider can help with your other additional needs
local flights
transfers
additional accomodations
trip extensions
... and other requirements.
Request these additional services when you check availability above
What's Included
Private bus outbound and return.
English speaking tour guide
Entrance fees
Trekking services, including: camp cook, porters and camp assistant(s).
Single supplement includes: single tent on trek.
All group camping equipment, double tents and Thermarest, kitchen and/or dining tent, and toilet tent.
Food: hot breakfast, lunch, and dinner as described in the above itinerary (B.L.D.)
All our trash produced during the trek, returns to Cusco.
First-aid kit.
Not Included
Tips to guides
Tips to the staff.
Drinks
Travel insurance. Please ensure that passengers have adequate insurance
Personal expenses: clothing and sleeping bag, laundry, telephone calls, etc.
Meals not included in the program.
Private bus outbound and return.
English speaking tour guide
Entrance fees
Trekking services, including: camp cook, porters and camp assistant(s).
Single supplement includes: single tent on trek.
All group camping equipment, double tents and Thermarest, kitchen and/or dining tent, and toilet tent.
Food: hot breakfast, lunch, and dinner as described in the above itinerary (B.L.D.)
All our trash produced during the trek, returns to Cusco.
First-aid kit.
Not Included
Not Included
Tips to guides
Tips to the staff.
Drinks
Travel insurance. Please ensure that passengers have adequate insurance
Personal expenses: clothing and sleeping bag, laundry, telephone calls, etc.
Meals not included in the program.
Transportation to Trip Departure Point
Arriving to trip starting point
Passenger must arrange their own transportation
Transportation On Trip
Transportation Types
Train
Lodging - Accommodations
Lodging Types
3 Nights camping
Details
Provider Social and Environmental Responsibility
Andean Adventures donates a percentage of its income to remote rural communities for the development of basic educational infrastructure and provides Christmas presents for the children of these neglected regions of Peru.
Maximum Age
None
Travel Provider
Provider Name
Andean Adventures and Tours
Why should I choose this provider?
2005 marks a special occasion for us: Andean Adventures celebrates being the number one pioneer in customized cultural trips and eco tourism in Peru and Bolivia. Established since 1985 in Cusco, the ancient heart of the Inca Empire and today's historical capital of Peru, we have the longest experience in providing a high level service in expeditions and excursions in the Andes. Better than anyone, we are familiar with the land, its people and their history... because for twenty years, we have been transmitting our culture and identity to our customers.
Together we have discovered the elegance of Lima; studied the weavings of the Paracas culture; wondered at the enigmatic lines of Nasca; admired the lofty flight of the condor in the Colca Canyon; dreamt on the shores of lake Titicaca; experienced the magic of Machu Picchu; been impressed with the megalithic constructions at Sacsaywaman; admired the Raqchi temple to Wiracocha; stood in awe of the snow-capped peaks of the Andes and the primitive inhabitants of the rain forest at the Libertador Tambopata Lodge or the Manu Paradise cloud forest Lodge. Today, we represent your best guarantee of culture and adventure tourism in Peru. Come and celebrate our Anniversary in the place chosen by the Incas for their comfort and pleasure: come to the Libertador Valle Sagrado Lodge for a royal stay.
Provider Policies
Terms and Conditions
Booking conditions
Reservations should be made as far in advance as possible and your reservation will be confirmed when:
50% deposit at the time you make the booking.
Final payment one month before arrival date.
NOTE: We withhold the right to request full or part payment at any time for any booking in advance of a passenger’s arrival in order to reconfirm our services or hotel bookings made by us.
Cancellations:
Andean Adventures reserves the right to cancel any departure and offer clients an alternative date if the minimum number of passengers is not achieved or for any other reason deemed beyond our control.
If the trip is cancelled by the customer we require written notification. We will refund deposits after deducting unrecoverable costs such as the Inca Trail permit purchased on the client’s behalf.
If the trip is cancelled by the client then we reserve the right to:
Charge the full cost of the Inca Trail permit purchased on the client’s behalf.
Between 60 and 45 days prior to departure we will charge 10% of the price of the tour and the Inca Trail permit purchased on the client’s behalf if applies.
From 44 to15 days prior to departure we will charge 50% of the price of the tour.
For cancellations 14 days or less before departure we will charge 100% of the net price of the tour.
Terms and Conditions
Andean Adventures reserves the right to make alterations to its published itineraries and warns its passengers to accept that due to the nature of adventure travel delays may occur. At some times of the year trips may be run with activities taking place in a different order to that published by Andean Adventures, due to climate, local fiestas or the availability of permits for the Inca Trail.
All clients are required to take out adequate travel insurance to cover these risks and any costs incurred by changes in itinerary caused by any events outside the company’s control, such as passenger illness or delayed arrival from the country of origin.
Domestic flights are subject to local weather conditions, so ensure your travel insurance covers any costs incurred due to delayed and/or cancelled flights. Excess baggage charges are also the client's responsibility.
Clients will be asked to sign a release and waiver form upon arrival and must provide a photocopy of their passport, entry stamp to Peru and travel insurance details.
Release of liability and assumption of risk:
Andean Adventures will do everything in its power to make your trip a safe and enjoyable one, but the company will not accept any responsibility for damages, injuries, losses or expenses due to delays deemed the result directly or indirectly of acts of God or events beyond the control of Andean Adventures. This applies to any person or property connected with any service provide by Andean Adventures or its intermediaries.
Safety Responsibility of Passengers:
Clients are expected to abide by certain basic safety rules including:
If you are taking medicines: Bring extra written copies of personal prescriptions (and supplies), inform your guide and keep them with you.
If you become ill, injured, or are exhausted, you must immediately notify your guide.
Respect your guide’s decisions, as the guide is looking out for your safety and well-being. At times an emergency may force the guide to modify the itinerary for the safety and best interests of the group.
While visiting National Parks and places of interest included in your itinerary you must follow the rules and effective laws related to the conservation of these special places. Please behave suitably so as to cause no harm.
It is your responsibility to not abuse the camping equipment assigned to you. You must take care of this equipment and keep it in good condition.
Cancellation Policies
Andean Adventures reserves the right to cancel any departure and offer clients an alternative date if the minimum number of passengers is not achieved or for any other reason deemed beyond our control.
If the trip is cancelled by the customer we require written notification. We will refund deposits after deducting unrecoverable costs such as the Inca Trail permit purchased on the client’s behalf.
If the trip is cancelled by the client then we reserve the right to:
Charge the full cost of the Inca Trail permit purchased on the client’s behalf.
Between 60 and 45 days prior to departure we will charge 10% of the price of the tour and the Inca Trail permit purchased on the client’s behalf if applies.
From 44 to15 days prior to departure we will charge 50% of the price of the tour.
For cancellations 14 days or less before departure we will charge 100% of the net price of the tour.
Calculate your carbon footprint and offset with carbon credits for a carbon neutral trip. Learn more...
TESTIMONIALS
The Inca trail trek can only be described as magical. I tried my best to be cynical, but it didn’t work. This trip was pure magic and absolutely perfect.
The logistics of the trip were impeccable. The ground transportation was on time and they made sure I was able to obtain my boarding pass and pay the airport tax at each leg of the trip.
Out on the hike, my guide Oswaldo was fabulous.
The food on the trail was amazing. The chef created simple and fresh meals that were bursting with local flavor.
-- Terry B, Inca Trail 5-day with Andean Adventures
Just returned from Costa Rica last night ... trip was a GREAT SUCCESS! We all thank you VERY MUCH for arranging the trip.
-- Bob Fenchel, Custom Costa Rica with Camino Travel
We’ve been home just over a week now and I just wanted to send you a quick note to let you just how fantastically well everything went! Ok, so we did end up paying the full whack (which I’ve decided just not to think about!). However, we had a fantastic guide and everything ran really smoothly and we had a fantastic time. From being collected from the hotel (Vieja Cuba which was lovely) to being looked after once we got to the Galapagos it was all just perfect, so thank you very much for being an important part of our fabulous trip.
Cheers Greg !
-- Marayka K., Galapagos Multisport 7-Day Adventure
We had a great time on the Galapagos Cruise. Our guides were very engaging and informative and everything was timed just right. We had the right amount of activity, food and leisure time every day. We are not \"cruising\" people and were apprehensive at first about being stuck on a boat for 7 days but we didn\'t feel \"stuck\" given the number of excursions we had each day and the fact that we snorkeled at least once or twice a day. We also extended our trip on the Islands and stayed at a hotel but definitely would recommend a cruise over staying on the islands. The islands gets very hot and there are lots of mosquitos but on the boat there is shade, wind and no bugs! Great amount of variety of animals and geography we saw. Sad to leave!
-- Wendy K., Galapagos Islands on the Eric, Letty, and Flamingo
Detour, The Adventure Travel Marketplace - Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (4 days)
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