Trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu on this classic 5-day adventure. Trekking the Inca Trail is the only way to arrive to Machu Picchu on foot, throught the Gate of the Sun, just as the Inca did.
During the time of the Incas, a complete network of interconnecting roads linked the capital, Cusco, to its provinces and other kingdoms. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was part of that system. Today it has become the most famous and popular trek in South America, and for good reason.
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.
Day 1: Cusco / Chilca / Huayllabamba
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 (5850m). After lunch we will visit the ruins of Llactapata where we will camp for the night.
Day 2: Llactapata / Llulluchapampa
From the village of Huayllabamba the trail climbs 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. We will camp at Llulluchapampa.
Day 3: Llulluchapampa / Phuyupatamarca
After two hours walking we reach the pass of Warmiwañuska (4050m/13,280ft), before descending as far as the canyon of the Pacaymayo River. After a short rest we will descend slowly 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 to the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, where we will make our camp.
Day 4: Phuyupatamarca / Machu Picchu
The trail descends down a vertiginous slope along a remarkable set of stone Inca steps for approximately three hours to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna, a beautiful Inca site set in dense forest. In the afternoon we will walk for another two hours until we reach Intipunku, the Sun Gate, from where we will get our first glimpse of Machu Picchu. Note: We will normally camp at the base of the mountain, although it is also possible to make reservations in one of the many hotels in the area (not included).
Day 5: Machu Picchu
Today will be dedicated to visiting the city. In the company of our guide we will visit the temples, houses, agricultural terraces and palaces and also have some time to explore the ruins independently.
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.
To review this trip please register or login (if already registered).
Overall Rating:
1 customer review
Destination:
5.0
Activity:
4.0
Equipment:
5.0
Food:
5.0
Guides & Service:
5.0
Provider Rating: 1 trip review
Equipment:
5.0
Food:
5.0
Guides & Service:
5.0
Social & Environmental Responsibility:
5.0
Trip Rating:
Destination:
Equipment:
Activity:
Food:
Guides & Service:
Pure magic and absolutely perfect
by T. Barrett, Experienced,
Dec 29, 2009
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. Even though I was getting anxious to get out on the trail, the organized tours were helpful in gaining an appreciation of the culture, and in acclimating to the elevation. Were I hiking the first day with the headache I had upon arriving in Cusco, it would not have been enjoyable. The headache and shortness of breath lasted approximately 36 hours. The hotel accommodations were acceptable and clean, which meets the requirements on a trip like this.
Out on the hike, my guide Oswaldo was fabulous. He had vast knowledge of the different plant life, including the medicinal qualities, which was matched only by his knowledge of the different wildlife we encountered. He was also an expert on butterflies, orchids and seemed to be an on-the-move history professor. His English was impeccable and he took the time to not only help me with my Espanol, but he even taught me some Quechua. Well beyond anything I expected.
The food on the trail was amazing. The chef created simple and fresh meals that were bursting with local flavor. If I were a wealthy man I would fly him to New York and open a restaurant with him as the head chef and sit back as he becomes the world’s next celebrity chef. The porters were fun to be around. It was obvious they enjoyed what they were doing and were having fun, which in turn made it more fun for me. The hiking was made so much more enjoyable by having others carry the gear, setup the tents and worry about the food. All I had to do was take in the sights.
The hiking was challenging at times, but never overwhelming. The trail was extremely well maintained. I may have encountered two loose stones the entire time, which is quite unbelievable. Many people make the trip to Machu Picchu via train, however, to me this seems a bit like reading the last few pages of the world’s great novels and then saying you’ve read them all. The results are there, however the nuance and pleasure of the journey are missing, and anyone with an adventurous spirit knows that this is the entire point of living.
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 On Trip
Transportation Types
Private Bus
Lodging - Accommodations
Lodging Types
4 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.
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TESTIMONIALS
I would recommend this trip to a friend in a second. The trip to the Galapagos was Outstanding. The Letty was wonderful; the naturalists were the greatest; the food was superb; the crew excellent; (I\'m running out of adjectives) I would recommend the whole thing and your agency also. You really provided excellent service and information. I felt I could email or call you with any questions and I knew you would answer quickly and I felt honestly. For just taking a chance finding you on the internet, I was very fortunate.
-- Joyce P, Galapagos Islands on the Eric, Letty, Flamingo I
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
Detour, The Adventure Travel Marketplace - Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (5days/4nights)
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