Inca Trail Booking
Information about the Inca Trail
For thousands of years, South American civilizations developed themselves apart from the rest of the world. The last of these peoples were the Incas, who extended over the territories of Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina, placing their political center in Peru. As the Romans did, the Incas produced monumental stone buildings, as well as the most extensive network of paved roads to link the farthest corners of their vast Empire. Many of them recently rediscovered and cleared such as the Inca Trail, where the modern man may admire the best example of those routes, trodden by the first invaders who were shocked and couldn´t help but praise every inch of these ancient trails.
The Inca Trail served as a pilgrimage route to Machu Picchu, trekked by the Inca King himself in the 15th century. It wasn´t intended for commercial purposes, since there were other easier trails to carry products, llamas and people to Machu Picchu. The purpose of the Inca Trail was religious and ceremonial, a pilgrimage that included rituals to worship the mountains along the route, like those of Verónica and Wakaywilka.On the Inca Trail you will overcome high snow-covered peaks, and then sneak down into the jungle, where access grows difficult by the minute, and it is right there where the Sacred City of Machu Picchu rests.
The 39 km walk between Piscacucho (km82) and the City of Machu Picchu is the most reknown trail in South America, and belongs to the Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, situated within the District of Cusco in the Urubamba province. It is one of the Conservation Areas created by the Peruvian Government in 1981 for further conservation and protection purposes.In 1997, Román Tinta - a Cuscan athlete, won the marathon competition on the Inca Trail, establishing a record of 3 hours, 34 minutes and 20 seconds from Km 88 up to Machu Picchu, covering a 33 km distance.
3 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS INCA TRAIL TREK
Many tourists from all over the world come to Peru not only to visit Machu Picchu, but also to hike on the Inca Trails, perhaps the most famous hike in South America. On one hand, they are attracted by the challenge posed by the trail; on the other hand, the beauty of the scenery, the impressive ruins and above all, the mystery that awaits at the end of the trail.
There are three options to get to Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail. The first and longest lasts for 7-8 days, being also the most difficult and it goes over 4 500m asl. The second is the most common, 4 days and 3 nights and covers only 42 km. The third and shortest option only takes 2 days and 1 night, what makes it simpler and less demanding. Since the second option is the most popular, we´ll herein explain it in detail.
Day 1 on the Trail
1st Day: Km. 82 - Wayllabamba Camp
The day begins very early, generally pick-up time is from 6.30 to 7am at the hotels. After a 3-hour busride and a 1-hour break in the town of Urubamba to get supplies, the bus arrives at Km 82 on the route to Machu Picchu. Every tourist has to register here at the checkpoint in order to start the trekking. From here only 42 km over mountains, Andean valleys, rivers and tropical forets stretch between you and Machu Picchu.The first stretch up the camp at Miskay, a lunch stop, is basically flat with easy ascents and takes barely 1 hour to cover. The trek goes on after lunch by descending and ascending a canyon. Later on, from the top of the hill, the ruins of Llactapata citadel come into view. The trails winds down to enter the valley of the Kusichaca river, from where a light climb gets you to the camp at Wayllabamba. Up to this point, it´s a 2-3 hour hike since after lunch. The camp lies 3 000 m high and it´s cold at night. After dinner and before going to sleep, it´s a good chance to look at the stars. In clear nights, it´s possible to see most of the Milky Way, some constellations like Orion´s Belt and if lucky a shooting star.
Day 2 on the Trail
2nd Day: From Wayllabamba Camp to Paqaymayo Camp
Wake-up call rings at 6am for breakfast and packing. The second day is considered by far the most difficult, due ti the 1 200 m ascend to the highest point on the trail, the Warmiwañusca pass or "Dead Woman´s Pass" at 4 200 m. Such stretch ususlly takes from 4 to 5 hours. Once there, it´s recommended to take a break and wear thick clothes, for it´s generally cold. If you hire a carrier to transport your bags, don´t forget to bring a thick jacket and long pants fro this pass.
Once through, the trails goes down for 2 hours to the next camp. However, some groups take lunch in midway to have a break and others do it at the camp in Paqaymayo, where we stay overnight. This way, almost the whole afternoon is devoted to rest.Important Notice: It´s possible to hire the services of carriers to take stuff to the pass or the camp itself. I suggest doing so, if you are not sure of being able to cope with heights and the long hike. It´s more important to enjoy it than to suffer it. Meke arrangements with your guide and pay directly to the carrier. The price is generally US 10 or s/ 35 (local money).
Day 3 on the Trail
3rd Day: From Paqaymayo Camp to Wiñaywayna Camp
This is the most interesting day, besides being the longest. It begins with a 1 and a half hour ascend to the Runkurakay pass, located at 3 950 m. There´s a stop at an ancient Inca checkpoint on the way, as well as at a lagoon where deer often drink from. After this pass the trail basically goes down. Other four ruins lie along th way to be visited: the first is Sayacmarca, that during Inca days was also a checkpoint for the trails leading into Machu Picchu. The hikes continues on to Phuyupatamarca, where groups do lunch and visits the ruins here. From this moment the ascend is pretty steep and difficult, for it mainly consists of steps. Finally, we make it to the ruins at Intipata, a complex of terraces built halfway a mountain slope, covered by dense vegetation. The trail leads to the camp at Wiñaywayna which offers rest, a shower and a cold beer. Once installed, we could visit the ruins of Wiñaywayna, similar to those of Intipata, but way more impressive.
Day 4 on the Trail
4th day: From Wiñaywayna Camp to Machu Picchu
This starts earlier than normal, since 5:30am is the time to put ourselves on the way towards Machu Picchu. The flashlights will come in handy, it´s still dark at this hour and the trail is rather narrow. In one and a half hours, we arive at Inti Punku or "The Door to the Sun", from where it´s possible to admire for the first time the majestic Inca city of Machu Picchu. From here it´s only 30 minutes to the ruins.
Whats in Included on the Inca Trail?
The camps are located outdoors and accomodation is in supplied two man tents. There are hygenic toilets situated along the track and at the camps. Hot showers are only available at the last camp. Qualified personnel are situated at checkpoints at every camp to provide security and assistance in case of accidents and medical emergencies. Read what is included below:
- TRANSPORTATION TO THE START OF THE INCA TRAIL
- PORTERS TO CARRY ALL YOUR CAMPING, COOKING AND PERSONAL BELONGINGS. (You only need to carry your day pack)
- FULL SERVICES OF PORTERS TO ERECT TENTS & PERFORM GENERAL DUTIES AROUND THE CAMP SITES.
- A COOK TO PREPARE ALL MEALS & RELATED TASKS.
- MEALS, SOME SNACKS, AFTERNOON TEA & HOT DRINKS (From lunch on day 1 until breakfast on day 4)
- GUIDED TOUR OF ALL ARCHAELOGICAL SITES DURING THE FOUR DAY TREK AS WELL AS MACHU PICCHU
- ALL NESSESARY CAMPING EQUIPTMENT, COOKING AND DINING TENT, CAMP STOOLS & ROLL MATS.
- DRINKING WATER EN ROUTE (Boiled)
- ENTRY TICKET TO INCA TRAIL & MACCHU PICCHU
- RETURN TRAIN TO CUSCO (BACKPACKER CLASS)
- FULL SERVICES OF AN ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE THROUGHOUT THE INCA TRAIL.
- BUS FROM MACHU PICCHU TO AGUA CALIENTES.
- DUFFLE BAGWHATS NOT INCLUDED
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
- DRINKS ON INCA TRAIL (Water, Sodas, Beer)
- TIPS TO PORTERS, COOKS, ASSISTANT GUIDES AND GUIDE (100 Soles, If possible in small denominations.)
- SLEEPING BAG
- LUNCH ON DAY 4 OF THE INCA TRAIL in Agua Calientes, prior to returning to Cusco
- WE RECOMEND that you take along approximately 150 - 200 soles in small denominations.
What do you need on the Inca Trail?
To begin with, it´s obligatory to hire a professional guide or book a package tour to the Trail. These tours provide tents, matresses, as well as food. The only extra things you need to take is your rucksack for your personal stuff, flashlight and sleeping bag. The plastic poncho or a raincoat is a key piece during the months from November to March.
It´s possible to buy bottled water in the first two days, but for the tird day it´s necessary to purify water and here´s when purifying pills or iodine come in.As far as clothes are concerned, hikking boots, long pants, T-shirts, jackets, gloves and cap are recommended. Not to forget sunblock and insect repellant, especially during the wet season.
You only need to carry a daypack with water, camera, snacks, insect repellent and warm clothes. The porters will carry your other belongings in the supplied duffle bag.The remainder of your luggage will be stored at the hotel until our return to Cusco along with your valuables in the Hotel security.
What Esle You Need!
- PASSPORT
- SLEEPING BAG
- WATER PROOF CLOTHING.
- PLASTIC BAGS or something similar to place your belongings in to keep everything dry.
- TOILET PAPER. (Most important) towel and basic personal toiletries
- WATER BOTTLE.
- WARM CLOTHING FOR NIGHTS. (Fleece, long pants, woollen hat, gloves)
- SPARE UNDERWEAR & SOCKS.
- PERSONAL MEDICATION
- CAMERA & BATTERIES
- SNACKS (Chocolates, chips, biscuits, energy bars.)
- TORCH/Flash Light (Very Important) and spare batteries.
- RE-HYDRATION SATCHELS
- BASIC FIRST AID KIT (Band-aids, Imodium, panadol)
- SUNSCREEN, SUNGLASSES, HAT & MOSQUITO REPELLANT.
- WALKING CLOTHES IN LAYERS. I.e.: - (zip off pants, fleece etc.)
OTHER INFORMATION
Location
The Inca Trails begins at Km 82 from Cusco City on the way to Machu Picchu. It covers a 39 km distance.
Climate
Climate is rather varied along the trek. During the day, it´s generally sunny and dry (first two days), but a bit humid on the third and fourth days. At night, it´s cold at the first two camps, but it changes to temperate at the third camp. The wet season starts by the end of November and goes through to March. This will meke trekking more difficult but the landscapes benefit from the rain.
Landscapes
Scenery and landscapes gradually change along the trail. The landscape reflects Andean features like steep snow-topped mountains, forests and creeks during the first two days. In turn, vegetation goes more tropical on the third day, ressembling a rain forest. Llamas , hawks, lizards and an occasional deer may be seen along the hike.
