Inca Trail 4 Days to Machu Picchu

Classic Inca Trail 4 Days to Machu Picchu

3 Days from $ USD 100.00

Inca Trail 4 Days to Machu Picchu

Classic Inca Trail 4 Days to Machu Picchu

3 Days from $ USD 100.00

Price

$ USD 750.00

Duration

4 Days

Physical Level

Demanding

Altitude

4,215 meters (13,828 ft) above sea level

Accomodation

Camping

Departures

Daiy Departures

Cusco I Ollantaytambo I Km 82 I Piscacucho I Wayllabamba I Pacaymayo I Wiñayhuayna I Sungate I Machu Picchu I Cusco

Overview

Machu Picchu Inca Trail 4 Days

The Inca Trail 4 Days is one of the best-known routes in Latin America, it is one of the 10 known routes in the world. On this 4-day route, you will have the opportunity to get in touch with history and ecology.

Our Private Inca Trail Tour 4 Days, this adventure will take you to explore the originality of Inca engineering, which led them to build an incomparable Inca stone path that crosses mountains, rivers, Inca ruins and tropical jungle until you reach Puerta del Sol , from where you will appreciate beautiful views of this wonder.

You will do this Inca Trail 4 Days at your own pace with a private team of porters, cooks and professional guides. This private tour is perfect for couples, families with children or a group of friends, our Private Tour option is the perfect option for you.

This walk is an adventure in your life that takes you to explore the originality of Inca engineering, which led them to build an incomparable stone Inca road that crosses mountains, rivers, Inca ruins and tropical jungle until reaching Puerta del Sol, from where you will admire a unique view of the new 7 wonders of the world.

The Inca Trail 4 Days at your own pace with a private team of porters, cooks and main guides. This private tour is perfect for couples, families with children, or a group of friends who would love to have a private service.

Trip Details

Classic Inca Trail 4 Days to Machu Picchu Summary:

TOUR NAME: Classic Inca Trail 4 Days to Machu Picchu
100% LOCAL COMPANY: fully licensed Inca Trail Operator, Highly Recommended! Check out our reviews on Trip Advisor & Youtube what our Passengers say about us
GROUP SIZE: 02 People Minimum (04 – 06 Average) and 08 People Maximum
STARTING POINT: Pick-up from Cusco & Sacred Valley Hotel/Airbnb. From 4:30 am to 5:00 am
ENDING POINT: Drop-off in Cusco at Hotel/Airbnb 10:30 pm
DEPARTURE: Daily (Based on Availability, INCA TRAIL SPACES By Clicking Here). If you are a group of 02 we depart (No matter if you have paid as large group service). We NEVER pass our people onto another operator as most agencies do here in cusco.
HIKING DISTANCE: 46km /26miles
PHYSICAL LEVEL: Level 3. Inca Trail Requires some physical preparation and we Also recommend to Aclimatize 2 days before we begin the inca trail
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 4,200 m / 12,000 ft
TRANSPORTATION: Private Van/Bus to Km 82 (for our Passengers and staff) Tourist Expedition Train Back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and Bus back to Cusco
ACCOMMODATIONS: 3 Nights in Camping in 4 Season Tents/02 ppl per Tent (Sleeping bag and Therm-a-rest Self-Inflating air Mat are included)
MEALS: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, 2 tea times + wake-up teas (Vegetarian, Vegan and Free Gluten with NO extra Charge, Upon Request)
MACHU PICCHU: Inca Trail Permits & Machu Picchu entrance fee Included.

Price from

$ 750.00

Per person un Private service

Call +51 984 315 337

BOOK NOW

Food

3B, 3L, 3D

Travel Asistants

Local Guide
Private Bus

Transport

Bus, Hike, Train

Group Size

Accomodation

Camping

Physical Level

Demanding

Highlights

Spend the night under the stars of the Andean skies
The hike passes through natural Andean sites such as: Llactapata, Huayllabamba, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Intipata and Winayahuayna.
On our route we will do a traditional Andean ritual, with all the original traditional with Andean elements
Our passengers enjoy the friendly and differentiated treatment of our professional guides; you are important and your experience has to be the best
Enjoy a balanced and natural diet specially prepared for the route, you will eat enough and delicious; Our food is Peruvian Buffet style.
The Inca Trail 4 Days passes through cloud forests, high Andean mountains, hills covered with green vegetation and Andean valleys.
On the Inca Trail 4 Days we will reach an altitude of 4,200 meters (12,000 feet) along the Pass until we reach the well-known “Dead Woman Pass”
All of our guides know every inch of the Inca Trail 4 Days to Machu Picchu.

Itinerary

DAY 1

Cusco – Km 82 – Hatunchaca – Patallacta – Ayapata

Our Staff will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 am to begin your private Inca Trail 4 Days tour.

If you made the choice to stay in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, your pick-up will be at 6:00 am.

When we arrive at Ollantaytambo we will have our breakfast at no additional cost. After breakfast we will go in our private transportation until we reach km 82 (Piscakucho) here we will begin our Private Inca Trail 4 Days tour.

We will have a small meet with our expert local cooks, porters and local guides. Then we will go to the checkpoint to present our passports and begin our adventure to Machu Picchu

After passing the control gate, we will begin our hike along the Inca Trail. The start of the hike is relatively easy, with a 3-hour hike until you reach the Inca site of Llactapata (the first Inca ruin along the Inca Trail).

We will visit the top of this incredible site and take photographs. Then we will take a walk until we reach the site of Hatunchaca, where our team will be waiting for us for lunch made with fresh local ingredients.

After lunch, we will continue walking for approximately 4 hours to Ayapata (first camp), where we will arrive around 5:00 pm.

Our camp will already be set up and then you will have hot tea waiting for you.

Camp Altitude: 3303 m (10828 feet).
Highest site: 3,303 m (10,828 ft).
Distance traveled: 14.34 km / 8.34 miles.
Walking time: 6 hours.
Accommodation: Camping in tents.
Difficulty: Moderate.

First day:

Total distance: 10 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 5 – 6 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,000 m (aprox.)
Campsite altitude (Huayllabamba): 3,000 m (aprox.)
Places to see: Ollantaytambo, Piscakucho, km 82, Kanabamba, Llactapata Incan Site, Tarayoc lunch spot, Hatunchaka, Huayllabamba.

DAY 2

Ayapata – Dead Woman Pass – Runkurakay – Chaquicocha

The day begins with a hot tea or coca mate. This day is more challenging. We will walk for approximately 4 hours to reach the Dead Woman’s Pass (4215 m / 13829 ft), the highest pass on the entire Inca Trail.

From the top we can see an impressive landscape; where we will do a small ritual to the Apus (local gods) done by our expert local guides who are descendants of the ancient Andean settlers.

We will walk for 2 hours towards the Pacaymayu Valley, and it is in this area that our chef will prepare lunch.

We will walk for 1 hour and a half until we reach the pass of

Runqurakay (4000 m / 13123 ft). Before continuing our walk we will visit the Inca Site Runqurakay.

We will hike until we reach the Inca site of Sayacmarca to explore.

We will continue our walk until we reach the Chaquicocha camp (3600 m / 11811 feet), Here we will appreciate an incredible sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range before our dinner.

This area of the camp is perfect to enjoy the Milky Way.

Campground altitude: 3,605 m (11,816 ft)
Highest altitude: 4,217 m (1,383 ft)
Distance: 16.4 km / 9.34 miles
Walking time: 10 hours
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Difficult

Second Day:

Total distance: 12 km (aprox.) Please, See we climb one pass only (Dead Woman Pass 4200 meters high) while Many operators are using a camping spot of Chaquicocha and passengers are forced to climb the 2nd pass of 3950 meters high) So 2 passes in one day.
Estimated walking time: 6 – 7 hours
Maximum altitude point: 4,200 m (aprox.)
Campsite altitude(Pacaymayu): 3,650 m (aprox.)
Places to see: Huayllabamba, Yunkachimpa, Tres pierdas, Llulluchapampa, Warmihuañusca(Dead woman Pass), Pacaymayu.

DAY 3

Chaquicocha – Intipata – Wiñaywayna

This day is calmer where we will only walk 5 hours until we reach the last camp.

The first section of the walk is a horizontal hike for about 2 hours, until reaching the first camp. The variation of landscapes and climates is the most notable thing about this route, we will see from the Salkantay glacial mountain and we will explore the Inca routes of Phuyupatamarca and Intipata.

From the Inca site of Intipata we can see the last camp. We will receive a briefing from the local guide before going to the camp, which will be at 12:30 pm. Here we will have lunch, and then you will relax.

Around 4 pm, we will walk for 5 minutes to explore the Inca ruins of Wiñaywayna, where our local guide will explain more about this incredible site where you can take incredible photographs. We will then return to camp to say goodbye to our amazing porters and enjoy our dinner.

After enjoying the meal, we will go to sleep early and prepare for the next day.

Camp Altitude: 2602 m – 8532 feet
Highest place: 3602 m – 11813 feet
Distance traveled: 10.3 km / 6.34 miles
Walking time: 5 hours
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Easy

Third day:

Total distance: 16 km (aprox.) We explore the incan site along the inca trail
Estimated walking time: 7 – 8 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,900 m (aprox.)
Campsite altitude (Wiñay Wayna)2,650 m (aprox.)
Places to see: Pacaymayu, Runkurachay Incan Site, Runkurakay pass(3900 meters high) Sayacmarca Incan Site, Conchamarca Incan Site, Chaquicocha Lunch spot, Phuyupatamarca incan site, Intipata incan site, Wiñay Wayna incan site.

DAY 4

Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco

This day is the most expected, after waking up we will go to the last checkpoint of the Inca Trail 4 Days.

We will be at the checkpoint at 05:30 am. After the light walk for 20 minutes until we reach the “Inti Punku” Puerta del Sol. From here we can appreciate the incredible sunrise over Machu Picchu from the Puerta del Sol.

We will begin our final 45-minute descent towards the lost city of the Incas. We will arrive at the checkpoint at 8:00 am.

Our tour guide will take you on a 2-hour guided tour of the citadel.

At the end of our guided tour with our company, we will take a tourist bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes where we will enjoy lunch.

We will take the train between 2:55 or 3:20 p.m., which will take you to the city of Cusco (optionally you can reach Ollantaytambo and from there go on our private transportation). You will arrive back in Cusco around 07:00 pm.

If you want to do the hike to Huayna Picchu mountain (permits must be reserved as far in advance as possible). You will walk alone and our guide will tell you where you will have lunch and where you will pick up your backpack and will give you instructions to take the train back.

Highest place: 2700 m -8858 feet
Distance traveled: 6 km / 3 miles
Walking time: 2 hours
Hike Difficulty: Easy

Fourth Day:

Total distance: 7 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 2 – 3 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2,700 m (aprox.)
Places to see: Wiñay Wayna, Intipunku(Sungate), Machupicchu city, Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain(optional), Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Town.

Please Note: Walking and journey times are approximate.

Booking Note

DISCOUNTS (to apply discounts. Please send us an email

UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD (Students must be below 25 years): US$20. Please send us a scanned copy of the student card at the time of booking.
Under 17 years old: US$20 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Under 12 years old: US$20 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Group of 5 or more: US$10 per person. All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.

UPGRADES:

Huaynapicchu Mountain (Based on Availability): US$90 Based on Availability (Let us at the time of booking)
Machu Picchu Mountain (Based on Availability): US$90 Based on Availability (Let us at the time of booking)
Upgrade to Vistadome Train (First Class Train) (Includes Private Transportation From Ollantaytambo to Cusco) USUS$70
Extra Night in Aguas Calientes US$30 per person (Twin Bedroomdon’t, 3 Beds room & 4 Beds Room with Private shower & Bathroom)
A night in Cusco at our Quechuas Guesthouse: from US$30 per person / Twin Bedroom (Before we do the tour/trek or after the tour/trek)

RENTALS

Goose Down sleeping bag (Mummy style): US$30 for the entire trip
(Black Dimond) Walking Poles Rubber Tips Included: US$20 for the entire trip
Day Pack 20 – 30 liters (Rain cover included): US$15 for the entire trip

ADDITIONAL INFO:

BRIEFING: all our treks is a Night before we do the trek at 6:30 pm in our office, But if you want us to come to your Hotel let us know in advance.(You will get a chance to meet your guide and as well as to give you your duffel bags)
STORAGE: Most Hotels have storage where you can leave the rest of your stuff while you hike to Machupicchu, But if they dont have a place you can leave your stuff in our storage at no extra cost. (Let us know at the time of briefing)

We need at least 02 of you and Leave any day you suit. All Departures are 100% Guaranteed If You’re Booked, You Are Going !!! To Confirm and Secure the Inca Trail Permits. Send us the filled-out booking form as well as a deposit of 30% and you are ready to go…

Inclusions

Included

PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION/ Private Tourist transportation Cusco – Ollantaytambo and then KM 82 (The Trailhead) (We never share Bus service with other companies as most agencies do here to minimize costs) and Please, Note. we always use the same tourist transportation for our porters. we wont send them by an unconfortable truck as most do here.
EXPEDITIONS TRAIN BACK TICKET/ Tourist Expeditions train Back ticket (Between 1:30pm to 7:00pm. Subjet to availability) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and then bus back to cusco and we willdropp you off at the hotel.
PROFFESIONAL GUIDES/ English – Spanish speaking guide for 4 days of the Inca Trail and Machupicchu.(All our Guides work for us only) All of them speak Fluent English & Second Guide Over 08 people Group(Large Group Service)
CAMPING EQUIPMENT/ Thermarest air-inflate Confortable sleeping Mattress (While others agencies are using foam mat) Thats why many of them run away from us. Because they dont want their passengers to see the Quality of our Camping equipment)
Two person CAMPING TENTS (3-people capacity tent used as doubles – Kayla Doite) 4 season tent Aluminium poles Tents
MASTER CHEFFS/Cook and assistance of the Cook.(We have chosen the best cook/cheffs and all are trained by Quechuas Expeditions every month)
Cooking equipment (We use New cooking equipment and change all every 3 months) Snacks (Fruits, energy bars)
Daily tea service (Wake up Coca tea and afternoon tea time(Happy hour) with full of popcorn and special snacks made by our cooks)
Dining equipment including portable chairs and tables
FOOD/Food service in the campsites (3 breakfast, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, 3 snacks) – nutritionally balanced menu: Buffet style Plenty of food you will never be hungry with us! as well as Guinea Pig for free because we want you to taste all from Peru.
Vegetarian and free Gluten menu at no extra cost (Please let us know at the time of booking)
Portering Service. As detailed in the table authorised by the INC. (To carry our camping equipment and food) We Never overload our porters. Please, see a detailed page where you can see how we threat our porter Chaskis
Extra Portering Service of 7 Kilos/14 pounds for our personal stuff (We will provide you a duffel bag to put all your personal stuff as well as the sleeping bag & Mat)
INCA TRAIL PERMITS AND ADMISION TICKETS/Inca Trail and Machupicchu Permits & entrance fees as well as all the porters and cooks valid for 4 days as well as insurance policy of life for all our staff.
Visit to Machu Picchu on the 4th day (2 hours guide tour to explore the whole incan site)
Camping equipment and basic field equipment for our porters as well as adecuate clothing like: (Sleeping bag, Mat, Jacket, T-shirt, pant, rain poncho, shoes, hat, belts, proper backpack to carry the equipment and all of them are limited to carry 20kg only).
Private Transportation from the train station of Ollantaytambo to Cusco (2 hours drive) and drop off at the hotel.(we only use our Private Transportation. so you will never wait at the train station till the bus of 30 ppl gets full)
First-aid kit (Our Guide will carry while on the Inca Trail) Please, note all our Guides are trained every year in first-aid)
Emergency oxygen bottle (Our guide will carry while on the Inca Trail)
Rain waterproof cover for your day backpacks as well as Rain poncho
Pre trek Orientation – briefing (Hotel or Office) Let us know once you are at the office or by email.
Single Tents upon request with no extra cost.
Water for Driking: we will supply with filtered and boiled water and your bottles will be filled at each meal time.
Water bottle for refilling with water along the inca trail (WE DONT WANT YOU TO USE PLASTIC BOTTLES) Get one once you are at our office!!!
Free “I survived ” T-shirt and certificate (only for PEOPLE who successfully complete the trek!!!)

No Included

Breakfast – Day 1
Lunch and dinner – Day 4
Tips (optional)
Travel and health insurance.(bring copies with you please):Quechuas Expeditions highly recommend to get an insurance of trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your travel investment. Included with your pre-departure package, bring your travel insurance to cover trip cancellation, interruption, baggage loss and delay, emergency medical evacuation insurance and emergency medical expense insurance.

————————————————————————————————————————————-

DISCOUNTS (to apply discounts. Please send us an email at info@quechuasexpeditions.com)

UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD (Students must be below 25 years) : US$30. Please send us a a scanned copy of the student card at the time of booking.
Under 17 years old: US$30 Please send us a copy of passport at the time of booking.
Under 12 years old: US$30 Please send us a copy of passport at the time of booking.
Group of 5 or more: US$20 per person. All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.

UPGRADES:

Huayna Picchu Mountain (Based on Availability): US$90 Based on Availability (Let us at the time of booking)
Machu Picchu Mountain (Based on Availability): US$90 Based on Availability (Let us at the time of booking)
Extra Portering Service for the entire trip/14kg- US$150 (We will porvide you a duffel bag to put all your personal items. This will be given to you at the briefing time)
Extra Portering Service for the entire trip/7kg- US$75 (We will provide you a duffel bag to put all your personal items. This will be given to you at the briefing time)
Extra Portering Service for the entire trip/4kg- US$50 (We will provide you a duffel bag to put all your personal items. This will be given to you at the briefing time)
Upgrade to Vista dome Train (First Class Train) (Includes Private Transportation From Ollantaytambo to Cusco) USUS$70
Extra Night in Aguas Calientes US$30 per person (Twin Bed room, 3 Beds room & 4 Beds Room with Private shower & Bathroom)
A night in Cusco at our Quechuas Guesthouse: from US$20 per person / Twin Bed room (Before we do the tour/trek or after the tour/trek)

RENTALS

Goose Down sleeping bag (Mummy style): US$30 for the entire trip
(Black Dimond) Walking Poles Rubber Tips Included: US$20 for the entire trip
Day Pack 20 – 30 liters (Rain cover included): US$15 for the entire trip

ADITIONAL INFO:

BRIEFING for all our treks is a Night before we do the trek at 6:30pm in our office, But if you want us to come to your Hotel let us know in advance.(You will get a chance to meet you guide and as well as to give you your duffel bags)

STORAGE Most Hotels have storage where you can leave the rest of your stuff while you hike to Machupicchu, But if they dont have a place you can leave your stuff in our storage with no extra cost. (Let us know at the time of briefing)

We need at least 02 of you and Leave any day you suit. All Departures 100% Guaranteed If You’re Booked, You are Going!!! To Confirm and Secure the Inca Trail Permits. Send us the filled out booking form as well as a deposit of 30% and you are ready to go…

What to Bring

Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.

List of things you must bring:

Original Passport (and some copies) If you have changed your passport Bring a couple of copies of the one that you have used to purchase the inca trail permit.
Travel insurance is essential (and some copies)
Airline tickets (and some copies)
US$ cash and Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Camera and Memory cards
Rechargeable batteries and adapters
Reading/writing material
Binoculars
Cover for backpacks
Pocketknife.
Fleece top
Windproof/waterproof jacket
Small towel and swim wear
Shirts/t-shirts
Sun hat
2 pairs of shorts
2 pairs of long trousers *zipp off
1 pair hiking pants/track pants
Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes (with ankle protectors)
Knee-length socks (to be used with rubber boots, if provided at the jungle lodge)
Sport hiking sandals
Sun block
Sunglasses
Toiletries (biodegradable)
Watch or alarm clock
Water bottle
Purifying tablets or filter (Micropur recommeded)
Insect Repellent (for mosquitos)25 % of deet at least you can also by in cusco.
Flashlight (head light recommended)
Money belt
Sleeping silk liner (for sleeping bags)
Wool hat, mitts or gloves (preferably waterproof)
Rain poncho, plastic bags for your personal stuff to keep dry
Sleeping bag (it can be hired form us) we have goose down or syntetic sleeping bag
Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g. Ibuprofen)
Thermal underwear
Personal first-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhoea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)

Recommendations

Here are some recommendations to help you prepare for the Inca Trail:

Train beforehand: The Inca Trail involves a lot of walking and hiking, so it’s essential to train beforehand to ensure that you are physically prepared. Cardiovascular exercises, such as running or cycling, and strength training exercises, such as squats and lunges, can help you build endurance and strength.
Acclimatize: The Inca Trail reaches high altitudes, so it’s crucial to spend some time acclimatizing to the altitude before starting the trek. Spend a few days in Cusco, which is situated at 3,400 meters above sea level, before embarking on the Inca Trail.
Pack appropriately: Make sure you pack appropriately for the trek. You will need comfortable hiking shoes, lightweight clothing, a waterproof jacket, and warm layers for the cold nights. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a first aid kit.
Stay hydrated: It’s essential to stay hydrated while hiking, especially at high altitudes. Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it at the water stations along the trail. You can also bring water purification tablets to ensure that the water is safe to drink.
Respect the environment: The Inca Trail is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s important to respect the environment by following the rules and regulations set by the park authorities. Don’t litter, stay on the designated trails, and avoid damaging the ancient ruins.
Hire a reputable tour operator: The Inca Trail can only be hiked with a licensed tour operator. Do your research and choose a reputable tour operator with experienced guides, comfortable camping equipment, and quality food.
Be prepared for the weather: The weather on the Inca Trail can be unpredictable, with rain and cold temperatures common. Bring rain gear and warm layers, and be prepared for the possibility of rain, fog, and wind.

Pricing List

Group Price

Number of persons	Price per person
Price Per person (Max 12 participants)	$100.00	Inquire Now

Number of persons	Price per person
1 Persons	$ USD 900.00	Inquire Now
2 Persons	$ USD 800.00	Inquire Now
3 Persons	$ USD 700.00	Inquire Now
3 Persons	$ USD 600.00	Inquire Now
4 Persons	$ USD 600.00	Inquire Now

What to Bring

List of things you must bring:

Original Passport (and some copies) If you have changed your passport Bring a couple of copies of the one that you have used to purchase the inca trail permit.
Travel insurance is essential (and some copies)
Airline tickets (and some copies)
US$ cash and Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Camera and Memory cards
Rechargeable batteries and adapters
Reading/writing material
Binoculars
Cover for backpacks
Pocketknife.
Fleece top
Windproof/waterproof jacket
Small towel and swim wear
Shirts/t-shirts
Sun hat
2 pairs of shorts
2 pairs of long trousers *zipp off
1 pair hiking pants/track pants
Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes (with ankle protectors)
Knee-length socks (to be used with rubber boots, if provided at the jungle lodge)
Sport hiking sandals
Sun block
Sunglasses
Toiletries (biodegradable)
Watch or alarm clock
Water bottle
Purifying tablets or filter (Micropur recommeded)
Insect Repellent (for mosquitos)25 % of deet at least you can also by in cusco.
Flashlight (head light recommended)
Money belt
Sleeping silk liner (for sleeping bags)
Wool hat, mitts or gloves (preferably waterproof)
Rain poncho, plastic bags for your personal stuff to keep dry
Sleeping bag (it can be hired form us) we have goose down or syntetic sleeping bag
Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g. Ibuprofen)
Thermal underwear
Personal first-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhoea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)

Travel Guide

The Inca Trail is a popular trekking route in Peru that leads to the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu. If you’re planning to hike the Inca Trail, here’s a travel guide to help you prepare for the journey:

Choose a reputable tour operator: It’s important to choose a reliable and licensed tour operator to ensure your safety and the sustainability of the trail. Look for companies that prioritize the welfare of their porters and follow the guidelines set by the government.
Book in advance: The Inca Trail permits are limited and sell out quickly, so it’s best to book your tour several months in advance to secure your spot.
Physical preparation: The Inca Trail is a challenging hike that involves steep climbs, high altitude, and long hours of walking. It’s recommended to prepare yourself physically by doing regular exercise and building up your stamina.
What to pack: Pack light but don’t forget the essentials like a good pair of hiking boots, warm clothing, rain gear, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a headlamp. Your tour operator will provide camping equipment and food, so you don’t need to bring those.
Altitude sickness: The Inca Trail reaches a maximum altitude of 4,215 meters, so it’s important to acclimatize yourself before starting the trek. It’s recommended to spend a few days in Cusco or other high-altitude areas before the hike.
Respect the trail: The Inca Trail is a UNESCO World Heritage site and should be treated with respect. Don’t litter, damage the trail or the ruins, and be mindful of the local communities and their customs.
Enjoy the experience: The Inca Trail is not just about reaching Machu Picchu, but also about the journey itself. Take the time to appreciate the stunning landscapes, learn about the Incan culture and history, and bond with your fellow hikers and guides.

By following these tips, you can ensure a safe and memorable experience on the Inca Trail.

Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend leaving any luggage that you don’t need during the trek at your hotel. Most hotels in Cusco offer a complimentary safety deposit service, but if your hotel doesn’t, we can provide a storage facility for you. Please let us know.

The sleeping mat weighs 1 kg and the sleeping bag weighs 2 kg.

Our guides are trained in basic medical care and carry a first aid kit. In rare cases where a traveler is unable to complete the hike due to medical reasons, they are escorted back to Cusco and can rejoin the group in Machu Picchu a few days later via train. For serious medical emergencies, Cusco has modern medical facilities and our guides and porters have evacuation strategies in place.

We provide high-quality camping equipment, including 4-season aluminum pole tents (3-people-capacity for 2 people), dining tents, tables, chairs, toilet tents, cooking equipment, water purifiers, air Thermarest mattresses, and other camping gear.

We recommend carrying your daily essentials such as water, snacks, camera, and film. Porters will carry all your other supplies, including camping equipment and clothing. We advise limiting personal belongings to 12 lbs to prevent overloading the porters. If you have an extra porter, they can carry up to 12kg as a Full Porter, 6kg as a Half Porter, or 4kg for carrying a sleeping bag and pad.

Our guides are highly experienced, fluent in English, Spanish, and Quechua, and have in-depth knowledge of the history, culture, and ecology of the area. Most of them have 5-10 years of experience leading Inca trail hikes, and they receive annual Red Cross First Aid and emergency training.

A cook accompanies every group and provides delicious and hearty meals that include a mix of local specialties and international favorites. Vegetarian meals are available upon request, and we can usually accommodate other special dietary needs with advance notice.

We recommend bringing your own refillable water bottles to limit plastic waste. Water is boiled, treated with iodine, and filtered with one of our portable filters (Katadyn and PUR commonly used). It is available in the morning and at every meal.

Trek permits are non-refundable and non-transferable, and we cannot replace cancelled passengers with new ones due to current regulations.

We usually purchase permits within a few days of receiving your deposit. If you need us to act immediately, you can send your deposit via Western Union, which is the fastest and safest way in Cusco, Peru. We can receive the money and confirm your trip in minutes.

The Inca Trail is a 26-mile trek through the Andes Mountains in Peru that leads to the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu.

The Inca Trail is approximately 26 miles long and takes about 4 days to complete.

Yes, all hikers need a permit to hike the Inca Trail. Permits are limited and sell out quickly, so it’s important to book in advance.

The cost of hiking the Inca Trail varies depending on the tour company and the time of year. Expect to pay around $500-$1000 per person.

The best time to hike the Inca Trail is during the dry season, which runs from May to September.

The Inca Trail is a challenging trek that requires a moderate level of fitness. It’s a good idea to train for the hike by doing regular cardio and strength training.

You should pack comfortable hiking clothes, a good pair of hiking shoes, a warm jacket, a sleeping bag, a backpack, and plenty of snacks and water.

There are limited bathroom facilities on the Inca Trail, but most campsites have basic toilets.

Yes, many tour companies offer porter services for an additional fee. This can be a great option if you don’t want to carry a heavy backpack.

Yes, altitude sickness can be a concern on the Inca Trail, as much of the trek takes place at high elevations. It’s important to acclimate properly and stay hydrated.

Most tour companies provide meals on the Inca Trail, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food is typically simple but filling, and may include local specialties like quinoa soup and roasted guinea pig.

Yes, all hikers must have a licensed guide to hike the Inca Trail. This is to help protect the trail and ensure the safety of hikers.

Children under the age of 12 are not allowed to hike the Inca Trail due to safety concerns. However, there are other family-friendly treks in the area.

Cancellation policies vary depending on the tour company, but many require a non-refundable deposit and have strict cancellation deadlines.

Yes, hiking the Inca Trail is an incredible experience that offers stunning views and a glimpse into ancient Inca culture. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that is well worth the effort.

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Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru operated by Hikes in Peru. Please take a moment to complete our short form so that one of our friendly adventure consultants can provide you with all the information for the best trip of your life in Peru.

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