CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU 3D/2N

 

Peru’s best-known hike visited by thousands of tourists every year. This 43-km trek combines the visit of mysterious archaeological sites, amazing mountain scenery and lush cloud forest rich in Andean flora and fauna, ending in the Sacred Inca City of Machu Picchu. This 3-day program is an excellent alternative for fit hardcore trekkers having less time in their visit as it covers the same route as the classical 4-day version but just in 3 days.

 

ITINERARY

 

DAY 1 CUSCO TO LLULLUCHAPAMPA

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Lunch–Dinner

We depart Cusco at 4:00 am in a private transportation, which will drive us to km.82, the starting point of the Inca Trail. We start our hike walking along the left shore of the Urubamba River. Following the trail along a flat terrain, we arrive in Miskay (2800m/9184ft), to then ascend and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the Inca city of Llactapata (2750m/9020ft). We then continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing until we reach the farming community of Wayllabamba (3000m/9840ft). All along the way we see spectacular views of the Vilcanota mountain range on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, where the impressive Veronica peak reigns at 5832 meters above sea level. Not to mention the diversity of wild flora and fauna that can be found all along the valley. Continuing through the trail, we leave Wayllabamba behind to begin the most difficult part of the trek, which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km and reaches the first mountain pass in the Inca Trail, the Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman’s pass). We only climb half way up the pass, stopping at Llulluchapampa, where we camp and spend the night. Along the climb, the landscape changes from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation), having the chance to spot domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at that altitude. We also cross an area of the so called cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows and the Andean bear, which is also called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus). We advise that on this day and the next one specially, your day-pack is well stocked with candies, chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high, and help with altitude sickness.

 

• Total distance 17 km

• Estimated time 8-9 hours

• Maximum altitude point 3,850 m

• Campsite altitude 3,850 m

 

DAY 2 LLULLUCHAPAMPA TO PHUYUPATAMARCA

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Breakfast–Lunch– Dinner

After breakfast, we continue our hike up the highest point in the Inca Trail, reaching the mountain pass of Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass – 4200m/13776ft) after about 2 hours. Immediately after the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600m/11808ft), from which we then start to climb to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970m/13022ft). Half way up, we visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3800m/12464ft, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower. After going over the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud-forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3624m/11887ft). This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Continuing up an easy climb, we arrive at the third pass, the Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft). Along this climb we can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient craft, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain, and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order, saving the trail from the multileveled Andean geography. We go through an Inca tunnel to later arrive at the aforementioned pass and down to the complex of the same name. This is one of the most complete and best preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machupicchu, and is located on the highest point of a mountain. Curiously, Phuyupatamarca means ¨town over the clouds¨. From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River valley. We set our camp in Phuyupatamarca and spend the night there.

 

• Total distance 15 km

• Estimated time 8 hours

• Maximum altitude point 4,200 m

• Campsite altitude 3,600 m

 

DAY 3 PHUYUPATAMARCA TO MACHUPICCHU AND CUSCO

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Box Lunch

Today, we might have the chance to appreciate one of the most spectacular sunrises in the Inca Trail, provided the sky is clear, as Phuyupatamarca’s location offers awesome views at this moment of the day. We then start our way through the long descending stone steps which will lead us to Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft), where we find a campsite equipped with a restaurant, bar and bathrooms with hot showers. The campsite has the same name as the complex located only five minutes away from the lodge. Wiñaywayna is the biggest archaeological site in the Inca Trail besides Machupicchu and consists of an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector, offering spectacular views over the already narrower Urubamba River valley. After our visit, we leave Wiñaywayna to climb to Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we may enjoy spectacular views over the sacred citadel of Machupicchu, weather permitting. From Intipunku, a short walk brings us down to the entrance from where we continue with a guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. We then take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and board our train back to Cusco, where we arrive after nightfall.

 

• Total distance 11 km

• Estimated time 5 hours + Machupicchu visit

• Maximum altitude point 3,600 m

• Campsite altitude 2,400 m

 

* Departure and arrival times are approximated.
** Campsites are subject to change according to the designation of the governmental institution regulating the use of the Inca Trail, as well as to our guide’s criteria and the evolution of the group.

 

OUR SERVICES INCLUDED:

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• Briefing time one or two days before the trek.

• Private Transportation from Cusco to the start of the trail for Inca Trail Classic

• Professional english speaking guide.

• Assistant guide from more than 9 passagers. 

• Entrance fees for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu

• High Mountain Tents (THE NORTH FACE), model VE-25 of 03 people of high quality material for two people to offer more comfort and space for the pack of our customers.

• One inflatable sleeping pad per person (LUXURY THERMA-REST)

• One pillow per person

• One personal blanket to sleep, they are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips.

• Kitchenware

• Tables and chairs

• Dining tent

• Porters (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment).

• Duffle bags for personal luggage, per person

• All camp waste is hauled out of the park

• Andean chef specializes in exquisite camping meals

• Meals (02B, 02L, 02D + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day).

• Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost

• One Textile Snack Bag per person, to avoid the usage of plastic bags that contaminate our environment.

• Others: hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning and night, and at lunch time if requested with enough time ahead.

• Comprehensive first-aid kit including oxygen bottles.

• Bus ticket from Machupicchu ruins down to Aguas Calientes – 3th day

• Train ticket (Expedition class) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo – 3th day

• Transfer from the train station- hotel in Cusco

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OUR SERVICES NOT INCLUDED:

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• Lunch in Aguas Calientes.

• Extra Porter.

• Sleeping Bag.

• Walking poles.

• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary

• Dinner on the last day

• Visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes: a relaxing way to end-up the trek while you’re awaiting the return train to Cusco, only 10 minutes from the village center, entrance fee is s/10.00 (Peruvian Soles). Towels can be hired in Aguas Calientes.

• Hotels and meals in Cusco

• Extra services not mentioned in the program

• Tips for guides, porters or chefs and extra expenses

 

WHAT WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU BRING

 

• A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek

• Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)

• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended

• Sandals or jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp

• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping

• Flashlight/headlamp and batteries

• Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)

• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold

• Sun block

• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body

• Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported

• Handkerchiefs

• Toilet paper

• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in our selection

• Water container and water for the first morning. Important notice: plastic water bottles are no longer allowed into the Inca Trail. Plastic water containers (ie. Nalgene) or metal ones are recommended

• Optionally: water- sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far

• Small towel

• Swimsuit (if you wish to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)

• Cash in soles and/or US$

• Original passport

• Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount)

• Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Inca Trail)

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