en +51 984 004 472 info@tierrasvivas.com
+51 984 004 472 info@tierrasvivas.com
en

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Challenge

(1 Review)
Price
From$780 USD

    Request information

    Select your country

    Date of travel

    Tour

    Number of people

    How did you hear about us:

    Please prove you are human by selecting the Plane.

    Save To Wish List

    Adding item to wishlist requires an account

    337

    The Responsible People foundation is registered under the Peruvian Non-Profit Organization Act. With an annual contribution from Tierras Vivas, we support our operating costs as well as a significant portion of project development costs.
    responsiblepeople.org

    Tripadvisor Traveler Rating
    568 reviews
    Tripadvisor Ranking
    #2 of 52 Nature & Parks in Cusco
    Recent Traveler Reviews
    • “One of the best experiences ever.”
    • “2-day inca trail experience”
    • “Amazing experience, totally worth it!”
    • “Unforgettable”
    • “Amazing experience with our guide Samuel.”
    Tierras Vivas Travel > Best Seller > Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Challenge

    Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Challenge

    3 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most famous and popular hike in Peru and even one of the most favorite treks in the world. Discover one of the most pristine landscapes of Peru and experience an Andean journey to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Hike through high mountain passes, highland meadows, and tropical cloud forests. This 3-day hike to Machu Picchu ends up by entering this Incan sanctuary through the famous Sun´s Gate (“Inti Punku” in Quechua native language). Be one of the many adventurers from around the world, who has successfully, done this moderate to difficult Machu Picchu 3-day hike!

    3 day Inca Trail tour is one of the best hikes to reach the ancient Inca Trail in a short time. Enjoy the best scenery on this original Inca path. With paved stone paths and stairs cut into mountain -sides, the trail passes Inca citadels such as Runkurakay, Wiñaywayna, Phuyupatamarca, and Machu Picchu, through cloud-forest speckled with orchids and fauna, across high Andean plains and up on to the oxygen-starved Warmiwañusca Pass (4200 m / 13,780 ft).

    Sustainable Tourism

    At Tierras Vivas, we are happy to promote and practice sustainable tourism by being eco-friendly and supporting local communities 

    Inca Trail Tour Operator

    Tierras Vivas Travel.

    Service Level

    Comfortable, tourist-class accommodation, tourist-class train, and private transport.

    Trek's Difficulty

    4 – difficult – moderate; Some high altitude points and strenuous walks, but accessible to healthy travelers.

    Age requirement

    4+. Please note: all participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

    Permits

    It is included in the Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu tickets. Please note: the trail is fully booked months in advance during the high season.

    Crew

     A professional Tour Guide.

    Meals

    2x breakfast, 2x lunch, 2x dinner, 2x afternoon tea (Food on the Inca Trail).

    Transportation

    All inclusive camping equipment!

    Camping equipment

    Private van, 2x train (Expedition train service).

    Inca Trail Group Available

    Min: 2 – Max: 16

    IMPORTANT NOTE: A FEE FOR MONEY TRANSFER IS ALREADY INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE!

    Inca Trail Hike Itinerary:

    Day 01: Cusco – Km 82 – Llullucha Pampa
    Day 02: Llullucha Pampa – Wiñaywayna
    Day 03: Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco

    Highlights of the 3 Day Inca Trail Hike:

    • 3 day hike to Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with a professional bilingual Tour Guide, a Cook and Porters
    • Following the best Inca Trail route with many varieties of flora and fauna
    • Explore and Visit the Llactapata, Huayllabamba, Pacaymayu, Phuyupatamarca and Winaywayna Inca site.
    • Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the trail
    • Taste the delicious food on the trail
    • Extra porter included during the hike the Inca Trail.
    • Walking on the 3 day Inca trail with your day pack and water
    • Quality equipment camping 2 nights
    • Intipunko - View the sunrise of the Machu Picchu citadel
    • Visit of Incan monuments inaccessible by road
    • Guided tour in the Inca Path
    • Guided tour of Machu Picchu

    What camping equipment is included in the 3 day Machu Picchu Hike?

    tierras-vivas-camping-equipment-included-06-856

    3 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Avalaibility

    If you want to know about the 3 days Inca Trail Challenge available in real-time in 2022 and 2023, you can contact us by WhatsApp at +51 984 004472. We will reply ASAP or you can fill about Request Information.

    Inca Trail Hike: 3 days vs 4 Day
    The 3-Day Inca Trail Hike is the best alternative trail for the 4-Day Inca Trail trek. This itinerary was created for all trekkers who have a short time to hike the classic trail to Machu Picchu. This trail is the same route as the Inca Trail and the difference is that you will walk more hours to complete the challenge, we recommend that before booking the Machu Picchu 3-day hike, you exercise during the day. Book Now!!, There is limited availability.

    If you want to hike the challenging trails to Machu Picchu. The 7-day Inca Trail or Choquequirao to Machu Picchu hike is for you! Or hike to the Classic Inca Trail or Short hike, we recommend you the following treks:

    How difficult is the 3 day Inca Trail Challenge?

    Inca Trail Hike 2023

    If you want to book the 3-day Inca Trail Hike 2023. Please click below.

    Inca Trail More Information:

    Inca Trail Frequently Asked Questions
    Before you book, maybe you have some questions about the Inca Trail

    What is Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountains?
    Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountains are not included in our service, it is extra, in our trek only included the Inca Trail permits + Machu Picchu ticket.

    Inca Trail Booking Policies
    If you would like to cancel, please visit our Inca Trail Booking Policies

    How to Book and Send Payment
    To complete your booking, we will require your details, full name, passport, nationality, and day of birth. Once sent, our booking department will require a 50% pre-payment for booking your entrance fee and train ticket. Inca Trail Book and Payment you will find the next step to book and payment.

     

    INCA TRAIL HIKE TRIPADVISOR - Reviews

    Tierras Vivas is a fully licensed tour operator and has 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor. The copy of our Inca Trail Hike Tripadvisor reviews below proves our experience and enthusiasm to offer our customers the best Inca Trail Tours.

    Check our Inca Trail Hike Tripadvisor comments below:

    3 DAY INCA TRAIL Incredible team!! Inca fam 🙂

    Candice R wrote a review Aug 2021: “Efrian was a spectacular guide!! His knowledge on all the flora and fauna was incredible not to mention the animals. It happened to be pacha mamas birthday on the day we hit the summit and he conducted the most beautiful ceremony!! He took us at a good but steady pace for us to finish successfully in 3 days!! The porters were magnificent, they even managed to make me a birthday cake at 3,800 meters without an oven!! Thanks Pedro and your amazing team, Andreas, Mateo and Estefan. You all made the Inca trail an unforgettable memory 🙂

    Islanders Hike the Mountains

    Cafetk Wrote a review in October 2021: “What an incredible trip! Our guide Efrain was amazing and very knowledgeable. The food provided by Andres was delicious every day (and he was very entertaining as well) Enrique, Miguel, Ardril, and Christian were a great team of porters and always smiling. We never saw other groups on the trail. Efrain was informative but also gave us space to be on our own. We even learned some Kechuan! Thanks again and highly recommend it.”

    An unforgettable Tour!

    Pavel Wrote a review September 2021: “An unforgettable experience! Our tour guide Efrain was great. His knowledge and professionalism was beyond expectations. Even though we booked a group tour, we were treated as on a private one, with maximum individual attention and accommodation during the entire tour.
    Special thanks to porter Juan and chef Pedro.
    I would definitely recommend Tierras Vivas!”

     

    Full Itinerary

    Day 01Cusco - Piskacucho- Wayllabamba - Llullucha pampa

    Day 1: Cusco - Piskacucho- Wayllabamba - Llullucha pampa

    This route was first examined by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and was opened for hikers in 1970. The legendary ruins of Machu Picchu are not the only historical remaining parts within the region, many other fascinating sites are in places that are only accessible on foot and have barely been explored.

    The Machu Picchu hike is starting early in the morning, our guide will pick you up from your hotel and transfer by driving toto Piskacuchu, an area situated on the 82nd km waymarker (51mile) of the Cusco (2,680 meters from sea level) – Machu Picchu railroad- the beginning of the Inca Trail

    After a briefing, you will cross a bridge and walk together with the bank of the Urubamba River as it streams northwest with the Sacred Valley along a horizontal landscape, then turning right and moving up abruptly from the river. After passing through a small village, the relics of the Inca hillfort Huillca Raccay appear high above the mouth of the river Cusichaca (happy bridge). When the Incas conquered this area they constructed a fort here as the site commands a wonderful vista across the Urubamba Valley and guarded the entrance to the Cusichaca Valley. You will also visit the very large Patallacta. You will have lunch in Chamana and then carry on along the river observing various Incan agricultural stepped terraces and irrigation channels until reaching the attractive village of Wayllabamba. After that in the afternoon, you reach the village of Llullucha Pampa, the location of your first campsite (3,850m). You will have dinner and rest.

    Distance: 17 km
    Estimated time: 7-8 hours
    Maximum altitude: 12,630 feet /3,850m
    Campsite: Llullucha Pampa
    1st Night campsite: Llulluchapampa campsite
    Inca Trail HikePatallacta

    Day 02Llulluchapampa - Chaquicocha - Wiñay Wayna

    Day 2: Llulluchapampa - Chaquicocha - Wiñay Wayna

    The second day is the hardest but one of the most fascinating days, you reach 4,200 m, traversing the first and highest Warmiwañusqa Pass and later the second pass at 3,800 meters above sea level but also get to see more exciting sites, like Runquracay, the site is fenced with alcoves that might have been little resting locations, guard posts or ceremonial places If feeling the effects of the altitude when crossing the first high pass its best to not stop or descend quickly to the valley of the Pakaymayu River, where you have lunch. Then you continue hiking through the valley to the Inca ruins of Runkuraqay and then climb up over the second pass – Abra Runkuraqay.

    After that, you descend to Yanacocha (The Black Lagoon) and then trek up a trail with stone steps to arrive at another cluster of distinct buildings. This location is called Sayaqmarka, a pre-Hispanic site with slender streets and buildings that stand at different levels; sanctuaries, patios, canals, and an outside protective wall. From the top of the arch end, you can see various buildings that look like they once were temples and an astronomic watchtower with a constant water supply and superior food storage.

    Sayaqmarka is a location brimming with enigma and enchantment; the rough distance from Runkuraqay is about 5km. It takes about 2 hours. This site covers over 3,600 meters above sea level. There’s a wonderful trail and a tunnel traversing across the site. We walk past beautiful subtropical vegetation and great archaeological sites. We get over the Phuyupatamarca Pass and just behind it are the Phuyupatamarca ruins which are better preserved than the ones we have seen up to now. A few km down a steep descent and via a cloud forest takes us to the last campsite at Wiñay Wayna Visitor’s Center where you can purchase food and drink and use the restrooms.

     

    Distance: 21 km
    Estimated time: 9-10 hours
    Maximum altitude: 13779.53 feet /4,200m
    2nd-night campsite: Phuyupatamarca or Wiñaywayna campsite

    Inca Trail HikeRunquracayPakaymayuSayacmarcaPhuyupatamarcaWiñaywayna

    Day 03:Winay Wayna - Machu Picchu

    Day 3: Winay Wayna - Machu Picchu

    The third day begins at 3 am when we hike the last 4 km to Machu Picchu. Pursue the path indicated which is plainly marked by the signposts (and be careful not to wander too near to the edge of the cliff). Cherish your time at the most valuable masterpiece of the continent. You have plenty of time to enjoy your visit to Machu Picchu. In the afternoon we take the train back to Cusco.

    If you go straight from the town of Machupicchu (Aguas Calientes), its only 2km from Puente Ruinas station to Machu Picchu. It takes about 20 minutes to go down a narrow path which runs side-by-side to the rail line.

    Distance: 4 km
    Estimated time: 4-5 hours
    Inca Trail HikeSun gate Machu Picchu (Intipunko)

    Included

    What is included in this hike?

    • Pre-trek briefing (Our guide will visit your hotel a day before the trek for your briefing);
    • Transfer by private vehicle to the initial point of the Inca Trail at Km 82;
    • Accommodation: camping (2 nights);
    • Inca Trail Permits;
    • Entrance fee to Machu Picchu;
    • Meals: 2x breakfast, 2x lunch, 2x dinner, 2x afternoon´s hot beverages (If you are a vegetarian, please advise us in advance. A vegetarian meal option is for NO extra cost!);
    • Experienced bilingual Tour Guide (a group of up to 8 participants has 1 Tour Guide, groups over 8 participants receives 2 Tour Guides);
    • A professional Cook;
    • Porters to carry food, camping, cooking equipment and 5 kg of each passenger’s stuff;
    • Camping equipment: Eureka Mountain Personal double tents (4-person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks);
    • Inflatable mattress (Term-a-Rest Mattress); 
    • A sleeping bag (for up to -5°C);
    • A blanket per person
    • A pillow
    • Day Pack Rain Covers;
    • Water every day (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own);
    • Tables and chairs, cooking tent with cooking equipment, dining and toilet tents, and bottled gas;
    • Rain Ponchos;
    • Duffel bag (for your personal belongings);
    • A T-shirt of the Inca Trail;
    • Tourist train (Expedition Class) from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) to Ollantaytambo;
    • A shuttle bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes Town;
    • Tourist bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco;
    • First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.

    Not Included:

    • Breakfast on the first day and last lunch in Aguas Calientes Town,
    • Travel insurance;
    • Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu ($80);
    • Tips to local staff (please note: it is a custom to give tips in Peru; however, it is not obligatory);
    • Other extras not mentioned.

    Solo Traveler: Please note that if you have booked the “Solo Traveler” option for this trek, you receive your own single tent for all nights.

    Local flights: No local flights are included in the trek´s price! If you need the flight, let us know, and we can help you to get the best price!

    Inca Trail Porters: In the 3-day Inca Trail included the personal porter. If you want to take extra equipment. The extra Porter to help you carry up to 15 kg of your belonging (USD 130; the Extra Porter can be shared between 2 persons

    Available

    Map

    Inca Trail Tours Camping equipment

    Essential Info

    Meeting with your guide in the hotel

    On the 3-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu it is very important to have a meeting with your guide before the trek: Our tour guide will explain the route and recommendations for this challenge.

    A Tierras Vivas tour guide will be meeting with you 2 or 1 days before the trek in your hotel or Airbnb. It is very important to send us your hotel information. Also, our guide will provide a duffel bag for your personal belongings.

    Returning from Machu Picchu to Cusco

    The distance between Cusco Peru and Machu Picchu is 73 km. Leaving Machu Picchu requires a lot of logistics, which are all included in your tour.

    • Our guide will provide the ticket bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes town and he/she will coordinate to meet in the restaurant in the town, there you will find your duffel bag. Once you finish your visit to the Inca citadel, you can go outside to the principal door and there you will find the bus down. These buses leave every 5 min.
    • Once you meet with your guide in Aguas Calientes, he/she will take to the train station and you will take the train return to Ollantaytambo
      • Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo is 2 hours
      • Train from Aguas Calientes to Poroy is 3.5 hours
    • Once you arrive at the Ollantaytambo train station, our driver will be waiting there with your name. Transfer to Cusco
    • Our driver will drop you off at your hotel or Airbnb.

    Summary of the best travel times in Perú

    Peru in January and February: Rainy season – heavy rain and temperatures between 15 and 25°C depending on the region. The coastal region is an exception – here it is sunny and dry at around 35°C

    Peru in March and April: Transition from rainy season to dry season – still cool and rainy in March, then increasingly drier in April and the temperatures rise

    Peru in May and June: Dry season – cloudy and cold on the Pacific coast, warmer and drier in the Andean regions

    Peru in July and August: Dry season – ideal weather for active travel and trekking tours, cool and humid on the coast

    Peru in September and October: Transition from dry season to rainy season – the fog and the cold on the coast are easing, and in the Andean regions the first heavy rains of the upcoming Peruvian summer can occur

    Peru in November and December: rainy season – rainy Andes and Amazon region, ideal for sightseeing trips and beach holidays in Peru.

    Best time to hike the 3 day Inca Trail

    The Peruvian summer lasts from December to March. Then it rains a lot, you are then in the middle of the rainy season. In February, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is completely closed. All alternative hikes to Machu Picchu (multi-day)  are then possible, but we strongly advise against doing so.

    Many arguments for a trip during the rainy season are that Peru is beautifully green and the sun still shines almost all the time. Of course t, hat’s true. Above all, you can avoid tourist crowds. But: If you are planning hikes, I recommend that you switch to other months. 

    Backpack for your trekking to Inca Trail

    Generally speaking, you should pack as lightly as possible. If you have an extra porter, the porter carries your luggage from Km82 (1st day) to Wiñay Wayna camping (2nd day).  You have an extra porter. We recommend keeping the weight under 5 kg/10lb (including personal clothes and a sleeping bag). You will need to carry a daypack.
     

    If very important you take the best cover backpacker because the weather on Inca Trail is change every date, and we can’t predict whether it rains or no. If you don’t have one, we recommended putting your clothes, sleeping bag, and other personal equipment inside the plastic bag.

    Appropriate clothing along this hike

    Hiking pants and T-shirts are recommended during the day, complemented by sweaters, fleeces, and waterproof jackets. It is very convenient to have light rain gear available in the daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants) as the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing is required, down jackets can be useful, otherwise a fleece and a jacket. During the third day (if sunny) and in Machu Picchu, convertible hiking pants are useful, as can be switched into shorts if necessary. Machu Picchu has a warm climate, getting only cold at night. The rest of the necessary implements are included in the “What we recommend that you bring your Inca Trail” list.

    What to bring for the Inca Trail Hike?

    • Passport original
    • Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount)
    • Cash in soles
    • Rain gear (jacket and pants if available)
    • 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.
    • Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
    • Camera 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 Machu Picchu. 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)
    • Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Inca Trail)

    Camping Equipment for the 3 Day Inca Trail

    During the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, we spend two nights full-service camping, meaning that our camp staff will erect and dismantle the tents, cook, and do all camp chores for you: you need only carry your day pack. There will also be dining and toilet tents and bowls of warm water are provided both morning and evening for washing with.

    Our tents are of the brand Eureka Timberline Outfitter 4 person designated for 4 seasons. We provide 4 person-capacity tents; however, just 2 trek participants use them! In this way, we provide you with more space and comfort. In case of a single traveler, we provide with a 2 2-person capacity tent.

    Single Supplement: If you are traveling on your own, and would prefer to share a tent, we’ll pair you with another trekker of the same gender and there will not be an extra cost. If you prefer to have a tent to yourself a surcharge of USD 40 will have to be paid. If you want an upgrade to any service to the train or do you want to stay an extra night in Machu Picchu, contact us directly at info@tierrasvivas.com for this to be done and confirmed to you

    1 Review
    Sort By:RatingDate

    admin

    Solo Traveller

    incredible

    April 3, 2023