Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

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.Early in the morning you will start out to 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 north-west 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 Vally. You will also visit the very large Llactapata. 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 a rest.

Distance: 17 km
Estimated time: 7-8 hours
Maximum altitude: 12,630 feet /3,850m
Campsite: Llullucha Pampa

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 down 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 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’s 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.

The third day begins at 3 am when we hike the last 4km 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 Machu Picchu (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.

• 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 Permit and 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 up to 8 participants has 1 Tour Guide, a groups over 8 participants receives 2 Tour Guides);
• A professional Cook;
• Porters to carry food, camping, cooking equipment and 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.

• Breakfast on the first day and last lunch in Aguas Calientes Town,
• Travel insurance;
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu ($80);
• Extra Porter to help you carrying up to 15 kg of your personal belonging (USD 130; the Extra Porter can be shared between 2 persons);
• Tips to local staff (please note: it is a custom to give tips in Peru; however, it is not obligatory);
• Other extras not mentioned.

Single room: Please note that if you have booked the "Single room" 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!

Backpacker for you trekking

If very important your take best cover backpacker, because the weather in Inca Trail is change every date, we can’t predict it raining or no. If you don’t have, we recommended to 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 raingear 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 necessary implements are included in the “What we recommend that you bring your Inca Trail” list.

What to bring to 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)

During the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu we spend three 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 with 4 person capacity tents; however, just 2 trek participants use it! In this way, we provide you more space and comfort. In case of a single traveller, we provide with a 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 50 will have to be paid. If you want an upgrade any service to the train or accommodation or do you want to stay extra night in Machu Picchu, contact us directly to info@tierrasvivas.com for this to be done and confirmed to you.

The 3 day Salkantay Hike to Machu Picchu was created for the intrepid travellers, who like to explore and discount the sacred mountain on the short time.. After the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek is the second most popular trek to Machu Picchu, is listed as one of the 25 best treks in the world by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine visit our hike to 3 day Salkantay Hike

Lares is a small town located on the north of Cusco. We start in the Sacred Valley of the Incas (In Huaran). Then, we will go up to the narrow path and we will have the chance to see stone houses with thatched roofs surrounded by herds of llamas, alpacas and guinea pig. The road is moderate compared to the Inca Trail. This road has two passes of 4000 MAMSL or 13,000 feet. In this trip the trek is about 7 to 8 hours daily at an altitude of 2900 MAMSL where we have impressive panoramic views of different snowy mountains. We also have beautiful lagoons. We will camp in a community where we can appreciate the art and textile industry that are well-preserved in this places. You will discover the quechuan culture in the heart of the Inca land. After finishing our hike we will take the train to Aguas Calientes and visit the famous Inca fortress of Machu Picchu world heritage site.

The trek to Cachicata is one of the new alternative trek that the region of Cusco offers. This place was dedicated to carved and extraction of stones that were used in the construction of Ollantaytambo, on the sacred valley of the Incas. Tourist can see the great work done in the moment the gigantic stones were moved to build the enclosures of some of those ancient establishments. We can also find the “Tired Stones” that stayed during the journey and in some parts of the town. The trail ends at Ollantaytambo, where the travelers have the chance to visit it and then take the train to Machu Picchu. The most exciting thing about this trek is probably the Inca Canyon, the famous Inca Trail and the visit of Machu Picchu on the last day. With mummies, chullpas and preserved Incan ruins, this is one of the most interesting places to visit Cusco.

This 4 day trek is an open-air adventure that offers a challenge of spectacular natural beauty and spirituality. Salkantay (that means “Wild Mountain”) is located at 6,271 MAMSL. It is the highest peck of the Vilcabamba and one of the highest of the Andes and it is located on the north-west of Cusco. The famous Salkantay Trek is considered one of the 25th best treks in the world by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine. It is a trek open for all the people and without space limits at least for now. This trek connects Cusco Town with Machu Picchu. Salkantay trek is an ancient and remote path located on the snowy mountains and it’s surrounded by an exuberant tropical rain forest. The experience of walking through this path is so amazing that you can easily get lost in the beautiful landscapes. Our tour is customized so it is not the usual path, this is a new path for trekkers who are looking for more privacy and authenticity.