Inca Expedition Holiday to Machu Picchu

Difficulty

Challenging

Comfort

Basic

The Trail hike is renowned as one of the top hiking experiences in the world. Explore the ancient Inca pathways and be amazed by the abundance of archaeological wonders and stunning natural scenery you encounter. Traverse various passes that offer breathtaking views of the Andes. Machu Picchu National Park is home to numerous archaeological sites, diverse ecological zones, and a variety of bird and flower species, including the iconic Machu Picchu citadel. Before concluding your journey, walk through the Sungate and enjoy an insightful tour of the ruins.

Discount of $30 USD per person for groups of 5 or more persons
PRIVATE SERVICE:
$997 USD per person – 2 to 3 persons
$897 USD per person – 4 to 6 persons
$777 USD per person – 7 to 8 persons

Hiking and Trekking

Saul M. is the provider of this trip

The provider speaks: English, Spanish

Before I became the owner and founder of our travel company, I spent a couple of years working as a porter. Then, over the next four years, I transitioned into being a guide. I've had the privilege of conducting more than 200 Inca Trail treks and exploring other alternative routes throughout the Andes. I've also traveled with groups all over Peru. My passion for the Andes mountains, Incan culture, and my knowledge of local plants has always resonated with tourists, and their appreciation fuels my enthusiasm. Realizing my childhood dream of owning a tour and trekking agency has been incredibly fulfilling. I’m committed to giving back to the communities that surround me, aiming to improve their lives and living conditions by employing locals and supporting various service projects. My experiences as a porter and guide have taught me a lot about what works—and what doesn’t—in tourism and on treks.

Tour highlights

Visit Machu Picchu

The iconic Inca citadel and final destination of the trail

Stunning Inca Sites

Discover the pathways of the Inca

Unbelievable Andean Views

As you trek, you'll pass through various ecological zones

Route details

Today begins your adventure of a lifetime with the Inca Trail! Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco with our van at 4:30am. Then we travel to Piskacucho, which is known as Kilometer 82, where the Inca Trail begins. Along the way, we stop for a wonderful breakfast in Ollantaytambo at about 6:30-7:00am to prepare for our first big day.

Arriving at KM82 (8:30am), we will finish organizing ourselves, use the restrooms, apply sunscreen and insect repellent. Here you meet the porter and give them your duffel bag, keeping only a small daypack with the essentials you need during the hike. Check our packing list for more information. Once at the Inca Trail checkpoint, be ready to show your passports and your student ID card, (if you booked as a student) your guide will have all of your permits and tickets.

At the start of the trail (2,720m/8,923ft) you will cross the Vilcanota River and follow its scenic route. The first day is relatively easy, a warm-up along the rolling “Inca flat terrain.” There you will enjoy great views of the Inca Fortress of Huillca Raccay, the vast and incredible Inca site of Llactapata, (also called Patallacta), the Urubamba mountain range that divides the jungle, the Andes Mountains and the beautiful snow-capped peak of Veronica (5,860m/19,225ft), also known as W’akay Willca. You stop for your first gourmet lunch at Hatunchaca, afterwards you only have about three hours of walking to camp.

Our first campsite is about 2 hours past the small village of Wayllabamba (3,000m/9,842ft) located in the temperate green valley of the same name. Temperatures at night can be as low as 5ºC, depending on the season. It is generally colder in the dry season from May to September.

When you arrive at camp, your afternoon tea and appetizers will be waiting. Settle into your tent, which will already be set up for you.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, Afternoon Tea and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Distance: 12kms/7.5mi (about 6 hours hiking)
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Wake up time is at 3:30AM. We’ll eat breakfast at 4:00AM and wait at the checkpoint to be one of the first to start trekking when they open the gates at 5:30AM. This is the final part of the journey, arrive by 6:00AM to the Sun Gate, also known as Inti Punku. At that point, the majestic Machu Picchu Citadel will be spread out in front with its mystic beauty – an incredible sight for all to see. At the Sun Gate, watch sunlight spreading down over the citadel like melting gold, as the sun rises from behind. Finally, walk downhill towards Machu Picchu Citadel (2,400m/7,872 ft.),

After walking about 40 minutes, enter the Citadel of Machu Picchu from the top through the “House of the Guardians” where everybody takes the famous postcard pictures of Machu Picchu. From there, proceed towards the control point, where we register and leave any large backpacks or walking poles. You are only allowed to take small bags into Machu Picchu, such as camera bags. Walking poles are not allowed because they can damage the stones.

The guide will give a full guide tour and educate you about the history of the ruins which takes about two hours. See most of the important parts of Machu Picchu and learn about how Machu Picchu is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential and religious.

After the tour, enjoy some time exploring the ruins and taking photos. For those who have booked in advance for the extra hike up Huayna Picchu, check your ticket for the entrance time, the hike up will be on your own. When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs.

The Expedition Train at 2:55pm or 3:20pm will take you back to Ollantaytambo, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. See Wiñay Wayna from the train if you look up high on the steep canyon wall! Back at Ollantaytambo, the driver will meet you at the exit from the train station and drive you back to the hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. Expect to arrive at your hotel by 7:00pm.

Meals included: Breakfast
Distance: 6kms/3.7mi
Difficulty: Easy

The Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike depends on availability and let us know about it at booking time.

IMPORTANT:

On the 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, we will be doing the Circuit #1 & #3 and there is no way to do another circuit unless you buy an additional entrance to Machu Picchu (US$55 – Circuit #2) – These regulations are for all the companies!
Upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55pm, 3:20pm, 4:22pm, or 4:43pm. The cost is $67 USD.
Early trains can be organized by request and must be done at time of Booking.

Difficulty

Challenging

Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health

Tour provider's comments

Max Altitude: 4200 m.s.n.m.

Hiking Distance: 46 km (26 miles)
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging

On the second day of the trek, we will climb two mountains. The trail is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and take regular exercise. In preparation: try walking 15kms/9 miles in a day or working out in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3,350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.

Accommodation

Comfort

Basic

Tent

3 nights

Additional night in Aguas Calientes – from $60 USD per person (depending on availability)

OUR TENTS: Enjoy a good night’s sleep in our 4 season EUREKA Timberline tents. All our tents are 4 person tents, ONLY 2 persons will sleep in each, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
OUR FOAM MATS: They are included to separate and insulate you from the ground.
AIR MATTRESSES can be rented for $20 USD.
OUR KITCHEN & DINING TENTS: The dining tent is used as our meeting room at meal times. This is a great time to sit back relax and catch up for a chat.
OUR TABLES & CHAIRS: The interior of the dining room includes tables and chairs with two doors on each side, adapting to the day’s weather.
DUFFEL BAGS: Will be provided at briefing time the night before the trek.
MORE: Pillows, backpack rain covers, survivor t-shirts, bio chemical toilet are all provided on the trek.

ARE THERE TOILETS ALONG THE TRAIL?
This has been highly appreciated by most of our clients, especially by our trekkers, who want a private, clean and sanitary toilet! Our toilet facilities have an individual tent and a camping toilet with a seat. Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite. At night if you need to use the toilet it is readily accessible and clean, unlike the dirty facilities supplied by the government.

EXTRAS
Sleeping Bag –$20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
Personal tent- $30 USD – (Please request when you book your trek)

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place

Departamento de Cusco, Provincia del Cusco, Aeropuerto Alejandro Velasco Astete

Calculate tour price with tickets from your city

Partnered with

Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route

You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on

the forecasts for this season
the statistics from previous years’ trips

Tour conditions

Included

briefing at our office. This will be done the night before the trek at 6:00pm;
hotel pick up the first morning of the trek;
private transportation from Cusco to Piscacucho (in our company van);
extra porter for your belongings (you will need only a day backpack to carry what is needed during day);
4 season Eureka Timberline Tents, (large & comfortable) please see equipment;
comfortable foam mattresses and pillow;
professional English speaking guide who is highly experienced in trekking;
meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional: vegetarian or other dietary needs upon request);
First-aid kit, including emergency oxygen tank;
porters to carry tents, food and cooking equipment;
boiled water to fill water bottles or Camelback (the chef will provide clean water after each meal);
hot water for washing purposes;
Expedition Tourist Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and private transportation to Cusco (in our company van);
permit to the Classic Inca Trail & entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex;
private toilet tent, with a normal toilet seat – this is only for our group;
2 hour guided tour in Machu Picchu;
bus ticket from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes;
dining and cooking tents with tables and chairs;
chef and cooking equipment.

Extras

flights;
Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD – This needs to be booked in advance and please let us know at the time of booking (it books out very quickly);
last lunch at Aguas Calientes;
VISTADOME Train – $67 USD per person extra. (Return only);
tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters;
sleeping bag –$20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm);
air mattress – $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses);
walking poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (These are professional poles that can be extended);
personal tent- $30 USD – (Please request when you book your trek);
additional night in Aguas Calientes – from $60 USD per person (depending on availability).

Huayna Picchu Mountain is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after the tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.

Group size

From 2 to 8 tourists

Duration

4 days

3 nights

It's important to know

WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU

Original passport (the same used for booking your trek)
Valid University card (if you booked as a student)
Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
Water storage: 2-3 L (Camelbaks are encouraged)
Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
Sleeping bag (can be rented)
Headlamp: essential
Toilet paper
Good rain gear.

WHAT TO PUT IN THE DUFFEL BAG

As a Direct Local Tour operator, we a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter, who will carry up to 7 kgs/15lbs including sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters or horses. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. In this 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad. This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear.

2 t-shirts
2 hiking pants at least
4 sets of undergarments
3 sets of hiking socks
Fleece/ Thermals
Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
Comfortable shoes for camp
Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger
Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to line your duffel
Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us for $20 USD

TOILETRIES

Face moisturizer
Hand sanitizer
Wet wipes
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Personal medications
First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

WHAT TO PUT IN THE DAY BACKPACK

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.

Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, we will then provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring your canteens.
Sun hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Headlamp
Wool hat and gloves
Rain gear
Fleece or warm layer
Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
Personal First Aid kit and personal medications
Camera
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
Valuables

THE BRIEFING
The briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6pm in our office.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the trail, your main luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you. Please pack only what you will need for the trek!

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco.

MAY I CHANGE THE DATE AFTER THE PERMITS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Once permits have been bought, the Peruvian government does not allow any changes so we can’t change any date after the permit has been bought. If you must change the date of your trek, the fee is $100 because we have to buy you a new permit. Permits are also not transferable nor refundable. If you cancel your Trek, the deposit is not refundable at all!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number, you sent to us to book your Trail permit. Your passport will be checked when upon entering Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail and when boarding the train. In case, you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permit and we can change it when you get your new passport. If so, please send us a copy of your new passport as soon as possible.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you plan to always dress in layers to facilitate adjusting to the quickly changing weather conditions.

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimate normally. It usually take between 24 hours to 2 days.

The recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN, IF NEEDED. Our guides are trained to treat Altitude Sickness.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?
The maximum group size is 8 persons. Our groups are usually between 2-6 persons.

HOW MANY COOKS/PORTERS FOR THE GROUP?
You will have 1 cook per group. The number of porters will depend on the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers they will have 4 porters, 4 trekkers will have 6 porters, 6 trekkers will have 9 porters and 8 trekkers will have 12 porters.

DUFFEL BAG AND SMALL BACKPACK
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. The weight allowance is up to 7kg/15lbs. The team of porters will carry your duffel bag, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that there will be no access to the items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you will need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 30 to 50L backpack is sufficient.

By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters and animals. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. In this 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad (foam or air). This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE TRAIL?
In the scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to health reasons, we will assist to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on our treks for any respiratory problems. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance is required and recommended). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Generally, those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly they continue the journey towards Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.

AT WHAT TIME IS THE TRAIN’S DEPARTURE?
It will depend on the train availability but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco while on the train. Therefore, you will take the train at 2:55 or 3:20pm, depending on availability.

HOW MUCH IS IT THE VISTADOME TRAIN UPGRADE?
The Vistadome train service has nicer seats, panoramic windows and ceiling. You will be offered snacks and a dance show will take place on board. You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for $67 USD. These trains run from Aguas Calientes to Poroy. We will pick you up in Poroy and drive you back to Cusco, which takes about 25 minutes. Please request in advance.

TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many our destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you want, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator that incorporates universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.