Today the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - which, as part of the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary,
has been designated a World Heritage natural and cultural site is the
most important and most popular hiking trail in South America, followed
by many thousands of ecotourists and modern-day pilgrims in the past 3
decades. Its extreme popularity in recent years -- more than 75,000
people a year hike the famous trail -- has led to concerns among
environmentalists and historians that the trail is suffering potentially
irreparable degradation.
The National Institute of Culture (INC) and the
Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Integration, and International Trade
(MITINCI), reacting to pressure from groups such as UNESCO (which
threatened to rescind Machu Picchu's World Heritage
Site status), instituted far-reaching changes in practices designed to
limit the number of visitors and damage to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, though these alone may not be enough to forestall the trail's damage.
Preparing with us your Inca Trail Experience
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days route
is along hand-hewn stone stairs and trails through sumptuous mountain
scenery and amazing cloud forest, past rushing rivers and dozens of Inca
ruins. The zone is inhabited by rare orchids, 419 species of birds, and
even the indigenous spectacled bear. The trek begins at Qorihuayrachina near Ollantaytambo- more easily described as Km 88 of the railway from Cusco to Aguas Calientes. The 43 km (26-mile) route passes three formidable mountain passes, including the punishing "Dead Woman's Pass",
to a maximum altitude of 4,200m (13,800 ft.). Most groups enter the
ruins of Machu Picchu at sunrise on the fourth day, although others,
whose members are less keen on rising at 3:30am to do it, trickle in
throughout the morning.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Transfer by ITEP Van from Cusco to Km 82 “Inca Trail Entrance”
Meals: Lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping facilities.
Distance: 11kms/6.8 mls (6 hours more or less of hiking)
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.
Walking Time: Approximately 6 hours (including picnic lunch in route)
Walk and Terrain: Walk, canter on open roads, some steep ascending
Day 2: Trekking “Wayllabamba to Pacaymayuc/ Runkuraqay”
- Meals: Breakfast, water, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and Dinner.
- Accommodation: Camping facilities.
- Distance: 16kms/10mls (9 hours more or less of hiking time)
- Difficulty: Moderate/challenge.
Day 3: Trekking “Pacaymayuc to Wiñayhuayna”
- Meals: Breakfast, water, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and dinner.
- Accommodation: Camping facilities and hot showers.
- Distance: 10kms/6.2mls (5 hours more or less of hiking)
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 4: Trekking “Wiñayhuayna – Inti Punku & Machupicchu guided Tour”
- Meals: Breakfast
- Distance: 8.9kms/5.5mls “By Bus in 25 minutes”
- Difficulty: Easy
Back to Cusco: You will descend to Aguas Calientes by bus (included) and later board the Expedition train to the Ollantaytambo Train Station “Train departure time can vary according train schedule and availability”. In Ollantaytambo Train station you will meet our private van and be transferred to your hotel in Cusco.
*** Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu
Mountains hike depends on availability; please let us know if you want
to add one of these extra hikes at the time of your booking.
*** We only take ITEP EcoTravel clients in our vans / cars – We do not use public transport.
INCLUDES
- Pre-departure briefing
- Touristic Transport
- Adventure Experienced Royal Inca Trail Tour Guide
- Tour Guide in Machupicchu Cultural Experienced
- Private campsites
- Camping equipment
- 1 Duffle Bag
- Entry ticket to The Royal Inca Trail
- Entry ticket to Machu Picchu Inka Site
- Professional Trekking Chef
- Meals: 3Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners (Vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost)
- Boiled Water
- Wake up tea
- Tea time daily during the Trek
- Products for hygiene
- Medical kit and Oxygen bottle
- Train tickets
- Transfer back to Cusco
- 24-hour guest service
