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Couple looks out over Machu Picchu

Inca Trail Express

Example 5 Day Tour
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The 4-day Inca Trail trek is an exciting, high mountain experience where we climb up to 4200 meters (over 13,000 feet!), passing glacier covered peaks and descending into lush, green cloudforest before arriving at the Gate of the Sun and the fabled ruins of Machu Picchu. Spend the rest of the day exploring Machu Picchu and the text morning as well, we'll get up early and arrive to the ruins before the train arrives and beat the crowds. Due to the altitude, we require that travelers spend at least two nights at high altitude prior to participating in this trek (Cusco, Sacred Valley, or Lake Titicaca for example) to prepare to hike the Inca Trail.
Machu PicchuGallavanting around PeruLlamas around Machu PicchuInca TrailAshley and I overlooking Machu Picchu from the Sun GateAlmost there !SalkantayOur guide, Vidal, explaining about the ruins found along the Inca TrailDead Woman's Pass"looking the other way" at PhuyupatamarcaMusical entertainment at the PassCampsite at PhuyupatamarcaPhuyupatamarca RuinsOllantaytambo School ParadeAt Sun Gatethe Start of the Camino InkaScenery on way back to CuscoView from Machu PicchuInca TrailOur colorful porters and cookCouple looks out over Machu Picchu
Places Visited
Activity Level: Challenging
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1-4: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Meet your guide and depart from Cusco and drive to Kilometer 82, our starting point on the Inca Trail. Walk in the footsteps of the great Inca civilization as you journey along their ancient trail to the sacred city of 'Machu Picchu'. Andean history comes to life along this ancient route as each day you pass ever larger ruins. Scenery changes from snowcapped mountains to lush green cloudforest. The trek is made with pilgrims from all over the world, and your friendly crew of guides and porters will take great care of you along the way. On Day 4, the group descends 3,000 feet from their campsite at Phuyapatamarca to reach spectacular Machu Picchu in the afternoon. Tonight, relax in the village of Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly called Aguas Calientes) below the ruins.

Trek Details

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Day 1 - KM 82 TO HUAYLLABAMBA -- Trek length: 7.8 miles (5-7 hrs) Camp elevation: 9,691 ft
Day 2 - HUAYLLABAMBA TO PACAYMAYO -- Trek length: 5.1 miles (5-7 hrs) Camp elevation: 11,833 ft. Warmiwanusca pass (13,776 ft)
Day 3 - PACAYMAYO TO PHUYUPATAMARCA --Trek length: 4.5 miles (4-6 hrs); Camp elevation: 12,067 ft
Day 4 - PHUYUPATAMARCA TO MACHU PICCHU -- Trek length: 6.9 miles (5-7 hrs); Machu Picchu elevation: 7,875 ft

Some itineraries will hike farther on day three and camp at a closer location to Machu Picchu, making the hike on day four shorter. This will be up to the discretion of your Tour Leader and the Peruvian National Park Service. Your Tour Leader will notify you locally of your camping itinerary.

Day 5: Free Day at Machu Picchu. Return to Cusco

Today you can return to the ruins at Machu Picchu for further exploration. Depending on your preference in permits, return early with the hope of catching the sun coming up over the mountains at Machu Picchu or arrive in time to hike to the top of Huayna Picchu for incredible views of the entire area. Or you can choose to hike to the Sun Gate which overlooks the ruins or take a walk through the lush cloud forest to the Temple of the Moon. In the afternoon, you'll return by train to Cusco with your guide. (Let us know if you would like help arranging hiking permits for today – these are not included and sell out in advance!)

Accommodations

Inca Trail - Campsites

Dates & Prices

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$1,534

Notes

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We require that travelers spend at least two nights at high altitude prior to participating in this trek to acclimatize (Cusco, Sacred Valley, or Lake Titicaca for example).
Included
  • 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 3 Dinners
  • 4 Nights Accommodations
  • 5 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Entries to Machu Picchu - 2 Daily Entrance Fees
  • Gear Rental: All Camping Gear
  • Oxygen balloon, First aid kit andf Sleeping bag
  • 1 porter to carry personal belongings up to 5 Kg
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Internal Flights
  • Optional Excursions - $20 for hiking passes at Machu Picchu on second day

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.
Typically not offered during this period because of weather conditions.

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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
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