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| Inca Trail 4 days, 3 nights |
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| Day 1 |
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The Start of the Adventure - 'Inca flat'!! |
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We pick you up from your hotel between 7am and 8am and travel by bus to Piskacucho (you will hear this be called kilometer 82) where the trail starts. There will be a breakfast stop along the way to load up on energy!
On arrival at kilometer 82, it is necessary to show entrance tickets, passports and (if paying a student rate) student card.
To start the trail (2720m/8923ft), we cross the Vilcanota River and follow its route to the right. The first day is relatively easy (a warm-up on the 'Inca flat' terrain) and we will have great views of the site of an Inca Fortress (‘Huillca Raccay'), the vast and incredible Inca site ‘Llactapata' (officially called ‘Patallacta'), the Urubamba mountain range that divides the jungle and the Andes and the beautiful snow-capped peak of 'W'akay Willca' (5860m/19225ft), known in books as Veronica.
Our first campsite will be near the small village of Wayllabamba (3000m/9842ft) in the temperate green valley of the same name. Temperature at night is usually around 10oC. |
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| Day 2 |
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The Trail Trial! |
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After waking up at 6am for breakfast, we will start a steep ascent towards the highest pass (Abra de Huarmihuañusca/'Dead Woman's Pass’ – 4200m/13779ft). On this day we will climb 1200m/3936ft and a real sense of achievement is felt on reaching the top! After a rest here, we begin the descent to the campsite which is located at Pacamayu (3550m/11646ft).
On the way up to the pass we will be able to see lots of humingbirds and other birds. Also we will have the time to appreciate an incredible variety of endemic plants and trees such as the 'Polilepys ' or Q'ueuña tree which grow in the astonishing cloud forest located at 3650/11972m!!
Temperature at this campsite around 6ºC during the nights
Expected Weather in Cusco and on the Inca trail.
In Cusco dry season starts in April to October, the days are usually sunny and hot but temperatures drop abruptly after 5-6 pm until 7-8 am.
Weather is very changeable from November to March and heavy rains are expected being the wettest month December to March although is not as cold as it is in the dry season.
| Month |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
June |
July |
Aug |
Sept |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| Max º C |
19º |
19º |
19º |
20º |
20º |
20º |
19º |
20º |
20º |
21º |
21º |
21º |
| Min º C |
7º |
7º |
6º |
5º |
3º |
0º |
0º |
+2º |
4º |
6º |
7º |
8º |
| Rainy days |
15 |
16 |
15 |
8 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
5 |
7 |
12 |
16 |
Please note: Temperatures are for the Valley of Cusco at 3400masl. And temperatures change depending on the altitude (higher altitude = colder) Also note that it could be a bit wet on the 3rd and 4 day of the Inca Trail (cloud forest regions). |
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| Day 3 |
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Back in the past! |
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This is the most impressive day (in our opinion!!!) so just keep thinking of that on the ascent on day 2! Again we wake up for breakfast at 6am, and start the day with a climb to visit the archaeological site of ‘Runcuracay’ and to reach the second highest point on the trail (Runkurakay pass – 4000m/13123ft). Views of the mountains and surrounding area, from these points, are spectacular.
Then begins a steep descent from the pass leading to the Inca site ‘Sayacmarca’. After this site, the path continues through a magnificent cloud forest and we begin a new ascent up to the third highest point (3680m/12073ft). The scenery in this part of the trail and the views from the third pass are exceptionally lovely.
The Inca site, ‘Phuyupatamarca’ (meaning ‘Town in the Clouds’), is located a few minutes walk from the third pass and after visiting this, we continue walking onwards through the cloud forest, through the impressive agricultural Inca site of ‘Intipata’ until we arrive at our third campsite Wiñay Wayna (2680m/8792ft).
A short distance from this campsite is located the Inca site of the same name ‘Wiñay Wayna’ (‘Forever Young’). Even if you are tired after your day’s trek, don’t miss out on visiting the most impressive site on the trail.
Temperature during the night around 12º C |
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| Day 4 |
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Machu Picchu in its Glory! |
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We leave the last campsite at about 5.30am on the final day (breakfast 4.30-5am). It is an early start in order to get to ‘Inti Punku’ (‘Sun gate’) (2730m/8792ft) before sunrise. This is the place from where you will have your first dramatic view of Machu Picchu (2400m/7873ft) with the sun rising over it! After some time there, we will walk down the last part of the trail to the spot where you can take the classic photo (picture postcard shot) of this ancient city. Finally we visit Machu Picchu itself!
A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city by yourselves. If you still have energy you can also climb Huayna Picchu (2720m/8923ft)!!! It takes 45 minutes to reach the top.
You will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes (it can be reached by bus or on foot) for lunch and to be given your train tickets back to Cusco. The train usually leaves at 3.55pm and we will arrive back in Cusco at about 8.45pm.
If desired, an extra night in Aguas Calientes can be arranged. This option is very popular as it allows more time to explore Machu Picchu. You can also go to the thermal springs in the town - a real treat after finishing the trail!!! |
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* Allocations are subject to change depending on time of booking.
What you need to take:
- Original passport (and *International Student card (ISIC) if applicable)
- Travel Insurance is essential.
- Sleeping bag (not included but can be hired from us).
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
- Warm jacket.
- Hat and gloves.
- T-shirts
- Comfortable trousers
- Sun hat
- Sun protection cream (factor 35 recommended)
- Insect repellent
- Water (only for first 4 hours of trek, then we will provide you with drinking -previously boiled- water).
- Toiletries
- Personal medication
- Camera and films
- Torch with spare batteries (headlamps are useful)
*To qualify as a student, it is necessary to have a valid ISIC card
Optional items to take:
- Shorts
- Walking stick (with rubber tip)
- Plasters and bandages
- Sandals
- Extra money
- Bathing suit (for hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
Optional services (not included):
- Hire of sleeping bag - 5 seasons ($15 x 4 days)
- Standard sleeping bag ($10)
- Extra porter to carry personal items ($90)
- Half porter up to 7 kilos ($45) If required, please advise us when filling in booking form. 7 kilos includes sleeping bag and mat's weigh (aprox. 3.5 kilos)
- Walking sticks ($8).
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