PROGRAM OF THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL 5D TO MACHU PICCHU
DAY 1: CUSCO – OLLANTAYTAMBO - KM 82 - MISKAY - LLACTAPATA – LLUNCACHIMPA
At 6:30 am - you are picked up from your hotel in Cusco. You get on our private vehicle to be taken to the town of Ollantaytambo. On the way, you can see the plateau of Chinchero having colourful and large agricultural fields. At Ollantaytambo, you are given breakfast to later continue till the so-called Km 82 (2,700 m/8,858 ft). At this trailhead and checkpoint of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you join your Cook and Porters who help you to have a pleasurable trip. We pass through a control and we perform a small ceremony afterwards. Then, we start trekking. The first two hours are relatively easy.
We reach a small native village at Miskay (2,660 m/8,727 ft), where our experienced Cook prepares us lunch. After that, we continue trekking towards the archeological formation of Llactapata. We receive a guided visit of this place that used to serve for agricultural purposes. Later on, we keep walking through the beautiful valley of Wayllabamba (3,000 m/9,843 ft). Finally, we get (in 2 and half an hour) to the area of our first camping at Lluncachimpa (3,300/10,827 ft). When we settle there, we relax and toast with our staff. At 7:30 pm, we are served a delicious dinner to later enjoy a well-deserved sleep.
DAY 2: LLUNCACHIMPA - WARMIWAÑUSQA - SAYAQMARCA - CHAQUICOCHA
We get up very early in order to watch the marvelous sunrise over the mountains as well as to enjoy the breakfast. Afterwards, get ready for the challenge of this day. We start ascending passing through Llulluchapampa (3,850 m/12,631 ft) until we get to the highest point of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - the Warmiwañusqa Pass (Dead Woman’s Pass). It is located at the altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level (13,780 f.a.s.l.) and it is a shelter of an Inca tomb. We have lunch there while admiring impressive views of snow-capped peaks and a wonderful semi-tropical valley.
After lunch, we descend to the Pacaymayo Valley (3,526 m/11,566 ft) that offers us incredible views of the landscape having a splendid waterfall on the left side and snowy peaks all around. Later we start ascending again till we reach the Inca remains of Runcuracay and our Tour Guide shows us around. The last section is only a descents walk. Then, we descended to Sayaqmarca (3,657 m/11,998 ft) - an archaeological complex. Our Guide gives us an explanation about its interesting building erected on a very steep slope, surrounded by a wonderful mountain chain. Also, we keep descending till Ch’akicocha, a dried-out lake (3,600 m.a.s.l./11,811 f.a.s.l.) where we set our campsite and spend the second night.
DAY 3: CHAQUICOCHA - PHUYUPATA MARCA - WIÑAY WAYNA
After having a quick breakfast, we start trekking through a semi-tropical valley while observing remains of the Inca culture - Phuyupatamarca, strategically located uphill. We ascend to this archeological site (3,521 m/11,552 ft), which name means the "Center of the Cloud Forest". From there, we are offered an enchanting view of the snowy mountain of Salkantay, the highest in this area. Moreover, we can overlook a stunning and green valley formed by the Urubamba River. At 4:30 pm, we reach Wiñay Wayna (2,700 m/8,858 ft) where our Guide explains us about this marvelous Inca complex for one hour.
Then, our staff built our last campsite and later make a farewell ceremony for our journey to Machu Picchu. Later on, we are served dinner and then, we can exchange our personal experiences of these 3 magical and unforgettable days. We go to sleep early as it is recommended to visit Machu Picchu at dawn.
DAY 4: WIÑAY WAYNA - MACHU PICCHU - AGUAS CALIENTES
We have our breakfast very early at 4:20 am. Then, we say goodbye to our Porters and Cook to continue the journey to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku in Quechua). From there, we have a wonderful spectacle of watching Machu Picchu, its surrounding landscape and the stunning sunrise over it. We reach the Inca citadel (2,430 m/7,972 ft) at around 7:30 am.
Then, the Tour Guide gives we 3 or 4 hours private guided tour while explaining our each known detail of the history of this New Wonder of the World. He/she shows you around its squares, sacred water fountains, tower structures, temples, stairways, terraces, etc. This all is divided into 3 sections: spiritual, urban and agricultural.
After the guided tour, we are given time off in order to take some pictures and explore the citadel on your own. You can also visit the Inca Bridge and/or hike to Wayna Picchu/Machu Picchu Mountain to take some panoramic pictures of the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu (entrances fee is not included in the tour).
When you decide, use a bus ticket (that the Guide has given you previously) to descend to the Aguas Calientes town (2,040 m/6,693 ft) and have lunch. You accommodate you in a hotel there. You have an option of visiting the local thermal baths (entrance fee is not included in the tour) afterwards. In the evening dinner and overnight in your hotel.
DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES - OLLANTAYTAMBO - CUSCO
After breakfast in the hotel, we board a train taking us back to the town of Ollantaytambo (approx. 2 hours). Our private vehicle awaits you there to transport you to Cusco (around an hour). Finally, you are taken back to your hotel in Cusco. We hope that this wonderful journey brings you many exciting experiences as well as new friends.
OPTIONAL:
- Climb to the Machu Picchu Mountain, a mountain situated above the Inca citadel accessible by a 1.5 hour climb. Here you are able to take those postcard-like photos of Machu Picchu. It costs USD 15 extra. Please note that the booking needs to be done at least 1 month in advance due to limited number of tickets!
- Wayna Picchu - a mountain situated above the Inca citadel accessible by 45 minute climb. It serves to take some panoramic photos of Machu Picchu. It is extra USD 25. Please note that the booking needs to be done at least 3 months in advance due to limited number of entrances!
Please ask for a personalized quote, The price is customized depending on the final accommodation options, travel dates and other preferences.
