The Classic Inca Trail is one of the most famous trekking routes around the world. According to the specialists, it is probably the hike that all people need to do before dying. Therefore the magic of this trail is due to all the Inca Cultural Heritage that you can find during all way besides it’s surrounded by breathtaking landscapes that change in every step.
First of all the Classic Inca Trail trek includes on the first day the meeting between the tour guide and the porters with the trekkers, a bus ride from Cusco City to the village of Piscacucho where the trail starts. Here is where our trekkers after breakfast will be able to pass the controls and start to hike this UNESCO heritage of the world site.
So the last contact even with local people will be during the first lunch when the hikers will lose contact with the modern world and be submerged in all the aspects of the Incas and their incredible history of glory and decadence. With an incredible view of snow-capped peaks of the Andes, The Rain Forest and walking in the top of the clouds.
First day: km 82 to Ayapata – campsite.
Second day: Ayapata camp site to Chaquilcocha camp site.
Third Day: Inca Trail, from Chaquilcocha camp site to Wiñay Wayna camp site
Fourth day: From Wiñay Wayna to Machupicchu and train back to Cusco – Hotel night.
Classic Inca trail Itinerary
Day 1: The inca trail, Cusco to km 82 – ayapata camp site.
The first day of the classic Inca Trail is easy going to help you settle into the trek. Covering 14km of the trail climbing gently up the Cusichaca Valley, you pass by the Inca site of Llactapata, enjoy great views of the snow-capped peak Veronica (5900m / 19000ft) and get to see a variety of native plant life and birds throughout the day. Our campsite for the night is at Ayapata (3300m / 10829ft) which is a little further along the trail than most groups go; as we’re camping further up the trail the next day’s trek up to the pass is a little easier for us and with fewer tourists at the campsite we can enjoy the peace and tranquility of this beautiful place. – Campsite: Ayapata 3300 m/ 10829 ft. – Distance: 14 km / 8.68 miles – Highest point: Ayapata campsite 3300 m/ 10829 ft.
Day 2: The inca trail, ayapata camp site – Chaquilcocha camp site.
Today is considered by many to be the hardest day of the trek; with 2 high passes (Dead Woman’s Pass is the highest at 4200m / 13779ft) to cross and nearly 16km to walk today really tests your spirit. There’s no need to worry though as thanks to our enthusiastic guides and the team of porters helping you along you’ll have all the moral and physical support you need to make it. Today we get fantastic views of the high mountain ranges as we cross the 2 passes and will have the chance to visit 2 Inca sites (Runcuraccay and Sayacmarca). Our campsite tonight is at Chaquicocha (3600m / 11800ft) which like Ayapata is one of the quieter campsites and affords beautiful views of the sun setting over the mountains in the distance. – Campsite: Chaquilcocha 3600 m / 11800 ft. – Distance: 16 km / 9.92 miles – Highest point: Dead woman pass 4200 m / 13779 ft.
Day 3: The inca trail, chaquilcocha campsite – wiñay wayna camp site.
Having made it over the 2 passes yesterday we’re now treated to a relaxing day through some of the most beautiful scenery the Inca Trail Exclusive has to offer. With a relatively short distance to cover along what is known as Inca Flat (gentle ascents and descents), we get to enjoy the lush and verdant cloud forest around us and the spectacular views of the Andes in the distance. With visits to 2 Inca sites (Phuyupatamarca and Winay Wayna), this is by far one of the most impressive days of the trek. Our campsite for tonight is at Wiñay Wayna (2680m / 8792ft) which we will arrive to be early afternoon and get to have an extended guided tour of once we have settled in. – Campsite: Wiñay Wayna 2680 m / 8792 ft. – Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles – Highest point: Phuyupatamarca pass 3680 m / 12073 ft.
Day 4: Classic inca trail, wiñay wayna – Machupicchu – train back to Cusco.
Today is the highlight of the Classic Inca Trail. Waking up early you head straight to the checkpoint to enter Machu Picchu and once the site opens can carry on to the Sun Gate where you’ll get your first fantastic views of Machu Picchu. On arrival to Machu Picchu, you’ll have a 2 hour guided tour of the site during which you’ll learn about the Incas and visit all the most important areas of the citadel. After your tour you’ll have free time to explore the site by yourself and if you have permits to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. In the afternoon you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo from where you will carry on by bus back to Cusco. – Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles – Highest point: Sun Gate 2730 m / 8956 ft.
Our Classic Inca Trail trek included
All pickups from hotel to train station and vice versa
Professional English Speaking Tour Guide, an assistant tour guide for groups of 9+
Professional Chef
Porters to carry cooking and camping equipment
Transportation by bus to Km82
Return transportation by train and bus to Cusco
Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own)
Meals on the Inca trail (3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Afternoon Snacks, and 3 Dinners). If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian foods please let us know.
Dining tent with tables and chairs
4 man tent for every 2 trekkers
Foam sleeping mattress (you need to carry this unless you hire a personal porter)
Oxygen bottle
First aid kit
Entrance to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
Return expedition train back to Cusco.
NOT INCLUDED BUT YOU CAN GET FROM US
Entrances to Huayna Picchu Mountain (need to book in advance)
Entrances to Machu Picchu Mountain (need to book in advance)
Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us)
Personal porter up to 7 kgs or 14 kgs
Walking sticks (can be rented from us)
What is not included:
Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 4
Water, (during the first 4 hours, after that, our team will provide you)
Tips
Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Laundry
Note: Before booking our excursion, please do not forget to read our terms and conditions
