Inca Trail Hiking Tours

Part of the 23,000 kilometers (approximately 14,000 miles) of roads built by the Incas in South America. It is the most famous route for hiking in Peru and possibly the most spectacular in the Americas. Each year, more than 25,000 walkers from around the world walk along the 43 kilometers of this cobblestone road built by the Incas that leads to the amazing citadel of Machupicchu located deep in the jungle of Cusco. The trip starts in the town of Pisqacucho, at kilometer 82 of the Cusco - Quillabamba railway line and takes 4 days of intense walking. The route includes an impressive variety of altitudes, climates and ecosystems that goes from the punas to the cloud forest. Travelers will cross two high altitude passes (the highest will be in Warmiwañuska at 4,200 masl) to complete the walk with a magical entrance to Machupicchu through Inti Punku or Sun Gate.

The main difference between both treks, are the differentiated rates and some extras that you can enjoy in the luxury Inca Trail Trek, however both packages provide a great service that will make your trip the best and unforgettable.

Inca Trail Hike description:

The total distance of the road is approximately 39.6 km and starts at Km. 82 in the place called Pisqacucho.

The first day you will cross a bridge, then go to the left side through a eucalyptus orchard and start the day calmly. Almost immediately you will find the archaeological complexes of Q'ente, Pulpituyoc, Kusichaca and Patallaca. From that last point you will continue along the left bank of the Kusichaca River in the area with the same name where you will not only see the bridge but also find tombs, aqueducts, terraces, roads and a canyon. You will continue until you reach the small town of Wayllabamba and Inca aqueducts. It takes around 4 hours to reach 9 km from this point. One will camp there the first night.

The second day is more difficult, because the walker will have to climb up to 4,200 meters, crossing the Warmiwañusqa pass, the first and the highest. If you suffer from "soroche" (altitude sickness) it is best not to stop or descend quickly to the valley of the Pakaymayu river, where you can camp. This place is 7 km away and it is approximately 8 hours away.

The third day is the longest but the most interesting. You will be ready to visit the most impressive complexes like Runkuraqay, the second step at 3,800 meters above sea level, its complex mocked with niches that perhaps were a small place to rest, guard posts and places dedicated to worship after crossing the Second step you descend to Yanacocha (The Black Lagoon) to then climb a path with stone steps until you reach another group of buildings which attract the attention of visitors. This point is called Sayaqmarka a pre-Hispanic complex with narrow streets, buildings erected on different levels; sanctuaries, canals and a protection wall. At the top of the buttresses one can observe many constructions which lead to suppose that once it was a temple and an astronomical observatory, which had a permanent supply of water and excellent food stores.Sayaqmarka is a place full of mystery and charm the approximate distance to Runkuraqay is 5 Km. Which takes 2 hours. This complex extends to 3,600 meters above sea level. There is an excellent path and a tunnel through this complex. We recommend camping near the ruins of Phuyupatamarca or 3 km further on in the visitor center of Wiñay Wayna, where one can buy food and drinks or use hygienic services. The ruins of Phuyupatamarca are better preserved than we have seen before now.

The fourth day, which starts around 5:00 A.M., the walker arrives at Machupicchu around 7:00 A.M. After 8 km of hiking through the jungle. Follow the designated route and drink some water at the Wiñay Wayna Visitor Center. The trail is clearly marked but try to avoid getting too close to the edge of the cliff.

It is forbidden to camp in Inti punku. You will leave your equipment at the control gate and enjoy the most important monument of this part of the continent. You will have time to visit Machupicchu until noon

Climate and Environment

• The climate is relatively mild around the whole year, with heavy rains from November to March, dry and hot weather from April to October, which is a recommended time to visit.
• The minimum annual temperature ranges from 8 ° to 11.2 ° C. In the months of June, July and August the temperature can often fall below zero.
• The annual maximum temperature varies from 20.4 ° to 26.6 °. The terrain is quite irregular, with several ravines and streams fed by the glaciers that eventually pour into the Urubamba River, which crosses the area forming a deep valley that crosses the granite base of Vilcabamba for more than 40 km through a variety of ecosystems. 

Landscape

• The surroundings are impressive and the balance achieved between nature and Inca architecture is amazing.
• The mountains of Vilcabamba have wide and high peaks that reach up to 6,000 meters as well as Salkantay and Humantay among others.
• The mixture of mountains, jungles and valleys create a fantastic world where dawn and sunset are shrouded in mystery.

Degree of difficulty: moderate.

The entire route to the wonderful Inca road citadel requires moderate and difficult physical effort because the entire route is not easily accessible, due to the height of the route (2600 m.a.s.l to 4000 m.a.s.l) and the constant ascents and descents in the journey. In addition to this effort is worth the unique and unforgettable experience that will live in this great route of pure indescribable adventure only with words, to necessarily know you have to live them.

Principal differences:

• The Inca Trail Luxury Hike offers you the opportunity to travel at the service PeruRail Vistadome train it offers you a fashion show on board that will show you an exclusive collection of baby alpaca with the latest trends in alpaca-made clothing which you can purchase if you wish and a dance show in live, all inspired by the millenary culture of the Andes. It also has a snack with ingredients from the area, so that you can go living the Andean experience from the gastronomy. It also includes non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy on board.

• The Inca Trail Cheap Hike offer you the Bassic Train. Experience a unique way to travel to Machu Picchu, exploring the Andean landscape like never before with wider and taller panoramic windows and an observation outdoor carriage including a bar.
• The Inca Trail Luxury Hike offers you a delicious lunch after your visit to Machu Picchu, on the other hand Inca Trail Cheap Hike don't include the lunch of the last day.
• Inca Trail Luxury Hike have totally private tours, all transfers and excursions with specialized guides and in very small groups. Inca Trail Cheap Hike have shared services with specialized guides too.