Highlights
- It travels for four days a protected section of the old Inca road network.
- Observe the snowy Veronica from different points of the valley when the conditions of the sky allow it.
- Walk through the Cusichaca Valley between agricultural land, dry sectors and high-rise mountains.
- See Llactapata from the enabled points and understand its relationship with the control of the valley.
- Cross a second mountain pass before continuing to Sayacmarca.
- Walk in sectors with quaña trees, mosses, ferns, bromelias and orchids.
Trip Details
- Duration: 4 days and 3 nights.
- General route: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Km 82 – Llactapata – Ayapata – Warmiwañusca – Pacaymayo – Runkurakay – Sayacmarca – Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Intipata – Wiñay Wayna – Intipunku – Machu Picchu.
- Difficulty: High, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Approximate distance: Between 42 and 45 km.
- Maximum altitude: Warmiwañusca, approximately 4,215 m / 13,829 feet.
- Accommodation: Three nights of camp.
- Guide: Bilingual professional, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Assistant Guide: According to the number of participants.
- Food: Three breakfasts, three lunches, three dinners and snacks.
- Departure: Subject to official availability and operational confirmation.
Itinerary
Cusco – Kilometer 82 – Llactapata – Ayapata
Highlight of the day: Start by the Urubamba River, view of Llactapata and gradual ascent towards Ayapata.
The pickup will take place early from the hotels located within the operating area of Cusco.
We will travel by tourist transport to Ollantaytambo and continue to Piscacucho, at kilometer 82 of the railway.
The permits and passports will be reviewed at the checkpoint. Document data must match the information used to book.
The porters will arrange the shops, food, kitchen equipment and contracted personal luggage. The passenger must keep in his backpack the passport, water, raincoat, medicines and valuables.
After crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River we will start the hike.
The first part has moderate slopes and sectors open to the sun. We will walk through the Cusichaca Valley, with views of the snowy Veronica when the sky is clear.
During the day we will observe Llactapata from the authorized sectors. This set contains terraces and constructions located on a hillside near the valley.
We will have lunch at a point prepared by the kitchen equipment.
In the afternoon we will continue to Ayapata. The trail begins to gain higher altitude and passes through areas with denser vegetation.
Ayapata is located approximately 3,300 m / 10,827 feet. The latest arrival allows to reduce part of the distance of the next day, although the exact location of the camp is subject to the official assignment.
When you arrive, the shops and the dining room will be prepared. We’ll have a hot drink and dinner before we rest.
Technical Details
- Transportation: Tourist vehicle of Cusco to kilometer 82.
- Distance: Approximately 14 km / 8.7 miles.
- Initial altitude: Km 82, approximately 2,720 m.
- Final altitude: Ayapata, approximately 3,300 m.
- Difficulty: Moderate, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Land: Earth, stone and open paths.
- Meals: Lunch and dinner.
Ayapata – Warmiwañusca – Pacaymayo – Runkurakay – Sayacmarca – Chaquicocha
Highlight of the day: Crossing two mountain passes and touring Runkurakay and Sayacmarca.
The team will start the morning with a hot drink served near the store. After breakfast we will start the most difficult day.
The first part consists of a continuous ascent towards Warmiwanusca. The trail crosses forest sectors and then exits to a more open terrain, covered with ichu and exposed to wind.
The slope becomes more marked during the last few hours. The air contains less oxygen and each person must maintain a rhythm that he can sustain.
We will reach the Abra Warmiwanusca, located approximately 4,215 m / 13,829 feet.
The name means “dead woman” and relates to the shape of the relief observed from certain points.
In the passage there may be sun, fog, wind, rain or hail. We will not stay longer than necessary if the conditions are cold.
Then we will begin a prolonged descent by stone steps towards Pacaymayo. This section can put a lot of pressure on the knees.
After lunch we will start a new ascent to Runkurakay. The site features a semicircular-shaped construction located next to the old trail.
We will continue towards the second mountain pass, located approximately 3,950 meters.
From there we will descend to Sayacmarca. Access to the set is narrow and is built on a rock lift. The guide will explain the organization of its venues and canals.
The last part crosses sectors with Andean vegetation and cloud forest until reaching the Chaquicocha camp.
this day requires mental strength. It is not enough to reach the first step: there is still a long descent, another ascent and several kilometers of road.
Technical Details
- Transportation: Motorized transport is not used.
- Distance: Approximately 16 km / 9.9 miles.
- Initial altitude: Ayapata, approximately 3,300 m.
- Final altitude: Chaquicocha, approximately 3,600 m.
- Difficulty: Very high, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Land: Steps, stone, earth and steep slopes.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Intipata – Wiñay Wayna
Highlight of the day: Cloud forest, rock-carved roads and tour of three archaeological centers.
After breakfast we will continue through a section known among the guides as the “Inca Flat”. The name can generate confusion: it does not mean that the whole terrain is flat, but that it combines ascents and descents less abrupt than those of the previous day.
The road crosses cloud forest, tunnels, stairs and cobbled sectors. Moisture can cover the stones and make them slippery.
We will pass through areas where mosses, ferns, bromelands and orchids grow. Small birds can also be observed, although their presence depends on the climate and movement of the groups.
We will reach Phuyupatamarca, located approximately 3,680 m / 12,073 feet. The set contains terraces, enclosures and water channels built on an elevation.
From there will begin a long descent on Inca stairs. The canes help reduce the load on the knees, but they should use rubber protectors to avoid damage to the trail.
We will continue to Intipata, whose terraces extend over a hillside overlooking the Urubamba valley.
Afterwards we will arrive at Wiñay Wayna, located approximately at 2,650–2,680 m / 8,694–8,793 feet.
Wiñay Wayna contains agricultural terraces, enclosures, stairs and water channels. When we arrive early we will have more time to tour the sector with the guide, provided that the schedule and control provisions allow it.
Our last camp will be installed in the authorized Wiñay Wayna area or in the assigned alternative location.
The closure or temporary modification of camps may be provided by the authority when there is damage, rain or other safety conditions.
Technical Details
- Transportation: Motorized transport is not used.
- Distance: Approximately 10 km / 6.2 miles.
- Initial altitude: Chaquicocha, approximately 3,600 m.
- Final Altitude: Wiñay Wayna, approximately 2,650 to 2,680 m.
- Difficulty: Moderate to high.
- Land: Stone, tunnels, stairs and wet sectors.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Wiñay Wayna – Intipunku – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco
Highlight of the day: Arrival in Machu Picchu by Puerta del Sol and return by panoramic train.
We’ll get up very early and have breakfast before heading to Wiñay Wayna’s control.
The departure time will depend on the official opening of the post and the authorized order of the groups. It is not possible to advance the entry by unilateral decision of the agency.
From the control we will walk to Intipunku.
The last climb includes a short, steep stretch known as the “Monkey Ladder,” where many people use their hands to maintain balance.
When we arrive in Intipunku we will have the first view of Machu Picchu when there is no fog. The light, weather and position of the sun change according to the date; therefore, a clear sunrise should not be guaranteed.
We will descend to the Inca city following the authorized path for hikers of the Inca Trail.
When we reach the upper sector we will have time to take photographs at the points allowed. We must then comply with the applicable control procedure to continue with the guided tour.
Machu Picchu currently operates through three general circuits divided into specific routes. Each ticket only authorizes the printed route and does not allow to freely change circuits.
Our guide will provide an explanation of approximately two hours. The included sectors will depend on the assigned route, because not all tickets pass through the same temples, squares or terraces.
After the visit we will leave the site and board the bus to Aguas Calientes.
In the village we will have time to have lunch on our own and pick up any stored luggage.
In the afternoon we will board the train to Ollantaytambo. The included service must be clearly indicated in the confirmation. Where applicable to the Vistadome, the train has panoramic windows and may include cultural presentations and on-board service according to the frequency contracted.
When we arrive in Ollantaytambo we will continue by tourist transport to Cusco.
Technical Details
- Duration of the walk: Between 2 and 3 hours, not including the visit.
- Wiñay Wayna Altitude: Approximately 2,650 to 2,680 m.
- Difficulty: Moderate, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Land: Stairs, stone and wet trails.
- Transportation: Bus, train and tourist vehicle.
- Meals: Breakfast, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- End of service: Cusco.
Pick-up and Return
The pickup is made from accommodations located within our operating area of Cusco. When the hotel is on a pedestrian street, with stairs or without vehicle access, a nearby meeting point will be established.
Pick-up and Return
After the train, transportation from Ollantaytambo will take passengers to Cusco. The service can end in a central point or in hotels with vehicular access, depending on the mode contracted.
Luggage
Large suitcases must remain in the hotel in Cusco. Luggage delivered to the carrier will not be available while walking.
Payments and Changes
A down payment is required to purchase the permits and confirm the logistics. A portion of the payment may be non-refundable after the issuance of permits and services. The balance must be paid before departure, within the indicated period.
Document changes
When the passenger renews his passport after booking, he must inform immediately. You must present yourself with the advance indicated on your ticket. This train uses panoramic windows and can incorporate music, cultural presentations and snack service, depending on the confirmed frequency.
Transport information
The program combines:
- Vehicle of Cusco to kilometer 82.
- Hike for four days.
- Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
- Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Vehicle from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
- Vehicles do not enter the trail.
- The equipment is carried by carriers.
- Rail schedules may change for operator decisions.
Travel restrictions
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes can block roads or railways.
When there is advance information, Peceros Agency Travel may:
- Overtake transfers, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Change the pick-up point.
- Modify connections, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Coordinate an extra night.
- Adjust the return, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
Where it is not possible to operate safely, the service may be suspended.
Lost objects
The passenger is responsible for his belongings.
Before leaving a camp, train, bus or restaurant, check:
- Carry the original passport used for the reservation, as it may be required for identity and ticket verification.
- Keep a charged phone available for operational messages, tickets and emergency contact.
- Carry a reasonable amount of cash in Peruvian soles for small purchases and services that do not accept cards.
- Bring a camera or phone protected from rain, dust and accidental impacts.
- Carry any prescribed personal medication in an accessible part of your daypack.
- Use a small, comfortable backpack for documents, water, clothing layers and personal essentials.
- Clothing, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
The company cannot guarantee the recovery of forgotten objects.
Physical condition
The route has high difficulty.
Includes:
- A step over 4,200 meters.
- A day of up to ten hours.
- Two mountain passes in one day.
- Prolonged descents, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Irregular stairs, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- High-altitude camps, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Older adults should have their doctor’s approval.
Medical conditions
People with heart, respiratory, circulatory, neurological, or joint diseases should consult their doctor.
The agency must know any relevant conditions before departure.
Bad height
Symptoms may include:
- Headache, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Dizziness, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- nausea, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Lack of appetite, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- tiredness, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Difficulty sleeping, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Inform the guide from the first symptom.
Pregnancy
We do not recommend this route during pregnancy due to altitude, duration and distance from medical centers.
Evacuations
Much of the tour does not have vehicle access.
An evacuation may require porters, stretcher, assistance from authorities and transfer to an accessible point.
Insurance must cover high altitude and evacuation walks.
Climate
During the route they may be presented:
- Rain, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Hail, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Wind, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Fog, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Cold, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Mud, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Wet stone, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Fall of rocks, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
The guide may change schedules or stop progress when there is a risk.
Environmental and archaeological standards
It is prohibited:
- Get off the trail.
- Go up on walls.
- Remove plants or stones.
- Leave trash, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Fire in areas not allowed.
- Using drones without authorization.
- Enter with pets, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Alter the camps, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Smoking or vaping in prohibited areas.
- Ignore established circuits, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
The official rules of Machu Picchu prohibit, among other behaviors, throwing waste, smoking, vaping, fire and disobeying the established circuits.
Important information
The four-day Inca Trail concentrates a lot of effort on the second day.
Although the first day is considered moderate, the Ayapata camp is already above 3,000 meters.
The third day has a shorter distance, but includes many downhill stairs.
The arrival by Intipunku depends on the weather. The fog can cover Machu Picchu and clear minutes later.
Permissions are personal and limited. Once issued, changes can be restricted.
The best way to do this route is to arrive acclimatized, train in advance and take only what is necessary.
Inclusions
- Information talk before trekking. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Review of the baggage. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Pick-up from the stated hotel area or a nearby coordinated point when vehicle access is restricted.
- Tourist transportation in a vehicle selected according to the group size and route conditions.
- Professional guide for route coordination, assistance and interpretation of the main sites.
- Inca Trail Permit. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Entrance ticket for the attraction specified in the booking confirmation.
- Cook. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Kitchen assistant according to the group size. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Personal carrier up to 6 kg in private service, when listed on confirmation. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Camping accommodation and equipment according to the confirmed trek program.
- Shops for four people occupied by two passengers. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Shops for staff. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Basic mat. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Tables and chairs. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Breakfast at a selected local establishment, according to the itinerary.
- Lunch at a selected local restaurant; dietary requests must be reported in advance.
- Dinner according to the program and the service available at the overnight location.
- Three snacks. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Meals specifically indicated in the itinerary, with prior coordination for dietary requirements.
- Coca tea in the morning. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Vegetarian options with advance notice. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Boiled water after the first supply point. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- One liter of water per person in each distribution, depending on the available logistics. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- A basic first-aid kit carried by the guide for initial assistance during the route.
- Emergency oxygen for initial assistance at altitude; it does not replace professional medical care.
- Bus transportation for the segment specified in the confirmed itinerary.
- Train service according to the schedule and category confirmed in the reservation.
- Operational assistance before and during the tour for the services included in the booking.
- Meals not specifically indicated in the itinerary, including personal orders and upgrades.
- Bottled water, snacks and additional drinks purchased during the route.
- Sleeping bag rental unless it appears as included in the reservation.
- Canes.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Inflatable mattress.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Individual shop.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Personal carrier in group service.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Weight exceeding the contracted limit.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Entrance fees not expressly listed as included; these must be paid separately when required.
- Additional routes.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Guide to optional mountains.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Accommodation before or after the tour unless it is expressly listed in the package.
- Personal travel insurance, including medical care, evacuation and trip interruption coverage.
- Tips for guides, drivers, cooks or support staff; gratuities are voluntary.
- Showers.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Personal purchases, souvenirs and other expenses chosen by the traveler.
- Expenses caused by closures, strikes or external emergencies.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Personal photography equipment.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Services not expressly mentioned.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
Upgrades
- Personal carrier for 6 kg; Reference Price: US$ 50
- Personal carrier for 12 kg; Reference Price: US$ 100
- Sleeping bag; Reference Price: US$ 15
- Pair of canes; Reference Price: US$ 10
- Inflatable mattress; Reference Price: US$ 10
- Individual Shop; Reference Price: US$ 15
- Machu Picchu Mountain; Reference Price: US$ 60, subject to current rate
- Huayna Picchu Mountain; Reference Price: US$ 60, subject to current rate
- Upgrade to Vistadome Observatory; Reference Price: From US$ 60
- Additional Guide to Mountain; Reference Price: Consult
- Night in Aguas Calientes; Reference Price: Consult
- Personalized Private Menu; Reference Price: Consult
- Individual portable oxygen; Reference Price: Consult
Additional revenue must be booked in advance and their schedules must be compatible with the arrival from the Inca Trail.
Discounts
- Students from 18 to 25 years old: discount of US$ 30. The college card must be physical and include photography, full name, university name and printed expiration date. A copy must be sent at the time of booking.
- Children under 18: discount of US$ 30. A legible copy of the passport is required.
- Under 11 years old: discount of US$ 40. A copy of the passport must be sent before issuing the permits.
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PeruRail Trains Comparison
| Feature | Expedition | Vistadome | Observatory | Hiram Bingham |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Standard Panoramic | Full Panoramic (Roof & Walls) | Full Panoramic (Roof & Walls) | Large Classic Windows |
| Seating Layout | Seats facing each other with table | Leather seats, facing each other | Leather seats, spacious | Plush armchairs, elegant dining tables |
| Food & Drinks | Available for purchase | Light snack & non-alcoholic drinks | Light snack & non-alcoholic drinks | Gourmet Lunch/Dinner & Open Bar |
| Entertainment | Ambient Andean Music | Cultural Dance & Fashion Show (Return) | Live Music & Cultural Show | Live Band in Bar Car |
| Special Features | - | - | Access to open-air balcony car | Includes bus, citadel ticket & guide |
| Estimated Price (One-way) | Desde $65 USD | Desde $85 USD | Desde $110 USD | Desde $490 USD |
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