



CLASSIC INCA TRAIL – THE PATH TO MACHUPICCHU
Half Day
Price
Take an interesting city tour that includes Inca architecture, colonial art, and living culture to see the magic of Cusco, the old capital of the Inca Empire. This guided tour will take you to the most famous places in the city and its surroundings in a half-day full of history, mystery, and stunning views.
The Cusco Cathedral is a beautiful example of colonial religious art, with impressive Baroque altars and paintings from the Cusco School. Start there. Go on to the Qoricancha, the famous Temple of the Sun, which shows how beautiful Inca knowledge and Spanish architecture can be when they are mixed.
Outside the historic center, you’ll see impressive archaeological sites like Sacsayhuamán, a ceremonial fortress made of huge stone blocks that fit together perfectly. Then, go to the ritual sites of Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay, which are surrounded by Andean nature and ancient mystery.
This tour is great for getting used to the high altitude and seeing the cultural beauty of Cusco. Local experts lead each stop and tell stories and legends that are still important to the people of Cusco, as well as historical facts.
Book today and discover the heart of the Inca Empire. Cusco awaits you with history, mysticism, and a unique energy.
Tour Location
Type of Tour
Duration
Difficulty
Trip Details
You will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco and taken through typical Andean landscapes to the town of Ollantaytambo where you will meet the rest of the trekking team and head to the town of Piscacucho (Km 82) where the trek begins. You will walk along the Urubamba River on a moderately steep trail until you reach the archaeological site of Patallacta (Pueblo en las alturas), a place located at the foot of a mountain. You will have time to explore this interesting place and enjoy your lunch. Then, you will continue your hike for 2 more hours until you reach the Wayllabamba camp, where you will spend the night. This first day of trekking is full of impressive views of the crest of the Vilcanota mountain range.
Walk Distance: 7.5 mi (12 km)
Min Altitude: 8,230 ft (2,600 m)
Max Altitude: 9,840 ft (3,000 m)
Approx. Time: 4 to 6 hrs
Difficult level: Moderate
On this second day, the most challenging of all, you will reach the highest point of the entire tour. The hike is exhausting and steep up to the highest point known as Warmihuanusca (Dead Woman's Pass) located at 4200 mts (13700 ft). After passing this point, the trail turns into a winding downward staircase in the middle of a natural valley, where wildlife watching and beautiful views are part of the journey. You will finish this second day of trekking by arriving at Pacaymayo camp where you will have lunch and spend the night.
Walk Distance: 10 mi (16 km)
Min Altitude: 9,840 ft (3,000 m)
Max Altitude: 13,830 feet (4,215 m)
Approx. Time: 7 to 8 hrs
Difficult level: Challenging
You will wake up in the middle of a tropical forest to enjoy an Andean breakfast, then get ready to start an ascent hike; the longest of all; until you reach the Runkurakay pass at 3,900 mts/ 12,500 ft. In the middle of the trail you can explore the archaeological center that bears the same name and appreciate the beautiful views of the Pacaymayo Valley. The trail will allow you to enjoy beautiful views of mountains and villages along the way until you reach the archaeological zone of Conchamarca and Phuyupatamarca (the city in the clouds) where you can rest and enjoy your lunch.
After lunch and a comforting rest you will continue descending for 3 hours until you reach the Winay Wayna (forever young) camp, where you will spend your last night of camping. There, you can explore the terraces and archaeological remains that are believed to have been built to worship the water. For flower lovers, you will be able to observe the pink orchids of the place.
Walk Distance: 10 mi (16 km)
Mini Altitude: 8,700 ft (2,650 m)
Maxi Altitude: 12,500 ft (3,900 m)
Approx. Time: 8 to 10 hrs
Difficult level: Moderate
This last day of trekking will start very early at 5:00 am; after breakfast. After 1 hour of walking uphill, you will arrive at Inti Punku (The Sun Gate), where you will have a spectacular view of Machupicchu. From there you will start descending to the citadel where you will have a guided tour for approximately 2 hours. You will be taken through the most important places of this wonder of the world. Terraces, fine masonry, canals, aqueducts, sacred enclosures, astronomical observatories are part of what you will see in this fascinating tour. In the late afternoon, you will board a tourist train that will take you to the town of Ollantaytambo where your transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Cusco.
Hike Distance to Machu Picchu: 3.7 mi (6 km)
Approx. Time: 3 to 4 hrs
Difficult level: Moderate
- Ground Transportation and Entrance Fees
- Transport from Cusco hotel to the start of the trek
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco hotel
- Entrance ticket to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
Camping equipment
- Tents with capacity for four people (for comfort, only two people per tent)
- Mattresses, tables, and seat
- Food and drink utensils
- Dinner tent and kitchen tent for the group
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle
Team
- Professional and bilingual guide
- A cook to prepare your meals
- Porters to carry provided equipment and food (additional porters can be hired to carry your personal belongings)
All of our tour personnel are also highly qualified in tour group management and in first aid.
Food
- Meals that provide the necessary energy for this challenging trek
- Revitalizing snacks
- Hot drinks such as tea and coffee
- Hotels in Cusco or Aguas Calientes
- Meals after arrival to Machu Picchu
- Tips
- Wear comfortable clothing, a hat, and sunscreen
- Bring water and a camera
- Adjust to the altitude for the first few days