Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4D/3N		Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2D/1N		Salkantay - Machupicchu 5D/4N
This is the most popular route trekked by hundreds of visitors each day. This beautiful trail starts at kilometre 82. (so called because it is 82 km along the railroad from Cusco) and takes in many of the Inca ruins including Runcuracay, Sayacmarca. More Classical inca trail ..>>		This is a less strenuous route and starts at kilometre 104 along the railroad from Cusco. The trail climbs up to Wiñay Wayna where you join the final stages of the Classic 4 day hike. From Wiñay Wayna the trek then descends to Machu Picchu. More Short inca trail ..>>		A spectacular 5 day trek that passes beneath the sacred snowcapped mountain of Salkantay. This mountain God (or Apu) was worshipped by the Incas and is still honored by existing Quechua farmers. The trail starts in the Mollepata. More Salkantay Trek ..>>

INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU : Classical inca trail 4 Days

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Part of the 23.000 km (approximately 14.000 miles) of roads built by the Incas in South America, this is Peru’s most famous trekking route and possibly one of the most spectacular in the Americas. Every year, some 25.000 hikers from around the world walk along the extraordinary 43 km of this stone-paved road built by the Incas leading to the unassailable citadel of Machu Picchu located in the depth of the Cusco jungle.

The journey starts in the village of Qorihuayrachina, at kilometer 88 of the Cusco-Quillabamba railway and takes three or four days of strenuous walking. The route includes an impressive variety of altitudes, climates and ecosystems that range from the high Andean plain to the cloud forest. Travelers will cross two high altitude passes (the highest being Warmiwañuska at 4.200 masl) to culminate the hike with a magical entrance to Machu Picchu through the Inti Punko or Gateway of the Sun.
One of the main attractions along the route is the web of ancient settlements built in granite rock by the Incas like Wiñay Wayna and Phuyupatamarca immersed in an overpowering natural scenery. Hundreds of species of orchids, multicolored birds and dreamlike landscapes provide the ideal backstage for a route that every hiker should walk at least once.

Please let us know as soon as possible if interested in the Inca Trail. It can get booked up quickly as the number of people entering the trail daily is restricted. Only 500 people per day are allowed to enter the 4-Day Inca Trail or the 2- Day Inca Trail. Permits are regulated by local authorities and it is best to secure your Inca Trail permit at least 3 months in advance.

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Itinerary Classical inca trail 4 Days

Day 1: Begin the Inca Trail
You will be picked up from your hotel and driven on a scenic two-hour drive through the Sacred Valley towards Ollantaytambo, where you can enjoy an optional breakfast. Once in Ollantaytambo, you will pick up equipment, food and porters for your adventure. We recommend that you buy coca leaves for altitude sickness relieving tea and wooden walking sticks to help you climb the trail. Trekking poles with metal tips are not permitted as they can ruin the trail. Afterwards, you will continue on to Piskacucho (2700 meters above sea level) by bus.
Once you cross the Piskacucho bridge over the Urubamba river, you will commence that day’s 12 km (7.5 mile) hike. You will walk on flat terrain along the shore of the river, until you take a break at the small community of Miskay (2800 m.a.s.l.). Continuing on a steeper path towards a high plateau, your efforts will be rewarded by the spectacular view of the Inca Ruins of Patallacta (2750 m.a.s.l.). At the junction of three valleys, this utilitarian station of farming terraces will be one of many Incan ruins you will encounter on the trail. After you have heard about this collective agricultural compound, you will continue to hike for two hours where you will be met by lunch your cook has prepared. Continuing the trek for another two hours, you will reach the first campsite of Wayllabamba (3000 m.a.s.l). The highlights of this path include the breathtaking view of the Vilcanota ridge on the other side of the Urumbamba River and the snow-covered Mount Veronica.

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Day 2: Inca Trail
The second day is the most rigorous part of the hike. You will wake up early for breakfast and then set out to climb up 9 km (5.6 miles) of a narrow valley, surrounded by plush vegetation and crisp streams. As this is by far the most challenging part of the trails, it is encouraged that you take your time by taking breaks whenever you desire before reaching the village of Llulluchapampa.

Leaving the village of Llulluchapampa, you will climb the highest and most famous mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuaña or “Dead Woman’s Pass.” This hike will take about two hours, but you are again encouraged to take your time, in order to enjoy the scenery and avoid over exerting yourself. Once you have reached the Dead Woman’s Pass (4200 m.a.s.l.), you will descend a winding 2.5 km (1.6 miles) path of steps that crosses a natural valley, the habitat of a plethora of natural wildlife. Keep your eyes open, as here a variety of birds, like sparrows and humming birds, as well as the Andean Bear can be seen. Known as the Spectacled Bear for its golden circular fur around its eyes, this solitary creature calls the Andean cloud forest home. You will have lunch along the way and continue to the campsite at the Pacaymayo Valley (3600 m.a.s.l.). Here you will have dinner and take a well deserved rest after such a strenuous day.

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Day 3: Inca Trail
After breakfast, you will start a 15 km (9.3 miles) trek along an impressive and archeologically rich path. A steep hike will lead you to the Runkurakay Pass (3970 m.a.s.l.). Halfway through the pass, you will encounter the ruins of Runkurakay, an Incan tambo or watch-house. Another steep climb up Incan steps leads to the next pass, which offers insurmountable views to the mountain ranges of Vilcabamba and Pumasillo. On this third day, the path becomes an intricately Incan engineered structure of stones that hugs the steep sides of the cloud forest’s mountains and serves as a gallery for the ecosystem’s varied flora.

You will continue on to Yanacocha with Sayacmarca (3624 m.a.s.l.) as your destination goal. Aptly dubbed the “Inaccessible Town,” the ruins of Sayacmarca are sheltered by daunting protective cliffs. 98 steep Incan stone steps will allow you to get a spectacular view of the ruins and the landscape. Once you descend, you will be able to enter this fortress. Divided into two halves, you will be able to see Sayacmarca’s solar observation point and residences.

Leaving this magnificent archaeological wonder, you will trek through the cloud-forest to the last climb that will lead you to the third pass, the Abra de Phuyupatamarca (3700 m.a.s.l.). Afterwards, most of the trail is downhill and leads to the archeological site of Phuyupatamarca. Called the “Town above the Clouds,” this ruin surrounded by Incan terraces consists of a sophisticated irrigation and fountain system. As the sun sets, you will head towards the ruins of Wiñaywayna or “Forever Young,” which consists of Incan agricultural terraces. Believed to have been a center where water was worshipped, flower enthusiasts will be pleased to see the area’s pink orchids in addition to learning about the ruin. Here there is a camping site, a simple restaurant and hot showers. Cold beers and a party in the evening will allow you to say good bye to your cook and porters who will leave early the next morning on the train to go back to Cuzco.

At this point your guide will ask all hikers to make a tip pool, which will then be distributed to the team (guide, cook and porters). A good tip amount ranges $10-$40 per hiker. Remember that these tips are voluntary, so feel free to tip according to the service you have received.

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Day 4: Arrival to Machu Picchu
After waking at 4:00 am, you will have breakfast at 4:30 am and be on the trail by 5:00 am in order to reach Inti Punko or the “Sun Gate,” the entrance to Machu Picchu by 6:00 am. The hour long trek will take you through a narrow trail of cloud forest. As you reach the Sun Gate, just before sunrise, the fog will lift and Machu Picchu will be lit with sunlight. The view is awe-inspiring and you can only imagine what the Incas must have felt after their grueling journey to this sprawling temple. After taking advantage of this pristine photo opportunity, you will descend to the citadel and receive a full explanation about the temple from your guide. The tour lasts two hours and afterwards you several options of how you can spend your time at this daunting world wonder.

Your guide will take you around the citadel, a beacon of the civilization’s ability to build a fortress in one of the world’s most formidable locations. The human element of Machu Picchu is evident in its intricate building structure, especially when contrasted with the wild, verdant mountains and steep gorges that fully surround the citadel. These magnificent Incan ruins have contoured walls that fit to the curves of the natural rock. They are an amazing architectural jigsaw puzzle of individual blocks that - even though built without supportive mortar - have withstood earthquakes, fires and duress of centuries of neglect. It is even more incredible, when you realize that these stone blocks were raised above the Inca’s valleys, irrigation systems and terraced fields in order to build this wonder. The Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana and the Principal Bath are only a few of the impressive sights that your tour will cover.

After your tour, you have the option explore more of the site and capture any forgotten photos. Some take advantage of Machu Picchu’s spiritual setting to meditate and relax. However, if the trek through the Inca Trail got you yearning for more and you do not suffer from vertigo, you can take a 90 minute climb up the lush peak of Wayna Picchu. Lasting about four hours, the excursion to Wayna Picchu’s temple of the moon is not for the faint of heart and must be done exercising extreme caution. However, the opportunity to tour another temple and see Machu Picchu from another angle, often beckons the more adventurous of visitor.

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Included Trail:
- Transportation Private bus from Cusco to Km 82
- Entrance tickets The Inka Trail and Machupicchu
- Professional Guide English speaking, 2 guides for groups over 9 people.
- Cook In charge of meal preparation
- General porters Carry tents and cooking equipment
- Meals 3 Breakfasts/ 3 Lunches/ 3 Dinners/ Snacks
- Bus From Machupicchu to Aguas Calientes (train station)
- Train to Cusco Backpacker Express (tourist train)
- Double occupancy tents (Doite)
- Rolling mattress
- Dinner tent
- Toilet tent
- Kitchen tent
- Tables, seats, table set and fist aids kit.

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Things to bring
- Valid passport, International Student Identity Card ISIC (if you are a student)
- Large duffel bag, Daypack, 2000-2500 cu. in. to carry your camera, water bottles, sweater, etc.
- Sleeping bag minimum -5°C
- Clothing midweight fleece or wool sweater, fleece pants or tights, midweight thermal underwear tops and bottom, synthetic or wool, hiking pants, hiking shorts, long-sleeve shirts, T-shirts, underwear and casual socks, hiking socks, liner socks, swimsuit, sun hat, bandana, wool or fleece gloves, rain poncho.
- Sturdy hiking boots, sandals for use in town or campsites
- 2 one-quart water bottle(s) or hydration system, flashlight, pocket knife or multi-tool, 1 roll of toilet paper, sunglasses and retainer strap, sun block and lip balm, toiletry kit, personal first-aid kit (personal medication), insect repellent, several Ziploc plastic bags to put all your clothing and accessories
- Camera, film and spare batteries, reading and writing materials, binoculars.

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BOOKING THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU

* Important Notice: We recommend a minimum of 3 weeks to notice book the Inca Trail.

Making an Inca Trail trek booking: Since only 500 trek permits are issued per day for the Inca Trail (trek permits are also required for the porters and cooks) it is important to try to make a trek reservation as far ahead as possible. There is no clear rule as to how far ahead is enough to to guarantee you a space since this depends on demand.

CHECK INCA TRAIL AVAILABILITY 2010 - 2011

Reservations for the Inca Trail to Machupicchu.

To make reservations for the Inca Trail you have to carry out the following procedure: The reservations can be made 360 days in advance before entering the Inca Trail, anytime of the year, be it through paper or by e-mail, according to the format (Reservation Card). The Reservation Office will hand a code with the status of "reserved". The staff in charge of doing the reservations at the Reservation and Collecting Office of the Dirección Regional de Cultura del Cusco - INC has to be duly certified.

The reservation is subject to space availability, being the limitation the loading capacity. The applicant will confirm the reservation up until 30 days in advance before entering the Inca Trail, presenting the final group list at the Reservation and Collecting Office of the Direccion Regional de Cultura del Cusco - INC.
The applicant will also pay 50% of the total amount of the group's entrance tickets at the aforementioned office. The Reservation Office will register the pre-payment changing the reservation to a "confirmed" status. Any reservation that has not been confirmed according to the previous clause of the present article will be automatically void. The reservation will change to the "reconfirmed" status after paying off the other 50%, which has to be done anytime 5 days before entering the Inca Trail, at the Collecting Office of the Direccion Regional del Cusco - INC

Regulation of the Inca Trail Network of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu click here

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INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU

The most popular trek in Peru is the famed Inca Trail, which is likely a road that the ancient Inca used for sacred pilgrimages. Along the route you can view ruins from the once great Incas, who cherished the Sacred Valley for its beauty and resources. Typically, Inca Trail Peru treks last 2 days, 4 days or 7 days. Cusco, the ancient Inca Empire capital, is where people usually head before taking on the Inca Trail, and if you don’t have your plans figured out, there are numerous travel agencies and adventure guides who can help you pick out the right package. Keep in mind that camping along the way on overnight trips is your only option for accommodations, so if you prefer to sleep in a bed, you might try just hiking the last part of the Inca Trail, which can be done in one day. Regardless of where you start, Machu Picchu is the ending point for the trail, so you will always have a most just reward for your efforts.

Each day up to 2,000 tourists flood the ancient Inca mountaintop city of Machu Picchu in southern Peru. They come to marvel at temples built from perfectly chiseled blocks of granite and pay homage to the sun.
Most of the tourists travel by train from nearby Cusco. Others ride the bus. A few hundred heartier souls arrive on foot after a four-day slog along the famed Inca Trail.

Machu Picchu Under Threat from Pressures of Tourism Can Tourists Save a Peruvian Rain Forest? Inca Traditions Pay Off for Peruvian Weavers "For the average tourist, [the Inca Trail] could be the adventure of a lifetime and a real stretch both physically and psychologically," said Karin Muller, a writer, photographer, and adventurer based in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Peru Travel agency tours Operator: Inca Trail to Machu Pichu - Trekking Huraz Peru - Short Inka Trail - Peru Treks - Trekking to Machu Picchu

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Peru Travel agency tours Operator: Inca Trail to Machu Pichu - Trekking Huraz Peru - Short Inka Trail - Peru Treks - Trekking to Machu Picchu

Peru Travel agency tours Operator: Inca Trail to Machu Pichu - Trekking Huraz Peru - Short Inka Trail - Peru Treks - Trekking to Machu Picchu

Peru Travel agency tours Operator: Inca Trail to Machu Pichu - Trekking Huraz Peru - Short Inka Trail - Peru Treks - Trekking to Machu Picchu

Peru Travel agency tours Operator: Inca Trail to Machu Pichu - Trekking Huraz Peru - Short Inka Trail - Peru Treks - Trekking to Machu Picchu

Peru Travel agency tours Operator: Inca Trail to Machu Pichu - Trekking Huraz Peru - Short Inka Trail - Peru Treks - Trekking to Machu Picchu

Peru Travel agency tours Operator: Inca Trail to Machu Pichu - Trekking Huraz Peru - Short Inka Trail - Peru Treks - Trekking to Machu Picchu

Peru Travel agency tours Operator: Inca Trail to Machu Pichu - Trekking Huraz Peru - Short Inka Trail - Peru Treks - Trekking to Machu Picchu

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