Peru is the best country in South America for hiking as it inhibits a spectacular mountain scenery and a great  biodiversity of climates. This 5 day trekking tour to Machupicchu is an excellent alternative for people who want to walk at their own pace and stay away from the bigger crowds as well for people with altitude difficulties. It is highly recommended for families with children. Over this 45 km, we spend 3 nights in tents and one night in a hotel at Agues Calientes where the natural hot springs are waiting for the hikers. In this program we also have the opportunity to see the sunset and sunrise at Machupicchu and its surrounding green mountains. Per day we walk for about 7 to 8 hours, including stops.

Duration: 5 days, 4 nights

Distance: 45 km

Itinerary:

Day 1.- Cusco – Km 82 (PisqhaK’ucho) – Wayllabamba.- We pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to Pisqhaqk'uchu (km 82 of the railroad from Cusco to Machupicchu), starting point of the trek. On this first walking day we explore part of the sacred valley of the Incas until we arrive to Llactapata were we will find an extraordinary Incan city. Then we turn into the Cusichaka valley  and trek parallel to the river until we arrive at Huallabamba (3,000 meters). Today we will hike 11 km, which should take approximately 7 hours including stops.

Day 2.- Wayllabamba  – Paqhaymayu.-  We will leave Wayllabamba camp and we start climbing through inter-changeable ecological zones with magnificent views from mountain forests (Puna region) to the dry Rocky Mountains. The trail continues towards the north up to the highest point named “the Dead Woman pass” which lies at 4200 meters above sea level. From here you will be rewarded with a stunning mountain scenery. Afterwards the trail descends to the Paqhaymayu (at 3600 meters). We set up camp at this location.

Day 3.- Paqhaymayu –Phuyupatamarka.- We leave Paqhaymayu and walk up towards the second pass (4000 meters), all through stunning mountain scenery and we walk on the original Incan trail paved with stones. After that we will descend to Sayacmarca, the beginning of the Amazon; at this place we will see a lot of birds, humming birds and flowers; The trail continues across the beautiful cloud forest until Phuyupatamarka (3,600 meters).

Day 4.- Phuyupatamarka – Aguas Calientes.- Wake up surrounded by spectacular landscapes and a great views of  green mountain scenery and the sound of the birds. Leave the campsite and we descend the 3,200 Incan steps until Wiñayhuayna where lunch will be served. After a little rest we will continue up to Inti Punku (Sun gate) to see the sunset at Machupicchu. From here the trail descends to Machupicchu and after a stop for pictures, we will continue down to Aguas Calientes and settle into our hotel accommodation. Later in the afternoon there is time to relax at the natural hot springs.

Day 5.- Aguas Calientes – MACHUPICCHU – Cusco – The full day can be dedicated in exploring Machupicchu. Early in the morning we will take the first bus to see the sunrise at Machupicchu and the surrounding mountains. Together with our expert guide you will have ample time to tour the ruins, since the other tour groups only arrive at midday. Later in the afternoon we will take the tourist train back to Cusco, arriving in the evening, ready to be transfered to your hotel.

Note: All departure and arrival times are approximate; the campsites are subject to the physical condition and wishes of the group and last minute recommendations by the guide.

What's Included?
The following items for this trek are included:

Transportation.- Transfer from your hotel in our Tourist bus to Piscakucho (km 82), starting point of the trek .- Bus down from Machupicchu to Aguas Calientes.- Tourist train back packer class from Machupicchu to Cusco.- Transfer from the train station to your hotel.
Camping equipments.- We provide a four people capacity tent for two persons, brand new four season tents, roll mattresses, dinning room tent, a kitchen tent,  a toilet tent, seats, tables, a tent for the guides and porters, kitchen gears, back packs and warm clothes for the porters plus life insurance for the porters.
Entrance fees.- For the Inka trail and Machupicchu.
Meals.- 3 breakfasts - 3 hot lunches - 3 hot  dinners: delicious meals prepared by our professional chef. Food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking, hot drinks including coca leaf tea which is excellent for the altitude. Teatime everyday (tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn). We offer a vegetarian menu option and we also provide available boiled water each mourning for your water bottles.
Guide.- English speaking licensed guides, 2 guides over 8 people.
Cook.-Professional chef and chef assistants.
General porters.- For camping equipment, food and kitchen gears.
Extra porters.- In case needed, for carrying  your personal items (8kls) in duffel bags
Others.-Hot water every morning and evening before and after the trek for washing purposes; First aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle.

What's Excluded.

Breakfast.- On the first morning; some hotels offer early morning breakfast. If not available, we stop at Ollantaytambo on the way to the starting point of the trek,  where you can have breakfast and buy some items that you need for the trek.
Meals. In Aguas Calientes on the final day, you should consider a budget from US$10.00 to US$20.00  for this meal. Entrance to the thermal baths in Aguas Calientes (optional) US$ 3.00.
Sleeping bags. Can be rented in our office for US$ 10.00 for the entire trek (every sleeping bag is thoroughly washed prior to each use).
Tips.- For the guides, cook and staff porters are not included.

Recommended things to take.
Sleeping bag (you can rent this at the SUNRISE office), mineral water (one liter), rain gear or poncho (a plastic poncho can be purchased in Cusco), Hiking shoes (runners shoes are not recommended), warm jacket or fleece and wind coat, t-shirts, shorts and long pants, a sun hat and wool hat, flashlight, extra batteries, sun block and insect repellent, toilet paper and a garbage bag, a small towel and bathing suit (hot springs), camera, extra film and/or extra batteries for your camera, snacks, chocolates, energy bars, emergency money and a walking stick (optional).

It is for me?
If you wish to feel the charming of the local nature, please do join us in this unique adventure. Any body who likes to trek can do it. The Inca trail is 45 km and a moderate 4 days hike.  In this tour every is allowed to pick its own speed and the highest point we go on this trek is 4200 meters. From there, you will be rewarded by a beautiful mountain scenery. (See the reports). If you do not like to trek, we have an alternative program by train to Machupicchu, with an extra night in Aguas Calientes, for this option you must kindly let us know in advance.

Price & Discount.
US$ 490.00 per person.

Discount.
You qualify to get a discount of US$ 20 of the entrance fees to Machupicchu if you are a student, under 26 years old and if you have valid ISIC student card; It must be presented to INRENA & INC park control to obtain the permit. Your card needs scanning and therefore, kindly send us this card at booking time. You have to remember to carry your ISIC card and original passport with you. The International Youth Travel Card, ISTC card or other type of card is not accepted. We also offer US$ 5 .00 discount to groups of 3 people and US$10.00 to groups of  5 or more people.

Available departure dates.
We leave every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday all year round. During February we operate alternative routes because the Inca Trail is closed for cleaning up the trail and fix the camp sites if necessary.  We never offer you a waiting list, if you are too late to book your tour and you can’t extend your time, we can offer you alternative tours like: Lares trek 4D/3N including Machupicchu tour or Salkantay trek 5D/4N including Machupicchu tour (see our program for it). Obviously all combined with the jungle tour.

If you wish to know if there is space available on the Inca Trail to Machupicchu, please feel free to e-mail us or call from any country to +51 84 236466.

When to makee a booking.
We recommend you to book 30 days in advance; if you are thinking to come in between June and September we advice you to book at least 8 weeks in advance. Only 500 people are allowed to enter the Inca Trail each day, and this includes guides and porters, which leaves  approximately 200 tourists. Thus, hikers essentially require permits obtained in advance by a licensed local tour operator to reserve space on the trail. When you book the very last minute, you will likely not get space and not a good campsite.

How to book.
You can book through our web site, by confidentially providing us your complete name, number of your passport, nationality, age and gender. You must remember to carry your original passport. If you are a student under 26 years old, please kindly scan and send us your valid ISIC card. In case of any questions, please feel free to e-mail us and we will respond to you as soon as possible. You can also call us at +51 84 236466 cell  +51 84 9303274.

Payment details. 
We will require a non-refundable trek deposit of US$ 100.00 per person. The deposit can be issued through a WESTERN UNION money transfer. This is the fastest and most secure form of payment in Peru. Please kindly state SUNRISE EXPEDITIONS TOUR OPERATOR E.I.R.L as the recipient. Once you arrive to Cusco you can pay the balance in cash by either US dollars or in local currency (Peruvian Soles).

Group size.
A typical group consists out of 10 persons, with a maximum of 16 persons in high season.