It is the most famous footpath in America highlighted by the changing scenery and great biodiversity it offers to the hikers. It has fascinating views, sub-tropical vegetation with numerous species of flowers and ecology, with over 350 species of orchids and a great variety of birds, hummingbirds and the majestic Andean condor. The Inca trail follows an amazing ancient Inca paved stone way, stairways, tunnels and several temples along the route. You will be accompanied by an experienced bilingual guide. What makes it so rewarding is the fabulous treasure you will stop at the end - MACHUPICCHU.  

Duration: 4 days, 3 nights.

Distance: 45 km.

Itinerary:

Day 1.- Cusco – Km 82 (PisqhaK’ucho) – Llucha pampa.- We pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Pisqhaqk'uchu (km 82 of the railroad from Cusco to Machupicchu), the starting point of the trek. On this first walking day we explore part of the sacred valley of the Incas until we turn into the Cusichaka valley. We arrive at Huallabamba where lunch will be served; after this we continue through the Huayruru Valley. We arrive at Llullucha pampa camp (3800 masl), from here you will be able to overview and absorb the stunning mountain views. The trek includes a visit to the Inca town of Llactapata and other small traditional communities on the way. Today we’ll hike about 15 km, which should take 8 hours including stops. It is considered the hardest day of the entire trek, especially the last 4 km, because we walk more than the other tour groups in order to lighten the second day and, avoid that the campsite is already crowded.

Day.-  Llullucha Pampa – Chakiccocha.-  After breakfast we continue walking up towards the point of the “Dead Woman pass” (4200 meters), the highest point of the trek. Then the trail descends into the beautiful Paqhaymayo Valley. Here lunch will be served and after a rest we will ascend to the second pass (4000 masl) walking on the original Inca paved steps. At the top there is a splendid view of the Vilcanota mountain range and finally we will descend to Chaq'iqhocha camp (3600 masl). The hike will last for about 8 hours (15km as well). And it is easier compared to the previous day. Along the route we will visit and hear the historical background from our guide about the Runkuraqhay and Sayacmarka Inca archaeological sites.

Day 3.- Chakiccocha – Wiñayhuayna.- We leave the campsite through the lovely cloud forest watching the flowers and the great variety of birds and hummingbirds. It is a splendid view of the snow capped mountains which belong to the Pumasillu mountain range. Today the hike will last for about 5 hours, covering 10 km. This part of the trek will be rewarded by the astonishing Inca temple of Phuyupatamarka and  Inti Pata. The lunch will be served at the campsite and after this we will visit Wiñayhuayna, considered the most beautiful temple along the Inca trail. Not many hikers go to see this place, as they arrive too late at their campsites.

Day 4.- Wiñayhuayna – Machupiichu – Cusco. We will leave the campsite very early, and finish with a moderate 2 hour-walk, escorted by our experienced guide. The whole day can be dedicated in exploring these extraordinary Incan temple remains. Surely one of the greatest things to do on this trek, is to arrive at Machupicchu as early as possible before all the other tourists come in by train (for the day tour). Later in the afternoon the train will take you back to Cusco, arriving there in the evening and we will transfer you to your hotel.

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.
Other.-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.
Extra porter.- In case needed, for carrying  your personal items (8kls) in duffel bags, a service which we provide for US$ 40.00 for the entire trek.
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 staff porters.
Others.- There is an optional night in Aguas Calientes; we will assist you on this but please kindly let us know in advance, so we change your train tickets for the next day.

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, sun hat and wool hat, flashlight, extra batteries, sun block and insect repellent, toilet paper and garbage bag, small towel and bathing suit (hot springs), camera, extra film for your camera, snacks, chocolates, energy bars, emergency money and walking stick (optional).

It is for me?
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$ 400.00 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 make o 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).