5-Day Inca Trail Tour (Caminos del Inca)

Incas Trail Tour Itinerary:

DAY 1:

05:00 – 16:00: Cusco – Km 82 – Hatunchaca

This adventure begins at 5:00 AM (it is recommended to have breakfast at the hotel before pick-up). We go through the accommodation to start the transfer to the Sacred Valley, exactly at Km 82 in Piscacucho, where the walk begins.

After 2 hours of travel, you arrive at the Patallacta complex whose terraces are erected on an ascending slope, where you see impressive landscapes and the Wakaywillque or Snowy Mountain “La Verónica” (5900 masl / 19,356 ft).

Our journey continues to Tarachayoq, to enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by Guru Explorer’s Chef. Then continue a short section to reach Hatunchaca, place of the first camp, where you have dinner and rest.

DAY 2:

6:00 – 17:00 : Hatunchaka – Warminanuska – Pacaymayu

This day requires more physical effort; after having breakfast very early, an abrupt ascent begins, through a path surrounded by a Queñua or Polylepis forest, until it comes to rest at the highest point of the Inca Trail, the Abra Warmiwañusca or Mujer Muerta (4,224 masl / 13,860 ft) whose area seems to surround you with a majestic landscape of deep valleys and mountains.

We begin the descent, passing to the lunch point and continuing to Pacaymayo, the second camp that allows, in addition to a comforting rest, the incomparable contact with nature.

DAY 3:

06:00 – 16:00 : Pacaymayu – Winaywayna

This day you wake up in the middle of the beauty of the Inca Trail. After breakfast, start the ascent until you reach Runkurakay, a building of small stones and without a roof considered as an astrological site and a kind of checkpoint for the messengers on the way to Machu Picchu.

Continue the journey between a cloud forest and views of the mountain ranges, to the largest archaeological site of the Inca Trail, Sayacmarca, known as a town in a steep place.

Then you discover the beautiful architecture of the City Above the Clouds or Phuyupatamarca, to finally arrive at the iconic archaeological complex Inca Wiñay Wayna or “Siempre Joven” (2650 m / 8,694 ft), architectural beauty that covers the side of a mountain respecting the natural form. Here we will have a well-deserved rest.

DAY 4

04:00 – 20:00 : Phuyupatamarca – Winaywayna – Aguas Calientes

This last day of hiking, breakfast is served before sunrise, to reach the Intipunku or Puerta del Sol (2,720 m / 8,924 ft) enjoying a spectacular view of Machu Picchu, which at this time is with few people.

We will descend towards Aguas Calientes where you have the option of camping in Puente Ruinas or staying in a hotel.

DAY 5

04:00 – 20:00 : Machu Picchu – Cusco

After breakfast, start the ascent on the tourist bus on the way to the wonderful Machu Picchu, where you enjoy a personalized tour of the Citadel, its most important places, main temples, stairways, squares, roads, among other amazing spaces of this architectural complex, such as the Intiwatana.

At the end of the guided tour, you have free time to explore this extraordinary World Heritage Site on your own.

Our guide will indicate where and at what time they will meet again for the return to Aguas Calientes where, after exploring the town, you take the train back to Ollantaytambo, and then private transport to arrive in Cusco around 9:00 p.m.

Guru Explorers will take you to know, not only a destination, but live unforgettable emotions that transform your perspective forever!

Price of the Inca Trail Tour includes:

• Briefing one day before the tour.
• Transfer from the lodging in the historic center of Cusco. Sometimes access is limited by the narrow streets of the city; if this is the case, the guide will suggest a nearby point to pass through the group.
• Return to the lodging (private tours) or Plaza “Regocijo” (One block away from the Plaza de Armas in Cusco).
• Professional guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese (ask for availability for this or other languages).
• Professional chef.
• Meals: 04 breakfasts, 04 lunches, 04 dinners, (vegan and vegetarian options available)
• Tourist transport (round trip) Cusco – Ollantaytambo.
• Dining tent, camping tent, sleeping bag and mats.
• Entrance ticket to the Inca Trail.
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
• Tourist Train tickets (round trip) Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes in Expedition category. (You can upgrade the train category with extra charge)
• Tourist bus ticket (round trip) Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu.
• Emergency oxygen.

Price of the Inca Trail Tour excludes:

• Transfer from hotels outside the city of Cusco (ask for extra costs to pick up from the Sacred Valley or other places).
• Tip for the guide.
• Beverages.
• If you want to add an additional hike, mention it at the time of booking. Entrance ticket to Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, check availability with Guru Explorers.
• Entrance ticket to hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner or other food not specified in the itinerary.
• Trekking pole. Rental option available.
• Evacuation expenses due to illness or emergencies.
• Medical insurance.

What to Bring to the Incas Trail Tour?

• It is recommended to bring: comfortable shoes, light clothing, a hat, wool hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, rain gear (especially in November – April).
• Personal hygiene Items: toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, wet towels, water, personal medication.
• Insect repellent (important for this tour)
• Passport or DNI. (Mandatory).
• A clean set of clothes for after the trek.
• ISIC card if you are a student.
• Travel insurance, mandatory.
• Flashlight or small headlights.
• Bathing suit and towel (optional for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes).
• Photo camera.
• Cash (local currency).

What considerations should you have when making the Incas Trail Tour?

• This tour includes porters (loaders or luggage carriers) exclusively for camping and logistics, it is recommended to pack as lightly as possible, as you will carry your luggage yourself. If you want to hire a porter, communicate it at the time of booking.
• Use a backpack for trekking. You cannot enter Machu Picchu with backpacks over 25 liters. Larger luggage can cause problems, putting at risk the loss of the tour without possibility of refund. (we recommend that it be as small as possible)
• You must choose the Entrance Tickets to Machu Picchu in the purchase process. Prices vary if you are not part of the Andean Community (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and Colombia).
• The passport information provided must be accurate and up to date on the date of the tour. If you have changed your passport, notify the new data 14 days in advance, otherwise there will be an additional charge of 15 USD.
• It is possible to upgrade the train ticket category. (See options)
• The train schedule and access to Machu Picchu may vary depending on availability (we recommend making reservations as far in advance as possible).
• For the transfer from Cusco, you should consider that sometimes, access is limited by the narrow streets of the city; if this is the case, the guide will suggest a nearby pick-up point.
• Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
• Due to environmental, climatic or other factors, beyond our control, the travel itinerary may vary. If so, it will be notified promptly.
• “Guru Explorers” values ​​your time and strives to respect the tour schedule; however they may vary for reasons beyond our control (weather, natural disasters, field conditions, among other demonstrable.
• Remember that, since these are outdoor activities, the natural features of the landscape may vary depending on weather conditions and the natural daylight. Each visit is an authentic experience, where nature reveals itself in unique and unrepeatable ways.

According to Peruvian regulations, foreign tourists may be exempt from the local tax IGV (VAT). As a formal and registered travel agency, we are required to submit to the local authorities a copy of the document you used to enter the country, as well as your date of entry. For this reason, a few days before your arrival, we will contact you to request a photo of that document and ask you to let us know the date you entered Peru. If we do not receive this information, we will be required to add the 18% corresponding to the IGV tax. 

Thank you for your cooperation!

Important considerations:

• To book the tour, it will be necessary to pay a deposit of 350 USD per person. With this we will be able to make the purchases of the entrance tickets to the attractions and the trains. The difference must be paid before 30 days from the start date of the tour.
• The passport information provided must be accurate and up to date on the date of the tour. If you have changed your passport, notify the new data 14 days in advance, otherwise there will be an additional charge of 15 USD.
• In the event that the passenger decides to leave the Inca trail during the journey, he will be responsible for the extra expenses that may be incurred such as food or transportation. However, you will have the option to rejoin the group on the last day for the visit to Machu Picchu and return to the city of Cusco.
• There will be no refund in case of delayed flights; train delays, bad weather or other external factors.

Cancellation Policies:

• More than 15 days: The penalty is 300 USD.
• Between 7 and 15 days: The penalty is 350 USD.
• Less than 7 days: The penalty is 100% of the total.

Date changes:

• More than 15 days: The penalty is 250 USD.

• Between 7 and 15 days: The penalty is 300 USD.

• Less than 7 days: The penalty is 100% of the total.

   

• There will be no refund in case of delayed flights, train delays, bad weather, or other external factors.

Force Majeure Policy

• Guru Explorers values your time and makes every effort to follow the itinerary. However, it may be affected by force majeure events such as weather conditions, rain, natural disasters, protests, roadblocks, or other circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, no refunds or compensation will be provided, as these are unforeseeable and unavoidable situations. Nonetheless, we will do everything possible to offer efficient alternatives and solutions for your enjoyment. Any additional costs resulting from changes or alternative activities will be the responsibility of the client and not Guru Explorers.