ITINERARY
DAY 1: CUSCO CITY TOUR
Upon your arrival in Cusco, you will be welcomed by our representative at the airport and transfered to your hotel. The rest of the morning being at your leisure to rest and acclimatize.
Meet your fellow travellers and guide at 1pm briefing before heading out on an insider’s tour of Cusco. Walk to the San Pedro market to experience the sights and smells and enjoy a fresh juice from one of the kiosks. Continue by private transfer up to the Cristo Blanco near the ruins of Sacsaywaman for panoramic views of the city. From here, walk down a trail to the narrow cobblestone streets of San Blas, lined with cafes and local art galleries. Finishing at the Main plaza of Cusco
- 3* Accommodations: Maytaq Wasin or Waman Hotels
- 4* Accommodations: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection or Novotel Hotels
DAY 2: CUSCO- PISAC – MORAY- SALT MINES- OLLANTAYTAMBO
We start this beautiful day at 7:30am, when your guide picks you up at your Cusco hotel in our private van. Our route to the Sacred Valley of the Incas leads us to Pisac. We stop first at the Mirador of Taray to enjoy an expansive view of the Urubamba valley and its traditional farming villages. You will see how the agriculture in the Sacred Valley has changed little in the past five hundred years. Onward, we drive to the archeological site of Pisac, where you can see an impressive Inca cemetery with more than 2,000 tombs. There, we can admire the carefully engineered farming terraces carved into the mountain, explore the Inca tunnel and the religious area of this important citadel. Here, we will spend about 2 hours, exploring the Inca city. Then, we head down to the colorful market of Pisac, spend about 20 minutes visiting it and then drive to Urubamba for lunch.
Our next stop is the fascinating archeological site of Moray also known as “The Greenhouse of the Incas” a deep basin of architectural wonder. Levels of terraces are carved into a huge bowl, which was carefully engineered by the Incas. The terraces have varied microclimates depending on how deep into the bowl they are placed. Archeologists believe that they were used by the Incas to discover the optimal growing conditions for their crops and experiment in hybridization.
Continuing on our journey to the colonial town of Maras, we look down onto the pre-Inca salt “mines,” called salineras in Spanish. Thousands of salt pans have been passed down through countless generations and used for salt extraction since before Inca times. A hot spring at the top of the valley discharges a small stream of heavily salt laden water, which is diverted into salt pans and evaporated to produce salt. This is one of the few places in the world where you can find naturally pink salt!
Finally, we drive to Ollantaytambo, taking the time to explore the Inca village that has remained intact since Inca times and the massive Inca Ruins, with a tour provided by our guide. Visit the massive architecture of the Sun Temple at the top of the formidable terraces and learn about the importance of this site for the Inca during the beginning of the Spanish conquest. Here you spend the night at your hotel in Ollantaytambo, ready to start the Inca Trail the next day.
- 2* Accommodations: Veronica View hotel or Tunupa Lodge
- 3* Accommodation: Pakaritampu Hotel or El Alberge
- There are no 4* hotels in Ollantaytambo
- Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel
DAY 3: OLLANTAYTAMBO – PISKACUCHO – WAYLLABAMBA
Today begins your adventure of a lifetime with the Classic Inca Trail! Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in our private van at 6:30am. From there, we travel to Piskacucho, which is known as Kilometer 82, where the Classic Inca Trail begins. Along the way, we stop for breakfast in Ollantaytambo at about 6:30-7:00 to load up on energy for our first big day. (Breakfast is not included)
Arriving at KM82 (8:30am), we will have some time to organize ourselves, use the restrooms, apply sunscreen, insect repellent, etc. Here you will give your duffel bag to the porters, keeping only a small daypack with the essentials you need during the hike. Check our packing list for more information. Once at the Inca Trail checkpoint, be ready to show your passports and your student ID card, if you booked as a student. Your guide will have all of your permits and tickets.
At the start of the trail (2,720m/8,923ft) you will cross the Vilcanota River and follow its scenic route. The first day is relatively easy, a warm-up along the rolling ‘Inca flat’ terrain. There are great views of the Inca Fortress of Huillca Raccay, the vast and incredible Inca site of Llactapata, (also called Patallacta), the Urubamba mountain range that divides the jungle, the Andes Mountains, and the beautiful snow-capped peak of Veronica (5,860m/19,225ft), also known as W’akay Willca. You stop for your first gourmet lunch at Hatunchaca, after which you only have about three hours of walking to camp.
Our first campsite is about 2 hours past the small village of Wayllabamba (3,000m/9,842ft) located in the temperate green valley of the same name. Temperatures at night can be as low as 5ºC, depending on the season. It is generally colder in the dry season from May to September.
When you arrive at camp, your afternoon tea and appetizers will be ready for you. Enjoy a hot drink and settle into your tents, which will already be set up for you.
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Distance: 12kms
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
DAY 4: WAYLLABAMBA – WARMIWAÑUSCA – PAQAYMAYU
Your guide will wake you up with a hot mug of tea or coffee at 5:30am. Enjoy your hot drink in your sleeping bag before getting up for a delicious and hearty breakfast. With your daypacks as light as possible, you start a steep ascent towards the highest pass, Abra de Warmihuañusca, also known as Dead Woman’s Pass at (4,200m/13,779ft). On this day, you will feel a real sense of achievement upon reaching the top! After a well-deserved break for photos, you begin the descent towards your lunch spot, which is located at Pacaymayu (3,550m/11,646ft).
On your way up towards the pass, you will see an array of hummingbirds and a variety of other species of birds. There will be plenty of time to appreciate the incredible variety of native plants and the Polylepis, or Q’ueuña trees, which grow in the astonishing cloud forest located at (3,650m/11,972ft)!
After a gourmet lunch, you begin the second two-hour steep climb towards Runkuraqay pass (4,000m/13,123ft). You arrive at your campsite by 5 pm, where your afternoon tea and appetizers are waiting for you. Temperatures at this campsite are around 4ºC during the night.
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Distance: 11kms
- Difficulty: Moderate/challenge
DAY 5: PAQAYMAYU – CHAQ’ICOCHA – PHUYUPATAMARCA – WIÑAY WAYNA
This is the most impressive day so far, so keep this in mind as you ascend on day three! Your guide will wake you up at 6am with another hot mug of tea or coffee before you get up for breakfast. You start the day with a gentle climb towards the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca, which means ‘Village in the Clouds’. Here, we reach the third highest point along the Inca trail (3,680m/12,073ft). The views of the mountains, canyons and surrounding areas are spectacular!
The extensive Inca site of Phuyupatamarca, is located a few minutes’ walk from the third pass. After visiting this site, you continue walking down 3,000 stairs through the cloud forest to the impressive Inca site of Intipata. As you descend from the mountains, you will feel the temperature rise. You are approaching not only Machu Picchu, but also the beginning of the Amazon jungle! After taking some time to visit Intipata, you continue to your third campsite Wiñay Wayna (2,680m/8,792ft). Today, you will only walk about 4 to 5 hours. You will arrive at camp by lunchtime! Temperatures during the night are about 12º C.
A short walk from your campsite is the famous Inca site of Wiñay Wayna which means “Forever Young” in Quechua. It is named after a special orchid which grows abundantly in the area.
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Distance: 15kms
- Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 6: WIÑAY WAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
At around 4:00am, it is time to wake up with another hot drink and start day 4 on the Inca Trail. This is the final part of your journey, and you arrive by 6:00am at the Sun Gate, also known as Inti Punku. At that point, the majestic Machu Picchu Citadel will be in front of you with its mystic beauty – an incredible sight for all to see. At the Sun Gate, you will watch sunlight spreading down over the citadel like melting goal, as the sun rises behind you. Finally, we walk downhill towards Machu Picchu Citadel (2,400m/7,872 ft.). After walking about 40 minutes, we enter the citadel from the top through the “House of the Guardians”. From there, we proceed towards the control point, where we register and leave any large backpacks or walking poles. You are only allowed to take small bags into the citadel, such as camera bags. Walking poles are not allowed because they can damage the stones.
Your guide will give you the full tour, which takes about two hours. You will see all of the most important parts of Machu Picchu, including the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Condor, Temple of Three Windows, Sun Dial, Quarry and the House of the Inca. You will also learn about how Machu Picchu is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential and religious.
After your tour, those who have booked in advance for the extra hikes up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain will have time to enjoy those views on their own. When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs.
Enjoy the Vistadome train at 14:55 or 15:20 from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy Station with a private van connection to, arriving at your hotel in the evening around 7:00pm. (During the rainy season, January through April, the train only runs to the Ollantaytambo station).
- 3* Accommodation: Maytaq Wasin or Waman Hotels
- 4* Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection or Novotel Hotels
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Distance: 6kms
- Difficulty: Easy
DAY 7: CUSCO – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN – CUSCO
We will pick you up from your hotel at 4am, and begin with our amazing Rainbow Mountain Trek Adventure. We set out on our drive for 3 hours through the South Valley; ending up at the trailhead at Llacto (4,638m / 15,216 ft). Along the way, there are amazing views of farming Inca terraces, traditional villages, valleys and high Andean peaks.
The herds of alpacas and llamas near your breakfast place will entertain you in the early morning. Once we reach the trailhead, we start on our hike following a lovely stream. As you start your hike, you will have views of the Ausangate Mountain and glaciers. You can interact with the local people, who are still keeping traditional Quechua culture alive. Learn about their traditional clothes and the significance of the different hats worn by the men. Ask your guide to teach you a few words of Quechua!
After a total hike of 1.5 hours, we finally reach our destination: the Rainbow Mountain (5,020m /16,466ft). After admiring the unique beauty, you will have time to explore the area. You can take pictures or just soak up the view. We will spend approximately 30 minutes at the top. Afterwards, there is an optional hike across to the top of the Red Valley. This walk takes about 45 minutes longer to get back to the trailhead.
At this point, we hike back down the way we came. The hike takes 1 hour, then we enjoy our lunch which will prepare by our cook.
We will embark on the3-hour drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your Cusco hotel, arriving around 6:00pm.
- Meals included: hot breakfast & lunch
- Difficulty: moderate to challenging
- Meal included: Breakfast at your hotel
DAY 8: TRANSFER OUT.
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy your remaining time in Cusco city then at any time, we will drop off at the airport to take your plane back to Lima and then home.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
Included
- Welcome at the Cusco airport and transfer to your hotel
- Pick up at your hotel for the tours and for the trek departure
- Private transportation
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- 4 person Eureka tents for every 2 trekkers (large and comfortable)
- Comfortable foam mattress and pillow
- English speaking professional guide experienced in mountains
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request)
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
- Porters to carry tents, food, cooking equipment
- Extra porter for your things, it means you will need only a day backpack to carry the things that you will be using along the day!
- Hot water for washing purposes
- Boiled water to fill in your bottles
- Vistadome Train from Aguas Calientes to Poroy station and private transport to Cusco except in rainy season the train only runs to the Ollantaytambo station)
- Admission Ticket to the Inca trail and Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex
- Private guided tour and entrances to the archeological sites
- Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Dining and cooking tents with tables and chairs
- Chef, cooking equipment and kitchen tent
- Rainbow Mountain tour in a small group.
- Sacred Valley tour with all entrances
- Tour around Cusco city
- Rain Ponchos
- Day pack rain covers
- Taxes (18%)
Not Included
- Sleeping bag (-5 ºC) –$20 USD
- Air Mattress –$20 USD
- Walking Poles –$15 USD
- Wayna Picchu Mountain –$75 USD
- Machu Picchu Mountain –$75 USD
- Energy snacks – chocolate bars, dried fruits (recommended)
- Lunch and Dinner on the last day
- OPTIONAL UPGRADES for hotels to 4* or more
- Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters of SAM TRAVEL PERU
- Hotel single supplement – $50 USD per night for solo travelers
- Transfer out to the Juliaca airport
**Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
PRICES
This unique Inca Trail Package can leave on any date, as long as we have a minimum of 2 participants!
- $947 USD per person Vistadome Train without hotels
- $1,147 USD per person Vistadome Train 4N 3* hotels & 1N 2* hotel
- $1,347 USD per person Vistadome Train 4N 4* hotels & 1N 3* hotel
*** All prices include 3 nights camping and 1 night homestay.
DISCOUNTS
- 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD. Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for discount.
- Under 18 years old: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: $40 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Check the Inca Trail availability calendar by month.
EXTRAS
- Sleeping bag (-5 ºC) –$20 USD
- Air Mattress –$20 USD
- Walking Poles –$15 USD
- Machu Picchu Mountain –$75 USD
- Huayna Picchu Mt –$75 USD
- Personal Tent –$30 USD
- Hotel single supplement –$50 USD per night for solo travelers 3*
- Hotel single supplement –$100 USD per night for solo travelers 4*
- Upgrade to 4 or 5 star hotels
**Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
ADDED VALUES INCLUDED IN THE INCA TRAIL PACKAGES
- Transfer from the airport to hotel (Cusco only)
- Boiled Water is included along the Inca Trail
- Oxygen Tank will be available along the trek
- Plastic Rain Poncho made by SAM Travel Peru is included
WHY CHOOSE SAM TRAVEL?
SAM Travel Peru is a family owned travel agency and a local tour operator based in Cusco with personal experience over many years of trekking. SAM Travel Peru is a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders.
Our dream as a locally based company is to create small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering in PERSONALIZED and HIGH QUALITY SERVICE.
We take pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. Our staff are our extended family. We ensure they are supported financially by offering them a fair salary. We are proud of our team without them , we wouldn’t be able to offer the best service and lifetime experiences to our clients.
SAM Travel Peru knows how important it is to trust in a reliable honest operator to create your adventure of a lifetime while in Peru. Check out our reviews and certificates of excellence on, TRIPADVISOR for yourself! Also we are highly recommended on Conde Nast Travelers, Lonely Planet and by many blogs like: Trek de Lares 4 hours, “It’s the journey, not the destination…”, Lares Pass – Day 3, Trekking in the Sacred Valley.
SMALL GROUPS
To ensure a more personalized service for our guests, at SAM Travel Peru we have a policy that our groups will not exceed 8 people. This fact alone sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups.
OUR TOP TOUR GUIDES
We are so proud of our guides! They are highly professional and speak fluent English. They are very knowledgeable and passionate for Inca heritage and history. Our guides are dedicated to continuous personal and professional development. They do research to ensure that you receive accurate and recognized theories in Inca and Andean culture. Our crew is fun loving, great sports and well-educated. They all hold degrees in one of the following: Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History or Anthropology.
OUR SUPER COOL PORTERS
Trekking with SAM Travel Peru is a life changing experience with a fully portered trek, where your comfort and enjoyment are our first priority. We make sure that you get the best experience for your holiday in Peru, while you interact with the locals, explore fantastic sites and re-discover remote ancient Inca towns. Our porters will carry your gear, prepare your meals, set up your tents by avoiding crowded campsites and take care of you while you sit back and relax.
We provide the following items to our porters for free: Jacket, sun hat, warm hat, t-shirt, pants, hiking boots, comfortable duffel bags, canteen and girdle for protecting their spine, sleeping bags, mattresses and travel insurance. All of our porters are hired from isolated communities and are given the opportunity to work with our company, in regards, to better their economic circumstances as well as getting help for their children’s education! We ensure that all of our porters are treated like family!
OUR EQUIPMENT
Our team (guides, cooks, porters, horsemen) and our equipment also makes SAM Travel Peru stand out from all of our competitors! For all our adventurous hikes, we include the following items:
- OUR TENTS: Enjoy a good night sleep in our 4 season EUREKA Timberline tents. All our tents are 4 man tents, ONLY 2 persons will sleep in each, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
- OUR FOAM MATTS: They are included to separate and insulate you from the ground. Additional AIR MATTRESSES can be rented for $20 USD.
- OUR KITCHEN & DINING TENTS: The dining tent is used as our meeting room at meal times. This is a great time to sit back relax and catch up for a chat.
- OUR TABLES & CHAIRS: The interior of the dining room includes tables and chairs with two doors on each side, adapting to the day’s weather.
- DUFFEL BAGS: Will be provided at briefing time the night before the trek.
- MORE: Pillows, backpack, rain covers, survivor t-shirts, hot shower and bio chemical toilet are all provided on the trek.
OUR SERVICE PROJECTS
SAM Travel Peru has always believed that we should give back to the communities we pass through on our treks. Therefore, as part of our commitment in responsible tourism, we socially support and employee from these communities.
SAM Travel Peru is proud to be able to support our beautiful local people. We not only in hire them for work but we also bring things back to our grassroots, to share in their homes and families. It makes us happy to have a holistic approach with our highland employees and their families!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please read carefully the following information as it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and the Inca Trail Package
ARRIVAL TO CUSCO
You will be welcomed at Cusco airport and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to your Inca Trail Package. Look out for our representative holding an orange board SAM Travel Peru at the arrival terminal. You must exit the terminal in order to find our representative because due to regulations, they cannot enter inside the airport.
THE BRIEFING
It will take place the night before the tour at 6pm in our office which is located at Casa de mi Abuelo, Calle Garcilaso 210, Office 207.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During your tour or Inca Trail Package your main luggage can be storde at our office or at your hotel, both services are free.
HOW TO BOOK
FIRST, to book your Inca Trail Package, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase an Inca Trail Package permit without the following information:
- Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
- Nationality
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the Classic Inca Trail Machu Picchu. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many ATMs within the historical center to withdraw money. Most banks allow you to choose if you want to withdraw cash in USD or Peruvian soles. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge. This is charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address of samtravelperu@gmail.com.
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately the answer is no. Once the tickets have been bought, the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure dates after the ticket has been bought. Tickets are also not transferable or refundable. If you cancel your Inca Trail Package, we are unable to refund your deposit!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your package for classic Inca Trail Machu Picchu permit, entrances & other reservations. In case you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us your old number to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number. Please send the new passport number as soon as possible.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend to always dress in layers as that makes it easier to adjust to the different quickly changing weather conditions.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimate normally. It usually takes 1 or 2 days.
The recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you for altitude sickness. For more detailed information on altitude sickness click this link: Altitude Sickness.
IS THE TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
The Classic Inca Trail Machu Picchu is a 42km (24.4 mile) hike through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is 4,217m/13,907ft. On the second day of the trek we climb two mountains. This trail is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and be used to regular exercise.
In preparation: try walking 15kms in a day or go to the fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3,350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE TRAIL?
In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the Inca Trail Package due to a health reasons, Sam Travel Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance is required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Generally, those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly they continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (this extra cost incurred is by the trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the tour. It inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SAM Travel Peru destinations. Of course you are free to tip as much as you feel appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your tour. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator! We incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.
WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR THE INCA TRAIL PACKAGE?
- Original passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
- Valid university card (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2-3L (Camelbaks are encouraged)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from SAM Travel)
- Headlamp: essential
- Toilet paper for during the day on the trail. At camp you will have toilet facilities.
WHAT TO PUT IN THE DUFFEL BAG FOR THE INCA TRAIL PACKAGE?
As a Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 pounds including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters or horses. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. In this 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad. This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear.
- 2 t-shirts
- 2 pairs of hiking pants
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 3 sets of hiking socks
- a couple of fleece tops or thermals
- Warm clothes, down jacket (the 2nd campsite temp can be as low as 3º C)
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, bring them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger.
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
- Battery charger: there is no electricity along the trek
- Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to help keep your duffel dry – Please ask for them!
- Sleeping bag: It should be at least -15ºC. This can be rented from us for $20 USD.
TOILETRIES
- Face moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc
WHAT TO PUT IN THE DAY BACKPACK FOR THE INCA TRAIL PACKAGE?
We highly recommend that you bring a small backpack of 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag which is carried by the porters during the day. You will have access to this duffel at camp each evening.
- Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring your canteens!
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Headlamp: essential
- Wool hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Snacks
- Coca leaves
- Rain plastic poncho (this is provided by SAM)
- Gloves
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste (This is only for during the day. At camp you will have toilet facilities.)
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips