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ITINERARY
Day 1: CUSCO – KM82 – WAYLLABAMBA – AYAPATA
Today, you will be picked up from your hotel in our comfortable private van at 5am. From there, we drive to Piskacucho, which is also known as KM 82. This is where the Classic Inca Trail begins! Along the way, we stop for breakfast in Ollantaytambo at about 6:30-7am to load up on energy to start our trek. (Breakfast is not included within the package).
Upon arrival at KM 82, take the time to use the restrooms, apply sunscreen and insect repellent among other things. Your porters will take your belongings from this point. All you need to carry is a few essential items required for the hike! Be ready to show your passport, student card (if a student) and permits at the Inca Trail checkpoint.
At the start of the Inca Trail (elevation 2,720m/8,923ft), we cross a bridge above the Vilcanota River and follow this route towards the right. The first day is relatively easy, a warm-up along the “Inca flat” terrain. The trail goes upwards gently, gradually gaining elevation without any steep sections. You will have great views of the Inca Fortress (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 W’akay Willca (5,860m/19,225ft), also known as Veronica Mountain. It is truly a scenic trail!
Along the way, your porters will set up a dining tent and your chef will make an exceptional lunch for you to enjoy near the trail. Our first campsite is Ayapata, an hour and a half away from the small village of Wayllabamba (3,000m/9,842ft) located within the temperate green valley of the same name. Temperatures at night are around 5ºC/41°F b, depending on the time of year.
During the day, we will enjoy not only the spectacular views of different snow-capped mountains including Veronica, (5,860m/19,337ft), but also the lush green valley around us and a myriad of flora and fauna. Watch for the many endemic hummingbirds on this section of the trail!
To end the day your chef will serve your dinner in an elegant setting, as close to silver service as you can get in the great outdoors. Enjoy our in-house masseuse and sleep in the comfort of a queen size mattress, under crisp white linen.
***PLEASE NOTE: We recommend that you bring a 30l backpack on the trek in order to carry and fit all your daily essentials.
- Meals included: Lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and dinner
- Accommodation: Luxurious camping facilities and showers
- Distance: 12kms/7.5mls (6 hours more or less of hiking)
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Day 2: AYAPATA – PASS – PAQAYMAYU – CHAQUICOCCHA
Your guide will wake you with a hot cup of coffee or tea between 5 to 5:30am, after which you will enjoy a delicious breakfast with a wide variety of options. Next, we start a steep ascent towards the highest pass along the trail, Abra de Warrmihuañusca or Dead Woman’s Pass at (4,200m/13,779ft). On this day, you will feel a real sense of achievement upon reaching the top of this pass! After a well-deserved rest, we begin to descend towards our lunch spot, which is located in Pacaymayu (3,550m/11,646ft).
On our way towards the pass, we will be able to see a different array of hummingbirds and a combination of other species of birds. You pass through many microclimates along the Inca Trail, so both flora and fauna today will be different from yesterday. There will be plenty of time to appreciate the incredible variety of native plants including the Polylepis or Q’ueuña trees, which grow in the astonishing cloud forest located at (3,650m/11,972ft)!
After lunch, we begin our second two hour steep hike towards Runkuraqay pass (almost 4,000m/13,123ft). We arrive at our campsite by 5 pm, where your chef will greet you with hot drinks and appetizers before dinner. Temperatures at this campsite can be as low as 4ºC/39°F during the night.
After such a strenuous day of hiking, lets help get those kinks out. Enjoy another massage or a hot soothing shower. After, a delectable dinner awaits you before settling in for the night.
- Meals included: Breakfast, water, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and dinner
- Accommodation: Luxurious camping facilities and showers
- Distance: 16kms/10mi (9 hours more or less of hiking time)
- Difficulty: Moderate/challenging
Day 3: CH’AQICOCHA – PHUYUPATAMARCA – WIÑAY WAYNA
This is the most archeologically impressive day of our trek! We wake up again with a hot drink to enjoy in our Queen size mattress before getting up for breakfast. We start the day with a gentle climb towards the Inca archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca (meaning Town 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!
After visiting this site, we continue walking through the cloud forest to reach the remarkable agricultural Inca site of Intipata. After taking some time to explore this site, we continue until we arrive at our third campsite, Wiñay Wayna (2,680m/8,792ft). Enjoy an elaborate lunch, rest a little and explore the Wiñay Wayna campsite and its surroundings. Temperatures during the night are about 12º C/53º F.
The chef on your trek prepares the most elaborate and scrumptious meals. This could easily be the best food you will ever try in Cusco. You will not be disappointed!
A short walk from our campsite is the famous Inca site of Wiñay Wayna (meaning Forever Young), which is considered the most impressive site along the Inca trail. Your guide will explain the historical significance and the fascinating tale of how it was recently rediscovered by archeologists.
- Meals included: Breakfast, water, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and dinner
- Accommodation: Luxurious camping facilities and showers
- Distance: 10kms/6.2mls (5 hours more or less of hiking)
- Difficulty: Moderate, mostly downhill
Day 4: WIÑAY WAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
On your final day, we wake up at 4:30am to have breakfast and start our hike towards Machu Picchu. This is the final part of our journey, at around 6:00am at Inti Punku, otherwise known as the Sun Gate. At that point, the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu will be right in front of us with its intense beauty – an incredible sight for all to see! Watch the sun rise, spreading light down over Machu Picchu like flowing gold. After admiring this wonderful view, we continue downhill towards the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu (2,400m/7,872 ft). After walking for about 40 minutes, we enter the citadel from the top, through the House of the Guardians. From there, we proceed to the control checkpoint, where we register our group and leave any large backpacks. Your guide will direct you throughout the astounding ruins and its main streets, answering all of your questions about this New 7 Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can wonder around the town square as well as climb the intricately carved stone stairways. Once the guided tour is over, you will have free time to take more photos of this extraordinary place.
You will descend towards Aguas Calientes by bus and board the Vistadome train which departs at 4:22pm to the Ollantaytambo Train Station. Finally we tranfere you by private van back to your hotel in Cusco scheduled to arrive at around 8:30pm.
You will also have time to indulge in a few of the following activities on your own if you choose (not included in the price)
- Climb up Huayna Picchu and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from above.
- Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include: a visit to the local museum or soak in the local hot springs.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Distance: 6kms/3.7mls
- Difficulty: Easy
*** Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hikes depend on availability, please let us know as soon as possible if you would like to book, tickets sell out fast.
*** We only take Sam Travel Peru clients in our vans / cars – We do not use public transportation.
WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR THE LUXURY INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS?
A hand-crafted and fully personalized Premium Package from start to finish.
Included
- Briefing: We give you all the information needed in order for you to have a pleasant trek with very little surprises. The best part is that we will conduct your briefing in the comfort of your hotel.
- Duffel bag: During your briefing we provide a duffel bag for you to pack your clothing and other necessities for the trek. The porters will carry your duffel bag and you will only have excess to it at the end of each trekking day. We recommend that you carry a 30L backpack for your daily personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc.
- First aid and Emergency Oxygen Tank: Your safety is our number one priority. For this reason, our guides are CPR and First Aid trained annually by the Fire department or Red Cross. If you get one of the worst symptoms for altitude sickness which is loss of oxygen, we do carry an oxygen tank so you can get immediate assistance. We are also prepared for minor injuries on the trek, we administer quick and effective treatment, so you can continue with your trekking.
- Satellite phone: We use a Satellite phone on all our treks that are 3 days or more. Each guide carries a phone that is fully charged and ready to use. In extreme cases, whereby you experience serious health issues, we can call emergency services immediately. We get you to the nearest town for medical assistance or transportation. If your condition is urgent and you need to be airlifted to a hospital, this can also be arranged. The trekker is liable for all medical costs incurred, including the airlift (travel insurance is essential). On the lighter side. Our satellite phone can be used to touch base at home or to give a loud shout from the top of the Andes. All personal calls will cost you US$2.00 per minute.
- Door to door service: The day of your trek we will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco. On return we will drop off at your hotel in Cusco.
- Separated private transportation: Our staff members and camping equipment travel in a separate van. You, your guide and fellow travelers travel in total peace and privacy.
- Bus tickets and Train Tickets: After your privately guided tour of Machu Picchu,we include a bus ticket to the nearby town of Aguas Calientes, to catch the Train to Ollantaytambo. Glamping Peru also includes the spectacular Vistadome train with leather seats designed to conform to your body. This train has the best views of valley, mountains and river decorating the landscape as you make your way back to Ollantaytambo.
- Entrance Tickets into Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail: As soon as you confirm your booking and pay the deposit, we purchase your permit into the Inca Trail and your entrance ticket into Machu Picchu. These tickets sell out very fast. Our super team behind the laptops ensure that all tickets and permits are purchased timeously and you don’t miss out on your great adventure. The personal information you give us has to be 100% accurate because even our awesome team won´t be able help edit details once they have purchased the tickets on your behalf and there are absolutely no refunds on the tickets.
- Professional Bilingual Guide: You will have a guide that is highly professional, experienced and fluent in English throughout the trek. They are very knowledgeable and passionate about Inca heritage and history. You will get a two hour fully guided tour of Machu Picchu. Our guides dedicate themselves to continuous professional development and growth to ensure that you receive accurate and recognized theories about Inca and Andean culture. They are fun loving, great sportsmen and well–educated, they hold a degree in at least one of the following: Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History or Anthropology.
- Porters: Fully trained porters hailing from local communities to carry the main luggage (all the equipment and cooking stock). The porters also set up camp for you, in beautiful, secluded campsite, without too much traffic.
- Extra Private porter: Our treks are fully portered. What that means is that you get an extra personal porter to carry your duffel received during your briefing. Weight should be (10 kg/22.1 lb. total) including your sleeping bag and mattress (03 kg/6.6 lb.). For health and safety reasons the weight cannot exceed these recommendations.
- Meals: We have yet to receive a complaint about the food or any of our chefs. Your private chef provides delectable meals throughout your trek: 4 hot breakfasts. 3 Lunches and finally 3 dinners. The guide wakes you every morning with a hot drink, making everyday a good day on that trek. We also include afternoon tea on the Classic Inca Trail which is as equally impressive. Our chefs take pride in all dishes served. Our chef and porters work in tandem, so that when you arrive at camp everything is set and ready to go. We also provide a variety of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks. Drinks like Maracuya or Chicha Morada, Pisco Sour Cocktail or a good selection of beers and wines.
- Water: We supply bottled water for drinking every day after meal time. Make sure you fill up your canteen or camel bac on the first day.
- Taxes: All prices include the 18% tax charged by the government
Luxury Amenities and Equipment:
- Hot Shower Tent with Towels: We supply a hot shower to clean up after every trekking day with complimentary towels.
- Robe and slippers. we provide not 1 but two robes, one silk and the othe cotton, as well as slippers. We want you to feel like you are staying in a luxurious hotel, instead of the great outdoors.
- Private Chef, chef´s assistant and waiter: If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, please let us know at booking and we will gladly accommodate your needs. You will receive upscaling dining, with a waiter to cater to your needs.
- Dining tent and chairs: We provide a private communal style dining tent, to catch up on the day’s events and build some comradery with your fellow travelers. Eureka Copper Canyon, Kingcamp KC 2808 chairs.
- Utensils: You will dine using Porcelain or ceramic crockery, glassware and unique stone or wood plates.
- Bedroom tent. Included are sleeping bags, Therma rest Mattress, cotton sheets, blankets and pillows Eureka Copper Canyon (maximum 2 pax). Tuck yourself in-between crisp white linen for the best night sleep off the beaten trek.
- Specialized massage therapists: We have massage therapist to accompany you on the Classic Inca Trsiland it is at your disposal every evening when required. This is at no charge to you and another complimentary service from Glamping Peru.
- Portable chemical toilet: This is very important while trekking because the Government toilets can be less then sanitary. We set up our clean waste toilet system a comfortable distance from camp and it has its own private tent.
- Travel bag: This is a small complimentary bag, with travel size shampoo, conditioner and soap
NOT INCLUDED FOR THE LUXURY INCA TRAIL
- Wayna Picchu: $85 USD – will need to be booked in advance.
- First breakfast and last lunch. We will stop at Ollantaytambo for the first breakfast and have the last lunch at Aguas Calientes after the tour of Machu Picchu.
- Tips for the guide, cook and porters of SAM TRAVEL PERU
PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Trek is available on any date that is best suited to you, as long as we have a minimum of 2 trekkers, except in February when its closed for maintanance.
- PRICES from: $2,997 USD per person
CHECK YOUR TREK AVAILABILITY BY CLICKING ON THE DROPBOX AND CHOOSING THE MONTH & YEAR OF YOUR CHOICE
WHAT IF THE LUXURY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
If permits are sold out for the Luxury Inca Trail Tours to Machu Picchu Trek on your preferred date, you will have many options that will still allow you to trek and enjoy the Andes along the way to MACHU PICCHU. Alternative treks are just as beautiful as the Inca Trail. They are less crowded because we take you OFF the beaten track in the Andes and make sure you don’t miss anything while on your trek to MACHU PICCHU.
SAM Travel requires a minimum of 2 trekkers for departures! You can choose any day that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 trekkers.
***If you are a solo traveller and are flexible with your start date, we will make sure you have a group to travel with so you won’t miss out on any of the fun.
ALTERNATIVE TREK OPTIONS:
- LARES TREK SACRED VALLEY AND MACHU PICCHU 4D/3N
- SALKANTAY TREK 5D/4N
- INCA QUARRY TRAIL 4D/3N
- WILDERNESS SALKANTAY TREK 4D/3N
- COMPLETE SACRED VALLLEY MACHU PICCHU 2D / 1N
FYI: We will buy your Inca Trail permit using the original names and passport numbers that you send to us in your booking form (booking form must be completed accurately). If the name or number on your passport does not match the name and number on the Inca Trail permit, the Peruvian government authorities will not allow you to enter the trail and you will not be entitled to a refund!
RENEWAL OR CHANGE OF NAME ON MY PASSPORT
You have to bring your original passport, in order to gain entry onto the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and other sites. It must be the original passport that you used to book with us.
In case, you are renewing your passport or changing your name, send us your old passport information to secure your permit and we can change it when you get your new passport or have updated your name for a fee of $25 USD per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change.
If you do not wish to pay this fee, you will need to bring both your old and new passports with you to Peru. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both old and new passports to enter into Machu Picchu and other sites. If you do not have both, you will not be allowed to enter into these amazing sites.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please read the following information carefully, as it will help answer most of your questions about our services and the Luxury Inca Trail Tours to Machu Picchu
ARRIVAL IN CUSCO
You will be welcomed at the airport in Cusco and taken to your hotel. Please ensure that you inform us of your flight details at least 14 days prior to your trek. Look for our representative holding a board stating: SAM TRAVEL PERU TREKS at the arrivals terminal. You must exit the terminal to find our representative (they cannot go inside).
THE BRIEFING
This will take place the night before the trek in the comfort of your hotel.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the Luxury Inca Trail 4 days to Machu Picchu , your main luggage can be stored at our offices or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.
HOW TO BOOK:
FIRST, to book your Inca Trail trek, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click this link Book NOW
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase an Inca Trail permit without the following information:
- Personal information (your full name, exactly as it appears on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.O.B. (dd / mm / yyyy)
- Nationality
SECOND, we require a deposit of $525.00 USD per person in order to secure your departure. You can make your deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page or booking page.
WHAT ABOUT MY REMAINING BALANCE?
To avoid the excessive credit card fees in Peru, you can pay in cash at our office (we accept US dollars or Peruvian soles) in Cusco. We have many ATMs within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but there is a 5.5% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address samtravelperu@gmail.com to complete the payment.
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE PERMITS/TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately, the answer is No. Once the Luxury Inca Trail tours to Machu Picchu permit and other tickets have been bought, the Peruvian government does not allow any changes. We can’t change the departure date after the permit & tickets have been paid for. Tickets are also not transferrable or refundable.
*** If you cancel your Luxury Inca Trail Tours to Machu Picchu, the deposit is non-refundable!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE INCA TRAIL?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport as it is necessary to gain entry onto the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and other sites. It must be the same passport that was used to book with us from the start.
In case, you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit and we can change it when you get your new passport or updated your name for a fee of $25 USD per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change.
If you do not wish to pay this fee, you will need to bring both your old and new passports with you to Peru. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both your old and new passports to enter Machu Picchu and other sites. If you do not have both, you will not be allowed to enter into these amazing sites.
DUFFEL BAG AND SMALL BACKPACK
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes and items for the next four days. By law, your weight allowance is up to 10kg/120lbs. This includes 1kg for your sleeping mattress and 2kg for your sleeping bag, leaving 4kg for your personal items. Your team of porters will carry your duffel bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day backpack only big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 25 to 30L backpack is sufficient.
ARE THERE TOILETS ON THE LUXURY INCA TRAIL TOURS TO MACHU PICCHU?
Our clients who want a bit of privacy, always appreciate the clean and sanitary toilet we provide! SAM Travel includes a portable bathroom facility with an individual tent and a camping toilet with a seat. Check out the following link, which illustrates how we set up our camping toilet on the trek: picture of the toilet tent. Our toilets are always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite. At night, if you need to use the toilet, it is readily accessible and clean. Unlike the public facilities supplied by the Peruvian government, which are not always cleaned regularly.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE LUXURY INCA TRAIL TOURS TO MACHU PICCHU?
In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, 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 and recommended. 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 can then continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu, according to the original plan.
WILL WE GET DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE LUXURY INCA TRAIL TOURS?
Absolutely!! Hotel pick ups and drop offs are included with all of our treks and packages! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley, we will drop you off there and vice versa.
WHAT TIME DOES THE TRAIN DEPART?
This is dependent on availability (during high season it could be sold out). But the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and the ability to enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco on the train. Therefore, we usually book the train at 4:22pm. With this train schedule, you will have more than 4 hours to enjoy Machu Picchu.
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 trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SAM Travel destinations. Of course, you are free to tip what you feel is appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality of service and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
ARE WE SUSTAINABLE?
Yes! SAM Travel is 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, understand, and respect the places and its local people.
PACKING LIST
WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR THE LUXURY INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS?
- Original passport (it has to be the same as the one used when booking your trek)
- Valid university ID card (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Reusable water bottles of 2-3L (We encourage Camelbaks)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from GPT Travel)
- Headlamp: essential
- Toilet paper
WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR PROVIDED DUFFEL BAG?
As a Direct Local Tour operator, we provide you with a duffel bag during your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter, who will carry up to 10 kgs/20 lbs of your belongings including 3kg for your mattress and sleeping bag.
- 2 t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants, at least
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 3 sets of hiking socks
- 2 Fleece/ thermals shirts
- Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quick dry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger
- Small bottle of soap: we provide a shower.
- Battery Chargers: No electricity along the entire trek
- Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them.
- Sleeping bag: It has to 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
- Personal first aid kit
WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR DAY BACKPACK
We highly recommend a small day backpack between 20 to 30L for hiking during the day. A backpack bigger than 30L to 40L will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at the campsite.
- Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, by bringing your own water bottle or Camelback. We will provide you with cold boiled water during every meal time.
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Headlamp: essential
- Wool hat
- Rain gear
- Insulated fleece jacket
- Snacks (chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits)
- Rain poncho
- Gloves (for cold mornings)
- Camera with extra batteries
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
