Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Experience of a Lifetime By Valencia Travel...

About 500 people walk the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu daily

July 15, 2015

Hillary Ojeda

  The requires physical strength, special equipment and lots of extra hands.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

  

The Inca Trail is the biggest tourist attraction in South America, and its number of visitors continues to rise.

A total of approximately 500 people trek through the Inca Trail on a daily basis toward Machu Picchu, reports Andina news agency.

The National Service of Natural Protected Areas (Sernanp) calculates that about 200 foreign tourists make the trek and the remaining are baggage carriers.

“These people carry food, tents and relief supplies. They do not reach the citadel and therefore tourists have to continue on their own on the last day of the journey,” head of Sernanp, Pedro Gamboa, told Andina.

Gamboa added that there is a surprising range of age groups that decide to take on the arduous trail. It requires physical strength and endurance for 4 days through the Urubamba Valley.

“You have to pass through two defiles (narrow passages between mountains). It seems that the Incas were quite tall because steps are huge,” he pointed out.

To adjust to the rising number of tourists, Sernanp and Cusco’s Decentralized Administration of Culture (DDCC) are in collaboration to potentially open two additional visiting areas said Gamboa.

The entrance fee per person into the Inca Citadel is US$ 50.

Link to article

8 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Trek

This 8 Day Inca Trail Trek offers everything a traveler could want including airfare. This is our longest Inca Trail trek we offer!   

 8 DAY INCA TRAIL LINK

ITINERARY


DAY 1 -  DEPART FROM MIAMI AND ARRIVE IN LIMA THEN FLY TO CUSCO

Overnight, you will board you flight from Miami to Lima and then taken the connection flight to Cusco. After arriving in Cusco, you will join you guide for a briefing about your trek. Then, you will be able to enjoy the sights of the Imperial city of the Incas. 

There is the option to take the CUSCO CITY TOUR. You can be picked up from your hotel at 2 pm to visit the following places:

• Koricancha - Temple of the Sun
• The main cathedral - Home to religious relics and art
• Sacsayhuaman -  Built with stones weighting up to 120 tons
• Q'enqo - A center dedicated to the Earth.
• Puca pucara- An ancient military center
• Tambomachay- Temple of the Water

This tour is end around 6:30 pm , you will be dropped off at your hotel.

DAY 2 -  OPEN DAY AT LEISURE

You can enjoy Cusco at your leisure today or there is the optional full day SACRED VALLEY TOUR.  It starts after breakfast, by picking you up from your hotel at 8:15 am.  

We will travel towards the Urubamba valley to visit the following places:  

• Pisac- Famous for its indigenous market held every Sunday
• Urubamba - We will have lunch here 
• Ollantaytambo - The oldest town still occupied til this day
• Chinchero - Also famous for its markets

Towards the end of this tour, we will return back to Cusco at 6:30 pm. 

NOTE: Tonight, we will have a briefing with the Inca Trail guide at the hotel at 7 pm.

DAY 3 - THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU ADVENTURE BEGINS

We begin our day by picking you up from your hotel and travel by bus towards Piskacucho, also called kilometer 82, this is where our journey begins.  We will go to Ollantaytambo and have breakfast there, this meal is not included. Upon arrival at kilometer 82, we will have some free time.  It will be necessary to show your entrance tickets, passports and student card at the trail's first point. The start of our journey begins with crossing the Vilcanota River and following its route to the right.  The first day is relatively easy and we'll have views of the Incan sites of Huillca Raccay,and Llactapata, also known as Patallacta. We will get to see how the Urubamba mountain range divides the jungle, the Andes and the beautiful snow capped peak of W'akay Willca, known in books as Veronica. Our first campsite called Ayapata is located an hour and half up the small village of Wayllabamba.

DAY 4 -  THE TRAIL TRIAL, WE GO OVER 2 PASSES

After having breakfast, we will start a steep ascent to wards the highest pass (Abra de Warrmihuañusca or Dead Woman's Pass).  On this day, a real sense of achievement of felt upon reaching the top. After resting, we continue descending towards our lunch stop which is located in Pacaymayu. Along the way, we will get the chance to see a variety of birds including hummingbirds. We will also get to admire the variety of native plants and trees including the polylepis or Q'ueuña trees. After lunch,we start our second two hour steep climb towards Runkuraqay pass. We arrive at our campsite by 5 pm.

DAY 5 -  BEAUTIFUL SCENERY

After having breakfast, we will start our day with a gentle climb heading towards the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca (meaning town in the clouds). We will also reach the third highest point along the trail and view the spectacular surrounding areas including mountains and canyons. Then, we will continue walking through the cloud forest towards the Incan site of Intipata. We will then arrive to our third campsite called Wiñay Wayna (meaning forever young).  A short distance from our campsite is the Incan site of the same name. 

DAY 6 - MACHU PICCHU IN ITS GLORY

On our final day, we will head towards the Sun gate or Inti Punku to catch the sunrise. This will be the place where you will have your first dramatic view of Machu Picchu with the sun above it. Afterwards, we will keep walking along the trail to a spot where you'll be able to take the classic picture postcard shot.  Finally, we will visit Machu Picchu itself! Your guide will give you a two hour tour of the site, after which, you will be able to explore this ancient citadel by yourselves. You will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes for lunch and be given your return train tickets to Cusco.The train included goes to Ollantaytambo and then you will take a bus back to Cusco. Your train will leave Aguas Calientes in the afternoon so you'll need to be at the station 30 minutes early. Once in Cusco, a Valencia Travel Cusco representative will take you to your hotel for the night.  

DAY 7 -  FLY BACK TO LIMA 

In the morning, you will have a full day at your leisure in Cusco. In the afternoon, you'll be transferred to the airport for your departure flight back to Lima. 

DAY 8 -  DEPART FROM LIMA TO MIAMI

Today, you will take your connection flight from Lima to Miami!

7 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Trek

This is one of our longer treks along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu that we offer. Travelers will spent time in Cusco before embarking on their trek along the trail to Machu Picchu! 

 7 DAY INCA TRAIL LINK

ITINERARY

DAY 1 - FLIGHT TO THE IMPERIAL CITY OF THE INCAS 

After arriving in Cusco, a representative from Valencia Travel Cusco will be waiting to pick you up.  You'll be transferred to your hotel in our private transportation. You will have a whole day to relax and enjoy what Cusco has to offer. There is the option of taking a free walking tour of Cusco. The tour is around 2 to 3 hours. Places visited include:

• Plaza Regocijo
• Plaza de Armas
• Plaza Nazarenas
• The town of San Blas
• The stone of  12 angles
• San Pedro Market

DAY 2- OPEN DAY

On this day, you will have two options to choice from:

CUSCO CITY TOUR

You'll be picked up at 2 pm and will go to the following places:

• The main cathedral - Plaza de Armas
• Qoricancha - Temple of the Sun
• Sacsayhuaman - Stones that weight up to 120 tons
• Q'enqo - dedicated to the Earth
• Pucapucara - Used to be a military control center
• Tambomachay - Temple of the Water

This tour end around 6 pm after which you'll be dropped off at your hotel.  

SACRED VALLEY TOUR

After having breakfast and picked up from your hotel. We will travel to the Urubamba valley and visit the following towns:

• Pisac - Famous for its indigenous market held every Sunday 
• Urubamba - We will have lunch here
• Ollantaytambo - An ancient Incan town still inhabited
• Chinchero- Also famous for its marketplace

This will be a full day excursion and you will be return to Cusco at the end of the tour. 

DAY 3 - THE START OF THE ADVENTURE

We will pick you up from your hotel and travel by bus to Piskacucho, also known as kilometer 82. This is where our journey begins as we head to Ollantaytambo for breakfast. This meal is not included. Upon arrival at kilometer 82, we will have some free time. It will be necessary to show your entrance tickets, passports and student card at the trail's first control point. The start of our journey will require us to cross the Vilcanota River and follow it along the right side.  The first day is relatively easy and we will have views of Incan fortress of Huillca Raccay, the incredible Incan site of Llactapata, also called Patallacta.  We will get to see how the Urubamba mountain ranger divides the jungle, the Andes and the beautiful snow capped peak of W'akay Willca, known in books as Veronica. Our first campsite called Ayapata is located in the small village of Wayllabamba.  

DAY 4 - THE TRAIL TRIAL, WE GO OVER 2 PASSES

After having breakfast, we will start a steep ascent towards the highest pass called Abra de Warrmihuañusca or Dead Woman's Pass.  Along the way, we will get the chance to see a variety of birds including hummingbirds. We will also get to admire a variety of native plants and trees including the polylepis or Q'ueuña trees. You will feel a real sense of achievement upon reaching the top. After resting, we begin our descent to our lunch stop which is located in Pacamayu. After lunch, we begin our second two hour steep climb towards Runkuraqay pass.  We will arrive at our campsite around 5 pm. 

DAY 5 - BEAUTIFUL SCENERY

After having breakfast, we will start our day with a gentle climb heading towards the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca (meaning town in the clouds). We will also reach the third highest point along the trail and view the spectacular surrounding areas including mountains and canyons. Then, we will continue walking through the cloud forest towards the Incan site of Intipata. We will then arrive to our third campsite called Wiñay Wayna ( meaning forever young). A short distance from our campsite is the Incan site of the same name. 

DAY 6 - MACHU PICCHU IN ITS GLORY

On our final day, we will head towards the Sun gate or Inti Punku to catch the sunrise. This will be the place where you will have your first dramatic view of Machu Picchu with the sun above it. Afterwards,we will keep walking along the trail to a spot where you'll be able to take the classic picture postcard shot. Finally, we will visit Machu Picchu itself! Your guide will give you a two hour tour of the site, after which, you will be able to explore this ancient citadel by yourselves. You will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes for lunch and be given your return train tickets to Cusco. The train included goes to Ollantaytambo and then you will take a bus back to Cusco. Your train will leave Aguas Calientes in the afternoon so you'll need to be at the station 30 minutes early. Once in Cusco, a Valencia Travel Cusco Representative will take you to your hotel for the night.  

DAY 7 - BYE BYE CUSCO

After having breakfast in the hotel, you will be picked up and taken to the airport to catch your flight. 

5 day Inca Trail Trek

This is the ultimate Inca trail experience we offer our travelers!  Our 5 day Inca Trail Trek offers everything a traveler wants to experience what the trail has to offer including a visit to Machu Picchu and a relaxing stay in Aguas Calientes.  

 5 DAY INCA TRAIL LINK



ITINERARY

DAY 1- THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU ADVENTURE BEGINS

The day begins with us picking you up from your hotel and then travel by bus to Piskacucho, also called kilometer 82, this is where our journey begins. We will have breakfast in Ollantaytambo, this meal is not included. Upon arrival at kilometer 82, we will have some free time. It will be necessary to show your entrance tickets, passports and student card at the trail's first control point. After this, we will cross the Vilcanota River and follow it along its right side. The first day is relatively easy and we will have views of the Incan fortress of Huillca Raccay, the vast Incan site of Llactapata, called Patallacta. We will also see how the Urubamba mountain range divides the jungle, the Andes and the beautiful snow capped peak of W'akay Willca, known in books as Veronica. Our first campsite will be in Ayapata
,which is located an hour and half up the small village of Wayllabamba. We will spend the night at this campsite.

DAY 2- THE TRAIL TRIAL, WE GO OVER 2 PASSES

After breakfast, we will start a steep ascent towards the highest pass (Abra de Warrmihuañusca or Dead Woman's Pass).  On this day, a real sense of achievement is felt upon reaching the top. After resting, we will start to descent towards our lunch stop, which is located at Pacaymayu. Along the way, we will see a variety of birds including hummingbirds. We will also get to admire the variety of native plants and trees including the polylepis or q'ueuña trees. After lunch, we begin our second steep climb, which is 2 hours, towards Runkuraqay Pass. We will arrive at our campsite by 5 pm.  We will spend the night at this campsite.

DAY 3 - BEAUTIFUL SCENERY

After having breakfast, we will continue with a gentle climb and visit the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca (meaning town in the clouds).  We will also reach the third highest point along the trail while viewing the spectacular surrounding areas including mountains and canyons. Then, we continue walking through the cloud forest towards the Incan site of Intipata.  We will arrive at our third campsite called Wiñay Wayna (meaning forever young). A short distance from our campsite is the Incan site of the same name.We will spend the night at our campsite.

DAY 4 - MACHU PICCHU IN ITS GLORY AND AGUAS CALIENTES

On our final day, we will head hike towards the Sun gate or Inti Punku in order to see the sunrise. This will be where you will have your first dramatic view of Machu Picchu with the sun above it. Afterwards, we will walk along the trail towards a spot where you'll be able to take a classic picture postcard shot. Finally, we will visit Machu Picchu itself. Your guide will give you a 2 hour walking tour after which you'll be able to explore the citadel by yourselves.You will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes for lunch and check into the hotel.   Afterwards, we will go and relax at the hot springs.  

DAY 5 - TIME TO RETURN TO CUSCO

After lunch, you will be given your return train tickets to Cusco. Your train will leave in the afternoon so you will have to be at the station 30 minutes early prior to departure. The train included is to Ollantaytambo and then by private transportation back to your hotel in Cusco.

4 day Private Inca Trail Trek

Our 4 day private Inca Trail trek gives travelers insight on how the Incas lived and traveled along the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu all within the privacy of your own personal travel group. 

 4 DAY PRIVATE INCA TRAIL LINK

ITINERARY

DAY 1 - THE START OF THE ADVENTURE

We start the day picking you up from Regocijo Plaza and travel by bus to Pisakacucho, also called kilometer 82, this is where our journey begins.  We will have breakfast in Ollantaytambo, this meal is not included. Upon arrival at kilometer 82, we will have some free time. It will be necessary to show your entrance tickets, passports and student card at the trail's first control point. The beginning of our journey begins, crossing the Vilcanota River and we will follow it along the right side. The first day is relatively easy and we will have great views of the Incan fortress of Huillca Raccay, the vast Incan site of Llactapata, also know as Patallacta. We will also get to see how the Urubamba mountain range divides the jungle, the Andes and the beautiful snow capped peak of  W'akay Willca, known in books as Veronica. Our first campsite will be in Ayapata, which is an hour and a half up the small village of Wayllabamba. 

DAY 2 - THE TRAIL TRIAL, WE GO OVER 2 PASSES

After having breakfast, we continue our journey with a steep ascent towards the highest pass (Abra de Warrmihuañusca or Dead Woman's Pass). On this day, a real sense of achievement is felt upon reaching the top.  After resting, we descent  to our lunch stop, which is located at Pacaymayu. Along the way, we will get a chance to see a variety of birds including hummingbirds. We will also get to admire a variety of native plants and trees including the polylepis or Q'ueuña trees. After lunch, we continue on for a two hour steep climb towards Runkuraqay pass and arrive at our campsite by 5 pm.

DAY 3 - BEAUTIFUL SCENERY AND A SHORT WALK TO CAMP

We start our day with breakfast and a gentle climb towards the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca (meaning town in the clouds). We also reach the third highest point along the trail  and get to view the spectacular surrounding areas including the mountains and canyons. Afterwards, we'll keep walking through the cloud forest towards the Incan site of Intipata. Then, we arrive at our third campsite called Wiñay Wayna. A short distance from this campsite are Incan ruins with the same name. 

DAY 4 - MACHU PICCHU IN ITS GLORY

On our final day, we will leave our campsite around 5:30 am. We will go to the sun gate or Inti Punku in order to see the sunrise. This is where you will get to see your first dramatic view of Machu Picchu with the sun above it!  Afterwards, we will walk along the trail to a spot where you'll be able to take the classic picture postcard shot.  Finally, we will visit Machu Picchu itself! Your guide will give a 2 hour tour of the site and afterwards, you can explore this citadel by yourselves. You will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes for lunch and be given your return train tickets to Cusco. Train included in all tours to Ollantaytambo and then by bus to Cusco. You can request an extra night in Aguas Calientes. This option in popular as it allows travelers to explore the area and Machu Picchu more! 

3 day Inca Trail

Our 3 day Inca Trail trek offers travelers the opportunity to trek the roads built by the Incas . This trek is the perfect length for those looking for a short adventure leading to the amazing world wonder of Machu Picchu!     

 3 DAY INCA TRAIL LINK

ITINERARY

DAY 1 - THE START OF THE ADVENTURE

We start the day picking you up from Regocijo Plaza and then travel by bus to Piskacucho, also know as kilometer 82, this is where our journey begins. We will have breakfast in Ollantaytambo, this meal is not included!  Upon arrival at kilometer 82, we will have some free time. It will be necessary to show your entrance tickets, passports and student card at the trail's first control point. At the beginning of the trail, we will cross the Vilcanota River and follow it along its right side. The first day is relatively easy and we will have incredible views of the Incan fortress of Huillca Raccay, the vast Incan site of Llactapata, also known as Patallacta. We will get to see how the Urubamba mountain range divides the jungle, the Andes and the beautiful snow capped peak of W'akay Willca, known in books as Veronica. Our first campsite will be in Llulluchapampa located two hours and a half up towards the small village of Wayllabamba. 

DAY 2 - THE TRAIL TRAIL, WE GO OVER 2 PASSES 

After having breakfast, we will continue our journey with a steep ascent towards the highest pass. (Abra de Warrmihuañusca or Dead Woman's Pass) On this day, a real sense of achievement is felt upon reaching the top. After resting, we descent for an hour and a half until reaching Pacaymayu. Then, we continue on for two hours climbing steep terrain towards Runkuraqay Pass. Finally, we descent to reach our lunch stop, located at Chaquicocha. After reaching the third pass, we will get the opportunity to visit the Incan site of Phuyupatamarca. Then, we continue walking through the cloud forest until reaching the Incan site of Intipata. Afterwards, we will reach our second campsite called Wiñay Wayna. A short distance from our campsite is the Incan site called Wiñay Wayna (meaning Forever Young). Along the way up the pass, we will get to see a variety of birds including hummingbirds. We will also have time to admire the variety of native plants and trees along the way, including the Polylepis or Q'ueuña trees.

DAY 3 - MACHU PICCHU IN ITS GLORY 

 On our final day, we will leave the campsite in the early morning.  We will journey towards the Sun gate or Inti Punku in order to catch the sunrise. This will be the place where you will have your first dramatic view of Machu Picchu with the sun above it. Afterwards, we will walk down the trail to a spot where you'll be able to take the classic picture postcard shot. Finally, we will visit Machu Picchu itself. Your guide will give a 2 hour walking tour of the citadel and then you will have time to explore the citadel by yourselves.There is the option to hike up Wayna Picchu. Based on new regulations, tickets to hike up this mountain need to be booked in advanced. There are two time slots: 7 - 8 am and 10 - 11 am. If you choose the 7 am slot, you will miss the Machu Picchu tour. Your guide will meet you in Aguas Calientes for lunch and give your return train tickets back to Cusco. Train included in all tours are to Ollantaytambo and then by bus to Cusco. You can always arrange an extra night in Aguas Calientes. This option is popular as it gives travelers more time to explore the area including Machu Picchu.   

2 day Inca Trail Trek

One of the shortest treks, we offer to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu.  Our 2 day Inca Trail trek allows travelers to enjoy what the trail has to offer without having to endure days on end in trekking.

2 DAY INCA TRAIL LINK

ITINERARY

DAY 1 - CUSCO TO WIÑAY WAYNA TO MACHU PICCHU

We will start the day picking you up from your hotel and take you to the train station.  By train, you'll enjoy a picturesque route for about two hours until the train stops at kilometer 10 (the start of the Inca Trail).  From here, we will walk about 4 hours towards the Incan site of Wiñay Wayna (meaning Forever Young). We then continue on toward the Sun gate or Inti Punku, from where you'll have the first dramatic view of majestic Machu Picchu. We will take a side path away from the trail to go towards Aguas Calientes (known as Machu Picchu town).  Here, we will rest for the night to be fresh for the early morning!     

DAY 2 - MACHU PICCHU THEN RETURN TO CUSCO

After having breakfast, we will take a bus up to Machu Picchu!  Your designated guide will give you a 2 hour walking tour. Afterwards, you will have time to explore this amazing ancient citadel by yourselves!  There is an option of hiking up to Wayna Picchu (which takes about 45 minutes). Regulations concerning visiting this site requires travelers to book in advance. Time slots are : 7 - 8 am and 10 - 11 am.  *Choosing the 7 - 8 am slot means you will miss the Machu Picchu tour* You will then meet your guide in Aguas Calientes for lunch and be given your train tickets back to Cusco. The train usually leaves between 2:30 pm and 6 pm depending on the time slots and availability. You can also request an extra night in Aguas Calientes, as this will give the traveler more time to explore the area.    

Inca Trail Treks

Valencia Travel Cusco offers amazing treks along the infamous Inca Trail ending in majestic Machu Picchu.

The following are treks we offer:

• 2 Day Inca Trail

• 4 Day Classic Inca Trail

• 4 Day Private Inca Trail

• 5 Day Inca Trail

Additional Treks:

• 7 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
  
  
• 8 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Inca trail Packing Lis

Valencia Travel Cusco's Packing List For Treks