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Luxury Inca Trail + Amazon Tour

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Days

Age + 8

Mar, Jun, Dec.

Availability

$2,500

Inca Trail Hike + Luxury Amazon Tour 13 Days

Inca Trail Hike + Luxury Amazon Tour 12D Tour all-inclusive. Cusco – Sacred Valley of the Incas – Classic Inca Trail 4D/3N to Machu Picchu – Amazon Jungle 3D/2N – Huacachina Oasis – Ballestas Island/Paracas National Reserve – Nazca Lines the Best of Peru.

The vast Amazon Rainforest covers 60% of Peru’s territory, and it is the second-largest section of the Amazon with abundant biological diversity, it is one of the most appreciated treasures of Peru. The Inca sanctuary of Machu Picchu is also considered an important and must-see attraction in Peru including the ancient Inca Trail that leads to this Inca site.

This trip combines the best of natural and man-made attractions from the rainforest to the Andean region. Lima, the capital of Peru, also offers must-see places in the historic area such as the Cathedral, San Francisco church, amazing beaches with good waves for surfing, etc.

Travelers on this trip will visit the lush rainforest, the fertile Sacred Valley of the Incas such as Pisac market, Pisac and Ollantaytambo sites, and hike the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu, explore the awe-inspiring and enigmatic Machu Pichu. Enjoy this Peru package tour including the best attractions and create once-in-a-lifetime experiences visiting them.

TALK WITH A DESTINATION EXPERT

We tailor itineraries to your dates and interests, adjusting hotels, excursions, and length as desired.

We consistently receive 5-star reviews from our discerning clients.

Max Altitude

4215 m / 13829 ft

Best Time

May/Nov

Accommodation

REI TENTS

Difficulty

Moderate/Challenging

Group Size

8 People Max

Day 1: Arrival in Lima – Early Flight to Cusco and transfer to your Hotel – Cusco Acclimatization.

Once you all gather at Lima airport you will await your flight to Cusco. There is a Starbucks at Lima airport and a large food court where you can relax while you wait for your flight. Check in your bags at the counter. Once you arrive in Cusco one of our staff members will be waiting for you holding a sign saying “Smith Family.” You’ll then be transported to your hotel. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then relax. Today is meant for you to rest after a long trip and learn how to acclimate to the altitude sickness in Cusco Peru for the rest of the day.

Day 2: Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour Sacred Valley Tour begins at 8:00 am.

Pick up will be from your hotel in our private transportation. You will visit the 3 main archeological sites within the Sacred Valley of the Incas and observe firsthand how native people to this day continue to dye their textiles like their Inca ancestors. After various pictures and a wealth of new knowledge, you’ll head back to Cusco and be dropped off at your hotel around 6:30 pm. Tonight you’ll have a pre-departure briefing with your Inca trail tour guide so that you can have an idea of what to expect the next day and ask any questions you may have. Your duffel bag will be given to you where you can pack your belongings for the Inca Trail along with any other equipment you have chosen to rent (sleeping bag, inflatable mattress, hiking poles, etc.)

Day 3: Training Day: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Piscacucho – Yuncaypata Campsite

INCA TRAIL ITINERARY

Early hotel picks up at 5 am in your private transportation. You will go on a 3-hour drive towards Kilometer 82. A hearty breakfast will be served to you right before KM 82 checkpoint and any last-minute snacks can be purchased during this stop as well. Here you will have the chance to repack any personal belongings and then head to the checkpoint for the Inca Trail.

You will begin this trail hiking a gentle up and down path until you reach the first Inca remain called Llactapata. Your tour leader will give you information about this site and also begin their guiding introduction about the Incas and the many remnants left. You will continue to hike for two hours and stop for your gourmet-style lunch. If there is extra time on our hands we can stop for a short nap, if not, we can continue our 3-hour hike towards the Yuncaypata campsite. After dinner, we recommend you get a good night’s rest because the following day is the most challenging day of all.

  • Meals: B/L/D snacks, hot drinks, boiled water
  • Maximum Altitude: 3,300m/10,826ft
  • Minimum Altitude: 2,700m/8,852ft
  • Distance Travelled: 14 Km/8.5 miles
  • Walking Time: approximately 8 hours

Day 4: Challenging Day: Ayapata – Warmi Wañuska (Dead Woman’s Pass ) – Paqaymayu – Chaquicocha

Wake-up time will be at about 5:00 am followed by an early breakfast. Today will be the most challenging day of this entire trek so we make sure to head out early. Your hike begins going slowly and gradually uphill over Dead Woman’s Pass. This path is composed of original steps used by the Incas. We highly recommend you take walking poles to assist you during this hike (available for rent).

Dead woman Pass 4215m

This is the highest point in this entire trail and takes about 4-5 hours to hike this entire pass. When we all reach the top we will have a short break to take pictures and appreciate the view. We will then descend the steps of this pass which takes us about 2-3 hours until we reach our lunch spot at Paqaymayu. After lunch, we head out to the second pass called Runkurakay. This pass is a lot shorter and it will take about 2 hours to trek.

Day 5: Dead Woman Pass – Challenge 3 Hours This pass is also composed of original Inca steps.

After finishing the Runkurakay pass you will begin to feel a different type of weather and microclimate. You will appreciate a striking sunset and feel amongst the clouds. Few groups do this second pass the same day but we believe it is too beautiful of a view to be overlooked. After a much-deserved rest, we continue walking to our campsite in Chaquicocha where we will have our happy hour of hot drinks followed by your gourmet dinner. We will go to sleep early for the next day is an unforgettable day. •Meals: B/L/D snacks, hot drinks, and boiled water •Maximum Altitude: 4,200m/13,774ft •Minimum Altitude: 3,600m/11,811ft •Distance Travelled: 16 Km/ 9.94 miles •Walking Time: approximately 10 hours The last picture before the dead woman passes profile | Inka Trail To Machu Picchu

Day 6: Unforgettable Day: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Intipata – Wiñayhuayna.

Today your hike will only be for a half-day walk so you can sleep in till 6 am. Breakfast will be served gourmet style, as are all of your meals. After breakfast, we begin our walk on one of the most beautiful days on this trail. You will walk along the Andes Mountains where you will appreciate stunning views of cloud forests, glaciers, the affluent Urubamba River, and the beginning of tropical valleys. Once you reach the Phuyopatamarca summit you will have a short break and adjust your walking sticks for the descent. A 1000 meter/ 3,280 ft. of steps downhill will follow. Prior to reaching your last campsite, you will visit Intipata Inca remains. Here you will see massive terraces left by the Incas and have the chance to take photos. You will continue your descent until you reach your last campsite of Wiñayhuayna. Hot drinks will be waiting for you followed by your gourmet dinner. A good night’s rest will follow as Machu Picchu awaits you the next day. Meals: B/L/D snacks, hot drinks, and boiled water.

Day 7: MACHU PICCHU: Wiñayhuayna – Sungate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes- Upgraded Vistadome Train to Cusco.

After a very early breakfast, we say farewell to our Chaskis (porters) and set off on the trail leading to Machu Picchu. This last part of the trail from Wiñayhuayna to Machu Picchu takes about 1 ½ hr of hiking. This trail is clearly marked but know ahead of time that you will be walking in darkness prior to sunrise. It is highly recommended to bring a headlamp, as the path is narrow. Your first stop will be at Intipunku, where the famous Sun Gate to Machu Picchu is located. All efforts up until this point reward you with an unforgettable sight. A backdrop of natural beauty, human art, and forested peaks framing the magical city of Machu Picchu will be available for you to see as the sun is rising. You will have plenty of time to take photos of Machu Picchu, from the classic postcard view and different angles around. A final short hike will bring. us to the entrance and into the heart of Machu Picchu itself, where we spend the rest of the morning with a 2 ½ hour guided tour of the citadel. The shuttle bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes is included in your tour. This departs every 15 minutes and will be available for you to descend whenever you decide it is time to go and have lunch Make sure to double-check your train schedule and be at the train station 30 minutes before departure. Once you arrive in Cusco you’ll be picked up by one of our staff members and dropped off at your hotel. • Meals: Breakfast only • Maximum Altitude: 2,700m/8858 ft. • Minimum Altitude: 2,100m/6889 ft. • Distance Travelled: 8 km • Walking Time: 5-6 hrs including Machu Picchu Inca Trail Hike+ Luxury Amazon Tour Peru Package 12 Days with Peru Luxury Guide.

Day 8: Cusco City Tour at 1 pm

After you’ve had lunch we will go on a ½ day Cusco City Tour. Your Tour Leader will take you to the Main Plaza of Cusco city. Afterward, you will visit the Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun) museum and then head over to the archaeological sites of Sacsayhuaman, Qenko, Tambomachay, and Puca Pucara. Your Tour Leader will explain in full detail the meaning of these sites and answer any questions you may have. Afterward, you’ll be transported to your hotel and the rest of the night is free for you to enjoy. Don’t forget to pack your bags for your Amazon Tour. Inclusions: Transportation/Transfers, Bilingual Tour Leader, 4-Star Hotel Accommodation in Cusco, ALL Entrance fees at Qoricancha museum and the 4 archaeological sites Meals: Breakfast at your hotel.

Day 9: Cusco – Paucartambo – Atalaya – Manu Learning Center.

Amazon Jungle Tour 3D/2N and Manu Learning Center

After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll depart in your private transportation and begin your journey from the high Andes to the Amazon Jungle. On the way, you’ll visit Huacarpay Lake and Paucartambo Town. You will continue your journey to Acjanaco, the entrance to Manu National Park. If weather conditions permit, you will see spectacular views of Peru’s largest National Park. You’ll visit one of the park’s main attractions, the Cock of the Rock, the Peruvian national bird, and see it right before you their dance spectacle. You’ll then journey down further into the cloud forest and visit a Coca plantation where you will learn about the uses of coca leaves and their medicinal properties. After a short stop at Pillcopata, you will head on to the port town of Atalaya and board a motorized boat. A one-hour ride to Manu Learning Center Lodge gives you your first impression of the legendary Amazon River. In the afternoon, explore the local trail system with your tour guide, before relaxing to the sounds of the forest. During your stay, guests can learn about the history of Manu Park and the challenges of conserving this beautiful and fragile environment by talking to the guides and researchers on-site. Lodging: Manu Learning Center Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 10: Manu Learning Center – Macaw Clay Lick.

One of the most principal activities at the Manu Learning Center. Is the Clay Lick where various birds including the endangered Blue-head Macaw are observed and studied. Join the scientists and researchers on an early morning boat trip to hide and observe the activity of macaws, parrots, and parakeets. As day breaks you’ll see the magical colors of the birds as they flock together on the walls of the clay lick. On your way back for breakfast, you’ll head into the forest and visit a bio-garden, part of the center’s sustainable project. You’ll visit multiple forest types, running into squirrel monkeys, hummingbirds, razor-billed curassows, and much more. The afternoon can be spent with one of the specialist guides exploring the 25km rainforest trails or spent at your own leisure. After dinner, that evening enjoys a presentation on conservation, and sustainability and learn more about the ongoing work the foundation does to help preserve the Amazon region. There is also the option of heading out on a night walk to spot all the nocturnal species. Lodging: Manu Learning Center Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 11: Manu Learning Center – Cusco – Evening Dinner.

After breakfast at the lodge, you’ll prepare your belongings for departure. You’ll take the boat back to the port town of Atalaya, where you will have your private transportation waiting for you to head back to Cusco city. You will be dropped off at your hotel bringing your Amazon trip to an end. At your hotel tonight enjoy a special New Year’s Eve dinner included in your tour package. If you wish, after dinner you can go to the main plaza and see how locals & tourists gather to celebrate welcoming the New Year. **We recommend for you take Diamox today in the morning and in the evening, as you will be heading back to a higher altitude** Hotel: Novotel Cusco Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 12: Flight to Lima – Nazca Lines – Regional Museum Ica – Huacachina Oasis

Today make sure to have an early breakfast. We will pick you up from your hotel at 6 am and drop you off at Cusco airport. Where you will board your flight to Lima at 7:20 am. From Lima airport, you’ll have lunch along the way and then head towards Ica, Peru, and board your flight tour over the Nazca Lines – an archeological wonder of lines and drawings in the plains. You will see the famous Nazca line figures Today make sure to have an early breakfast. You’ll be picked up from your hotel at 6 am and driven to Cusco airport where you will board your flight to Lima at 7:20 am. From Lima airport, you’ll have lunch along the way and then head towards Ica, Peru, and board your flight tour over the Nazca Lines – an archeological wonder of lines and drawings in the plains. You will see the famous Nazca line figures.

Day 13: Ballestas/Paracas Reserve – Lima Airport.

Your private transportation will pick you up from your hotel and drop you off for your Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve (“the Peruvian Galapagos”) tour. You’ll see a variety of birds and marine mammals such as sea lions, Humboldt penguins, dolphins, flamingoes, and pelicans. and etc. Afterward, you’ll head back to Lima airport where you will await your international flight. You will arrive at Lima airport at 6 pm approximately or earlier. This concludes your Inca Trail Hike + Luxury Amazon Tour Peru Package 12 Days. Inclusions: All Transportation/Transfers, Bilingual Tour Leader, Speedboat excursion to the Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve with the admission fee (Group Service in the speedboat) Meals: Breakfast at your hotel.

Additional Inca Trail Information

Travel Highlights

  • 100% Operated by Tour Leaders Peru. We never share you with other tour operators.
  • Pick up from Airport and Hotel
  • Top-of-the-line equipment REI Co-op Half Dome 4 Tent. Only for Two person
  • 7 kg per person, other companies offer you only 6 kg
  • Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entrance Tickets (Huayna Picchu or Montana Machu Picchu in case you want to explore more)
  • Best English Speakers Tour Leaders, We know Communication is very important in your trip
  • Extraordinary Chefs! Don’t get stressed about food and forget your power bar. We serve you a 5-star outdoor restaurant with delicious organic gourmet food in your dining tent.
  • Hotel Aguas Calientes with all facilities (overnight stay)
  • Free and Safe Storage in Cusco and Aguas Calientes while you are hiking and visiting Machupicchu
  • REI Inca Trail Camping Equipment also available for Rent
  • Private transportation
  • Perfect Location For Photographers
  • Comfortable and Panoramic Train back to Cusco from Aguas Calientes.

Included

  • Pre-departure briefing at 7:00 pm the night before your tour in our office or your Hotel.
  • Collection from your Hotel in Cusco from (05:30 am) or from Sacred Valley.
  • Private transportation (Start of our trek).
  • Breakfast in Urubamba in our farmhouse,
  • Full meals for the entire tour (4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunch 3 Dinner) + snacks (vegetarian, vegan option, gluten, wheat-free, or special diets upon your request.)
  • Permit and fees for the Inca Trail Machu Picchu Sanctuary, (Request for Huayna Picchu your Entrance ticket)
  • Inca Trail Porters to carry (camping equipment: client tents, dining and cooking tents, table, stools, cooking gear, stove, gas container, cutlery, plates, food, and fresh vegetables).
  • Drinkable boiled water for your container (We start filling from the second Days Morning)
  • 7-kilogram duffle bags (per Person)
  • 2 Excellent experienced top tour guides (9-16 person / 6-8 with 1 tour guide)
  • 2 expert gourmet mountain cooks, assistants.
  • Hot drinks every afternoon include popcorn.
  • Boiled water provided from 2nd day.
  • 2 people per tent, clean, new, spacious (4 people REI Half Dome 4 tents).
  • Thick, comfortable sleeping mattress,
  • Buckets of hot water for washing in your tent every day.
  • Biodegradable soap and hand cleansing gel.
  • Emergency First-aid kit and Oxygen assistance.
  • 3-4 hours guided tour in Machupicchu
  • Bus Ticket from Machupicchu to Aguas Calientes
  • Tourist Expedition train return to Poroy Station or Ollantaytambo.
  • Private Bus to Cusco From The Train Station

Not Included

  • Sleeping bag (4 season -Minus 8ºC) (For rent in Our Office)
  • Hiking Poles (For rent in Our Office)
  • Tips for the trekking crew, Guides, Cooks, and Porters at your discretion.
  • Flight Ticket to Cusco (Contact Us) 
  • Accommodation in Cusco. (see recommendation Contact US )
  • Travel Insurance. (check that your insurance covers you for treks above 4,200 masl) and (COVID-19)

Price

We are excited to be part of your adventure and lead you to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Make sure to book your tour in advance. Only 500 people a day are permitted on the Inca Trail Tours of which 250 are reserved for tourists. Machu Picchu allows 2500 tourists daily. Don’t miss your adventure!

Inca Trail To Machu Picchu Cost From $ 699.00 per person Group Service

Note: An initial deposit of $250.00 is required to reserve your spot. We require this deposit to buy train and bus tickets, entrance fees to Machu Picchu, Inca trail admission ticket, and for your return transportation. The remaining balance is due 21 days prior to your trek. Please see our Terms and Conditions.

Student Discount

$40 dollars, bing your green card or student cart please

Additional Upgrades

Huayna Picchu

If you want to climb Huayna Picchu make sure to book in advance as there are only 400 permits allowed daily to this location.

$40 per person Please notify us during your booking if you wish to purchase this upgrade.

Vistadome Train

From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo: Prices vary from $57.00 to $73.00 per person one-way.

Machupicchu Mountain

Machupicchu Mountain offers even more magnificent views than Huayna Picchu. There are also only 400 permits allowed daily to this location. A 360-degree view of Machupicchu and the surrounding valley and glaciers are seen from this mountain.

US$35 per person Please notify us during your booking if you wish to purchase this upgrade.

Additional Night in Aguas Calientes hotel

The price depends on the season and Hotel availability.

Inka Bridge

If you did not have the opportunity to book an additional upgrade this one is available for free. It is an hour and a half round trip hike.

Packing List

This is basic  information about the Clothing packing list REI and all the information Here in this linK Comple Packing List to Peru

CLOTHING:

1st Layer:

  • Underwear
  • Long-sleeved Thermal Shirt
  • Thermal form-fitting pants

2nd Layer:

  • Polar Fleece
  • Trekking pants
  • Thick socks

3rd Layer:

  • Waterproof Jacket
  • Waterproof pants (optional)
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Scarf
  • Cold weather Hat
  • Gloves
  • Buff/ handkerchief
  • Sun hat

TRAVEL ACCESSORIES:

  • Backpack 20-30 L
  • Waterproof cover for backpack
  • Trekking shoes (waterproof and firm)
  • Sport shoes/ sandals for campsites
  • Camping pillow
  • Sleeping bag liner (optional)
  • Sturdy water bottle
  • Trekking poles
  • Headlamp
  • Plastic bags for wet items
  • Toiletry kit (toothbrush, wet wipes, etc)
  • Swimsuit/ towel
  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended)
  • Sunscreen lip protector
  • Sunglasses
  • Insect repellent 

OTHER:

  • Personal Medications
  • Motion sickness tablets for the van ride
  • Camera/ Extra battery
  • Personal snacks
  • Hand warmers (optional)
  • Leisure book for evenings
  • Cash and small coins

Items for rent

  • Single Tent $60 (if you wish to sleep alone)
  • Sleeping Bag $30 per person (minus -3 degrees Celsius)
  • Air Mattress $20 per person (REI inflatable mattress)
  • Professional REI Walking Poles or other reputable Brand $20 per pair Hold Trip.
  • Backpacks $40 Hold Trip
  • Head Lamp $10
  • Extra kilograms $10/kg (Example 5kg=$50) Per Day

Related Ica Trail Tours

Are you a traveler looking for new adventures? A photographer in search of stunning landscapes? A hiker or camper who loves the outdoors? If so, you’re going to want to check out our new hiking tours of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. But hurry – restrictions are now in place due to Covid19 that may limit access in the near future. So don’t miss your chance to experience this unique and amazing journey!

SHORTH INCA TRAIL 2 DAY WITH HOTEL

This itinerary is rated moderate hike. The trek starts at 2100m (KM 104) and climbs to 2700m (Wiñay Wayna) before descending to 2400m (Machu Picchu). Since the trek is carried out at a much lower altitude than the Short 2 day Inca Trail trek you do not need to worry about acclimatization.

Inca Trail To Machu Picchu 5 Days

Total distance: 26 miles/23km
Elevation: 4,200m/13,779ft
Good for Hikers
Difficulty: Quite Challenging
Inca Trail: Permit Require

SALKANTAY & INCA TRAIL 7 DAYS

Total distance: 46.7 miles/75km
Elevation: 4,821m/15,817ft
Good for Hikers
Difficulty: Quite Challenging
Inca Trail: Permit Require

LARES TREK & INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS

Total distance: 29,3miles/47km
Elevation: 4,700m/15,419ft
Good for Hikers
Difficulty: Quite Challenging
Inca Trail: Permit Require

Inca Trail Map to Machu Picchu.

Hike the Inca Trail with our illustrated map, and go to Machu Picchu. The iconic 4-day hike is a beautiful way of exploring Peru’s Andes Mountains while discovering hidden gems along your journey!

Inca Trail Map 4 Days

Best Inca Trail Equipment, Porters & Private Facilities

Top Of The Line REI - EQUIPMENT

Hiking in Peru is a great way to take advantage of the country's natural beauty. The right camping equip can make your trip more enjoyable and comfortable, like what REI has on offer with their Tents S, Pats S, Bags, etc!. From our store, you know where else these products might come into play when traveling abroad

Porters Weltfare INCA TRAIL PORTERS

Have you ever wondered how the Inca Trail was made? The answer might be found in its most important part: Porters, they'll take you to your destination.
PORTER isn't just about carrying your gear for hiking – it's also a job that requires strength, agility.

Bathroom Situation ON THE INCA TRAIL

If you're planning to hike the Inca Trail Hike, there are a few things you need to know about the bathroom situation. Unlike many other trails, there are no bathrooms along the way, so it's important to plan ahead. Here are a few tips to help make your journey as comfortable as possible.

Have a Question About the Machu Picchu Hike?

Talk With The Experts

INFORMATION

INCA TRAIL HIKING TOUR FAQs

Are you considering a hike on the Machu Picchu Trail and surviving the dead woman’s Pass? If so, there are some things you should know before making your decision. This blog post will answer some frequently asked questions about the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tours. We’ll cover everything from how difficult the hike is to what the weather is like and what you can expect to see along the way. So, if you’re curious about what it’s like to hike the Inca Trail, keep reading!

The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu runs 26 miles (42 km) long, is usually hiked over 4 days and 3 nights, and is tucked away in the beautiful Andes mountains in Peru.

Machu Picchu Hike Cost? average Price

The price tag for Machu Picchu Hiking Tours depends largely on the tour company, package, and guide you choose. Here are some of the general costs, plus actual specifics from our own recent treks.

Doing the Inca Trail independently is not an option. The Peruvian government limits the number of hikers each day. Everyone must have a permit and be accompanied by a licensed Tour Guide. And yes, through a series of checkpoints on the trail, they actually enforce it.

The general cost for the Inca Trail Holidays: $600 On average including The Inca Trail Permits, transportation to the trailhead from Cusco, porters, three meals a day, entry to Machu Picchu, and tents). You can find it even cheaper.

But besides the advertised sticker price, there are a few other things to consider when choosing a tour company: How many hikers are in each group? How often and how much food is provided during the trek? And finally, what’s the reputation for the company’s treatment of its porters?.

Budget

Even though we tend to focus on budget traveling, it’s good to remember that sometimes the cheapest option isn’t always the best option. Cheaper companies for the Inca Trail often have larger groups (15-25 people), provide smaller meals, and/or no snacks, and are crowded groups.

How Hard is The Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail is an ancient hiking path that leads to Machu Picchu, one of the most famous and popular tourist destinations in South America. The path is 43 miles long and passes through a variety of landscapes, including high-altitude forests, mountain peaks, and rugged terrains. Hiking the Inca Trail is definitely not for everyone – it can be difficult, challenging, and even dangerous at times. But if you’re up for the challenge, the journey is definitely worth it!.

The hike itself, which brings you along ancient narrow paths deep into the Peruvian countryside and high into the Andean mountains, is gorgeous; perfect Incan ruins, cloud forest, and majestic valley views laid out like breadcrumbs along the way to perhaps the greatest end-point of any multi-day hike on earth, the iconic Machu Picchu.

Ready? Here’s everything you need to know before doing the Inca Trail hike rear all our advice, please.

The Bathroom Situation on The Inca Trail

Inca Trail, toilet quality

This is where the bad news begins. Inca Trail toilets are not the most hygienic, clean, or private affairs. You’ll be lucky if your toilet has a lock. On the first day, the toilets are usually fairly decent and clean. However, as you venture further along the trail the quality rapidly decreases.

By the next day, you will use a squat floor toilet. In which you squat over. The flushing mechanism often floods meaning that toilet waste is on the floor of many Inca Trail toilets. Be sure to wear your hiking boots when going to the toilet.

There is often no light and you’ll want to make sure you bring a headlamp for those night-time toilet visits.

This does not make for a pleasant experience! you can read How to use toilets on The Inca trail very good information for new outdoor adventures

Inca Trail Portable Toilets – option

My name is Cesar and as a Tour Guide, I believe the best option on the Inca Trail is to hire a tour company that provides a portable toilet all the way up. These are known as ‘toilet tents’.

Although not as common, this is probably one of the most important things I would recommend when deciding on what tour operator to use. You’ll probably have to book with a western operator and it may cost slightly more, but it’s definitely worth it! The toilet tent is carried by porters.

They are clean and only used by your group. You’ll be able to sit on a toilet drum within the privacy of a tent, and if there are any issues, your operator will sort them out immediately.

 

Inca Trail Availability - Hurry Up

The government has strictly limited the number of people permitted on the Inca Trail (permits are issued to about 200 trekkers per day plus 300 porters this 500 permits include 4 days inca trail). We recommend that you make a trek booking as early as posible we recommend 4 months in advance. It is recommended to book the tour inca trail to Machu Picchu 4 Months in advance, before booking flight tickets and hotels, because there are limited spots to reserve.

Is The Inca Trail Really Worth It!

Hiking the Inca Trail is absolutely worth the $180 dollars per day group service or maybe more if you go on a private group. We can assure you will create big memories that will last a lifetime and that alone is worth the money.

Read the article here: Is The Inca Trail Worth really Worth It

You will see many ancient Inca remains along the way that rival Machu Picchu in beauty and preservation that you can only see on the Inca trail. On top of that, the sense of accomplishment upon arriving in front of the Sun Gate after hiking for 4 days is gratifying.

However, to travel to this iconic Inka city of Machu Picchu on a bus, skipping the hike when you’re physically able to do it, would be a mistake. All of the magic of the experience would be lost.

On the trail, you truly feel connected to the local culture and the Inca history comes alive, which is the best part.

If you happen to be in Peru and you aren’t physically able to do a trek to get to Machu Picchu, it’s still magnificent to see and it’s worth the visit. It’s a world wonder for a reason.

Distance for the Inca trail to Machu Picchu 4 days and 3 nights

The trail itself is breathtaking, but the end of the trail is a spectacular sight as you reach the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu at Sunrise. The Classic Inca trail runs Covers 26 miles (42 km) long, is usually hiked over 4 days and 3 nights, and is Trek away in the beautiful Andes mountains in Peru.

Read Our Article Inca Trail Map  great info for everyone

Is The Inca Trail Dangerous?

Like anything in life, the Inca Trail does have risks. But you are far more likely to have an accident on the roads back home, than trekking on the Inca Trail.

Read Related Article: Is The Inca Trail Dangerous?

There is always a risk of landslides in any mountains. The lifecycle of a mountain involves it gradually eroding and making its way downhill to the sea via the rivers. It is what mountains do. But some parts of a mountain are more prone to landslides than others. In the same way that you are more likely to get mugged in certain areas of California, New York, or the Alpes than others, the key lies in understanding and managing the risks.

Part of managing the risk is making sure everyone involved is aware of the risks, including you or anyone in our groups. You can read more about our Risk and Safety policies at the bottom of each tour on our websites, is an “F&Q” section, with further details about the risks involved in a particular trip.

Is this the first time someone has died on the Inca Trail or Machu Picchu?

No, this is not the first time someone has died either on the Inca Trail or Machu Picchu. But the figures are very low when you consider up to 7000 people per day visiting Machu Picchu and 750 per day trek the Inca Trail (500 on the complete Inca Trail, 250 on Shor Day Inca Trail To Machu Picchu).

  • 2004 A tourist was struck by lightning on Huayna Picchu and died
  • 2010 2 people died in a landslide at Wiñay Wayna campsite
  • 2013 A tourist fell and died, on a lower part of Machu Picchu
  • 2016 A tourist fell from Machu Picchu Mountain, having crossed the safety barrier to take a jumping selfie
  • 2020 A porter was killed in a landslide at Pacamayo campsite

How Long Does it Take to Hike The Inka Trail To Machu Picchu?

How Many Miles is The Inca Trail from km 82?

We’ve outlined our own route on the Inca Trail below and, in broad terms, this is the sort of itinerary you can expect (note that this relates solely to the days spent on the hike, not the days of traveling to/from Cusco and Ollantaytambo):

Day One: Travel from Ollantaytambo to km.82 in the morning and hike to the campsite

Distance | Approx. 6.8 miles/ 11 km

Elevation Gain | 350 meters

Difficulty | Moderate, with a steep tiring section towards the end.

Day Two: Early rise to hike through cloud forest and up to Dead Woman’s Pass and the descent to campsite

Distance | Approx. 7.5 miles/ 12km

Elevation Gain | 1,115 metres

Difficulty | High, this is the hardest day of walking but after you reach DWP, it’s mostly downhill.

Day Three: Early rise to hike the most photogenic section of the Trail

Distance | Approx. 9.6 miles/ 15.5km

Elevation Gain | Minus 1,000 metres

Difficulty | Moderate to a little difficult as there are several steep sections.

Day Four: Very early rise (3 a.m.) to reach the entry check-point and hike 1-2 hours to the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu.

Distance | Approx. 3.1 miles/ 5 km

Difficulty | You’re almost at the end and Machu Picchu, you should be hopping, skipping, and jumping all the way there!

Best Time To Hike The Inca Trail To Machu Picchu

Towards the end of February is the wettest month in the Andes. The Inca Trail, as well as several other national parks in Peru, is closed throughout the month for essential maintenance. Machu Picchu INCA remains open at this time. The trail reopens in March, though the highlands are still rainy through into

early April. May and October, are the best times to trek the Inca Trail as permits may sell out slightly less fast as in the peak months, plus it’s dry and warmer than June, July, and August. The Festival of the Sun (Inti Raymi) takes place towards the end of June and cities, such as Cusco, always get busier with local crowds heading towards Machu Picchu.

Peru’s national vacation at the end of July is also a peak time for Peruvians to tackle the Inca Trail or visit Machu Picchu by train. The dry conditions prove popular with vacation makes all the way through August and

into September. By November, the rainy season is starting up again in earnest. However, you still might get some solid trekking conditions with nothing like the crowds of the summer – and you won’t need to secure your pass quite as far in advance. December is wet and attracts crowds over the vacations with accommodation and flight prices rising, despite the weather. Things ease off again in January – which is wet but without the vacation crowds.

Machu Picchu Hike Difficulty

First, the numbers: if you tackle the classic four-day Inca Trail you’ll have 24-26 miles to trek (depending on which trailhead you set out from), over 2,000 meters to haul yourself up and level yourself down, and over 3,000 steps to deal with in total.

In terms of fitness and technical challenge, this is considered to be a trek of moderate difficulty. The effort required, though, isn’t evenly distributed across the four days. Rather, the greatest lung-bursting effort is front-loaded into the first day and a half. The high point, Dead Woman’s Pass, is – at 4,198 meters.

Definitely the toughest of the three passes, both in terms of the potential effects of altitude and the sharpness of the elevation gain. There are, however, a number of campsites on the way to this first pass, and some groups opt to make the second day easier by staying at the highest campsite on the first night. 

Machu Picchu Covid19 Restrictions for Visitors

Peruvian authorities are allowing visitors to change their Machu Picchu entry tickets. And tour operators can change Inca Trail permits.

I’ve included a link to see information about the new rules at Machu Picchu pro & post Covid-19, a link to the new Machu Picchu website, and other tips to help you navigate your way through the process of canceling or changing your trip to Peru.

 

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