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Machu Picchu Luxury Tours High-End Hotels 9D

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10 Days

Age + 8

January, December (Daily)

Availability

From

$2.999 PP

Enigmatic Nazca Lines, Machupicchu Peru Luxury Machu Picchu Tours 9D​

Location: Perú
Duration: 9 Days
Type: Luxury
Destinations: Lima, Paracas, Nazca Lines, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu.
Description: This tour offers you a great opportunity to learn more about Peru in comfort. Visit the enigmatic Nazca Lines; geometric shapes etched in the sand by ancient cultures that can only be seen from the air.

Also visit the “Peruvian Galapagos”; The Ballestas Islands in the Paracas National Reserve to sea 100’s thousands of birds, seals, and marine life. Finally, visit one of the most important attractions of the world; “Machu Picchu” along with the mystical city of Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Here Inca construction continues to cause astonishment in and around Cusco and its nearby fertile valley.

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

12,507f /3,812m

Best Time

May/Nov

Accommodation

Hotel

Difficulty

Sightseeing

Group Size

8 People Max

INCA TRAIL ITINERARI

Day 1: Arrive in Lima

Begin your Nazca Lines Peru 9 Day itinerary in Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport where you will be greeted by one of our friendly drivers and driven in comfort and safety by private car to your 5-star hotel in upscale Miraflores. Our staff will assist you in checking in to your hotel.

Day 2: Lima City Tour

After breakfast, you will be met in your hotel to begin a guided tour of Lima, the fabulous “City of the Kings”. Visit the Plaza Mayor de Lima, the 16th-century Cathedral of gold, the catacombs at the Convento de San Francisco, and Huaca Pucllana constructed in 2 CE. You will be returned to your hotel at the end of the City Tour.

Day 3: Paracas and Ballestas Islands

Early, after breakfast and check out you will be greeted by your driver for the 4.5-hour drive south to Paracas. After checking in to your hotel and relaxing after the drive you will be taken to the port for a delightful boat tour of the Ballestas Island, also known as the “small Galapagos”. Although the island is off-limits to people so as not to disturb the wildlife your tour boat will get close enough for you to observe its amazing wildlife inhabitants such as pelicans, penguins, cormorants, Peruvian boobies, Inca terns, and walruses. Keep your eyes open also for sea lions, turtles, dolphins, and whales. You will also be treated to a site from the sea of the Paracas Candelabra. This is an ancient etching in the sand that may have been a beacon to sailors from long ago. After the boat tour, you will be returned to your 5-star hotel in Paracas.

Day 4: Nazca Lines, Lima

After breakfast and check out you will be greeted by your driver and taken 2 hours south by private car to the small airport in Nazca for your aerial tour of the Nazca lines. These are giant figures etched in the sand that can only be appreciated fully by air.

See the Monkey, the spider, hummingbird, spaceman, and geometric birds. These mysterious huge “drawings” are possibly an astrological calendar but their construction and true intent are a mystery still. After the tour, you will return to Lima and check in to your 5-star hotel.

Day 5: Cusco City Tour

After breakfast and check out your driver will greet you in your hotel and take you by private, secure car to the Lima airport for your 55-minute flight over the Andes to historic Cusco, Peru. You will be greeted in Cusco and assisted in checking in to your 5-star luxury hotel near Cusco’s main square. For your first 12 hours in Cusco, it is essential to take time to relax, breathe, enjoy your hotel’s complimentary coca tea and lie down in your room to slowly acclimate to Cusco’s 3300-meter elevation (11,000 feet). After a nice afternoon’s rest, you will be able to take a tour of the city. This will include visiting the main square known as the Plaza de Armas and the temple of the sun (Koricancha). Then take a short ride north of Cusco with your guide to visit the famous archaeological sites of Sacsayhuaman, Quenqo, Tambomachay, and Puca Pucara. You will be returned to your hotel at the end of the tour.

Day 6: Machu Picchu Tour

After breakfast, you will be greeted in your hotel and taken to the Poroy train station 30 minutes west of Cusco. Here you will board the train to Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu, one of the most remarkable and enigmatic archaeological sites in the world. Few works made by man are as harmonious with nature as the citadel of Machu Picchu. The “Lost City” saddles the top of a flattened mountain. Enjoy the wonders of Machu Picchu with your guide to see the Sacred District, the Popular District to the south, and the District of Royalty in the urban sector.

Visit the Temple of the Sun, the Room of the Three Windows, and the Temple of the Condor. Besides, the outstanding archaeological remains see the spectacular panoramic views of the jungle mountains and the Vilcanota River (also known as River Urubamba) below.

After your guided tour and exploring Machu Picchu on your own return to Aguas Calientes by bus and board your train back to Cusco. You will be greeted at the train station in Poroy and taken back to your hotel in Cusco. Note.- If you desire to stay one night in Machu Picchu this can be arranged.

Day 7: Sacred Valley Tour

After breakfast begins your private tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas north of Cusco. The first stop will be the famous Indian market of Pisaq, a beautiful place to observe archaeological remains and some of the finest Inca stonework. In Urubamba enjoy a wonderfully prepared typical Andean buffet lunch at a fine hacienda-style restaurant. Throughout the day stop at scenic overlooks for photo opportunities of the mountains and the traditional, colorfully dressed Quechua women, their children, and alpacas.

The next major stop is the enormous walled city of Ollantaytambo where you will be able to appreciate the amazing complexity of Inca construction. If time permits you may visit the traditional town of Chinchero and see the fine handmade items made there. At the end of the day, you will arrive back at your hotel in Cusco.

Day 8: Cusco, Lima

After breakfast and check out you will be taken to the Cusco Airport by the private cat for your return flight to Lima. In the Lima airport, you will be greeted and taken to check in to your Miraflores hotel.

Day 9: Depart Lima

After breakfast and check out you will be taken to the Lima Airport for your return flight home.

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)
First-Class Superior or Luxury
  • US$ 2,999 PP
First Class
  • US$ 3,500 PP

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!
Price

Inca Trail To Machu Picchu Cost From $ 2,080 per person 

Note: An initial deposit of %50 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

Ask For Special Discount, bring your green card or student cart, please

 

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

General Information Trekking with Luxury Peru Travel Guide

The times Mentioned in this itinerary are approximations. Walking times depend on the group, and the Tour Leader may change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group.

Specific Information About Trekking the Luxury Inca Trail Hike

The Inca Trail is not open in February
Campsites or itineraries are subject to change, depending on the time of booking and availability of campsites. The Ministry of Culture, the government institution responsible for operating the Inca Trail, allocates campsites to authorized trekking companies on a first-come, first-served basis, and so we cannot guarantee that all campsites described in this itinerary will be available when you book.

Booking Your Luxury Inca Trail Hike

A scanned copy of your passport and a non-refundable deposit must be provided upon booking a Luxury Inca Trail hike. This is due to government regulations that require complete passport details and full payment of the Machu Picchu entrance fee in order to issue a permit. Your reservation will only be confirmed when we have your entrance ticket in our hands.

If your passport number changes after you book, you must tell us immediately or you may lose your booking! If the name or number on your passport is different from the name or number on your Inca Trail permit, you will not be allowed to start the trek and you will not be entitled to a refund.

You must carry your original passport with you on the trail.

If you booked a Luxury Inca Trail hike at a student rate, you must bring the required documentation on the trail with you. If you do not present this documentation, you will not be allowed to start the trek and you will not be entitled to a refund, nor given an opportunity to pay the full rate.
Extras & Upgrades on the Luxury Inca Trail Hike

If you’d like to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, let us know at the time of booking as it requires a separate permit.

This trek includes transportation by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo Luxury service (Luxury Class), or equivalent Inca Rail service, followed by private vehicle transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

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!

Short Inca Trail

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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