Hiram Bingham at Machu Picchu c 1911

Finally we will arrive at the "Lost City" of the Incas - Machu Picchu. This is one of the worlds most beautiful and important archaeological finds. As we stroll through the many temples, altars, terraces, fountains and chambers all displaying intricate stonework, we can get a clear picture of what the Inca world must have been like. Experienced guides will conduct our journey and will help make the trip pleasant and safe. Interested in something a bit more off the beaten track? Please see: Trekking the Salcantay Trail Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (5 & 6 day) Salcantay Trail Mountain Lodges of Peru Trek (7 days)

INCLUDES: DOES NOT INCLUDE: YOU SHOULD BRING: Transfer from the hotel to the train station Local train to Km.104 Entrance to Inca Trail Entrance to Machu Picchu Professional guide Lunch on first day Bus down on first day Bus up and down on second day Return train to Cusco Transfer from train station to hotel if returning to Cusco on day 2 International or local airfare Meals in Cusco Hotel in Aguas Calientes Tips Anything not mentioned Trekking shoes Day pack Water bottle Flash light Hat Sunglasses Sunscreen Personal clothing Insect repellent

Day 2: Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo

We wake up at around 6:00 am and after breakfast, we begin the most difficult part of the trek, which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km. Along this climb, the landscape changes from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation). On the way to the first mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman´s Pass – 4200m/13776ft), we may see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at high altitude. We also cross an area of the so called cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows, and the Andean bear, which is also called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus). We advise that on this day specially, your daypack is well stocked with candies, chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high, and help with altitude sickness. Immediately after the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600m/11808ft), where we camp after approximately 7h of hiking.

Meals: B, L, D
Total distance: 11 km (6.84 miles)
Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours
Maximum altitude point: 4,200 m (13,776 ft)
Campsite altitude: 3,500 m (11,480 ft)

Day 3: Pacaymayo to Wiñaywayna

This day is the longest but also the most impressive and the most interesting, due the number of archaeological sites and the lush cloud forest area that we cross, so rich in Andean flora and fauna. From Pacaymayo we climb to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970m/13022ft). Halfway up, we stop to visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3800m/12464ft, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower.

After going over the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3624m/11887ft). This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Continuing up an easy climb, we arrive at the third pass, the Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft). Along this climb we can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient craft, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain, and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order, saving the trail from the multileveled Andean geography. We go through an Inca tunnel to later arrive at the aforementioned pass and down to the complex of the same name. This is one of the most complete and best-preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machupicchu, and is located on the highest point of a mountain. Curiously, Phuyupatamarca means ¨town over the clouds¨. From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River valley.

We continue our trek down the long descending stone steps that lead us to Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft), an impressive Inca complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector, close to which our camp is located. This campsite hosts a trekker lodge, a bar and bathrooms with hot shower facilities. After visiting the impressive archaeological site, we enjoy our farewell dinner at our camp.

Meals: B, L, D
Total distance: 16 km (9.94 miles)
Estimated walking time: 8 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,900 m (12,792 ft)
Campsite altitude: 2,650 m (8,692 ft)

Day 4: Wiñaywayna to Machupicchu

On this fourth and last day we get up at 4.00 am to leave Wiñaywayna an hour later and climb to the Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we may see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machupicchu. From Intipunku we descend into Machupicchu, and 40 minutes later we enter the citadel from the highest point through the ¨House of the Guardians¨. We then descend to the control point where we register ourselves and leave our backpacks. We immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours.

You will then have free time to walk around, climb the Huaynapicchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machupicchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or visit the Temple of the Moon or the fabulous Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in its hot springs. From here we take the train back to the city of Cusco, where we arrive after nightfall.

Meals: B
Total distance: 4 km (2.49 miles)
Estimated walking time: 2 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2,700 m (8,829 ft)

Fixed departure dates for 2009:

- MARCH: 10, 12, 14,  20, 31.
- APRIL : 2, 11, 14, 17, 19, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30.
- MAY : 9, 14, 19, 23,  26, 29.
- JUNE  : 20, 24, 27.
- JULY  : 20, 22.
- AUGUST: 1, 18.
- SEPTEMBER  : 7, 27.
- OCTOBER : 27

Fixed departures are available along the year. Exception: one-month closing period of all Inca Trail routes in February. Please contact us to check departures to alternatives routes.

We have the following fixed departures dates scheduled:


Groups may be confirmed on alternative dates to the ones stated provided a minimum group size of 6 passengers is reached upon booking and Inca Trail spaces are available.

PRIVATE GROUP - INCLUDED
- Transfer IN-OUT and transport by a private bus: Hotel - Piskacucho Km. 82 (Inka Trail beginning) and Train Station - Hotel.
- Professional Guide: Spanish / English.
- Cook: Specialist in charge to prepare meals.
- Meals: 3 breakfasts / 3 lunches / 3 dinners, snacks and lunch.
- Porters: Carry camping equipment and stove / oven.
- 1 Personal porter: Carries backpacks, sleeping bag and mattress (12 kilos per pax).
- Entrance Fees: Inka Trail and Machupicchu.
- Bus Ticket (return): Machupicchu - Aguas Calientes.
- Train ticket “Vistadome”: Aguas Calientes - Cusco.
- Equipment: Double tents, air mattress, duffle bags, dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, tables, chairs, table settings and first aid kit.

SHARED GROUP - INCLUDED
- Transfer IN-OUT and transport by a private bus: Hotel – Piskacucho Km. 82 (Inka Trail beginning) and Cusco Train Station - Hotel.
- Professional Guide: Spanish / English.
- Meals: 3 breakfasts / 3 launches / 3 dinners, snacks and lunch.
- Cook: Specialist in charge to prepare meals.
- Porters: Carry camping equipment and stove / oven.
- ½ Personal porter: Carry backpacks, sleeping bag and mattress (7 kilos per pax).
- Entrance Fees: Inka Trail and Machupicchu.
- Bus Ticket (return): Machupicchu - Aguas Calientes.
- Train ticket “Backpacker” : Aguas Calientes - Cusco.
- Equipment: Double tents, mattress, dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, tables, chairs, table settings and first aid kit.

With our PREMIUM system you trek at a leisure pace, camping at more secluded camps , away from the crowds, we run an ecological minded trip by taking out all the garbage including all the human waste.
You will not carry anything , except a small day pack , with your bottle water and camera.
Also , it is our policy the fair treatment of our staff and porters, providing them with good food , shelter and decent salary.

The difference between our service and that of other companies , is that the first day we camp near  Llactapata a more secluded camp, other Agencies camp at Huayabamba, a small town on the trail , full of people. On the second day those agencies trek up hill all day and in the late afternoon with the last bit of energy, they go over Warmiwanusta pass 4,100 meters ( Dead women pass) , then go down to camp at Pacasmayo, again a crowded camp. With ourselves on the other hand on the second day we trek toward Huayabamba and hike up hill, camping closed to the high pass at a more secluded place , giving you more time to acclimatize . On the third day , fresh after a good night sleep, we hike up for one hour to the high pass and continue the trek all the way to Phuyupatamarca (City Above the Clouds) , the best camp on all inca trail.
On the early morning you will enjoy a magnificent Sun Rise , since you are on top of the mountain with the  clouds below you. On the other hand most companies camp at Winay Wayna, much lower and most of the  time that early in the morning is foggy , since they are already in the cloud forest.

DAY 1: KM 82:
We start our trek escorted by native "quechua¨ porters going through semi-arid terrain along the Urubamba River valley, with magnificent views of the snow capped mountain, Veronica (20,200’). An easy introductory day of no more than a 4 hours walk. Arriving at camp with in view of Llactapata, an ancient Inca citadel that protected the entry to two valleys, one of them leading to the inka trail to MachuPicchu. You will enjoy this less visited camp away from the crowds. (L+D).  

DAY 2 : 
After a healthy breakfast, we walk past the Inca Hamlet of Huayabamba, where most of the other trekkers camp.  In the afternoon you will be going through a unique Andean cloud forest, afterwards arriving at our camp, at Llulluchapampa 3,600 meters altitude (B+L+D).  

DAY 3 :  LLULLUCHA / PHUYUPATAMARCA
Today, the first part of the trek takes us to the Warmiwañuska Pass at 4,200 meters. Walking on a remarkably preserved Inca trail, we pass ancient archaeological sites half covered by dense jungle overgrowth. A most rewarding day, with dream like landscapes of the Inca Trail to Machupichu, orchids, ferns multi colored birds and humming birds provide the ideal backstage. We make our camp at  Phuyupatamarca (¨City Above the Clouds¨), a set of ancient ritual baths, where ancient travelers on the Inca trail to MachuPicchu will stop to bathe and purify themselves before arriving to the sacred Sanctuary .You can do the same and transport yourself to the past.  In the camp you will enjoy spectacular views of snow- covered Andean ranges, such as the Salcantay 6,200 meters and Veronica 6100 meters. (B+L+D).

DAY 4 : PHUYUPATAMARCA / MACHU PICCHU
After about three and a half-hours walking, you will arrive to the Inti punku, (Gates of the Sun), where a magnificent view will be printed in you mind; the Sanctuary of Machupicchu, the ¨Lost City of the Incas¨. Late afternoon train back to Cusco. (B+L)

INCLUDES :
- Private transportation to the head of the trail 
- 3 Nights in double-occupancy tents
- Dining tent with tables and stools, mattres
- Kitchen tent and latrine tent
- Professional, bilingual guide, cook and porters
- VISTADOME train back to Cusco.
- Transfer from the train station to your hotel in Cusco

DOES NOT INCLUDE:
-International or Local Airfare
-Meals while in the cities
-Sleeping bag 
-Personal equipment and clothing
-Entrance ticket to the Inka trail( us $ 80 for adults or us $ 40 for students with ISIC card)

* Clients do not carry anything but a day pack.
* Sleeping bag rental US $ 5.00 per day.
* We provide you with an insulite mattress, if you want to Up-Grade, for a therma-rest mattress, the cost is US $ 5.00 per day.
* Advise if vegetarian diet is required.
* Single tent supplement US $ 15.00