The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the best hikes in the world because of the exquisite beauty of its natural surroundings. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu path takes us through different ecosystems…From high Andean plains to the cloud forest this adventure allows us to explore mysterious archaeological sites, half covered with jungle overgrowth as if we were discovering them for the first time. The trek highlights with the inspiring sight of the sunrise from the peaks of the magestic Machu Picchu.
Briefing in our office, between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. of the day before the trip, detailed explanation of the tour with our guide.
Recommendation: Arrive 24 hours before the trip at the office of Conde Travel.
We will pick you up from your hotel around 5:00am to head towards the km 82 where we will begin our trek, ascending for 3 hours, or 10km until arriving at the archaeological site of Llactapata. We will enjoy lunch, and trek for 30 minutes or 1km approximately to Huayllabamba, an isolated Andean community. In the afternoon we will get ready for camping and around 7:00pm dinner will be made, vegetarian options are available.
Early in the morning we will have breakfast and get ready to continue along the trail, ascending for approx. 4 hours (10km), to the peak of Warmiwañusca (4200mt). From here we will observe a variety of ecosystems ranging from dry puna (mountain grasslands) to the high jungle. After lunch, around 2:00pm, we will descend 3 hours (9km) into the Pacaymayo Valley. We will go over wooden bridges, through tunnels making our way up and down rocky steps. We will set up camp near the river and have our dinner.
Early in the morning we will have our breakfast and then descend 45 minutes exploring the archaeological complex of Runkurakay and the Inca citadel Sayacmarca. We then head towards Puya Patamarka where we will have lunch and continue walking for 2 hours until arriving at the archaeological site Wiñay Huayna. If booked a minimum 6 months prior, we will have a chance to set up our camp there and afterwards our dinner will be served around 7:00pm. If there is no possibility to stay in Wiñayhuayna, we will camp in Puyapatamarka.
We get ready around 5:00am and after breakfast we will hike for 1 hour ascending through the high jungle to Inti Punku, “The Gate of the Sun”. This is an alternative access to Machu Picchu, and you will have impressive views of the entire archaeological marvel. After the arrival to Machu Picchu, we have a 2 hour guided tour, visiting the main sites and afterwards you will have some free time to explore. Late in the afternoon we will walk down to Aguas Calientes where we all meet at the train station 30 minutes before departure to Ollantaytambo where our private bus will take us back to Cusco. Our journey ends in the Plaza de Armas.
Note:If you want to climb Huayna Picchu or Montaña Machu Picchu, you need to book at least three months prior, due to limited availability. This activity is optional (price: USD 70)
Machu Picchu is an archeological center that preserves the remains of an Inca city, built in a green environment of mountains and rivers, a mystical and mysterious place; in addition, it is a patrimony of humanity and one of the most desired destinations in the world.
It is located at 2,400 m. a. s. l. in a cloud forest between the Andes Mountains and the Amazon rainforest of Peru.
To get from Lima to Machu Picchu you must travel to the city of Cusco by plane or bus.
It is possible to go all the year, the minimum temperatures vary between 8 ºC and the maximum around 20 ºC.
There are 2 seasons in Machu Picchu: the dry season and the rainy season. The first one takes place between April and October, it is characterized by little rain and a sunny climate. The rainy season runs from November to March and is characterized by constant rains.
On trains to Machu Picchu you can only take hand luggage that should not exceed 5 kilos (11 pounds).
Yes, it can be visited by people of all ages. However, in order to ascend Huayna Picchu mountain, it can only be visited by people older than 12 years old.
Public access is from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Machu Picchu is home to almost 150 amazing constructions, these are some of the places that stand out:
• The Temple of the Sun.
• The Intihuatana.
• The Temple of the 3 Windows.
• The Temple of the Condor.
• The Hall of Mirrors.
• The Ladder of the Fountains.
• Huayna Picchu Mountain.
• The Temple of the Moon.
• The Door of the Sun (Intipunku).
• The Main Square.
• The Royal Tomb.
• The Sacred Rock.