Inka Trail to Machu Picchu
The Inca trail to Machu picchu 4 days, 3 nights is one choice jewel of the treks in Perú, Cusco: close proximity of high snowcapped peaks, hanging valleys, deep gorges and broad wide expanses of Andean highland plateau, cloud forest and semidry Andean valleys. We will trek a section of the original Inka Trail to Machu Picchu and have a chance to see the different ecosystems and archaeological sites. Plus, the train rides to and from Machu Picchu along the Canyon of the Urubamba River, are thrilling and impressive treat unto themselves.
Difficulty of the trek: easy to moderate, good physical conditions.
Inca Trail Route
Day 1: Distance: 11km-Altitude: 2570 to 2850 mts- hours 5-camping 2850 mts.
Day 2: Distance: 11km- Altitude: 2850 to 4221 mts-hours 7- camping 3850mts.
Day 3: Distance: 12km-Altitude: 3300 to 3950 -hours 8-camping 2990mts.
Day 4: Distance: 8km- Altitude: 2990 to 2450 mts- hours 3- hotel 2060mts.
Ecosystems: Scrub bush vegetation, andean semi dry forest, cloud forest, inter andean valleys. grass land, alpine, glaciers.
Highlights: Some Inca remains. High biodiversity, flora, fauna. Ancient Inca road, sacred mountains, amazing landscape.
Climate: The temperature varies in between below cero 2ºC,morning, night to 20ºC, middle day to 25ºC day. Mountain weather sunny to cloudy, windy.
We Provide and Include: Itinerary transport roundtrip from Cusco-Licensed, Bilingual, history and naturalist Tour Guides-All Itinerary Meals, including vegetarian & snacks, Safety orientation and Equipment for optional activities-First Aid kit and Oxygen-Tour specific Sleeping bags, air mattresses and Expedition grade tents-Dining tent, Cook & Services, staff, Porters 02 perperson-Ecological, portable toilets-All Entrance Tickets-Bus up and down for Machu Picchu-Pre-purchased Return Train connections to Cusco. optional hikes in Machu picchu and Huayna picchu mountains and the Intipunku Inca trail.
The inka trail to machu picchu information
DAY 1 – Cusco, Piscaycucho, Huallabamba
We depart from Cusco at 8:30 am, driving northeast for about 2 hours until we reach the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Here, we will see the archaeological site of the once great Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo build by the incas in the beginig of the 14th hundreds with incredible stone work and masory built in pink granit.Temples and astronomical obeservatories as well administrative and militar buildings make of this place avery good stop.This place was part of the tambo system organization. After this stop, we’ll continue driving for an hour until reaching the kilometer 82 marker(Piscaycucho,2,570 meters), where we’ll have lunch and prepare our kits. The local porters will be helping us carry the hiking gear, camping equipment, and commissary goods. After all the arrangements we are all set and ready to enter the National Park. From this point onward, the Inca Trail is noted for having beautiful archaeological sites and an abundance of orchids, bromeliads, and humming birds. The rich Andean vegetation is also home to the Chilca bush (bacharis peruviana), Molle tree (Schinus molle), and Tara tree (Caesalpina spinosa)plants: frequent sources of many local medicines. After a three-hour hike, we will arrive at the beautiful site of Patallacta (alt.2,740 meters) where we will stop for snacks and a tour of the remains. Then, we will resume our hike by following the gorge of the Urubamba River(one of the head waters of the Amazon River) and then meeting the Cusichaca river in between three valleys.The hiking conditons and moderate diffculty and found different terraiins with dirt and part of the remains of the Inca trail. Along the way, we will come across incredible views of the Urubamba mountain range and its towering snow peaks like the Veronica glacier at 5700mts. At the end of hike, we’ll arrive at our first camp, Huayabamba (2,850 meters), where hot drinks, delicious food, and a beautiful setting await you.
DAY 2 – Huallabamba, Pacaymayu
Day two begins with a hot breakfast and the chance to watch the sunrise between 6:30 and 7:30 am. Because we are camping in the middle of the mountains, it does take the sun a bit longer to emerge from the surrounding peaks. Prepare for a breathtaking experience as this majestic landscape is brought back to life in the morning light.
After finishing breakfast and packing up, we’ll begin our hike for the day. The hike will be mainly uphill on granite rock steps with some gradient.
Enjoy the physical challenge while taking in the masterful Inca stonework, along with the unique diversity of the interandean valleys. Marvel at the multiple ecosystems, including the Andean semidry forest with its abundant scrub bush vegetation of asteraceas, bromeliads, and muss. Observe the rich birdlife as finches, seedeaters and hummingbirds flutter past you. After about two hours, we will arrive at Yuncaypata (3,200meters), where we will have an ideal view of the snow peaks of Huayanay (alt 5,188meters).
Later on, we will encounter another ecosystem as we head into the Unca woodland (Myrcianthes oreophyla). This area marks the beginning of the cloud forest and is rich in ferns, orchids, bromeliads, and muss.After another two-hour hike, we will take a break at the Andean Páramo (alpine tundra) called LLulluchapampa (3,650meters). Grab a bite to eat and get in some bird watching with the abundant finch and hummingbird populations.Then, we’re off toour first pass at Huarmiwañusta(4,221meters),the highest point of our expedition. After stopping to take in the incredible views, we will continue down for our final stretch of the day (about 2 hours) until reaching Pacaymayu(3,300meters), where we will set up camp.
DAY 3 – Pacaymayu, Wiñay huayna
Today, we have an early start as we have a lot of trail to cover! In the first part of the day, we’ll be traveling, mainly uphill on the Inca’s built-in stone steps. The steps will lead us through a succession of valleys and ecological levels as we near the second high pass of Runkurakay (3,780 meters). Here, we will rest while looking out at the stunning Vilcabamba mountain range in the distance.Then, we’ll follow the stairs down to the remarkable archaeological site of Sayacmarca (a former religious retreat) with the chance to see some beautiful orchids (odontoglossum myanthum) and Aya zapatillan(Calceolaria cypripediiflora).
After Sayamarca, we will stop for lunch in Chaquicocha and continue on through one of the most beautiful sections of the trail, passing by incredible views of the Salkantay snow peaks (6,271meters) and the undisputed monarch of the cordillera,also the snowcapped Humantay (5,900meters). We’ll continue on this route for about 3 hours until we arrive at the ruins of Wiñay Huayna (2,990meters), where we will put up camp for the night. Enjoy spectacular views of the Urubamba mountain range, the Urubamba gorge, and the surrounding mountains of Machu Picchu as you settle in for the evening.
DAY 4 – Wiñay huayna , Machu picchu
Today, we set out for our final destination of Machu Picchu on an Inca stone trail carved out of granite. Along the way, we’ll see more fascinating Inca remains and unique cloud forest species, such as the orchest and bromeliad plants, and tanager and wren birds. Take a minute to behold the bird population… it is undeniably impressive… and beautiful. We’ll stop for a picnic lunch shortly after we come to the Sun gate (Intipunku 2,950 meters) to give you a better chance to absorb the beauty around you,today hike is about 8 km.Don’t miss out on the opportunity to take pictures of the city of Machu Picchu from above.After lunch, we’ll continue down the hill for about 1 hours(previous introduction,and 2 kilometers hike) until we arrive at Machu Picchu, where we’ll start exploring this incredible sacred city with a great tour of the Citadel(about 2 hours) and discover that this sacred place was probably became a religious and astronomical retreat.
Machu Picchu is situated at the beginning, or “eye brow”, of the cloud forest.
This allowed access to different altitudes, each with unique ecological conditions. The crops found at Machu Picchu include different varieties of corn, chilies, quinoa, tomatoes, trees, potatoes, suggesting that this was a good place to acclimate and domesticate species from the high and low jungles that later would be successfully introduced into the hanging valleys and elsewhere.
This small valley was suitable for the building of temples and astronomical observatories, plazas, palaces,streets, utilitarian and functional buildings,
ceremonial places, granaries, store houses and terraces for agriculture, Inca roads.
By analysis of soil, seeds, wood, and bones, Carbon Dating situates Incas in the area during the mid-1400s to mid-1500s. Machu Picchu was built by the Inca number 9 who named it “Pachacutek” or “Cusi Yupanqui”. Throughout the site, there is fine masonry and beautiful stonework, all of which is done without mortar. Construction used outside sources for laborers and two large granite quarries nearby. It is believed that the site was occupied by royalty and dignitaries, and that it was visited by the Inca and his entourage or royal court. Even though it was never quite completed, local scholars and historians believe that within a mere 100 years Machu Picchu was built, inhabited, and abandoned.
Several roads connect to bring pilgrims and essential supplies to Machu Picchu, the site of temples and astronomical observatories dedicated to the sun, moon, stars, the universe, the mother earth “Pachamama” and the creator “Wiracocha”.
All these beautiful buildings were occupied by royalty, nobility and important people and their entourages. These were palaces, religious retreats, plazas, ceremonial places, astronomical observatories and they also served as military stations, store houses, granaries, and terraces for farming, all connected by Inca roads. Construction included existing rock, the small valley itself, and the mountain. Fine masonry and well carved, well-polished stonework, all assembled without mortar. The work was done by laborers from elsewhere who used ramps, rollers, and manpower.
Late too an optional hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain (about 2 1/2 hoursround trip).In the late afternoon, we’ll take a bus down to the town of Aguas calientes(Machu picchu district), where we’ll have a nicebreak in the market before taking the train back to Cusco City (arriving by 8 pm).
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