INCA TRAIL + SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 7 DAYS
ADVENTURE
Salkantay Trek With Inca Trail To Machu Picchu 7 Days
4 DAYS FROM $ 1,149.00
Trip Type
Hiking
Service Of Level
-
Group Service
Visitors to Peru should be in good physical shape and feel comfortable walking, for long periods of time. Daily activities include City tours around sites such as historic ruins; visits from buses that may last up until nightfall when they’ll stop at either an outdoor market town before continuing on foot back home again (or vice versa) – Tour Leaders Peru
Group Size
Max 8
Activity Of Level
-
Challenge
Inca Trail tours demand a lot of physical activity and adequate preparation and very good physical condition are required. These tours are usually hikes that go from 3 days to 7 days, where you walk every day for between 6 and 7 hours which is done for more than 1000 meters and likewise descends hundreds of meters by very steep steps.
REGARDS – TOUR LEADERS PERU!!!!
- 90%
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HIKING HIGHLIGHT
- Immerse yourself in Inca culture on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, a 7-day journey through some of Peru’s most spectacular scenery.
- Visiting the amazing Humantay Lake
- Trekking through different types of landscapes
- Reaching the Lost City of the Incas: Machu Picchu
- Overnight at Soraypampa Campsite at 3,869 m/12,690 ft.
- Superior service all inclusive, extra horses for your equipment, and private transport.
- Physical Rating: 3 – Demanding – Some high-altitude hikes that might be difficult for less active travelers, but most people should be able to do them.
- The minimum age requirement to use this service is 8 years old. All travelers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Crew: We will support you with a professional Tour Guide, Cook, and Horseman. Porters will also be available to carry any personal belongings (7 kg) during the Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
- Accommodation: Campsites (6 nights). Meals: 6x breakfast, 6x lunch, 6x dinner, 6x afternoon tea. Transportation: Transportation by private van is available for group use 1 time during the length of the trip with a maximum capacity of 8 people.
ITINERARY
On this 7-day Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you will get to see the towering peaks of the Salkantay region which are considered significant “Sacred” or spiritual protectors by locals. The first 3 days of the journey take you through the breathtaking “Vilcabamba” mountain range, formed by two of the deepest canyons in the Cusco region: Urubamba and Apurimac. You’ll primarily be surrounded by gorgeous snow-capped mountains during these initial Days, and rarely come across other groups.
On the fourth day. We’ll join with the Classic Inca Trail 4 Day/3 nights at Wayllabamba Community and then continue to Machu Picchu over the “Dead woman’s pass (4,200m).
The Private Inca Trail & Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu seasons extends from mid-March to November Visit Our Home Page For More
Daytime temperatures can reach 20°C – 27°C at high altitudes in June July nights can drop to below -5°C. Trekking in Cusco during winter, from June to September, offers cool to mild and clear days with often very cold nights. Daytime temperatures are around 20°C and at night may drop to 0°C or as low as – 5°C. Occasionally winter storms can bring snow as low as 3,500m.
Salkantay Trek Weather
The weather patterns are not so predictable that you can be absolutely positive about weather conditions in advance. The lower altitude treks experience the forests, village culture, and Fantastic Mountain views and are likely not to experience extremes of weather, but rather mild weather conditions throughout the trekking season. Salkantay Machu Picchu hike 5 Days is geographically an outstanding trek to Machupicchu.
The highest mountains, tracts of wild forest, the rolling high plateau of the Andes, and the greatest biodiversity are some of these Micriclimes you’ll see along this 7-day Inca Trail Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.
Salkantay & Inca Trail Tour | For those looking to combine the best of our two most popular treks, this is for you. The Inca Trail or Salkantay Tour are a lot to take in, together they are long and tiring, so you should have some overnight hiking experience and be in good shape.
Expectations on The Salkantay trek and Inca Trail 7 Days
Tour Location: Inca Trail and Salkantay Trail – Unique 7-day Hike to Machu Picchu
Tour Type: Hiking, camping, adventure, history, culture, nature, glaciers.
Total Distance: 46.7 miles/75 km
Good For: Experienced Hikers
Difficulty: Quite Challenging
Considerations: Permit Required Month In Advance
DAY 1 TRAINING DAY
We start the day by picking you up from your hotel at approx 04:00 AM. We will drive for around 4 hours, crossing Anta and Mollepata and ending up at Challancha. Through the windows of the bus, you can clearly see the white, snowcapped mountains of Salkantay and Humantay: two colossal gods of the Incas. You will also see the spectacular scenery of high peaks and low valleys in a colorful and contrasting panorama filling every direction you turn your eyes! After the first two hours of driving, we will stop quickly in Mollepata to take advantage of the toilet facilities, souvenir shops, and optional, short breakfast.
We will then continue to Challacancha, the starting point for our trek. We will meet our support staff, and they will organize all of the equipment and cargo mules. Around 09:30 AM, we will begin trekking to Soraypampa (3850 MASL – 12631 FASL), the first campsite on our journey.
The first section of the path takes us over a few deep valleys along the side of a mountain. At some parts of the trail, an old aqueduct can still be seen which still supplies water to farmers in the lower valleys. We will travel 7 km (4.35 miles) in
3 hours to Soraypampa where we will have our lunch at the base camp of Salkantay. After lunch and a short rest, we hike up to the unforgettable Humantay Lake (4200 MASL – 13779 ft). This is a 5 km (3.1miles) round-trip which we will walk for a total of
3 hours. This place is one of the most beautiful sights in all of the Andes with unbelievable blue-green water reflecting the mountain glaciers of Apu Humantay.
It seems like something out of a dream or fairy tale! Back at our camp, the background of the valley at sunset creates the most peaceful scene with an energy that can only be felt and not described! Because Soraypampa (our camp) is located in the middle of the glacier valleys, the sky is so immensely clear at night that you can truly appreciate the stars, constellations, and even comets shooting across the pitch blackness, uninterrupted by the hustle, bustle, or lights of the city. Take a moment this night to re-center your spirit and consider all the deep things of life in the profound silence and tranquility of Soraypampa!
Hiking distance: 13 km / 8.1 miles
Hiking time: 6½ to 7 hours approximately.
Climate: hot during the day and warm at the night.
Accommodation: Camping.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Plus snacks and afternoon tea time)
Maximum Altitude: 4200 Masl / 13779 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 2954 masl / 9694 ft.
DAY 2 CHALLENGE
The trekking time from the camp to the pass will take us 4 to 5 hours. After we have a rest on the pass, we’ll continue down through old moraine until the Accobamba zone where our lunch will be served. After lunch, we will descend until Sisay pampa Camp (3,790 m / 12434ft).
A Sisaypampa section we will be able to fully enjoy and take in the imposing Andean topography, quiet and cozy place where you can see a herd of llamas, alpacas and with luck, we might see the Andean condor consider an important deity among the locals. Our camp will be near the kid’s school. (7-8 hours walking)
Hiking distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles
Hiking time: 6½ to 7 hours approximately.
Climate: cold by day, very cold at night.
Accommodation: Camping.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Plus snacks and afternoon tea time)
Maximum Altitude: 4650 masl / 15255 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 2750 masl / 9022 ft.
DAY 3 UNFORGETTABLE
After breakfast, we will start the trek at 07:30 a.m; we will walk down a beautiful valley with native flowers and exciting views; after 3 hours, we will arrive at the Pampaccahuana community near the Inca canal repaired a few years ago by Kendall’s Project (American archaeologist) to help local farmers and shepherds.
From Pampaccahuana, it will be 3 hours to Paucarcancha camp where we will find beautiful Inca ruins.
Hiking distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
Hiking time: 7 hours approximately.
Climate: cold by day, very cold at night.
Accommodation: Camping.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Plus snacks and afternoon tea time)
Maximum Altitude: 5000 masl / 16404 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 3750 masl ASL / 12303 ft.
DAY 4 INCA TRAIL
Distance Travelled: 14 Km. / 8.7 mile
Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours approximately.
Climate: tropical warm.
Logging: Camping.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Plus snacks and afternoon tea time)
Maximum Altitude: 3000 masl / 9842 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 3750 masl / 12303 ft.
DAY 5 DEAD WOMAN PASS
Today will be a long day; After breakfast, we’ll climb up for two hours to reach the second-highest pass known as “Warmiwañusqha” or Dead Woman Pass (4,200m / 13779ft), from where one is rewarded with spectacular mountain scenery. After a good rest, we will continue trekking down to Pacaymayu Valley through several Inca steps.
The descent to Pacaymayo Valley will last for two hours; here our lunch will be served. After a good rest, we climb up again for 1 hour to visit the archaeological site of ‘Runkuraqhay’ (round shape balcony) and then continue one more hour to Runkuraqhay pass at 4,000m / 13123ft; from wherein a clear day you can see on your bag “Dead Woman Pass” and in front of the Pumasillu snow mountain range.
From the pass, we’ll continue descending for one hour through Inca steps until the Inca site of ‘Sayacmarka’ (inaccessible town) which also was discovered by Mr. Hiram Bingam in 1915. We will have a short rest here before we continue walking for 20 minutes to Ch’akiccocha camp.
Distance Travelled: 16 Km. / 9.9 mile
Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours approximately.
Climate: tropical warm.
Logging: Camping.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Plus snacks and afternoon tea time)
Maximum Altitude: 4200 masl / 13776 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 3400 masl / 11144 ft.
DAY 6 LAST CAMP SITE
Today is another beautiful but short day. You will notice a change in the ecosystem while walking through the tropical forest. After two hours walk, we’ll arrive at the Inca settlement named Phuyupatamarca (Town above the clouds) (3,600 masl/11,811 ft). A well-preserved site with a long chain of Inca baths where one can see impressive Inca engineering. Here you’ll receive an explanation from the tour guide for a half-hour.
From Phuyupatamarca, we will descend approximately 3,200 well-preserved Inca steps (3 hours); we also will pass another Inca Tunnel before we arrive at the Inca ruins of Wiñaywayna (Young Forever) (2,650 m/8,694 ft). Next to the ruins will be set up in our camp. Today’s lunch will be served in the camp so, after lunch, you’ll have time to rest and be ready to start very early the next day.
Distance Travelled: 16 Km. / 9.9 mile
Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours approximately.
Climate: tropical warm.
Logging: Camping.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Plus snacks and afternoon tea time)
Maximum Altitude: 3600 masl / 11811 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 2600 masl / 8530 ft.
DAY 7 MACHU PICCHU
Today, we will start the tour very early; breakfast will be served at 04:30 a.m, and we’ll begin to trek at 05:00 a.m to be in time at the Sungate or Inti Punku to get the first glimpse of Machu Picchu and watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu. We will continue with the last triumphal descent to Machu Picchu and you will receive a relaxing tour for two hours approximately.
After the tour, you will have enough time to explore the Machu Picchu site on your own. At around noon, you must take the bus that will take you down to the town of “Aguas Calientes”; Here you will have your lunch in one of the restaurants; in the afternoon at 2.55 pm we’ll take the train to Ollantaytambo train station from where you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Cusco arriving there at 7:30 pm.
Distance Hiking: 6 Km. / 3.7 mile
Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours approximately.
Machu Picchu guided tour: 2½ hour.
Climate: tropical warm.
Shuttle to Cusco:3 hours by train and bus from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast.
Maximum Altitude: 2429 masl / 7972 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 2040 masl / 6692 ft.
PERU TREKS
How Many Days Do You Need in Order to Hike In Peru
The Classic Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most popular combined routes. Each route varies in length from one to fourteen days, depending on the demand and availability of lodging along the way. All four journeys are one-way trips. You will generally travel back to Cusco using a combination of public and private transportation, depending on which tour company you use to make your trip reservations.
The One-Day Inca Trail Hike (1-day trek)
You can see Machu Picchu in one day if you’re short on time (but be prepared to wake up early!). You’ll take the train from Cusco to Kilometer 104, which is a location on the trail. Then, you’ll hike around 15 kilometers (9 miles) through the Sun Gate until you reach the Machu Picchu sanctuary. This option is great if you want to view Machu Picchu and experience a small section of the Inca Trail trek all at once.
The Lares Trek (3-day trek)
The Lares Trek, also known as the cultural alternative to the Inca Trail, is a three-day journey into the historical weaver communities on the eastern slopes of Machu Picchu. But don’t expect it to be a trip to the museum.
To glimpse into time-honored villages, you must earn access by obtaining passes that soar to over 15,000 feet and zigzag across Pumahuanca’s peak. On day four of your Lares trek, you may add another stop at Machu Picchu ruins.
Vilcabamba Traverse Route (1 – 2 week trek)
The trek to Machu Picchu is not for the faint of heart. At 65 kilometers long, this is regarded as one of the most difficult ways to see Machu Picchu. The route starts in Cachora and winds a mile-deep canyon to Choquequirao, or “Cradle of Gold.” The Vilcabamba Trail follows the same route that Hiram Bingham took when he rediscovered Machu Picchu in 1911, albeit via more isolated towns.
The Salkantay Route (1 – 2 week trek)
The Salkantay Trek is the only Inca Trail option that lets you sleep in a comfy bed and take a hot shower at the end of every day’s hike! Though it still requires reasonably fit participants, The Lodge Trek runs along the Salkantay Trail through the Cordillera Vilcabamba mountain range but permits nightly rest at fully serviced lodges placed along the route. Machu Picchu is reached by following the trail to an elevation of 15,000 feet.
The Classic Inca Trail Route (3 – 5 day trek)
The Classic Inca Trail Hike is the most popular trek of the four alternatives described in this piece. It begins at kilometer 82 along the route, at the village of Piscacucho. The first day is a moderate hike through the Andean foothills, crossing the Urubamba River and arriving at your campsite in Huayllabamba. On the second day, you’ll ascend what’s known as “Dead Woman’s Pass,” which is the highest point of the Inca Trail Elevation at 4200 meters (13,776 feet). After that, it’s all downhill to the Pacaymayo River campsite.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN YOUR TRIP?
This Inca Trail trip is perfect for those who want a light/moderate/challenging adventure and like to explore new things. Travelers should be in good shape since you’ll be hiking for long periods of time, Hiking unstable ground, and going upstairs without any handrails.
It is suggested to have hiking preparation at least 2 months in advance with activities that help strengthen the muscles of the legs with a good technique to hold your breath as this tour generally cover heights over 14,000 feet above the mountains in very rough terrain and very low temperatures as well as very high temperatures.
During the Inca Trail Adventure, you will explore various areas including Machu Picchu, and trip preparation to the Sacred Valley. The walks will be moderately difficult with options for more strenuous hikes. You’ll also get to see numerous archaeological sites along the way.
Cusco is located at a high altitude of 11,200 feet. The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu are lower, at 9,200 and 8,000 feet respectively.
Accommodations
The Peru Adventure includes a stay in wonderful accommodations that have been chosen for their excellent quality, location, and personality. Do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions!
Our Private Team
Throughout the Hike, you will be accompanied by a top private Tour Leader. You will also meet local experts as detailed in the itinerary.
Transportation
We have all of the transportation you need in Peru taken care of, as specified by your itinerary. If you want to go see something that’s not already on the agenda while you’re here, just let your private guide know. They will be more than happy to help recommend some options for getting there.
GALLERY
PRIVATE INCA TRAIL TOURS
With our private hiking tours, you get to design your dream trip – pick your departure date and we’ll do the rest. These specially crafted itineraries include guided excursions, cultural experiences, wildlife encounters, and luxurious accommodations so that you can make the most of your time abroad.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, look no further than our Peru luxury tour packages. From Machu Picchu to the Sacred Valley, our expert guides will show you the best that Peru has to offer. Contact us today to start planning your dream vacation!
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Exploring is an essential part of who we are at TOUR LEADERS PERU, and our travelers’ well-being comes first.
HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS
Please click the “Learn More” button below for information about our new health and safety protocols—including what will be required of you and what you can expect from us on your trip. Please review these new protocols before your departure so you understand our policies. This includes information about personal health and hygiene and new measures we have put in place for physical distancing, face coverings, cleaning, and more.
LEARN MORE: TRAVEL INSURANCE HERE
LAST MINUTE UPDATES
100% GUARANTEED
- 100% Operated by Tour Leaders Peru. We never share you with other tour operators.
- Pick up from Airport and Hotels
- Top-of-the-line equipment REI Co-op Half Dome 4 Tent. Only for Two people
- 7 kg per person, other companies offer you only 6 kg
- Inca Trail and Short Machu Picchu hike 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) - In case you have overnight
- Free and Safe Storage in Cusco and Aguas Calientes while you are hiking and visiting Machu Picchu.
- REI Machu Picchu Hike Camping Equipment also available for Rent
- Private transportation
- Perfect Location For Photographers
- Comfortable and Panoramic Train back to Cusco from Aguas Calientes.
- and More
PRICE PP 699,00 - 8+GUESTS
Prices Varies Depending size of the Group:
From: $ 1,149 per person "Group Service
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If you are interested in hiking this awesome trek to Machu Picchu in a small group and you would like to join 2 or 4 people to make lower costs, please let us know, then we can try to find other trekkers please contact us at: info@tourleadersperu.com
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
$40 dollars, bring your green card or student cart, please
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.
$80 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 $83.00 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$83 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.
100% WE COVERED MACHU PICCHU HIKE
- 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
GO SECTION OF ITEMS FOR RENT
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)
INCA TRAIL 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
TRAVEL SMART WE HAVE ALL YOU NEED
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
Read our Important information the booking process and confirmation
General Information Trekking with Tour Leaders Peru
The times Mentioned in this itinerary are approximations. Walking times depend on the group, and the Tour Leaders may change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group.
Specific Information About Trekking the 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, so we cannot guarantee that all campsites described in this itinerary will be available when you book.
Booking Inca Trail Hike
A scanned copy of your passport and a non-refundable deposit must be provided upon booking an 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 an 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 Full service (Tourist Class), or equivalent Inca Rail service, followed by private vehicle transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
INCA TRAIL HIKING TOUR FAQs
INFORMATION
Are you considering a hike on the Machu Picchu Trail and surviving the 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.
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.
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.
Depending on the date, international and local holidays as well as festivals may result in a surcharge. All prices are subject to change and will be quoted in U.S. dollars. For more information, please consult the terms and conditions for this trip.”
SEASONALITY
This Hiking Tour is available year-round. Please note the Inca Trail is closed in February.
SHORT 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
CLASSIC INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS
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
