Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days

The Classic Inca Trail begins at «Kilometer 82» or «Piscacucho» and ends at the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu in Peru. Along the approximately 42 kilometers of this trail, hikers traverse diverse Andean landscapes, pass several Inca archaeological sites and finally reach their destination at Machu Picchu.

The Inca Trail is a historic trekking route through the Andes Mountains in Peru that leads to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites. The trail was originally built by the Incas over 500 years ago and includes a series of well-preserved stone pathways, staircases, tunnels, and terraces.

Yes, absolutely. Concerns about the overuse of the trail lead the Peruvian government to enact a few regulations. First and foremost everyone needs a permit to enter the Inca trail. Second, these permits can only be purchased by licensed tour operators. Next, you cannot do the Inca Trail without a licensed tour operator and guide. Additionally, there are only 500 permits available per day, out of the 500, 300 are used by support staff such as guides, porters and cooks, which essentially means only 200 permits are available for tourists and trekkers.

High season (May to September):

• This is the most popular time to do the Inca Trail due to the dry and pleasant weather.
• The months of June, July and August are the busiest and permits usually sell out quickly.
• During these months, the days are sunny and the nights are cold, so it is recommended to bring warm clothing.
• The views are clear and spectacular.

Shoulder Months ( April, October, November):

Savvy travelers prefer to enjoy the best of both worlds with an Inca Trail hike during the shoulder months. The weather can be unsettled (on Saturday you could be basking in the sunshine while on Monday there could be heavy showers), but there are usually lots of great walking days to be had. The trails are relatively quiet, yet you won’t have the deluges of the wet season to contend with. Come after the rains in April and enjoy lush green landscapes for enviable photos!

Low season (December to March):

• This is the rainy season in the region. January and February are the rainiest months.
• For this reason the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance in February.
• You can still do the Inca Trail during these months, however you just need to be aware that it is very likely to rain and the trail gets slippery. Hiking Huayna Picchu Mountain at this time is also extra difficult and your view may be shrouded by fog.
• The trail has less people, and the landscape is lush due to the rains.

The Inca Trail is considered a moderate to strenuous hike with steep inclines, declines, high altitude, and rough terrain.

The most challenging things about the Inca Trail:

• The Altitude: From the trailhead you gain about 1480m/4856ft in elevation in just two days. The highest point of the trail is known as Dead Woman’s Pass at an elevation of 13,780 feet (4,200 meters).
• The steps: There are about 70 866 steps on the Inca Trail (that´s if you believe google). Importantly, the trail is undulating with ten´s of thousands of Inca steps to negotiate. This puts added weight and pressure on the knees, especially on the downgrades.
• Time spent walking: You hike an average of 6 hours everyday depending on your pace and this can be exhausting.

How to overcome these challenges.

• Acclimate properly: Spend 2 days or more in Cusco or the Sacred Valley so your body can adjust to the new altitude.
• Stay hydrated: You might not feel thirsty at high altitude, but trust us, you hydrate a lot faster and drinking plenty of liquids and staying away from alcoholic drinks helps curb the affects of altitude sickness.
• Try the local remedy: Coca leaves have been used for many generations to combat altitude sickness and to give an extra boost of energy. Whilst on the trail, coca tea is served first thing every morning and you can also chew the leaves throughout the day.
• Prepare your body: The Inca Trail is no joke: Hiking it over four days requires you to be in peak physical condition. Use things like the stair climber to strengthen your knees or go on a few hiking trails near you prior to starting the trek. Also build your endurance and stamina through regular exercise a few months in advance.
  

The Inca Trail is a spectacular hike that takes you through stunning landscapes and important archaeological sites along the trail.

• Kilometer 82: This is the official starting point of the Inca Trail, located 82 kilometers northwest of Cusco. Here the walk to Machu Picchu begins.
• Llaqtapata: Llaqtapata is an Inca archaeological site that offers panoramic views of Machu Picchu. It is a quiet and scenic place to rest and enjoy the views. You can only visit this site on the 5-Day Inca Trail
• Runkuraqay: This is a stop along the way that used to be a tambo or resting post for Inca travelers. It offers stunning views and is an interesting place to explore.
• Sayacmarca: Sayacmarca is a well-preserved archaeological site with stone structures and terraces. It offers spectacular views of the surroundings.
• Conchamarca: Another archaeological site on the road that used to be a dairy farm. Here, travelers can learn more about the history of the Inca Trail.
• Phuyupatamarca: This archaeological site is known for its impressive location high in the mountains and its agricultural terraces.
• Wiñay Wayna: Wiñay Wayna is one of the most impressive sites on the Inca Trail. Its agricultural terraces, water fountains and Inca architecture make it an unforgettable stop.
• Inti Punku (Sun Gate): Inti Punku is the gateway to Machu Picchu. From here, visitors can get their first and most panoramic view of the iconic citadel.
• Machu Picchu: The final destination of the Inca Trail is the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu. This archaeological site is one of the most famous in the world and is known for its Inca architecture, terraces, temples and impressive landscapes.

Here are some key aspects of the garbage and waste policy on the Inca Trail:

Take everything you bring: One of the fundamental principles on the Inca Trail is «Leave No Trace.» This means that you must take all the waste you generate during the trek with you. Do not leave trash on the trail, as this can damage the natural environment and archaeological sites.

Organic trash: Organic trash, such as food scraps and peelings, should also be bagged and taken with you. You can carry sealed bags to store this waste and avoid attracting animals. Another option is to bring your organic waste to camp and make sure its disposed of in the correct trash can.

Solid waste: Containers, bottles and other solid waste must be properly packaged. Bring them back to camp and make sure it is properly disposed of in the correct container.

Recycling: We highly recommend bringing reusable water bottles. Avoid plastic bottles and plastic containers. Most importantly, plastic bottles are not allowed inside Machu Picchu.

Responsible use of water: Avoid wasting water during trekking. Use only the amount needed for cooking and drinking. Do not contaminate streams or water sources with soap or detergents.

Portable Toilets: In some areas of the Inca Trail, portable toilets are used. Make sure you follow the instructions and rules for their use and do not throw trash in them.

Information and education: Guides and porters are trained in minimal impact practices and must ensure that hikers follow conservation rules.

***If you see anything that shouldn´t be on the trail, alert your guide. If our team does anything that doesn´t follow the proper disposal of waste, please let the office know. Environmental sustainability and the preservation of our trails is very important to us.

Things to consider before booking your Classic Inca Trail

Age: There is no strict age restriction to do the Inca Trail, but it is important to keep in mind that it is a long and demanding hike. Hikers must be physically fit and able to walk long distances over varied terrain. People over 60 may need a medical evaluation and must be sure they are in good physical condition to trek.

Physical health: It is important that hikers are in good physical health to undertake the Inca Trail. This involves having good cardiovascular endurance, physical strength, and the ability to walk on uneven terrain. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, such as heart problems, asthma or other health problems, you should consult a doctor before considering trekking. People with knee or ankle problems should also use caution, as the terrain can be steep and challenging.

Altitude: Trekking the Inca Trail involves high altitudes, and altitude may affect some people differently. It is important to acclimatize properly before beginning the hike. This usually involves spending at least a couple of days in Cusco or a similar altitude location before heading out trekking. If you have medical problems related to altitude, you should consult a doctor before deciding to do the Inca Trail.

Medical Insurance: It is highly recommended that hikers have travel insurance that covers medical situations, including evacuation in case of emergency. This is important in case of injuries or medical problems during the hike.

History:

The Inca Civilization has one of the most fascinating history in the world and the Inca Trail takes us on this journey of rediscovery. As we visit a slew of archeological sites along the route, we learn from the descents of this great civilization some of their ancient ways. Explore a live showcase of their engineering and architectural genius. Their sophisticated agricultural terraces which were built on the mountain side are true engineering marvels, with some still fully functional even today. Their decision to also build directly on an earthquake fault line using the ashlar technique is very intriguing. Their stone placement is flawless, you can´t fit a sheet of paper between each stone. Even if you are not the biggest history buff, this particular history is interesting and a bit incredulous.

Scenery:

The trek starts in the Sacred Valley which is characterized by its rolling heels, terraces and traditional Andean Villages. This was the heart of the Inca Empire. It has fertile soils and is nestled among snow-capped peaks.

Next, as you climb higher you enter the cloud forest, one of the most important micro-climates in the world. Its often surrounded by a shroud of soft clouds constantly moving in and out. A magical place that gives a sense of peace, calm and unrivaled beauty. Among the rolling hills are cascading waterfalls and an abundance of unique flora and fauna.

Just above that is the grasslands. At this high altitude, the landscape is treeless with shrubs and other alpine vegetation. From this vintage point you have a panoramic view of the gigantic mountain tops and the snuggly llamas and alpacas grazing in the fields. The view is breath taking, as if you are standing on top of the world.

To end the trail, you enter the foot of the Amazon Rainforest with its hot and humid weather. Home to an astonishing variety of plant and animal species. Machu Picchu sanctuary is a botanical wonderland.

Flora and Fauna:

Flora: Its 3 distinct ecological zones all have their own unique plant species. The cloud forest has ferns, bromeliads, and a vast array of orchids. Climbing higher you will find polylepis trees and finally at very high-altitudes you can look forward to alpine grassy vegetation and wildflowers.

Orchids are the biggest stand-out feature on the Inca Trail, with over 200 different species. They are delicate flowers that add vibrant and vivid colors to the Inca Trail. The archeological site of Wiñay Wayna is also named after an orchid.

Fauna: The Inca Trail´s rich biodiversity is not to be missed. Some of the must-see species include:

• The Andean cock-of-the-rock
  • This the national bird of Peru. The males have a brilliant orange plumage and a very interesting mating call. It´s a stunning bird that lives in the cloud forest.
• The Spectacled bear or Andean bear
  • It is an elusive bear that´s native to the Andes Mountains. It´s found at very high altitudes in the forests of the Andes. They are mostly herbivorous and avoid human contact at all costs, they will even climb the highest tree in the forest to avoid their worst predators «humans». If you spot one, count yourself as one of the very lucky few.
• Andean Condor
  • The largest flying and bird of prey in the world. It has a maximum wingspan of 3.3m and can weigh up to 15kg. It´s usually found soaring at elevations of about 5 000m/16 000ft. The best place to see these magnificent birds up-close is at the Colca Canyon in Arequipa.
• Viscacha
  • A tiny adorable rodent that´s related to the Chinchilla and resembles a rabbit. They live between the tree line and snow line, in a harsh rocky environment.
• Andean Fox
  • They might be called a fox, but they are not a fox, they are actually related to wolves and jackals. These nocturnal animals are rarely seen during the day and live in the high-altitude grasslands of the Andes.

Most importantly, the trail is a haven for birdwatchers. There is an impressive 423 species of birds on the Inca Trail. Don´t forget to indulge your senses in over 500 species of butterflies also found on the trail. They offer a spectacle of fluttering wings and vibrant colors.

Challenge and reward dished out in equal measure:

The undulating, rough hewn terrain at high altitudes is no child´s play. It´s a moderate to difficult trek that requires you to be in good physical condition. But, a few months of physical and mental preparation is all that´s needed to accomplish this once in a lifetime journey. Day 2, which is the most difficult day of the trek, offers jaw dropping views at the top of Dead Women´s pass which stands at an imposing 4 200m. Day 3 is such a breath takingly stunning day, it has incomparable views of waterfalls, lush vegetation and a myriad of Inca Ruins that you get explore and learn the fascinating history behind them. To tie together all the wonderful adventures you´ve had so far, the trail culminates at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Machu Picchu, one of the 7 wonders of the world. There really is nothing better.

Machu Picchu:

The last day is reserved for one of the most visited 7th wonder of the world. You enter through the Sun Gate an exclusive opportunity only afforded to hikers of the Inca Trail and then enjoy a 2 hour guided tour of the Sacred Inca Citadel. For some reason, when people do the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, they have a deeper and more profound sense of accomplishment and feel they have earned every second of their time at the Archeological site of Machu Picchu. It could be that to get there, they had to follow the same foot steps the Incas took more than 500 years ago to get to the Royal and Holy city of the great Inca Empire. Machu Picchu is the perfect blend of nature and architecture.

Well-organized and managed:

Since this site was open to tourism, the Peruvian government has continued to make new regulation in order to improve the experience of the trekkers and preserve the integrity of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. There is a limited number of permits issued each day, which stops over crowding on the trail. There are also a number of tour companies like Orange Nation that offer guided Inca Trail treks, which can provide hikers with support, a luxurious trekking experience and information along the way.

In short, no. The route is strictly controlled so you need to travel with an authorized tour company. Do check operator credentials carefully before booking because not all tour operators are permitted to take hikers on the Inca Trail and will most likely hand you to a third party! Book with a reputable local travel agency to ensure your holiday goes without a hitch. Orange Nation is fully licensed and has extensive experience hiking the Inca Trail and providing tours to Machu Picchu.

The Classic Inca Trail can cost anywhere between $700 to over $1 300 per person. Some companies reach the high point of that price backet because the operator is not authorized to do the Inca Trail and will hand you over to a third party and they need to make a commission as part of the transaction. Additionally, if you book a luxurious trek with operators like Glamping Peru Treks, your fee can exceed the $2000 mark.

Anything below that price range is because the tour operator is mostly cutting corners. Unfortunately porters are the first ones to get short handed because they are usually uneducated and come from indigenous Quechua speaking villages. Another way they are able to offer cheaper prices is by underpaying other employees on the ground or not departing until they have maximum 16 trekkers permitted per group on the trek. Generally speaking, the sweet spot for travelers on a budget is somewhere between $700 and $850.

Prices typically include things like the Inca Trail permits, camping gear, meals while trekking, entrance tickets into Machu Picchu, bus tickets, train tickets and private transportation from and to Cusco. All employees at Orange Nation get a fair salary and are treated fairly. Our team is the secret to the many treks we have completed successfully.

You need to keep your energy levels topped up when hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, which is why getting the food right is so important. Luckily, you’ll have your very own team chef in tow, who will rustle up some surprisingly tasty meals considering the remote location. There’s nothing better than tucking into a delicious hot dish after a long day on the trail!

Each full day on the trail is usually accompanied by 4 abundant meals, breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. The primary ingredients found in nearly every Peruvian dish are rice, potatoes, chicken, pork, lamb and fish. Most of these meals include “aji”, or better known as a Peruvian hot pepper. They vary in color from yellow red, including the famous red rocoto pepper.

There are toilet facilities at each camp, but they’re not always the cleanest. This is why Orange Nation takes their our own toilet tent so you can sit on your throne in relative comfort! Some camps have cold showers too if you’re feeling brave! Otherwise, a small basin of warm water with a small cloth is provided every morning to freshen up. However, it is still a good idea to bring a pack of baby wipes.

It is a real camping experience, but most tour operators take extra steps to ensure your comfort.

No! Everything is transported by porters on Machu Picchu hike tours. You just carry a small daypack for your essentials like sunscreen, water, an extra layer of clothing and snacks. You are given a 7kg duffel bag at briefing, for everything you’ll need for the trek, including a sleeping bag. This will be carried for you and won’t be available until you reach camp.

Its important to be aware of the fact that there are bag restrictions in Machu Picchu. 25 liters is the current limit.

Most trekkers tip their guide, porters and cooks on the last day of the Inca Trail. However, tipping is not obligatory and is not included in the trek price.

Most importantly, you should always tip your conscious. You should tip only if you feel the team have provided an excellent service and deserve a tip. Below we provide only recommendations and guidelines as to what constitutes a fair tip. It is also easier to tip with local currency in low denomination (nuevo soles).

Suggested tipping guide:

Tipping is usually done by pooling tips from all member of the group for the porters , assistant chefs, and head chef.

• Chef: 120 to 150 soles
• Assistant Chef: 100 soles
• Porters: 80 soles each
• *** all tipping to trail guides is based on your personal appreciation . Consider the length of trek and the quality of service provided by your guide.

For larger groups, expect to pay a little more. If you’re not comfortable with the tipping experience, you can pre-pay gratuities at the time of booking instead.