5-Day Machu Picchu Trek From Cusco
Description
Trek through the Incan Trail to Machu Picchu in five days. The trip starts from Cusco, a city in southeastern Peru near the Urubamba Valley of the Andes mountain range. It is known for its archaeological remains and Spanish colonial architecture. Multiple treks to Wayllabamba, Pacaymayu, Phuyupatamarka, etc., are planned for this trip. See various ecological zones with exuberant and diverse vegetation and a huge variety of different species of orchids as you trail through the mountainous regions and be transported back to history!
Highlights
- Hike to the highest point of Inca Trail
- Trek to Pacaymayu
Itinerary Expand All Collapse All
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Day 1: Cusco To Wayllabamba expand_more
Meet the tour guide early in the morning. On leaving Cusco by a private bus, drive through the famous Sacred Valley (Chinchero, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo). On the way to km 82 from Cusco, the bus takes 40 minutes to stop in Ollantaytambo for breakfast
After 82 km, cross the Urubamba river, following the left bank of the river. The first little climb will be to Wilka Rakay; from there, experience a spectacular view of the Inca site Patallapta and the Kusichaca Valley. The subsequent descent to the Kusichaca river is straightforward. On the way to the first campsite, get views of the Urubamba mountain range with the snow-capped peak of Veronica
Follow Kusichaca Valley for approximately 7 km up to Wayllabamba and spend the first night there
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Day 2: Wayllabamba To Pacaymayo expand_more
After breakfast, climp up for about 1 hour to Tres Piedras (The Three Stones). Enter into the beautiful cloud forest. Reach the tree lines and Llulluchapampa at 3,750m. Stop to have a short break.
After the break, go for 2 hours of hiking to get to the highest point of Inca Trail. Cross the predominant flora of this part of the trail getting closer to the pass.
On reaching the summit of the pass, you will have completed the most difficult part of Inca Trail. The following 2-hour descent will bring you to the base camp in Pacaymayo to spend the second night.
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Day 3: Pacaymayo To Phuyupatamarka expand_more
Start the day with a 40 - minute hike from Pacaymayo to Runkurakay. These small ruins occupy a commanding position offering a nice view.
Another 45 minute hike will bring you to the top of the second pass, Abra Runkurakay. The descent to Sayacmarka takes around 1 hour. The trail descends into the magnificent cloud forest full of orchids, hanging moss, ferns and native flowers.
From the top of the Phuyupatamarka pass, have a spectacular view of the snow-capped peaks Salcantay (6,270 m), Veronica (5,750 m) and Machu Picchu mountain.
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Day 4: Phuyupatamarka to Machu picchu expand_more
Start the morning with a morning walk to pass another Inca Tunnel before visiting the ruins of Wiñaywayna/"Forever young" and the beautiful Inca site of Intipata.
Stop at Wiñaywayna for having lunch. Walk up along the Royal Inca Trail.
Arrive at the Sun Gate, when the afternoon light is at its best. See few other people at the Sun Gate.
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Day 5: Machu Picchu To Cusco expand_more
Leave for Machu Picchu after breakfast, by bus, early when it is less crowded, being a good time to enjoy the calmness and the ancient spirit of the best-known archaeological site on the continent.
After the arrival at the citadel, the tour guide will give detailed information about Machu Picchu - the history and culture of the Inca. Thereafter, have enough free time to enjoy and explore the site on your own.
A bus ride down to Aguas Calientes followed by a train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. The trip ends on reaching Cusco by minibus.
What's Included
Private transfer from your hotel in Cusco to km 82
Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco
Transfer from the train station of Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
Bus tickets two ways from Machupicchu to Aguas Calientes and back to Machupicchu
Entrance fees to the Inca trail and Machu Picchu
Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
Camping equipment (professional tents, two persons per tent, mats, dining tent equipped with a table and chairs, a sanitary tent)
Cook, cooking equipment, meals (three breakfasts, four lunches, and three dinners). Food includes pancakes, omelettes, soups, fresh fruit and spaghetti, chicken, fish, meat and rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking. Hot drinks, including coca leaves tea which is excellent for the altitude
Tea and snack time every day (tea, coffee, wonton, popcorn, cracker)
Porters to carry the main luggage (all the equipment and cooking stock)
Porters to carry your belongings on the trail (5 kg maximum)
On day four, a hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes
First-aid kit and oxygen bottle
Professional bilingual guide (English and Spanish). There are always two guides for eight people
What's Excluded
First breakfast at Ollantaytambo (day 1)
Last dinner at Aguas Calientes on the 4th day
Last lunch at Aguas Calientes (after having visited Machu Picchu)
Sleeping bag (25 US$ to rent)
Tips and extra spending
Ticket for Wayna Picchu. If you want to climb Wayna Picchu, please tell me which group (first group at 7:00 or second group at 10:00) is in the remarks field while booking. The additional cost would be USD 70 and be paid at the briefing.
Know before you go
- The last camp depends on the booking date of the tour, could be Puyupatamarca or Winaywayna.
- The price to pay before trekking start per person is 20 % of the total.
- Everybody doing a trek must arrive at least two days before the trek starts to Cusco to get acclimatized to the altitude.
Cancellation Policy
For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.Price Details
Persons | |
1 To 5 | USD 1959 Per Person |
This is a private tour |