The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is beyond a doubt one of the most beautiful trails in America and it gives you an unforgettable experience not to be missed. The Inca trail leads through the protected wild nature of the Peruvian jungle and forest steppe, passes several archeological Inca sights and offers impressive views.
The Incas used this itinerary for their pilgrimage to the sacred citadel Machu Picchu.
Our journey starts early in the morning. After our arrival at km 104 by train, the Royal Inca Trail begins with a hike to Chachabamba (2270m/7448f), where our guide will inform us about the previous function of this archeological site. Thereafter, we will reach Wiñayhuayna (2650m/8694f), the most important archeological site besides Machu Picchu. After that, our trail continues towards the Sun Gate “Inti Punku”, a nice viewpoint from which we can enjoy the nightfall on Machu Picchu (2400m/7874f). Since we have to continue our walk to our hotel in Aguas Calientes, we will only spend little time in the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu on the first day.
Hiking time: 06 hours
Total distance: 12 km.
Level of difficulty: moderate
We will leave our hotel towards Machu Picchu after breakfast at about 5:30 am by bus. We are leaving that early because at this time, the setting is less crowded and the morning is a good time to enjoy the calmness and the ancient spirit of the best-known archaeological site on the continent. After our arrival at the citadel around 6:00 am, our guide will give us detailed information about Machu Picchu and the history and culture of the Inca. Thereafter, you will have enough free time to enjoy and explore the site on your own, by ex. go to the Inka Bridge, explore the variety of buildings or climb Waynapicchu for an amazing panorama picture). A bus takes you down to Aguas Calientes. Here you have the possibility to join the town’s hot springs (S/ 10.00 Nuevos soles). We will leave Aguas Calientes in the afternoon.
Hiking time: 02 hours
Total distance: 4 km.
Level of difficulty: normal
(1) Visit to Huayna Picchu: For Huayna Picchu mountain requires to be booked long time in advance however we charge additional $ 65.00 and then we’ll guarantee your entrance for Huayna Picchu as well (This new State law began since the 18th of July, 2011).
(2) Extra porter: According to the law (26702) and supervised by the Ministry of Employment, the collaboration of an extra porter is given under the conditions the customer requires. However, the customer’ luggage musn’t exceed 12 kg, since the porter is only allowed to carry 15 kg. The Service costs $ 100.00 and includes transport, entrance fee to the Inca Trail, food and camping equipment.
(3) Tips for porters, cooks and guides are always welcome. The porters are also very grateful for a small donation, for example clothes or school equipment for their children.
(4) Stay: we work together with Vista Machu Picchu hotel.
