INCA TRAIL 4d / 3n

Inca Trail: 4d/3n or Special 5 day

Daily departures! We have daily Inca Trail trek departures scheduled and we can get trail passes for those who send their documents well in advance. If you are looking for last minute dates and don’t have any flexibility, simply ring 51 84 249194 or 51 84 261920 and ask for David or Ruben. You can also check AVAILABILITY on our website—it is updated regularly. If you can be slightly flexible, email us the booking form with all your date options and we will confirm the availability of your selection.

PROGRAM: INKA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU 4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS

6:00 / 7:00 pm Night before departure: Briefing in Cusco at Office 2 (Calle Garcilaso 256, near Hotel Marqueses) with your guide. You will receive your camping mattress, porter sac (if you have hired a porter) and any rental equipment such as sleeping bags that you have requested.

• Distance: 43km
• Duration: 4 days
• When to go: Best from April to October
• Altitude: 2,380 masl to 4,200 masl
• Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
• Remark: 2-3 Days acclimatization required.

DESCRIPTION:

Day 1 Meet at our departure point: Plaza Regocijo or Cusipata at 05:45 to 06.00 am to board the bus. Make sure you carry your original passport and ISIC student card (if applicable) Journey to km 82 takes approx 3 hrs with beautiful views of the Sacred Valley, the Urubamba river, Andean towns and Ollantaytambo Inca town. We enjoy a breakfast snack along the way. Walking times are always approximate depending on weather conditions, group ability and a thousand other possibilities but you`ll walk about 2-3 hrs before lunch. After lunch, we walk on just pass the village of Wayllabamba for our first camping at Ayapata (3,300masl). This first days walking passes through valley starting from 2,380 mtrs with a small climb, rewarded with superb views of Mount Veronica, to a platform overlooking the Incan site of Llaqtapata approx 12km walking 6 -7 hours.

Day 2 You can hire a porter from the village of Wayllabamba to carry your pack to the top of the pass for approximately 60 soles. This is the most difficult day as you walk from about 3000 mtrs to 4,200 m, (Dead womans pass). You can walk at your own pace, stop to get your breath whenever you like. You ll find your energy returns once you continue down to the valley of Pacaymayo and beyond to Cochapata campsite 3400 masl. This is the coldest night. +2/+4 degrees celcius (December) -3/-5 degrees celcius (June). Approx 16km walking 7- 8 hours

Day 3 Exceptionally beautiful because of the ruins, the Aobamba valley and incredible paved trail (and more importantly for your lungs, there is a lot more down than up!!!). There are about 2000 stairs descending from Phuyupatamarca to Wiñaywayna, so if you have not had knee problems in the past, you probably will after this! If you have had knee injuries; an extra porter is recommended so that you are not carrying extra weight which will overstress your joints. Guided tours of all the ruins and camping generally at Wiñaywayna (2,700 masl) * Take extra care of your personal belongings in this campsite as most of the tours camp near here. As usual always keep your daypack with valuables with you. Apart from streams the only hot shower on the Inca trail is on this third night at Wiñaywayna.. There is a hostal near the campsite with an 8 min, hot shower for 5 soles and a bar and restaurant where you can also purchase bottled water. Approx 10km walking 5- 6 hours

Day 4 Get up extremely early to arrive at Inti Punku, "the gate of the sun" and view of first sun illuminating Machu Picchu. It is still 20 mins walk down from here and the famous view is from the terraces at the end of the trail. Take your photos now before the 10:30 crowds arrive. Your tour of Machu Picchu should finish between 10:30 and 11:00am and you have free time to climb Wayna Picchu (min 90 mins), or just collapse under the tree in the plaza of Machu Picchu. approx 5km walking 1.5- 2 hours *** Special buffet lunch included after you visit Machu Picchu in the town of Aguas Calientes in our welcoming "Hostal Viajeros" , where you can have a hot shower, store your backpack whilst you go to the hot springs or shop around the village

NOTE: Climbing to the Huayna Picchu.- Permits are required and limited. Only the first people arriving in Machupicchu can get the passes so please let your guides know at the briefing if this is a particular interest of yours and remind them on the 3rd night so as to ensure best possibility.

If no permits are available, climbing to the Machupicchu Mountain.or Hiking to the Inca Bridge are possible options

Important : Machupicchu site is officially open from 06:00 am to 17:30 pm

Our two first campsites are the most isolated and tranquil campsites, they are Ayapata Camp and Chaquicocha Camp. Third Camping in Wiñaywayna.- 98% of our groups achieve this 2 hours near to Machupicchu Campsite. Late bookings are often with Phuyupatamarca camp 4-5 hrs from Machupicchu so we recommend to book your Inca Trail Trek early.

OPTIONS FOR TRAIN RETURN :

• Train return to Ollantaytambo " Ollanta" in the afternoon at: 17:00 or 18:00 plus a SAS private BUS to Cusco return is included in your Package.
• To Up-grade Vistadome Train at 3.25 pm all the way to Poroy (25 minutes nera Cusco - New Vistadome Train Station ) $36 extra per person.
• SPECIAL 5 DAYS night in "Hostal Viajeros" in Aguas Calientes Private Rooms + Dinner & Breakfast Extra US$ 25 per person- 5th day Train return to Ollantaytambo at 08:53 am

There is an option of extending your trip and staying overnight in Aguas Calientes in Hostal Viajeros, then returning to Cusco on Day 5. Please see the “Extra Night in Aguas Calientes, Post-Inca Trail” at the bottom of this page for more details.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE TREK:

• Pre-departure Inca Trail briefing, informative presentation by your guide.
• Private bus to km 82.
• Entrance fee to the Inca Trail national park.
• Entrance fee for Machupicchu archaeological sanctuary.
• Excellent bilingual Peruvian guides; knowledgable, professional and fluent in languages. 1 licensed guide for up to 8 trekkers,
• 2 licensed tour guides for 9 to 16 (max) trekkers.
• Fairly treated porters carry the equipment, tents, food, cooking gear, dining tents
• Health Insurance for our porters, cooks, assistants, field crew and SAS staff.
• Accommodation, food & transport, permits and entrance fees for our porters and cooks.
• 11 nutritious, delicious buffet meals with fresh, high quality ingredients, high in energy value and prepared carefully to avoid illness. Combination of International & Peruvian cuisine, 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners, & drinks.
• Wake up coca tea each morning in your tent for a gentle start.
• Boiled purified water after breakfast to refill your water bottles.
• Happy hour with macho-tea or hot drinks every afternoon.
• Oxygen assistance and first aid kit.
• Snacks for tour in Machu Picchu, buffet celebration lunch in Aguas Calientes “Machupicchu town”.
• Vegetarian food and specialised diets by request.
• 2 people per tent (4 person size dome igloo type, clean, waterproof new tents)
• Thick, comfortable sleeping mattress, pillows by request .
• Dining + kitchen tent, camping tables and stools
• 3 hrs Machupicchu guided visit and interpretation.; guided visit and tours in each of the ruins along.
• Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes “Machupicchu town”. is included.
• Special buffet lunch included after you visit Machu Picchu in the town of Aguas Calientes in our welcoming "Hostal Viajeros" , where you can have a hot shower, store your backpack whilst you go to the hot springs or shop around the village
• Free, safe storage for your belongings while you are on tours in Hotel Marqueses; Calle Garcilaso 256 a block from main plaza next to the SAS office.
• Day 4 Tourist train return to Ollantaytambo “0llanta” then a SAS private bus to Cusco.
• Inca Trail Surviver Certificate.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE TREK:

• Sleeping Bag
• Personal porter
• Trekking poles.
• Hot shower on 3rd camp (5 soles), Hot Springs in Aguas Calientes “Machupicchu town” (10 soles), extra Porter for the 2nd day, extra drinks, wood walking stick (5-10 soles), tips for the trekking crew ; guides, cooks,and porters.

ITEMS FOR RENT:

• $20 Down filled sleeping bag: weighs 1.8 kg, rated to –10 degrees Celsius
• $20 Single Supplement for an individual, or you can share a tent with other group member of the same gender
• $15 Comfortable Back Pack with 45 L capacity to rent the entire trek
• $36 Upgrade for Vistadome 1st Class Train 15:20 pm return to Poroy Station arriving 18.50 pm & Shuttle bus connection to Cusco.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

SUGGESTIONS OF WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE:

• Backpack & Daypack : ( if you hire personal porter SAS provide a duffle bag )
• -5 C sleeping bag :
• Hiking boots
• Trekking poles: Poles with metal tips are not allowed on the trail.
• Warm clothes : layers for variable temperature especially at night.
• Thermals : Gloves / scarf : wool socks / woolen hat for cold nights:
• T-shirts and trekking pants that zipoff to short pants for a comfortable day walks
• Flash light : head torch
• Camera and extra batteries
• Sunscreen / hat and sunglasses
• Personal medical kit / insect repellent :
• Rain Gear: poncho/ a good rain jacket :
• Toiletries / toilet paper / small towel
• 2 litre water bottle : disposable water bottles are not permited in Machu Picchu site water purifying tablets optional
• Original passport and original ISIC student card if applicable :
• Extra money for drinks & tips, souvenirs etc ( soles or dollars ) Emergency money at least 200 extra soles
• Bathing clothes for the hot springs. optional

OTHER INFORMATION :

PORTERS :

GROUP PORTERS: are incharge of carrying all the expedition/camping gear, gas bottles, gas stoves, food items, client tents, dinning tent, cooking tent, cooking equipment, stools/ tables, crockery cutlery etc

Unless you hire an “EXTRA” PORTER you need to carry your back pack, sleeping bag and the mattress. You need to indicate this at the time of booking as porters who carry for the full 4 days require permits in advance in the same manner as trekkers.

PORTERS to carry up to 9 Kg = $60 up to 18 Kg = $120) for the full duration of the tour from Cusco to Aguas Calientes. Regarding porters who carry personal items. You will need to carry with you a daypack with your Camera, water bottle, snacks, a fleece or something warm and a poncho in case of rain (unlikely in Dry season but as a precaution) and anything you will need before lunch as porters do not walk alongside you. Your bag will be waiting for you in your tent at campsites. Best to put everything up to 18 Kgs in one backpack for the porter so that you don't have 2 large backpacks in your tent. We can provide you with a big rice sack that is not heavy but also not water proof so use plastic bags around your gear. The porters have large ponchos to cover them and the bag.

PLEASE NOTE.- there are fines if you give an excess of 9 Kgs or 18 Kgs so try to underpack rather than overpack or pay for an extra 9 Kgs.

TIPPING .- The recommended amount to cover this tradition is approx US $25 -$30. Groups are generally accompanied by 19-22 staff for a maximum 16 trekker group. As for all American countries, tipping is common practice and is a part of the experience but not obligatory. Generally groups prepare a collective tip which is shared out between the trekking crew, porters and cooks on the 3rd night. It is customary to thank the guides with a voluntary tip after the Tour in Machupicchu on the fourth day in Aguas Calientes.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS:

Travel Insurance is strongly recommended for all travel in third world countries:

For people over 65 / or questioning their ability to trek the altitude the Short 2 Day Inca Trail is recommended.

It is possible you will feel the effects of altitude upon arriving in Cusco (3,400 m or 11,350 feet). Remember that arriving from a lower elevation (like Lima) to the Andes, the % of oxygen is less. You will feel tired and weak before adjusting to it. It is best to arrive in Cusco at least two days before setting out on the trail. Don’t drink alcohol, smoke or take sedatives. Drink lots of water and coca tea, have a good night’s sleep, and eat moderate, light meals high in carbohydrates.

Very Important! We encourage you to allow for at least 3 days in Cusco before your trek; apart from there being so much to see and do (see the other activities we offer), it is possible that your arrival could be delayed due to transport strikes or cancellation of flights due to poor weather, etc. Altitude affects everyone differently and you may need more time to acclimatize. Because there is no way to change your permit to another date you could miss out on your Inca trail experience altogether. So please keep this in mind when choosing the date of your trek and making your travel plans!

Water: We suggest you take a 2 litre bottle of water on the first day and then you can refill this throughout the entire trek. We boil water each night and you can fill your water bottle after breakfast each morning. We suggest you take water purification tablets or filters for water you take directly from streams or waterfalls. You can buy water throughout the first day, for the first few hours of Day 2 and from the afternoon of Day 3 at the Hostal in Wiñaywayna.

Temperatures during the day: If you are walking in the sun it is very hot and feels like 26 degrees Celsius, but when you walk through the forest or in the shadow of a mountain it can feel like 14 degrees almost immediately. On the second night, due to the higher elevation, the temperature is cold, ranging from 0 to -5 degrees Celsius! The third night at 2700 m, “high jungle,” is warmer.

The best way to deal with the changes in temperatures is to try and keep your body temperature as regular as possible by wearing layers: put on that extra layer before you get cold and take off a layer if you start to feel warm, before you perspire which will leave you with a chill if it gets cold again. The weather from December through to early March is the wettest on the trail.

Some days it may be drizzly all day or you may have a burst of rain and clear skies for the rest of the day, or it could be wet off and on all day. You need good rain gear for walking as well as something to protect your pack. We have dining tents so you are protected from the elements during meals.

Hot Showers along the Trail: There is a basic timed electric shower at the 3rd night camping in Wiñaywayna for 10 Soles but please do not expect too much!!! Along the trail a little hot water will be offered to you every morning and before meals for a quick wash. Worth taking antibacterial gel but hand washing and drying is imperative whenever possible to avoid transfer of viruses.

Toilets : In each of the Campsites there are basic toilets constructed and maintained by the Inka Trail Park control. Bring your own toilet paper.

Garbage : There are many bins along the trail. At lunch time and at campsites our porters will always clean the area. Please keep this historical sanctuary clean and cooperate so that we leave no trace! Take all trash with you and remind others not to litter!

Unexpected : Don’t be surprised to find Gatorade, Coca Cola, Cuzqueña Beer and even Snickers chocolate bars at 4,200 meters along the trail.

What happens if I get exhausted or weak in the middle of the trek? : SAS has a low record of hikers that decide to turn back. Our trekking staff will accompany you back if necessary, but they are prepared to walk at your pace, carry your pack and even you if necessary, for you to reach the top.

Important lessons learnt by some!!

• Don’t get drunk in Cusco before you start the trek!
• Don’t get drunk the 3rd night before the walk to sunrise at Machupicchu!
• Don’t take that Lonely Planet guidebook on the trail—you’ll be too exhausted to read it.
• Leave any unnecessary items with our secure luggage area in Cusco.
• Do learn some Quechua words and practice it with your porters!

TOTAL PRICE: Please visit our price information page.

Tour Conditions: See tour conditions page!

EXTRA NIGHT IN AGUAS CALIENTES, POST-INCA TRAIL ( Special 5 day )

This package is the regular Inca Trail 4d/3n plus 1 night (based on double/triple accommodation) in Aguas Calientes (Machupicchu town) in Viajeros Hostal or similar level accommodation.

IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:

• To allow you much more time in Machupicchu after your guided tour.
• Gives you the opportunity to climb Wayna Picchu, Temple of the Moon or walk to Inca Bridge.
• Relax in the Hot Springs (10 soles) if you like or get to bed early after a huge day!
• Visit the renewed Julio C Tello-Machupicchu Museum and the Botanical & Orchids Garden near Puente Ruinas (old Machupicchu Train Station)
• Avoid typical train problems with afternoon trains in high season and around important holidays. On the regular 4d/3n program, we can’t guarantee the return time until Peru Rail lets us know 6 days before the date. Typically you will return to Cusco at 9pm but it could be much later or earlier. If you stay the night, you will take the 09.30am train to Ollantaytambo. Once there, you can spend time in the town at your leisure.

INCLUDES:

• One night in Viajeros Hostal or similar level accommodation.
• Dinner Day 4 and Breakfast on Day 5.
• Train to Ollantaytambo (or afternoon tourist train with bus connection through to Cusco upon request).

The Valley Train leaves Aguas Calientes at 08.53am and arrives at Ollantaytambo to 10.52 am. It has large high windows so you can take in the spectacular views. The tour ends at Ollantaytambo. It is a lovely place to walk around, to visit the Incan sites and even to spend the night. There are many public buses and collectivos at the Ollantaytambo Train Station that provide a cheap transfer to Cusco via Urubamba for around 7-9 soles or $3, departing regularly throughout the day.

If you choose this overnight option, we will automatically register you for the morning train departing 08.53am and arrives to Ollantaytambo. If you would like another option you must indicate this very clearly and receive a clear confirmation.

PRICES: Please visit our price information page. TOUR CONDITIONS: See tour conditions page!

*Please note that Inca Trail hiking permits are limited and issued 'first come, first served, so you are encouraged to reserve early.

HOW TO MAKE A RESERVATION

• Register each of your details:http://www.sastravelperu.com/contact/reservas.html and pay only with Visa Card on-line.
• Sending by E-mail or Fax a BOOKING FORM with each of your details, pay with a Visa, MC, Amex credit/debit card.
• Registering each of you details on-line and give us by phone your credit/debit card details.
• Registering each of you details on-line and transfering your deposit by Western Union or Australian Bank account.

For the Inca Trail trek during high season (May to October), reservations should be done at least 3 – 6 months in advance, especially if you do not have flexibility. If possible, please indicate a 2nd and 3rd date option so that we may confirm your booking within 12 hours. CLICK HERE

HOW TO CONFIRM YOUR BOOKING

We require a deposit of $200 per trekker and each person’s passport details (and ISIC student card scanned if applicable). The easiest way to confirm your booking is through the online reservation and payment system http://www.sastravelperu.com/contact/reservas.html

OR send in the completed TOUR DEPOSIT BOOKING FORM by email to info@sastravelperu.com or by Fax: ( 05184 225 800 – 05184 249 194)

Fill in all the details carefully FOR EACH TREKKER. Sending the tour deposit booking form by email is the best option for group bookings of 4 or more. If you are a group of 4 or more then it is necessary to pay as one single group payment to guarantee your spaces all together. i.e. 4 people should charge one VISA for a total deposit of $800. If you each make your $200 deposit separately there may not be enough permits left by the time all the forms are received and transactions are complete.

Please ensure that you carefully indicate if you :

1. Have a valid 2009 student card (green ISIC) University student cards valid date 2009 - (age limit 26 years) 6 to 15 years old must scan us the photo page of passport at the time of booking to apply a student permit.

2. Want personal items carried by our extra porters for duration of the 4 days ( personal porter )

3. If you want to return on Day 4 or you want the SPECIAL post-trip option with overnight in Aguas Calientes and train to Ollantaytambo on Day 5. ( Please indicate this in the questions / comments section , or in a separate e mail .)

If you have any questions, call our main Office, or Skype : sastravelcuscoperu

Experience this trip of a lifetime with SAS Travel!

WHY CHOOSE SAS TRAVEL ?

Leaders in Quality & Excellence.

• SAS are recognized as being the specialists in creating tailor-made itineraries and treks in South of Perù.
• Commitment to our Community
• Environmentally Sensitive
• Outfitter & Ground Operators with more than 16 years experience.

Experienced & licensed Peruvian guides.

• Responsible, dedicated and professional, our guides are highly praised by our travelers. They are knowledgeable and passionate about Inca history and culture.
• Our guides are fluent in English Spanish and other languages.
• There is 1 licensed tour guide for up to 8 trekkers; 2 licensed guides for 9 to 16 (max) trekkers.

Fair treatment of our Porters.

• At SAS Travel, we are proud of our porters who carry all the food and equipment that make your amazing experience on the Inca Trail possible. Equipment and tents for our staff.
• SAS Travel employs Peruvians and pays them wages. We pay our Porters & Staff more than most other tour operators, and on time. They are not overburdened. We are highly organized to ensure a safe pace for them along the trail.
• We have Health and Insurance for our porters and staff. They are provided accommodation, food, transport and necessary permits and entrance fees.
• We support projects in the Andean communities where many of our porters, cooks and staff come from.

Recognized and Recommended Operator.

• Have worked with international travel companies, including Discover Adventure, Kumuka, Far Frontiers.
• Recognized by all Peruvian Tourism Institutions: SUNAT, AATC, DIRCETUR, ECOTUR, INRENA.
• SAS Travel is recognised as paying taxes to the State.
• Tourist Ministry 2005 and 2007 DIRCETUR Award : " The Best Tour Operator in Inca Trail and Treks " In 2002. "The Best Tour Operator in Treks + Manu Park Nature Trips."
• ECOTUR Member; Manu National Park Official Operator.

SAS Travel Goal: Educational, Full of Adventure and Fun, Safe and Unforgettable Experience!

[ back to inca trail description ] [ contact us ]