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Inca Trail Classic 4D/3N -Private Service

Program Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco - Ollanta - Km 82 Piskacucho - Ayapata 1st Camping.

Early pick-up from your hotel will begin around 5:00 am. We will meet at our departure point, Plaza Regocijo, by 5:30 to board our private transportation. Make sure you carry your original passport or ISIC card. Our journey from Cusco to Piskacucho takes approximately 3 hours, with many beautiful views of the Sacred Valley, the Urubamba River, Andean towns, and the Inca town of Ollantaytambo. Along the way, we will stop to stretch our legs, use the bathroom, and enjoy breakfast, before continuing on to Piscacucho (2,680 m / 8,790 ft). There we will meet our camp crew and the porters who will carry our belongings during our 35-mile hike. Passports in hand, we clear the official Inca Trail check point, cross a suspension footbridge across the Urubamba River, and begin our trek with a gentle climb. We have three hours on relatively level terrain as we follow the course of the river, rewarded with superb views of Mount Veronica (5,750 m). The easy walk passes through a forest of giant cactus and native bushes. At Miskay we take the trail to the left, ascending gradually to Willkaraccay high above the mouth of the Cusichaca River and across from the Inca town of Llactapata (Terrace Town). Our vantage point is from a flat bluff above the extensive site, which was built as a fort because it commands the entrance to the Cusichaca Valley. The terracing system was used during Inca times for growing maize, a prestige crop that needed irrigation in the dry highlands. After a short rest, we continue another 15 minutes down to our lunch site at Tayaroc. Our path is adorned with native flowers and bromeliads growing in the boulders along the left side, and by majestic views of the mountains in both valleys. Walking times are always approximate, depending on weather conditions, group ability and other factors. After lunch, another 3-4 hours will bring us to the village of Wayllabamba (3,000 m / 9,840 ft), followed by an uphill climb through woods and along a stream to our first camp at Ayapata (3,300 m / 10,824 ft). You will be rewarded with Te Macho and a buffet dinner. Buenas Noches!!!

Meals: BLD
Accommodation: Camping
Maximum Altitude: 3,300 m/10,824 ft
Minimum Altitude: 2,680 m/8,790 ft
Distance Travelled: 12 km approx
Approximate Walking Time: 6-7 hours / Ascent up: 620 m

Day 2: Ayapata, Llulluchayoq, Dead woman`s pass, Pacaymayo, Runkuracay, Sayacmarka, Chakicocha.

After breakfast, we depart from the Ayapata camp around 7:00 am. This is our longest day, but one rewarded with spectacular views down several valleys and up to the surrounding snow-covered peaks. We will put in a 5-hour hike to reach our lunch camp in the Pacaymayo Valley, then another 3-4 hours to our night camp at Chakicocha.

We begin with a 900-m ascent up to the Warmiwanusca (Dead Womans) Pass at 4,200 m/13,776 ft. Along the way, we ascend steeply uphill through the Corralpunku Valley to the Llulluchayoc Zone, where you can see several species of birds. With luck we will see hummingbirds, falcons and black-chested buzzard eagles. We will soon enter a beautiful cloud forest, or polylepis woodland, and the treeless grasslands of the puna. From this point, you can see the highest pass ahead. The path climbs for two more hours along a large number of steps, some of them newly laid to protect the mountain from erosion. You can walk at your own pace, stopping to catch your breath whenever you like. This last hard climb brings us to Dead Womans Pass, the first of two that we will cross today.

Once the full group reaches this pass, we take a rest break before beginning a steep descent into the Pacaymayo Valley on the other side. You will find that your energy returns as we proceed along this downhill segment toward a generous lunch and rest.

In the afternoon we begin a second ascent, this time to the ruins at Runcuracay, located a bit below the Runcuracay Pass (3,950 m / 12,956 ft). From the pass, in clear weather, you can look back to the Dead Womans Pass and forward to a breath-taking sweep of snow-capped peaks. These include the 6,000-m Pumasillo (Pumas Claw) massif. From here, most of the trail is downhill or gently undulating until we reach the impressive ruins at Sayacmarca.

After some exploration, another 20 minutes bring us to Chakicocha (3,400 m / 11,000 ft). This will be our coldest night on the trail, at around +3 degrees C in December and -4 C in June. Tea time and Buffet Dinner.

Meals: BLD
Accommodation: camping
Maximum Altitude: 4,200 m/13,776 ft
Minimum Altitude: 3,000 m/9,840 ft
Distance Travelled: 16 km approx
Approximate Walking Time: 7-8 hours / Ascent up: 900 m

Day 3: Chakicocha, Aobamba Valley, Phuyupatamarka, Intipata, Winaywayna, Aguas Calientes.

At sunrise, you will catch sight of Sayacmarca back along the trail, perched on the side of one of the many mountains that surround our campsite. Today´s hike is exceptionally beautiful because we will pass the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, Winaywayna and Intipata, and enjoy dramatic vistas of the Aobamba Valley. This stretch of the trail is of well-kept paved stone, still in great condition after many centuries. Your lungs will appreciate the fact that today´s hike is much more down than up, and significantly shorter than yesterday´s.

In getting to Phuyupatamarca (the Town of the Clouds), we will pass through the first of two short, natural tunnels in the mountains. After visiting this site, we will descend about 2,000 stone steps to Winaywayna. If you have not had any knee problems up to this point, you may after this descent. If you have had prior knee injuries, we recommend the use of trekking poles, and perhaps an extra porter, to relieve some of the stress on your joints.

Around mid-day, we will arrive at the site of Winaywayna the last of the remarkable ruins enroute, which we will explore and have a guided visit (2,700 m / 8,856 ft). After we will visit the adjacent site of Intipata with its dramatic terrances on the left side of the road. There is a bar and a small gift shop, and best of all, hot showers for a small fee. There will also be many more trekkers gathering here.

After visiting the complex of Wiñaywayna we have our lunch and time for a rest before we continue with our last section of our trek for about 1.5 hour toward the Sun´s Gate Inti-punku , natural mirador of Machupicchu here you can make really nice pictures and contemplate the beauty of the arounds.

From Inti Punku, a final easy 40-minute hike will bring us to the entrance to Machu Picchu itself. The trail ends at a series of terraces, which present classic views of the overall city. We will continue on to explore the site, with explanations provided by the trek guides. Now on front of Machupicchu you will have time to appreciate this marvelous and magical place from the top levels near farming terrains permiting spectacular views, after we dedicate enough time we start to walk down for 10 minutes toward Machupicchu´s main gate to board a private bus to Aguas Calientes town, where staff of Viajeros Hotel are waiting for us. After settle in our 2,3 private rooms, your guide will take you to the natural hot springs for a couple of hours to relax and indulge your muscles then return for our dinner at the Hotel. This option is open to your final desire, we do propose as well a camp in Puente Ruinas if you don`t want to end in Aguas Calientes town, with this last option you can enjoy the beauty of the sunset and spend in Machupicchu for at least 1 hour then we walk for 40 minutes to this camp , but next morning early we have big chances to get the passes to climb Huaynapicchu mountain. This can be decided with you just before you start your trek.


Meals: BLD
Accommodation: camping
Maximum Altitude: 3,750 m/ 12,300 ft
Minimum Altitude: 2,700 m/8,856 ft
Distance Travelled: 10 Km approx.
Approximate Walking Time: 5-6 hours / Descent : 700 m

Day 4: Aguas Calientes -Machupicchu, (Waynapicchu) Aguas Calientes, Cusco.

We will get up very early around 4:30 am we will take the first bus to Machupicchu ( 30 minutes) then walk for 10 minutes to the higher part for overlooking Machu Picchu for the first rays of the sunrise.

The formal tour will end around mid day, after which there will be a couple of hours for more exploring on your own, or to just collapse under a tree in the central Plaza area. For those still with energy and interested to climb the Huaynapicchu mountain this can be arranged by your guide.

Additional options: If your legs, lungs and energy still hold up after our four days of hiking, it may be possible to climb the peak of Huayna Picchu, behind the main site. However, special permits are required and they are issued in limited quantities. So if you are interested, talk with your guide at the initial briefing for the trek, and remind them on the third night to make arrangements. If permits are not available, you may instead hike to the Inca Bridge or climb Machu Picchu mountain, both located near the site, but staying at Aguas Calientes town you will have a big chance for this.

In the early afternoon, lunch will be provided at Viajeros Hotel down in the town of Aguas Calientes. There you will also be able to store your backpack, take a shower and/or look around the town a bit before catching the train back to Cuzco.

Meals: BL
Accommodation: Not Included,
Maximum Altitude: 2,700 m / 8,856 ft
Minimum Altitude: 2,400 m / 7,872 ft (Machupicchu)
Distance Travelled: 8 Km approx plus exploration of Machu Picchu
Approximate Walking Time: 6-7 hours / Descent : 300 m

What is Included:

• Pre-departure briefing at 7 pm presented by your tour guide
• the night before of your tour in your Hotel.
• Day 1
• Collection from your hotel in Cusco or Sacred Valley.
• Private bus to km 82 –Piskacucho village (trek starting point)
• Breakfast in Ollantaytambo in our farm house, with bathrooms.
• Permit to the Inca Trail Trek National Sanctuary and Park.
• 1 Excellent experienced top SAS mountain leader-guide.
• 1 expert SAS gourmet mountain cook and assistants.
• 1 group coordinator, 1 chief of porter and 8 porters.
• Dining and kitchen tent, camping tables and stools
• Toilet tent with biodegradable system.
• Buffet style lunch and hot drinks in Tarachayoc.
• Guided visit of Llaqtapata, Wayllabamba and Cusichaca Canyon.
• Happy hour with macho-tea and hot drinks every afternoon.
• Camp at Ayapata, Buffet Dinner and hot drinks, (vegetarian option.)
• 2 person per tent (new spacious Eureka Timberline tent)
• Thick, comfortable sleeping mattress, (Pillows by request)
• Buckets of hot water for washing in your tent.
• 24 hours Oxygen assistance and first aid kit.
• Day 2
• A gentle start to the day with a wake up coca tea in your tent.
• Hearty breakfast cereal and fruits to climb Dead woman`s pass
• Boiled purified water after breakfast to refill your bottles
• 1 Excellent experienced top SAS mountain leader-guide.
• 1 expert SAS gourmet mountain cook, assistants.
• 1 group coordinator, 1 chief of porter and porters.
• Dining tent and kitchen tent, camping tables and stools.
• Toilet tent with biodegradable system.
• Buffet lunch in Pacaymayo and hot drinks, (vegetarian option.)
• Guided visit of Llullucha, Pacaymayo, Runkurakay, Sayaqmarca.
• Camp at Chakicocha, Buffet Dinner and hot drinks. (vegetarian option.)
• Happy hour with macho-tea and hot drinks every afternoon
• 2 person per tent (new spacious Eureka Timberline tent)
• Thick, comfortable sleeping mattress, (Pillows by request)
• Buckets of hot water for washing
• Happy hour with macho-tea and hot drinks every afternoon
• 24 hours Oxygen assistance and first aid kit.
• Day 3
• A cup of hot chocolate tea or coffe kindly brought to your tent
• Hearty breakfast cereals, bread, eggs and hot drinks.
• Boiled purified water after breakfast to refill your bottles
• 1 Excellent experienced top SAS mountain leader-guide.
• 1 expert SAS gourmet mountain cook, assistants.
• 1 group coordinator, 1 chief of porter and porters.
• Dining tent and kitchen tent, camping tables and stools.
• Buffet lunch in Wiñaywayna and hot drinks. (vegetarian option.)
• Guided visit of Inca tunnel, Phuyupatamarka Intipata and Wiñaywayna.
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes Buffet Dinner and hot drinks.
• Buckets of hot water for washing and hands towels
• Happy hour with macho-tea and hot drinks at afternoon
• 24 hours Oxygen assistance and first aid kit.
• Day 4
• Early breakfast at the Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• Hearty breakfast cereals and pancakes
• Boiled purified water after breakfast to refill your bottles
• 1 Excellent experienced top SAS mountain leader-guide.
• 1 expert SAS gourmet mountain cook, assistants.
• 1 group coordinator, 1 chief of porter and porters.
• Entrance fee for Machupicchu archaeological Sanctuary.
• Guided visit of Intipunku the main entrance of Machupicchu
• 3-4 guided tour in Machupicchu and extra time for yourself.
• Snack at Machupicchu before your tour
• Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
• Buffet lunch in Aguas Calientes after Machu Picchu in Viajeros Hostel.
• Time to go to the hot springs or shop around the village.
• Vistadome De-luxe train return to Cusco.
• Return to Cusco and transfer to your Hotel. End of our tour.
• SAS Travel Travel Highlights:
• Visit and guided tours of the 7 Inca archaeological sites en route.
• Boiled purified water after breakfast to refill your bottles.
• 11 nutritious, delicious buffet meals with fresh, high quality ingredients, high in energy value and prepared carefully to avoid illness by our excellent cooks.
• Vegetarian food and specialised diets by request, combination of International and Peruvian Cuisine 4 Breakfast ,4 Lunches, 3 Dinners.
• Fairly treated porters carry the equipment, tents, food, cooking gear and dining tents.
• Accommodation, personal equipment, enough food, transport, permits and entrance fees for our porters and cooks.
• Health Insurance for our porters, cooks, assistants and field crew.
• Free storage for your backpack in Aguas Calientes.
• Free and safe Storage while you are on tours in Hotel Marqueses.
• Inca Trail Survivor Certificate signed by your guides.
• Confirmed Vistadome Deluxe train return to Cusco.
• Biodegradable soap and hand cleansing gel.
• Free transfer from Cusco`s airport and special rate at Hotel Marqueses.
• Book with confidence, no extra charges with debit/credit cards bookings.
• 100% Operated by SAS Travel, we never put you with other operators.
• We guarantee 100% Peruvian SAS top tour leaders.
• Personal 6 Kg porter for the entire trek.
• GROUP SIZE : 2 person minimum.
• (Price according number of passenger)
• If your preference is walking this private tour in a small group please let us know, so we can open a departure date and advertise to get other with the same plans as you.

What is not Included:

• Sleeping bag (to hire for 4 Days US$ 20)
• A pair of Trekking poles US$20 for entire trek.
• Hot Shower on 3rd night (5 soles), Hot Springs (10 soles)
• Tips for your staff, guides, cooks, porters etc. ( US$25-US$30 approx )

We recommend that you bring

• Original passport and original ISIC student card if applicable : imperative
• A Backpack
• Sleeping bag -8º C
• Hiking boots
• Trekking poles:
• 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
• Sunprotection : sunscreen : sun 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.
• Extra money for drinks & tips, souvenirs etc ( soles or dollars )
• Bathing clothes for the hot springs.

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