Machu Picchu Inca Trail
Tour Lenght: 4 days / 3 nights.
Activities: Archaeological, Outdoor.
Fixed Departures: Every day except Sundays from Cusco; the trail is closed on February.
Min.Paxs: 02 pax, max.12 pax.
INCA TRAIL GROUP SERVICE
This is our most popular trek and offers visitors the most economical method to trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. A shared service(pool) is basically a group that you can just join. You'll be trekking with like-minded hikers from all over the world, a great chance to meet new friends. The Inca Trail is Peru's best known hike and perhaps in the World too, this 43 km trek combine visit to archaeological sites, amazing mountain scenery and lush cloud forest.
VERY IMPORTANT REMARK
All campsites below mentioned are only AVAILABLE when reservations are done at least 90 days prior departure. Alternative campsites are used and location will be provided in strictly order of reservation by the Inca Trail Authority Office.
DAY 1 KM
82-WAYLLABAMBABetween 06:00-06:30 am you will be picked up from your hotel and transfer to Ollantaytambo and then on to Piskacuchu (2700m) which is a small community located in the KM 82 along the railroad from Cusco to Machu Picchu (also known simply as km82). Hikers cross the Vilcanota River and follow the trail to the right as it climbs steeply up from the river. Afterward it is a simple descent down to the Cusichaca River. From parts of this trail there are great views of the Cordillera Urubamba and the snow capped peak of Veronica 5860m. For a further 7 km the path follows the left bank of the river up to the small village of Wayllabamba (3,000 m). The name in Quechua means 'grassy plain'. This part of the hike is about 16 km and is the easiest along the trail, here is also the last place along the trek that you can buy snacks and drinks.
DAY 2 WAYLLABAMBA-PACAMAYO The wake up call will be very early at about 06:00 am and after breakfast hikers will leave Wayllabamba behind and begin the most difficult part of the trek. Following the left bank of the Llulluchayoc River for about 1 hour brings you to 'Tres Piedras' (three stones) and a small bridge over the Huayruro River. A little further on you'll enter a beautiful cloud forest passing a waterfall. A further three hours trek through steep woods and increasingly spectacular terrain brings you to the tree line and a meadow known as Llulluchapampa (3,680 m). It is another 1½ hours climb to the first and highest pass of the trail, the Abra de Huarmihuañusca or 'Dead Woman's Pass at 4,200m. Once in the top hikers can celebrate having completed the most difficult section of the trail. The decent from the pass is steep although not difficult, following the trail on the left side of the valley to the valley floor and to the 2nd night's campsite at Pacamayo (3,600 m). There are toilet facilities here.
DAY 3
PACAMAYO-WIÑAY HUAYNAThis day is the longest but also the most impressive and most interesting due to the many Inca ruins that we will visit along the way. From the campsite at Pacamayo it takes about an hour to climb up to the ruins of Runkuracay (3,800 m). These small circular ruins occupy a commanding position overlooking the Pacamayo valley below. Another 45 minute hike will bring you to the top of the second pass: Abra de Runkuracay (4,000m). At last you'll feel that you are walking along the trail of the Incas with paving, for the most part, being original. The descent down the steps from the pass is steep so take care. From here on the path descends into magnificent cloud forest full of orchids, hanging mosses, tree ferns and flowers, passing through an impressive Inca tunnel, carved into the rock, on the way. The trail then climbs up to the 3rd pass (3,700 m). The view from the pass offers excellent views of several snow-capped peaks including Mt. Salcantay (6,180 m) and Mt. Veronica (5,750 m). A few minutes after the pass is Puyupatamarca, the most impressive Inca ruins so far. Leaving the site via an impressive Inca staircase you descend a thousand or so steps. Be careful with your knees which will feel the strain by the end of the day. After about an hour of walking through cloud forest you may just be able to see the tin roof of the trekkers Hostel at Wiñay Wayna...
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