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The Inca Trail
The trip to Machu Picchu can be done several different ways. One of the most popular and spectacular is the Inca Trail. You traverse the Andes, passing archaeological ruins, rivers, terraced valleys, snow-capped peaks, cloud forest, and a wide array of flora (including numerous varieties of orchid) and bird life. Not only is this a good walk, but it also allows you to get a better understanding of the Inca world en-route to Machu Picchu.
Being one of the best hikes in the world has had its problems, and the Peruvian government have put a limit on the amount of people that can now walk the trail each day in the hope that the trail will be better protected. Because of this we strongly advise that you book the Inca trail as far in advance as possible in order to secure a trekking permit and to avoid disappointment.
The Inca trail is best done as a 5 day/4 night trip where overnight accommodation is in tents with porters carrying your trek bags. This can be done privately or on a shared basis. Day by day description
Day 1. Cusco - Q’ente
This morning you will be transferred to the station to board the train bound for Machu Picchu. Disembark at the 88km mark, where you will begin the short walk to Q’ente where you will camp. You will have the chance to visit the surrounding archaeological remains of Q’ente and Machu Q’ente - located amidst Inca Terracing. These short walks and visits will allow you to slowly become accustomed to the altitude and prepare you for the harder hikes on the days to come Day 2. Q’ente – Llulluchapampa The trail winds slowly uphill through cloud forest this narrow hanging valley harbours the Queñua tree, a rare species only found in the Andes. After a short visit we continue up the Cusichaca Valley passing adobe houses of settlers to finally reach the Andean community of Huayllabamba. From here the trail ascends steeply to a large pampa below the first pass, where we camp (4015m). From here we have a breathtaking view of Mt. Huayanay 5778m. Overnight at Llulluchapampa.
Day 3. Llulluchapampa – Phuyupatamarca
A spectacular day and a long one! The trail ascends at an angle of 30 degrees towards the pass, crossing the hillside of Puna grassland; we arrive at the Warmiwañusca pass (4250 m/13,280 ft.) giving you have across the valley’s from where you’ve come and where you are now going. The trail descends to the Pacaymayo River and then climbs slowly past the ruins of Runkuraqay, which were originally used as a look out post. From here we hike over a lower pass to Sayacmarca, the "waiting village". The trail now becomes a clear Inca Trail across a causeway on a now dry lake, we continue along a picturesque ridge, lined with wild orchids to finally reach Phuyupatamarca (translated from Quechua means ‘the town at the edge of the clouds’) where we camp, from here the holy snow capped mountain of Salcantay (6271m) lies in front. Day 4. Phuyupatamarca - Machu Picchu After continuing along a buttress and passing the Phuyupatamarca ruins, the flag stoned trail winds sharply down into the cloud forest to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna, containing well-restored Inca Ruins and some amazing Inca terracing. After a two-hour walk through a cloud forest-covered Inca Trail, we arrive at Machu Picchu, the same way the Incas used to come across this magnificent citadel, from Intipunku, the door of the sun. Overnight at a hotel in Aguas Calientes/Sanctuary Lodge. Day 5. Machu Picchu – Cusco The whole day is dedicated to exploring these extraordinary Inca remains, including a visit to Wayna Picchu the mountain overlooking the site. The mid-afternoon train takes you back to Cusco, transfer to your hotel.
Recommended lodges in this area:
Machu Picchu
This is the best hotel in the Machu Picchu area offering excellent privacy, tranquil views of the Andean hills. There is a range of accommodation to suit your budget with guest rooms and independent lodges
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge is the only hotel located adjacent to the ancient city of Machu Picchu and one of the best hotels by which one can explore the beautiful surrounding area.
Machu Picchu
The El Mapi hotel is one of the newest additions to Aguas Calientes. The original hotel was taken over by the impressive Inkaterra company and they have transformed the hotel into an excellent value for money property
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