Inca Trail starting point Km82 - Enigma / Silvia Rico
Views from Llulluchapampa - Enigma / Silvia Rico
Runkurakay - Enigma / Silvia Rico
Sayacmarca - Enigma / Silvia Rico
Evening camp at Chaquicocha - Enigma / Silvia Rico
Porter resting in Phuyupatamarca - Enigma / Silvia Rico
Wiñaywayna - Enigma / Silvia Rico
Machupicchu - Enigma / Silvia Rico
Trekking the Inca Trail to Machupicchu 10 days / 9 nights (ACMIT10)
Lima - Cusco - Inca trail
to Machupicchu - Lima
The Inca Trail is Peru’s best-known trek and possibly one of the most stunning in the world. This classical 43-km route leads to the Sacred Inca City of Machupicchu along an unforgettable trail with archaeological sites, spectacular mountain scenery and lush cloud forest rich in Andean flora and fauna. Machupicchu is reached at sunrise on the fourth day.
This 10-day program also covers Lima and Cusco, including complete visits to the most important monumental remains of the Inca Empire and the Spanish colony.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Lima
You are met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel.
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Day 2 Lima
Today we embark upon a full day guided tour of Lima,
visiting the historical center, the Plaza de Armas and the San Francisco
Monastery. Lunch at one of the most renowned restaurants in Lima to taste
the gourmet seafood specialties offered by the rich Peruvian cuisine.
In the afternoon, we visit the fascinating Larco Herrera Museum, which
houses the most extensive collection of Pre-Columbian art in the country,
including fine examples of textiles, pottery and gold and silver pieces
set with semiprecious stones.
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Day 3 Lima - Cusco
Morning flight to Cusco. In the afternoon, we visit
the legendary Koricancha, the most important temple devoted to worshiping
the Sun deity and whose walls were once plated with sheets of gold. We
continue to the Plaza de Armas or main square to visit the Cathedral,
and end our tour in San Blas, the bohemian quarter of the city, home
to the workshops and stores of the most renowned artisans in Cuzco, including
Mendivil and Merida.
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Day 4 Cusco - Sacred Valley
Today we leave Cuzco and head towards the Sacred Valley
of the Incas, stopping to visit the remains of the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán
on the way. We continue on to Pisaq, where we visit its archaeological
site and its colorful market. Lunch at Casa Hacienda Orihuela, a private
residence with an impressive collection of Inca and colonial art and
artifacts, where the Lambarri-Orihuela family will be our hosts. In the
afternoon, we visit Ollantaytambo, a still-thriving Inca village set
below an ancient Inca fortress and temple with stunning views over the
valley that makes us feel as if we have stepped back into the 15th century.
Overnight in a charming hotel in the Sacred Valley.
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Day 5 Sacred Valley - Km 82 - Wayllabamba (Inca Trail - day 1)
Early wake-up and departure at 05.30am to drive to Piskacuchu
(2700m/8856ft), a community located on the 82nd kilometer of the Cusco –Machupicchu
railroad, which is the starting point of the Inca Trail. We begin our
hike by crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River and walking along
its left shore as it flows northwest along the Sacred Valley. Following
the trail along a flat terrain, we arrive in Miskay (2800m/9184ft), to
then ascend and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the
impressive Inca city of Llactapata (2650m/8692ft). We continue trekking
along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for
about five hours until we reach the community of Wayllabamba (3000m/9840ft),
where we set our first camp. All along the way we enjoy spectacular views
of the Vilcanota ridge on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, where
the impressive Veronica peak reigns at 5832 meters above sea level. Not
to mention the diversity of wild flora and fauna that can be found all
along the valley.
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| Total distance: | 12 km (7,47 miles) |
| Estimated walking time: | 5-6 hours |
| Maximum altitude point: | 3,000 m (9,840 ft) |
| Campsite altitude: | 3,000 m (9,840 ft) |
Day 6 Wayllabamba - Pacaymayo (Inca Trail - day 2)
We wake up at around 6:00 am and after breakfast, we
begin the most difficult part of the trek, which consists of an abrupt
and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km. Along this climb, the landscape
changes from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation).
On the way to the first mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuañusca
(Dead Woman´s Pass - 4200m/13776ft), we may see domesticated
llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at
high altitude. We also cross an area of the so called cloud forest, which
is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and
sparrows, and the Andean bear, which is also called the Spectacled Bear
(Tremarctus Ornatus). We advise that on this day specially, your daypack
is well stocked with candies, chocolates and coca leaves that will keep
your sugar level high, and help with altitude sickness. Immediately after
the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600m/11808ft), where
we camp after approximately 7h of hiking.
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| Total distance: | 11 km (6,84 miles) |
| Estimated walking time: | 6-7 hours |
| Maximum altitude point: | 4,200 m (13,776 ft) |
| Campsite altitude: | 3,500 m (11,480 ft) |
Day 7 Pacaymayo - Wiñaywayna (Inca Trail - day 3)
This day is the longest but also the most impressive
and the most interesting, due the number of archaeological sites and
the lush cloud forest area that we cross, so rich in Andean flora and
fauna. From Pacaymayo we climb to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay
(3970m/13022ft). Halfway up, we stop to visit the archaeological complex
with the same name. This site, located at 3800m/12464ft, consists of
a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of
a watchtower. After going over the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha
(Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca
(3624m/11887ft). This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular
construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical
fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Continuing up an easy climb,
we arrive at the third pass, the Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft).
Along this climb we can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient
craft, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain, and seeing
rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order, saving the trail from the
multileveled Andean geography. We go through an Inca tunnel to later
arrive at the aforementioned pass and down to the complex of the same
name. This is one of the most complete and best-preserved archaeological
complexes along the Inca Trail to Machupicchu, and is located on the
highest point of a mountain. Curiously, Phuyupatamarca means ¨town
over the clouds¨. From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred
complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive
views of the Urubamba River valley. We continue our trek down the long
descending stone steps that lead us to Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft),
an impressive Inca complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous
terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector, close to which our
camp is located. This campsite hosts a trekker lodge, a bar and bathrooms
with hot shower facilities. After visiting the impressive archaeological
site, we enjoy our farewell dinner at our camp.
B, L, D
| Total distance: | 16 km (9,94 miles) |
| Estimated walking time: | 8 hours |
| Maximum altitude point: | 3,900 m (12,792 ft) |
| Campsite altitude: | 2,650 m (8,692 ft) |
Day 8 Wiñaywayna - Machupicchu - Cusco (Inca Trail - day 4)
On this fourth and last day we get up at 4.00 am to
leave Wiñaywayna an hour later and climb to the Intipunku, or
The Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat
stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous
spot, we may see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machupicchu.
From Intipunku we descend into Machupicchu, and 40 minutes later we enter
the citadel from the highest point through the ¨House of the Guardians¨.
We then descend to the control point where we register ourselves and
leave our backpacks. We immediately begin a complete guided tour of the
Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. You will then have
free time to walk around, climb the Huaynapicchu Mountain, where one
can experience spectacular views of all of Machupicchu, the valleys and
mountains that surround it, or visit the Temple of the Moon or the fabulous
Inca Bridge. We enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at the Machupicchu Sanctuary
Lodge facing the Inca citadel, before we take a bus to the town of Aguas
Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in its hot springs.
From here we take the train back to the city of Cusco, where we arrive
after nightfall. Accommodation at the chosen hotel.
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| Total distance: | 4 km (2,49 miles) |
| Estimated walking time: | 2 hours |
| Maximum altitude point: | 2,700 m (8,829 ft) |
| Campsite altitude: | 2,400 m (7,872 ft) |
Day 9 Free day in Cusco
Free day to wander around the charming colonial streets of Cusco and
maybe shop for souvenirs or the beautiful alpaca textiles found in several
shops around the city.
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Day 10 Cusco - Lima
Transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Lima.
Continuation of your journey home or connection with another extension.
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Highlights |
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Recommended for |
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Difficulty degree of this program |
Moderate to challenging |
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Rates 2010 |
This customized tour is available from (*):
(*) Price based on a party of four, double accommodation, 3* hotels (**) Mixed services combine tour group services where available and private services where not available. Changes in the itinerary and services included apply. In the case of the Inca Trail, confirmations may be subject to space availability on a fixed departure date. Please contact us for further information. (***) This price is subject to change without prior notice by airline companies. We strongly suggest that you make your booking in advance so that the quoted price can be guaranteed
Please check Our Hotel Selection in the Travel Services section of this website for a detailed description of our recommended hotels. However, since the price per person depends on various factors (date of your visit to Peru, number of people in your party, hotel category requested, type of service preferred, among others), please contact us or go to the Booking Online section of this website for a detailed program design and pricing of your tour. A travel consultant will contact you within a maximum of two working days. |
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Departure Dates |
All our programs are customized; departure dates are fully adapted to your request. However, all Inca Trail departures will be subject to space availability. |
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What Is Included |
Inca Trail
(*) Should there be no train tickets available in the direct route Aguas Calientes – Cusco, a train ticket Aguas Calientes – Sacred Valley with an additional private transportation from the Sacred Valley to your hotel in Cusco will be provided |
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What Is Not Included |
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What we recommend that you bring |
Inca Trail
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Optional Services |
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Tips |
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Booking Online |
If you would like to make a reservation for this program, please go directly to the Booking Online section of this website. |
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Other Useful Information |
Appropriate clothing along the Inca TrailHiking pants and T-shirts are recommended during the day, complemented by sweaters, fleeces and waterproof jackets. It is very convenient to have light raingear available in the daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants) as the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing is required in the first two campsites, down jackets can be useful, otherwise a fleece and a jacket. During the third day (if sunny) and in Machupicchu, convertible hiking pants are useful, as can be switched into shorts if necessary. Machupicchu has a warm climate, getting only cold at night. The rest of necessary implements are included in the “What we recommend that you bring” list. For more information on the Inca Trail itinerary and details pls visit the ENIGMA Adventure Tour Operator website at www.enigmaperu.com. ClimateCusco’s climate is divided into two differentiated seasons: the rainy season, from November to April (the heaviest rainfalls occurring usually between January - March); and the dry season, from May to October. The dry season is colder, so temperatures can drop to below 0 degrees at night. Along the Inca Trail, temperatures range from 15-20ºC during the day if it’s sunny, to 05-10ºC during the day if not sunny or 0-05ºC at night in the first 2 campsites. At Wiñaywayna and Machupicchu, at lower altitude, temperatures are usually warmer though warm clothes are still recommended at night. INCA TRAIL - Important NoticeAccording to the Resolution #002-2004-UGM-CD, published in El Peruano on Nov 12, 2004, modifying chapter III of the Inca Trail Regulation which refers to Inca Trail space bookings, bookings will only be guaranteed by the governmental institutions when providing full names, nationalities and passport numbers of passengers, and when having paid the full amount of passengers’ and agency staff’s (chef and team of porters) entrance fees. THEREFORE:
VERY IMPORTANT:
The exact information provided by you will be submitted to the governmental institution in charge of regulating the access to the Inca Trail and will be included in the official permit to enter the Inca Trail on the requested date. Should there be any change in the above-mentioned data (ie. new passport number), we kindly request you to inform the Reservation Department at ENIGMA via email as soon as possible and no later than 30 days prior to the Inca Trail departure date. The government reserves the right not to allow the entry to any visitor whose data are not the exact ones as those in the official permit. ENIGMA Adventure Tour Operator declines any responsibility for a no entry in case the passenger information has changed without prior notice to us in due time. |
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Customize Your Itinerary 
ENIGMA can create a unique, custom-designed independent itinerary that is fully adapted to your needs, whether you travel solo, with family and friends, or as a group. Please click here to let us know what you are interested in adding or excluding to customize a selected itinerary or to design a completely new program just for you. A travel consultant will contact you within a maximum of two working days.
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