We are NOT JOKING! Inca Trail Trek permits for 2017 will go on sale in early January. Last year, the permits for all of May sold out in 1 day. April and June sold out in 1 week, and July-August also book up quickly. It is common for permits to sell out 6 months in advance. If you are interested in hiking the Inca Trail next year, contact us as soon as possible to get on the list for permits!
BOOK NOW FOR 2016 PRICES
Book your 2017 Group 5-day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu by November 30, 2016, and get 2016 prices!
- Starting at just $1195/person
We have group departures every Wednesday and Sunday. You can start a private trek on any day of the year. Upgrade your hotel in Aguas Calientes to the El Mapi for just $50/person. Add a ticket to climb Huayna Picchu for $80/person.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Cusco to km 82 by vehicle; hike to Llaqtapata Camp
With your guide, you will take a private car to Km 82 on the railway to Machu Picchu. From here, you hike along the Urubamba River stopping at Q’oriwayrakina for lunch. At Km 88, cross the small bridge at Q’ente and hike to the Llaqtapata campsite. If there is time you may take a side trip to visit the archaeological remains of Qente and Machu Qente and the Llaqtapata ruins, the camp is located amidst Inca terracing.
- Hiking time: 5-6 hours; Distance: 11 kms
- Meals: LD
- Budget Lodging: Llaqtapata Campsite
Day 2 : Hike Llaqtapata to Llulluchapampa Camp
The Inca Trail winds slowly up the Cusicacha Valley passing houses of settlers to finally reach the Andean community of Huayllabamba. From here the Trail ascends steeply to a large pampa (meadow) below the first pass. At this campsite there is a breathtaking view of Mt. Huayanay. Along the Trail up this narrow hanging valley is a rare Andean cloud forest that harbors the Que’ua tree.
- Hiking time: 6 hours; Distance: 9 kms
- Meals: BLD
- Budget Lodging: Llulluchapampa Campsite
Day 3 : Hike Llulluchapampa to Phuyupatamarca Camp
The Trail ascends at 30 degrees as it leaves Llulluchapampa campsite and beyond the treeline arrives at Warmiwausca Pass (4,200m/13,280ft). The Inca Trail descends to the Pacaymayo River and then climbs slowly past Runkuraqay ruins. Over a low pass to Sayacmarca (“the waiting village”) the Inca Trail crosses a causeway on a now-dry lake past a cave and continues along a ridge to Phuyupatamarca (“village on the edge of the clouds”).
- Hiking time: 7-8 hrs; Distance: 14 kms
- Meals: BLD
- Budget Lodging: Phuyupatamarca Campsite
Day 4 : Hike Phuyupatamarca to Machu Picchu via Winay Wayna and Intipunku
After continuing along a buttress and passing the Phuyupatamarca ruins, the flagstone trail winds sharply down into the cloud forest to the ruins of Wi’ay Wayna. The recently restored Inca ruins are located below the ridge on the same water course as the previous site. After a two hour hike through a cloud forest the Inca Trail arrives Intipunku (“door of the sun”), where you view Machu Picchu for the first time. Hike to the ruins, walk through the famous citadel, and catch the shuttle to Aguas Calientes and walk to your hotel.
- Hiking time 3-4 hours; distance about 9 km
- Meals: BL
- Budget Lodging: El Presidente Hotel or similar in Aguas Calientes
- Standard Lodging: Inkaterra El MaPi or similar in Aguas Calientes
Day 5 : Full day tour and visit to Machu Picchu; afternoon return to Cusco
The day is dedicated to exploring Machu Picchu’s extraordinary Inca remains with your guide, including an optional climb up Huayna Picchu (not included in the trek price), the hill overlooking the site. Times for the climb are 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. (your tour is before or after the climb). Lunch included. At mid-afternoon, you will return by Expedition train to Cusco/Poroy; transfer to your hotel.
- Meals: BL
More Inca Trail Itineraries: