Famed Inca Trail & a Relaxing Day in Aguas Calientes (5 days)
Like our 4-day hiking tour above, this tour passes through some steep, rugged terrain and offers the chance to see playful spectacled bears or rabbit-like viscachas scurrying among the rocks. After days of hiking, several high passes and nights in wonderful trail-side campsites, you’ll be sore. Thank goodness, then, for the town of AguasCalientes (literally, “hot water”), where you can soak your aches away in the public hot springs.
| Occupancy | Comfort | Superior | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double | $699 | $749 | $899 |
| Single | $749 | $799 | $999 |
Day 1: CUZCO/HUAYLLABAMBA
Our guides will pick you up at your hotel at approximately 6:30 am. We will then drive by bus to Piskacuchu, a small town located along the train tracks to Machu Picchu. We start the Inca Trail here at 2,700 meters above sea level. This amazing trail takes us along the rushing Urubamba River ascending to the city of Miskay. After lunch in Miskay, the journey continues upwards to 3,000 meters above sea level where we will be camping, Huayllabamba. During this 5 to 6 hour trek you will see gorgeous valleys and Veronica peak that reaches an impressive 5,832 meters above sea level. Total distance traveled on the trail 12 km or 7.5 miles. Overnight camp in Huayllabamba.
Day 2: HUAYLLABAMBA/PACAYMAYO
We will wake up around 6:00 am to have breakfast and shortly after begin day 2 of the Inca Trail. Today, the trail ascends steeply for a distance of 9 km before reaching the highest point (4,200 meters) known as AbraWaarmihuanusca (Dead Woman’s Pass). At this altitude there is little vegetation, but surprisingly abundant life. We are very likely to see llamas, hummingbirds, sparrows, and even the chance of seeing an Andean Bear. At this altitude we recommend you bring candy, chocolates, coca leaves, or other snacks to keep you blood sugar level high. After dead woman’s pass we will be descend to about 3,500 meters to the Pacaymayo valley to camp for the night. Today’s hike is an estimated 6-8 hours with a maximum altitude of 4,200 meters or 13,776 feet.
Day 3: PACASMAYO/WINAYHUAYNA
Today on the trail will be the most interesting day, as we will see numerous archeological sites. After leaving Pacaymayo, we will climb to see another beautiful pass know as Abra de Runkurakay at 3,970 meters. Along the way is an archeological site believed to be served as a watchtower or lookout. After the pass, we will be descending to Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and then entering the cloud forest with spectacular views. Ascending once again we will visit another pass, the Abra de Phuyupatamarca (3,700 meters) and two more Inca ruins, one being very complex with fountain systems and beautiful views of the valley below. The last descend of the day will bring us to Winayhuayna our campsite which will have a restaurant, bar, and bathrooms with hot showers. Estimated walking time 8 hours. Maximum altitude point 3,900 meters.
Day 4: WINAYHUAYNA/MACHU PICCHU
We will start the last day of the Inca Trail early, after our 4:00 am breakfast we will hike about an hour before reaching the Sungate. We will have a view of Machu Picchu from above as the sun rises over the beautiful citadel. From here we will hike down to the controlled entrance point and begin a guided tour that lasts about 2 hours. After the tour your day is free to explore the mystical ruins. You can hike to the top of HuaynaPicchu, visit the Temple of the Moon, or the Inca Bridge. When you choose you can take a bus to AguasCalientes (the village below Machu Picchu) where you will be staying the night. Before our included dinner, relax in the natural hot springs near the village or explore the curious village itself. Overnight hotel in AguasCalientes. Hiking time estimated 2 hours. Maximum altitude 2,700 meters (8,829 feet).
Day 5: Machu Picchu/Cuzco
Day at leisure. You may return to Machu Picchu to visit and explore sites not seen the day before or you can explore the village of AguasCalientes before your train ride back. At 5:00 pm the train leaves to return to Cuzco. Upon arrival, transfer to airport, flight to Lima, and connecting international flight home making this the end of Venture Peru services.
