9-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu with porters from Cusco, Peru
Join one of Mountain Madness's experienced local guides on this unforgettable 9-day trip to one of South America's most fascinating cultural heritage sites, Machu Picchu.
Group
Andes
9 Days
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Occasional
Intermediate
Highlights
- Learn about the fascinating Inca culture and the city of Machu Picchu
- Trek from subtropical forests to high mountain passes
- Enjoy breathtaking views of the stunning forest-covered peruvian mountains
Description
Join Alejo, an experienced local trekking Guide, on this unforgettable 9-day trip to one of South America’s most fascinating cultural heritage sites, Machu Picchu.
The ruins of Machu Picchu are situated at an altitude of (2,500 m /8,200 feet) in the Urubamba River Valley of Peruvian Andes. Jungle growth has covered the deserted city for many years and as a result it escaped notice by the Spanish conquistadors. It was not until 1911, when U.S. explorer Hiram Bingham “discovered” the lost Inca city of Machu Picchu, that the eyes of the world were placed again on the nowadays UNESCO World Heritage and it became one of the most sought-after destinations on the Planet.
We start this fascinating journey in Cusco, the former capital city of the Inca Empire. Our explorations continue through Andean villages and into the Sacred Valley with its important Inca ruins. After studying the mesmerising architecture of Cusco, the spectacular landscapes of the Sacred Valley and beginning to understand the myths and legends surrounding the Incas, we begin our trek on the Inca Trail to the famous ruins of Machu Picchu. Our walk along this ancient path involves a series of climbs and descents. We will have the chance to enjoy incredible views and explore fascinating ancient ruins during our 4-day walk.
Mountain Madness is renowned for providing the finest mountain cuisine available. All of the meals from the trailhead and back will be provided, including pastas, rice, soups, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Bring along your favorite snack foods and energy bars for on the trail to supplement the lunch provided. The local cuisine is also something for the traveler to look forward to, including superb combinations of typical Andean foods, such as corn, potatoes, and chili pepper, with pork and mutton introduced by the Spanish. Adventurous diners can feast on cuy (guinea pig), a Peruvian specialty.
Don’t miss this opportunity to visit and explore the magic of the Inca trails, crossing breathtaking landscapes from tropical forests to high mountain passes. Request to book now and enjoy an unforgettable trekking experience to the ancient sacred Inca city of Machu Picchu.
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Accommodation included
- Transportation start and back
- Transport during the trip
- Luggage transfer
- Permit and entrance fees
- Group porters
- Personal porters
- Mules and horses
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Price details
Included in Cost:
Scheduled hotel nights
Scheduled restaurant meals
Park and museum entrance fees
Porters and pack animals
Food while on the trek
Group tents and cooking gear
Airport transfers to and from Cusco International Airport
$350 non-refundable permit fee upon reservation
Itinerary
Day 1: Departure to Perú
Day 2: Arrival in Cusco
Elevation: 10,909 feet / 3325 meters
A Mountain Madness representative will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. The afternoon will be free for shopping for local Quechuan Indian handicrafts and getting familiar with Cusco’s fine restaurants, cobblestone streets, and relaxing courtyards. We will also tour the city, visiting old cathedrals and Inca temples, and explore the famous Sacsayhuaman ruins.
Day 3: Sacred Valley
Elevation: 10,335 feet / 3150 meters
Today we will visit the beautiful Vilcanota/Urubamba River Valley, also known as the Sacred Valley. Our explorations will take us through Andean villages, local markets and the very important ruins of Pisac and/or Ollantaytambo. Return to Cusco for overnight.
Day 4: Huayllabama
Elevation: 9,842 feet / 3000 meters
We depart early for the Inca Trail. After driving along the high, barren puna, we descend into the twisted Urubamba Valley and drive to our trailhead where we distribute loads among porters. We then hike to the small village of Huayllabamba where the local people still practice subsistence farming.
Day 5: Warmiwanusga pass to Runquracay camp
Elevation: Warmiwanusga Pass 13,776 feet / 4199 meters
Runquracay 12,172 feet / 3710 meters
After hiking over the Warmiwanusga Pass we descend several thousand feet before hiking up to the ruins of Runquracay where we camp. This is a difficult day with about 4,000 feet of elevation gain.
Day 6: Winay Wayna
Elevation: 8,861 feet / 2701 meters
We will be passing numerous ruins and walking through lush cloud forests and along cobblestone pathways made by the Incas. We will make camp at the ancient ruins of Winay Wayna. This is a fabulous day with good walking, interesting ruins, great views of the Veronica Range, the massive peak of Salcantay, and the wild rapids of the Urubamba River.
Day 7: Hike to Machu Picchu. Train back to Cusco
Elevation: Machu Picchu 8,200 feet / 2499 meters
Cusco 10,909 feet / 3325 meters
After an early start, we hike to Machu Picchu, fortress city of the ancient Incas. Here we’ll discover sundials, follow the ingenious water system of the city, and marvel at the Inca stonemasonry. After exploring the ruins we catch the afternoon train back to Cusco. This is one of the world’s classic train rides and a great way to end our adventure.
Day 8: Lima
Elevation: Sea level
Today you will fly back to Lima where you will be free to explore the city before catching your night flight home.
Day 9: Arrive back home
Details
More info No included in price: Airfare Personal equipment Staff/guide gratuities Items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, room service, etc.) Trip cancellation insurance Medical rescue insurance Alcoholic beverages Personal Insurance |
Meeting point Lima Jorge Chavez International Airport |
Equipment you will need to bring
Poles
Backpack
Sunglasses
Watter bottle
Other gear: Trekking clothes and boots
About the guide
UIAGM/IFMGA Mountain Guide from Ecuador.
Alejo fell in love with the mountains in his early years as a boy scout, and became a proficient rock climber in his youth. Through these activities, he met the friends that helped him summit Ecuador's famed peak Cotopaxi at age 14. Since then, Alejo has spent countless days in the mountains and has shared this love with many aspiring climbers.
He has climbed in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and recently did some serious alpine climbing in the Alps as part of his training to obtain his UIAGM certification. Alejo is the second Ecuadorian guide to achieve full UIAGM certification, one of very few US-certified Wilderness Emergency Medical Technicians (WEMT), and a certified member of the ASEGUIM.
He also works as a climbing, rescue, and outdoor medicine instructor. He enjoys traveling, hiking, scuba diving, running and is a pretty darned good cook.
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