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“Special Inca Trail”, 5-day Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco

Machu Picchu hike
Teshiodake
Teshiodake
Lyngen
Huayhuash

Follow the incredible Inca Trail and spend 2 whole days in Machu Picchu, Peru on this magical 5-day experience with a local certified guide from our team.

Private

Andes

5 Days

All year

Occasional

Intermediate


Highlights

  • Follow the impressive Inca Trail through the Peruvian mountains and ruins.
  • Spend 2 days in Machu Picchu and ascend the dazzling Huayna Picchu.
  • Enjoy the stunning views of the Peruvian Andes.

Description

The Special Inca Trail in Peru combines beautiful mountain, forest and jungle landscapes and the exciting possibility to explore Inca ruins along the way with the impressive Machu Picchu as final destination. Join me for this incredible 5-day hiking trip in the Peruvian mountains.

Machu Picchu is a spectacular Inca city built in the 15th Century. It has a rich history and breathtaking views. And the 45-kilometer trail that takes you there is definitely the best way to discover it. Along the way, we’ll get to enjoy incredible views and different archeological sites, such as Llactapata, Runkuraqay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Winayhuayna, Intipunku, and others. We’ll go through cloud-forests, jungles, tundra and tunnels. But the best part of this trip is that you get to spend 2 whole days in Machu Picchu!

For more information on the itinerary, you can read the section below with a more detailed description of what we’ll be doing each day.

If you’ve ever wanted to visit this Peruvian wonder, then this is your time! Book your trip now and discover this magical place on an incredible hike.

I also offer a classic 4-day trek and a short 2-day hike to Machu Picchu through the Inca Trail. Check them out if you are looking fore more options.

Price includes

- Guiding fee

- Accommodation included

- Transportation start and back

- Permit and entrance fees

- Group porters

- Breakfast

- Lunch

- Dinner

Price details

Price includes complimentary transfer from the airport to your hotel in Cusco, first aid kit, bus ticket Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes and expedition train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and transfer to your hotel. Price does not include first breakfast, sleeping bags or tips.


Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco - Km 82 - Wayllabamba - Yuncachimpa

We’ll begin very early in the morning driving from Cusco, through the Sacred Valley of the Incas up to km. 82 (Piskacucho), where the trail begins. We’ll follow the Urubamba River and go by Miskay and Llactapata and finish at Yuncachimpa.

Distance Covered: 10 km/ 6 miles
Approximate Walking Time: 5 -6 hours.

Day 2: Yuncachimpa - Llulluchapampa - Warmihuañusca pass - Pacaymayu - Runkurakay pass - Chaquicocha

This is the most challenging day of the trip. We’ll be climbing the steps up to Warmi Wañuska (Dead Woman’s Pass) – the highest point of the trek at 4,200 meters. But the views of the snow-covered peaks of the Andes will make it worth it. We’ll spend the night at the campsite on Paqaymayu.

Distance Covered: 12 km/ 7.46 miles
Approximate Walking Time: 6 hours.

Day 3: Chaquicocha - Phuyupatamarca - Wiñayhuayna

On day 3, we’ll explore some dazzling Inca ruins, such as Runkuraqay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and Winayhuayna. After Runkuracay, the path goes mostly downhill.

Distance Covered: 15 km/ 9.32 miles
Approximate Walking Time: 7/8 hours.

Day 4: Wiñayhuayna - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes

We’ll get up early in the morning to catch the sunrise at Intipunku (Sun’s Gate) and continue towards the impressive Machu Picchu. I’ll give you a guided tour along the ruins and you can spend the rest of the day enjoying the place as you wish. You can then take the bus to Aguas Calientes.

Distance Covered: 11 km/7 miles
Approximate Walking Time: 5 hours

Day 5: Aguas Calientes - Cusco

We’ll wake up early in the morning again to be the first ones at Machu Picchu and get the chance to ascend Huayna Picchu Mountain, where the views are breathtaking. We’ll then take the train back to Cusco.

 

Details

More info

Inca Trail programs must be booked 6 months prior to the beginning of the trip. Make sure to bring: -A backpack with a change of clothes -Sleeping bag -Rain gear -Strong, comfortable footwear -Sweater and jacket (something warm) -Water bottle -Torch / Flashlight and batteries -Hat or cap to protect you from the sun -Sun block -Insect repellent -Toiletries, towel and toilet paper -Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits, energy bars, etc. -Swimsuit (if you plan on visiting the hot springs at Aguas Calientes after the trek) -Towel -Cash in soles or USD.


About the guide

Peru Expeditions is a Guide Agency and Tour Operator based in Huaraz, Peru.

It's a family-owned travel agency, which was founded more than 35 years ago, and is now managed by IFMGA-guide Juventino and his son, Eric.

We organize trekkings and mountain expeditions in Cordillera Blanca, and all around Peru.

Languages

| English

Certificates

AGMP | IFMGA


What people are saying about Peru Expeditions

Bad Hetterscheid

5.00

September, 2022

William was such a knowledgeable, friendly, and efficient guide! He brought books and support materials to further explain the history of the sites we were seeing, was always ready with an answer to any questions, and had great suggestions of where to take photos. He chose a truly remarkable cook for our trek, who kept us well fed with a huge variety of foods (and an ample supply of it!) and filled with hot beverages at all hours of the day and night. He allowed us to set the pace each day, and was cheerful and helpful and relaxed throughout-he absolutely enhanced a wonderful experience! Many thanks to you, William!

Bad Hetterscheid

5.00

September, 2022

Eric from Peru Expeditions is a fabulous, safe, and conscientious Tour Operator. He chose an incredible guide for us (Darwin) who was highly esteemed by every guide we met at every point along the journey-the respect of one’s peers speaks for itself! We were very well supported, always had perfect timing with seeing sunrises, beating “the crowd” to our destinations, and had ample food. The Peruvian mountains are stunningly beautiful- I’m ready to go back again already! Book with Eric - he’s going to take good care of you.

Connor White

5.00

September, 2022

Great service and trip!

Johannes Besmehn

3.00

August, 2022

The traveller did not leave a comment.

Alexey Volegov

5.00

July, 2022

The traveller did not leave a comment.

Matt LAIRD

5.00

November, 2021

Our guide was William and he is the one that really made the trip great!

Juliusz Zulauf

5.00

September, 2021

It was really good climbing expedition. The company put good effort to accommodate our needs and requests. Lima Central Office support was outstanding. Edgar, our climbing guide was top notch. Supporting staff during the climb was very helpful and friendly as well. For my personal needs, some modification of an acclimatisation scheme would be beneficial. First week of the trip consisted of various day trips to destinations of increasing altitudes, but all nights were at Huaraz, at 3100 m altitude. For me, to be fully acclimatized I need to sleep at the altitude. My first night at the higher altitude was at Pisco refuge (4800 m) and resulted with mild altitude sickness preventing me from successful climbing the following day. I would prefer spending two nights at high altitude before first high climb. It might not be the case for some other people, but it was for me. If not for this, I would had awarded straight five stars.

Marcela Hronesova

2.00

July, 2021

Disappointed with the whole experience. Didn't climb with Juventino, never met him. Got a different guide. Booked Pisco and Chopicalcui as separate climbs with one day off in between to rest. Agency combined the climbs. They told me to of go from Pisco BC directly to Chopicalcui moraine camp. Got a different guide who didn't tell me that we'll get snowed in at moraine camp. Only found out about the snow once we reached Chopicalcui moraine camp. Spent the night there, next day had to go down. Disappointed rebooked my flight and left Peru. Waste of my time and money.

Marcela Hronesova

4.00

July, 2021

The agency gave me a guide Darwin, not Juventino. Climb was good, easy just walking. There is one dangerous section near the moraine area with very loose gravel. So make sure you don't slip there or you are dead. I stayed in refugio at the base camp which was much more comfy than camping. Darwin was good but give clients some breaks once in a while, not rush too much. It's a high altitude climbing after all.

Tony Hoffman

5.00

September, 2020

The hike was canceled. We didn’t go anywhere. Didn’t even get into the country.

Flormila Pineda Villanueva

5.00

May, 2020

My visit to Huaraz was one of the most beautiful trips of my life. Our days of adventure began with the visit of lagoons in the white mountain range; wilcacocha, churup, paron, lagoon 69 and we finish with the most beautiful Santa Cruz trek. Our trip was a complete success, during the stay in Huaraz we stayed at the ALPAMAYO GUEST HOUSE hotel, an excellent place in the center of Huaraz. I recommend Mr. Juventino to make his trip and his hotel the and if nice family People.

Koseth Saenz

5.00

May, 2020

He was very kind, patient and helped me to reach my goal the citadel of Machupicchu. One day I wanted to quit but he encouraged me to continue and waited for my step.

Pietro Garanzini

5.00

May, 2020

Our experience in Peru was an unforgettable journey, we started a journey in this country to visit Machu Picchu and the surroundings of Cusco as a sacred valley, etc. Afterwards, our next destination was to arrive in the beautiful land of Huaraz, where our main goal was the trekking of Santa Cruz and a not very difficult base climb and after the trekking of Huayhuash. We will be back next year with more customers, friends of our mountain club, thanks for everything and see you soon in Huaraz!

Michael W English

5.00

March, 2020

From the very first emails communication which was dealt with efficiently and provide all the required information and other options for myself to consider. When I arrived the communication was excellent and very well organised. When I return later this year I will without doubt be using Eric and the team. When we arrive at the start point to getting back the local guide was excellent. I have nothing but praise for the set up.

Wolfgang Gratz

5.00

September, 2019

We did the MTB-Huarascan-Circuit (Crossing Punta Olimpica Pass and Portachuelo de Llanganuco Pass) with Eric Albinos „Peru Expedition“. All, the transfers, the hotel stays, the acclimatization tours and the circuit itself, was well organized. Eric and his staff were flexible to our wishes and very helpful. Our Guide Joni is an excellent mountain bike-guide and good tailor too if something is torn. The cook prepared delicious meals during the circuit. The camping equipment was in very good condition. We (Karin, Franz. Wolfgang) can fully recommend „Eric´s Peru Expeditions“.


 

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