Classic Inca Trail & Machu Picchu

RECOMMENDATIONS

• The hike previously described may vary due to weather conditions, landslides, participants walking pace or other factors. Our professional guide will make the right and best decisions along the way for the benefit and safety of the group.
• We advise you to stay overnight in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo on the first day (not included) to avoid waking up too early before the hike. This way, we’ll pick you up at about 8 am instead. The agency can help you with the necessary bookings. It is still possible to leave from Cusco, but you’ll need to get up at about 4am.
• The Andean weather is quite unpredictable. Thus, we suggest bringing warm clothes, a hat/cap, sunglasses, a scarf, gloves, jacket, high protection sun cream and 2 liters of mineral water per person.
• During this trek we’ll reach 4200 masl. This combined with the weather conditions can make the daily hiking even harder. As to enjoy the trek better, we recommend you to be healthy and in good physical condition and to acclimatize in Cusco for at least 2 days before the trek.
• Campsites: Campsites on the Inca Trail may vary from those described in our itinerary (Yuncachimpa, Chaquicocha and Wiñaywayna). This is a consequence of a limited number of campsites (Wiñaywayna is almost always full). The camping sites, especially the Wiñaywayna site, are known to the general public. That is why we book the sites well in advance (if you want to trek during high season, i.e. from May to September, it is important to book a few months in advance). If there is no more space, the Ministry of Culture (state entity that observes and controls the availability of tickets to the Inka Trail) will grant other camping sites (Wayllabamba, Pacaymayo and Phuyupatamarka).

Optional services to be hired

• To make the most of Machu Picchu, we suggest taking the buffet lunch at the Tinkuy, Sanctuary Lodge restaurant, located right next to the archaeological site. We also recommend the buffet lunch option at El Mapi hotel Machu Picchu by Inkaterra in Aguas Calientes.

• Extra Porter / Horseman: In accordance with the law (31614) of the Ministry of Labour, the collaboration of an extra porter will be granted at the request of the client. However, the customer’s luggage must not exceed 12 kilograms. The service of an extra porter / horseman has a cost of 140 USD, which includes transportation, entrance to the Inca Trail, food and camping equipment.

Note: The group of Porters are only present in the trekking part.

• Optional train services: It is possible to travel in a superior luxury category on the Vistadome or Hiram Bingham trains; contact us for more information.

On Demand – Vistadome Train

The “Vistadome” train offers you breathtaking views during your journey to Cusco, offers fashion shows, dinners, a refined service and premium travel conditions. In addition, the carriage is built with large windows that offer unparalleled panoramic views and the possibility to take beautiful photographs. The Vistadome also has air-conditioning and heating, and ergonomic leather seats that are very comfortable after so many hours of walking.

The Vistadome offers you a first class service, which will allow you to immerse yourself in the Andean culture, through the landscapes, the music, the dance and even the food carefully prepared with local ingredients.

On Demand – Hiram Bingham Train

The Hiram Bingham Train category is optional and it is a luxury service of the Orient Express, operated by the company “Peru Rail”. You will experience an exceptional journey. The Hiram Bingham carriages are distinguished by their blue and gold colour, their warm and cosy interior and their elegant upholstery. The service includes 4 carriages, 2 restaurant carriages, as well as a panoramic view carriage with bar. Brunch and dinner on board are also included.

For the optional services, contact our staff to check availability.

What we recommend that you bring

• An ergonomic day backpack for hiking with waterproof cover (30 or 40 liters).
• A waterproof backpack otherwise requests a duffel bag at your agency for carrying your personal belongings on the back of an extra porter (optional service if you have hired it).
• Sleeping bag (-10º degrees).
• Clothing for cold and hot weather.
• Waterproof jacket, rain pants and light pants, rain poncho, hat or cap.
• Hiking shoes.
• ▪          Flip flops or sandals (for showers and hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
• Wool or cotton socks.
• T-shirts with short and long sleeves.
• Towel easy dry and swimsuit (in case you want to relax in the hot mineral spring).
• Sun block.
• Anti-mosquito spray – minimum recommended 20% DEET (non-toxic – we suggest nature-friendly repellents). No malaria risk has been reported.
• Anti-itch cream.
• Disinfectant hand gel.
• Toilet paper.
• Plastic water or metal containers ones are recommended and water for the first morning. Important notice: plastic water bottles are no longer allowed into the Inca Trail.  
• Optionally: water-sterilizing tablets is recommended in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink.
• Toiletries. 
• Camera (wrapped in a plastic pouch).
• Flashlight and spare batteries.
• Snacks, like chocolate bars and dried fruits.
• Original passport.
• Original ISIC Student Card (in case you have applied for a student discount).
• Extra money in soles.

Optional: walking sticks or poles with rubber covers required in order not to damage the Inca Trail.