DAY 1: CUSCO – KM 104 – AGUAS CALIENTES

Departing your hotel in Cusco we will travel by bus to the town of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. From here, a train will take us roughly an hour down the valley to our starting point. Our journey begins at the banks of the Urubamba River and slowly ascends to meet up with the original Inca Trail at the site of Winay Wayna, before continuing on to the the Sun Gate and on to Machu Picchu.

Along the way we will pass through dense cloud forest with its rich variety of plants, flowers, birds, and if we are lucky, some of the local mammals such as Viscachas (rabbit-like Chinchillas) or the rare Spectacled Bear.

After a full day of trekking, we will arrive to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) in the late afternoon for our first views of Machu Picchu stretched over the mountain ridge below. The lighting at this hour of the day makes for amazing pictures. Descending from the Sun Gate, we continue along the beautiful paved stone path to Machu Picchu, but only to the famous “look-out point” above the main part of the citadel. From here we will descend to the town of Aguas Calientes in the valley below for hotel check-in and dinner.

Lodging: QUILLA INN **

DAY 2: MACHU PICCHU

Today we will rise very early to catch the first bus back up to Machu Picchu and enter the site as it opens. There will be a 2-hour guided tour of the site to show you some of the most important locations, altars and constructions, here you will learn what we know about the history of this amazing place and the people who once lived here. After this, the rest of the day is yours to explore any other parts of the citadel, or if you have the additional permit to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, this will be the time. In the afternoon, your train will depart Aguas Calientes back to Ollantaytambo where you will carry on by bus to Cusco.

INCLUDES:

• Professional English Speaking Tour Guide.
• Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+
• Pick-up from your hotel
• Train to Km 104
• Return transportation by train to Ollantaytambo
• Return transportation by bus to Cusco
• 1 Breakfast, 1 Boxed Lunch, 1 Dinner. If you have a dietary request (vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free, allergies, etc) please let us know
• 3 Star Hotel
• Oxygen bottle
• First-aid kit
• Entrance to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
• Round-trip Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

NOT INCLUDED:

• Water
• Breakfast on Day 1 & Lunch and Dinner on Day 2.
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain US$80
• Tips
• Travel Insurance – we strongly recommend insurance for the duration of your trip

WHAT TO BRING:

• Original Passport
• Current university card (discount prices are available to students with proper ID)
• Hiking Boots
• Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
• Warm jacket
• Hat and gloves
• T-shirts (quick dry)
• Comfortable Trekking Pants
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen (SPF 35+)
• Insect repellant (We strongly suggest NATURAL repellant)
• Toiletries and hand sanitizer
• Personal medication
• Camera and film
• Flashlight with spare batteries (or a environmental friendly option)

DEPARTURES DATES & TIMETABLE

Departure date:

• Our tour can leave any day of the week, 12 months a year, as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers. We can leave any day of the week as long as permits are available from the government. Please remember, permits are only needed for your START DATE.

Departure time:

• 05:00 am.

EQUIPMENT

QUALITY EQUIPMENT:

TENTS:

Inca Footsteps Company has high quality equipment. We use 4 people, Doite 4 season, Wolf Mountain 4 season tents that only need to be shared by 2 people.

“THERM-A-REST” INFLATABLE SLEEPING MATTRESS (this comes included with your trip you do not need to pay extra fee)

THE BEST HIGHLAND CUISINE MADE BY PROFESSIONAL LOCAL CHEFS

Inca Footsteps Company is totally proud to show our gastronomy, we not only create unforgettable journeys, we also have unforgettable culinary experiences while visiting the Inca Trail.

OUR GROUP SIZE:

We offer small Groups, not more than 08 people.

Discounts:

• Group of 5 or more: US$25.00 Must be booked  all together
• Under 18 years old: US$25.00 Please send us a copy of the passport at the booking time
• Student Discount (Maximum Age 25 years old): US$25.00 Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. For those using a university student card to receive the discount, we need to see a copy of the card at booking. For those booking children 17-years-old or younger, we need a copy of their passport at booking time. Please send all to info@incafootsteps.com  More Information about STUDENT CARD

Is the trek difficult? Do I need to be in good physical condition?

All our treks (Inka Trail, Salkantay, Ausangate, Lares, etc) are moderately difficult, lengthy and traverse rough mountain terrain. We kindly recommend that if you plan to conquer any of these routes to be in relatively good physical condition, plus acclimatization. These means arriving to Cusco at least 02 days prior to your trek departure to adjust to altitude. During the last two months leading up to your trek we suggest a regular and moderate exercise routine to improve endurance and stamina. We wish for you to have the best experience possible! To Cusco at least 02 days prior to your trek departure to adjust to altitude. During the last two months leading up to your trek we suggest a regular and moderate exercise routine to improve endurance and stamina. We wish for you to have the best experience possible!

Are vegetarian, vegan, and/or other special diet needs available?

Of course! Without any additional costs! When you make your reservation, please inform us of any dietary needs or requirements, including allergies!

Vegetarian foods will be absent of all meats, chicken or fish. We will assume that eggs and cheese or other lactose products are OK.of all meats, chicken or fish. We will assume that eggs and cheese or other lactose products are OK.

Most of our main meals are a buffet-style, leaving you the option to avoid anything undesirable to you.

If there are any food items or veggies that you cannot stomach, perhaps onions, tomatoes, mushrooms.. etc, upon your request we will ask our chef to leave them out or separate this item.

We can also attend lactose-intolerant or gluten-intolerant diets. We cannot accept individuals with serious allergic or life-threatening reactions.

I have a food allergy. May I still participate?

Every day we receive many clients with food allergies to nuts, wheat, etc. Please inform us in detail of your condition upon making your reservation.

We kindly ask that you declare the severity of your reaction and any medication that you take in case of emergency.

If your allergy is severe, we ask that you be accompanied by a friend or individual conscious and fully responsible of your situation and ready with any medication.

WE CANNOT ACCEPT CLIENTS WITH LIFE-THREATENING ALLERGIES

When must I arrive in cusco or arrive to your office?

We require that all clients arrive to Cusco at least 48 hours before the start of your trek, although 03 nights before is ideal. You must pay your remaining balance two days before your departure for your trek. This will assure that all individuals are acclimatized and adjusted to the high altitude conditions to begin your trek comfortably. Please note that your remaining balance must be paid in cash in our office and cannot be paid before your arrival.

Our office hours are Monday – Saturday 9:00am – 1:00pm, 4:00pm – 8:00pm. (Please aim to arrive 7:30pm at the latest!)

Are hiking sticks or poles necessary?

For this trek more than any other, we do recommend hiking sticks, especially for those with any known knee problems. The poles will assist your balance and reduce the impact on your knees.

Inca Footsteps Company will rent hiking sticks for $25

Where can I store my baggage that I dont need for the trail?

Any baggage that is not necessary for your trek may be stored in your hotel in Cusco (most hotels offer this service free of charge). In the case that your hotel may not provide this service, we will store your baggage safely in our office free of charge.

What is the weather like during the trek?

The best time for making the trek with good weather is between the months of April – October when there is minimal rainfall and clear skies. The driest months are June – August, which is winter in the Andes.

January to March is summer in Peru, which means rainy season for Cusco and especially the Inka Trail, which is located mostly in the tropical cloud forest.

Where do I have to be the morning of the start of my trek and where will I finish at the end?

We will pick you up from your hotel to begin your trek and upon finishing, we will also leave you at your hotel.

I wish to have a train company or train option different to that which Inca Footsteps Company offers, is this possible?

If you wish to change your train company or option (such as Vistadome de Peru Rail, to Ollantaytambo or the whole route to Poroy), or your departure time, additional fees may apply. You must speak with one of our sales agents to inquire about availability and the additional costs.

About Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the perfect option for those who are short on time or not up to the challenge of the full length Inca Trail. Combining beautiful scenery, diverse flora and fauna, and a visit to the Inca Trail’s most beautiful site Wiñay Wayna, this trek offers you the best sections of the Inca Trail condensed into a single day. With a total distance of  10 km / 6.3 mi, this 2-Day Inca Trail is less challenging and a great choice for families with children.

We offer daily departures on the Inca Trail (except February when the trail is closed for maintenance)

DAY 1: CUSCO – KM 104 – AGUAS CALIENTES

DAY 2: MACHU PICCHU