Before reaching the first Inca site, Pisaq, in the Sacred Valley, you will have the privilege of visiting one of the local villages. Here, you can delve into farming practices and local traditions. In these villages, people proudly adorn themselves in vibrant traditional clothing and converse in the Andean local language, such as Quechua. You’ll also have the opportunity to observe llamas and alpacas, and learn about Inca textiles, witnessing how they utilize natural plants to obtain various colors for painting textiles made from llama or alpaca wool, known as handmade crafts.
Next, your journey will lead you to the Pisaq Inca site, where you’ll explore this incredible Inca village. Following a delightful lunch in Urubamba, you will embark on a drive to Ollantaytambo, where you will visit the renowned Inca site and explore its unique Inca buildings. You’ll also marvel at the second-largest Inca store, which will leave you in awe of how they transported such massive rocks. Be sure not to miss the Temple of the Sun, an exceptional Inca architectural gem, and take some time to leisurely wander around this historic site.
Afterward, you will be transported to your hotel, providing you with the opportunity to spend the night in the last living Inca city. In the evening, you can leisurely stroll through the village’s narrow streets, which retain their original Inca character, and observe the ancient water channels that have stood the test of time. Finally, you can unwind at the hotel and get some rest before your guide meets you the next day at Ollantaytambo to commence the incredible 4-day, 3-night Inca Trail expedition to Machu Picchu.
Highlights
The trail - Built in the 1450s by the powerful Inca Empire, the trail required the use of rocks which were transported from nearby quarries and delicately carved to fit in precision and meticulously.
Nature - The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu passes through a wide range of microclimates as a result of varying altitudes. Along this trail, travellers hike from high altitude puna to high brow of jungle.
Inca Archaeological Sites - The trail takes hikers along valleys and through mountain passes, and grants hikers access to the archaeological sites of Patallacta/Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Inti Pata, Winay Wayna, and Intipunku. The Inca Trail leads directly to Machu Picchu and offers the hike of a lifetime.
Historical Significance - The Inca trail to Machu Picchu holds great significance as it is the only hiking trail that grants access to Machu Picchu. After hiking 3 days along valleys and through mountain passes, all hikers reach Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate – and important construction of Machu Picchu citadel.
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FAQ
What is an alternative trek?
An Alternative Trek is an alternative to the Inca Trail. Due to the strict permit process for the Inca Trail, these first became popular for those who were not able to secure a permit. Now, people recognize some real advantages to the alternative treks.
What are the conditions in Machu Picchu?
There is no down season for Machu Picchu, so the ruins will always be crowded. They are best seen early in the morning before the huge crowds come, but there is no real way to avoid other tourists. The citadel is a huge area, with lots of terraces. Good running shoes or hiking boots are preferred for your tour. If you are doing one of the extra hikes, Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, you will want hiking boots with good traction.
Please remember that you will need your original passport to get inside the ruins. No large bags are allowed in the park, so you will need to leave them at your hotel, or check them at the front gate. The park rangers are diligent about rules, so please make sure to be courteous and respectful.
What is the weather in Machu Picchu?
Many people are surprised to learn that Machu Picchu falls into a subtropical climate category. It is filled with orchids, bromeliads and some pesky insects. Also known as the Cloud Forest, Machu Picchu is surrounded by higher mountain peaks, frequently shrouded in mist. This is perhaps one of the reasons that the Spanish never discovered it. It is considerably lower altitude (hotter and more humid) than Cusco and many of the other treks.
The weather changes often in Machu Picchu. Typically, during the dry season (April-November) the early mornings are foggy, and can be chilly. In the late mornings, the clouds clear and the sun comes out, so it can get quite hot. Layers that you can peel off or add on, are best. Sun protection, insect repellent and a good hat are essentials. However, please keep in mind that sometimes there is still rain in June and sunshine in December. A rain poncho is highly recommended, no matter what season you visit. When it rains, the ancient stones can become slippery, so having shoes with a good tread is helpful, and perhaps, a rubber-tipped walking stick.
The rainy season is from mid-November to mid-April, with February being the wettest month. The Inca Trail is closed during February, although the Machu Picchu ruins are still open.
Of course, weather is unpredictable. No matter what month you are in Machu Picchu, please make sure that you have rain gear, including a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho and waterproof gloves.
What are the conditions in Cusco?
Cusco is located in the southeast area of Peru, and has one of the highest elevations of all the cities in South America (3,400 m/11,200 ft). The city has a lot to offer, including historical sites, museums, restaurants, a great nightlife and shops. Cusco is full of cobblestone streets, so good walking shoes are a must. You can easily walk from place to place, but taxis are plentiful and safe. The airport is only a 10 minute drive from the main square.
Cusco is also surrounded by the beautiful Sacred Valley, which is a little lower in altitude. Some people prefer to head down to the valley first, to slowly adjust to the altitude. The valley has a lot of beautiful places to visit, including Pisaq, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Maras/Moray, Tipon and many others.
What is the weather in Cusco?
Cusco is known to have two seasons – the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season is from May through September and the rainy season is from October through April. In recent years, the weather has not been predictable, so we have experienced rain during our dry season and sunshine during the rainy season. Be prepared for any type of weather.
The temperature does not vary much throughout the year. The days will typically be between 15-20 degrees Celsius (60-70 degrees Fahrenheit). However, when the sun goes down, so does the temperature, due to the decrease in oxygen levels at this high altitude. You will need a warm jacket for the evenings in the city because it will fall to 1-5 degrees Celsius (35 – 40 degrees Fahrenheit).
If you are heading down into the Sacred Valley directly from the airport, expect warmer temperatures on both ends (about 10 degrees warmer).
NOTE: Please don’t go by what you read on weather-predicting websites regarding rain in Cusco. Cusco is also the name of the entire municipality, including all of the Sacred Valley, which includes many micro-climates. These sites are never correct for the area. The region is too big and there are many weather changes. Be prepared for anything!
Will I get water on the Inca trail?
In the morning, you will only need to carry enough water to last you until the first lunch stop. At every meal, you will be provided with new, boiled water to refresh your bottles or hydration packs.
How much should I plan to give in tips to my guides, porters, and chefs?
Tips for the tour guides, cook and porters are not included in the price of the tour. Rather, it is something extra to present to your staff after you experience a special time on the Inca Trail. However, you must be aware that tips are not mandatory.
If I rent an extra porter to carry my pack, does the porter walk along with me?
You will only have access to your duffel bags at breakfast and dinner, while at the campsite. This is due to the speed of the porters being faster than that of the groups.
At what time will we return to Cusco?
After catching a bus down to Aguas Calientes, hikers will take a two hour train ride along the Sacred Valley, and arrive in Ollantaytambo. From here, an Alpaca Expeditions bus will be waiting to take hikers on the the two hour trip back to Cusco. The group will return to Cusco between 7 and 11 p.m., depending on what time the train leaves Aguas Calientes.
Are there short hikes to do around Machu Picchu?
Huayna Picchu is the mountain located directly behind the ruins of Machu Picchu. It is approximately 300 meters higher than the ruins, and it takes two hours to hike up and down. It is recommended to plan for 45 minutes to reach the peak, 15 minutes to enjoy the view, and another 30 minutes to descend. You do not need to book in advance to climb. The tickets are $75, per person, but only 400 people can climb it per day. The 400 tickets are divided into two groups: 200 hikers are allowed to begin early, and 200 more hikers can being at 10 a.m. For both start times, tickets are provided at the Inca Road Check Point. Please speak with your guide the night before you arrive to Machu Picchu, if you are interested in this optional hike.
Once I arrive at Machu Picchu, how long will I be given to enjoy it?
Hikers will arrive at the Sun Gate at approximately 6:30 a.m. and then, walk one more hour to Machu Picchu. You will then have a two hour guided tour of the Sacred City. After the tour ends, you will have approximately three additional hours to explore the ruins on your own.
Will we get to see the sunrise from the sun gate?
The Sun rises at different times throughout the year. Times are as follows: May-September: 7:20 a.m.; October-April: 5:30 or 6 a.m. Therefore, if you choose to book your tour from May to September, it may be possible to see the sunrise. Otherwise, the Sun will be up before the group arrives at the Sun Gate.
At what time to we arrive at Machu Picchu on the last day?
The final day is the most exiting day for all Inca Trail hikers because we arrive at the Sacred City of the Incas. The group will get up early, and after breakfast, will hike the final two hours together. We will arrive at the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu at 7:30 a.m.