Overview
There are many ways to get to Machu Picchu, but none like the Inca Trail, one of the most famous hiking trails in the world. Get ready to live the adventure of a lifetime walking for four days through the heart of the Andes. Trek through cloud forests and up beautiful stone steps to lay your eyes upon world-famous archaeological sites and majestic views. This route is an unforgettable experience that will linger in your memory for a long time.
HIGHLIGHTS
Llactapata: Ancient Inca village in the Kusichaca Valley, right at the beginning of the route. The site includes three sections: religious, residential and agricultural.
Warmi Wañuska: The highest point of the route offers some truly stunning views.
Runkurakay: Small Inca checkpoint where you can contemplate the magnificent landscape.
Sayacmarca: Visit this enigmatic and mysterious place, it is still not known what it was used for during Inca times.
Phuyupatamarka: This fascinating ‘city among the clouds' houses a system of channels and fountains that still works to this day.
Wiñaywayna: Dizzying Inca site with houses perched on agricultural terraces.
Machu Picchu: The ‘lost city of the Incas’ is the reason why thousands of people come to Peru. Hidden among the vegetation, its rooms, temples, bridges and religious sites are built in perfect harmony with the surrounding landscape.
New Entrance Regulations to Machu Picchu
The current restrictions on visits to Machu Picchu allow a maximum stay of 4 hours in the citadel accompanied by a guide during the first entry. If the visitor tours an alternate route (Mountain Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu) the passenger will have 3 hours to for this purpose, additional to the 4 hours in the citadel. If the passenger wishes to enter the citadel again during the afternoon shift or the next day, he must acquire previously an additional ticket to enter in the new shift. For a re-entry, a guide is optional. Passengers must bring the previous entrance ticket and the new entrance ticket. There is no ticket sale in the archaeological zone.
It is forbidden the follow objects: professional cameras that require lights and tripods, or with telephoto lenses with a weigh higher than 2 kilos (in order to use them, special authorization is needed, as well as the payment of an additional fee), drones, selfie sticks, sprays, high heels, walking sticks without rubber tip, banners and posters, sharp objects and backpacks bigger than 40cm x 35 cm x 20 cm.
New Plastic Regulation
After the prohibition of the access of single use plastic items to 76 natural areas including Machu Picchu, it is important to use reusable bottles. Lima Tours installs a water refill point in our office in Aguas Calientes.
Packing List
- Valid and original passport
- Mid weight fleece wool sweater
- Fleece pants or tights
- Mid weight thermal underwear tops and bottom
- Synthetic or wool hiking pants
- Hiking shorts
- Polar jacket
- Long-sleeve shirts, t-shirts, underwear
- Buff or bandana
- Casual socks, hiking socks (preferably wool), liner socks
- Swim suit (may vary according to itinerary)
- Clothing accessories: cap, fleece hat, gloves
- Footwear: sturdy hiking boots, waterproof, lightweight, broken-in, aggressive tread, camp shoes such as tennis shoes, crocs or other comfortable footwear to use in our campsites
- Travel accessories: bottle of water or camelback, flash light, watch with alarm or travel clock, sunglasses and retainer strap, sun block and lip balm, toiletry kit, small washcloth, personal first-aid kit, hand sanitizer gel, insect repellent and several Ziploc plastic bags
- Chocolates and candies
- Camera
- Money (currency: Peruvian sol) for drinks, tips and souvenirs
- Daily backpack for your personal belongings with waterproof cover in case of rain
Note
Aside from the clothes for trekking, if your itinerary includes Aguas Calientes you should bring casual clothes for dinner and for visiting Machu Picchu the next day.
Weather in the region is extremely variable and we suggest you to pack for a variety of conditions. In addition, our trek passes through various bio-zones ranging from high altitude alpine conditions to high jungle. During a sunny day you can expect temperatures of about 18–27°C (65–80°F), however, on the pass the weather is very unpredictable and temperatures can drop to 0°C (30°F) during the day (but you won’t spend a lot of time up there). At nights, temperatures vary from 05 - 10º C to 0°C or below. We provide you a Sleeping bag that can support -28 °C (-18 F), and a bottle of hot water for your convenience.
Expect a mixture of terrain from the highlands to the cloud forest. Most of the road is rocky, passing through steep parts and downs, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes.
