Begin your once in a lifetime journey on the ancient trail of the Incas with a morning trip to km 82, where our hike starts. Local porters and guides ensure that the trip is worry-free. Fascinating ruins and spectacular mountain scenery fill every day of the hike. The rejuvenating morning sun is incomparable, and the dramatic heights are something very few get to see in their lifetime. Small villages mark the way, as well as canals that tell the story of the Inca past. On the final day, climb the steps to Intipunku, the 'Sun Gate', to watch the sun set over Machu Picchu before touring the famous Inca ruins.

In an effort to preserve and protect the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the Peruvian governing bodies have taken drastic measures in the past few years to limit the amount of people hiking the Trail. Kensington Tours works within the framework of these regulations in order to properly protect the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. As of March 2004, no more than 500 people (including support staff) per day are allowed on the Inca Trail and this number is strictly adhered to. Once this limit of 500 people is reached, the Trail is effectively closed off for the day and no further bookings can be made. Reservations are not held on the Trail and all permits to trek must be bought as far as possible in advance with complete and correct passport information, to which no modifications can be made. Any attempts at modifications result in a loss of the permit and any money paid. Once paid the Inca Trail permit is 100% non refundable. Bookings made 90 days or more before the Inca Trail portion typically proceed without any issue, if clients enter their personal and passport information correctly on their tour website. Bookings less than 90 days before the Inca Trail portion of any tour will be taken on a request basis.
Please Note: The passport number and name that is entered on the website, will be used to purchase the Inca Trail permit. This passport number and name will be used to identify yourself as you enter the check point at the start of the trail and throughout the hike. If this information does not match the information you have submitted at time of confirmation, then you will be subject to delay, fine, and/or cancellation of admission to the Inca Trail.
Should the Inca Trail portion of any tour be denied, the following three alternatives will be offered:
1. Hike the Lares Trek route through the Sacred Valley, a fascinating and challenging 4-day, 3-night trip ending in Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. This trek takes in much of the Inca's most sacred and important countryside and many monuments. All transportation, accommodation, guide services etc. will be included.
2. Cancel or change the trip without penalty
If changes to the current government policy affect our ability to provide access to the advertised itinerary including the Inca Trail, we will endeavor to provide clients with the best options and customer service available.

Most commonly refers to a 1-3 day trek to Machu Picchu; however, in antiquity the Inca road system covered approximately 22,500 km (14,000 mi) and provided access to over three million km² of territory. Among the many roads and trails constructed in pre-Columbian South America, the Inca road system (El Camino Inca) of Peru was the most extensive. Traversing the Andes mountains and reaching heights of over 5,000 m (16,500 feet) above sea level, the trails connected the regions of the Inca empire from the northern provincial capital in Quito, Ecuador past the modern city of Santiago, Chile in the south.

Tips for Inca Trail hike Hiking pants and T-shirts are recommended during the day, complemented by sweaters, fleeces and waterproof jackets. It is very convenient to have light rain gear available in the daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants) as the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing is required in the first two campsites, down jackets can be useful, otherwise a fleece and a jacket are sufficient. During the third day (if sunny) and in Machu Picchu, convertible hiking pants are useful, as can be switched into shorts if necessary. Machu Picchu has a warm climate, colling down only in the evening.

Climate Cusco’s climate is divided into two differentiated seasons: the rainy season, from November to April (the heaviest rainfalls occurring usually between January – March); and the dry season, from May to October. The dry season is colder, so temperatures can drop to below 0 degrees at night.
Along the Inca Trail, temperatures range from 15-20ºC during the day if it’s sunny, to 05-10ºC during the day if not sunny or 0-05ºC at night in the first 2 campsites. At Wiñaywayna and Machu Picchu, at lower altitude, temperatures are usually warmer though warm clothes are still recommended at night

Between 04:00-04:30am our private transport and staff will pick you up from your hotel. We drive to Piskacuchu (2700m/8856ft), a community located on the 82nd kilometer of the Cusco –Machu Picchu railroad, which is the starting point of the Inca Trail. We begin our hike by crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River and walking along its left shore as it flows northwest along the Sacred Valley. Following the trail along a flat terrain, we arrive in Miskay (2800m/9184ft), to then ascend and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the impressive Inca city of Llactapata (2650m/8692ft). We continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for about five hours until we reach the community of Wayllabamba (3000m/9840ft), where we set our first camp. All along the way we enjoy spectacular views of the Vilcanota ridge on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, where the impressive Veronica peak reigns at 5832 meters above sea level. Not to mention the diversity of wild flora and fauna that can be found all along the valley.

Meals: B,L,D
Total Distance: 12 km (7,47 miles)
Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours
Maximum altitude point:: 3,000 m (9,840 ft)
Campsite altitude: 3,000m (9,840ft)

Enjoy a once in a lifetime experience hiking the Inca Trail with your own private English speaking guide.

Overnight at Inca Trail.

We wake up at around 6:00 am and after breakfast we begin the most difficult part of the trek, which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km. Along this climb, the landscape changes from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation). On the way to the first mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman´s Pass – 4200m/13776ft), we may see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at high altitude. We also cross an area of the so called cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows, and the Andean bear, which is also called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus). We advise that on this day specially, your daypack is well stocked with candies, chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high, and help with altitude sickness. Immediately after the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600m/11808ft), where we camp after approximately 7h of hiking.

Meals: B, L, D
Total distance: 11 km (6,84 miles)
Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours
Maximum altitude point:: 4,200 m (13,776 ft)
Campsite altitude: 3,500 m (11,480 ft)

Overnight at Inca Trail.

This day is the longest but also the most impressive and the most interesting, due the number of archaeological sites and the lush cloud forest area that we cross, so rich in Andean flora and fauna. From Pacaymayo we climb to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970m/13022ft). Halfway up, we stop to visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3800m/12464ft, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower. After going over the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3624m/11887ft). This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Continuing up an easy climb, we arrive at the third pass, the Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft). Along this climb we can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient craft, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain, and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order, saving the trail from the multileveled Andean geography. We go through an Inca tunnel to later arrive at the aforementioned pass and down to the complex of the same name. This is one of the most complete and best-preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and is located on the highest point of a mountain. Curiously, Phuyupatamarca means ¨town over the clouds¨. From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River valley. We continue our trek down the long descending stone steps that lead us to Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft), an impressive Inca complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector, close to which our camp is located. This campsite hosts a trekker lodge, a bar and bathrooms with hot shower facilities. After visiting the impressive archaeological site, we enjoy our farewell dinner at our camp.

Meals: B, L, D
Total distance: 16 km (9,94 miles)
Estimated walking time: 8 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,900 m (12,792 ft)
Campsite altitude: 2,650 m (8,692 ft)

Overnight at Inca Trail.

On this fourth and last day we get up at 4.00 am to leave Wiñaywayna an hour later and climb to the Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we may see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. From Intipunku we descend into Machupicchu, and 40 minutes later we enter the citadel from the highest point through the ¨House of the Guardians¨. We then descend to the control point where we register ourselves and leave our backpacks. We immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around and enjoy the site. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in its hot springs. Return to Cuzco by train or overnight in Aguas Calientes.

Meals: B Total distance: 4 km (2,49 miles)

Estimated walking time: 2 hours

Maximum altitude point: 2,700 m (8,829 ft)

Machu Picchu altitude: 2,400 m (7,872 ft)

Return to Cusco on the Vistadome train. Departs from Aguas Calientes at 3:25pm* and takes 4 hours to return to Cusco. Snacks are served on board.*Note train times and schedules may vary based on availability

Includes transfer to/from the train station with private vehicle, professional driver and local representative.

The Casa Andina Private Collection in Cusco is a beautifully renovated 18th-century manor house, just 3 blocks from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, replete with authentic colonial character. It offers the intimacy of a boutique hotel but the comforts and services of a much larger property.

Overnight at Casa Andina Private Collection.