Cusco City Weather

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

MAX TEMP

21.9°C 71.5°F

22.6°C 72.7°F

21.9°C 71.5°F

22.9°C 73.2°F

22°C 71.6°F

22.5°C 72.5°F

22.2°C 72°F

25.1°C 77.2°F

25.2°C 77.4°F

25.5°C 77.9°F

25.2°C 77.4°F

23.6°C 74.5°F

MIN TEMP

5.6°C 42.1°F

4.7°C 40.5°F

3.9°C 39°F

2.9°C 37.2°F

1.8°C 35.2°F

-1.2°C 29.8°F

-1.5°C 29.3°F

-1.4°C 29.5°F

1.7°C 35°F

3.2°C 37.8°F

5.9°C 42.6°F

4.6°C 40.3°F

RAIN mm

104.1

80.5

38.8

18

1

0

2

4.5

5.5

26.9

104.9

88.9

The information shown above corresponds to 2009.

Notes in relation to Cusco City:

• In areas higher than Cusco, temperatures are lower and precipitation is similar.
• In the Andean Valleys, temperatures are usually higher and precipitation is similar.
• In Machu Picchu, temperatures and precipitation are higher.

Altitude Sickness

When visiting Cusco or hiking one of the beautiful trails located in Cusco, it is important to have in consideration that altitude sickness is a possibility.

In Cusco, when a person leaves a plane coming from sea level, the lack of oxygen is easily noticeable. When oxygen is thinner in higher altitudes, it is possible to experience some difficulty to breath and other uncomfortable symptoms. It is important to know that not every single person is going to experience altitude sickness. Unfortunately, there is no way to know if you are going to get sick until you are there. In addition, studies have shown that being in good physical shape does not reduce the risk of getting altitude sickness.

Most of the time, altitude sickness symptoms can be first felt at about 7,000 feet above sea level. The risk of getting altitude sickness increases the higher the altitude. This risk is even higher when a person gains more than 1,500 feet (500 meters) of elevation in just a few hours and that person has not had an acclimatization process.

Some of the regular symptoms of a moderate altitude sickness are strong headache, dizziness, nausea, stomach pain, and sometimes nose bleeding. The symptoms of severe altitude sickness are severe and persistent headache, persistent vomiting, loss of coordination, rapid breathing, marked blueness of face and lips, persistent cough or wet cough, high resting heartbeat (over 130 beats per minute), and strong stomach pain (medical attention is required immediately).

When altitude sickness symptoms are felt and are affecting your hike, you should go back in search of lower elevations (usually, this helps and symptoms start going away). If symptoms persist, you should visit a doctor immediately.

In order to reduce the risks of getting altitude sickness, some recommendations can be followed. Please read them below:

• You might first visit a lower city located at 6,000 feet or lower. Arequipa (the Colonial City) is a good choice and you won't regret your visit to this beautiful town. This is usually the best way to go when visiting high altitude cities.
• If time does not allow a visit to a mid or low altitude city prior your visit to Cusco, your first day in Cusco should be very quiet with light meals (just take it easy and relax). Also, you should arrive to Cusco or another high altitude city at least two full days prior to starting a high energy activity such as hiking the Inca Trail.
• Another recommendation to reduce the risk of getting altitude sickness is to take some over the counter medicine or drink coca leaf tea constantly. If you decide to take some over the counter medicine, please make sure you do it at least 48 hours prior to your arrival and you keep taking them until you leave or you are back from your trek. Also, native Peruvians use a natural source to reduce the effects of altitude sickness as well as fatigue. This natural source is the coca leaf and needs to be chewed constantly upon arrival.
• In addition to the methods mentioned above, you should drink plenty of liquids, avoid high energy activities, and avoid heavy or fatty meals the first day in Cusco.

Booking the Inca Trail

This is a recommended check list to help you book the Inca Trail:

• You should choose which Inca Trail trek length, level of difficulty, and elevation is right for you.  Please review our Inca Trail Routes post for further details.
• Start looking for the date when you would like to hike the Inca Trail and check availability of spaces.
• Decide what you are looking for during the Inca Trail: size of group, type of food and equipment provided, quality of the service (check testimonials or reviews on the internet and providers websites), English fluent and knowledgeable guides, student discounts offered, or any other points that are important to you.
• You should decide how much you are willing to pay.  Before doing so, have in consideration the Inca Trail costs table provided by Andean Travel Web.
• If you own an ISIC Student ID Card, you will get a discount.  Make sure you provide a copy of your ISIC Card at the time of booking.
• Now, you should look for two or three reputable companies that offer what you are looking for and can accommodate your budget.  It is important that you contact them by e-mail or phone to ask a few questions such as methods of payment, hidden fees or taxes (check your junk folder for replies).  Their replies will give you a better idea of who you should work with.
• Once you have chosen the Inca Trail Tour Operator or Travel Agency you want to work with, have your passport and method of payment required ready.
• Your Inca Trail Reservation will be registered at the time that your Inca Trail Tour Operator pays for the permit.  You should receive a copy no later than 48 hours after you made your reservation unless permits are not available for sale (If you are booking for the following year, your permit will not be granted until February of that year).
• Your Inca Trail Tour Operator should answer all questions you may have in a timely manner before starting the trek.
• A brief orientation about the trek should be scheduled by your tour operator in Cusco before starting the trek.

Inca Trail FAQ

Can I buy the Inca Trail permit and hike the trail on my own?

No, you are not allowed to buy the permit or hike the trail by yourself.  The National Institute of Culture only sells permits to authorized tour operators.  For a list of 2011 authorized Inca Trail Tour Operator, please click here.

Do all the tour operators provide the same service?

No.  Make sure that you are hiring a professionally run tour operator that will take proper care of you and the environment.  If you see prices that are too low, be careful.  Some companies have hidden extra charges or fees.  Also, some companies won’t provide all the services they claim they are offering.  Do not expect refunds if you are working with an Inca Trail Tour Operator only based in Peru.

Why do I need to check availability?

Availability is restricted by the Peruvian Government.  Only 500 people per day are allowed to hike the Inca Trail.  From these, only 200 to 230 are tourists.  The remaining number includes porters, guides and cooks.

How far in advance should I book my Inca Trail?

Due to limited availability, we recommend that you book your Inca Trail trek at least 3 months in advance.  If you plan to hike the Inca Trail during the busy season (June through September), you should book it at least 4 months in advance.

How do I reserve a spot for the Inca Trail?

Please review our Inca Trail Booking post.

Why do companies show on their websites at the end of the year that permits are not available for the following year?

The National Institute of Culture starts selling permits for the following season (March to January of the following year) during the month of February.  For instance, permits for March 2011 will not be available for sale until February 2011.  However, there are some companies that will accept pre-reservations.

Can I change my starting date for the Inca Trail?

Once the Inca Trail permit has been purchased, you cannot change the starting date without incurring in an additional cost.  The permits are issued by the Peruvian Government and are non-refundable and non-transferable.  If the permit has been issued and you need to change your starting date, you will probably lose your deposit in full and a new security deposit will be required.

What should I do if there is no availability for the days that I will be in Cusco?

There are alternative treks, such as Salkantay, Lares, Huchuy Qosqo, Inca Jungle or  Choquequirao.  You can also take the train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and visit Machu Picchu.  If you are planning on visiting Machu Picchu, we recommend spending the night in Aguas Calientes; that way you will have enough time to really enjoy the magic and mysticism of Machu Picchu.

 When is the best time to hike the Inca Trail?

The dry season is generally the best time to hike the trek.  The dry season runs from April to November, while the wet season runs from December to March.  During the rainy season, however, the rain does not usually last all day.

June to September are the most popular months for treks. May and October offer the nicest weather.  The Inca Trail is closed in February.

Could I hike the Inca Trail at any time?

Yes, as long as there is availability on the day you will start the trek.  You don’t need to check for availability for all the days you will be on the trek, just the starting day.  However, during the month of February the trail is closed for maintenance.

What do I need to carry during the Inca Trail?

Most companies will ask you to carry your personal belongings, sleeping bags, and mattress foam.  If you are not willing to carry anything other than a small backpack, you should hire the service of an extra porter through your Inca Trail Tour Operator.

Usually, porters will carry up to either 15 pounds (7 kilograms) or 30 pounds (14 kilograms), depending on the type of service hired.  The cost of this service varies from one company to another one.

If I hire the service of a porter, will he walk with me?

No.  Porters carry up to 55 pounds (25 kilograms) in total.  Eleven pounds (5 kilograms) are reserved for the use of the porter while the other 44 pounds (20 kilograms) are reserved for the use of the company you are hiring.  If you hire the service of a porter to carry up to 30 pounds (14 kilograms), the porter will still be carrying 14 pounds (6.5 kilograms) of company equipment.  In order to be able to carry all this weight, porters need to keep a steady pace which is usually faster than the pace of a traveler.

What is the food like on the Inca Trail?

It depends.  Some companies provide nutritious and delicious elaborated meals while other companies provide poorly prepared meals.  At the end of the day, what you eat during the Inca Trail is what you have paid for.

What are the guides like?

If you are hiring a company charging less than USD 420.00, you could expect a guide with poor English.  Also, guides who work for companies that charge a low rate are usually underpaid.  If you are paying over USD 450.00, you should expect a knowledgeable guide with good English who will make this a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Is water provided during the trek?

Some companies provide bottles of water or boiled water during the trek.  If your company does not provide water at all, you will be able to get water from several natural streams or rest areas that you will find along the trail.  Please use a filter or water purification pill every time you refill your bottle with water from any of these sources.

What should I bring on the trek?

Please review our what to bring post. 

Can I hike the Inca Trail the same day that I arrive in Cusco?

The main effects of altitude sickness show the first or second day.  For that reason, we highly recommend that you hike the Inca Trail at least a couple of days after arriving in Cusco.

What should I do to avoid altitude sickness?

To avoid altitude sickness, give yourself time to acclimatize to the change in altitude (2 to 3 days).  For instance, if you are trekking the Inca Trail, you should rest the day before.  Try to avoid alcohol, and make sure you eat light meals and drink plenty of water.  Make sure to stay hydrated, walk slowly and take frequent breaks.  Drinking coca leaf tea always helps.  It is widely available, and your hotel in Cusco will probably offer it as well.  For further details, please review our altitude sickness post.

What should I do if I get altitude sickness in Cusco City or in the middle of the trek?

Drink plenty of liquids (coca leaf tea will definitely help), take a nap, and try to rest. If you are in the middle of the trek and start feeling dizzy, extremely tired, nauseated, or have a headache, ask for advice from your guide.  You may need to go back in search of lower elevation.  Usually, symptoms go away once you are at a  lower elevation.  If not, you should contact a doctor.

Inca Trail Facts

What to Expect When Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

This route was in use more than 500 years ago by the Incas and it is a definitely a privilege to hike this trail. If you have a good sense of nature and history, the Inca Trail with its ruins, beautiful landscapes, and Machu Picchu will show you why this is a must on everyone's bucket list.

In order to fully enjoy the Inca Trail, it is important to know that you need to be healthy, in good physical shape, acclimatized to high altitude, and prepared with the correct gear. You do not need to be a super athlete, but it is important to be an active person who exercises or hikes regularly. A flu or bad cough can easily end in a more serious illness or even death while hiking the Inca Trail. Usually two days are adequate enough for most bodies to acclimatize to the altitude in Cusco or another high altitude city, but some people need longer than that (read more at our altitude sickness post).  For a list of gear, check out our What to Bring post.   

The Difficultly Level of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Hike

The Classic 4 Day Inca Trail is considered a moderate to difficult hike (the second day being the most difficult day because most of the elevation is gained this day).  The Short Inca Trail is considered an easy to moderate hike but hikers should still be used to hiking and acclimatized to high elevations.  The 7 Day Salkantay & Inca Trail is considered a difficult hike and you should be in very good shape to hike this route as well as used to high elevations.  

Booking the Inca Trail through a Peruvian Tour Operator or a Foreign Travel Agency

Some Inca Trail informative websites are opposed to the fact that travelers book the Inca Trail through a travel agency because they believe they will charge more than a tour operator, however using the services of a travel agency can be a smart thing to do when a traveler is looking for a small group and good service. Using the services of well-known Peruvian tour operators may guarantee a good service and groups of about 8-16 people or more.  When travelers are looking for a small sized group with reputable companies that are not going to cancel their departure because  not enough hikers signed up, the task can be complicated. In these cases, a smart thing to do is to book with a reputable foreign travel agency (a travel agency that operates outside of Peru) which is going to offer you a good service.  The use of a reliable foreign travel agency usually implies a higher price but it will also help insure customer satisfaction.  It is most likely that a foreign travel agency is going to give you a refund when services are not as advertised.  Refunds are uncommon with most Peruvian tour operators.

Service Provided During the Inca Trail

Since there are several Inca Trail tour operators, the service from one to another can be different affecting the price that is charged. Some differences can be observed in the following areas:

• Guides: All guides are required to be graduates from local institutions, yet not all guides have a good knowledge of the history and nature of the Inca Trail.  Also not all guides are proficient in English or the language offered.  Good guides need to be carefully selected to provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience, however, they usually charge more.  Remember, you get what you pay for.
• Transportation from Cusco to Piscacucho and from Ollantaytambo to Cusco: Some companies offer transportation for only the travelers in their group while other companies share transportation.  Ask your Inca Trail tour operator how they transport their customers.
• Tents: You should ask if 4 season tents will be provided by your tour operator.  This is important because some tents used by tour operators are not good for all 4 seasons (rain and strong wind) or they are not replaced once the material is too old.
• Food: Some companies have trained their cooks to prepare organic meals offering variety, quality, and quantity.  Other companies provide easy and cheap meals so that their expenses can be reduced.  It is important that companies train their cooks so stomach infections are avoided.  It is important to ask your tour operator what type of food will be provided on the Inca Trail before booking with them.
• Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo: The majority of companies offer the cheaper backpacker train available. Usually, these trains depart Aguas Calientes after 19:00 hours. If you depart Aguas Calientes at 19:00 hours, you will be in Cusco around 22:30 hours.
• Group Size: The bigger the group of Inca Trail hikers, the more profitable the expedition will be for the tour operator.  Some companies are focused on departures with 16 travelers or more while others are focused on smaller groups with no more than 8 to 12 travelers. These companies are more likely to charge more, however, a better service is expected.

The Inca Trail Porters and Cooks

These amazing workers are usually from local communities in or around Cusco. Some companies have a permanent staff of porters and cooks while others have only cooks as permanent staff and hire porters in Piscacucho for the 4 Day hike.  When porters are hired from Piscacucho, it is more likely that these men are underpaid and work under bad conditions (this is a way many companies charging less than USD 440.00 reduce their expenses and increase their profit).  Also, when a porter is hired in Piscacucho, it is possible for hikers to have issues with “lost” items.

Tipping Inca Trail Porters and Cooks

Travelers are not obligated to tip porters and cooks, but it is a cus

tom that at the end of Day 3, guides ask for a tip for the hard work of these workers from the entire group of travelers (most hikers bring money to tip).  Usually as a group, the hikers decide how much money to give to the guide, cook, and porters.  It is expected that the guide receives the largest percentage of money, then the cook, and finally each porter, however, it is up to the group of hikers to decide how much each person receives.  Most travelers who decide to contribute usually give around USD 10.00 to USD 20.00 for the entire crew however, local currency is preferred and the amount of money given is at each hiker’s discretion. 

Restrooms on the Inca Trail

The Inca Trail offers basic restrooms (with no toilet seats, only a basic hole in the floor) from day 1 to 3.  The restrooms have running water but is not potable (so you will need to use filters or purification pills.)  Toilet seats can be found at the end of day 3 in Wiñaywayna. There are no showers available until the end of day 3. Hot showers and towels are available for rent for about USD 1.50 (each one.)

Inca Trail Routes

Regulations introduced by the Peruvian Government to control the use of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu established a few places where travelers can enter to the Inca Trail. These places are known as kilometer 82 (or Piscacucho), kilometer 88 (or Qóriwayrachina), and kilometer 104 (or Chachabamba).  At each of these places there is a check-in cabin where the staff of the National Institute of Culture checks Inca Trail permits, original passports, and ISIC Student ID Cards in case the permit was purchased as a student.

The itineraries shown below are common itineraries sold by Inca Trail tour operators.

CLASSIC 4 DAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU:

DAY 1: PISCACUCHO  – HUAYLLABAMBA (About 12 km/7.5 mi)

Most of the Inca Trail Tour Operators pick up trekkers from their hotels in Cusco in order to take them to Ollantaytambo Town for a quick rest before driving them to Piscacucho. The trek starts at Piscacucho, also called Kilometer 82. There is a control cabin there where the agents of the National Institute of Culture check Inca Trail permits, passports, and ISIC Student ID Cards if the traveler is a student. At this checking point, guides and porters are also asked for their Inca Trail permits and their aid first kits are checked and rucksacks are weighed.

The hike starts going up in short hills and walking on flat land for about two hours until arriving at Meskay. On the way it is possible to observe the ruins of Q’anabamba from afar.  Meskay is usually used as a resting point where lunch is prepared and basic bathroom facilities can be found. After another two and a half hours of hiking in the Peruvian flats (up and down), you will arrive at your first campsite, called Huayllabamba. On the way to Huayllabamba you will be able to observe the ruins of Willkarakay from afar and visit the ruins of Patallacta.

Huayllabamba is a small Andean village where locals provide a space to tour operators to camp. Usually, located next to the houses of the locals, it is possible to get running water (not potable), basic bathrooms (small bathrooms with a hole in the ground.), and some roosters willing to wake you up the next day to start your journey.

• Cusco is located about 11,120 feet above sea level / 3,390 m.a.s.l.
• Piscacucho is located about 9,000 feet above sea level / 2,750 m.a.s.l.
• Huayllabamba is located about 9,840 feet above sea level / 3,000 m.a.s.l.

DAY 2: HUAYLLABAMBA – WARMIWAÑUSCA – PACAYMAYU (About 12 km/7.5 mi)

This is the most difficult day of the Classic 4 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with mostly uphill hiking. Right after leaving Huayllabamba, your Inca Trail permit and passport will be checked again.

The first hour and a half of this hike will take you to the first resting point, called Yuncachimpa – Ayabacha.  After another hour of hiking, you will arrive at the second resting point, called Lulluchapampa.  Sport drinks, candies, and other groceries are sold here. Basic restrooms with running water (not potable) are also available at both resting points.

The “Dead Woman Pass” or “Abra Warmiwañusca” can be reached in about 2 more hours of hiking. This portion of the trek will be the hardest one and it is common to feel some light symptoms of altitude sickness such as a headache or difficult breathing (please review our Inca Trail Altitude Sickness site for further details). These symptoms should go away once you reach the top and start going down. At the top, you will be rewarded by the beautiful landscape.

A descent on the original Inca Trail stairs will take you to Pacaymayu. This hike will take about two hours. At this campiste, it is possible to find basic restrooms with running water (not potable).

• Huayllabamba is located about 9,840 feet above sea level / 3,000 m.a.s.l.
• Yuncachimpa – Ayabacha is located about 10,820 feet above sea level / 3,300 m.a.s.l.
• Lulluchapampa is located about 11,810 feet above sea level / 3,600 m.a.s.l.
• Warmiwañusca is located about 13,825 feet above sea level / 4,215 m.a.s.l.
• Pacaymayu is located about 11,800 feet above sea level / 3,596 m.a.s.l.

DAY 3: PACAYMAYU – WIÑAYWAYNA (About 16 km/10 mi)

This is the most beautiful day of the Classic 4 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.  After leaving Pacaymayu, the second pass can be reached in about one hour of hiking.  This pass is known as “Abra Runkuraqay.”  The ruins of Runkuraqay or “Egg Hut,” can be visited on the way to the pass.

Once “Abra Runkuraqay” is reached, nature will start changing dramatically (mostly arid mountains become green and colorful mountains).  The ruins of Sayacmarca or “Inaccessible Town” will be the next Inca complex to be visited.  After visiting Sayacmarca, the Inca Trail will take you through the cloud forest where the resting point of Chaquiqocha will provide basic bathrooms and running water (not potable).  Tour operators usually serve lunch here.  On the way to Chaquiqocha, the trail passes next to the ruins of Q’onchamarca.  This hike may take about 3 hours.

Once Chaquiqocha is left behind, the Inca Trail gets narrow and takes you next to deep cliffs with amazing views.  After passing an Inca Tunnel and before reaching the campsite of Phuyupatamarca, the Urubamba and Aobamba river valleys can be observed as well as the Salcantay, Palcay, Pusamasillo, and Veronica snowy mountains.  This hike can be covered in about 2 hours.

The ruins of Phuyupatamarca or “cloud level town” will come next.  Usually, surrounded by clouds, Phuyupatamarca will be the most impressive Inca ruin you have seen on the way.  After Phuyupatamarca, a stony road will take you to your next campsite in about 2 hours, called Wiñaywayna.  On the way you will have the option of visiting Intipata (well preserved Inca terraces).  Most guides do not go there so you will be visiting this complex on your own (on the way you might observe the Machu Picchu orchid).

The campsite of Wiñaywayna has a small restaurant and bathrooms with hot showers where it is possible to rent clean towels (do not expect too much from these showers).  Also, this is a small campsite and when all spaces have been assigned, the National Institute of Culture assigns the Phuyupatamarca campsite instead.  If you arrive early to the campsite, you should visit the ruins of Wiñaywayna.

• Pacaymayu is located about 11,800 feet above sea level / 3,596 m.a.s.l.
• Abra Runkuraqay is located about 12,400 feet above sea level / 3,780 m.a.s.l.
• Sayacmarca is located about 11,472 feet above sea level / 3,500 m.a.s.l.
• Phuyupatamarca is located about 11,820 feet above sea level / 3,600 m.a.s.l.
• Wiñaywayna is located about 8,692 feet above sea level / 2,650 m.a.s.l.

DAY 4: WIÑAYWAYNA – MACHU PICCHU (About 6 km/3.75 mi)

After leaving the campsite, there will be a control gate that opens at 05:30 hours.  At this checking point Inca Trail permits and passports will be checked once again.  A hike of an hour and a half will end at the Gate of the Sun, also called Intipunku.  From here Machu Picchu can be observed only if it is not cloudy.

Another hour of hiking will take you to the control gate of Machu Picchu.  At the control gate, your passport and entrance ticket to Machu Picchu will need to be shown.  Most companies offer a 2 hour guided tour and a bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes and from there, the backpacker train to Ollantaytambo (the cheapest option available, which usually leaves Aguas Calientes after 19:00 hours).  From Ollantaytambo, transporation to Cusco City is usually offered. 

• Wiñaywayna is located about 8,692 feet above sea level / 2,650 m.a.s.l.
• Intipunku is located about 8,920 feet above sea level / 2,720 m.a.s.l.
• Machu Picchu is located about 7,875 feet above sea level / 2,400 m.a.s.l.

Note: When the Inca Trail starts at the km. 88 (or Qóriwayrachina), it is necessary to take the train which will stop at the checking point where the National Institute of Culture checks Inca Trail permits and other documents. This route takes you to the complex of Patallacta and then to Wayllabamba. The hiking distance is similar to starting at Km. 82.

SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU:

DAY 1: KM. 104 – WIÑAYWAYNA – MACHU PICCHU (About 12 km/7.5 mi)

Most of the Inca Trail tour operators pick up trekkers from their hotels in Cusco in order to take them to the train station of Poroy, Cusco.  From Poroy, trekkers usually take the backpacker train to Km. 104 (or Km. 106 if the checking point at Km. 106 is not open). After leaving the train, there is a control cabin where the agents of the National Institute of Culture check Inca Trail permits, passports, and ISIC Student ID Cards if the trekker is a student.  At this checking point guides are also asked for their Inca Trail permits and their first aid kits are checked.  Most companies provide a sack lunch at the checking point.

Once the control gate is left behind and after a few minutes of hiking, the ruins of Chachabamba can be visited. This archaeological site used to provide several Andean products, such as corn and potatoes, to Machu Picchu.  The hike starts to incline for about three and a half hours until arriving at Wiñaywayna.  This beautiful Inca complex will appear in front of you unexpectedly.  The ruins of Intipata can be observed from far during the hike.

The ruins of Wiñaywayna are located about a 10 minute hike from the lodge. The lodge offers bathrooms with running water (not potable) as well as groceries for sale.  Before leaving Wiñaywayna, the agents of the National Institute of Culture will check your passport and Inca Trail permit once again.

A hike of about one hour and thirty minutes will be needed to arrive at the Gate of the Sun, or “Intipunku.”  From here, you will have an amazing view of Machu Picchu.  Another hour hike will take you to the control gate of Machu Picchu (usually, the guided tour of Machu Picchu is left for the next day).  Once in Machu Picchu, stony Inca stairs will take you to Aguas Calientes in about an hour and a half (6 Km. / 3.75 mi.).  In Aguas Calientes, most companies offer basic accommodation with shared rooms and bathrooms with no dinner included.  Also, a few companies offer a bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.

• Cusco is located about 11,120 feet above sea level / 3,390 m.a.s.l.
• Km. 104 and Chachabamba are located about 7,380 feet above sea level / 2,250 m.a.s.l.
• Wiñaywayna is located about 8,692 feet above sea level / 2,650 m.a.s.l.
• Intipunku is located about 8,920 feet above sea level / 2,720 m.a.s.l.
• Machu Picchu is located about 7,875 feet above sea level / 2,400 m.a.s.l.
• Aguas Calientes is located about 6.695 feet above sea level / 2,040 m.a.sl.

DAY 2: AGUAS CALIENTES  – MACHU PICCHU (About 6 km/3.75 mi)

After leaving Aguas Calientes early in the morning, the hike will take you to Machu Picchu in about 2 hours. (If you would like to hike Huayna Picchu Mountain you should leave no later than 04:30 hours to get register on the roster – Only 400 people can register per day.)  Some companies offer bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and vice versa.

At the control gate, your passport and entrance ticket to Machu Picchu will need to be shown.  Most companies offer a 2 hour guided tour.  After the tour, you will have time to walk around on your own.  From Aguas Calientes, the backpacker train to Ollantaytambo is provided (the cheapest option available which usually leaves Aguas Calientes after 19:00 hours).  From Ollantaytambo, transpotation to Cusco City is usually offered. 

• Aguas Calientes is located about 6,695 feet above sea level / 2,040 m.a.sl.
• Machu Picchu is located about 7,875 feet above sea level / 2,400 m.a.s.l.
• Huayna Picchu is located about 8,920 feet above sea level / 2,720 m.a.s.l.

7 DAY SALKANTAY & INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU:

DAY 1: MOLLEPATA – CRUZ PATA

Most of the Inca Trail tour operators pick up trekkers from their hotels in Cusco in order to take them to Mollepata where the trek begins.  This ride takes about 4 hours.  There are no checking points to be worried about until day 4.  Mollepata is a small Andean village.

From Mollepata, the trail continues to Cruzpata where there is an area to camp.  Cruzpata is also known as Marcocasa.  Restrooms are not available.  Water can be found at natural streams (always use purification pills or filters when drinking water from these sources).   This hike takes about 4 hours.  This first day involves an easy hike.

• Cusco is located about 11,120 feet above sea level / 3,390 m.a.s.l.
• Mollepata is located about 9,190 feet above sea level / 2,800 m.a.s.l.
• Cruzpata is located about 11,485 feet above sea level / 3,500 m.a.s.l.

DAY 2: CRUZ PATA – SALKANTAYPAMPA

After leaving Cruzpata, the trail continues to Soraypampa where it is windy and cold.  While the hike continues to Salkantaypampa, the Salkantay Mountain becomes more and more dramatic.   The hike today can take about 6 hours and it will be mostly cold and windy.  The Salkantay Mountain was a Sacred Mountain for the Incas and locals still believe it is sacred.

• Cruzpata is located about 11,485 feet above sea level / 3,500 m.a.s.l.
• Soraypampa is located about 12,630 feet above sea level / 3,850 m.a.s.l.
• Salkantaypampa is located about 13,125 feet above sea level / 4,000 m.a.s.l.

DAY 3: SALKANTAYPAMPA – PAMPA CAHUANA

This is the hardest day of the hike taking you to the highest pass of the entire trail known as Inca Chiriaska.  This ascent is difficult and it can take up to 4 hours.  Glaciers can be seen along the path and the area is known as “the place where the Inca cools down” because it is very cold.

After reaching the pass, the trail descends until the small village of Pampa Cahuana where there is space to camp.  Below the campsite there is an original Inca channel.  Water can be obtained from the stream.  This hike can take about 4 hours.

• Salkantaypampa is located about 13,125 feet above sea level / 4,000 m.a.s.l.
• Inca Chiriaska is located about 16,075 feet above sea level / 4,900 m.a.s.l.
• Pampa Cahuana is located about 13,125 feet above sea level / 4,000 m.a.s.l.

DAY 4: PAMPA CAHUANA – HUAYLLABAMBA

Your Inca Trail permit and passport will be needed today since you will be entering to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Park.  The hike begins going down through an Andean Valley.  Nature changes from dry landscapes to more colorful and warmer areas.  The ruins of Paucarcancha will come next.  This portion of the hike can take about 4 hours.

After crossing the Urubamba River, the trail goes uphill to Huayllabamba.  Horses usually stop at this point and return to Mollepata since horses are not allowed to walk on the Inca Trail.  Porters will take the post.  

• Pampa Cahuana is located about 13,125 feet above sea level / 4,000 m.a.s.l.
• Paucarcancha is located about 10,500 feet above sea level / 3,200 m.a.s.l.
• Huayllabamba is located about 9,840 feet above sea level / 3,000 m.a.s.l.

Note: Days 5, 6, and 7 of this route are similar to days 2, 3, and 4 of the Classic 4 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.