Day 1:

Today we pick you up from your hotel at 8am and travel by bus to Piskacucho (you will hear this be called kilometre 82) where the trail starts.

On arrival at kilometre 82, it is necessary to show entrance tickets, passports and (if paying a student rate) student card. To start the trail (2720m/8923ft), we cross the Vilcanota River and follow its route to the right. This first day will be relatively easy (Inca flat). We will go to the Inca Fortress of ('Huillca Raccay') from where we will have great views of the area where we are going to camp. Then we will walk down to the vast Inca site - 'Llactapata' (sometimes called 'Patallacta') where we will spend the night (2620m/8595ft).

Day 2:

Today we will wake up at 7am and after breakfast we will start walking towards the village of Wayllabamba (3000m/9842ft).

Here we will take a fork-off the 'beaten track' in order to see the beautiful and least-visited sight on the trail, the Inca fort of 'Paucarcancha'. After seeing this we will walk back down to Wayllabamba village for lunch. We will finally take a 3-4 hour walk uphill (800m/2624ft) to reach our second campsite (3800m/12467ft) - 2 hours from Abra de Huarmihuañusca/'Dead Woman's Pass'.

Day 3:

This day will be our longest day as we will walk 16 kilometres and go over the 2 highest passes on the trail. After breakfast we will continue our walk uphill from the previous day to reach Abra de Huarmihuañusca/'Dead Woman's Pass' (4200m/13779ft), the highest point on the trail. After this, we will walk down to the valley where we will have lunch. This is followed by an ascent to the circular Inca fortress of 'Runkurakay' and then to the second pass of the same name (4000m/13123ft).

We will then begin our walk down to the campsite, visiting the lovely Inca site of 'Sayacmarca' ( 'High Rising Town') on the way. Our campsite (3680m/12073ft) is located an hour and a half walk from this site, on the third pass, Phuyupatamarka.

Day 4:

Today will be the most extraordinary day of the trek. We will visit lots of Inca sites along the way; 'Phuyupatamarka', 'Intipata' ('Sun Site') and the most beautiful on the trail 'Wiñay Wayna' ('Forever Young'). Finally we will see Machu Picchu. We will pass through the ancient Inca site before arriving at our campsite which is down in the valley of Machu Picchu. We will have an early night in order to prepare ourselves to properly explore the mysterious city tomorrow.
If desired, we can arrange hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes (town near the campsite). You can also go the thermal springs in this town - a real treat after finishing the trail.

Day 5:

We will have breakfast at 5.45am then catch the first bus to Machu Picchu (15-minute ride) in order to appreciate the magnificent sunrise over the city.
A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) will be given by your guide and after this you can explore the remarkable city by yourselves. If you still have energy you can also climb Huayna Picchu (2720m/8923ft). It takes 45 minutes to reach the top.

You will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes (it can be reached by bus or on foot) for lunch and to be given your train tickets back to Cusco. The train usually leaves at 3.55pm and we will arrive back in Cusco at about 8.45pm.

Included:

• Professional, bilingual Tour Guide.
• Assistant Guide (for groups of 9 or more people).
• Collection from hotel and train station.
• Return transportation (tourist bus to kilometre 82 and tourist train back to Cusco)
• Entrance fee to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
• *4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 afternoon snacks, 4 dinners and various snacks to be eaten throughout the day (breakfast on day 1 and lunch in Aguas Calientes are not included).
• Duffle bag (to put 7 kilos of personal belongings).
• Dining tent with tables and chairs.
• Cook.
• Drinking water.
• 2-man tent.
• Sleeping mattress.
• Porters (they will carry duffle bags, camping and cooking equipment).
• 0xygen bottle.
• First Aid kit.

What you Need to Take:

• Original passport (and *International Student card (ISIC) if applicable).
• Sleeping bag (not included but can be hired from us).
• Walking boots.
• Waterproof jacket/rain poncho.
• Warm jacket, hat and gloves.
• T-shirts.
• Comfortable trousers.
• Sun hat.
• Sun protection cream (factor 35 recommended).
• Insect repellent.
• Toiletries.
• Personal medication.
• Camera and films.
• Torch with spare batteries.

*To qualify as a student, it is necessary to have a valid ISIC card

Optional Items to Take:

• Shorts.
• Walking stick (with rubber tip).
• Plasters and bandages.
• Sandals.
• Extra money.
• Bathing suit (for hot springs in Aguas Calientes).

Optional Serveces (Not Included):

• Hire of sleeping bag - 5 seasons

Price:

There is a $30 discount for students with a valid ISIC card or children under 12 years old.