Machu Picchu: The Inca Trail
Experience the same shiver of wonder Hiram Bingham did when, in 1911, he beheld the "Lost City of the Incas" for the first time. As modern-day adventurers we follow lush Peruvian paths to Machu Picchu, one of the world's great archaeological sites. We begin our trip in the bustling colonial city of Cusco where we browse the colorful markets and visit the nearby ruins. From here, we follow our Quechua Indian porters as they guide us on an ancient track up through mountain valleys where wild orchids and rainbow-colored mosses grow. At last, we descend 2,000 cut-stone steps to approach the Gateway of the Sun, beyond which lies the glories of Machu Picchu. Our unforgettable adventure includes three nights camping along the Inca Trail with full porter support (carry only your daypack) and six nights in comfortable hotel lodging.
Limited trekking permits—reserve your trip early
The Peruvian Government has restricted the number of Inca Trail trekking permits to 500 per day. With many individuals and groups vying for an opportunity to trek this spectacular route, obtaining permits has become a bigger challenge than ever. All of our 2008 peak season departures sold out months in advance and long waitlists were not uncommon. Don't miss your opportunity to experience this unforgettable, world-class hike in 2009... reserve your spot early for the best selection of date options and leave the rest to REI Adventures!
Important Notice: Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive at the meeting point for the trip. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance and traveling on an overnight flight.
Machu Picchu: The Inca Trail Itinerary:
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Day 1
Your trip begins today in Lima, Peru. Your exact air itinerary can be worked out with a member of the REI Adventures air department. Upon arrival in Lima, we transfer to our conveniently located hotel a short distance from the airport and relax after our flight. All meals on your own.
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Day 2
An early wake-up call today in preparation for the transfer back to the airport for our morning flight to Cusco (11,150'). Upon arrival in Cusco, we are met by our local guide and taken to our centrally located hotel where a brief orientation meeting will be held. We have the remainder of the day at leisure to acclimatize and explore this beautiful Andean city that was once the center of the Inca Empire. Breakfast included.
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Day 3
After breakfast, we depart on a city tour that includes a visit to many of Cusco's notable and historic sights. Our guide leads us through the bustling Plaza de Armas and enlightens us on the history of the Inca temple Koricancha and neighboring Santo Domingo Church. We also visit the imposing Sacsayhuaman fortress ruins that offer panoramic views of the entire red-roofed city far below. Breakfast included.
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Day 4
This morning, we stop briefly in the town of Chinchero to enjoy the traditional food and crafts market before continuing on to Maras where we begin a two-hour warm-up hike to the scenic Pichincoto salt mines. Originally used by the Inca, villagers from surrounding communities still mine salt by hand from the spring-fed terraced pools. After the hike and some lunch, we'll visit the lively little village of Pisac on market day to do some shopping and bargaining and finish our afternoon adventure with an exploration of the nearby ruins. Breakfast and lunch included.
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Day 5
Our excitement mounts as we board our private bus for the two-hour ride to the trailhead at Piscacucho (km marker #82). Here, we meet our Quechua Indian porters and begin trekking the Inca Trail. With snow-capped Mount Veronica (19,188') and the rest of the Urubamba range as a backdrop, we follow a well-marked path. We pass the ruins of Llactapata and small Indian villages as we make our way to our campsite near Huayllabamba. All meals included.
Hiking: 5.7 miles/5.5 hours; between 7,900'-9,678'. -
Day 6
A nutritious camp breakfast prepares us for today's challenging trek along the narrow Llullucha gorge and over the first pass on the trail. We hike through dense forest encountering abundant birdlife and flowering plants before reaching the open meadows of Llulluchapampa. The final approach to the high pass begins here with a long, steep ramp leading to Warmiwanusca (13,780'). At the top, the views of the surrounding peaks and verdant forest canopy are spectacular. The trail then descends steeply and passes through a meadow rife with lakes, waterfalls and Andean wildflowers. Tonight we make camp in the upper meadows of Pacaymayo. All meals included.
Hiking: 7 miles/7 hours; final elevation 10,991'. -
Day 7
We cross the Runkurakay Pass (12,631') in the morning, enjoying excellent views of the glacier-clad peaks of the Pumasillo Mountains and deep gorges of the eastern Andes. We then descend gradually through a unique ecological zone-a high jungle transition area rich in plant and animal life. After entering the cloud forest, our route takes us past the ruins of Sayacmarca and then through a natural tunnel elaborated on by the Incas. This portion of the trail is well paved with Inca stonework and leads us to the spectacular campsite at Phuyupatamarca. The campsite offers superb sunrise views over the Urubamba and Anobamba River Valleys and the glacier-covered Mount Salcantay (20,575'). All meals included.
Hiking: 6.1 miles/5.5 hours; final elevation 11,975'. -
Day 8
As we leave Phuyupatamarca, we begin a steep descent on a staircase of approximately 2,000 steps cut into the indigenous rock. After a series of additional descents of varying grade, we reach Winay Wayna ruins where we stop for lunch. Our anticipation rises in the afternoon as we make our way to Intipunku (the Sun's Gateway). We arrive in mid-afternoon and are rewarded with our first breathtaking views of Machu Picchu. After spending time at the lookout point, we descend to the ruins and briefly explore areas close to the trail. We stay at the charming Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel in the nearby village of Aguas Calientes, on the valley floor. All meals included.
Hiking: 6.2 miles/5-6 hours. Machu Picchu's elevation is 7,874'. -
Day 9
We have an early breakfast and head up to the ruins to experience the peace and solitude of this magical place. Our knowledgeable guide leads us through, explaining the significance of the various structures and the theories behind Machu Picchu's purpose and construction methods. We have the rest of the morning and early afternoon to attempt the optional hike up Huayna Picchu and/or explore the ruins on our own. We catch the late afternoon tourist train to Ollantaytambo and from there, take the bus to Cusco, arriving at approximately 7 p.m. and transferring back to our hotel. The day concludes with our guide joining us for a celebration dinner at a traditional local restaurant. Overnight in Cusco. All meals included.
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Day 10
After breakfast, we head to the airport for our morning flight to Lima where we are once again met by a local city guide. This afternoon, we have an opportunity to visit one of Lima's notable museums and perhaps do some final shopping at the Indian Market before bidding farewell to our newfound friends at a final group dinner. Trip members scheduled to fly out of Lima this evening will be transferred back to the airport in time for their departure. REI Adventures can assist individuals who wish to remain in Lima and require additional hotel reservations. Breakfast and dinner included.
Extend your visit to Peru with an incredible jungle lodge adventure in the Peruvian Amazon!
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is half of the full single supplement.
All ground transportation within Peru as noted; airport transfers within Peru for those individuals traveling on group flights; accommodations in hotels and tents; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; bilingual local guides; full porter support while trekking; all meals while trekking and a celebration dinner in Cusco; all group camping gear (except sleeping bags) and cooking equipment; all sightseeing excursions as noted including entry to Machu Picchu.
Air transportation to Lima/Cusco; 3 lunches, 4 dinners; sleeping bag; tips to local staff; excess baggage charges; airport taxes and items of a personal nature such as souvenirs, soft drinks or liquor; laundry fees; immunizations or insurance of any kind.
As trekking permits for the Inca Trail continue to become more difficult to obtain, REI Adventures has made the decision to purchase our group permits and make financial commitments to our Peruvian guides and suppliers further in advance than ever before. By making these commitments to our local partners several months prior to each departure, we are taking a step towards ensuring the same high level of customer service and organizational efficiency that we have been delivering on Inca Trail treks for almost two decades. In conjunction with these changes, your $400 deposit is completely non refundable at time of sign up. The remaining trip cost is completely non refundable within 60 days of departure. Please take note of this special policy when planning your trip and feel free to contact us with any additional questions.
In order to secure your Inca Trail trekking permit, you must provide us with your updated passport information including your name as it appears on the passport, passport number, expiration date and country of citizenship. This information should be provided immediately, but no later than five months before your departure. It is important to note that we cannot guarantee your trekking permit until your current passport information is provided (expired passport numbers are not acceptable). Please contact us immediately if you anticipate any difficulties in obtaining the aforementioned information within the required timeline.
This trip is rated Vigorous [4]. Trip members need to be strong, experienced hikers in good physical condition. Most days are spent at moderately high altitude (8,000-13,700') and the trek includes a number of steep ascents and descents. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we strongly encourage participants to begin a conditioning regimen at least three months prior to departure consisting of hiking, walking/running or cycling. If you live in an area conducive to hiking, try to get out on those hills if possible and work some elevation gain and loss into your regimen. The better shape you are in, the more you'll enjoy all that this unforgettable adventure has to offer.
Andean nights can get quite cold (between 25 and 40 degrees F) with daytime temperatures warming up to 60-80 degrees F. Much of the trip is in the mountains where weather can change very quickly. Typically, days are clear and pleasant, with afternoon clouds building in the spring and fall months. Cool and misty conditions are possible, but all-day rain is unlikely.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Machu Picchu: The Inca Trail
The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To obtain maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you choose your clothing and gear for this trip. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.
Weather
Andean nights can get quite cold (between 25° and 40° F) with daytime temperatures warming to 60°-80° F. Much of your trip is in the mountains where weather can change very quickly. Typically, days are clear and pleasant, with afternoon clouds building in the spring and fall months. Cool and misty conditions are possible, but all-day rain is unlikely.
Note: The maximum weight for each duffel bag while trekking is approximately 10 kilos (22 lbs). While on the Inca Trail, you will be able to store unnecessary gear and purchases at your hotel in Cusco.
Gear Checklist
- Tents
- Cooking and eating utensils while camping
- Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad (you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer)
- Duffel bag, medium-size (while trekking)
- Valid passport
- Airline tickets
- Large duffel bag
- Daypack 2000 - 2500 cu. in. to carry your camera, water bottles, extra clothing
- Luggage tags and luggage locks
- Passport pouch or money pouch
- Sleeping bag with stuff sack (rated to 10°-20°F)
- Bring a few lightweight, easily washable items for travel and daily wear when not trekking
- Midweight fleece or wool sweater
- Fleece pants or tights
- Midweight thermal underwear tops and bottom, synthetic or wool
- Hiking pants
- Hiking shorts
- Long-sleeve shirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear
- Casual socks
- Hiking socks
- Liner socks, synthetic
- Swimsuit
- Sun hat
- Wool or fleece hat
- Bandana
- Wool or fleece gloves
- Rain jacket, waterproof and breathable
- Rain or wind pants, waterproof and breathable. Side-zip pants are highly recommended.
- Insulated parka/ski jacket, down or synthetic
- Sturdy hiking boots, waterproof, lightweight, broken-in, aggressive tread
- Camp shoes such as tennis shoes or sandals or other comfortable footwear for use in town or campsites
- 2 one-quart water bottle(s) or hydration system
- Flashlight or headlamp and spare batteries/bulb
- Pocket knife or multi-tool
- Watch with alarm or travel clock
- 1 roll of toilet paper
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunblock and lip balm
- Toiletry kit
- Small washcloth and small towel
- Baby wipes
- Personal first-aid kit
- Hand sanitizer gel
- Insect repellent
- Several Ziploc plastic bags
- Large, heavy-duty plastic trash bags
- 'Potable Aqua' water treatment tablets (if need should arise, highly unlikely)
- Camera, film and spare batteries
- Electrical adapter plug
- Altimeter
- Earplugs
- Whistle
- Thermos
- Spare contact lenses or glasses
- Reading and writing materials
- Sewing kit
- Knee supports
- Travel pillow
- Hiking staff or trekking poles (metal tips are not allowed on trail; points must be rubber or covered with duct tape)
- Favorite energy snacks and drinks
Things to Consider
- Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing, hiking boots and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
- Wind chill can be a significant feature of this trip. Air temperatures are not very cold, but when the wind is constant, and when you combine this with the stress that altitude puts on your body, you can be robbed of body heat quickly. Wind or rain gear is very important.
- Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene®, MTS® and Thermax®.
- Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
- Make sure boots are broken-in. Bring moleskin for foot treatment. Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters. The liner sock should be synthetic, not cotton. Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
- Travel clothes, extra gear and purchases are left in a secure storage room while we are trekking on the Inca Trail.
- Stuff sacks are great for sorting gear. Use different sizes/colors to differentiate contents.
- Bring a garbage bag to line your duffel bag and keep your gear dry, should inclement weather be encountered.
- Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will be happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI's website at www.rei.com. The Expert Advice section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
