Machu Picchu: The Inca Trail Trek
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 the remainder of the 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... 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 Trek Itinerary:
- Day 1 Arrive Cusco, Peru (11,150')
- Day 2 Cusco tour
- Day 3 Sacred Valley warm-up hike
- Day 4 Begin Inca Trail Trek
- Day 5 Inca Trail Trek
- Day 6 Inca Trail Trek
- Day 7 Inca Trail Trek. Arrive at Machu Picchu this afternoon.
- Day 8 Machu Picchu to Cusco
- Day 9 Depart Cusco
Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control including weather and terrain conditions.
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. A maximum of two single rooms are available on each departure and are reserved on a first come, first served basis.
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 Cusco; 3 lunches, 3 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 initial $400 deposit is completely non refundable at time of sign up. The remaining trip cost is completely non-refundable within 60 days of departure. All other standard cancellation/transfer fees will also apply as noted in our booking guidelines. 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 at the time of your initial reservation, 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 Trek
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
- Sleeping pad (you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer)
- Duffel bag, medium-size (used while trekking)
- Valid passport
- Airline tickets
- Large duffel bag
- Daypack 2000 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 and/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 stick or trekking poles (metal tips not allowed on Inca Trail; points must be rubber or covered with duct tape. No trekking poles allowed at all within Machu Picchu sanctuary.)
- 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.
