Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with Extra Night in Aguas Calientes 5D

All briefings are done at our office at 6:00 PM the night before your trek. If you are unable to make this time, you need to coordinate another time with a member of the Inti Sun Trek office team. Briefings are approximately 30 -45 minutes long.

This Inca Trail Trek includes the services of a personal porter for no extra cost. You can give him up to 7kg/15lbs of your belongings to carry. Your sleeping bag will weigh approximately 2kg and your air mattress approximately 1kg. This makes a combined weight of 3kg, leaving 4kg/9lbs of personal items (clothing, toiletries, etc) to add to the bag carried by the porter. However, you will still need to bring a daypack with essentials such as water, sunscreen, hat, camera, ect.

We will lend you one of our specially designed duffel bags at the briefing for the Trek the night before we depart. We use these bags to insure that they fit securely and comfortably on the porters´ backs.

Yes. We will store your belongings in a secure place in Aguas Calientes before you arrive there.

If you plan to renew or change your name on your passport between making your trek booking and starting your trek, you can book your trek or tour with your current passport number or name, but you must send us a copy of your old passport and a copy of your new passport when you have them. We can then make the change with the government before you arrive. The extra cost to make the change is US$25 per person. (This will cover the change in number or name for your Inca Trail Permit, Machu Picchu Entrance, and train.)

If you do not advise us of the change or do not want to pay the fee, bring the original of both passports (the old and new one). You can enter Peru with your new passport but you must show the government authorities your old passport in order to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or train. If you cannot do so, you will not be allowed to start your trek by the government officials. All names and numbers must match!!

Inti Sun Trek is one of the only companies to pick you up directly from your hotel. As long as your hotel is in the center of Cusco city,we will coordinate this pickup based on a time that your guide will discuss at the briefing. Pick up times may vary 30 – 45 minutes based on traffic conditions and previous pickups.

Cusco is an old city with cobblestoned streets and very narrow passageways. Very small hotels and Air BNBs are often located on streets that cars can not pass through. They also are often located up on the hillside, with long steep climbs to the property, difficult to maneuver with luggage. We highly recommend that you do not stay at one of these places.

Hiking the Andes is something that everyone can do no matter what age, but it is never easy. You will need to be at a moderate fitness level to be able to complete it comfortably. Each trail involves inclines that can take your breath away if you are not in shape and downhill hiking that can be tough on knees. Walking sticks are encouraged for everyone. Please remember the group treks are open to everyone, all abilities, so be patient and help those struggling with some kind words.

The airport in Cusco currently is only for domestic flights, so all international travelers by plane must disembark in Lima and go through customs there. Even if your flight to Cusco is the same day and with the same airline carrier, you must collect your bags in Lima and then check them again before continuing to Cusco.
The best way to get to Cusco is by air: LATAM tends to be the most expensive, but has the most options and flights. Regardless of the airline you choose, expect delays or flight cancellations. Due to the high altitude of Cusco, it tends to be difficult to land and any inclement weather will stop air traffic. Bus travel is also always available and while the trip can be long, especially from Lima, the buses in Peru are very well maintained and comfortable. This option is strongly encouraged if you will be coming from a city closer to Cusco, like Puno. Lima buses will take about twentyhours to arrive.

Most of our trekkers leave their belongings that they do not want to bring on the trek in the hostel they were previously staying in. These hostels/hotels usually have a secure, locked room where you can securely store your belongings. If you do not trust your hostel, we would be more than happy to store your belongings for you. Make sure your bags have some kind of identification on them so they are easy to locate.

Trekking the Andes is not your typical vacation. Since most people who come to visit us have little to no experience of life this high up in the mountains, we understand the large responsibility we have in ensuring that you are well taken care of every step of the way.

Each year Inti Sun Trek guide has received training in first aid from a physician. We conduct mandatory training every February – every single guide attends. When guiding you, they will have with them a first aid kit for basic medical problems (traveler’s diarrhea, cuts/scrapes, etc.) and oxygen. They know how to make you feel better! It is important to be very honest with your guide as soon as you are experiencing any discomfort. If you suffer from any medical conditions, please let your guide know during the briefing so he is prepared to give you extra attention, if needed.

In case something unexpected happens and you feel you can no longer complete the trek, they will figure out the safest and quickest way off the course and to a clinic. You will never be left alone, you will have a member of the team escort you every step of the way until safely with a doctor. When you are feeling up to it, we will make sure that you still have the chance to visit Machu Picchu and reconnect with your group, traveling by train comfortably.

To protect your travel investment, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. Obtaining travel insurance before you leave home is strongly encouraged and very easy. This is a great way to protect yourself while visiting Peru.

Altitude sickness is serious and has the potential to ruin your trip. The biggest mistake you can make is to fly directly to Cuzco and expect to hike the next day. Give yourself several days to adjust to the altitude first. You will thank yourself for this during the trek.

The air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level and forces your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs. Over several days at high altitude, your body adjusts to the lower amount of oxygen in the air. This is why we always recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before beginning any trek. If you have more time, even better. Cusco is an amazing city with a lot to do, so you won’t be bored.

With altitude sickness, you may first feel like you have the flu or a hangover. You may have a headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, trouble breathing during exercise. If any of these effects become severe, please contact our office and we will help you get to a doctor.

Most of the time, these symptoms will be mild. We always recommend easing into activity slowly, allowing your body to adjust. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or coca tea. Coca tea has been used since ancient times to help prevent altitude sickness. Leaves from the Coca Plant contain alkaloids which helps bring oxygen into your blood, helping your body avoid the effects of altitude sickness. Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol and coffee. They will cause you to urinate more often and become dehydrated. Avoid smoking. Smoking makes it more difficult for your body to get oxygen. Avoid sleeping pills. They may cause shallow breathing at night, making it more difficult for your body to absorb oxygen while you sleep.

Your healthcare provider may prescribe medicines, such as acetazolamide and dexamethasone, to help prevent altitude sickness. Start the medicine two days before you get to a high altitude. Continue to take it while you are at high altitude.

You must remember that this is your holiday and you do not want to stress out about the possibility of getting sick from the mountains. Do everything slowly. Drink lots of water and enjoy the coca tea. If, unfortunately, anything does happen and you get sick, let your guide know right away – all  guides are trained in how to help you get through it.

Of course, weather is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December – just be prepared. No matter what month you are doing the trek, please make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves, but being cold and wet makes hiking very unpleasant. You will notice that there is a large variation between the minimum and maximum temperatures on the trek. In general, when the sun is out it will be very hot. In this heat, you need to drink plenty of fluids to remain hydrated. The early hours of the morning and night can be very cold. As a result, you need to be prepared for just about every weather condition.

One of the most important investments for this trek is a sturdy pair of hiking boots. Your feet will thank you after the long trek if your shoes are well worn in and waterproof. The temperature varies throughout the trek, so it is best to dress in layers. Avoid cotton, as cotton does not dry quickly and wet clothing will be a problem when the temperatures drop pack for four seasons. Many of the treks through the Andes involve many micro-climates and you will need to be prepared for all seasons.  a t-shirt, a long sleeve shirt, a sweater/microfleece, and a waterproof jacket. These items will provide you with enough warmth and will allow you to “peel off” layers as it gets warmer or your body temperature increases. Layers are always key as they are easy to adjust to the different temperatures. And evenings will always be cold, so please be prepared with a warm winter-weight jacket. During the rainy season, rain pants are a good idea as we will encounter a lot of mud, rivers, and rain. A plastic poncho is also great because it will keep you and your pack dry. You can also pack your belongings inside of plastic bags to ensure they stay dry.

 Hiking boots are recommended, as they provide ankle support to reduce the risk of injury, especially when trekking in the wet season (December – March). However, it is important that your boots are comfortable and well worn-in. Many people prefer to trek in tennis shoes, but extra care should be taken. We do not recommend trekking in sandals, using new boots, or renting boots prior to the trek. Make sure the shoes are sturdy enough for the duration of the trek, waterproof and with good traction, and will not fall apart.

 Many people like to hike with trekking poles or walking sticks. This is fine as long as the poles will not cause damage to the stone paving along the Inca Trail. If the trekking poles have metal spikes, then these must be protected by rubber tips. We recommend bringing some spare rubber tips with you (they can be purchased in Cusco or Ollantaytambo.) Wooden walking sticks are fine, as long as you bring them with you from home.

Recently, government authorities have stopped trekkers from using wooden sticks taken from local forests to prevent deforestation of the protected Andean region.

A popular way for the people in Peru to communicate unhappiness with the government is to strike. This area sees quite a few strikes a year, which sometimes affects the logistics involved in our tours. Most strikes are well organized and planned in advance, so the office will have at least a few hours to make the necessary arrangements. Often, this involves leaving for your trek early, the night before. Please understand we will do everything we can to get you to and from the Trail and will give you the information you need as soon as we have it. We will always get you to and from the trail very safely.

We use biodegradable soap and transport all our garbage back to Cusco. Our porters are trained to look after the trail and pick up any waste from other groups, as well. We also use environmentally-friendly chemical portable toilets that allow us to pack waste out. We believe in leaving no footprint behind.

The cost for the extra trip to Machu Picchu is US $80. This price includes the ticket to climb Huayna Picchu. You will also have to pay US $24 for your round trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back. An option to avoid this cost is to hike up to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes. The hike is very steep and takes about 90 minutes each way.

No, your tour guide will finish his job when he shows you to your accommodation in Aguas Calientes on the fourth day. However, do not worry: the hostel staff will help you with any requests you have and will be able to answer all of your questions.

After breakfast, you will board the train that departs to Ollantaytambo at 8:53 a.m. and arrives at its destination at 10:50 a.m. From Ollantaytambo, we will pick you up and transport you back to Cusco by bus. However, if you are planning to reenter Machu Picchu and climb Huayna Picchu mountain on the fifth day, we can book you the 2:55 p.m. and arrange your transportation back to Cusco.

During the rainy season (November to April) fog and clouds often cover Machu Picchu early in the morning. If you are planning to visit during these months, we recommend that you choose the 10:00 a.m. climbing time. Once the sun has established itself, the fog in the mountains usually clears, giving you a great view of Machu Picchu and the surrounding landscape.