6 Days
The Inca Trail challenge 6 days, is a trek for those who like to observe in detail the landscape and panoramic views of the path and appreciate nature. On this trek, we will have the opportunity to get to know SALKANTAY, one of the highest mountains in Cusco, and we will go from a snowy to a semi-tropical climate during the trek. The entire walk is 54 km. The walking time per day on average is 6 hours. Our hikers will enter Machu Picchu using the ancient Inca Trail and visiting the smallest Inca ruins found along the way. This trekking is suitable for those passengers who plan to stay in Cusco for 1 week or more. Couples who want to have a personal experience with nature
Availability
The Inca Trail challenge 6 days its surroundings with protected areas. To prevent environmental and archaeological damage, the Peruvian Ministry of Culture only allows a maximum of 500 people per day to enter, including paying hikers and all support and guiding staff (porters, cooks, and guides). As such, you must reserve as far in advance as possible. At times, the trail books out 6 months or more in advance. Keep in mind that the months from May to September (inclusive) have the highest demand, and permits quickly book out. To reserve your space on the Inca Trail, we need certain personal information to send to the government agency which issues the permits.
GROUP SIZE
For our PRIVATE departures, like this trek, the size of the group is determined by request of our passengers.
HOW TO BOOK
To reserve an Inca Trail permit, we need the following information for EACH PARTICIPANT:
Personal Information:
- First, Middle and Last names (exactly as they appear in your passport)
- Gender
- Passport number and expiry date
- Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy)
- Nationality
- If you are a university student with a valid Student ID card, please send us a scan or photo at the time you make your reservation.
- Any dietary requirements or special requests.
- Any health considerations (medical conditions, prescription medications, etc.)
- Your reason or motivation for making this trip.
- Your level of hiking experience.
The deposit: to confirm your space (permit) on the Inca Trail, we need a deposit of 50% advance. (This deposit does not include any transfer fees associated with sending the money to Wayki Trek.) You may also pay the entire cost of your trip up front after making your reservation; the alternative is to pay the balance in cash at our office in Cusco.
HOW TO MAKE THE DEPOSIT:
-PAYPAL
PAYPAL (We recommend this option, because it is easier, faster and safer)
PayPal payments can be made on our website by clicking the button “Pay on line”. You can also pay directly to leocusi@waykitrek.net.. Once you have made your PayPal payment of 50% advance (prepaid) Or the total amount , please email us a copy of the transaction in order to proceed with your booking.
How to prepaid or pay in full your trek via paypal:
How to pay in full your trek via paypal:
- Log in to your PayPal account.
- Click Send Money.
- Enter the recipient’s email address “leocusi@waykitrek.net”and the amount you want to pay
- Make your selection accordingly, then choose the reason for the payment.
- Click Continue.
Once you have made your PayPal payment, please email us a copy of the transaction.
Take advantage of the first payment, and make the total payment of your tour without any charge, as this first fee will be assumed by Wayki Trek.
WESTERN UNION the payment will be effective once we receive the money and this will depend on the days you indicate in Western Union)
If you decide to use Western Union, you will need to give the following information:
RECEIVER:
- Name: LEONIDAS
- Paternal Last Name: CUSI
- Maternal Last Name: LOAIZA
- Address: Calle Quera 239, Cusco – Perú
Please do not forget to email us the tracking code (MTCN) so that we can pick up the money and proceed with your reservation. Also, keep in mind that Western Union has its own transfer fees. The final amount that needs to arrive in Cusco is a minimum of 50% advance; you can also pay the entire amount up front.
PAYMENT CONDITIONS:
- To guarantee your spot on the Inca Trail, you must send us your deposit. Otherwise, we CANNOT guarantee your reservation.
- The deposit amount 50% advance or total cost of the trip does NOT include any transfer fees charged by intermediary businesses (PayPal, Banks, Western Union).
- Once you have made your payment, please email us your proof of transaction or MTCN tracking number to confirm your reservation. Without these, we cannot guarantee your reservation.
- Your deposit cannot be refunded. Once we have this and with your personal information, we immediately purchase your Inca Trail permits, and these are nonrefundable.
- The payment of any outstanding balance can be made at our office once you arrive in Cusco, after your briefing. Please keep in mind that we only accept cash. You may pay the entire price of your trip up front via PayPal or Western Union to avoid having to take out cash in Cusco.
Itinerary
We’ll have an informative talk about Inca Trail challenge 6 days and the opportunity to get to know the other travelers who will be sharing the trail with you.
Early in the morning, we pick you up from your hotel in our private van with direction Soraypampa. This trip lasts an average of 4 hours. During the tour of Inca Trail challenge 6 days, we are going to appreciate picturesque Andean villages and we are going to visit Killarumiyuc; known as the “Cradle of Astronomy Inca” and which highlights the agricultural calendar. Then, we are going to delight us with a fortifier breakfast and, later, continue to the next stop: Mollepata (small town). In this place, we are going to stop, briefly, to visit the streets and take time to relax; in this time, we can buy some implements to need for the trek. From there, we continue the trip for an hour and a half to the starting point of walking through a landscape surrounded by mountains, valleys and glaciers.
When we arrive to Soraypampa, we are going to see in the distance the imposing Apu Salkantay. There, we start our trek towards Salkantaypampa (4,000 m.a.s.l). Upon arriving at our camp, we will have a spectacular view of the snowy Humantay and Apu Salkantay. In this spectacular place, we spend the night.
- Distance: 2 Km.
- Walking Hours: 2 – 3 hours
- Low Altitude: 3900m/ 12795 Ft (Soraypampa)
- High Altitude: 4150m/ 13615 Ft (Salkantaypampa)
- Campsite Altitude: 4150m/ 13615 Ft.
After sunrise, between the mountains and lagoon, we take a fortifying breakfast. We start our trek ascending gradually for four hours to the highest point of the trail: Inkachiriasca Pass (4,855 m.a.s.l). From this point, one can appreciate, more closely, the snowy Salkantay. We are going to appreciate the beauty of the Andes with its chains of mountains, glaciers, lakes and streams. There, we will feel closer to heaven, feeling the magic of the Andes.
After a rest, we will start with the slow descent to our camp: Sisaypampa (4,199 m.a.s.l), where we spend the night.
- Distance: 9 Km.
- Walking Hours: 7 -8 hours
- Low Altitude: 4150 m / 13615 Ft.
- High Altitude: 4855 m / 15928 Ft.
- Campsite Altitude: 4199 m / 13776 Ft.
We started the day early. On the way downhill, you will find some Andean populations that still preserve their ancestral customs, canals and Inca terraces; which they are still employed by the local population; as in the case of Inka Pampacahua channel (3,840 m.a.s.l); which is currently used for irrigation of the potato crop in the area. Then we go downhill and stop in Paucarcancha (3,133 m.a.s.l); we will visit archaeological site and take a break. Then, we will continue our journey to the semitropical Wayllabamba Valley (2,950 ma.s.l) (first camp classic Inca Trail). Upon arrival, we bid farewell to the carriers and will welcome the porters; with them, we will continue the tour. In Wayllabamba, we are going to visit the archaeological site and later encamp around the place. There, we are going to have dinner and spend the night.
- Distance: 7 Km.
- Walking Hours: 5 -6 hours
- Low Altitude: 2950 m / 9678 Ft.
- High Altitude: 4199 m / 113776 Ft.
- Campsite Altitude: 2950 m / 9678 Ft.
We’ll wake up to birdsong and the peaceful murmuring of the nearby river, taking our time to enjoy the refreshing countryside air. We’ll next gather in the dining tent, where our chefs will be waiting for us with a hearty breakfast, and later begin our hike to the highest point of the journey, Warmiwañuska Pass (4,215m). This section will be a personal challenge for each hiker, but reaching the top is well worth the effort; getting up here means that you can accomplish anything!
The ascent is gradual, and the first section is covered in vegetation until halfway up the mountain (Llulluchapampa, 3,800m). We’ll rest a while here, taking in the fresh, cold air of the Andes. After here, the views are all of the alpine puna, where the mountain is rocky and without much vegetation due to the altitude. However, we will come across the grass known as paja, still used by many high-mountain communities for roofing material. The views steadily improve as we climb, revealing different mountain ranges, and after a hard hike we’ll reach the highest pass of our trip, with rewarding views of mountains and valleys. If we are lucky, we’ll see condors circling above this pass, the ancient birds of the Peruvian Andes which guard over us as we hike. Getting up to Warmiwañuska is an accomplishment that you will never forget.
We gently descend from here, still glowing from our accomplishment and appreciating the simple things in life. The trail takes us to our campsite in the Pacamayu Ravine. At dinner we’ll share stories with our group and with our Wayki porters as well, feeling the satisfaction and peace furnished by the night sky and surrounding mountain peaks.
- Distance: 16km
- Hours of Hiking: 7 – 8 hours
- Minimum Elevation: 3,000 m / 9,842 ft
- Maximum Elevation: 4,215 m / 13,828 ft (Pass #1: Warmiwañusca)
- Campsite Elevation: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft
We’ll wake up to birdsong and the peaceful murmuring of the nearby river, taking our time to enjoy the refreshing countryside air. We’ll next gather in the dining tent, where our chefs will be waiting for us with a hearty breakfast, and later begin our hike to the highest point of the journey, Warmiwañuska Pass (4,215m). This section will be a personal challenge for each hiker, but reaching the top is well worth the effort; getting up here means that you can accomplish anything!
The ascent is gradual, and the first section is covered in vegetation until halfway up the mountain (Llulluchapampa, 3,800m). We’ll rest a while here, taking in the fresh, cold air of the Andes. After here, the views are all of the alpine puna, where the mountain is rocky and without much vegetation due to the altitude. However, we will come across the grass known as paja, still used by many high-mountain communities for roofing material. The views steadily improve as we climb, revealing different mountain ranges, and after a hard hike we’ll reach the highest pass of our trip, with rewarding views of mountains and valleys. If we are lucky, we’ll see condors circling above this pass, the ancient birds of the Peruvian Andes which guard over us as we hike. Getting up to Warmiwañuska is an accomplishment that you will never forget.
We gently descend from here, still glowing from our accomplishment and appreciating the simple things in life. The trail takes us to our campsite in the Pacamayu Ravine. At dinner we’ll share stories with our group and with our Wayki porters as well, feeling the satisfaction and peace furnished by the night sky and surrounding mountain peaks.
- Distance: 16km
- Hours of Hiking: 7 – 8 hours
- Minimum Elevation: 3,000 m / 9,842 ft
- Maximum Elevation: 4,215 m / 13,828 ft (Pass #1: Warmiwañusca)
- Campsite Elevation: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft
Excited and eager to arrive, we’ll get up early this morning to start our hike. After saying goodbye to our porters, we’ll start our hike at 5:30am. It’s a brisk but refreshing one-hour hike to our first goal, the famous Intipunku (Sun Gate) at the entrance to Machu Picchu. The gate perfectly frames the majestic Inca city of Machu Picchu and affords excellent views of the valleys, rivers and sacred mountains that surround it. Reaching the Intipunku is a unique experience that will stay with you the rest of your life.
After taking in the splendid views we’ll descend along the trail into Machu Picchu itself, stopping at the highest part of the ruins to take the classic photo and shots of the exquisite architecture. We’ll descend to the entrance gate to register and check our bags before starting on our guided tour of the ruins. Your guide will help you to better understand the magic and mystery that still live within the walls here. The tour will last two to three hours, with free time afterwards to explore and rest. In the afternoon, we’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to snack and then take the train to return to Ollantaytambo and Cusco.
- Distance: 6km
- Hours of hiking: 3 – 4 hours
- Minimum Elevation: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
- Maximum Elevation: 2,650 m / 8,694 ft
(*) The guide will accompany you from Aguas Calientes back to Cusco. The exact timing of the return journey is to be confirmed.
What’s included
1. A briefing one day before your hike. Here, we’ll give you all the necessary information about the hike and answer any questions you may have about what is included in Inca Trail Challenge 6 Days.
2. Entrance permits to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. Once we have received confirmation of your reservation and your deposit, we’ll immediately apply for your permit at the Ministry of Culture (the institution which regulates the Inca Trail) to ensure that there is enough space for you and the necessary porters. We can also reserve tickets for either Machu Picchu Mountain or Wayna Picchu at the same time (note that these are optional and have an additional cost. See “Not Included” below).
3. Field Staff:
- Professional Guides: specialized in trekking and selected from accredited universities. Our guides are fluent in English and have five to twelve years of experience in different hikes of the region. They are skilled at managing groups under pressure and are experts at first aid and rescue techniques. The majority of them come from different Andean communities and bring with them their cultural heritage. Along with the rest of the field team, our guides will make your journey a unique experience.
- Chefs: Trained in local gastronomy schools, they are experts in modern Andean cooking, traditional Peruvian meals, international food styles and vegetarian cooking. They have deep knowledge of the nutritional properties of their meals and are experts at cooking as quickly as possible. And all of this, of course, with a strong emphasis on hygiene and food safety during preparation.
- Horsemen: Responsible for carrying all the group gear and your 8kg (17.6lb) of personal items for three days, after we will have porters.
- Porters: Responsible for carrying all the group gear and your 8kg (17.6lb) of personal items. They come from various rural communities from the Cusco region, where they still maintain their local customs and traditions. (If you decide to come on the Wayki Experience, you’ll get to experience these first hand.) We provide them with accident insurance during the trek and with suitable clothing that allows them to work in comfort. Our porters are also hosts responsible for making your journey an unforgettable experience.
4. Meals: 3 breakfasts, 4 morning snacks, 4 lunches, 3 afternoon snacks, 3 dinners.
We’ll have variety of food throughout the hike, all of which will be loaded with the protein, vitamins and carbohydrates to give you the energy that you’ll need on the hike.
- Breakfasts: Fruit salad, yogurt, oatmeal, chocolate, milk, coffee, tea, pancakes, scrambled eggs, bread and butter.
- Morning Snacks: Fresh and dried fruit, crackers, and sweets (chocolate, other candy)
- Lunches: Buffet-style, with soup, 2-4 different main dishes, desserts and hot drinks. The mains will include Peruvian classics, such as lomo saltado (stir-fried beef with rice and French fries) and aji de gallina (mildly spicy, creamy chicken pure), among other options. We can also make vegetarian options.
- Afternoon snacks: Popcorn, crackers, coffee, chocolate, milk, and a variety of teas.
- Dinners: Soups, chicken, pasta.
- Water: We’ll provide you with boiled water every day of the hike, from lunch onwards.
5. Camping Equipment
- Tents: These are 4-season, high mountain tents from the brands North Face, Eureka, and Mountain Hardwear. They can withstand harsh winter weather, including heavy rain and snow.
- Sleeping Mats: Our inflatable Thermarest mattresses guarantee a warm, comfortable night’s sleep on the trail.
- Sleeping Bags: We use down sleeping bags rated to -10 Celsius (14 Fahrenheit) to ensure a warm night’s sleep.
- Dining Tent: Our spacious dining tent, complete with chairs and a table, gives us all the room we need to enjoy our meals no matter the weather outside.
- Cooking Tent: Comes with all the equipment necessary for our chef to prepare your meals (gas stove and all food prep utensils).
- Bathroom Tents: These tents have toilets with water pumps, and we’ll set them up at all our lunch spots and campsites.
NOTE: In group service the tents will be shared.
6. Transportation
- From Cusco to Mollepata- Salkantaypampa in a Mercedes Benz minibus.
- A bus from Machu Picchu down to the town of Aguas Calientes.
- Return train ticket (Expedition class) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo after your visit to Machu Picchu.
- Mini Bus from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco.
7. Biodegradable products: Personal hygiene products for our staff and clients, and soap for cleaning cooking and camping equipment.
8. Emergency Equipment:
- Satellite Telephones: Each one of our groups carries a satellite telephone at all times to communicate with our office in case of emergency or for clients to use in case they have a personal emergency in whatever part of the world.
- Radios: These have a 10km range and 8 frequencies for our guides, chefs and porters to communicate amongst themselves. Additionally, the radios can be used to communicate with the Machu Picchu and Inca Trail park guards in case of emergency.
- First Aid Kit: We carry a full complement of over-the-counter medication, including alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, tincture of iodine, germicidal soap, cotton, gauze, bandages, adhesive medical tape, surgical gloves, analgesics for muscle and stomach pain, antipyretics, anti-allergy medication, anti-inflammatories, oral rehydration salts, laxatives, burn cream, splints, blood pressure measuring devices, and thermometers. If you take prescription medication, you may carry your own drugs.
- Medical assistance by satellite calling: Our guides are very well trainned in first aids but Keep in mind that only a medical professional can write up a medical prescription. Our guides are not allowed to prescribe a treatment for our clients. Is For this reason, we implemented a Doctor’s assistance on the way by sateilite phone calling in case any medical Emergency.
NOT INCLUDED
- Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the fourth day.
- Tips – These are VOLUNTARY. Each traveler may decide for him or herself whether to give one.
- Travel Insurance: This is not a requirement, but we always recommend that our clients purchase it in case there are problems with their flights or unexpected health problems come up. Be aware if your travel insurance policy has altitude restrictions: some policies are void above 4,000m (13,123ft), and the Inca Trail goes as high as 4,200m. Other hikes in the Cusco region may go as high as 5,000m.
*A porter to carry 8kg (17.6lb) of your personal gear is included. In case you need to bring additional weight, you must ask for an extra porter at the same time as you make your reservation.
Price
PRIVATE SERVICE (Group participants Min 1 person; Max upon request)
| 1 trekkers: | U$$ 3,108.00* |
| 2 trekkers: | U$$ 1,908.00* |
| 3 trekkers: | U$$ 1,453.00* |
| 4 trekkers: | U$$ 1,188.00* |
| 5 trekkers: | U$$ 1,059.00* |
| 6 trekkers: | U$$ 968.00* |
| 7 trekkers: | U$$ 899.00* |
| 8 trekkers: | U$$ 895.00* |
| 9 trekkers: | U$$ 890.00* |
| 10 trekkers: | U$$ 840.00* |
* Price per person, applicable to departures from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024
Discounts:
1. Children between 8-17 years old pay the student price, but they must show a copy of their passport. Children will receive the underage student price if they, at the time of their trip, are at most 17 years old and have had their birthday recently.
2. University students(7) receive a U$$ 48.00 discount.
3. University students must have a student card with the following information to receive the discount:
- Name of the university
- The student’s full name, identical to the one in their passport.
- A photo of the student.
- Student number or code.
- Expiry date (must be valid for the entire duration of the trip).
The student card must show all of the information mentioned above. If it does not, the Peruvian Ministry of Culture will not accept the card and will not issue a discount for the Inca Trail permit (it is this discount from the Ministry of Culture that we pass on to students).
Once you have reserved as a student, you must bring your original student card (not a copy) to enter the Inca Trail. If you forget your card, you will not be able to do the hike and you will lose your permit.
Additional Services:
- Extra horse to load 8 kilos: USD 60.00 It is necessary to confirm it at the time of booking
- Extra horse to load 15 kilos: USD 120.00 It is necessary to confirm it at the time of booking
- Personal chair horse USD 100.00 It is necessary to confirm it at the time of booking
- Carrier to load 8 kilos: USD 85.00 It is necessary to confirm it at the time of booking
- Carrier to load 15 kilos: USD 150.00 It is necessary to confirm it at the time of booking
- Hiking poles: USD 35.00
- Individual tent: USD 50.00
- Huaynapicchu Mountain: USD 60.00
- Private bathroom tent with portable bathroom USD 45.00
- Extra Night in Aguas Calientes. Ask for prices
- Update of grade or change of schedule in train of return of Aguas Calientes. Ask for prices.
CANCELLING POLICY COVID-19
Special terms and conditions: In the event that the COVID 19 pandemic situation continues throughout the world, Wayki Trek will give you the option to reschedule your trip or have a credit note for the future or return in coordination with the regulatory institutions of tourist attractions.
CANCELLING YOUR RESERVATION:
Wayki Trek has the following policies concerning cancellation of reservations:
- Due to the strict regulations established by Machu Picchu Park, once you have made your booking the space and permit that has been purchased cannot be cancelled. It is also impossible to transfer the permit to someone else under a different name. The date of your permit can not be modified either. Therefore, if you are not able to arrive on the scheduled date, no refunds can be made for your Inca Trail permit.
Permits are not refundable and WAYKI TREK will purchase the permits as soon as confirmation of your booking has been sent.
Therefore:
- If you cancel 30 or more days in advance, you will lose your first deposit but will have the right to whatever entrance tickets we have purchased for you.
- If you cancel between 29 and 11 days before your trip, you must pay 50% of the total cost. You will have the right to whatever entrance tickets we have purchased for you, a guided tour of Machu Picchu on the day that it was scheduled in your original itinerary, and whatever other service we have purchased for you.
- If you cancel between 10 and 4 days before your trip, you must pay 80% of the total cost. You will have the right to whatever entrance tickets we have purchased for you, a guided tour of Machu Picchu on the day that it was scheduled in your original itinerary, train ticket* and bus ticket.
- If you cancel between 1 and 3 days before your trip, this is regarded as a “no show” and you must pay 100% of the total cost. You will have the right to whatever entrance tickets we have purchased for you, a guided tour of Machu Picchu on the day that it was scheduled in your original itinerary, train ticket* and bus ticket.
- If you decide to stop for personal reasons once the hike has started, you will automatically lose all the included services. Any costs incurred during your return, such as food, transportation, or lodging, will be your responsibility. However, you can rejoin the group at Machu Picchu for the visit, where you may use your entrance ticket, participate in the guided tour, take the return bus to Aguas Calientes and the train back to Ollantaytambo.
- If you plan to renew your passport after making your reservation, especially the number, be sure to send a photo of the old passport and the new one to make the change at Machu Picchu Park office. Ideally, bring your old passport with you as well.
- If you change your last name from the one which is on your passport (for marriage or any other reason), you will not be able to update this on your trail permit or Machu Picchu entrance ticket. However, your reserved space on the trail will stay available, and you can buy the trail permit again (at an extra cost) for this space using your new last name. To avoid repurchasing your ticket, you can use your passport with your old name that your original reservation was made under, but this passport must be valid for the entire duration of your visit.
- Events out of our control which make any part of the trip impossible, such as strikes, protests, flight cancellations, weather conditions, or the overselling of hotels or flights. In any of these cases, we will suggest alternative arrangements (if any are available) to make the trip possible. Any costs associated with these alternative arrangements will be the responsibility of the traveler.
Why choose us
We keep our group sizes small at Wayki Trek, allowing us to give you highly personalized service.
This lets you enjoy your hike more and better get to know all the other participants, making your experience unique and unforgettable. We also practice a high level of environmental and social responsability on each one of our expeditions.
3. Small groups
4. Safety
7. Our porters
9. International Certification – Hight Quality
11. Enviromental Responsibility
Travel Info
In the event that you decide to Withdraw The trekking once has started , you will be responsible for all additional charges such as: fooed and transportation that might occur due to the modification of your itinerary. However you can join the group again in Aguas calientes to spend the night and visit Machu Piccchu.
RECOMMENDATIONS
To hike the Inka Trail and visit Machu Picchu, you make the reservations using the personal information that appears in your passport, which includes: first and last name(s), passport Nº, age, and nationality. This personal data must match what appears in your valid passport. This is because, in order to begin the hike, the park rangers, who are stationed at the main checkpoint, will verify that the personal information in your reservation matches the one in your valid passport. If the information does not match, you will not be able to make use of this permit, thus, you will not be able to participate in the hike. Due to the fact that these regulations are strict, leaving no room for changes to first and last name, nationality, and age, the money paid will not be refunded. You may only modify your passport Nº.
To avoid all of these inconveniences, it is of utmost importance that you provide the necessary parties with the correct information.
Passport Nº:
In the case of passport renewals ,and if your passport Nº has changed, you must notify the Inka Trail office to carry out the necessary amendment procedures. To this end, you must send WAYKI TREK a scanned copy of both your old and new passport at least 10 days before the start date of the hike.
It is strongly recommended to notify the necessary parties as soon as possible to avoid any last-minute inconveniences.
IMPORTANT:
a) If you do not possess a scanned copy of your old passport, it will not be possible to request an amendment to your passport Nº, as it is a necessary prerequisite. The only way to change your passport Nº, then, will be to annul your already-purchased ticket and purchase a new one, paying an additional sum of money (the price of a new ticket).
b) If, for some reason, you forgot to notify the necessary parties about a change in your passport Nº and you still have with you your old passport, then, you will be able to use this passport to hike the Inka Trail and visit Machu Picchu.
In exceptional cases: Changes to Last Name and Nationality:
In case you have recently gotten married or, for some reason, have changed your last name and nationality, your reservation will be respected and will still be valid. However, you must first pay for a new ticket (additional cost), as the previous one will be annulled because it is not permitted to change your last name or your nationality once you have already purchased your ticket. Necessary prerequisites to carry out such procedure are: a scanned copy of your old and new passport. Changing your last name and nationality will not be possible without these prerequisites.
To apply for the student discount, the valid documentation is a university identification card, which must contain the following information:
- Name of the University
- Full Name of the student, the name must match the personal information in your passport
- Photo of the student
- Student Identification Number
- Expiration date (must be valid throughout your trip)
If the university identification card does not possess all of the abovementioned information, the Ministry of Culture will not grant the discount.
Once you have made your reservation, and have registered as a student, you must bring your original university identification card (NOT a copy) to the hike to access the Inka Trail. On the contrary, you will not be able to access the Inka Trail and will loose your permit, as your student registration will be invalid.
For all of our hikes, we have implemented a first-aid kit equipped with all medical times needed for an emergency.
Among the items in our first-aid kits you will find: hydrogen peroxide, tincture of iodine, germicidal soap, cotton, gauze, bandages (small, medium, and large), medical adhesive tape, medical gloves, bronchodilators (pills or inhalers), analgesics for muscle soreness (cream), analgesics for stomach pains, antipyretics, anti-allergy medicine, anti-inflammatories, antispasmodics, oral rehydration salts, laxatives, ophtalmic drops, creams or liquids for long-term relief from sun exposure, creams or liquids for long-term relief from burns, limb immobilizers, blood pressure monitor, and thermometer.
IMPORTANT: Keep in mind that only a medical professional can write up a medical prescription. Our guides do NOT have the power to prescribe a treatment for clients. For this reason, throughout the hike, all pharmaceuticals will be administerd under your consent and under your own responsibilty.
If you have a medical prescription, it is recommended you bring your own medication(s).
If you have medical restrictions for some or all the activities detailed in your booking. Please contact your doctor and inquire about the risks of doing said activities
For hikers who are traveling to Cusco from places at sea level, we recommend you arrive 2 or 3 days before the start of your tour. The two most common illnesses that afflict tourists are: altitude sickness (soroche) and stomach pains, which are due to slow digestion.
Regarding altitude sickness, the symptoms that may manifest include: headaches and nausea. There are pills you can take in order to counter the effect of altitude sickness.
Consult with your doctor. If the symtomps persist, we highly recommend the use of supplemental oxygen. For these types of inconveniences, we have at our disposal the necessary equipment and count with the support of trained personnel to assist clients immediately.
Regarding stomach pains, it is recommended to drink a sufficient amount of water (from 3 to 5 liters a day). This is very important as the body needs this to stay hydrated. We especially recommend drinking hot beverages, such as coca tea. During your first two days in Cusco, we also recommend you eat soups, vegetables, carbohydrates (no fried foods or heavy meals), as well as candies, chocolates, cookies, and fruit, all of which are foods that are easy to digest. Do not consume alcoholic drinks or smoke cigarettes.
You must sleep as much as possible (an average of 8 hours a day) and you should refrain from excercising too much. Try to always keep your body warm and wear warm clothes to protect yourself from the cold. Throughout your acclimatisation period, you should never forget the following: eat right and drink lots of liquids.
Clients must inform their travel agencies of any medical restrictions they may have prior to the start of their trip. Examples of medical restrictions include: allergies, special diets, any medication the client is currently taking, and health problems. In case of severe medical restrictions, we recommend you check with your doctor so that they can approve your participation in the hike. The information that you send to us will be very important as it will help us devise a plan so that you can have a more pleasant and worry-free trip.
The use of sunscreen is very necessary given Peru’s proximity to the Equator. Bear in mind that the sun’s rays are stronger at high altitude. Due to the fact that the equatorial sun is significantly stronger in intensity from what most visitors are used to enduring, the risk of sunburns is doubly serious. Bring a hat/cap as well as sunscreen for your face and lips. Wear high-quality sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Also, bring insect repellent as you will definitely encounter mosquitos during the third and fourth day of the hike.
There are no restrictions, with regards to a client’s physical condition, for this hike. However, it is strongly recommended that clients be in good physical condition.
If you have any medical restrictions, we recommend you check with your doctor so that they can approve your participation in the hike.
Clients must inform their travel agencies of any medical restrictions they may have prior to the start of their trip. Examples of medical restrictions include: allergies, special diets, any medication the client is currently taking, health problems, or any medical condition that has to be notified in order to devise a plan so that you can have a more pleasant and worry-free trip.
The weather varies considerably, with two well-defined seasons: rainy season from November to March and dry season from April to October. However, in recent years, the weather has been changing substantially and the seasons are not as well-defined as before, most often than not resulting in rains during the dry season.
In the rainy season, temperatures may fluctuate between 5ºC and 30ºC during the day; while in the dry season, temperatures range between -5ºC and 35ºC throughout the day. In June, July, and August, there may be sub-zero temperatures due to winter frosts.
The lowest temperatures will be experienced at night-time, both in the city as well as during the hike.
Throughout the day, the cold will not be an inconvenience as you will always be in motion and thus, will not feel it a lot. However, the temperatures will drop at night-time.
On your first night in Wayllabamba, the weather will be mild and the temperature will not drop past 8ºC, as the campsite is located in an interandean valley with a temperate climate. During your second night in Paccaymayu, the temperature may drop below -5ºC. It will be the coldest night of the entire hike and thus the reason why you need to bring a good sleeping bag. On your third night in Wiñaywayna, the weather will be temperate and humid and can reach up to 15ºC. Grilling on this night will be a very pleasant experience. If your campsite is in Phuyupatamarca, the temperatures may drop below-5ºC, as you will be located in a high-altitude point. However, here, views of the sunset and sunrise are spectacular.
There are portable bathrooms available for use at different points throughout the hike. These have been installed in lunch sites and campsites. The portable bathrooms consist of a tent and a toilet with a water pump. It is also important to know that there are public bathrooms available for use, set up by the Government, which will be located in the following points:
FIRST DAY
- Km 82, start of the hike- (S/1.00 fee).
- In Wayllabamba – first campsite, dry toilet (no fee).
SECOND DAY
- In Llulluchapampa at mid-mountain, before reaching the mountain’s highest pass (no fee).
- In Warmiwañusca (mountain’s highest pass), dry toilet (no fee).
- In Paccaymayu, second campsite, flush toilet (no fee).
THIRD DAY
- In Chaquicocha, lunch site, flush toilet (no fee).
- In Phuyupatamarca, flush toilet (no fee)
- In Wiñaywayna, third campsite (no fee)
FOURTH DAY
- In Machupicchu, the hotel has set up public bathrooms. You have to pay a fee to use these.
Duffel bags are small suitcases or bags used to store your personal belongings. These will be handed out to clients one day before the start of the hike at our offices. In them, you will place your personal belongings that you will need for the hike. As part of your tour package, you will be assigned a porter, who will carry up to 8kg of your gear. You will hand over your duffel bags to our porters on the first day of the hike. The duffels will be returned to you at each campsite.
At the end of the hike, the duffels will be returned, something you will have to coordinate with your guide.
TIPS are benevolent gestures of gratitude on behalf of clients towards the expedition crew, as well as to cooks and porters. Tips are absolutely voluntary, you may choose to give tips and you may choose not to, and there are no fixed rates. Tips are voluntary as the expedition staff earns a good salary for the services rendered.
However, it is necessary to provide clients with a reference point regarding how much should one tip, based off of experiences with previous clients in the past years.
For cooks, approximately $30. This amount is shared by all members of the group.
For each porter, approximately $25. This amount is shared by all members of the group.
If you wish to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes after your hike, you must consider the following:
Train Ride Back: When making the tour reservations, inform the necessary parties in order to appropiately schedule your return by train. In case you decide to change your return date after the reservation has been made and, consequently, the train tickets have already been purchased, scheduling a new date and time for your train ride back to Cusco will be subjected to the availability of tickets of the train company.
Hotel: There you will find a wide variety of hotels belonging to different tiers, which range from 1 to 5 stars and include all price ranges. During peak tourist season, we recommend you book your hotel ahead of time. If you need help with this, we will be ready to assist you in any way possible.
Food: There you will find a wide variety of tourist and local restaurants of different sizes. In tourist restaurants, the price of entrées will fluctuate between $8 to $30 approximately. In local restaraunts, the price will range between $5 to $8 approximately.
If you require assistance with making your hotel reservation in Aguas Calientes, we can do so free of charge. Again, it is worth noting that, in Aguas Calientes, there is a wide variety of hotels belonging to different tiers. In Aguas Calientes you may also make use of and enjoy the town’s thermal baths.
Protests and national strikes are strategic measures taken by people from a given region or province. In these situations, WAYKI TREK’s main priority is to protect our clients. For this reason, we will take preventative measures if these situations arise. These measures, however, may: alter already agreed-upon itineraries or generate changes in the itinerary. In extreme cases, we will have to cancel and reschedule the tour. We ask clients to please bear this in mind and follow any procedures dictated by the company as we only do it to protect our clients.
On the first day of the hike, clients must bring their own water, which can be purchased in the city or at Km. 82. After our first lunch, we will provide you with boiled water until the end of the trek. To this end, you will need to bring a water bottle, which you will carry with you and use throughout the entire hike.
We strongly recommend the use of water canteens in order to preserve and protect the trail as, in many cases, plastic water bottles have a negative environmental impact, especially when those in charge of recycling do not adequately manage the route.
If you wish to purchase water at any moment during the hike, you will be able to do so on the first, second, and fourth day in Machu Picchu.
If you do purchase water, you must be very careful not to leave your plastic water bottles in non-designated areas. Please carry them with you and dispose of them at the designated collection points in the campsites, or, when you arrive to Aguas Calientes, where you may dispose of them in the sanitary landfills. If you follow these guidelines, we will avoid any negative environmental impacts to this protected area.
If you so wish, you can also bring your own water purification tablets. However, previous tours have taught us that clients, who opted for this alternative, often suffered from stomach pains. For this reason, we recommend you fill up your canteen with the boiled water we provide you with.
Throughout the Inca trail 4 days, we use solar and gas lamps to stock up on light power at each campsite. However, there are also three places throughout the hike where you can charge the battery of your electronic devices*: Huayllabamba (first campsite), Wiñaywayna (last campsite, although very limited availability), and Aguas Calientes (last day). You will only need to bring a charging adapter. In Peru, we use 220V. To charge your electronic devices, please coordinate with your guide.
*This service may have an additional cost, as it is not a regular service. Consult with your guide.
You will be able to find sales stalls at different points throughout the hike, where you can purchase water, coca-cola, chocolates, cookies, and other basic food items from locals. These services will only be available on the first and second day. On the second day, the last of these stops will be in Llulluchapampa, at mid-mountain, before crossing the mountain’s highest pass.
Another place where you will be able to buy things is in Machu Picchu. There, the hotel you will be staying in has a small shop where you can buy water, sodas, and sandwiches.
There are two entrance shifts for Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain, the first one is at 7:00am and the second one is at 10:00am. We recommend you make your reservations in advance as there are only 200 available spots for each shift.
Before booking, however, you must consider the following:
If you are on the 4-day Inka Trail;
The plausibility of booking tickets for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain the day you get to Machu Picchu depends on which campsite you’re staying in on your last night. There are two campsite options on the last night: Wiñaywayna and Phuyupatamarca. If your campsite is located in Wiñayhuayna, it is possible to make the reservations the day we get to Machu Picchu, although there may be some time constraints. If your campsite is located in Phuyupatamarca, we do not recommend waiting to book your tickets until we get to Machu Picchu as we will be arriving relatively late (10:30am approximately).
Itinerary for Huayna Picchu visit on the fourth day or the day you get to Machu Picchu:
On that day, we will be running on a tight schedule as we will be leaving the Wiñayhuayna campsite only after the main control gate opens. The schedule is as following:
5:30am to 5:40 am : Departure from the Wiñayhuayna campsite and start of the hike.
6:20am to 7:00 am: Arrival at the Sun Gate (Intipunku)
10 min to 30min : Break and time for taking pictures at the Sun Gate. The group will collectively decide for how long we will stay here.
7:10am to 7: 50am: Arrival at the citadel of Machu Picchu , break and time for taking pictures from the upper part of the citadel, an approximate of 20 to 30 minutes.
7:40am to 8:20am: Departure to the main checkpoint, where they record all Inka Trail arrivals, put away backpacks and use restrooms, this will take around 20 to 30 minutes.
8:20am – 9:00am: Re-entry to Machupicchu for the guided tour, the tour usually lasts 2 hours.
10:30 – 11:00am: Guided tour.
This itinerary will depend on the clients’ paces throughout the hike and the breaks they take at the abovementioned places.
Following this itinerary, if you choose to visit Huayna Picchu, you will be obliged to abandon the guided tour midway in order to make it to the 10:00am entrance shift to Huayna Picchu.
We recommend, however, you climb Huayna Picchu the next day on any of the two entrance shifts so that you can enjoy a calm, pleasant, and stress-free visit of the citadel. To pick the appropriate entrance shift to Huayna Picchu you must also keep in mind the time of your train ride back to Cusco.
For hikes that have the option of spending the night in Aguas Calientes:
With this option, you can start heading to Machu Picchu as early as 6am. After the guided tour of the citadel, you may climb Huayna Picchu on the 10am entrance shift.
Bring only what is necessary and leave the rest in your hotel. Necessary items include:
- A hiking backpack (10-15 liters of gear capacity). According to ministerial regulations, travelers are permitted to enter the citadel with backpacks that measure up to 40 x 35 x 20 cm and weigh between 23-30 liters. However, we strongly suggest our clients to bring a hiking packpack that weighs a maximum of 15 liters.
- A sleeping bag that can, at a bare minimum, withstand -5ºC temperatures. Sleeping bags may be synthetic or made of down. If you do not have a sleeping bag, you can rent one from WAYKI TREK.
- Trekking poles with a rubber base. You can bring your own or rent them from WAYKI TREK.
- Clothing items for the hike: Hiking boots, waterproof pants, waterproof shorts, t-shirts, a light sweater, a rain jacket, loungewear and pajamas for the campsites, socks, sandalas, hat/cap, sunglasses, and underwear. With regards to loungewear and pajamas, the following should be kept in mind: these clothing items should be made from cotton to warm you up, especially on the first two nights. Wearing lightweight clothing will also make you feel more comfortable and relaxed on the hike. To this end, clothing made from waterproof materials is also very good as it ensures that rain and sweat dry off fast. You should also bring a warm jacket and clothes made from a thick cotton blend for the low temperatures that you may encounter in the campsites at night.
- Three plastic bags so that you can separate clothes in your backpack (clean, wet, and dirty clothes).
- If you stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes: do not hesitate to bring a clean change of clothes so that, after the hike, you can take a refreshing shower. In addition, do not forget to bring a bathing suit if you want to visit the town’s thermal baths.
- Personal hygiene items. You should bring enough of these to last you for the entire hike: Towel, soap, toothpaste, tootbrush, wet wipes.
- Medicine: If you have a medical prescription, bring your medication(s). Finally, bring anti-blister gel to prevent from outbursts on the soles of the feet due to the long hiking days.
- Self-recharging LED flashlight (they will be used every night at the campsites), which don’t have a negative environmental impact.
- Digital camera with an external memory of 2 to 4 GB (optional)
- Sunglasses with UV-ray protection
- 60 SPF (UVB-UVA) waterproof sunscreen
- Insect repellent in cream form, NOT in waterproof spray form.
- Swiss knife
- Water bottle
- Pocket money to purchase beverages throughout the hike (optional). If you choose to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes, you should remember to bring cash as the money in the local ATM’s runs out really fast due to high demand. If you decide not to stay and you just want to have lunch in Aguas Calientes, bring cash to avoid the same inconvenience. Preferably, bring local currency (Peruvian nuevos Soles).
- Before the start of the trek (Km 82) we will go through a control point where you will have to show the passport that was used to make the booking of the trail. All of the information must match the information on the permits. This will be verified by government staff. Only after this verification is done, will you be granted access to the Inca Trail. In the event that the information does not match their and our records, you will be denied entry. (Ministry of culture regulation).
IMPORTANT: if you have made your booking with an old passport and then you have obtained a new one with a different number, please contact WAYKI TREK as soon as possible to modify this information. This procedure has to be done no later than 1 week prior your trip. Otherwise the modification will have a penalty fee and will generate a big inconvenience to change it at the very last minute. - Every section of the trail is marked as to show our trekkers the route where they must remain. This is done with the purpose to protect the environment of the area. If you become curious about a specific area outside of the marked one, please reach out to your tour guide before.
- The campsites are determined beforehand by the government. These are also mentioned in the permits or admission tickets that you will receive. We must adhere with the regulations, respect fellow trekkers, and avoid unruly behavior.
- Please deposit all garbage in the containers located in each campsite. If you have the need to dispose of any kind of garbage during the trek please advise the porters as they carry a plastic bag for this purpose.
- Bonfires are strictly PROHIBITED by government regulation. The area where the Inca trail is located is a very vulnerable ecosystem and has suffered several fires in years past that have greatly damaged some areas of the trail. We want to avoid similar incidents from happening again.
- It is also FORBIDDEN to climb or attempt to climb any walls on the archeological sites, pick up flowers that are indigenous to the area, hunt animals, or take stones from the archeological sites. This type of behavior will be prosecuted by the local authorities and the government.
- Firearms are prohibited on the trail. It is also prohibited to take, carry or possess alcoholic beverages while on the trail. At the entrance of the Inca trail, during the first control point you and your belongings will be inspected to guarantee that said items do not enter the trail. We must also respect other fellow trekkers doing the route and the trail itself as the area is a historic sanctuary.8
- In the event of an emergency, please reach out immediately to your tour guide, or to any Inca Trail staff located along the route. They can assist you in any type of emergency.
IMPORTANT: the tour guide MUST follow the company policy in regards of treatment of passengers and assistance. Which was previously agreed from both parts.
9. The trail is pretty safe, however you must follow the instructions given by your tour guide and ALWAYS BE ALERT. There are sections of the trail which are 3 meters wide and then there are others which are very narrow. Along the trail, you will see mountains, deep valleys, rivers, e.g. this natural trail is a very beautiful place. If you’d like to stop to contemplate the landscape and scenery, you must come to a complete stop, and then continue with the trek.
FAQs
According to the Inka Trail regulatory institution, in order to purchase your entrance ticket, you must provide the following personal information: First and Last Name, Passport Nº, Gender Identity, Date of Birth or Age, as well as Nationality. You must then pay an already agreed-upon amount of money to your tour operator for the purchase of your entrance ticket.
Once the entrance ticket has been purchased, you will not be able to make any changes to your First and Last Name, as well as your Start Date, under any circumstances. The government only allows changes to Passport Numbers. Please consult with your tour operator if you have any questions or concerns.
The government will only allow us to update passport numbers if we have a copy of both the previous and current passport. If you no longer have your previous passport, any government form of identification will be accepted, provided that the First and Last Name are the same.
Most people travel to Cusco by air. Please note that the Cusco airport operates national flights only. Therefore, if you come directly from abroad to Lima, you are going to need to pick up your bags at the airport and re-check them for your flight to Cusco. There are four airlines that fly back and forth between Lima and Cusco: LATAM Airlines, AVIANCA Airlines, Star Peru, and Peruvian Airlines. All of these airlines offer similar schedules and flight services, but we generally recommend LATAM Airlines. You also have the option of travelling to Cusco by land. Please keep in mind that it takes approximately 24 hours to get from Lima to Cusco. If you have any questions or want more information on the matter, please consult with WAYKI’s sales representatives.
While you can stay at any hotel in Cusco, it is becoming increasingly difficult to travel in the city by car. In WAYKI TREK, we commit ourselves to picking you up from your place of lodging, be it in the city center or in the surrounding areas, specially now that it has become increasingly popular to stay in apartments or in rooms within houses. In the event that our vehicle cannot access your place of lodging, our staff will help and orient you to the nearest point with vehicular access.
Of course. You can stay anywhere in the Sacred Valley. However, you must keep in mind that the INKA TRAIL route is Cusco-Urubamba-Ollantaytambo. If your hotel is located in this route, we will coordinate a specific time for your pick-up (at no additional cost). If your hotel is located outside this route, you must contact WAYKI’s sales representatives to coordinate a time for your pick-up (at an additional cost).
If you do not wish to stay in Cusco, we strongly suggest you stay in Ollantaytambo. Those that wish to stay in Ollantaytambo will be able to sleep a little bit more as we will be picking you up approximately 1.5 hours after the pick-up time in Cusco. That being said, we will coordinate a briefing session ahead of our trip. In the worst of cases, we will schedule multiple briefing sessions according to our clients’ accomodations. If you have any questions or want more information on the matter, please consult with WAYKI’s sales representatives.
Most hotels, and even homes in Peru, are now equipped with standard US plug sockets.
Although you do not need to complete any specific kind of training for the Cusco treks, we suggest that the best way to prepare yourself physically is to exercise on the treadmill, selecting the steep slopes configuration, as well as going up and down stairs or using the stairmaster. Please keep in mind that you will need between 2 to 3 days in Cusco before the start date of your trek.
We always recommend using the lightest possible trekking shoes. Those that provide ankle support are very useful, especially for inexperienced hikers, as you will be going up and down a lot of stairs made by our ancestors, the Incas.
No. However, walking sticks are always useful for hikers, specially when completing this trek. This is because there are a lot of trails that vary in altitude and are not always straight. Thus when you are in these trails, using walking sticks can really help relieve the accumulated pressure in your knees as well as help you climb the mountain. In addition, our walking sticks are adjustable. As such, when you are not using them, you can shorten the walking sticks so that they do not bother you. For those who want to bring their own walking sticks, make sure that they have rubber tips or park rangers will not allow you to use them. In case you forgot to bring them from your home country, you may purchase rubber tips in Cusco.
All luggage that is not necessary for the trek must stay in Cusco. All hotels in Cusco are quite used to, and prepared for, storing luggage. In the event that you have nowhere to store your luggage, you may leave your bags in our offices until our advendure ends. We will make sure your bags are stored safely, do not worry!
