3 Day Inca Trail Intrepid Tour

The 3-day Inca Trail starts with the pick-up at your hotel or Airbnb (5:30 am approx.) We will travel for an hour and a half to Ollantaytambo, where we stop for breakfast. After our stop, we will continue our journey by heading to km 82, the place where the respective admission control of the Inca Trail is placed. In this place, you will have to show your tickets with your passport and your identity document (with the same one you did your reservations).
Once you pass all the respective controls on the control point, we will cross a suspension bridge across the Vilcanota River. The first day is relatively easy and is considered the day of warm-up since the terrain is relatively flat. On this day we will have wonderful views of the Incan fortress of Huillca Raccay, the incredible archaeological site of LLactapacta (officially called “Patallacta”), the Mountain range of Urubamba that divides the jungle with the Andes, and the beautiful snowy Mountain od W’akay Willca at 5,860 MAMSL (also known as Veronica). Our first camp will be in Ayapata, located 60 minutes walk from the small village of Wayllabamba, with a height of 3,300 MAMSL.

• Total distance: 17 km 
• Estimated time: 8-9 hours 
• Maximum point of altitude: 3,850 m 
• Altitude of the campsite: 3.850 m

This is going to be the hardest day and the more rewarding at the same time as the Inca Trail challenge. We will find spectacular Andean landscapes and vegetation in the place. The day will start at 5:00 a.m. and after a good breakfast, we will start the ascent for 4 hours up to the highest point of the road, The Abra of Huarmihuanusca or “Step of the dead woman” with a height of 4,200 MAMSL. During 3 day Inca trail tour, you can appreciate that the vegetation is varied with native plants and trees such as the Polilepys or Q’ueuña, which grow in the cloud forest at an altitude of 3,650 MAMSL. After the 4 hours of ascent, having reached the highest point, we celebrate together.

After a break, we will start the descent for an hour and a half to the second point where we will have lunch (Pacamayo 3,500 MAMSL). After lunch, we will start with the last part of the rise for 2 hours heading to the Abra of Runkurakay at an altitude of 4,000 MAMSL. Once in the passage and after a rest, we will descend to Phuyupatamarca and Winaywayna Inca sites, We walk 4 hours approx and a half until we reach our camp at Winaywayna.

• Total distance: 15 km 
• Estimated time: 8 hours
• Maximum altitude: 4.200 m 
• Altitude of the campsite: 3,600 m

On the last day of our 3-day Inca Trail Intrepid Tour, we will start the day by waking up early to head towards Winay Wayna. From there, we will continue our journey until we reach Inti Punku, known as the "Sun Gate," located at an altitude of 2,730 meters. From this point, you can enjoy the first views of Machu Picchu and, if the conditions allow, witness a stunning sunrise. Finally, we will continue walking the last stretch of the Inca Trail until we reach the place where you can take the classic postcard photo with the Inca city. Afterwards, in Machu Picchu, you will have a 2-hour guided tour of Circuit 3 (Royalty Route). After finishing the guided tour, we will head to the main entrance to board the bus to Aguas Calientes, where we will give you your train ticket for the return trip to Cusco.

• Total distance: 11 km 
• Estimated time: 5 hours + visit Machupicchu 
• Maximum point of altitude: 3,600 m 
• Altitude of the campsite: 2,400 m

Inca Trail staff

• Professional tour guide certificated in tourism, graduated from the university and fluent in several languages, with knowledge of the Andean Culture, prepared in first-aid and rescue courses (Trained to use the first-aid kit, we count with an oxygen cylinder that they carry everywhere they go).
• Trekking Chef: Our chef is a specialist to prepare typical and natural food. Our products to prepare the food are organic
• Porters who grew up in Andean communities: They will take care of carrying all the equipment that we use throughout the Inca Trail. You only have to carry your own backpack with your personal objects. 

Important Note: Our guide will be meeting in your hotel 2 or 1 day before the intrepid trek. It is very important to let us know, where you will be staying in Cusco.

Inca Trail Tickets

• Inca Trail permits: This is the only ticket that will allow you to cross the Inca Trail
• Machu Picchu tickets: Visit Machu Picchu - Circuit 2: (According to availability at the time of your booking).

Foods in the Inca Trail

• 2x Breakfasts: The breakfast includes milk, coffee, tea, and leaf tea. You can accompany them with toast, bread, butter, jam, pancakes, scrambled eggs, and oats. Traditional Andean food can be served for lunch. Dinner includes chicken, beef or lamb, fish with potatoes or other main dishes. Snacks include fruits, sweets, chocolates and sandwiches. We will also offer you hot drinks in our tea time where a selection of aromatic teas and leaf teas, coffee, popcorn and cookies will be served. 
• 2x Lunch
• 2x Dinners
• Varied food: We offer the vegetarian option and all kinds of special food according to your requirement at the time you make your reservation. During your Inca Trail, you can drink a variety of teas and leaf teas.
• Snack: During the hike our cook will provide some snack.

Tourist Transport & Train

• Transport: We will pick you up from your hotel and then we will go to km 82. We use buses and private mini-vans. They are really comfortable and they count all the security accessories according to the number of tourists. Our driver has many years of experience.
• Train ticket and return transportation to Ollantaytambo at the end of your Inca Trail and return transportation to Cusco.

Camping equipment included

• Suitable equipment: Professional tents of the brand Eureka tents, with a capacity for 4 people but to give you more comfort they are used by two people.
• For your sleeping: Sleeping bag (-5 grade), personal inflatable mattresses, air pillow, blanket, and hot water bottle for your feet
• For your trek on the Inca Trail: A pair of hiking poles and a rain poncho.
• A personal duffel bag: Our guide will provide a duffel bag for your personal belongings (7 kg including the sleeping bag)
• Dining and cooking tents: Kitchen tent, dining tent, chairs and camping tables.
• Toilet tent: In each campsite, our porters will set up the bathroom tent for you to use or you can use the local bathroom, there are bathrooms during the trek

• Breakfast on the first day of the tour. If you did not have breakfast at your hotel, we will make a stop in Ollantaytambo for you so you can have breakfast.
• Lunch on the last day after visiting Machu Picchu.
• Huayna Picchu Tickets (U$ 80)
• Peru Travel Insurance
• Tips for guides and porters (optional).

Inca Trail Machu Guide Team

Every group hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 3 Days is always accompanied by a tour guide, a Salkantay Trtek Machu representative, or a member of our team. Guides provide information about the destinations visited, and also offer recommendations for activities and points of interest. Their extensive knowledge covers historical, cultural, religious and social aspects of each place included in the tour. We also work with local guides, who have specialized knowledge that enriches the experience and allows you to enjoy each destination even more.

Meeting Your Guide

Our guide will meet you at your hotel 1-2 days before the trek starts. Please keep an eye on your email or WhatsApp, as our team will contact you to arrange a meeting with your guide or an Salkantay Trek Machu representative. The briefing will be held at your hotel, as agreed with our operations manager. These sessions last approximately 30-45 minutes, and during this time you will receive your duffel bags.

Trekking Team: Chef and Porters on the Inca Trail

Our trekking chefs are trained in proper food handling and the preparation of dishes with natural ingredients. Additionally, they participate in annual meetings where they share their culinary experiences gained during the Inca Trail. They also receive training in first aid and customer service, which allows them to guarantee both your safety and the preparation of the best meals during the tour.
On the other hand, our super porters attend annual training sessions in first aid and customer service. They are always ready to assist you in case of an emergency; so, trust our trekking team to enjoy a safe experience and exceptional service on your Inca Trail adventure.

• Landscapes:The natural environment is impressive and the balance achieved between nature and Inca architecture is remarkable.The mountain range of Vilcabamba, counts on peaks superiors to the 6,000 meters like the Salcantay and Huamantay among others. The mixture of mountains, jungles and valleys create a fantasy world where sunrise and sunset are a spectacular mystery.
• Fauna: This is abundant and varied. The fact that there are endangered species such as the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus), the Cock of the Rocks (Rupicola peruviana), the dwarf deer (Pudu mephistopheles), etc. It was one of the reasons why the government decided to declare it a protected natural area. The Sanctuary has species such as puma, Andean fox, otter, taruka, wildcat, ferret, etc. There are also birds such as the mountain Caracara, hummingbirds, duck of the torrents, parrot, wild duck, and many other colorful and small birds. They also have reptiles such as the Jergón and coral snake Micrurus (lethal for its poison), lizards, frogs, and a number of Andean and jungle animals that inhabit the Sanctuary. This type of wildlife makes the Sanctuary ideal for tourists and researchers who want to observe or study animals.
• Flora: The extensive natural areas are full of a variety of forest species which vary according to the habitat. The vegetation of the forest is represented by trees such as cedar, romerillo or intimpa, laurel, etc. There are also species such as Ocotea, Pedocarpus, Guarea, Weinmania, Clusia, Cedropia, Cinchena, Erythrin or Pisonay, and Ilex among others. The decorative plants have made the famous Sanctuary. Experts have identified more than 90 species of orchids, and several species of begonias and puya cacti. The varied conditions have created an ideal environment for the growth of diverse plant life that goes from the thick jungle, as the cloud forest to the top of the scarcely covered mountains.
• Archeology: Apart from all that has been mentioned, there is also the cultural heritage of the Incas. The Way of the Inca, which was well built, crosses dense forests and deep canyons. There are 18 archaeological complexes scattered along the route that can be seen in all its splendor. These are composed of houses, irrigation channels, construction of agricultural terraces, walls and altars, which are irrefutable evidence of the existence of important human settlements.
• Weather:The climate is relatively mild all year round, with heavy rains from November to March, and dry and hot weather from April to October, these months being the most recommended to visit. The minimum annual temperature ranges between 8 ° to 11.2 ° C. In the months of June, July and August the temperature can fall below 0 °.The maximum annual temperature varies from 20.4 ° to 26.6 ° C. The terrain is quite irregular, with ravines and holes fed by glaciers that finally pour their waters into the Urubamba River, which crosses this area forming a deep valley that extends through the granite base of Vilcabamba for more than 40 km. crossing through a variety of ecosystems.
• Signaling: There are signs located in different parts of the road using a series of international words and symbols. In most places, these signs give the necessary information, about certain places, their climate distances and services. These signs are classified into information, prevention and restriction.
• Limited Access: Many people choose to do this Inca route, which makes it difficult to get an available space, since the availability of spaces offered is at least 500 spaces per day (Including support staff, porters, cooks, guides, etc.). However, there are other alternative routes to the Camino del Inca Tradicional.
• Book : It is necessary to plan your trip several months in advance; We recommend you insure your space in advance of 6 months.

BACKPACKER FOR YOU TREKKING

If very important your take best cover backpacker, because the weather in Inca Trail is change every date, we can’t predict it raining or no. If you don’t have, we recommended to putting your clothes, sleeping bag and other personal equipment inside the plastic bag.

APPROPRIATE CLOTHING ALONG THIS HIKE

Hiking pants and T-shirts are recommended during the day, complemented by sweaters, fleeces and waterproof jackets. It is very convenient to have light raingear available in the daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants) as the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing is required, down jackets can be useful, otherwise a fleece and a jacket. During the third day (if sunny) and in Machu Picchu, convertible hiking pants are useful, as can be switched into shorts if necessary. Machupicchu has a warm climate, getting only cold at night. The rest of necessary implements are included in the “What we recommend that you bring” list.

WHAT TO BRING TO INCA TRAIL AND MACHU PICCHU?

• Passport original
• Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount)
• Cash in soles
• Handkerchiefs
• Toilet paper
• Small towel
• A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
• Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
• Sandals or jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for Sleeping
• Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
• Camera and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
• Sun block
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
• Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in our selection
• Water container and water for the first morning. Important notice: plastic water bottles are no longer allowed into Machu Picchu. Plastic water containers (ie. Nalgene) or metal ones are recommended
• Optionally: water- sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far
• Swimsuit (if you wish to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
• Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Inca Trail)

Where is Machu Picchu locted?

Machu Picchu is located in the southern part of Peru, specifically in the Cusco region. It's about 112.5 kilometers northeast of the city of Cusco, at an altitude of 2350 meters above sea level.

Altitudes on the 3-Day Inca Trail:

During the 3 day Inca Trail Intrepid Tour, you'll encounter these altitudes:

• "Piskacucho (Km 82)" at 8,790 feet (2,680 meters)
• “Warmiwañusqa Pass” at 13,779 feet (4,200 meters)
• "Runkurakay" at 11,811 feet (3,600 meters)
• “Winay Wayna” at 8,530 feet (2,600 meters)
• “Machu Picchu” at 7,972 feet (2,430 meters)

Inca Trail distances & daily trek times

• Piskacucho (Km 82) to Ayapata: 10.5 miles (17 km) (Walking time: 8-9 hours)
• Ayapata Pampa to Winay Wayna: 9.3 miles (15 km) (Walking time: 8 hours)
• Winay Wayna to Machu Picchu: 6.8 miles (11 km) (Walking time: 5 hours)

How difficult is the 3 day Inca Trail Intrepid Tour?

The 3 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is considered moderately difficult. It doesn't involve climbing rocks or crossing snowy areas, so you don't need previous experience. However, the difficulty can increase due to the weight of your personal belongings, like clothes, a camera, water, and camping gear.

Do I need to book the Inca Trail in advance?

Permits for the Inca Trail are limited, with only 500 spots available per day, of which 300 are for guides, porters, cooks, and other trekking team members. Therefore, it's recommended to book at least six months in advance. If you plan to travel during the peak season, between May and September, it's advisable to book 8 to 10 months in advance to secure your spot.

What is the best time to hike the Inca Trail?

The most popular time to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is between May and September, coinciding with vacations in the Western Hemisphere. During these months, the dry and sunny weather creates ideal conditions for trekking; however, it's important to book well in advance.

On the other hand, April, October and November are also good options, as there are fewer tourists. Although it might rain occasionally, it's easier to get permits, as long as you plan ahead. Also, between January and March, the rainy season is at its peak, so if you decide to hike during this time, you should be prepared with the right equipment to withstand the rainfall. Despite the rain, it's safe to hike and permits are more accessible. It's important to mention that the Inca Trail is closed in February, as it's the rainiest month and they take advantage of this time to maintain the trail.

Can kids do the Inca Trail?

Kids who are used to hiking can definitely do the Inca Trail. We recommend they be at least 12 years old to fully enjoy the experience. While we've seen younger kids do it, it really depends on their fitness level. If you're planning a family adventure, contact us so we can assess your children's abilities and help you plan your trip.

Do I need to be in great shape to do the Inca Trail?

You don't have to be an athlete, but being in good shape is recommended. If you don't exercise regularly, start hiking, especially uphill, a few months before your trip. The altitude is a big challenge, as the highest point, Dead Woman's Pass, is at 4,125 meters above sea level. To acclimatize better and avoid altitude sickness, follow these tips:

• Limit alcohol and avoid smoking.
• Stay hydrated; coca tea is a very effective traditional remedy.
• Avoid sudden movements and intense exercise when you arrive in Cusco.
• Don't take sleeping pills.
• Spend 2-3 days acclimatizing before starting the hike.

I'm worried about being slower than my group

The Inca Trail is one of the most amazing experiences in the world and the best thing is to enjoy it at your own pace. Take your time to appreciate the views, take pictures, and rest when you need to. Even those who are slower make it to camp before nightfall. Plus, the guide always stays with the last hiker in the group, while giving directions to the faster ones about meeting points along the way.

Many people include Peru in their “Things to do” list, the main reason being to Trek the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, although what most people don’t know is that there are various Inca Trails Trips to Machu Picchu to pick from in the Cusco region. The difference lies in what kind of an experience you want, hiking the Inca trail and how challenging you like your treks.

If you want to say that you’ve hiked the famous hike to Machu Picchu, then the Classic Inca Trail is for you. But usually, you will need to book in advance, in case it is fully booked, we recommend other alternative treks:

• Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu Tour (2 days / 1 night)
• Inca Trail with camping (2 days/1 night)
• Salkantay Trek Intrepid (3 days/ 2 nights)
• 4-Day Inca Trail (4 days/3 nights)
• Short Salkantay Trek (4 days / 3 nights)
• Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (5 days / 4 nights)
• Classic Salkantay Trek Peru (9 days / 8 nights)