Your trekking guide, chef and porters will pick you up from your hotel (Must to be located in Cusco) at 4:30 a.m., and you will drive two and a half hours to Mollepata where we will have Breakfast in a Local restaurant after we travel for anther 30 minutes to arrive to the trail head, Challacancha(3,300 meters). You will meet your horse man and horses, and have some time to prepare for the day and enjoy the scenary. You will experience the amazing views of the Andes, with the lushness of the valley, covered in green and some lovely waterfalls. Today, the hike will be of moderate difficulty, although it will be a 3 hour Hiking to Soraypampa where we will have lunch at the Sky Domes. By the afternoon we will trek towards Humantay lake is 3 hours a round trip to the most beautiful blue lake, located at the bottom of Humantay glacier mountain at the eveing we wil enjoy the magestic of our luxury domes with private hot shower and toilets , beds, mattress and blankets included.
Elevation: From 2,900 to 3,800 m
Walking Distance: 8 km
Considered: Moderate
Weather: Warm to hot and cold
You will be woken up with hot drinks and breakfast. After you prepare for the day, we will introduce you to the alpines micro-climate and the amazing views of the high glacier peaks. They are considered to be the highest peaks around Cusco and the father of the other mountains by many Andean people (Apus means God). You will then begin you way to the main trail and continue towards your lunch spot, at Salkantay Pampa. It will be time to depart from the Humantay peak, and enjoy the views of a higher mountain, Salkantay Mountain (6,215 m). You will arrive here around 12:00 Middayand enjoy lunch. After lunch, we will have a two hour, steep climb to our second campsite, at Ichupata or Pampa Japonesa (4,200 m). Today, will be a cold day of hiking, so be sure to have your jacket, warm hat, sun glasses and gloves in your day pack. At the campsite, you will be welcomed by your porters to enjoy hot drinks and dinner. Tonight is the perfect night to spot the constellations and the views of Salkantay peak. This site is the closest camp to Salkantay, so it may be possible to hear some avalanches. However, do not let this scare you, they are not in close proximity to us. This is the highest campsite, so it should be a cold night, close to zero degrees Celsius.
Elevation: 3,500 – 4,300 meters
Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
Considered: Moderate to difficult
Weather: Cold
After tea and breakfast, it will be time to embark on the most challenging, yet rewarding hike, to date. Your guide will lead you up the Inca Chiriasca pass (5,000 meters high), following a steady pace to witness the amazing views of the glacier mountains. Once you have reached the top, you will be treated to hot coca tea, and phenomenal views of the valleys, lakes and even some spectacular birds, such as condors and falcons. Following, you will start descending, or you may take an optional hike to a glacier, which only takes 30 minutes. Afterward, we will continue descending to your lunch spot, where your porters will be waiting with the traditional hot tea and a delicious lunch. For the rest of the day, you will walk down hill, through lush green valleys and winding streams, before reaching your campsite, in a little village of 10 families.
Elevation: 4,300 – 5,000 meters, then to 37,500 meters
Distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles
Considered: Difficult
Weather: Cold
This day will give you a rare glimpse into the past as you wander through hillside paths, used by traditional Peruvian farmers, living the same way since the time of the Incas. Then, you will arrive at the famous Inca ruins, where your tour guide will provide you with some background on the Incas. After the ruins, your tour guide will point out new and different vegetation, as you move into the high, jungle micro-climate. Finally, you will reach the classic Inca Trail where your porters will serve you lunch. The afternoon’s hike will be all uphill, until we reach our campsite. Be sure you have your camera ready, with fully charged batteries, as you never want to miss this opportunity to capture the magnificent views of the mountains and enchanting natural waterfalls in the cloud forest.
Elevation: 3,750 – 3,000 meters, then to 3,300 meters
Distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles
Considered: Moderate to difficult
Weather: Cold in the morning, warm in the afternoon
This is the longest, but most interesting day, due to the Inca ruins and the cloud forest. After an early breakfast, we will start with a two hour climb, uphill in the Puna area. It is a dry place, with little vegetation at the Andean ichu. Some llamas can be seen here. When we reach the peak of the Dead Women Pass (4,200 meters high), you will have some time to rest and enjoy some glacier peaks and spectacular mountains, near by. Afterwards, we will start descending on the rock-paved trail, towards our lunch spot. Along the way, you will observe some flowers or orchids. Please try to walk slowly and be cautious of nature. This section is a perfect spot to watch hummingbirds. After lunch, we will begin climbing uphill for two hours, to reach the second peak. Half way through your journey, you will visit the Inca ruins, called Runcu Raccay.
This place has been said to function as a watchtower because of its oval shape, and its overtaking of the valley. After crossing over the second peak (4,000 meters high), we will start descending for one hour to the lake called Yanaccoha, where the Incas organized ceremonies for the Goodness of the water. Then, you will arrive at the famous cloud forest, and also one of the most beautiful Incan ruins, called Sayacmarca. Sayacmarca is where you can observe the original Inca houses, water fountains, water channels and the most spectacular views of the valley.
After the ruins, it will take you about 30 more minutes to reach our campsite, called Chaquicocha Once again, you will have an opportunity to see different types of flora and fauna, since you will be in the high jungle.
Elevation: 3,300 – 4,200 meters (the pass), 3,600 meters (the lunch) and again, 4,000 meters (the pass), 3,600 meters (the camp)
Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles
Considered: Difficult
Weather: You will experience the four seasons, all in just one day
Today is the easiest day of the tour. In the morning, you will have views of the surrounding mountains, the Andes Mountain and the Pumassillo glacier peaks. There will only be about five hours hike, including the three Inca ruins to our campsite. The first ruin called Phuyupatamarca (cloud level-town), is two hours from the campsite. It is impressive to observe the lovely platform and houses where Incan nobles studied astronomy. The second ruin is nestled in the hillside of many terraces. It was perhaps, an Incan agricultural experiment station. You will also have views of the sacred valley, and the river of Urubamba. Finally, you will reach the last campsite, called Wiñay Wayna (2,600 meters), where you will leave your day packs and walk for five minutes to reach the most beautiful Incan ruins, along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This place is close to a village, where you can enjoy the beauty of the water channels, terraces, and temples. Religious ceremonies used to occur here.
After lunch, you will have an opportunity to take a hot shower, followed by a free afternoon to explore the most beautiful Inca site, Wiñay Wayna. Later in the afternoon will be your last happy hour and dinner, topped with a small presentation from your porters to say a final good bye. They will head back to Cusco the next day, while you continue your journey to Machu Picchu.
Elevation: 3,600- 2,600 meters
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Considered: Warm and humid
Today is the most important, so you will wake up earlier than usual. After breakfast, you will walk two more hours to Machu Picchu, where you will pass through the Sun Gate to experience some spectacular views of the stunning mountains, valleys, rivers and the Incan ruins. Upon your arrival, your tour guide will inform you about Machu Piccu for two hours. Following, you will have time to explore, by yourself. Be sure that you visit all the sacred places, temples, palaces and the famous Inca bride. When you are ready to make your way back to Aguas Calientes, there will be buses that depart on a regular basis, with a journey of approximately 30 minutes. After spending time in the town of Aguas Calientes, you will need to be at the train station 30 minutes before our train departs back to Cusco.
Walking Distance: 5 km /3 miles
Note: Before the government enforced the new legislation about protecting the Inca Trail, horses were the main transport to carry equipment from the trail head to Wayllabamba. Since they banned the horses, we have replaced them with out porters (on the Classic Inca Trail). You will have the same tour guide and cook throughout your tour. All meals are prepared on site, so that you will always have fresh food.
Included
Not Included
Please check availability for the Inca Trail Before doing Your Reservation if there is not availability on the date you want do do The Inca Trail Please Check our alternatives Treks towards Machupicchu
2, 3, 4, 5 AND 7 DAY INCA TRAIL AVAILABILITY & PERMITS 2023 – 2024
Do not Hesitate to contact us via Whatsapp:
Whatsapp: (English)+51 984315337
Whatsapp: (Spanish)+51 972390728
GROUP SERVICE: Prices are based on Number of people departing that date/ We will leave with minimum of 02 ppl.
Please, Note: (See Inca Trail Availability) Price per person US$1120
NOTE: Train included in all tours is the Expeditions Train (to Ollantaytambo) Train times will only be confirmed once full amount of tour is paid. The earliest train you could take is the 6:45pm and being the 9:20pm the last train. Bioandean Expeditions will organize the transport back to Cusco (by taxi or by bus).
Please Note: train times are subject to change depending on Peru rail .If organized in advance, the train can be upgraded to Vistadome (larger windows than the backpaker cerrojo train to ollantaytambo ) for an increased price.let us know please.
INCA TRAIL REGULATIONS
The national historical sanctuary is protected by law to conserve its biodiversity as well as the Inka ruins Machupicchu comes under intense pressure, with over 300,000 visitors each year. From May to September, an average of 2000 people explore the ruins daily, of whom 150 / 200 have hiked the trail, and the rest by train.
Compared with many other tourist attractions, the Inka trail is well maintained. The Peruvians have worked hard at limiting the erosion, litter and other damage caused by its popularity. This is a long term campaign which needs and deserves your support. By choosing an environmentally conscious tour operator and be careful about handling litter, where you go the toilet, and the use the poles you can help them preserve this wonderful place. Fortunately, controversial plans to build a cable car and large hotel at machupicchu have been widely opposed, and the rules announced in 2000 were being enforced from 2001.
When visiting the cities:
Are there services for tourists with special needs in Peru?
In Peru we believe in the idea of “Tourism for Everybody”. This is why many public and private organizations have been working for years to ensure that their services are equally accessible for the differently-abled.
We advise you to contact your service provider in advance to ensure that your accessibility needs will be met.
What’s the weather like throughout the year?
Peru is a very large country that is crossed by the Andes and has a vast Amazonian region, so you are likely to notice differences from one place to the other, which may be more or less intense depending on the month of your visit.
It hardly ever rains on the coast, where there are usually two seasons:a warm season and a cold season.
Unlike the coastal area, the mountains and the jungle have a warmer rainy season running from mid November to late March, and the least warm season occurs between April and mid November.
Below is a weather table by city:
City | Altitude | HighTemp | Low Temp |
Abancay | 2,378(7,802 fasl) | 25°C (77°F) | 12°C (54°F) |
Arequipa | 2,335 (7,661 fasl) | 24°C (75°F) | 5°C (41°F) |
Ayacucho | 2,761 (9,058 fasl) | 24°C (75°F) | 11°C (52°F) |
Cajamarca | 2,720 (8,924 fasl) | 21°C (70°F) | 5°C (41°F) |
Cerro de Pasco | 4,338 (14,232 fasl) | 22°C (72°F) | 4°C (39°F) |
Chachapoyas | 2,334 (7,657 fasl) | 22°C (72°F) | 13°C (55°F) |
Chiclayo | 29 (95 fasl) | 33°C (91°F) | 17°C (63°F) |
Cusco | 3,395 (11,138 fasl) | 17°C (63°F) | 2°C (28°F) |
Huancavelica | 368 (1,207 fasl) | 20°C (68°F) | 3.4°C (38°F) |
Huancayo | 4,107 (13,474 fasl) | 17°C (63°F) | 0°C (32°F) |
Huánuco | 1,912 (6,273 fasl) | 24°C (75°F) | 18°C (64°F) |
Huaraz | 3,091 (10,141 fasl) | 18°C (64°F) | 9°C (48°F) |
Ica | 406 (1,332 fasl) | 30°C (86°F) | 8°C (46°F) |
Iquitos | 104 (341 fasl) | 36°C (97°F) | 17°C (63°F) |
Lima | 133 (436 fasl) | 25°C (77°F) | 13°C (55°F) |
Moquegua | 141 (463 fasl) | 25°C (77°F) | 17°C (63°F) |
Moyobamba | 860 (2,822 fasl) | 36°C (97°F) | 22°C (72°F) |
Piura | 29 (95 fasl) | 35°C (95°F) | 16°C (61°F) |
Pucallpa | 154 (505 fasl) | 38°C (100°F) | 24°C (75°F) |
Puerto Maldonado | 183 (600 fasl) | 34°C (93°F) | 21°C (70°F) |
Puno | 3,827 (12,556 fasl) | 19°C (6°F) | 2°C (34°F) |
Tacna | 562 (1,844 fasl) | 28°C (82°F) | 6°C (43°F) |
Trujillo | 34 (112 fasl) | 30°C (86°F) | 16°C (61°F) |
Tumbes | 6 (20 fasl) | 38°C (100°F) | 19°C (66°F) |
How much money should I expect to spend on my trip?
This answer depends on your personal preferences and the level of comfort you desire.
Bartering is generally accepted in Peru, with the exception of larger stores and restaurants. In larger cities prices in general may be higher, particularly in Lima, and may increase during festivities such as the National Holidays (July), Easter (April) or Christmas due to higher demand for services such as bus and air transportation.
Below is a price list of products and services that you may use as reference in order to prepare a travel budget.
Reference product or service | US Dollars |
Mineral water bottle 1.5 Lt (51 fl. oz.) | 1.40 |
Medium soda pop 0.50 | 0.50 |
Burger | 1.40 |
Apple | 0.30 |
Shampoo bottle | 2.00 |
Tooth paste | 1.40 |
Lunch (frugal) | 3.00 |
Lunch (basic) | 12.00 |
Camera roll | 4.00 |
Blank video tape | 8.50 |
Pair of sneakers | 30.00 |
Newspaper | 0.50 |
Public internet booth or cybercafes (1 hour) | 1.5 |
Train Cusco – Machu Picchu (return) | 30.00 (backpackers) 70.00 (Autovagon) |
Bus (one way) | 5.00 |
Flight to Cusco (return) | 140.00 |
Lodging per night (very basic) | 5 – 10 |
Lodging per night (2 star) | 20 – 40 |
Lodging per night (3 star) | 50 – 90 |
Lodging per night (4 and 5 star) | over 90 |
Other frequently Asked Questons about Treks and tours
What to Bring
Each web page has a specific list of what to bring for your trek and the list supplied here might not apply to you. However, remember that the weather in the Andes can be very unpredictable and you should be prepared for bad weather. Peru is located in the southern hemisphere meaning the winter extends from June to August. In the summer months daytime temperatures can be hot & sunny, but the nights can be very cold. During winter it can be cold and rainy during the day and particularly cold at night. It is usual to encounter some rain all year round so we recommend buying a cheap poncho in Cusco for about US $1. We also recommend bringing thermal underwear in order to combat the cold. It’s recommended to wear the thermal underwear in the evening and early morning. When packing try to bring a range of layers so that you can take off or add clothes as required in the ever changing Andean weather.
Equipment
Please see each page for specific notes in regard to the equipment that is carried on each tour. Generally, the following items are ‘normal’ unless specified on the tour page.
Hiring Extra Equipment
We hire sleeping bags (rated for -5, -10 and -15 celsius temperatures) , thermarest (inflatable mattresses), walking poles, and extra horses for luggage.
Which sleeping bag to choose? Do you feel the cold – then opt for the -15 bag. Our foam mattresses (included in the price) are more than adequate but a thermarest inflatable mattress provides a lot more luxury! Walking poles – guides advise that two poles are better than just one as they provide much more balance, especially on steep descents (ie Llactapata on the Salkantay route and the Choquequirao and Choquequirao to Machu Picchu sections.) Please check our booking form for current prices.
Luggage Storage & Load Limits
Do you need an extra luggage mule/or riding mule?
We include in the price of your tour 8kg (15lbs) of luggage each person. We LOAN you a duffel bag which you can put this 8kg in. The reason for this is that duffel bags strap onto mules much better than backpacks/your luggage and its better that our custom designed duffels get dirty than your luggage (also if your backpack has a fancy harness then it can get damaged on the mules). If you think that you are going to need more than 7kg (plus the things that you carry in your day pack) then you might like to consider hiring an extra mule. Each mule can carry about 20kg of equipment so its usually shared between 2 or 3 people. Most people find that 7kg is more than adequate if they pack normally or a little conservatively. We strongly recommend that you leave the bulk at of your luggage at your hotel in Cusco – all hotels or hostals should provide you with luggage storage as a courtesy service.
Included in the price of your tour is 1 emergency riding horse. If you have in your group younger children, or older people, people who are not very fit, or people who have never hiked in the mountains before, you might consider paying for an extra mule. This is especially if you think that someone in your group will utilize the horse a lot!
Extra Charges
We need to charge extra for the following:
Train Tickets
For backpacker trains the timetable is 2.30pm and 6pm, and you return to Cusco approximately 4-5 hours later. A representative of the agency will meet the train in Ollantaytambo and transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco. We apologise in advance if we cannot get either of these times, if we cannot we have endeavored to do so. Some people want early trains, some people like later trains, and its impossible to anticipate people’s preference. Please also note that in high season (normally July-August) the trains to Machu Picchu and back again are completely over-subscribed and its difficult to get tickets, even with several weeks notice. (this is why we are inistent that you send your passport details asap!) In the case that Bioandean Expeditions is not able to obtain train tickets for you we will provide a car that returns via the Abra de Malaga to Cusco. (approx 6 hours of travelling).
We generally recommend that you start out from Cusco with 1-2 litres of water. You should also bring a refillable water bottle with you. (Any bottle you buy from the shop will do but we recommend a hardy plastic bottle) During the day, when you are hiking you can fill up from streams, on the advice of your guide. You should use purification tablets for this water. (Micropur tablets can be bought in Cusco or you might like to ask in your camping shop at home. Some people recommend iodine tablets). In the evening, your cook will boil water for your use and you can fill up your bottles every morning before setting out. As people have different requirements for water (ie some people drink a lot and others less) it is important that you take responsibility for ensuring you have enough water each day. You need to communicate your needs (via the guide) to the cook.
Cooking & Meals
Our cooks serve hygenically prepared food that features Peruvian and Western dishes. If you are a vegetarian or have specially dietary requirements and/or allergies, please specify on your booking form and remind us at your briefing. Water is boiled for three minutes before being used for cooking and raw vegetables, if served, are washed in boiled/ purified water.
For photos of some example meals, please see our Bioandean Expeditions meals page
Bathing
There are few opportunities for bathing on our treks. However, in the evening and morning, please ask your cook to warm some water for you to wash your hands and face. There are cold water shower facilities on the Salkantay and Choquequirao trek.
Toilets
Depending on the tour you take, we provide toilet tents at each of the campsites or you can use the existing facilities. During the day, your guide carries a pick or lightweight shovel. Should you need to use this, please ask them. Ideally, you should relieve yourself at least 70 metres from any water source and also a good distance from the trail. Remember also to bring plenty of toilet paper but follow international leave no trace rules and carry it out… (Please no white flags along the route!)
Medical Kit Each trip departs with a basic medical kit and an oxygen bottle. We advise that if you have your own medications and needs that you bring these. We do not include altitude tablets in our kit. Please note that the blister care that we have is Peruvian style (band-aids and cotton wool) – we do not have second skin or Western style blister treatments.
Medical Kit
Each trip departs with a basic medical kit and an oxygen bottle. We advise that if you have your own medications and needs that you bring these. We do not include altitude tablets in our kit. Please note that the blister care that we have is Peruvian style (band-aids and cotton wool) – we do not have second skin or Western style blister treatments.
How much money should I take?
Please review what is included in your trek in order to estimate what you should take. Along the way you can buy snacks and souvenirs, mostly of a non expensive nature. (Though if you decide you want to drink a lot of PowerAde, it does add up!) Most people also like to enjoy a nice meal and some drinks in Aguas Calientes on the night you arrive from your trek. Aguas Calientes is generally more expensive than other parts of Peru, so expect things to cost more there. Finally, bring money to tip your staff and your guides. (Please see below) There is an ATM in Aguas Calientes, but don’t rely on it working so we suggest you take ample to cover your expenses while there.
Tips
Tips vary and depend on the traveller’s satisfaction with the quality of the service rendered. Although our staff are paid just above local industry rates, and we include all meals and transportation, they do appreciate tips. Tips also provide incentive for staff to work harder.
Deciding how much to tip the porters, the cook and guide is a difficult moment at the end of the trek and can be made more difficult when members of the group have different cultural understandings about tipping. (Some countries tip, other countries don´t tend to tip).
Generally speaking, if the group have been pleased with the service then try to ensure that (minimum) each porter/muleteer takes home an extra 20-30 soles per day of trek, cook 40-45 soles per day of trek, and the guide as you feel is appropriate. (these amounts are shared between all members of the group, and are not individual tips. if your trip is 9 days then the group as a whole would tip 10 soles x 9 days. Even if the muleteers were only with you for 2 days on the shorter treks, please calculate their tip based on your entire trip length. Ie the Expreso Salkantay is 4 days, and the muleteers will take at least 1 day to return home, even though they are not directly in your service). A recent, higher estimation follows: between $10 and $20 a day for guides, between $5 – $10 a day for cooks and drivers, and $3-5 a day for the muleteers. Again, that should be divided between everyone on your tour, is PER person, and multiplied by the full length of your tour. We believe that ultimately, tipping the guide and cook should be dependent on the quality of the service that you received. At no stage should you feel obliged to tip!
Safety
Trekking in the Andes is generally pretty safe. There is minimal theft – it does sometimes occur on the more touristed routes (ie Salkantay). Be cautious, not paranoid! We do recommend always sleeping with your valuables (ie money belt, passports) near your heads or in your sleeping bag. Your camera and day packs should be kept between you or near your heads – never near the flap of your tent. Shoes should be stored inside!
Frequently Asked Questions about Peru
Welcome to our FAQ section. This page might be helpful if you haven’t been able to find the information you needed on our website. We hope these FAQ about Peru have been helpful.
How far is Peru from my home?
In order to provide you with useful references we have created a table including the approximate arrival flight times.
Direct Flights.
Country | City | Approx. flight time |
United States | Dallas | 7 hours 12 minutes |
United States | Houston | 6 hours 45 minutes |
United States | Los Angeles | 8 hours 35 minutes |
United States | Miami | 5 hours 45 minutes |
United States | Atlanta | 7 hours |
Argentina | Buenos Aires | 4 hours 15 minutes |
Chile | Santiago | 3 hours 25 minutes |
Spain | Madrid | 11 hours 30 minutes |
Flights with stopovers
Country | City | Approximate flight time |
United States | New York | 8 hours 35 minutes / via San José |
United States | San Francisco | 10 hours / via Los Angeles |
United States | Washington | 9 hours / via Newark |
Germany | Dusseldorf | 18 hours 40 minutes / via Madrid |
Germany | Frankfurt | 15 hours 30 minutes / via Madrid |
France | Paris | 14 hours 50 minutes/ via Miami |
Italy | Milan | 14 hours 50 minutes / via Madrid |
Italy | Rome | 15 hours 10 minutes / via Madrid |
UK | London | 15 hours 10 minutes / via Madrid |
Japan | Tokyo | 20 hours 35 minutes / via Los Angeles |
Do I need a visa to visit Peru?
Citizens of most American and Western European countries are not required visa to enter Peru. Citizens of Bolivia, Ecuador and Chile do not require passports or visa to visit certain regions of Peru. Contact the Peruvian diplomatic representative in your country for further information. Addresses and phone numbers are included in the website of Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Relations: www.rree.gob.pe
If the purpose of your visit is tourism, the maximum length of your stay will be 90 days (you can apply for extensions with the immigration authority)
All travelers must carry a valid passport, or a safe-conduct issued by the Peruvian immigration authority.
Is it safe to travel in Peru?
Reality shows that it is very safe.
You may have read or heard on TV, websites or newspapers about terrorism, crime and economic and political instability. But the truth is that terrorism has been defeated a long time ago; Peruvians live in peace and work very hard every day to build and democratic and safe society. We can assure visitors that all they need to do is follow the normal precautions taken in order to visit other destinations.