Classic Inca Trail Trek4D/3N Group Service

In order to hike the Inca Trail, you must have a permit which we will obtain for you. The first step to making this booking is to make sure these permits from the government are still available. These links are updated in real time. You just need a permit for your start date.

2018

JANUARY 2018: CLOSED
FEBRUARY 2018: CLOSED FOR TRAIL MAINTENANCE
MARCH 2018: SOLD OUT
APRIL 2018: SOLD OUT  
MAY 2018: SOLD OUT
JUNE 2018: SOLD OUT
JULY 2018: SOLD OUT 
AUGUST 2018: SOLD OUT
SEPTEMBER 2018: SOLD OUT
OCTOBER 2018: SOLD OUT
NOVEMBER 2018: AVAILABLE
DECEMBER 2018: AVAILABLE

Included

Professional Guides
All of our guides studied English and tourism at Cusco National University. They all grew up in this region and have a true passion to teach others about their heritage. They are fun yet professional and will ensure you are safe and happy.

Permits
As soon as we receive your details and a deposit, we will purchase your permits (pending availability, check our Inca Trail Availability link). These permits are for a specific date and in your name. They can’t be changed, once confirmed. Only your passport number is allowed to be updated. The permit includes an entrance to Machu Picchu.

Briefing
The night before your trek, you will come to our office for your briefing. You will receive your duffel bag that will stay with your porters, while you hike. This bag should not exceed 7kg/14 lbs and does need to include your sleeping bag and air mattress.

Porters
We include a personal porter, who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag. There is no additional fee for this. You will not have access to your duffel bag until your evening campsite.

Transportation
All your transportation is included in this trek. You will be picked up directly from your hotel around 4 a.m. (unless you are staying in Ollantaytambo) and brought to KM 82, to begin your trek. The train back from Aguas Calientes is included. This is Expedition class but can be upgraded to the Vistadome train for $75 per person. Once you arrive at the train station, you will be brought back to your hotel in Cusco. Your bus down ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is also included.

Equipment
Alpaca Expeditions has the best equipment. We use Eureka Timberline 4 tents that are shared by only two people. You will have a spacious dining tent to enjoy your meals in.

Food
The Alpaca Expeditions chefs cook delicious meals that many previous trekkers have raved about. We honor all food restrictions. Be sure to remind your tour guide of any food restrictions at the beginning of your trek. Food is typically served family-style.

You will enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of the trek, along with a happy hour of tea and snacks. You will also be provided a snack each morning, for you to enjoy along the hike. Your last meal with your chef will be after breakfast on day four. Lunch the last day is not included.

Water
Beginning from your first lunch until your last breakfast, Alpaca Expeditions will supply all the water needed. This water will be boiled, filtered and then cooled, before distributing. You must supply your own water bottles or camel back. We recommend carrying about 3L worth. We will refill our waters at each meal.

First Aid
Every Alpaca Expeditions guide has received training in first aid from a physician. We conduct mandatory training sessions every February, which every single Alpaca tour guide must attend. Your tour guide will always have a first-aid kit for basic medical problems (traveler’s diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) and oxygen. We will get you off the trail as quickly and comfortably as possible, if needed, and ensure you get directly to a clinic for treatment.

Extras
We believe it's the attention to small details that separates us from other tour companies. Every trekker receives a small pillow to sleep with, a foam mattress for insulation, a day pack cover to protect their things while hiking and a rain poncho. We will work hard to create your best vacation.

Satellite Phones
Our top priority will always be the safety of our clients and our team. While we are prepared and all our guides are trained for most of the issues clients have on the mountain, being a phone call away from any doctor, hospital or friend helps everyone feel assured that they are safe. Radios, which all our guides have, are limited in how far they can reach, so Alpaca Expeditions has added Satellite Phones to every trek. Every guide will have a fully charged phone that can be used anywhere on the mountain to connect us anywhere in the world. And they can be used by our clients for non-emergencies as well. While they are not cheap to use, they are available just in case you need to check in on the puppy you left at home with grandma.

Taxes and Fees
All taxes and permit fees associated with this trek are included in the listed price. 

Not Included

Rentals
Every trekker needs a sleeping bag, when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and walking sticks (with rubber tips) are optional, but encouraged. If you don’t want to bring any of the above, they are all available for rent:

Sleeping Bag: $20
Inflatable Air Mattress: $15
Walking Sticks (Pair): $15

Huayna Picchu
Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45 minute hike to the top. Going back down is quite steep, if you are scared of heights. This is done after your tour of Machu Picchu. The cost is $75. Arrangements need to be made at least one month in advance, due to popularity. Please understand that weather is out of our control.

We can depart any day of the week, as long as permits are available. Please remember, permits are only needed for your start date.

Price (for 2018 & early bookers 2019):

$690 per person

Student Discount:

$35 off per person

Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. For those using an university student card to receive the discount, we need to see a copy of the card at booking. For those booking children 17-years-old or younger, we need a copy of their passport at booking time. Please send all to info@alpacaexpeditions.com.

                              More Information about STUDENT CARD

Additional Items:

Below is a quick list of prices, but check our Additional Options section for more details.

Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45 minute hike to the top. While this hike is done on your own, your guide will direct you to where this hike begins. This is an additional entrance ticket that we can secure for you with advance notice.

Tickets are purchased within a timeframe of when you need to start the trail. Tickets are either for the First Session from 7-8AM or Second Session from 10-11AM. We purchase the Second Session for our clients in order for you to enjoy your tour of Machu Picchu before you begin. (This window is only when you need to BEGIN the hike - you may take your time up and down - no rush)

The ticket is $75 per person.

Machu Picchu Mountain

   * Only possible to do if you have an extra day to visit Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu mountain is the other mountain that stands above the Machu Picchu ruins. It offers even more stunning views than Huayna Picchu, but takes an hour and a half to reach the top. This is an additional entrance ticket that we can secure for you.

Tickets for Machu Picchu Mountain are now also within a timeframe of when you can begin - which is between 9-10AM. Due to this limited and early time frame, it is not possible to do the Inca Trail and hike Machu Picchu Mountain unless you have scheduled a second visit to the citadel on the next day. You will not have time for a tour of the ruins upon entering Machu Picchu and to do this hike in one day.

This ticket is $75 per person.

Vistadome Train

All our tours include the Expeditions (Tourist) Train. This train is normally booked at 4:22 p.m., leaving Aguas Calientes. The Vistadome train is an upgraded train, that offers slightly larger seats, windows and even some entertainment. Normally the Vistadome train is booked for 4:43 p.m. and travels to Poroy, a train station closer to Cusco. While this is an upgraded fee, we will still include your transportation back to your hotel.

This train is $75 per person.

BRIEFINGS

All briefings are done at our office at 6:30PM the night before your trek. If you are unable to make this time, you need to coordinate another time with a member of the Alpaca Expeditions office team. Briefings are approximately 30 -45 minutes long. This is where you will receive your duffel bags.

* 2D/1N Inca Trail Trek with HOTEL does not include a briefing. Our office staff will review all details at your check-in time.

DUFFEL BAGS

You will receive your duffel bag at your briefing. These bags will be carried by the porters and returned to you at each campsite. They measure 66 cm long X 36 cm wide/2ft long  X 1ft wide.

Every duffel has a maximum weight of 7kg. 4kg will be for your clothes and other personal items, the other 3kg will be for our logistics such as your sleeping bag and pad.

PICKUPS

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

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

Some treks will allow for pickups in the Sacred Valley, which is outlined below.

The following chart refers to possible locations we can pick you up from when beginning the tour.

RETURNING TO CUSCO

Leaving Machu Picchu requires a lot of logistics, which are all included in your tour.

- From Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, you will take a 25 minute bus down to the village. Buses are first come, first serve and run all day.

- You will take a train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy. Your guide will give you your train tickets with train time. Make sure you get to the platform 30 minutes ahead of time.
           * Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo is 2 hours
           * Train from Aguas Calientes to Poroy is 3.5 hours

- Once you arrive to the train station, look for a gentlemen wearing green with an Alpaca Expeditions sign. He will then drive you to San Francisco square, Cusco
            * Van ride from Ollantaytambo to nearby San Francisco square is 2 hours
            * Van ride from Poroy to nearby San Francisco square is 30 minutes

- Once you arrive nearby San Francisco square, you will separate into separate pre-paid taxis and driven back to your hotel.

MACHU PICCHU ENTRANCE TIMES

Machu Picchu now has two time windows of when you can visit: either morning or afternoon. Your entrance ticket will be for only one session, morning session, and when your time window is over, the Rangers will ask you to leave.

MORNING SESSION: 6AM - 12PM

AFTERNOON SESSION: 12PM - 5:30PM

** If you have tickets to hike either Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you will have some extra time until 2:30PM.

If you would like to spend the whole day at Machu Picchu, we can add an afternoon session ticket to your booking for $50 per person.

HUAYNAPICCHU/MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN

Machu Picchu is most beautiful when seen from above, which is why hiking one of the mountains next to the ruins is very popular to do after your tour.

Huaynapicchu is the most popular and must be booked in advance...sells out very quickly. This hike takes approximately 45 minutes to the top and another 45 minutes back down. Tickets are sold in time sessions dictating when you can START this hike. The 1st session is from 7-8Am and the 2nd session is from 10-11AM. Again, this refers to when you can begin your hike and we normally book the second session so you can enjoy your tour with your guide first. This hike is done on your own, but your guide will show you where to begin.

Machu Picchu Mountain is a bit longer and a bit less popular. It takes 1.5 hours to the top and another 1.5 hours to the bottom. Again there are two time windows - from 7-8AM and 9-10AM and we normally purchase the second time window. 4 Day and 7 Day Inca Trail Trekkers CAN NOT do this hike and enjoy a tour of the ruins. Time will not allow for this.

Hiking either mountain will allow you to have some extra time at the ruins once you complete, as listed above.

HEALTH CONCERNS

It’s important that you are honest with your guide about any health concerns you may suffer from. While guides are not medical professionals, they are trained in First Aid. We also work with a clinic in Cusco that can help assist our team.

You are responsible for assessing whether a Tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions. Alpaca Expeditions will not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your own unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level and medical requirements.

If you develop extreme altitude sickness or any other illness that prevents you from hiking, but you wish to still visit Machu Picchu by train, we will work with you to coordinate this trip. This will be a new trip and may require additional fees. We will use as many of the purchased logistics from the original tour to keep fees low.

If you experience issues while hiking and can not continue, a porter will accompany you to the closest road and wait while a car comes to pick you up and bring you to the nearest health clinic.

GROUP TOURS

Group tours are comprised of all different types of people, with various hiking skills and ages. By agreeing to a group tour you are understanding that some people might be slower or faster than you are. Everyone can make their own pace for the trek and the guide will work through the group to spend time with everyone. Groups might request some modifications to the tour and the guide will work with everyone to make the best decision for the group.

STRIKES

Unfortunately strikes are very common in Peru and can cause a lot of disruption to our Tours. Roads are often blocked, trains stopped. We will do everything possible to operate your Tour including leaving the night before your start date. Tours may need to be cancelled under these circumstances. Our Operation Department will coordinate with you in this situation. Your safety is always our top concern and will dictate how we decide.

LOST ITEMS

You are responsible for your personal items throughout the Tour. Please be diligent about where you leave your things and remember to remove all items from our vans, your tents, restaurant, etc. Do not leave anything unintended while hiking. Other trekkers or teams may pick it up not knowing who it belongs to.

TIPS

Tipping is part of the tradition of any trek to Machu Picchu and while we pay good wages to our entire team, anything extra is always appreciated. Please know that this is not obligatory and that you should never feel pressured into this.

Typically the participants in a group pool their tipping money together for the porters and chef. The amount recommended is different per trek and listed below. For the guide, this is more personal and needs to be decided based on your relationship with the guide. This is done personally and not as a group together. Porters and Chef prefer soles if possible. Guide is happy with US, soles or even your credit card 😉

* These numbers refer to what each member of the Green Machine should receive after the group pools their money. This is just a reference guide.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel insurance is inexpensive and strongly recommended. These trips are planned months ahead of time and you can never predict what will happen. Adventure travelling includes more risk than your normal trip. Insurance is a way to protect the investment you have made on this amazing journey. We can help to recommend an agent to walk you through this type of insurance if needed.

WEATHER

Of course weather is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December – just be prepared. No matter what month you are doing the trek, please make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves, but being cold and wet makes hiking very unpleasant.

Also prepare for four seasons. Many of the treks through the Andes involve many micro-climates and you will need to be prepared for all seasons. Layers are always key as they are easy to adjust to the different temperatures. And evenings will always be cold, so please be prepared with a warm, winter-weight jacket.

It’s also important to note that weather can change a listed itinerary. There are times that routes become impassable and our guides will be forced, for your safety, to rework the itinerary.

ALTITUDE

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

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

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

Remember the trek to Machu Picchu is not a race. Even those in the best shape will suffer from altitude sickness when they race to the top of the mountain too quickly. Go slowly, it will give your body time to adjust to the mountain.

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

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

GETTING TO CUSCO

The airport in Cusco currently is only for domestic flights, so all international travelers by plane must disembark in Lima and go through Customs. Even if your flight to Cusco is the same day by the same airline carrier, you must grab your bags in Lima and then check them back in.

The best way to get to Cusco is by air and there are several options in airlines. LAN tends to be the most expensive, but has the most options and flights. Expect delays or flight cancellations. Due to the high altitude of Cusco, it tends to be difficult to land and any acclimate weather will stop air traffic. Bus travel is always available and while the trip can be long, especially from Lima, the buses in Peru are very well maintained and comfortable. This option is strongly encouraged if coming from a city closer to Cusco, like Puno. Lima buses will take about 20 hours to arrive.

ESSENTIALS:

• Passport
• Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
• Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
• Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
• Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
• Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)

FOR YOUR DUFFEL:

Porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rent one). From us these two items weigh 3.5 kg.

• 2-3 wicking t-shirts
• 2-3 hiking pants
• 4 sets of undergarments.
• 4 sets of hiking socks
• 1 Fleece
• 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
• 1 Rain jacket and pants
• 1 sun hat
• 1 wool hat
• Headlamp: essential
• Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
• Comfortable shoes for camp
• Walking boots
• Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
• Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger.
• Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean - might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap.
• Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
• Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
• Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least

TOILETRIES:

• Sunscreen
• Face moisturizer
• Bug spray
• Handsanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush and paste
• Toiletpaper
• Personal medication
• First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:

Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, no bag larger than 25L will be allowed in. If larger, you will need to store outside citadel gates.

• Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won't have time to filter water until your first lunch.
• Sunhat
• Rain gear
• Fleece
• Camera
• Music (IPhone)
• Handsanitizer
• Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
• Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
• Earplugs

FAQs on the CLASSIC 4D/3N INCA TRAIL TREK

PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP

BOOKING

We try to make booking as easy as possible at Alpaca Expeditions. We need a completed booking form that includes all the details for the entire party (on one form, please) and then a $200 deposit per person. The deposits can be paid separately as long as we have one form that we can use to track payments. Once we have all deposits and details, we will then book your permits. When permits are in our hands, we will send you your invoice and confirmation that everything is 100% set. All start dates, once confirmed, are guaranteed.

PERMITS

Only licensed Inca Trail tour operators, like Alpaca Expeditions, can secure permits from the government. Once we have secured your permit, the name and start date can not be changed under any circumstance. The only information that the government allows us to change is passport numbers.

UPDATING PASSPORT NUMBERS

The government will only allow us to change passport numbers if we have a copy of the new passport and old passport. If you no longer have your old passport, any government issue ID will be accepted, as long as the name is the same.

HOW TO GET TO CUSCO

Most people will get to Cusco by air. Please remember that Cusco airport is for domestic travel only, so if you come directly from overseas through Lima, you must get your bags in Lima and re-check them for flight to Cusco. There are four airline carriers that fly roundtrip between Lima and Cusco: LATAM Airlines, AVIANCA Airlines, Star Peru and Peruvian Airlines. All of them offer similar schedules and in-flight service, but we usually recommend either LATAM airlines or AVIANCA as they tend to be the most helpful when unexpected flight cancellations or delays occur.

WHERE TO STAY IN CUSCO

While you can truly stay at any hotel in Cusco, the city is becoming more and more difficult to navigate by car. Many roads, especially by the main square, are open to pedestrian traffic only. We will notify you if it is not possible to pick you up by car and arrange another meeting point for pick up/drop off. For a list of recommended hotels, please ask your Alpaca Expeditions sales rep.

CAN I STAY IN THE SACRED VALLEY

Ollantaytambo is the best place to stay other than Cusco. By staying in Ollantaytambo, you actually get a little more sleep because we will be picking you up about 1.5 hours after the Cusco pick up time. This being said, the pre-trip briefing can only be done in Cusco, so please arrange with your Alpaca Expeditions sales rep a time that works for you and our office team.

CAN I SPEND AN EXTRA NIGHT IN AGUAS CALIENTES

Of course. If you are ok with taking the same train out of Aguas Calientes that is part of your original itinerary, which is typically at 4:22 that evening, than there is no additional charge to move the train back a day. If you need us to secure your hotel or another visit to Machu Picchu, this will be an additional cost. If you do choose to spend one more night in Aguas Calientes, make sure you tell the Alpaca Expeditions office at least one month in advance so your train ticket is purchased for the right day.

WHAT TYPE OF ELECTRICAL OUTLETS ARE USED IN PERU

Most hotels and even homes in Peru now have the standard US outlet and also the South American outlet.

DURING YOUR TRIP

HOW CHALLENGING IS THE TREK

While you don't need any specific training to do the 4 Day Inca Trail, being fit will help you complete the 4 days comfortably. The best preparation for the trek are treadmill exercises with steep inclines and stairs. Day 2 will be your toughest day as you will climb up 2 peeks that day.

DO YOU NEED HIKING BOOTS

We always recommend light hiking boots if possible. Ones with ankle support are extra helpful, especially for the inexperienced hiker. Because you will be climbing down so many steps created by the Incas, now uneven and at varied heights, the extra support helps from twisting your ankles.

SHOULD I USE WALKING STICKS

Walking sticks are always helpful to trekkers, but particularly on this trek. There are SO many stairs that you will be walking down - all made by the Incas 400 years ago. They vary in height and are not all straight. Using the walking sticks can really help take the pressure off your knees while doing this portion of the trail. Plus they will help you get up the mountain as well. All our walking sticks are expandable black diamond poles that can be folded up and tied to your bag for when you are not using them. For those who are bringing your own, make sure you have rubber tips or the rangers will not allow you to use them. Rubber tips can be purchased in Cusco if you forget before you leave.

WHERE DO I STORE MY LUGGAGE

All luggage not needed for the trek should stay in Cusco. All hotels are very accommodating and quite used to storing luggage on site, or you can safely store with the Alpaca Expeditions team.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AS FAR AS WEATHER

Please understand that this is an impossible question for us to answer. Historically April through September is the dry season, November through February is the rainy season and March and October and bridge months - a mixture of both. But the clouds have not followed these rules in the last few years. Prepare for sun and rain no matter when you come. As far as temperature, that is consistent throughout the year. Mornings and evenings are cold, so bring a fleece at least to begin the hike and a down jacket for the evenings. Once the sun is fully up you should be comfortable hiking and touring Machu Picchu in short sleeves. Long pants (yoga or hiking) are encouraged to help from the mosquitos which can be a nuisance in Aguas Calientes.