Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu
4D, 3N Group Service

Inca Trail Highlights

1. Highlights

   Hiking the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most famous trek in all of Peru if not South America. This sacred path is packed with history and it’s only a portion of what it used to be during the days of the Inca empire. In modern times, this 26 mile path is the only way to access Machu Picchu directly after 3 beautiful days of hiking.

   The Machu Picchu Inca Trail is also the most regulated trek in Peru. The hiking permits, controlled by the government, can only be purchased by licensed operators such as Alpaca Expeditions and we work along with the government rules and regulations.

   The Alpaca Expeditions Inca Trail tours all include a highly educated tour guide to direct the group and answer all of your questions, a team of porters to transport all the needed equipment and as well as your personal belongings and a trekking chef to provide hot restaurant quality meals at every campsite to guarantee your safety and to ensure you have the energy needed to enjoy your hike.

   If this Machu Picchu Inca Trail 4 day option feels like too much of a challenge Alpaca Expeditions also offers a 2 day Inca Trail package It has the same attention to detail and service with different features.

   Or, if you’d like to see the entire trail but want to do it at a slower pace then there is the Machu Picchu Inca Trail 5-Day trek.

   However, there is another option to make it even MORE challenging, which is the 7-day trek that combines the Salkantay pass with the Inca Trail.

   No matter which route you choose, we are here to help you find the best match and ensure you have all the permits, equipment and support needed.

2. Traveling with Alpaca Expeditions ensures that you have a once in a lifetime experience that's safe and comfortable

   So, how is Alpaca Expeditions Inca Trail experience better that any other agency?

   Simple! The quality and personalized service we give to each of our guests is untouched in quality. Alpaca Expeditions also treats all of our staff like family and we’ve made a name for ourselves by pushing for the better treatment of porters. We’ve led the movement by example and our porters, lovingly called The Green Machine, get with higher wages, better equipment, health insurance and even housing.

   Within Alpaca Expeditions we also have a passion for the land. We take our role as host seriously and take care of every detail of the trek in order to be the best experience possible that meets all of the client needs as well as our staff needs. We strongly believe that equality is key to create the best environment for a great experience and make sure this happens.

   Every trek follows all of the government rules from fair payments to the porters to leaving no footprint after every campsite. We are green!

   Itinerary Overview

   • Day 1: Km 82 – Llactapata- Ayapata (Trekking Distance: 8.7 miles/14 km (6-7 hours)
   • Day 2: Dead Woman´s Pass – Runcuraccay Pass – Chaquiccocha (Trekking distance: 9.94 miles/16 km (7-8 hours)
   • Day 3: Chaquiccocha – Wiñaywayna (Trekking Distance: 6.2 miles/10km (5 hours)
   • Day 4: Machu Picchu (The most exciting and magical day (early wake up 3.30AM)

   Special Offers

   Add Rainbow Mountain: $160 USD

   Enjoy a full day hike to the striped mountain at a very special rate. This can be done before or after your Inca Trail, arrange with your sales team member.

   
   ** IMPORTANT NOTE **

   The Ministry of Culture in Peru is in charge of all regulations of the Inca Trail, including permits and campsites. To enter the Inca Trail, you must have a permit that matches your NAME, PASSPORT NUMBER, NATIONALITY, and AGE issued by the Ministry of Culture. Only licensed Inca Trail tour operators can secure these, and they are not transferable in date or name at any time. If you are unable to start your Inca Trail trek on your start date, you can not transfer to another person. If you need to change your start date, you will need to make sure permits still exist for the new date and purchase a new permit. These are all rules of the government of Peru that we need to follow.

   If permits are sold out for your desired start date, there are lots of other roads that lead to Machu Picchu. We can help you find the perfect trek for you.

   Alpaca Expeditions’ goal is that everyone of our clients discovers that the Journey is the destination.

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

1. 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 and Machu Picchu:In order to hike the Inca Trail, you must have a permit to enter the trail. This can only be obtained by licensed Inca Trail tour operators, like Alpaca Expeditions. As soon as we receive your details and deposit we will purchase your permits. These permits are given for a specific date and in your name. They can’t be changed, once they are confirmed. The only thing that can be updated is your passport number. The permit includes entrance to Machu Picchu.
   • Briefing:The night before your trek, you will have a trek briefing at our office with your guide and other trekkers in your group. At the briefing, you will receive your duffel bag, that will be with the porters while you hike. This bag should not exceed 7kg/14 lbs and needs to include your sleeping bag and air mattress, if you have chosen to rent or bring one. Remember, layering your clothes is key.
   • A Porter for your Personal Belongings: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. The duffel should not exceed 7kg which will include 4kg of clothes, 3 kg for your sleeping bag and sleeping mat.
   • Green Machine Porters: The men and women that make up our porter team are the most loyal, hardest working on the planet. They make magic happen, always with a smile and a helpful hand. They are responsible for carrying all the camping equipment and food, setting up and breaking down each campsite, assist the chef with all food preparation. By law, they can carry up to 20 kg max, which is a rule we take very seriously. For example, with a group of 8 trekkers there will be 15 porters.
   • Trekking Chef and Food: Our Porters are not the only ones making magic on the mountain. There is nothing comparable to what the Alpaca Expeditions chefs do on the mountainside. They will make prepare amazing meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, often starting with a nutritious soup and mostly serving family style. There will always be a protein, salad, assorted sides, and even amazing desserts. They will cater to all food restrictions and make sure everyone has enough to make it up the mountain. Please make sure that your Alpaca Expeditions booking agent knows of any food restrictions at time of booking.
   • Water: Water is the key to feeling good on the trek. Hydration helps battle any effects of the altitude, so be prepared with something that can hold at least 3 liters of water. We will provide water at each meal – boiling it, filtering it and then cooling it down to make sure all water is clean and ready to drink.
     * Water will not be provided until your first lunch when our porters will have the ability to prepare clean water. Please bring enough water for your first morning on the trail.
   • Equipment: Alpaca Expeditions uses the best equipment on the market including Eureka Timberline 4 person tents shared by only 2. Single tents are available ($30US). We have large dining tents for clients to enjoy their meals. Every client will receive a pillow for sleeping and foam sleeping pad to insulate you from the cold ground. All dining equipment including chairs and dishes are provided.
   • Hotel to Hotel Service: You will be picked up from your hotel the morning of your trek and driven to KM 82 in our comfortable, Alpaca Expeditions van. After the trek, we will drive you from the train station back to your hotel or Air BNB.
   • Transportation and Train Service: All your logistics are included in this trek including the bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes as well as your tourist class train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. This is a 2 hour trip and it will be another 2 hours by car back to Cusco. If you wish to upgrade to the Vistadome train, a train with larger windows and more comfortable seats, it will cost $75 per person.
   • First Aid:Your safety is our number one concern. All our guides are trained and re-trained every February by a medical doctor. They all carry first-aid kits and full oxygen tanks. If needed, we will get you off the trail as quickly and comfortably as possible to be taken directly to a clinic for treatment. While these situations are rare, we prepare for them.
   • Satellite Phones: While our guides can handle most first aid issues that happen on the trek, there are some that need a bit more attention. Every guide has a fully charged satellite phone with them when they leave for a trek. 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 includes this feature to make sure that we can connect no matter where we are on the mountain. 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.
   • Extras: We believe it´s the attention to small details that separates us from other tour companies. As we wrote earlier, 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 provide hot water bins each day to help our clients clean and feel good at night. We enjoy happy hour each evening to relax and unwind and discuss the days events. We will work very hard to create your best vacation.
   • Taxes and Fees:  All taxes and permit fees associated with this trek are included in our price. There are no hidden fees.
   • The Alpaca Difference: While the below list is less tangible, its equally important and part of everything we do and include at Alpaca Expeditions.

   • • Ethical and Responsible Treatment to our Porters: Most people would not be able to handle the challenges of these treks if it wasn’t for the porters helping with all the lifting, preparing and cheering. They are the backbone of our company and the reason why Raul Ccolque created Alpaca Expeditions to begin with. He began in this industry as a porter and understands their needs better than anyone. We are dedicated and promise a better life to every member of our Green Machine. This includes better salaries that they can live from so they do not need to beg for tips to make ends meet. This is our job. We provide all their gear including warm, down jackets, proper hiking boots, backpacks, hats, headlamps, sleeping bags and pads and tents for them. We have a Porters House for our porters to sleep in the night before and after their trek since they often travel far from home. We include a medical doctor to work Monday through Friday at the Porters House to tend to our team and make sure they feel good and are looked after. And we support their families with helping their village schools, bringing doctors and dentists to visit with the families, planting trees in their valleys. We are committed to our social projects and it is appreciated by the more than 300 porters on our team.
     • Porters Trip: We love meeting all our clients, but our favorite trips are when our porters and their families become our clients. While our porters hike to Machu Picchu dozens of times per year, they never make it inside our famous citadel. We take 4 trips a year to bring our team inside and spend two days travelling around the important ruins and letting them touch and see the history of their ancestors.
     • Equality Matters: Another big difference is that we believe that we are all equal and every person contributes something different and beautiful to our team. We have always had female guides and have had female porters and chefs on our team since 2017. While the number are not equal yet, we are hoping for the day when we have 50/50 men and women working on the mountains as part of the Alpaca Expeditions team.
     • Sustainable and Responsible Tour Operator: Alpaca Expeditions is far ahead of our competitors on being a sustainable tour operator. We honor our planet by making sure there is no trace behind on any of our treks. We even include an extra porter to make sure they help clean the trash left from other groups. We use local products that are biodegradable and organic whenever possible.

2. 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. You would do this 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 the weather is out of our control.

Price

1. Price per person

   • $695 per person

2. 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 a University Student Card our under 17-years-old, we need to see a copy of their card or passport at the time of booking to receive the discount.

   Please send all to info@alpacaexpeditions.com.

   More Information about STUDENT CARD

3. Additional Items

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

4. Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45-minute hike to the top. Even when you will do this hike on your own, your guide will still show you the trail entrance. This trek is an additional entrance ticket that we can secure for you with advance notice. 

   Your tickets will be purchased to coincide with when you need to start the trail. Tickets are either for the First Session from 7-8 AM or Second Session from 10-11 AM. We purchase the Second Session for our clients for you to enjoy your tour of Machu Picchu before you begin. This window is only your start time, and you may take your time up and down, so no rush.

   • The ticket is $75 per person.

5. Huayna Picchu

   * 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. For this trek, it will be 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 9-10 AM. Due to this limited time frame, it is not possible to hike the Inca Trail and hike Machu Picchu Mountain. You can, however, schedule a second visit to the citadel on the next day.

   • This ticket is $75 per person.

6. Vistadome Train

   All our tours include the Expedition Train. This train is usually booked at 4:22 p.m., leaving from Aguas Calientes. The Vistadome Train is an upgraded train that offers slightly larger seats, windows, and even some entertainment. Usually, 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.

Travel Info

1. BRIEFINGS

   All briefings are done at our office at 6:30 PM the night before your trek. If you are unable to make this time, you need to coordinate another time with a member of the Alpaca Expeditions office team. Briefings are approximately 30 -45 minutes long, and 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 the details at your check-in time.

2. DUFFEL BAGS

   You will receive your duffel bags at your briefing. Your porters will carry them and have them 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. Remember 4kg will be for your clothes and other personal items. The remaining 3kg will be for your sleeping bag and pad.

3. 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. Smaller hotels and Airbnbs are often located on streets that cars can´t pass through. They also are frequently on hillsides with long steep climbs, making it difficult to carry luggage. We highly recommend that you book accommodations with better access. We have a list of hotels that are all comfortable with easy access to pick up and drop off. 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.

   Trek	Possible Starting Locations
   Inca Trails	Cusco, Urubamba, Yunahuara & Ollantaytambo
   Salkantay Treks	Only Cusco
   Lares Trek	Only Cusco
   Huchuy Qosqo Trek	Only Cusco
   Ausangate and Rainbow Treks	Only Cusco
   Day Tours	Cusco, Urubamba & Ollantaytambo

4. 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 gentleman 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.

5. MACHU PICCHU ENTRANCE TIMES

   Machu Picchu now has two different 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.

6. 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 since it 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 stating when you can start this hike. The first session is from 7-8 AM, and the 2nd session is from 10-11 AM. Again, this refers to the timeframe when you can start your hike. We usually book the second session so you can enjoy your tour with your guide first. You will do this hike 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 7-8 AM and 9-10 AM and we usually 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.

7. HEALTH CONCERNS

   You must be honest with your guide about any health conditions or concerns you might have. While our guides are not medical professionals, they do have first aid training. 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 unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level, and medical requirements.

   If you develop extreme altitude sickness or any other illness that prevents you from hiking, and you still wish to visit Machu Picchu by train, we will work with you to coordinate this trip. Since this will be a new trip, it may require additional fees. We will use as much of the original itinerary to keep costs 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.

8. GROUP TOURS

   Group tours are made up of all different types of people, with various hiking skills and ages. By agreeing to a group tour, you agree that some people might be slower or faster than you are. Everyone can go at their own pace for the trek, and the guide will work with 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.

9. STRIKES

   Unfortunately, strikes are frequent in Peru and can disrupt our tours. Roads are often blocked, and trains stopped. We will make sure your trek continues as planned, even if that means leaving the night before your start date. Under these circumstances, tours might need to be canceled. But our operations department will coordinate with you in this situation. Your safety is always our top concern and will dictate how we decide.

10. LOST ITEMS

    You are responsible for your 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 during your hike. Other trekkers or teams might pick it up not knowing whos it is.

11. TIPS

    Tipping is part of the tradition of any trek to Machu Picchu. 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 them and done separately from the group. Porters and Chefs prefer soles if possible. Guides are happy with U.S. dollars, Peruvian Soles, or even your credit card 😉

    Trek	Per Porter	Chef
    Inca Trails (4, 5 and 7 Days)	60 – 80 soles	150 soles
    2D/1N Inca Trail with Camping	50 soles	100 soles
    Salkantay Treks	100-120 soles	200 soles
    Lares Trek	100-120 soles	200 soles
    Huchuy Qosqo Trek	50 soles	100 soles
    Ausangate	100-120 soles	200 soles

    * 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.

12. TRAVEL INSURANCE

    Travel insurance is inexpensive and strongly recommended. With trips being planned months ahead of time, you never can predict what could happen. Adventure travel includes more risk than the average trip. Insurance is a way to protect the investment you have made on this journey. We can help recommend an agent to walk you through this type of insurance if needed.

13. WEATHER

    Of course, the 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 so just be prepared. No matter what month you are doing the trek, 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. Several of the treks through the Andes involve various microclimates and you will need to be prepared. Layers are always key since they are easy to adjust to different temperature changes. Be prepared with a warm packable down jacket since the evening will be cold.

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

14. 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. For this reason, we always recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before beginning any trek in the Andes. Cusco is a marvelous city with lots to do, so if you have more time to acclimate 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 that help 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 if they race to the top of the mountain too quickly. Go slow, and it will give your body time to adjust to the elevation.

    Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications, 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 and drink lots of water, and enjoy the coca tea. If anything does happen and you, unfortunately, get sick, let your guide know right away. Alpaca Expedition guides are trained to help you get through it.

15. 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.

Packing List

1. 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)

2. 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

3. TOILETRIES

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

4. INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS

   Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, bags larger than 25L will not be allowed in. If it is larger, you will need to store it outside citadel gates. But don´t worry, they have a secure storage facility.

   • 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

1. BOOKING

   We try to make booking as easy as possible at Alpaca Expeditions. We need a booking form that is completed and includes all 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 booking 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.

2. PERMITS

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

3. 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. Also, make sure your passport does not expire six months or less from your trip.

4. HOW TO GET TO CUSCO

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

5. WHERE TO STAY IN CUSCO

   While you can stay at any hotel in Cusco, the city is becoming more challenging to navigate by car. Many roads, especially near 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.

6. CAN I STAY IN THE SACRED VALLEY

   Ollantaytambo is the best place to stay other than Cusco. By staying in Ollantaytambo, you get a little more sleep, because we will pick you up about 1.5 hours after the Cusco pick up time. You can only have your briefing in Cusco. So please arrange a time that works for you and our office team with your Alpaca Expeditions sales rep.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. DURING YOUR TRIP

10. HOW CHALLENGING IS THE TREK

    While you don’t need any specific training to do the 4 Day Inca Trail, being fit will help. The best preparation for the trek is treadmill exercises with steep inclines and stairs. The second day will be your toughest day, as you will climb up two peaks that day.

11. 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 varying heights, the extra support helps from twisting your ankles.

12. 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 walk down and all made by the Incas 400 years ago. They vary in height and are not all straight. Using walking sticks can 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 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.

13. WHERE DO I STORE MY LUGGAGE

    All of your luggage is not needed for the trek and 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.

14. 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 temperatures go, that is consistent throughout the year. Mornings and evenings are always cold. Make sure to bring a fleece jacket for the mornings and a down jacket for the evenings. Once the sun is 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.