Classic Inca Trail

We will leave Cusco at 5:30 am by a tourist bus heading for the Sacred Valley of the Incas.Inca Trail Depart point Before we reach our starting point of walk, km 82, we will make a short break in Ollantaytambo for having the option to get breakfast. The official beginning of the Inka Trail is called km 82. Here we will meet the rest of the group and take care of the registration facilities. After crossing the Rio Urubamba (2200m) we will start the legendary Inca Trail. The first day the trail is easy to walk and a good warm up for the following days. In Miskay we’ll have lunch at a small river bank while getting some information about the archeological complex of Llactapata. After that, we will continue our hike to Wayllabamba and ascend to Yuncachimpa, the camping site we will spend the night in. From here, we have a great view of the mysterious Nevado de Verónica.

The second day is the ‘Free-Hike-Day’; that means, that everybody should walk in his/her own pace – of Sayac Marcacourse you will meet during the small breaks or see each other while beating the stairs. Early in the morning the trail first leads through the Valley of Llulluchapampa. The first 3km are step - enjoy the humid woodland and the water sounds. From Llulluchapampa follow the way for 2-3 hours until you reach the highest point of this section, the Warmihuañusca Pass (Dead Woman Pass). This climb is known as the most difficult part of the Inca Trail. After a short break at the summit, you continue your hike down with a long and steep descent to the river Pacaymayo (Sunrise River) towards the Runkurakay pass until you reach our camping site called Chaquicocha at 3650m. Here you can relax your body from the tough day while enjoying an amazing view over the mountains.

The third day is the most beautiful one. You can notice a change in the eco-system while walking to Wiñaywaynathe tropical forest of Wiñaywayna. We will pass two small lakes at the top of the second pass (3950m). It’s a gentle climb through beautiful cloud forest and a small Inca tunnel before the third pass (3700m) offers a grand view over the Rio Urubamba Valley. The nearest settlement is named Phuyupatamarca/"Town above the clouds". A well preserved site with long chain Inca baths where one can enjoy impressive ancient engineering. We pass another Inca Tunnel before visiting the ruins of Wiñaywayna/"Forever young". The Inca stairs change into a zigzag trail until you reach a red-roofed white building, our last camping site, and also a location with hot water (S5) and bottled drinks.

After our breakfast at 4:30 am, we will head - equipped with our flashlights - to the Inti Punku (Sun GMachu Picchu viewate) to get the first glimpse of Machu Picchu and watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu. The last triumphal descent will take you almost one hour before we visit the citadel of Machu Picchu around 8.00 am. You can enjoy its spiritual charm during a guided tour (about two hours) that helps you to understand the meaning and ancient use of the different buildings. After this tour you will have enough time to explore the archeological site on your own (f.ex. go to the Inca Bridge, explore the variety of buildings or climb Wayna Picchu for an amazing panorama picture). A bus takes you down to Aguas Calientes. Here you can soak away your aches and pain in the town’s hot springs (S10). We will leave Aguas Calientes in the afternoon.

River Rafting. U$D: 30.00

Zip Line.  U$D: 30.00

• Backpack with rain shelter.
• Sleeping back.
• Clothing for warm and cold climate like a waterproof jacket.
• Rain pants and lightweight pants.
• Trekking shoes.
• Slippers or sandals (for showers and hot springs).
• Woolen or synthetic socks and a sweater.
• Long- and short-sleeved polo’s/T-Shirts.
• Rainponcho and a hat.
• Bathing suit (for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes).
• Sunscreen, insect repellent, disinfecting alcohol and gel, water bottle and sterilizing tablets, toiletries and toilet paper.
• Camera (wrapped in plastic bag), a flash light and batteries.
• Some snacks like chocolate bars and dry fruit.
• Original passport, original ISIC student card and extra money in soles.
• Since the weather can be very cold and moistly, your clothes - once gotten wet - won’t dry at night. So take some clothes to change.

• We require an immediate deposit of US $ 150 for all bookings
• For all tours and treks the balance can be paid up to 48 hours prior to the start of the program. In case of paying the balance in the office of Hierba Buena Tours we only accept cash payment. Failure to pay the trek balance will result in tour cancellation.
• If a participant decides to cancel during the breefing 2 days prior to departure, he or she has to pay the full amount of the trek. Hierba Buena Tours however, will cover the expenses (hotel and train ticket) made by that participant to visit Machu Picchu. This offer of ours must be confirmed at the breefing itself.
• The Client may cancel the Package booking at any time provided that the cancellation is communicated to reservas@hierbabuena.tours in writing. Cancellation charges will be applied as shown below calculated from the day written notification is received by reservas@hierbabuena.tours. All reservations cancelled less than 15 days prior to the departure date of the tour are subject to a cancellation fee:

         Period before departure written notification is received           Cancellation fee as a percentage of the holiday price
                                       15-10 days                                                                                      50%
                                           9-7 days                                                                                      80%
                                              6 days or less                                                                         100%

• The Inca Trail is non-transferable, non-reimbursable and the participant cannot change the date of departure
• If during the length of the program the traveler abandons the excursion as a decision made by him- or herself, no reimbursement will be made and no claim will be accepted. Hierba Buena Tours does not cover the expenses made by the traveler for a hotel and the transport back to Cusco or to Aguas Calientes, as well as a hotel in Aguas Calientes. Also, the traveler will be accompanied by a co-worker of Hierba Buena Tours back to the train station.
• Certain Services might be interrupted or even cancelled due to weather conditions, natural disasters or other disturbances. These are out of the control of hotels, Service suppliers, Hierba Buena Tours or its partners and therefore, no refund will be given.
• For student discounts we require a copy of a valid ISIC student card. In the event that we don't receive the scanned copy of the card along with your reservation form, we will process your reservation with adult price.
• If Hierba Buena Tours doesn't confirm the reservation, the deposit will be refunded
• In case of force majeur, when a trek cannot start or completed, Hierba Buena Tours will find an alternative to go to Machu Picchu. If this alternative is of lower value than the originally booked excursion, Hierba Buena Tours will refund the difference.
• It is compulsory that all clients have personal travel insurance. This insurance must cover personal accidents, medical expenses, loss of effects and all other expenses which might arise as a result of loss, damage or injury occurring to the client. Hierba Buena Tours cannot be considered responsible for any accident or loss of personal belongings the customer caused by his/her acts.

Aditional services

BOOK AT LEAST 6 months in advance.