Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Dates: May 30 – June 5, 2021
Passport Required. Must be valid 6 months after the return date.
Photo by Ryan Jarreau
“Hiking the Inca Trial to Machu Picchu is not a trip I would have done on my own. It wasn’t even on my radar! I wouldn’t even know where to begin if I tried to do a trip like that by myself.”
Overview of Trip
Acclimate
Arrive early to get used to the elevation. Take a guided tour around Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
Support the community
Guided tour to local coops. See how to Alpaca fur is spun to yarn and turned into clothes.
Hike the Inca Trail
Set out on a 4 day hike on the Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Explore ruins and see some amazing views!
Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
On the 4th day of hiking, arrive at Machu Picchu and enjoy a guided tour.
Acclimate
When you first arrive, you want to give yourself time to get used to the elevation. Don’t plan strenuous activities. Do leisurely tours while in higher elevation.
Examples include food tours in Cusco, explore the markets, a bus tour through the sacred valley.
Take it slow, assess how you feel, and slowly ramp up your activity. If you experience any altitude sickness, go to a lower elevation if possible or get rest. Stay hydrated!
Explore Cusco
Landing above 11k ft, you want to start out slow. Grab a hotel for 2-3 days to see how you do in high elevation. Slowly walk the city, explore the markets, visits churches, and enjoy the amazing food with a view of the city.
Guided Tours
Book a chocolate making class or join a walking tour around the city. Meet up with the rest of your group going on the hike.
Prepare
Stay Hydrated! You want to be hydrated for the trip, plus it helps at higher elevations. Drink in moderation and assess how you feel. Get plenty of rest.
Support Community
Support the local community
Enjoy a full-day guided tour of the Sacred Valley. Stop at a women’s weaving co-op before visiting a local pottery making community.
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Break for lunch at the Parwa community restaurant in Huchuy Qosco.
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After lunch, opt to head out on a hike to the Ollantaytambo storehouses and look out over the ruins. Or, wander around the cobblestone streets and visit a local Chicheria (corn beer bar).
Hike the Inca Trail
First Day of Hiking
Depart Cusco by van to km 82 where the Inca Trail begins. Ease into the adventure with a straightforward day of hiking the meandering streams, stunning Andean scenery, and ancient Incan ruins.
Trek through beautiful scenery, with a variety of flora that changes with the seasons, passing several smaller ruin sites like Llactapata.
Hike about 7 miles. Starts at about 8,500 ft of elevation. Camp around 9,800 ft.
Second Day of Hiking
Start early to climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, better known as Dead Woman’s Pass.
This is the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769 ft). Most hikers reach camp by early afternoon, with ample time to rest and relax.
Hike about 8 miles. Starts at about 9,800 ft of elevation. Hike to 13,800 ft. Camp around 11,000 ft.
Third Day of Hiking
Cross two more passes and ruins on today’s trek. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, hikers can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Hike through the cloud forest on a gentle climb to the second pass of the day, walking through original Incan constructions. The highest point of the pass is 3,700m (12,136 ft). On a clear day, enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley.
At 3,650m (11,972 ft), reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the “town above the clouds.” Camp here or go another 1.5 hrs to the Wiñay Wayna ruins (“forever young”) located at 2,650m (8,694 ft).
Hike about 10 miles. Starts at about 11,00 ft of elevation. Hike to 12,200 ft. Camp around 8,700 ft.
Fourth Day of Hiking
The final day of the hike starts pre-dawn to reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu on a clear day.
Follow the local guide to Machu Picchu to learn about its history at a leisurely pace. Gain local insight into the Inti Mach’ay cave, Inti Watana, the Temple of the Water, the Temple of the Condor, and the Room of the Three Windows. Take time to sit and feel the energy of this 15th-century site, now both a UNESCO World Heritage site and voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World (in a worldwide Internet poll).
Hike about 4 miles. Starts at about 8,700 ft of elevation.
Go to Machu Picchu with HTXoutdoors!
Forget about trying to do it by yourself. It’s more fun when you’re with people you know and someone else who has done it, plans it for you.
Hike the Inca Trail to
Machu Picchu
Trip 1: May 30 – June 5, 2021 $1119 per person based on double occupancy
- Permits obtained for you
- Pre-trip planning meeting
- Gear checklists and recommendations
- Hiking Training Plan
- 3 nights of hotels, 3 nights camping; 11 meals
- Porters to carry gear & cook on trail
- Tent Included (bring or rent ground pad & sleeping bag)
- 1 Year Membership to HTXoutdoors
$375 deposit today to reserve your spot
Hike the Inca Trail to
Machu Picchu
Trip 2: 2021 dates: TBD $1119 per person based on double occupancy
- Permits obtained for you
- Pre-trip planning meeting
- Gear checklists and recommendations
- Hiking Training Plan
- 3 nights of hotels, 3 nights camping; 11 meals
- Porters to carry gear & cook on trail
- Tent Included (bring or rent ground pad & sleeping bag)
- 1 Year Membership to HTXoutdoors
Last Chanc
Permits are for sale and will sell out quikcly!
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Hour
Minute
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Are you a member of HTXoutdoors? Get your member discount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need help? Check out the answers to the most asked questions.
Do I need to be an experienced hiker?
No! There is plenty of time to start hiking before you go on this trip. HTXoutdoors has hiking 101 videos and we host in-person 101 hikes to get you started!
Do I need get permits or special paperwork?
No! We get a permit for you to hike the Inca Trail. As of now, there are no requirements for Americans to travel to Peru.
Passport: Your passport must be valid for 6 months after the return date.
How difficult is this hike?
You’ll hike up to 12 miles per day with a lot of elevation changes. You need to prepare for this hike but there is plenty of time to get ready and we help you every step of the way.
Are there bathrooms on the trail?
Yes, there are toilets on the trail. Some are flushing and some are composting. There are no showers on the trail but the porters boil water for you to wash every morning, afternoon and night.
What gear do I need?
A tent is provided for you. You can rent or bring your own ground pad and sleeping bag. You need hydration pack for during the day. HTXoutdoors will provide a full gear list with recommendations. Plus, we’ll have a pre-trip pack check.
What if I don’t like it after I start?
No problem! Start the hike on day 1. Before leaving camp on Day 2, decide if y0u can continue or not. If not, a guide will take you back down, arrange a hotel and you’ll take a train to Machu Picchu to meet up with the rest of the group.
What are the accommendations?
You spend 3 nights in a hotel and 3 nights camping.
Do I need local currency?
Yes. Cusco doesn’t take US Dollars and some places don’t take credit cards. There are ATMs but it’s better to get local currency at the airport. Also, some of the bathrooms on the trail are paid so you need some change.
Ready to get started?
Leave the logistics to us so all you have to do it enjoy the ride.