Classic Inca Trail


 

     

     Classic Inca trail is the most popular trail. It starts at KM 82 point. It is a distance indicator on the railway track. It means KM 82 point is 82 miles from some origin. Some touring companies starts at KM 88, which is 6 miles towards Machu Picchu from KM 88 point. This place is within Cusco city. Once you start the journey you have to walk 45 kilometer. Then on the fourth morning you will reach Machu Picchu. Classic Inca trail passes through most beautiful sites and villages.

Here I am discussing the itinerary of Classic Inca trail.  

Day 1 (12km): Usually travelers are collected early from their hotels and brought to kilometer 82 -from where the trail starts. First day trekkers have to walk about 5 hours. You will pass through Llactapata archeological complex. Most of the groups spent the first night at village of Wayllabamba. This place is 3000 meter high. Most of the touring companies do not provide breakfast on the first day.

Day 2 (11km): Most difficult day, as you have to go up a lot of distances. This day you have to pass through the highest point of Inca trail. You will reach Dead Woman's Pass, which is 4200 m high from sea level. This day you have to walk about 7 hours. 2nd night's campsite is usually at Pacaymayo. There are toilet facilities here. Be aware of the coldest night.

Day 3 (16km): This is the most beautiful day of this tour. You will enjoy lot of good scenery on this day. And also this day you have to move down more then going up. You will camp at Winay Wayna which is only at one and a half hour distance from Machu Picchu

Day 4 (6km): You have to wake up very early to reach Machu Picchu before sunrise. After you reach Machu Picchu, you will spent some hours there. Finally at 3.30 or 4.00 go back to Cusco by bus and then train. On this day they will not provide lunch or dinner.

Points to note..

On the first day they will not provide breakfast, as the hotel where you spent the night should provide free breakfast in the morning. And also on the last day they do not provide lunch or dinner. Fourth day after spending some time in Machu Picchu you will be back to Aguas Calientes town. Here you can roam around and you can have your lunch. You can choose from a verity of standards of hotel and restaurants at Aguas Calientes.

If you are interested to climb Wayna Picchu (the mountain at the back of Machu Picchu), then you have to reach Machu Picchu site early. Each day only 500 people are allowed to climb Wayna Picchu. Usually the people who reach Machu Picchu by train fill up the space, as they reach before the Inca trail trekkers reach. So if you are interested to climb this hill top, you have to stay one night at Machu Picchu. There is a hotel at Machu Picchu site. Or you can stay at Aguas Calientes town. You will find hotels of all range in Aguas Calientes.

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