Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cusco – Optional City Tour
You will be welcomed at the Cusco airport by our staff, and escorted to your hotel or hostel.
In the afternoon, you will begin to learn about Peru´s enchanting history and culture on an optional tour (includes the historic city center, Temple of the Sun, Sacsayhuaman Fortress, Qenko Ruins, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay). After exploring these fascinating sites and ruins, you will be transported back to your hotel or hostel at approximately 4:30 pm.
- City Tour Start Time: Approximately 1:30-2:00 pm
- City Tour End Time: Approximately 4:30 pm
- Difficulty: Light
- Weather : Warm and sunny, possible brief showers during the rainy season
Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour With Salt Mine, Moray– Night in Aguas Calientes
We will pick up you from your hotel in Cusco at 6:30 a.m. and travel for one hour by tourist van to Chinchero, a small village with beautiful views of the Sacred Valley. In this charming village, you will see adobe homes, narrow cobbled streets, and people in traditional Peruvian dress. Here, the villagers still practice many Incan traditions and crafts. If you wish, you will see a demonstration of how wool is washed and dyed using native plants and minerals Also the beautiful INKA ARCHAEOLOGICAL SIDE AND COLONIAL TEMPLE OF CHENCHERO.
We will then continue our journey to MORAY in order to see the fascinating site used by the Incas for agricultural experiments and cultivating seeds. There, you will learn how they cleverly designed a drainage system at the bottom of the terraces in order to avoid flooding during the rainy season.
After the tour of Moray, you will take a 20 minute bus ride to THE SALT MINES OF MARAS. At this amazing site, you can see the pans fed by saline spring water that were built on steep terraces along one side of a narrow valley. The water is sent throughout the pans by a network of channels where the water slowly evaporates leaving the salt behind. Salt has been collected from Maras since Pre-Incan times and it is thought that a collective of salt ‘miners’ has maintained the terraces and channels for hundreds of years. Then we will follow the beautiful route to Urubamba, the heart of the Sacred Valley, where we will stop for a BUFFET LUNCH.
We will continue our scenic journey to the amazing town of OLLANTAYTAMBO. Ollantaytambo is a classic Incan city which conserved the traditional Incan urban construction of narrow streets adjacent to flowing streams. As you walk through the stone streets, the gentle sound of flowing water will make it easy for you to imagine the city as it was in the time of the Incas. In the upper part of the town, there is an impressive ceremonial center that was used for water worship and also a mighty fortress that protected the access point to the lower part of the valley
Finally, you will board the 4:30 p.m train to Aguas Calientes, After an hour and forty minute journey through the Andes, you will arrive at the Aguas Calientes train station, where you will be greeted by our staff and escorted to your hotel and hostel. Here you can relax and rest before your day at Machu Picchu. At dinner, you will be briefed on the next day´s tour.
- Tour Start Time: Approximately 6:30 a.m to 7:00.a.m
- Arrival in Aguas Calientes: Approximately 6:15 pm or 9:00.p.m depending on train availability
- Difficulty: Light
- Weather : Warm and sunny, with cooler temperatures at night.
Day 3: Machu Picchu- Return to Cusco
After an early wake-up call and breakfast, you will ascend to Machu Picchu either by bus or on foot to watch the sun rise over this Wonder of the World. A guide will escort you through the site´s highlights on one of three available circuits. Hiking to the peak of Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain is also available for an additional fee (USD $20). After you´ve explored Machu Picchu, we will return to Aguas Calientes before taking the train back to Ollantaytambo (please note you must be in the station 30 minutes before the your train´s departure). You will be greeted at the Ollantaytambo station and driven back to Cusco for the evening.
- Tour Start Time: Approximately 4:00 am
- Arrival in Cusco: Approximately 10:30 pm
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Weather : Warm and humid; insect repellent recommended.
Day 4: Cusco – Return to Lima
We will pick you up from your hotel and bring you to the airport for your flight to Lima
Price
Price: $ 519.00 USD per person
DISCOUNT
- Student Discount: $20 USD
- Discount for Under 18: $30 USD
- Discount for Under 7: $50 USD
STUDENT DISCOUNT:
The student discount is available to students worldwide who meet the requirements of the Peruvian government. It can be applied when purchasing tickets for Machu Picchu directly from the Peruvian government.
To qualify for the student price, make sure you meet the following requirements:
Your student ID must be an original document issued by your university, made of PVC material.
- The student ID must include the following printed information:
- University information.
- Student’s name.
- Student’s photograph.
- The student ID must have a valid expiration date printed on it, which is valid for only one year. For example, if you plan to visit Machu Picchu in 2024, the expiration date on your ID should be 2024 or 2025. If you visit Machu Picchu in 2024, the maximum allowed expiration date is 2025.
- The student discount is available only for students 25 years of age or younger.
- The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is not valid for the discount, even if it meets the requirements mentioned above.
- The only accepted document for the student price is the original student ID that meets the requirements set by the Peruvian government. Other documents, such as certifications or virtual cards, are not accepted as proof of student status.
- To request the student price, please send a photo of both sides of your student ID to inkatrailbackpacker@gmail.com when booking the tour. If you send it later, you will not be eligible for the student discount.
- Feel free to contact us if you have further questions or need assistance.
Additional Upgrades for Cusco, Sacred Valley with Salt Mines, Moray and Machu Picchu 4D
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: $70 USD (subject to availability). Check availability at https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/available-spaces/?lang=en
- Machu Picchu Mountain: $70 USD (subject to availability). Check availability at https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/available-spaces/?lang=en
- Sleeping Bag Rental (for the entire hike): $20 USD
- Trekking Pole Rental (one pair for the entire hike): $15 USD per pair
- Upgrade to Vistadome Train – Panoramic Train (if you choose the train return option): $50 USD
Train schedule
The schedule for the return train at the end of the Tour/Trek is the Expedition Train, departing at 6:20 p.m. or 7:00 p.m., depending on availability.
If you prefer an earlier train for the return journey, we can arrange it for an additional cost of $35 per person. The available times are 2:55 p.m. or 4:35 p.m. We also offer the option to book the Vistadome train at 3:40 p.m. for an additional cost of $65 per person. Please let us know in advance which train schedule you prefer. Please note that none of the reserved trains go directly to Cusco; they only go to the Ollantaytambo or Poroy stations. In any case, we will ensure that transportation will be arranged to pick you up and bring you back to Cusco.
Can I change my return train ticket to an earlier one at the Aguas Calientes station?
Yes, you can make this change in person at the Aguas Calientes train station. However, they will ask you to pay an additional fee for changing the ticket, and the change will be subject to availability of space and train schedules.
How long does the return trip to Cusco take?
The return journey to Cusco takes approximately 3 hours. First, you will board a train in Aguas Calientes, which will take you to the Ollantaytambo train station for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Then, a transfer from our office will be waiting for you at the train station exit with a sign bearing your name to drive you back to Cusco in a car or van for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Finally, they will drop you off at your hotel or hostel. You will receive your train tickets once your Machu Picchu tour has concluded.
What to bring
What you need to bring
- Original passport and migration card (TAM).
- Sneakers or light/tennis shoes
- Water
- We strongly recommend to bring your Camel Back and water canteen due to that government of Peru will not allow disposable plastic bottles anymore on the Inca trail and in Machu Picchu.
- Raincoat (long poncho) during the rainy season
- Long-sleeved shirts
- T-shirts
- Long pants
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses
- Binoculars
- Medicine and / or personal items/toiletries
- Toilet paper
- A backpack or lightweight suitcase (between 5-6 kilos).
- Camera or camcorder, film, memory cards
- Cash in small denominations of Peruvian nuevo soles
- Bathing suit for the hot springs (optional)
Why Us
Why does Inka Trail Backpacker charge less than other Inca Trail operators?
At Inka Trail Backpacker, we offer you the basic and essential version of the popular treks in the region and because we are a 100% local company we know the real cost of operations and everything you will need. That is why our slogan is “Fun. Not Fancy Trip.”
Are you a certified company?
Inka Trail Backpacker has been a Licensed Inca Trail Tour Operator since 2014. All companies managing the Inca Trail must be certified and have an Inca Trail operators license. This license is issued annually each December; Inka Trail Backpacker is licensed through the year of 2027.
Our license as an Official Travel Agency is under the name Inka Trail Backpacker E.I.R.L. Our License as an Inca Trail Operator is under the name of INKA TRAIL BACKPACKER E.I.R.L We also work with partner company licenses, such as QESWACHAKA PERU TOURS E.I.R.L and GRUPO CAMINOS DEL PERU E.I.R.L. For tourists ‘protection, getting the permit for the Inca Trail from the government is a complicated and stringent process: in order to guarantee an Inca Trail Permit for all the tourists that have decided to book their adventure with us, we are registered to book using any of the above mentioned company licenses. We are all registered on the official government web site: www.machupicchu.gob.pe.
Tour with Like-Minded Travellers
As a traveller, you know that one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences of going to new places is meeting people along the way. When you book a tour with us, you can be confident that your group will be filled with similar travellers looking for adventure in the Peruvian Andes. Our groups provide a great opportunity to meet new people and bond with them in an exciting environment. You never know who you will meet!
Community
We are really proud of the work we do for our community. This is a main focus for our company. We have worked with villages directly to help supply them with needs, buy all our food from local farmers and markets, and serve the freshest ingredients.
Travel Info
Do the tour guides speak English?
Our team of guides are all local to the Cusco area and speak both Spanish and English fluently. Many of them also speaking Quechua (the native language of Peru). With degrees in tourism and with two years minimum of experience under their belts, they are full of energy, information about the native flora and fauna, and the Inca sites, with a vast knowledge of ready sourced stories and legends told by the Andean people.
How many people are there per group?
Group size depends on the day´s activity: the Sacred Valley Tour will have about 25-30 people, and Machu Picchu will have sixteen people maximum.
Renewal or change passport number?
If you plan to renew or change your name on your passport between making your trek booking and starting your trek, you can book your trek or tour with your current passport number or name, but you must send us a copy of your old passport and a copy of your new passport when you have them. We can then make the change with the government before you arrive. The extra cost to make the change is US$25 per person. (This will cover the change in number or name for your Inca Trail Permit, Machu Picchu Entrance, and train.)
If you do not advise us of the change or do not want to pay the fee, bring the original of both passports (the old and new one). You can enter Peru with your new passport but you must show the government authorities your old passport in order to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or train. If you cannot do so, you will not be allowed to start your trek by the government officials. All names and numbers must match!!
Tips for the Staff
Tips for porters, cooks and guides are always welcome. The porters are also very grateful for small gifts, such as clothing and school equipment for their children. A normal amount for the group to tip is S/60-80 for each porter and S/120 for the chef. The group will pool money for the tip, this is not an individual amount.
Refunds
If Inka Trail Backpacker fails to confirm the reservation, your payment will be refunded in full.
Health and Safety
A participant must declare if he/she has any sickness or medical disorder and must bring his/her own medication. We recommend that you meet with a doctor before you book the trek if you have questionable health.
Can I have vegetarian meals, vegan, special meals?
We offer standard meals as well as a vegetarian meal option. Just let us know if you want vegetarian meals when you book your tour.
Vegetarian meals have no red meat, chicken or fish. We will assume that eggs and dairy are OK. We can also cater to lactose-intolerant and gluten free diets (mild reactions only, no life threatening allergies accepted- see below). We reserve the right not to accept a tour booking based upon dietary requirements, this may be because we already have several people booked requiring special meals and don’t want to further inconvenience our cook. Thanks for your understanding.
Meal options:
Standard (no dietary requirements, will eat everything),
Vegetarian,
No red meat (chicken & fish ok)
No fish (red meat and chicken ok)
Lactose-free (mild reactions only)
Gluten free (mild reactions only)
Unfortunately, we don’t offer a combination of the above i.e we don’t accept vegetarian AND Gluten-free.
Storage during your tour
You can leave any of your belongings at your hotel or hostel you were previously staying in. These hostels/hotels usually have a secure, locked room where you can store your belongings. If you do not trust your hostel, we would be more than happy to securely store your belongings for you.
Faqs
What type of hostel does Inka Trail Backpacker use for this tour in Cusco and Aguas Calientes?
We always book through the MamaSimona, Ecopacker, Kokopelly in Cusco, and Tambo Inn or Tambo B&B hostels in Aguas Calientes, These hostels offer comfortable beds, hot showers, WiFi, and breakfast.
However, we can only guarantee these hostels will be reserved for you if you book your trek 2 months in advance. Otherwise, we may be forced to offer you an alternative hostel to stay in.
Can I upgrade the hostel to a hostel in Cusco and Aguas Calientes?
Every traveller has their own expectations for accommodation and that is why we offer you the option to book your own hostel independently. The hostels that Inka Trail Backpacker books are considered basic and if you wish to upgrade to a hotel you need to either do this yourself or ask us to book the new hotel for you.
If you wish to book a hostel independently, a US $10 discount is given per person off the tour price. You can use this money to pay for an alternative hostel.
How far in advance should I book my tour?
We recommend that you book your trek approximately two months in advance. This allows you maximum choice in selecting the details of your day at Machu Picchu; morning entrances to the site are extremely popular and sell out quickly. Although it is possible to book your trek closer to your expected travel date, your options will be more limited.
Is transportation to and from the Cusco airport included?
Yes, transportation to and from the airport is included in your tour.
Is there a direct train from Cusco to Machu Picchu?
The train travels between the town of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes, a small town located fifteen minutes below the Machu Picchu complex. The journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes is an hour and forty minutes. (The return journey will be about three and a half hours, because the drive from Ollantaytambo station to Cusco is about an hour and forty minutes.) From Aguas Calientes, it is either a fifteen minute bus ride or hour hike up to Machu Picchu. There is no direct train from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Although there is an additional station located at Poroy, about 25 minutes from Cusco, it is not always open. Train service from Ollantaytambo, meanwhile, is constant and reliable. Furthermore, taking the train from the Poroy station extends the total length of your journey between Cusco and Aguas Calientes to more than four hours, instead of three and a half.
Should I tip the guides? How much is appropriate?
A tip is customary, but the amount is at your discretion and whatever you feel is appropriate based on the service you have received; please remember to always be courteous and respectful with our guides.
Is there a minimum group size?
There is no minimum group size; however, if a group is especially small (fewer than four people), we reserve the right to combine tours and activities with groups from other tour operators in order to keep costs down. We will not combine you with a group from another country.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
All of our guides are bilingual and speak both Spanish and English.