Machu Picchu Hike Day 01: Cusco – KM 82 – Llacta pata – Haya Pata

We will pass by your hotel at around 05:30 am, we will travel for 1 hour and 40 minutes until Ollantaytambo, a small town in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, you will have time to use the toilets and make some last purchase of water, repellent, or sunscreen for our trek. We will continue with our 30-minute trip to KM 82, the beginning of our Machu Picchu Hike, there, our hiking team will prepare the first breakfast while we get ready for our hike, we will give you the equipment you have rented from our office. Once finished with breakfast, we must go to the control point where your guide will give you the tickets to be presented with your original passport. Once past the control we will be ready to start our adventure on the famous Machu Picchu Hike or known as Inca Trail too. The first 02 hours of hiking will be almost flat until you reach the town of Miskay, from this point the road begins to have a few ascents and descents not very long, just 20 minutes more from this town we will have our first view of a beautiful archaeological site called Pata Llacta. We will make a stop and our guide will give you the introduction to this wonderful trail, will explain you about the archaeological site and will give you a general introduction about the history of the Andes and the inca trail. We will continue with our hikeof 1 hour and 20 minutes more until we reach Hatun Chaca, place where our chef waits for us with a delicious lunch.

Once finished our lunch we will only have a 2 hour walk to our campsite, however, this walk will be uphill, we will go through the 2nd control where our guide will register the visit and our porters must weigh their bags again to control the weight they carry. Once we arrive to our camp we will have beautiful views of the valley of Huayllabamba, towards the top of the mountain the Warmihuañusca or Dead Woman Pass awaits us for the next day. Before preparing to enjoy a delicious tea and dinner, we will make a small introductory ceremony, each of our hiking team will introduce itself as well to get to know each other and create a unique experience in our trek.

• Walking distance: 16 km
• Estimated walking time: 07 hours
• Camping Altitude: 3100 meters
• Weather: Warm during the day and cold at night.

• Professional Guide We have the best selection of guides, all graduates of the National University of Cusco and raised in this region with a deep love and passion for teaching our culture. They are fun yet professional and will ensure your safety and happiness.
• Tourist Transportation We use clean, new vehicles for all our services, with professional drivers who will guarantee a safe trip. Our drivers receive ongoing training in safe driving and customer service. Transportation will be provided from Cusco to Soraypampa and from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco at the end of our trek.
• Hotel Pickup Our service includes pick-up from your hotel to begin the tour. The pick-up time will be confirmed based on your hotel's location. At the end of the tour, we will also take you back to your hotel. (Our service does not include pickup from Airbnb-type accommodations, as many do not have a clear name or address.) In that case, we will coordinate a pickup location and time.
• Snacks: In addition to breakfast, we will provide snacks each morning for you to enjoy during the tour. We will also provide cloth bags for snacks; we are very environmentally conscious, so we try not to bring any plastic on the route, and if we do, we take it back with us.
• Train Tickets: The included train ticket is for the Voyager service of the Inca Railway; However, along the way you can opt for a 360° train ride with overhead windows to enjoy the beautiful views of the journey. This has an additional cost of $65 per person to Poroy and is subject to availability. The Poroy station is 30 minutes from Cusco; however, we will include your transfer to your hotel.
• Bus tickets. From town to Machu Picchu it is 25 minutes, and from Machu Picchu to town it is 25 minutes. Inca Trail entrance fees: We will take care of obtaining the Inca Trail entrance fees and will give them to you at the start of the trek, as well as the entrance fees for our equipment. Machu Picchu entrance fee: We will arrange for your Machu Picchu entrance fee, which your guide will give you on the day of the tour. Porters: We include a personal porter who will carry your luggage and belongings. This service is included at no extra cost. The night before, we will give you your duffel bag with everything you need for the trek. You will not have access to your duffel bag until you arrive at your campsite that night.
• Hotel: Alternative treks end in Machu Picchu Pueblo. The last night is spent in a hotel in town, instead of camping. This 3-star hotel is included in the trek price and is based on a shared room. If you would like to upgrade your hotel or prefer a private room, there will be an additional cost.
• Camping Equipment: We have the best equipment. We use a 4-person tent, shared only between 2 people, so you have more space to store your belongings overnight. You will have a large tent to enjoy your meals in, as well as chairs and a table.
• Food: 4 breakfasts (the last one included at the hotel), 3 lunches, and 3 dinners, all included. Prepared by our professional chef. Our professional chefs prepare delicious meals that many previous trekkers have praised. We respect all dietary restrictions. Please be sure to inform your tour guide of any dietary restrictions at the start of the trek (during the break). Meals are generally served family-style. You will enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of the trek, with a delicious happy hour each evening before dinner. A snack will also be provided each morning to help you enjoy the trek. Your last meal with the chef will be breakfast on the fourth day, as lunch and dinner on that day are not included. Water: From your first lunch to your last breakfast, we will provide all the water you need. This water will be boiled, filtered, and chilled before distribution. You must bring your own water bottles or hydration pack. We recommend bringing about 3 liters. We will refill our water bottles at each meal.

What to bring on this excursion

Please keep these recommendations in mind for the tour

• Passport or ID document (Very important)
• Hat or cap for sun protection: Very important for the hike, the radiation is strong.
• Sunglasses: Highly recommended.
• Sunscreen: The radiation is stronger in the mountains, use sunscreen every day.
• Waterproof or windproof jacket (the lighter, the better)
• Gloves: Especially for when you are at the viewpoints or on the mountains, because it is very windy there. cold.
• Water bottle or CAMELBAK.  Twice the amount of water you normally drink.
• Shoes with good grip: If you have trekking boots, even better.
• Personal medications: Don't forget to bring your personal medications, especially those you take daily.
• Any other items you consider necessary.
• Above all, bring a great desire to have fun, enjoy nature, and learn about the local culture.

Altitude sickness

As soon as people book a trip to Peru, specifically to Cusco, they start wondering about altitude sickness.

High altitudes contain less oxygen than sea level, forcing the body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs.

Our guides are highly trained to assist you should you experience symptoms of altitude sickness.

Weather

The weather in Cusco is unpredictable. The dry season in Cusco runs from April to October, but this doesn't mean it can't rain in June or shine in December; simply be prepared for any weather.

Be sure to pack appropriate clothing, including a waterproof jacket, trousers, poncho, and waterproof gloves.

Also, be prepared for cold and windy conditions.