Marcapata

4 Days & 3 Night

Group Size

Up to 8 people

Transportation

Van, Train, Bus

Max Altitude

4200 m.s.n.m

Difficulty

Challenging

Service

Group

Duration:

4 Days

General Tour Description Tour to Marcapata, Cusco (4 Days)

Embark on a fascinating 4-day journey to Marcapata, a charming destination in the Cusco region that combines the majesty of the Andes with Peru’s rich cultural heritage. This tour will take you through stunning landscapes, indigenous communities, and archaeological sites, offering an unforgettable experience for both nature lovers and those interested in history and local traditions.

Marcapata, situated at an altitude of approximately 3,200 meters above sea level, is famous for its scenic beauty, including lush valleys, towering mountains, and cascading waterfalls. Throughout the journey, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the daily lives of local residents, explore the rich biodiversity of the area, and uncover the ancestral history found in every corner of this place.

Tour to Marcapata, Cusco (4 Days)

Day 1: Cusco – Piskacucho – Km 82 – Wayllabamba - Ayapata

At 5:30 a.m. we will pick you up from your hotel in our adventurous bus to take you to the town of Ollantaytambo, where we will have breakfast and fill up with energy for the beginning of the Inca Trail (breakfast is not included).

Arriving at km. 82: At this point we will stop to prepare our trekking equipment, also you can use the toilets, the use of sunscreen and mosquito repellent in case they become our friends etc.

At the checkpoint: We will be asked to present our entrance tickets, passports and student card (if applicable).

Beginning of the Inca Trail, we will start the adventure with our group, during the hike we will appreciate the spectacular landscapes of the Andes, such as the snowy Veronica or W’akay Willca (5,850m / 19,192 f), this first day is relatively easy, where we will observe excellent views of the archaeological zone of (Huillca Raccay), the monumental and incredible Inca site of Llactapata, we will pass by wayllabamba (3000 m.a.s.l./ 9,842.52 f) where we will have lunch on the banks of a small river and with an extraordinary view of the landscape. Our first camp is in Ayapata at 3300 m.a.s.l./ 10,826.77 f.a.s.l.) an hour and a half after lunch. Night temperatures are around 5ºC depending on the season so we must be prepared in advance.

 

Summary day 1 – Inca Trail.

Difficulty level          : Moderate.

Distance                    : 11 km approximately.

Hiking time               : 6 to 7 hours.

Meals included         : Lunch, snacks, tea time and dinner.

 

Día 2: Ayapata – Warmiwañusca – PacaymayU – CHAQUICOCHA

This day will be challenging, because we will have a steep ascent to the highest summit “El Abra de Warmi wañuska” or “the Dead woman pass” at (4,200 m / 13,780f). This second day we wake up at 5:00 am. It is important to be physically prepared and full of energy. On this day, you will feel a real thrill of conquest when you reach the summit; after a well-deserved rest in the pass with an extraordinary view of the landscape, we will begin to descent to our lunch spot, which is located in Pacaymayu (3,600 m / 11,811 f).

After lunch, we continue our way to the second pass of Runkurakay (3,900 m / 12,795f), we will be able to see a great variety of hummingbirds and another bird species, there will be plenty of time to appreciate some of them, we will also have the spectacular view of Vilcabamba mountain range, an incredible variety of native plants like the Q’ueuña trees, which grows in the wonderful cloud forest (3,650 m / 11,975 f). We arrive to our campsite at 5:30 pm approximately. Temperatures in this camp are around 4ºC during the night.

 

Summary day 2 – Inca Trail.

Difficulty level: Strong (Challenge to overcome).

Distance: 15 km approximately.

Hiking time: 8 to 9 hours.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, tea time and dinner.

 

Día 3: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca - WIÑAYHUAYNA

Today will be quiet, we must be ready, we will have an extraordinary staging of nature.

We wake up and have a cup of tea in the tent, then breakfast at 6:00 am and start the hike with a gentle ascent to the archaeological site of “Phuyupatamarca” (“Town over the clouds”). Here, we reach the third highest point along the Inca Trail (3,680 m / 12,073 f). The views of the mountains, canyons and surrounding areas are spectacular.

The archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca is 10 minutes away from the third pass. After visiting this site, we continue walking down more than 3,000 stairs through the cloud forest to the amazing archaeological site of Intipata. After taking some time to visit this site, we continue until we reach our third camp Wiñayhuayna, (2,680 m / 8,792 f).  

A few steps from our camp is the well-known archaeological site of “Wiñayhuayna” (Forever Young). Even if you feel tired you cannot miss this archaeological site, we are sure you will be delighted.  

Today we will only walk for 4 to 5 hours.

We arrived at the camp at lunchtime.

Temperatures during the night are around 12º C.

 

Summary day 3 – Inca Trail.

Difficulty level: Moderate.

Distance: approximately 10 km.

Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours.

Meals included: Breakfast, snacks, tea time, lunch and dinner.

Day 4: Wiñaywayna – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco

This is the last day of our Inca Trail adventure, for this we will wake up early around 4:00 am, it is time to get up and have breakfast, then start our way to Machu Picchu and be able to arrive on time at 6:00 am. to the Sun Gate (known as Inti Punku). From this point we will have a breathtaking view of the majestic Llaqta of Machu Picchu; it will be in front of us with its intense beauty an incredible sight for all to see. From this point, we begin to descend towards the Machu Picchu Citadel (2,400 m / 7,872 f), after walking 45 minutes we enter the citadel, passing by the so-called “House of the Guardians” which is at the top and from this point we can make the best and famous photographic shots of the Llaqta of Machu Picchu. From here, we head to the checkpoint, where we checkin and leave our personal belongings. The professional guide will lead us through the amazing Inca city and its main streets. You can stroll through the city squares and climb the sculpted stone staircases. Machu Picchu is considered the spiritual and religious center of the Andean world. Once the guided tour is over, you will have free time for your extra pictures in your own.

You will also have time to enjoy some activities, if you wish (not included in the price), these free activities are:

  • Climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain and enjoy the beauty and the magnificent Llaqta of Machu Picchu from the top (request reservation together with the Inca Trail reservation and has an additional cost).
  • Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the local museum or a visit to the thermal baths.

After the tour in Machu Picchu, we will go down by bus (included) to the town of Machu Picchu, also called Aguas Calientes, where you will have time for lunch (not included).

In the afternoon after 14:55 hrs we will return by Expedition or Voyager train, which will take us to Ollantaytambo station. Here our private transportation will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Cusco.

 Summary day 4

Inca Trail. Very exciting day of achievement, arrival to Machu Picchu.

Area: High cloud and subtropical forest.

Weather: Varied.

Meals included: Breakfast.

WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU

  • Original passport required (the same used for booking your trek)
  • International Student Card (if you booked as a student)
  • Daypack (the smaller, the better)
  • Water storage:  2-3 L (Camelbaks are encouraged)
  • Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented from Machupicchu Condor Trek)
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Toilet paper
  • Good rain gear

WHAT TO PUT IN THE DUFFEL BAG

  • 2 t-shirts
  • 2 hiking pants at least
  • 4 sets of undergarments
  • 3 sets of hiking socks
  • Fleece/ Thermals
  • Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
  • Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
  • Comfortable shoes for camp
  • Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger
  • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
  • Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
  • Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to line your duffel
  • Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us for $20 USD

TOILETRIES

  • Face moisturizer
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Personal medications
  • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

INCLUYE

NO INCLUYE

PRECIO Y DISPONIBILIDAD DEL CAMINO INCA CLÁSICO A MACHU PICCHU

The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Trek is available on any date that is best suited to you as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers

GROUP SERVICE – $757 USD per person

  • Personal Porter is included in the price!
  • Discount of $30 USD per person for groups of 5 or more persons

PRIVATE SERVICE:

  • $997 USD per person – 2 to 3 persons  
  • $897 USD per person – 4 to 6 persons 
  • $777 USD per person – 7 to 8 persons

DISCOUNTS

  • Sleeping Bag –$20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and !warm)
  • Air Mattress –$20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking Poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (Professional poles that can be extended)
  • Personal tent- $30 USD- (For solo travelers only)
  • Additional Night in Aguas Calientes – From $55 USD per person (depending on availability)
  • Vistadome Train Upgrade  – $67 USD per person (For the return to Cusco at 4:43pm)
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain  – $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)

**Huayna Picchu Mountain is optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.

Marcapata

4Days

Price

$

500

USD

Per Person

Group Size

Up to 16

Activity Level

Moderate

Inca Trail Trek Daily Videos: See What Each Day Is Like!

The machupicchu Condor Trek difference

Since its inception, Machu Picchu Condor Trek has been dedicated to providing authentic and enriching tours to Machu Picchu, combining exploration of archaeological sites with immersion in local culture. With a team of expert local guides and meticulous attention to detail, the agency has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional experiences that go beyond travelers’ expectations.

Camping Equipment

Porteadores personales de 7 kg incluidos

Tiendas de baños privados

Seguridad en el camino Teléfonos satelitales

Proyectos Sociales

¡La mejor comida de trekking en Perú!

Meet the Machupicchu Condor Trek Trekking Team!

The majority of our team has been with us from the beginning, witnessing the evolution of Roots & Rhythms and contributing to the unique bond we share with our city. We are grateful to have such a dedicated, talented and happy team who share our mission of delivering authentic and transformative experiences. With Roots & Rhythms, you’ll not only explore New Orleans, but you’ll also fall in love with the people who make it special.”

AE súper porters

Our Porters represent the Peruvian people, both men, and women who are at the heart

Equality Matters

Machupicchu Condor Trek aims to promote gender equality and empower women, hiring first Peru

Our Guides

Travelling and trekking along the mountains is one of the best activities in the World

Our Chefs

Trekking along the mountain on your way to conquer Machu Picchu is a once in a lifetime

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Extra information

At Machupicchu Condor Trek, we understand that our trips can present unique logistical challenges, which is why we are committed to making your experience as safe and easy as possible. We have prepared a detailed guide that covers all logistical aspects, from proper storage of equipment to recommendations on accommodation in Cusco. In addition, our team is available at all times to answer any additional questions you may have. From the first contact to the last goodbye in Cusco, you can count on us to be your partner and guarantee an unforgettable adventure and hassle-free with Wilderness Explorers.”.”

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