Machu Picchu was (relatively recently) “discovered” by American historian, Hiram Bingham, in 1911 while searching for the legendary “lost city of the Incas”. Hiram Bingham and his local guides stumbled across the site which was then covered in thick vegetation which was later cleared revealing the magical mountain-top archaeological site and opening up the possibility for archaeologists to conduct research on the site by 1915. Whether arriving via Inca Trail or entering from Aguas Calientes don’t miss the excellent photo opportunities from the following spots: Hut of the Caretaker of the Funerary Rock (a restored building with a thatched roof), Sacred Plaza with views of the Cordillera Vilcabamba in the distance and Rio Urubamba below. Take a short walk out to the Inca Drawbridge (30 minutes) and Inti Punku (45 – 60 minutes) for great views of the site as dawn breaks and the clouds lift over Machu Picchu.

This small group experience has a maximum of 15 people and a average of 4 people.

Days 1-3: Single travellers will share a tent with another traveller and couples will have a tent to themselves.
Day 4: Single travellers will share a room with another traveller and couples will have a private room.

This hike is demanding, it is important to be in good physical condition. There are important temperature changes associated with altitude changes (from 4000 metres to 2000 metres).

Bring or Rent in Cuzco: hiking poles, rain pants, rain poncho, trekking boots, sandals, warm socks, sweater, thermals, hat, gloves, sun hat, sun block, sun glasses, flashlight/torch, camera, extra batteries and memory card (there is limited to no electricity available during the trek), waterproof bags for your camera, hand sanitizer, personal first aid kit, water bottle. Bring extra cash for snacks, water, gatorade which doubles or triples in price along the trail. Bathing suit for hot springs in Santa Teresa Town (this activity is available at an additional price).

Original passport, visa (if applicable), insurance card, personal medications.

On all of our Inca Trail Treks and Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu, we search for the best cooks who put forth their best effort to provide you with the best tasting meals on the mountain.

All of our cooks pride themselves on their delicious specialty menus with the freshest local ingredients available. Every meal is prepared fresh with plenty of variety and an abundant quantity of food including a vegetarian option for every meal (please advise prior to departure). Here is an idea of what you will be eating during your trek.

Vegetarian Option Available Upon Request (please advise at least 2 days in advance).

BREAKFASTS:
Hot porridge, quinoa or oats, fried eggs, egg omelette or pancakes with fresh bread, fried bananas and boiled water for hot tea, coca, coffee, chocolate and milk.

LUNCH & DINNER:
First Course: Quinoa, corn, noodle, asparagus, mushroom or vegetable soup, stuffed avocado or potatoes
Second Course: Chicken breast, beef stew, quinoa, fried rice, hamburgers, fried chicken, spaghetti bolognese, typical dishes: aji de gallina (chilli pepper chicken), escabeche de pollo (marinated chicken) or ajiaco de olluco (spicy potato stew).
Deserts: Fried plantains, chocolate pudding, chocolate or vanilla cake and boiled water for hot tea, coca, coffee, chocolate and milk.

SNACKS:
Boiled water for hot tea, coca, coffee, chocolate and milk with popcorn, cookies, crackers.

Take an OPTIONAL hike up the steep peak named Huayna Picchu, which is located inside the Machu Picchu archaeological site. This sometimes muddy peak takes about 45 – 60 minutes to hike up and awards you with unforgettable views of Machu Picchu from a coveted perspective. Keep in mind that if you want to take this optional hike, you must now purchase your ticket at least 2 weeks in advance for an additional cost in order to get one of the 400 passes (200 people are allowed up at 7:00 am and 200 more at 10:00 am). Please send us an email directly to request this extra ticket.