HIGHLIGHTS
- Hiking the second most beautiful place on earth.
- We do this Trip according your demands in a Private Tour
- Transfer airport Pick up and drop off are included(Cusco city)
- Panoramic train on the way back to Cusco
- Learn and interact with our native Tour Guides
- Meet our multicultural team
- 2% of the price you pay goes to support our Social Projects
- Extra porter is included to carry your personal stuff (7 kg duffle bag, most tour companies charge you for this extra service).
Pre-Trek Briefing:
The tour guide will meet you at your hotel one day before your tour to give you a briefing. They will tell you all about your tour and answer any questions you may have. It is important to us that you ask any questions you may have so the tour guide will get you ready for your amazing tour.
Trekking With The Best Team
You will hike with the best team made of our guides, our chefs and porters. You will be proud of the people in our team for their hard work. We treat our team very well and provide them with everything they need to work well and respond to your needs. We have the best equipment to camp in each camping sites.
What makes us different?
Runas Expeditions is owned by locals and based in Cusco-Peru. Runas Expeditions has the best professional staff, we work hard to provide a high-quality service, RE organize all kinds of tour packages and we are ready to answer your questions, we arrange your tour according to your needs and we are very flexible. And the most important thing for us is your safety in each tour, you are in good hands, we take care of you from door to door.
- 100 % local tour company
- Passion for the essential and details
- Passion for Peru Tours
- Small groups and _customized experiences
- Authentic experiences
- Safety standars
- Experienced Tour Guides
- Committed to social projects
Equipment
Every camping tour includes a spacious 4 man tent that will be shared by only two people so you can spread out a bit. These are all King Camp Tents made for all seasons, and the inflatable mattress are included. Our rentals are top of the line: Black Diamond Adjustable Walking Sticks. Sleeping Bags rented from us are mummy style down bags for -15C and liners are always included.
Food
Every trek includes a chef that has been trained in culinary school. They have learned the magic of mountain cooking and you will be amazed. You will enjoy full breakfast, lunch and dinner all served hot and tasty. We also include Happy Hour with snacks and some hot tea before dinner. The key to feeling good on a trek like this is eating well and staying hydrated.
Meals are all served family style – large plates for everyone to take what they like. And all food restrictions are honored. No matter if you are vegetarian or gluten free, you will always be well fed.
TOUR NAME: PRIVATE INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS.
- TOTAL DISTANCE: 45km / 26 miles.
- Day1: 13km/6 miles, 7 hours aprox.
- Day2: 16 km /10 miles, 10 hours aprox.
- Day3: 10 km/6 miles, 5 hours aprox.
- Day4: 5 km/3 miles, 2 hours aprox.
- Type of trek: Nature, Cultural and history adventure and much more.
- Elevation: 2000 m / 6400 ft.
- Elevation: 4200 m / 13700 ft.
- Weather: From May to October dry season, from November to April wet season.
- Hot Spring: 4th Day, Optional at Aguas Calientes Town.
- HuaynaPicchu Mountain: Optional, you can climb if you book the ticket.
- Machu Picchu Mountains: optional, you can climb if you book the ticket.
- Train Service: Expedition at 2:55pm or 3:20pm.
- Departure Dates: Depended of your booking Time.
Optional items:
- Vistadome Train (one way): $75 per person
- Huayna Picchu Mountain –tickets cost an additional $75 per person. To get this ticket, you need to book far in advance; climbing takes 2 hours round trip.
- Machu Picchu Mountain – tickets cost an additional $75 per person. To get this ticket, you need to book far in advance; climbing takes 3 hours round trip.
DAY 1: KM82 – HUAYLLABAMBA – AYAPATA.
Your amazing tours start today. We will pick you up with our private transport from your hotel at 4:30 am. And then we will drive for 3 hours approximately to get the starting point of the Inca Trail. On the way we are going to stop to purchase the last stuff for our trekking and also you can use toilet there (ollantaytambo).
After Ollantaytambo we keep driving to km 82 which is the beginning of trek Inca trail, before hiking our chef will make our delicious breakfast, breakfast place is not that far from the first check point of the Inca trail. We will start to hike at 9:00 am at most. The first day, it’s not really difficult, we will hike 14 kilometers or 9 miles which means, you will hike 7 hours approximately.
From the beginning of the trek to lunch place will be 4 and half hours, some sections are flat and also up to get our lunch spot. The trek in the morning you will pass through villages like Carpaqmayu, Mesqay, Tarayoq, Hatunchaca, etc. After lunch it will be just 2 more hours uphill zigzag and also you will pass through the last villages of the trail called Huayllabamba (3000m/9600ft). This afternoon hike, it probably will be the difficult part of first day.
Time to arrive campsite called Ayapata (3300 or 10500 ft), it is around 4:30pm. Our porters will be waiting for you at the camping place.
Don’t worry if you are hiking slowly the professional tour guides are patient, the tour guides will be ready to help you at any times.
Trip overview:
- Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Happy hour, Dinner.
- Lowest Elevation: 2850 m/9120 ft
- Highest Elevation: 3300m/ 10500 ft
- Distance of walking: 14km/9 miles
- Approximate walking time: 7 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate.
- Area: Dry / warm Mountain.
DAY 2: AYAPATA – DEAD WOMAN PASS – PACAYMAYU – CHAQUICOCHA.
It’s the longest day. Wake up time is with our amazing coca tea in your tent (room service) at 5am. After breakfast you will be hiking officially on the second day. We will be hiking 16 kilometers or 10 miles. We will climb two mountains, the first mountain, it is the hardest climb to dead woman pass (4200m or 13700ft), it takes 3 and ½ hours from the first camp to the dead woman pass, on the way you have such incredible views of the big Mountains, this part of the Inca trail is original trail and also at the beginning of the second day you will hike into the small forest for 2 hours and then you will reach another camp site called llulluchapampa, and also you are going to meet local shops and toilets. Llullachampampa will be the last place to purchase something until Machu Picchu.
Afterwards you continue going up for 2 hours more to get Dead Woman Pass which is the highest point in all Inca trail, at summit you will rest and enjoy the amazing views and also you are taking your photos, the experience is unique at summit.
Afterwards we will go downhill Inca steps for 2 hours to get lunch called Pacaymayu (3600m or 11800ft). enjoy our buffet lunch + time of siesta. After lunch, we will be hiking 4 more hours to reach our camping spot called Chaquicocha (3600m or 11800ft9), which is included the second hill.
On the way up to the second summit you will be visiting the Inca site called Runcuraqay (inca watch tower), and then you continue 1 more hour to reach the second Pass called Rucuraqay Pass (4000m/12800ft) and the views around is also incredible. After some time on the top you will continue going down for 2 hours more to get our camping spot Chaquicocha. On the way down, you will be visiting two more Inca sites called Sayaqmarca and Conchamarca (both of them are close). Then you walk 30 minutes more to get camp spot and this part of the trail is almost flat and also is cloud forest (beginning of the amazon basin).
Chaquicocha camp is the best place to enjoy it the stars.
Trip overview:
- Meals: Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Happy hour, Dinner.
- Lowest Elevation: 3300 m/10500 ft
- Highest Elevation: 4215 m/ 13700 ft
- Distance of walking: 16km/10 miles
- Approximate walking time: 10 hours
- Level of Difficulty: challenging.
- Area: Dry and Humid Mountain
DAY 3: CHAQUICOCHA – PHUYUPATAMARCA PASS – WIÑAYWAYNA.
Third day is our happy day (short day), we will only hike 6 hours, 10 kilometers or 6 miles. Wake up time will be with our amazing coca tea in your tent again at 6am. We start to walk around 7:00am and we will finish around 1:30pm. This day is another unbelievable day, because of the views, the vegetation, Inca sites. The Inca trail is mostly original and much more to enjoy it. Third day you will be able to see the second highest Mountain in Cusco region SALKANTAY Mountain (6270m / 21000ft). And today is mostly jungle and downhill Inca steps.
From the camp spot to the third Pass Phuyupatamarca (3650m/11680ft) will be 2 hours of hiking with little up and down almost flat, once you reach the third Pass you will be able to see Machupicchu and Huaynapicchu Mountain so the views are just incredible. Then we will go downhill Inca steps for 3 and half hours in order to get our camp spot WIÑAYWAYNA (2650m/8480ft), on the way down you will visit two Inca ruins PHUYUPATAMARCA (3600m/11520ft) and INTIPATA (2850m/9120ft), both sites are the best you should go and explore. After Intipata ruins you walk 30 minutes more going down to get lunch & campsite around at 1:30pm.
After lunch you don´t hike any more you rest all afternoon, during this free time you can take a cold shower or take some rest or whatever you want to do. Later on you will visit the most beautiful Inca ruins which is only 10 minutes of walking, the tour Guide will explain everything about the site once you have done this, you go back to camp site to enjoy the last happy hour and dinner, right after dinner you say goodbye to your porters and also that is the time to tip them. For us it´s important how happy you are about the services so in this case tipping is optional.
Get ready more next day.
Trip overview:
- Meals: Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Happy hour, Dinner.
- Lowest Elevation: 2650 m/ 8480 ft
- Highest Elevation: 3650 m/ 11700 ft
- Distance of walking: 10km/ 6 miles
- Approximate walking time: 5 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate.
- Area: humid warm Mountain
DAY 4: WIÑAYWAYNA – SUNGATE – MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO.
Machupicchu the most important day. The last day, you will just hike 2 hours to Machupicchu, but you need to get up at 3:30am. Why? Two reasons, one of them is our porter they need to catch the first train in the morning and the other one is because everyone gets excited to be first people at Sun gate and Machu Picchu however you take your time on the way. You have breakfast, after breakfast you walk only 10 minutes to the check point and wait there until rangers open the check point.
This check point still located by the campsite and opens at 5:30am, you have to do a line for about one hour at the check point. At 5:30am you will hike officially to Machupicchu: first part will be from check point Wiñaywayna to Sungate for 1hour, this part of trail is almost flat for 45 minutes and last 20 minutes will be up steps to get Sun gate. At Sungate you will have the first views of Machu Picchu, from Sungate you really see Machupicchu unless is cloudy. (enjoy it this moment)
Afterwards you continue going down gently way for one more hour to reach Machu Picchu city. Once you get there you will go straight to classic place to take the postcard pictures or classic photos of Machu Picchu, then you go down steps to get the main check point of Machu Picchu and also you have the chance to use the toilets and rest a little bit, by the way the only toilets at Machu Picchu is by the check point make sure to use it before going back in Machu Picchu for your tour.
The Tour at Machu Picchu is around 8:00am in the morning for about 2 hours, you will be visiting the most important places temples, palaces, altar, etc. After the tour you will have free time to visit by your own so you can explore the Inca bridge or the Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain or just stay around Machu Picchu city. Once you have done with Machu Picchu, you catch a bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes town to meet up your tour guide to provide your train ticket and have lunch together. celebrate with your group since you successfully completed your adventure to Machu Picchu and you deserve it.
After lunch you get ready to go back in Cusco. (Train expedition service is at 2:55pm or 3:20pm we will confirm you in your briefing time)
Your transportation back in Cusco, it will be by train and bus. From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo town, it will be by train Expedition, which will take 1 hour and half, then from Ollantaytambo to Cusco, it will be by our private van, which will take 2 hours.
All transportation back in Cusco or anywhere will be to your hotel.
Trip overview:
- Meals: Breakfast, Snack.
- Lowest Elevation: 2000 m/6400 ft
- Highest Elevation: 2700 m/ 8640 ft
- Distance of walking: 5 km/ 2 miles.
- Approximate walking time: 2 hours.
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate and easy.
- Area: warm and humid Mountain.
Note: all our tour guides will take you to the official place to take the classic pictures of Machupicchu, and after this the tour guide will start the tour. Also, if you would like to hike Machupicchu or Huaynapicchu Mountain, or do any other upgrade, please let us know and we will arrange for you.
Huaynapicchu and Machupicchu Mountain you should book in advance like 4 months before doing any tours in Peru. Don’t worry. We are ready to help at any time because you are very important to us, and we will give you the best experience ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHY RUNAS EXPEDITIONS?
RUNAS EXPEDITIONS is an experienced travel company, we are experts doing tours and you are our motivation; to show you our culture; You will have your best adventure and experience ever in PERU. We will work together to do your trip, hiking through the Andes to reach MACHUPICCHU or any other tours.
Peru is one of the countries that has so many things to do as an adventure, so we offer you the best experiences ever in your lifetime. Whatever is your tour you will have the best adventures. All our tours are only and strictly operated by RUNAS EXPEDITIONS with our professional staff. we are located and based in Cusco, working more than 10 years in the tourism industry, we believe that we are in advance than any others tour companies because we really practice and educate the people to protect the environment and we really help to local people with giving jobs, and giving donations to the local children. And we really care about our employees guides, chefs, porters, horsemen and all our staff. Runas Expeditions contributes to the Peruviangovernment with 19%taxes on all sales (overseas companies are exempt from paying this so do not contribute to the Peruvian economy in this aspect).
All our tour guides are from university who speak English; they are very professional with a lot knowledgeable and a lot passion to their work.
DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
Well all the treks Inca trail, Ancascocha trek, Inca Quarry Trek, Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, Ausangate trek or whatever trek are moderately difficult, at least you need to train like go running, gym, hike a little bit or do any exercise. On the trail you will have enough time do anything, if you are hiking slow on the way that’s not problem take your time enjoy yourself because our tour guides will be ready to help at any times.
Please when you will be going high altitudes, go slowly and steady and drink a lot water and of course drink the magical coca tea.
How long in advance should I book for the Inca trail?
Inca Trail is busy almost all year; high season is May, Jun and July and government allow only 500 people per day as permission. You have to book 5, 6, 7 months in advance before doing the Inca Trail.
For the alternative trek or any Machu Picchu tours: Ancascocha Treks, Inca Quarry Trek, Lares trek, salkantay, Huchuy Qosqo etc. You can book three months in advance before doing the trek or any tour.
How can I proceed to book a reservation for the Inca trail?
Sending your main Departure date and back up date:
You must provide us a main date and a backup date. By providing us with a main date and a backup date for your trek classic Inca Trail, you automatically authorize Runas Expeditions to use either of these dates for your reservation. Runas Expeditions within the next 24 hours, we will send you an electronic receipt confirming your trek has been officially booked and also to confirm the exact departure date of your trek. And will be required to make a deposit of 20% or 200$ USA of the total price of the Inca Trail. If you want more information just follow the website or contact us.
How can I proceed to book a reservation for the altervative treks?
The same as the Inca Trail, sending your departure date and backup date:
You must provide us a main date and a backup date. By providing us with a main date and a backup date for your trek classic, you automatically authorize Runas Expeditions to use either of these dates for your reservation. Runas Expeditions within the next 24 hours, we will send you an electronic receipt confirming your trek has been officially booked and also to confirm the exact departure date of your trek and also you have to do a deposited of 200$ usa or 20% of the total price of the trip.
How many days in advance is recommended to BE in Cusco?
How far in advance must one check in at the ROYAL ADVENTURE Office to guarantee the reservation?All the hiker from any treks, we high recommended to be in Cusco 1 or 2 days before doing the trek or any tour in order to acclimatize with high elevation. The last details about your trek (to pay the remaining balance) should be at the Runas Expeditions office at least two days prior to departure.
HOW TO MAKE A DEPOSIT?
We are Unable to accept any bookings without completed booking form and deposit sent to Runas Expeditions. All deposits are $200 per person and are non-refundable.
We accept payments through PayPal and Visa, they do charge 6% so the total per person is $212 and should be sent to runasexpeditions@gmail.com
You can make your deposit by clicking on the PAYPAL symbols on our page or you need to log into your Paypal account and send the money to runasexpeditions@gmail.com
NOTE: The client will assume all transaction fees.
CAN I BOOK GROUP SERVICE OR PRIVATE SERVICE.
When you book as Group Service, you will meet people from different nationalities, different ages, and different culture minds, while you are hiking you don’t have to wait for the last one but you will wait at lunch place and camping site because you will share the same food, the same sleeping tents etc.
When you book as Private Service, you will definitely have exclusive service with more details and surprise to you. You will travel just yourself not with other people to share thing, it will selected just two people for honeymooners, for family or a group of friends and normally the groups are small but they could be a big group.
Is there a meeting before the trek?
Of course there will be a meeting at Runas Expeditions office before doing any tours, where you will meet your tour guide, the rest of your group, and be provided with a clear information about your trek or any tours.
Can i rent equipment from Runas expeditions?
Yes, You can. Here you can rent sleeping bag, sleeping tens, trekking poles, inflammable matrass or air mattresses but we don’t rent hiking boots, rain jackets or other personal clothing.
CAN I RENT AN EXTRA PORTER AND HOW MUCH WILL THEY CARRY FOR ME?
Runas Expeditions, you don’t have to pay for extra porter, we included in all our tour extra porter to carry 6 kilos per person (duffle bag), so we are the only tour company who provide this. You will carry just a small daypack.
DO I NEED INSURANCE?
We strongly advise you to get travel insurance that covers accidents, medical expenses and emergency repatriation, including rescue and air ambulance. We also recommend that it covers bad weather tour cancellations, loss of luggage, etc. Please forward a copy/ policy number to our offices.
How many people will there be in my group?
According to Peruvian laws and regulation on the Inca Trail, the maximum group size is 16 hikers and 2 tour guides. After 9 hikers there will be 2 tour guides, and from 2 hikers to 8 hikers there will be a tour guide. At many times of year, the group size will be smaller.
IF I am travelling by myself. Will I have to share THE SLEEPING tent?
The sleeping tents for all our treks are 4 man tents but we only designed for two people in each thus allowing you more space and comfort. If you are travelling alone and there is an even number of people in your group, you will share the tent with somebody else unless you rent an extra single tent.
ARE THERE TOILETS ALONG THE WAY?
On the Inca Trail there are toilets at every lunch spot and every campsites. The type of toilets are squat toilets and sometimes will be busy, they may become slightly dirty.
We will provide chemical baths on the Inca trail and alternate treks, as these baths are more hygienic
WHAT KIND OF FOOD ARE THERE ON THE TRAIL? Can I GET my dietary needs?
You should not worry about the food; our meals are just amazing and plenty for everyone, the type of food that we provide are buffet so you can eat as much as you want. And definitely we have the best food, by the way you will have four meals per Day Breakfast, Lunch, Happy hour and Dinner.
Runas Expeditions is able to accommodate many types of needs upon request at the time of booking. If you are vegetarian or any specially diet or any specific allergies, it will not be a problem for. Our international chefs will be able to give you a surprise at every meal and you will have variety of dietary needs.
WILL I GET WATER ALONG THE WAY?
We will provide you boiled water. At Every morning, you will get plenty water from us, and after every lunch you will get more water from us, even if you need water at night just let us know.
Is there a student discount?
Runas Expeditions gives student discounts of %25. You only need to send us your scanned student card at booking time, and your price will be adjusted accordingly.
WHAT TIME WILL I GET BACK TO CUSCO?
We give you all the chance to enjoy more the Inca city Machu Picchu. Our transportation back to Cusco is not early and not late. That’s why we have to book in advance too, because the Train Company Peru Rail provides us all departure times. You will get back to Cusco between 7pm to 8pm.
WHAT TIME WILL I ARRIVE AT MACHUPICCHU?
When you are coming from the Inca Trail, you will arrive to MachuPicchu around 7:30am. But if you are doing any others tour you will arrive to MachuPicchu between 6:30am to 7am or depend on your bokking time.
IS THERE ANY OTHERS THINGS TO DO AT MACHUPICCHU?
After the guiding tour you will have plenty of time to visit by yourself. If you book for the extra climb to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Macho Picchu Mountain you can do it, or you can go to the Inca Bridge or you can go the Sun Gate or you can just explore at the Inca city.
WHY AND HOW MUCH SHOULD WE TIP THE PORTERS?
Runas Expeditions fully complies with the porter’s Law (27608) requirements of payment and insurance. However, tipping is a tradition on the Inca Trail or any trek that has been taking place for the 20 years as a way of showing the porters your gratitude. Generally the groups prepare a collective tip which is shared out between the cook, head porter and porters. Suggested amount to tip is 90 soles to each porter and 250 soles the cook, from the whole group not from each tourist.
Please Note: to tip to the porters is a personal decision and it is optional.
SHOULD I TIP THE GUIDE?
Tipping the guide is again a personal decision. If you decide to tip we recommend that it is according their performance, knowledge and skills while on the trail. Guides are tipped individually at the end of the trek and tipping depends on their performance!
WHAT HAPPENED IF I GET SICK DO I NEED TO TURN BACK?
We have a very low rate of people turning back once on the trek. Our priority is to help you complete it; all our guides are properly trained and carry a first aid kit and a bottle of oxygen for emergencies. Please do not think about this, be positive mind and definitely you are in good hands.
In the exceptional case that a trekker decides to head back once they have started the trek, they must pay additional expenses such as food, lodging and transportation. On the last day the tourist will be able to rejoin the group and participate in the Machu Picchu tour.
No refund will be given.
What KIND OF MONEY is used in Peru?
Peruvian Soles are the national currency.
What type of money is most commonly accepted?
Soles are accepted everywhere in Peru. However, at tourist sites you are often able to use American dollars and money exchanges are easy to find it.
