Inca Trail Hike & Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley 1 Day

What’s Included in Your Inca Trail Experience with Machupicchu Trek

At Machupicchu Trek, we are committed to delivering the most reliable, safe, and enriching Inca Trail experience available. Our comprehensive inclusions reflect our dedication to excellence, ensuring every traveler enjoys a seamless, comfortable, and culturally immersive journey to Machu Picchu.

1. Expert Professional Guides

• Highly trained, English-speaking guides educated in tourism and Andean culture, many from the prestigious National University of Cusco.

• Local specialists with extensive knowledge of Inca history, biodiversity, and regional heritage.

• Committed to safety, environmental stewardship, and providing exceptional guest care.

2. Official Permits

• Complete processing of the required Inca Trail permits, including your Machu Picchu entrance ticket.

• Permits are date-specific and non-transferable, guaranteeing your secured entry on the selected departure.

3. Pre-Trek Briefing

• Detailed orientation at the Machupicchu Trek office the evening before your trek.

• Personalized duffel bag (maximum 7 kg / 14 lbs) provided for items transported by your personal porter.

4. Personal Porter Service

• A dedicated porter carries your duffel bag throughout the trek—included at no extra cost.

• Ethical porter treatment following our fair-work and weight-distribution standards.

5. Transportation

• Early-morning hotel pick-up (around 4:00 a.m.) unless staying in Ollantaytambo.

• Comfortable transportation to KM 82, the official Inca Trail starting point.

• Return trip on the Expedition Train from Aguas Calientes (upgrade to Vistadome for $75 per person).

• Round-trip bus ticket between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.

6. Premium Camping Equipment

• High-performance Eureka Timberline 4-season tents, shared by two travelers for optimal space and comfort.

• Large, fully equipped dining tents for meals and social time.

7. Exceptional Cuisine

• Fresh, nutritious meals prepared by our professional trekking chefs.

• Dietary needs and special restrictions accommodated with advance notice.

• Family-style breakfasts, lunches, and dinners served daily.

• Afternoon “happy hour” with hot drinks and snacks.

• Daily trail snacks provided each morning.

8. Safe Drinking Water

• Boiled, filtered, and cooled water supplied from the first lunch to the final breakfast.

• We recommend carrying bottles or a hydration system with a minimum capacity of 3 liters.

9. First Aid & Safety Protocols

• Guides certified in first aid, emergency response, and high-altitude management.

• Complete first-aid kit and supplemental oxygen carried on every trek.

10. Added Comforts

• Included extras such as a small pillow, foam mattress, backpack rain cover, and high-quality rain poncho.

• Attention to comfort details that elevate your trekking experience.

11. Satellite Communication

• Every lead guide carries a satellite phone, allowing instant communication in emergencies or unforeseen circumstances—one of the highest safety standards in the industry.

12. All Taxes & Applicable Fees

• All government taxes, permit fees, and administrative costs are fully covered.

Not Included

1. Optional Gear Rentals

• Sleeping bag: $20

• Inflatable air mattress: $15

• Trekking poles (pair): $15

2. Huayna Picchu Entrance

• Optional hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain (additional $75).

• Must be booked at least one month in advance due to limited availability.

3. Final-Day Lunch

• Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes is not included.

Essential Tour Information – Machupicchu Trek

Hiking • Culture • Adventure • Authentic Andean Experience

Tour Overview

• Tour Type: Hiking, camping, adventure, history, and cultural immersion.

• Total Distance: 50 km / 31 miles along the legendary Inca Trail.

• Recommended For: Travelers who enjoy full-day hikes and possess a moderate to high fitness level.

• Difficulty: Challenging—altitude, steep ascents, and varied terrain require good physical preparation.

• Permit Requirement: Mandatory. Machupicchu Trek manages your official Inca Trail permit immediately after booking.

• Operating Season: March 1st – January 31st.

• Trail Closure: Every February, the Inca Trail closes for annual conservation and maintenance.

Altitude Facts for a Better Trekking Experience

The classic 4-day Inca Trail features several key altitude points:

• KM 82 (Starting Point): 2,720 m / 8,924 ft

• Wayllabamba Camp: 3,000 m / 9,842 ft

• Dead Woman’s Pass (Highest Point): 4,215 m / 13,828 ft

• Phuyupatamarca: 3,670 m / 12,040 ft

• Machu Picchu: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft

Understanding altitude helps travelers prepare physically and mentally, reducing the risk of altitude sickness and enhancing the trekking experience.

Best Time to Hike the Inca Trail

Recommended Months for the Best Experience

• April – June: Clear skies, lush landscapes after the rainy season.

• July – September: Peak dry season with the most stable weather—ideal for photography.

• October – November: Fewer crowds, pleasant temperatures, and greener valleys.

Weather Considerations

• Dry Season (April–October): Cooler nights, sunny days—perfect for trekking.

• Rainy Season (November–March): More rainfall and cloud cover, but quieter trails.

February is always closed.

Important Tax Exemption Information

Foreign and Peruvian non-resident travelers are exempt from Peru’s General Sales Tax (IGV) on hotel stays. To qualify:

• Present your original passport and Andean Migration Card (TAM) at each hotel.

• Non-resident travelers from Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Bolivia, and Chile may also qualify using a valid ID.

• Your entry date to Peru must not exceed 60 days.

• Any extras such as room service, beverages, or personal expenses must be paid by the traveler.

Note: The order of activities and specific schedules may vary based on operational feasibility, weather, or local conditions.

Cancellation & Refund Policy – Machupicchu Trek

Our policies are designed to be transparent and aligned with national regulations and Inca Trail permit rules.

Services

• Cancellations within 30 days of travel:
  100% penalty — no refund, due to strict government permit regulations.

• Cancellations from 31–90 days before departure:
  50% penalty of the total payment.

• Cancellations 91+ days prior:
  35% penalty for administrative and operational costs.

• Post-purchase changes:
  Any modification after reserving your trek incurs a 35% administrative fee plus any fare differences for new travel dates.

Important Note About the Inca Trail

Inca Trail permits are issued in your name and passport number and cannot be modified, refunded, or transferred.
All Inca Trail programs carry a 100% penalty from the moment the reservation is completed, as required by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture.

Weather or External Factors

Certain services may be altered or canceled due to:

• Severe weather

• Natural events

• Transportation disruptions

• Government restrictions

These circumstances are outside our control, and refunds cannot be issued for interruptions caused by such events.

Transportation Policies

Refunds, name changes, or modifications for:

• Airlines

• Rail companies

• Buses

• Cruises and other carriers

are subject entirely to each provider’s policies.
Some suppliers apply stricter conditions for group reservations.

Traveler Tips for a Smooth Journey

✔ Acclimatize in Cusco 2–3 days before your hike to minimize altitude effects.
✔ Pack layers—mountain weather changes quickly.
✔ Bring high-quality hiking boots already broken in.
✔ Hydrate often and eat light meals while adjusting to altitude.
✔ Carry a reusable bottle—water is provided daily.
✔ February closures are ideal for planning ahead for future trips.

Why This Information Is Unique to Machupicchu Trek

This section has been written to reflect:

• • Our expertise operating high-altitude treks for years

  • Our authority as a specialized Inca Trail and Machu Picchu operator

  • Our commitment to clarity, safety, and traveler education

  • Our transparency in policies and ethics