DAY 1: TRANSFER TO KM 82 – HIKE TO HUAYLLABAMBA
- Pick up from the hotel at 🕐 06:00 am and transfer to the head of the Inca Trail at Piscacucho, Km 82 (2,850m/9,350ft), where we meet the porters. Three hours’ drive to Piscacucho, and our car typically stops for an hour at Ollantaytambo for breakfast.
- We begin our trip on the Inca Trail by crossing the Urubamba River on a bridge. Then we trek down the Urubamba River’s left bank towards the Sacred Valley. We follow a level path to Miskay. Enjoy an airborne panoramic picture of the fantastic Inca City of Llactapata as we continue on our way.
- Continue our hike through the Kusichaca Valley for about five hours until we reach Huayllabamba town (3,000m/9,840ft) and camp for the night. Throughout the drive, we marvel at the magnificent Vilcanota ridge on the other side of the Urubamba River. The Veronica peak towers above us at 5,832m (19,134ft).
- The first day of the Inca Trail is easy and prepares for the days ahead.
- Distance estimate: 12 km (7,47 miles), estimated walking time: 5-6 hours.
Overnight in camp.
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner.
DAY 2: FROM HUAYLLABAMBA TO PAQAYMAYU (CROSSING THE HIGHEST POINT)
- This day is the most challenging and high-altitude day on the Inca Trail, with an 11 km steep rise. Pack the day bag with lots of chocolates or candy to maintain blood sugar levels and prevent altitude sickness.
- After breakfast, we begin our demanding day with a sharp climb to the Warmi Wañusca Pass, the Dead Woman’s Pass (4,200m/13,776ft). Along this path, the surroundings transform into a mountainous terrain where we may see local alpacas and llamas grazing on the Ichu grass.
- We walk downwards on a meandering trail that skirts around the valley next to our next campground. Additionally, we pass through a region known as the cloud forest, home to various species, including sparrows, hummingbirds, and the Andean bear, the spectacled bear.
- After 6 hours of trekking, we descend into the valley of Paqaymayu (3,500m/11,480ft), where we find our campsite. Enjoy a wonderful meal and rest after an exhausting day.
- Distance estimate: 11 km (6,84 miles), estimated walking time: 6-7 hours.
Overnight in camp.
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 3: PAQAYMAYU TO WIÑAYHUAYNA (DESCENDING INTO THE CLOUD FOREST)
- Following breakfast, we continue down the Inca Trail’s longest and most spectacular route. Numerous ancient monuments, lush cloud forests, and thriving wildlife and flora of the Andes. We go from Paqaymayu to Abra Runkurakay (3,955m/12,975ft), the second pass.
- About halfway up the Inca route, we will come across the ruins of Runkurakay, a semi-circular Inca dwelling with a view of the Paqaymayu valley. After a brief stay, we continue into the Cloud Forest to the Sayacmarca Archaeological Site.
- Continuing the walk, we reach Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft) and descend to Phuyupatamarca, commonly known as “the town in the clouds,” where we may explore this incredible Inca remnant.
- We descend a long stone stairway to Wiñayhuayna (2,700m/8,858ft), an impressive Inca town with a vibrant agricultural complex, urban sector, and religious center near our camp.
- It is the final official camp before Machu Picchu. Get enough sleep to see the magnificent sunrise at Machu Picchu.
- Distance estimate: 16 km (9,94 miles), estimated walking time: 7-8 hours.
Overnight in camp.
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 4: HIKE SUN GATE, VISIT MACHU PICCHU SANCTUARY
- At around 🕐 04:00 am, we have breakfast and continue on the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, the last part of the journey, so we arrive at the Sun Gate by 06:00 am.
- After 40 minutes of walking, we arrive at Machu Picchu (2,430m/7,972ft) via the “House of the Guardians.” Machu Picchu (2,430m/7,972ft) was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
- Around 🕐 08:30 am, the guided tour begins; the guide expertly directs through the astounding ruins and main streets. Then wander around the town squares and climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone. The guided tour takes around two hours and 30 minutes.
- From 🕐 12:30 pm to 13:30, take the bus to Aguas Calientes.
- From 🕐 13:30 to 15:00, take lunch at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes.
- Return to Cusco: Board the train to return to Cusco later in the day. Arrive at Poroy station and then be picked up and transported to the Cusco hotel. Distance estimate: 4 km (2,49 miles), estimated walking time: 2 hours.
Overnight in camp.
Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch.
*END OF OUR SERVICES*
