day 1
Cusco - Patallaqta - Willkarakay - Wayllabamba
- Hiking Distance: 8.7 miles / 14 km (6-7 hours)
- Campsite Altitude: 3300 meters (high) above sea level
- Difficulty Level: Moderate (Getting accustomed to the Inca Trail)
- Climate: Warm with a presence of wind
We begin very early in the morning, our expedition to the classic Inca Trail. Therefore, we will pick you up early at your hotel in Cusco 4:30 TO 5:00 AM, and we will depart towards kilometer 82. Main checkpoint to enter the 4-day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, we will start with the hike, along the Inca Trail that will become easy and pleasant in the first kilometers. The walking trails are comfortable, and the landscapes are charming, so you can admire and look at the beauty around you. Starting with an incredible view of the snow-capped La Verónica, as well as the Urubamba River, which is located nearby.
After a few hours of walking, we will arrive at the archaeological complex of Patallaqta as well as Willkaraka, and after these visits we will stop for lunch, and then continue to our first camp Wayllabamba. In Wayllabamba, surrounded by a typically Andean climate, we will share a delicious dinner and spend the first night of this Inka Trail route to recover energy.
day 2
Wayllabamba - Paso de la Mujer Muerta - Pacaymayo
- Hiking Distance: 16 kilometers (approximately 9.94 miles).
- Campsite Altitude: 3600 meters (high) above sea level.
- Area: Andes and Cloud Forest.
- Climate: Cold and rainy.
We will start early after breakfast, on our significant second day of the classic Inca Trail. Undoubtedly, this is the most challenging day of the entire 4-day hike. However, it doesn’t mean it’s impossible; it just requires respect and consideration, both emotionally and physically prepared.
We begin at Wayllabamba, located at 2995 meters (approximately 9800 feet) above sea level. Our ascent takes us to 4216 meters (around 13,800 feet), which is the highest point of the Inca Trail—the Dead Woman’s Pass. From there, we start descending to Pacaymayo at 3610 meters (about 11,800 feet). Although the Inca Trail covers a relatively short distance—just over 9 kilometers (approximately 5.6 miles)—what makes it challenging is the altitude and the steep ascent.
Upon reaching Pacaymayo, we’ll have lunch and then enjoy a well-deserved rest. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the camp surroundings, observe birds, and settle in for the night.
day 3
Pacaymayo - Phuyupatamarca- Wiñaywayna
- Hiking Distance: 6.2 miles / 10 km (approximately 5 hours).
- Campsite Altitude: 2600 meters (high) above sea level (cold climate).
- Difficulty Level: Easy day—entire descent.
- Area: High cloud forest.
- Climate: Warm and very humid.
This is the most beautiful day of the entire hike, but also the day with the longest distance to cover.
Breathtaking panoramic views and the transition into the jungle or the Amazon, combined with Inca citadels nestled in the mountains, make this day truly fascinating. We’ll start early with our hike, and along the way, we’ll visit Inca cities guided by our experts. We’ll delve deep into the lives of the ancient inhabitants of these magical mountain cities.
Our journey will take us to Runkuraqay, Sayaqmarka, Phuyupatamarka, Intipata, and Wiñaywayn – Inca citie – as well as agricultural terraces scattered along the Inca Trail toward Machu Picchu. Abundant wild orchids line the path, and you’ll encounter various birds, hummingbirds, spectacled bears, condors, pumas, and other wild animals.
day 4
Wiñaywayna - Sun gate - Machu Picchu - Cusco
- Walking distance: 5 km.
- Elevation in Machu Picchu: 2,400 meters.
This is the most anticipated section of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for all visitors. After breakfast, we resume our hike to take advantage of the fresh morning and hurry a bit to arrive in time for one of the greatest pleasures of this route: witnessing the sunrise at Machu Picchu. After an hour of walking, we will pass through the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu (Inti Punku), where you can appreciate the most impressive panoramic view. We continue along the Inca trail until we reach the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu and take the iconic postcard photo. Then, we’ll visit the main sites such as the enclosures, plazas, sacred fountains, Temple of the Sun, the Inca’s house, the agricultural and urban sectors, and more. Accompanied by your guide, you’ll have a guided tour of approximately 3 hours to learn historical details about the Inca culture. Alternatively, you can take photos and experience the special atmosphere that surrounds this ancient place.
Later, we’ll take the bus to the town of Aguas Calientes. In the evening or at dusk, we’ll return to Cuzco by train. By this point, you’ll have enjoyed one of the classic routes of the Inca Trail in Peru, which continues to amaze and bring together people from all cultures. The experience of exploring ancestral monuments can only be fully appreciated by taking the Inca Trail Tour.
WHAT INCLUDED?
- High-Quality Service
- Pre-departure Briefing
- Professional Guide in English and Spanish
- First Aid Kit and Oxygen
- Camping Equipment
- Consettur Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Inflatable Mattress
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
- Coca Tea to Wake Up
- Boiled Water: You can refill your bottles
- Tea Time: Every afternoon before dinner
- Daily Snacks on the Trail
- Private Transportation
- Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo: Service by Peru Rail Vistadome or 360 Inca Rail
- Porters and Cook
- Permits and Entrance Tickets for the Inca Trail
- Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu
NOT INCLUDED
- Hiking poles (15 dollars)
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes
- Travel insurance.
- Sleeping bag (20$).
- Entrance fee to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
- 01 extra porter (up to 14 kg) to help with personal belongings including sleeping bag/matra – $160. (The extra porter can be shared between 2 people).
- Tipping our staff: Tipping is customary on any excursion to Machu Picchu.
- Additional costs or delays beyond our control