4-Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Day 1: Pisacucho to Wayllabamba (12 km)

After breakfast, you will head to the starting point of the trek, known as Kilometer 82. You will have a smooth trek and visit ruins such as the city of Patallacta. You will also see Willkarakay, a military post located above the site of Patallacta. Then, you will enter the valley of Wayllabamba, walking along the banks of the Cusichaca ("happy bridge") River, while also seeing the Inca terraces that belong to the previous archaelogical sites. You'll keep going up to arrive to our first campsite in Wayllabamba.

Day 2: Wayllabamba to Pacaymayu (11 km)

Early in the morning we begin the trek to reach the highest point on the Inca trail, the mountain pass of Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman's pass). The first portion takes 1.5 hours and goes through densely vegetated Andean forest until getting to the campsite of Three Stones, where we will take a short rest. We continue the ascent and the habitat changes as we enter the inter-andean forest full of Unca trees. Two hours later, we reach the campsite of Llulluchapampa, where we will take an extended rest with snacks and hot drinks. From here begins the final ascent to the pass of Warmihuañusca at 4,215 meters (13,829 feet).

Day 3: Pacaymayu to Winayhuayna (15 km)

We begin ascending for about 45 minutes to the archaeological site of Runkurakay, located mid-mountain. This was a tambo, or resting place in the old times. Then, after another 45 minutes, we reach the second highest pass of the Inca trail, Runkurakay (3950 m, 12,959 feet), after which we head down to the beautiful archaeological site of Sayacmarca and have lunch at Chaquicocha. From here onward to Phuyupatamarca, we will enter the high Andean cloud forest, a wonderful display of nature's beauty. The trail continues a narrow ridge until arriving to the pass of Phuyupatamarka, a natural viewing area where it is possible to see the Sacred Valley and numerous mountain peaks, as well as our final destination of Machu Picchu. We then descend to our last campsite, Wiñayhuayna.

Day 4: Winayhuayna to Machu Picchu (5 km)

On this day, we head to Machu Picchu. After a 45-minute descent, we get to the highest area of Machu Picchu, a natural viewpoint to take the classic picture. Then, we enter the site through the main entrance and register. We then take a 2-hour guided tour of the citadel to learn more about this magical place of beauty and culture left by our ancestors. Then, you will have time to explore on your own before descending by bus to Aguas Calientes. Meet your guide there and have lunch. Get your train tickets and take the train to Ollantaytambo where you will be picked up and taken by bus back to Cusco.