Classic 4-Day Trek: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Itinerary

Day 1: Day 1. Inca Trail – Km 82 to Huayllabamba. (Meals: L, D) Camping

Stop At: Inca Trail, Cusco 08000 Peru
Between 04.00-04.30 am our private transport and staff will pick you up from your hotel. We drive to Piscacucho (2700m – 8856 ft), a community located on the 82nd kilometer of the Cusco Machu Picchu railroad, which is the starting point of the Inca Trail. We begin our hike by crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River and walking along its left shore as it flows northwest along the Sacred Valley. Following the trail along a flat terrain, we arrive in Miskay (2800m – 9184 ft), to then ascend and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the impressive Inca city of Llactapata (2650m/8692 ft). We continue trekking along the valley created by the Cusichaca River, gradually climbing for about five hours until we reach the community of Wayllabamba (3000 m – 9840 ft), where we set our first camp. All along the way we enjoy spectacular views of the Vilcanota ridge on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, where the impressive Veronica peak reigns at 5832 meters above sea level. Not to mention the diversity of wild flora and fauna that can be found all along the valley.

Total distance: 12 km (7,47 miles) estimated time 5-6 hours

Max. elevation: 3000 m (9,840 ft)

Campsite altitude: 3,000 m (9,840 ft)
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping tents

Day 2: Day 2. Inca Trail – Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo. (Meals: B, L, D) Camping.

Stop At: Inca Trail, Machu Picchu Peru
We wake up at around 6:00 am and after breakfast, we begin the most difficult part of the trek, which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km. along this climb, the landscape changes from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation). On the way to the first mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass – (4200m – 13779.35 ft), we may see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at high altitude. We also cross an area of the so called cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows, and the Andean bear, which is also called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus). We advise that on this day specially, your daypack is well stocked with candies, chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high, and help with altitude sickness. Immediately after the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600m -11808 ft), where we camp after approximately 7 hrs of hiking.

Total distance: 11 km (6,84 miles) Estimated time 6-7 hours

Max.elevation: 4,200 m (13,776 ft.)

Campsite altitude: 3,500 m (11,480 ft)
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping tents

Day 3: Day 3. Inca Trail – Pacaymayo to Wiñay Wayna. (Meals:B, L, D) Camping.

Stop At: Inca Trail, Cusco 08000 Peru
This day is the longest but also the most impressive and the most interesting, due the number of archaeological sites and the lush cloud forest area that we cross, so rich in Andean flora and fauna. From Pacaymayo we climb to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970 m – 13022 ft). Halfway up, we stop to visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3800 m – 12464 ft, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower. After going over the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3624 m – 11887 ft). This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Continuing up an easy climb, we arrive at the third pass, the Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700 m – 12136 ft). Along this climb we can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient craft, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain, and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order, saving the trail from the multi-leveled Andean geography. We go through an Inca tunnel to later arrive at the aforementioned pass and down to the complex of the same name. This is one of the most complete and best-preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and is located on the highest point of a mountain. Curiously, Phuyupatamarca means ¨town over the clouds¨. From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River valley. We continue our trek down the long descending stone steps that lead us to Wiñaywayna (2650m – 8692ft), an impressive Inca complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector, close to which our camp is located. After visiting the impressive archaeological site, we enjoy our farewell dinner at our camp.

Total distance: 16 km (9,94 miles) Estimated time 8 hours

Max. elevation: 3900 m (12,792 ft)

Campsite altitude: 2,650 m (8,692 ft)
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping tents

Day 4: Day 4. Inca Trail – Wiñay Wayna to Machu Picchu – Cusco (Meals: B)

Stop At: Machu Picchu, 08680, Peru
On this fourth and last day we get up at 3.30 am to leave Wiñaywayna an hour later and climb to the Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we may see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machupicchu. From Intipunku we descend into Machupicchu, and 40 minutes later we enter the citadel from the highest point through the ¨House of the Guardians¨. We then descend to the control point where we register ourselves and leave our backpacks. We immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around, climb the Machupicchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machupicchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it (please note that there are only 400 visitors allowed per day), and visit the Temple of the Moon or the impressive Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in its hot springs. From here we take the train back to the city of Cuzco, where we arrive after nightfall.

Total distance:4 km (2, 49 miles) estimated time 2 hours

Max. elevation 2,700 m (8,829 ft)
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.