Inca Trail Trek To Machu Picchu

Day 1 PISCACUCHO (Km.82)–HUAYLLABAMBA: We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and travel by bus to Piskacucho. There will be a stop in Ollantaytambo, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, for a brief rest. Our adventure starts at kilometre 82. We will trek alongside the Urubamba River for approximately 3 hours until reaching Miskay, a charming village where you can try the traditional drink, Chicha, offered by local women.

As we ascend, you'll catch views of Patallacta, an ancient Inca site nestled at the base of the mountains. After a 2-hour walk along the Cusichaca River, we'll pause at a scenic spot for lunch.

The Inca Trail is a remarkable journey leading to the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu. We'll traverse a lush path, surrounded by trees like cedar and laurel, and admire over 400 species of orchids and begonias. The Incas preserved the environment, laying stone paths that blend with the natural landscape and archaeological sites.

After our break, we continue towards our first campsite at Wayllabamba. Here, you can marvel at the stunning Andean scenery and the grandeur of Veronica Mountain. Distance: 6.8 miles – Estimated walking time: 5 to 6 hours.

Day 2 HUAYLLABAMBA – PACAYMAYU: Rising at 05:30 a.m. for breakfast, we embark on a challenging climb, ascending steps through a breathtaking jungle to reach Llulluchapampa for a short rest. We then continue to the highest point, the Abra de Warrmihuañusca or Dead Woman's Pass, at an altitude of 4,215 meters. This spot is renowned for its stunning views.

The Inca Trail weaves through the Andean mountains, jungles, and diverse highlands. You'll witness the awe-inspiring peaks of the Vilcabamba range.

After our ascent, we descend for lunch. Post-lunch, we'll reach our campsite at Pacaymayo for the night. Distance: 6.21 miles – Estimated walking time: 6 to 7 hours.

Day 3 PACAYMAYU – WIÑAYWAYNA: This unforgettable day begins with breakfast at 6:00 a.m., followed by a gentle 2-hour climb to the Runkurakay archaeological site at 4,000 meters, believed to have served as a lookout point. Along the trail, you'll encounter vibrant flora, birds, and lagoons.

During the Inca Trail tour, you'll have the chance to spot Peru's national bird, the Andean Cock of the Rock, as well as hummingbirds and other wildlife. The wonder of Machu Picchu is home to spectacled bears, pumas, Andean foxes, ferrets, Maltese cats, and reptiles like snakes.

We'll descend to the Sayacmarka ruins and proceed to Puyupatamarka, an impressive archaeological complex with an intricate water system. Eventually, we reach Wiñay Wayna, meaning “Forever Young,” considered the most beautiful ruins after Machu Picchu.

Our campsite is a short walk away. Distance: 9.9 miles – Estimated walking time: 7 to 8 hours.

Day 4 WIÑAYWAYNA – MACHUPICCHU: Start your day with an early breakfast before departing the campsite at 5:30 a.m., heading towards Machu Picchu. Arrive at "Inti Punku" before sunrise to behold the magnificent Inca citadel. A 2-hour guided tour follows, after which you can explore Machu Picchu independently.

The Inca Trail is a historic network that connected the Inca Empire. Built in the 15th century, it linked the coast with the Andean mountains and facilitated the movement of food, troops, and officials. Constructed under the reign of Inca Pachacutec, it served to manage the empire's territories.

After exploring, you may choose to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountains (optional). We will return to Aguas Calientes by bus and then take the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, we'll travel back to Cusco to drop you off at your hotel. Distance: 3.1 miles – Estimated walking time: 3 to 4 hours.