Day 1: Cusco – KM 82 – Wayllabamba – Yuncachimpa

Our first day on the Inca Trail will begin with an early departure from Cusco (3350m/10990f) at 05:00 am. We’ll travel by tourist bus, towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Along the way, we’ll make a short stop in Ollantaytambo where you’ll have the option to grab breakfast.

The official start of the Machu Picchu Inca Trail Hike, KM 82, will be our next stop. Here, you’ll meet the rest of the group and we’ll take care of the registration formalities. Afterward, we’ll cross the Rio Urubamba (2200m), marking the true beginning of our legendary journey.

Our first day will be relatively easy, serving as a good warm-up for the days ahead. We’ll stop in Miskay for lunch, settling by a small river bank. During this break, you’ll learn about the archaeological complex of Llactapata.

Following lunch, we’ll resume our hike to Wayllabamba (3100m/10170f), then ascend to our night’s camping site at Yuncachimpa (3300m/10826f). Here, you’ll enjoy a magnificent view of the enigmatic Nevado de Verónica.

Day 2: Yuncachimpa – Llulluchapampa – Warmihuañusca pass – Pacaymayu – Runkurakay pass – Chaquicocha

Our Machu Picchu Inca Trail Hike will continue into its second day. On this day, everyone will have the freedom to hike at their own pace. Throughout the day, we’ll all reconvene during short breaks and catch up while navigating the steps.

Our day will start early as we follow the trail through the Valley of Llulluchapampa (3850m/12631f). The first 3km consists of steps, which will lead us through lush, humid woodland and past tranquil water features.

From Llulluchapampa, we’ll continue our Inca Trail hike for approximately 2-3 hours. We will be hiking until we reach the highest point of our journey, the Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman Pass) (4200m/13780f). Please note, this ascent is the most challenging part of the Inca Trail Peru.

We will have a brief stop at the summit to rest and take in the panoramic views. After soaking in the views, we’ll embark on a long, steep descent towards the river Pacaymayu (Sunrise River). Our route will take us through the Runkurakay pass (3050m/10007f) and onwards to our campsite for the night, Chaquicocha (3650m/11975f). Here, you’ll have the opportunity to unwind from the day’s hike while savoring the stunning views over the surrounding mountains.

Day 3: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna

The third day of our Inca Trail to Machu Picchu journey promises to be the most beautiful. As we make our way to the tropical forest of Wiñaywayna, we’ll witness the ecosystem change around us.

Our day will start by passing two small lakes at the top of the second pass (3950m/12960f). The trail then gradually ascends through enchanting cloud forests and an Inca tunnel before reaching the third pass (3700m/12140f). Here, a picturesque view over the Urubamba Valley will reward us.

Our next point of interest will be Phuyupatamarca, also known as “Town Above the Clouds” (3600m/11811f). This well-preserved site showcases a series of Inca baths, a testament to the excellence of Inca engineering.

After navigating another Inca tunnel, we’ll visit the ruins of Wiñaywayna (Forever Young) (2650m/8694f). The Inca stairs will then transform into a zigzag trail. It will be leading us to a red-roofed white building – our final camping site.

Day 4Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco

The fourth and final day of our Inca Trail to Machu Picchu journey will start exceptionally early. After our 4:30 am breakfast, we’ll proceed towards the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) equipped with our flashlights. Arriving here, you’ll get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. We will have the chance to watch the sunrise over this iconic site.

Our final descent towards the citadel of Machu Picchu (2400m//7874f) will take roughly an hour. We aim to start our exploration around 8:00 am.

A guided tour will help you understand the significance and historical usage of the different structures within Machu Picchu. This enlightening tour will last about two hours.

Post the guided tour, a bus will transport us from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. In Aguas Calientes, you’ll have the opportunity to relax and soak in the town’s hot springs (for a fee of S10).

By the afternoon, we will bid farewell to Aguas Calientes. We will begin our journey back to Cusco, marking the end of our memorable Inca Trail hike.

Practical Information Including

• Pre-briefing time at 19hrs in our office 1 or 2 days before your date departure (It has to be confirmed at the booking time).
• Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco.
• Collective tourist transfers from the train station in Ollantaytambo to the hotels in the Sacred Valley or Cusco City (Hotels, hostels, home house or AIRBNB).
• Bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes where the train station is situated.
• Entrance fees to the Inca trail and Machu Picchu.
• Professional bilingual guide (Spanish – English and Quechua speaking guide guides).
• Camping equipment (professional two-persons tents / single tents: Doite, model Kailas 3, extra light/4.5kg, Doite, model Himalaya, extra light/4.5kg and Eureka Tents; sleeping mats, dining tent equipped with a table and chairs).
• Cook, cooking equipment, meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners). Food includes pancakes, omelettes, soups, fresh fruit and spaghetti, chicken, fish, meat and rice, all rich in carbohydrates and very suitable for trekking, hot drinks including coca leafs tea which is excellent for the altitude.
• Tea and snack time every day (tea, coffee, wantan, popcorn and cracker).
• Porters to carry the main luggage and matrass (all the equipment and cooking stock).
• Boiled cold water filtered
• First-aid kit and oxygen bottle.
• T-shirts with inca trail map design.
• Communication radios and satellite phones.

Not included

• Breakfast on the first day and last lunch in Aguas Calientes Town.
• Sleeping bag (if you don’t have a sleeping bag there is the possibility of renting one $20.00).
• Walking Sticks Pair (if you don’t have a walking stick there is the possibility of renting one $15.00)
• Huayna Picchu or Mountain: $65.00

Itinerary Notes: Ausangate – Rainbow Mountain.

You should bring:

• Warm clothing for the 1 night in Maranpata
• Hat or cap
• Sunglasses
• Sun block
• Mosquito repellent
• Hiking poles
• Light clothing for hiking
• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Cameras.
• Portable battery
• Rain poncho (according to the time of year of the hike)
• Personal medications if you have a prescription
• Cream or rub for muscle pain
• Extra money in soles in case you want some extra drinks during the trek (beer, gatorade or others).

What fitness/training do you recommend?

Our most basic advice for any trek in the Andes is: the fitter you are, the easier you will find it!