ITINERARY
Day 1: Cusco - Ollantaytambo - KM 82 - Wayllabamba (L&D):
Pick up at selected location around 5:30 am. - take a scenic drive to Km 82, the starting point of the Inca Trail, located near the town of Ollantaytambo.
En route, we’ll stop in Ollantaytambo for breakfast and last-minute preparations. Here, you can purchase snacks or supplies you may need for the trek.
At Km 82, we’ll meet our porters and begin the adventure. The first part of the hike is relatively easy, passing through beautiful landscapes along the Urubamba River. You’ll get your first glimpse of the snow-capped Veronica Mountain as we trek toward our first Inca site, Llactapata.
After exploring Llactapata, we’ll continue hiking through the valley before stopping for a delicious lunch prepared by our trekking chef.
After about 6-7 hours of hiking (14 km/8.7 miles), we’ll arrive at our first campsite in Wayllabamba (3,000 m / 9,842 ft), a quiet Andean village surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
Enjoy a hot dinner before settling into your tent for a good night’s rest.
- Total hiking distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles (6-7 hours).
- Campsite altitude: 3,000 m / 9,842 ft.
- Considered: Moderate day (getting used to the Inca Trail).
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner included.
- Accommodation: Camping in tents.
- Weather: Warm and windy.
Day 2: Wayllabamba - Pacaymayu (B-L&D):
Early Breakfast: We’ll wake you up with a warm cup of coca tea to energize you for the day ahead. After breakfast, we’ll start the most challenging part of the trek.
The hike begins with a steady ascent through a dense cloud forest, passing lush vegetation. As we climb higher, the trail becomes steeper, leading to the infamous Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca, 4,215 m / 13,828 ft). This is the highest point of the trek, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
After conquering the pass, we’ll descend for about two hours into the Pacaymayo Valley (3,600 m / 11,811 ft), where our lunch will be served.
After lunch, we’ll continue to our campsite at Pacaymayo, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
After a rewarding day of trekking, enjoy a hearty dinner before resting in your tent under the Andean sky.
- Total hiking distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles (6-7 hours).
- Campsite altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft.
- Considered: Top day (you will have survived the two highest passes).
- Area: Andes and Cloud Forest
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
- Accommodation: Camping in tents.
- Weather: Cold and rainy
Day 3:Pacaymayu - Winayhuayna (B-L&D):
Early Breakfast: After breakfast, we continue the Inca Trail, exploring several ancient ruins along the way.
The first archaeological site we’ll visit is Runkurakay, a small circular Inca structure believed to have been a resting point. After crossing the Runkurakay Pass (3,950 m / 12,959 ft), we’ll descend to the well-preserved ruins of Sayacmarca, an intricate Inca site overlooking the Aobamba Valley.
We’ll take a break for lunch near the Chaquicocha ruins before continuing on the Inca Trail’s most scenic section, with stunning views of the Salkantay Mountain and the cloud forest below.
As we continue, we’ll pass through tunnels and stone staircases until we reach Phuyupatamarca (3,680 m / 12,073 ft), an impressive Inca ruin known as the “Town in the Clouds.” Here, we’ll enjoy panoramic views of the mountains and valleys.
The trail descends to Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft), our final campsite and the most beautiful archaeological site on the Inca Trail. Surrounded by terraces and overlooking the Urubamba River, Wiñay Wayna is a magical place to spend the night.
Dinner and Overnight: After dinner, we’ll rest in anticipation of the next day's early visit to Machu Picchu.
- Walking distance: 16 km / 9.94 miles (7-8 hours).
- Campsite altitude: 2,650 m / 8,694 ft
- Considered: Moderate day, short uphill, then – all downhill!
- Area: High Cloud Forest
- Weather: Warm and very humid (chilly weather)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
- Accommodation: Camping in tents
Day 4: Winayhuayna - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - Cusco (B&L):
We’ll wake up before dawn and have an early breakfast to ensure we’re ready for the final leg of our journey to Machu Picchu.
A short hike will take us to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku, 2,720 m / 8,924 ft), where you’ll get your first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu as the morning sun illuminates the ancient citadel.
After descending from the Sun Gate, we’ll enter Machu Picchu and enjoy a guided tour of the site, exploring the major temples, terraces, and plazas. Our knowledgeable guide will share the history and significance of this wonder of the world.
After the tour, you’ll be able to hike to Huayna Picchu (optional, prior reservation required).
In the afternoon, we’ll descend to Aguas Calientes to catch the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer to your hotel in Cusco, arriving in the evening.
- Walking distance: 5 km / 3.10 miles (2-2.5 hours).
- Area: High Cloud and Subtropical Forest
- Weather: Hot and very humid (bring lots of water)
- Meals: Breakfast included