Inca Trail Trek To Machu Picchu

Day 1 PISCACUCHO (Km.82) – HUAYLLABAMBA: Begin your journey with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco to start a bus ride to Piskacucho. We will pause at Ollantaytambo, nestled in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, for a brief rest. Our adventure kicks off upon reaching kilometre 82. We'll trek alongside the Urubamba River for approximately 3 hours until we reach Miskay, a charming village where you can taste the local drink known as Chicha, offered by the local women.

As we ascend, you'll enjoy views of Patallacta, an Inca site situated at the base of the mountain. After a 2-hour walk along the Cusichaca River, we will find a picturesque spot to relax and have lunch.

The Inca Trail is a singular trek to the extraordinary city of Machu Picchu. Our path is rich with vegetation, where you'll see trees like cedar and laurel, alongside over 400 species of orchids and begonias. The Incas were committed to preserving the environment, crafting stone trails and maintaining the natural scenery alongside their archaeological sites.

Post-lunch, we continue our hike to our first campsite at Wayllabamba. Here, you can marvel at the stunning Andean landscapes and the grandeur of Veronica Mountain. Distance: 6.8 miles – Estimated walking time: 5 to 6 hours.

Day 2 HUAYLLABAMBA – PACAYMAYU: Rise at 5:30 a.m. for breakfast, then embark on a challenging ascent, scaling several steps through lush jungle until reaching Llulluchapampa for a brief pause. From there, we'll climb to the highest point, the Abra de Warrmihuañusca or Dead Woman’s Pass, standing at 4,215 meters above sea level—renowned as one of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes.

The network of Inca Trail traverses the Andean mountains, cutting through jungle and diverse highlands. Along the way, you'll witness the magnificent mountains and the lofty peaks of Vilcabamba.

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

Day 3 PACAYMAYU – WIÑAYWAYNA: This day promises to be memorable. We start with breakfast at 6:00 a.m., followed by a gentle 2-hour climb to the Runkurakay archaeological site, located at 4,000 meters above sea level and believed to be a control tower. Along the journey, observe stunning vegetation, birds, and lagoons.

During the Inca Trail tour, you might spot Peru’s national bird, the Andean Cock of the Rock, known for its striking colors, along with hummingbirds. The wonder of the world, Machu Picchu, is home to spectacled bears, pumas, Andean foxes, ferrets, Maltese cats, and reptiles like snakes.

We will descend to the Sayacmarka ruins, then proceed to Puyupatamarka, an impressive archaeological site featuring a sophisticated water system. We will reach Wiñay Wayna, meaning “Forever Young,” regarded as one of 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: Begin your day early with breakfast, then depart from the campsite at around 5:30 a.m. towards Machu Picchu. We will arrive at "Inti Punku" before sunrise to witness the magnificent Inca citadel. Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour, after which you may explore Machu Picchu independently.

The Inca Trail is a network of routes connecting the vast Inca Empire. Constructed in the 15th century, it links the coast with the Andean mountains, facilitating the movement of food, armies, and officials. These remarkable feats were achieved under Inca Pachacutec's reign to manage the conquered lands.

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