Overview
The Inca civilization, did great buildings with the ability to integrate the most astonish network in the old World, almost 22,000 kilometres Inca roads, many of which are still in use today in south America. Our trek will take us into the mountains and valleys passing one the way villages, inca buildings, until we reach Machupicchu. Inca trail is Consider as one of top treks in the world, YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE
Summary
CUSCO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – KM 82 – HATUNCHACA
At 5 a.m., the awakening of Cusco marks the epic start of the Inca Trail: from Patallacta to Hatunchaka, every step is a story.
HATUNCHATA – DEAD WOMAN’S PASS – PACAYMAYO
Nine kilometers of ascent and snowy views culminate in a comforting cup of coca tea.
PACAYMAYO – RUNCU RACCAY PASS – SAYACMARCA RUINS – PHUYUPATAMARCA
The Inca Trail reveals itself amidst magical ruins, lush flora, and the first glimpse of Machu Picchu mountain.
PHUYUPATAMARCA – WIÑAY WAYNA – SUN GATE – AGUAS CALIENTES
From dawn in Phuyupatamarca to the terraces of Wiñay Wayna, the path culminates in Inti Punku, the stone portal where Machu Picchu is revealed at sunset, without crowds.
THE LOST CITY OF THE INCAS – AGUAS CALIENTES – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO
Dawn at the Lost City: Two hours of guided wonder at Machu Picchu, followed by the optional summit of Huayna Picchu, before embarking on the serene return to Cusco.
Itinerary
DAY 1: CUSCO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – KM 82 – HATUNCHACA
We will depart for your Machu Picchu Inca Trail Tour from Cusco at 5 a.m. in private transportation and head toward KM 82, the starting point of the Inca Trail. After this beautiful drive, your chef will prepare breakfast before you start your trek. We start our hike walking along the left shore of the Urubamba River, following the trail along a flat terrain, to the community of Miskay (2800 m /9184 ft). The first two hours of the trek are relatively easy as we make our way to our first Inca site and checkpoint, Patallacta. This site will start the approach to Machu Picchu. After we arrive at Patallacta, we will make our way down into the canyon to enjoy lunch and the views of Patallacta. From Patallacta, we will continue on the trail at an easygoing pace, while enjoying the scenery and haring stories from your guide. It’s about a two-hour walk to reach our camping site at the village of Hatunchaka (3,300 meters).
DAY 2: HATUNCHATA – DEAD WOMAN’S PASS – PACAYMAYO
We wake up early to begin our ascent to Dead Woman´s Pass. The views of the snow-capped mountains and the cloud forest are fantastic. This first stretch is the most challenging part of the trek. It consists of a steep ascent that stretches for nine kilometers, which will bring us to the first mountain pass in the Inca Trail, Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman’s pass). We will stop at Llulluchapampa to relax and to buy any last essentials. We may be able to see deer and falcons in this area. We will have the chance to spot domesticated llamas and alpacas, who graze on ichu (one of the few plants that grow at that altitude). After the two-hour walk up to the pass, we can enjoy the beautiful views and a refreshing cup of coca tea. After we have made it to the pass, it´s downhill the rest of the day. After about two hours, we´ll stop for lunch, and have a free afternoon in the Pacaymayo Valley.
DAY 3: PACAYMAYO – RUNCU RACCAY PASS – SAYACMARCA RUINS – PHUYUPATAMARCA
After breakfast, we will continue our hike up the opposite side of the valley, as we make our way towards the second pass on the trek. Along the way, we will see fantastic views of waterfalls and flora and fauna. Halfway up, we will stop and visit the Inca site of Runcu Raccay (an Inca watchtower), and to catch our breath before we continue our climb to the pass (4,000 meters). From the pass, we will once again begin our descent back into the cloud forest. After about an hour, we arrive at Sayacmarca, one of the most beautiful ruins on the Inca Trail, where we’ll have a one hour, guided tour. From Sayacmarca, we will continue to our lunch spot at Chaquicocha (dry lake). Here you will see some of the fantastic flora and fauna the Inca Trail has to offer. From Chaquicocha onwards, we will walk along Inca flat (gradual inclines), as we make our way towards our final campsite, Phuyupatamarca (3,680 meters). This area of the Inca Trail had stunning views of the Vilcabamba mountain range, as well as abundant flora and fauna. After another two hour walk, we’ll arrive at our campsite, where we’ll get our first view of Machu Picchu mountain and the Urubamba river. We’ll settle into our campsite, and have the chance to explore the Inca site. As the sun goes down, we can enjoy the beautiful sunset over the snow-capped peaks.
DAY 4: PHUYUPATAMARCA – WIÑAY WAYNA – SUN GATE – AGUAS CALIENTES
Today, we will have the chance to enjoy one of the most spectacular sunrises on the Inca Trail, weather permitting. After breakfast, you´ll have a guided tour of Phuyupatamarca. We will then start our way down the long descending stone steps to Wiñay Wayna 2,650m/8,692ft, where we will have lunch. As we near the bottom of the staircase, we will visit the site of Intipata (Terraces of the Sun). This site has beautiful views of the Sacred Valley and was an important agricultural site for Machu Picchu. After Intipata, we will continue to Wiñay Wayna, the archaeological site that is the largest on the Inca Trail besides Machu Picchu. It consists of an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center, with numerous terraces, a religious sector, and an urban sector. This site offers spectacular views over the already narrower Urubamba River valley. After our visit, we will have our last lunch with the porters. Following, it is a tradition on the Inca Trail to have a thanking ceremony for all the hard work the porters and cooks have provided. If you wish, you may leave a tip for them at this time. After we´ve said goodbye to our team, we will carry on to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where we will get our first views of Machu Picchu. It takes about an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones in the highland jungle to reach the Sun Gate. From there, it is about another hour down to the site itself. Upon arrival, we´ll have a chance to enjoy the sunset and to see views of Machu Picchu without crowds, before taking the bust to your hotel in Aguas Calientes.
DAY 5: THE LOST CITY OF THE INCAS – AGUAS CALIENTES – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO
We will wake up early and board one of the first buses to Machu Picchu, to enjoy the sunrise at the citadel (if the weather allows). These buses are first come, first serve, starting at 5:30 a.m. You’ll have a two-hour tour of the Inca citadel, and then some free time to explore. If you have purchased permits for Huayna Picchu, your guide will show you where this climb begins. It will take you 45 minutes to the top and another 45 back down. Priced at $90 per person and will need to be booked in advance. After the citadel tour, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, and meet for our last lunch in town. Having lunch with your group is optional and is not included in the trek cost. Following, you will take the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private bus will be waiting to take you back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.
Details
What Trip Includes
What Trip Excludes
Packing List
What to bring?
Additional articles
Frequently Asked Questions
Route Map
Contact Us
Destinations
Montañas de Colores in Peru: The Ultimate Guide to the Most Spectacular Rainbow Landscapes in the Andes
Peru is a land of dramatic contrasts, ancient civilizations, and breathtaking scenery. Among its most…
OUR DEALS
inti raymi ancestral sun ritual inti raymi ancestral sun ritual: a living celebration of andean…
Pet Friendly Trip
Pet friendly trip in Peru: travel, explore, and connect together with crossover Peru. Travel is…
Extensions Perú
Extensions peru: enrich your journey with unique add on experiences by crossover Peru. Traveling to…