The Inca Trail

Day 1 : Cuzco > Huayllabamba

The adventure begins in Ollantaytambo (2792 m), where you will arrive by land from Cuzco. There is time for last-minute shopping before starting the trek further ahead – at kilometer 82 of the railway line to Machu Picchu – in the Piscacucho community. The snow-capped Veronica Mountain and the Urubamba River will guide your steps for about three hours as you enter the Andes, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and wildlife. Take a break for lunch at Llaqtapata, and visit the archaeological site. After lunch gradually ascend to Huayllabamba (3000 m) to set up camp for the first night. Your journey today of six hours will cover 12 km.

Day 2 : Huayllabamba > Pacaymayo

Today’s challenge is the Warmiwañusca pass (“dead woman” in Quechua) at 4215 m, the highest point of the Inca Trail. Leave the local communities behind to enter the Andean forests, reconnecting with nature and the Inca mysticism that surrounds them, far from everything. As you ascend, the lush landscape transforms, the ichu takes over the slopes, and the trail opens to the horizon. From the top of Warmiwañusca there is a spectacular view of the Vilcabamba and Vilcanota mountain ranges that will take your breath away. Descend to Llulluchapata for lunch and continue descending to Pacaymayo (3600 m). The camp will be waiting for you to rest after overcoming the most challenging day of the route. Your journey today of eight hours will cover 11 km.

Day 3 : Pacaymayo > Winaywayna

Today’s route provides fascinating archaeological sites that can only be accessed through the Inca Trail, able to be explored in preparation for your early arrival to Machu Picchu. But first, the last effort to ascend to Runcuracay Pass (3900 m) for a beautiful view of the surrounding mountain range. The descent begins, and the first place you encounter is Sayaqmarca, which functioned as an urban center right on a cliff. Continue walking and pass through the Conchamarca complex between spiral staircases and tunnels, a sample of Inca construction skills. Lunch awaits at Phuyupatamarca, one of the most impressive archaeological sites, surrounded by terraces at the top of the mountain. Continue the journey to Wiñaywayna, but not before visiting Intipata and its formidable terraces. Camp tonight is at Wiñaywayna (2665m), an ancient agricultural site a few kilometers from Machu Picchu. Your journey today of nine hours will cover 16 km. NB this camp is subject to availability, so may be replaced by Phuyupatamarca, in which case the trek would be extended by approximately three additional hours.

Day 4 : Winaywayna> Machu Picchu > Cuzco

Your last day will start very early. Head back into the cloud forest through a beautiful cobblestone road, built with so much detail that there is no doubt that it leads to a special place. Among trees and birdsong, climb the Inca Trail’s last steps to the impressive Inti Punku of Machu Picchu (2745 m), the gateway to the citadel that welcomes you with a beautiful view of the llaqta in the distance. Congratulations, you made it! There is time to rest and take photos before continuing to the sanctuary to enjoy a tour accompanied by our guide, who will explain the history, organisation, importance, and all the mysteries Machu Picchu holds. Finally, return by bus to Agua Calientes or Machu Picchu Pueblo to wait for the departure of the train back to Ollantaytambo. Transfer back to Cuzco.

Note: If you wish, you may add on a night in Aguas Calientes and spend more time exploring the citadel (additional cost).