4-Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Day 1 Day 1: Pisacucho to Wayllabamba (12 km)

1. 1

   Inca Trail

   8 hours Admission ticket included

   After breakfast, you will head to the starting point of the trek, known as Kilometer 82. You will have a smooth trek and visit ruins such as the city of Patallacta. You will also see Willkarakay, a military post located above the site of Patallacta. Then, you will enter the valley of Wayllabamba, walking along the banks of the Cusichaca ("happy bridge") River, while also seeing the Inca terraces that belong to the previous archaeological sites. You'll keep going up to arrive to our first campsite in Wayllabamba.

Day 2 Day 2: Wayllabamba to Pacaymayu (11 km)

1. 1

   Inca Trail

   8 hours Admission ticket included

   Early in the morning we begin the trek to reach the highest point on the Inca trail, the mountain pass of Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman's pass). The first portion takes 1.5 hours and goes through densely vegetated Andean forest until getting to the campsite of Three Stones, where we will take a short rest. We continue the ascent and the habitat changes as we enter the inter-andean forest full of Unca trees. Two hours later, we reach the campsite of Llulluchapampa, where we will take an extended rest with snacks and hot drinks. From here begins the final ascent to the pass of Warmihuañusca at 4,215 meters (13,828.74 ft).

Day 3 DAY 3: PACAYMAYU – CHAQUIKOCHA – WIÑAYHUAYNA (12 Km)

1. 1

   Inca Trail

   8 hours Admission ticket included

   We will begin ascending about 45 minutes to the arhcaelogical site of Runkurakay, which was in ancient times a “tambo”, or type of resting lodge for ancient pilgrims. Another 45 minute ascent will take us to the second highest pass of the Inca trail, Runkurakay (4000 m, 13,123 ft), after which we will descend to the beautiful archaeological site of Sayacmarca, constructed in a strategic location. After a thorough visit we will continue down the beautifully paved road to our lunch site at Chaquicocha.
   From here onward to Phuyupatamarca we will enter the high Andean cloud forest, a maravillous display of Nature’s beauty. Here the trail continues a narrow ridge until arriving to the pass of Phuyupatamarka, a natural viewing area where it is possible to see the Sacred Valley and numerous mountain peaks, as well as our final destination of Machu Picchu. From here we will descend to our last campsite, passing a very important archaeological site and temple designated for offerings to the sacred mountain spirits of the area, as well as a large terraced area for agriculture. Slightly beyond is our campsite for the night, Wiñayhuayna.

Day 4 DAY 4: WIÑAY WAYNA TO MACHU PICCHU

1. 1

   Machu Picchu

   6 hours

   We will rise very early to complete the final stretch of the Inca Trail, which brings us to “Inti Punku” or the Sun Gate, the principal entrance of the crystal city of Machu Picchu. The trail here is fairly easy going and after about an hour we will arrive to Inti Punku, an awesome location to observe the citadel of Machu Picchu and, weather permitting, sunrise over the Andes.
   Afterward, a 45-minute descent will take us into the higher area of Machu Picchu, a natural lookout point for the “famous” classic picture and an opportunity for a group picture. Here we will enter as a group to the main entrance for registration before returning to the site for the main tour to learn more about this magical place of beauty and culture left by our ancestors. The tour will last approximately 2 to 3 hours. The climb to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain is optional (at an extra cost and must be booked in advance). In the afternoon we will descend by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes.
   You will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes for lunch and receive your train tickets for the return journey to Cusco. The train will arrive at Ollantaytambo where our Staff will pick you up to complete the rest of your ride by bus back to your hotel in Cusco.