Inca Trail Trek To Machu Picchu

Day 1 PISCACUCHO (Km.82)–HUAYLLABAMBA: Start your journey with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco, followed by a bus ride to Piskacucho. We will pause in Ollantaytambo, nestled in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, for a brief rest. Upon reaching kilometer 82, our adventure begins. We will trek alongside the Urubamba River for approximately 3 hours until we arrive at Miskay, a charming village where you can sample the traditional drink, Chicha, offered by the local women.

As we ascend, you'll catch sight of Patallacta, an ancient Inca site at the mountain's base. A 2-hour walk along the Cusichaca River brings us to a picturesque spot for a relaxing lunch.

The Inca Trail is a unique trek to the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu. On this path, surrounded by lush vegetation, you'll encounter trees like cedar and laurel, along with over 400 varieties of orchids and begonias. The Incas were known for their respect for nature, crafting stone trails and preserving the natural landscapes alongside their archaeological wonders.

After our break, we'll continue our journey to our first campsite in Wayllabamba, where you'll witness the breathtaking Andean scenery and the imposing Veronica Mountain. Distance: 6.8 miles – Estimated walking time: 5 to 6 hours.

Day 2 HUAYLLABAMBA – PACAYMAYU: Rise at 05:30 a.m. for breakfast, then embark on a challenging ascent. Climb a series of steps through a lush jungle to reach Llulluchapampa, where we'll pause briefly before continuing to the highest point of our trek, the Abra de Warrmihuañusca or Dead Woman's Pass, standing at 4,215 meters above sea level. This spot is renowned as one of the world's most beautiful landscapes.

The intricate network of the Inca trail traverses the Andes, meandering through jungles and highlands. You'll be captivated by the stunning vistas of the Vilcabamba mountain ranges.

Following the ascent, we will descend for lunch. Afterward, we'll reach our campsite in Pacaymayo for the night. Distance: 6.21 miles – Estimated walking time: 6 to 7 hours.

Day 3 PACAYMAYU – WIÑAYWAYNA: Prepare for an unforgettable day. After breakfast at 6:00 a.m., we embark on a gentle 2-hour climb to explore the Runkurakay archaeological site at 4,000 meters above sea level, believed to have been a control tower. Along the way, you'll encounter vibrant vegetation, birds, and lagoons.

During the Inca trail tour, you'll have the opportunity to spot Peru's national bird, the Andean Cock of the Rock, along with other avian species such as hummingbirds. The wonder of the world, Machu Picchu, is home to spectacled bears, pumas, Andean foxes, ferrets, Maltese cats, and reptiles like snakes.

Our descent leads us to the ruins of Sayacmarka, and we continue to Puyupatamarka, a remarkable archaeological complex with an intricate water system. Eventually, we arrive at Wiñay Wayna, meaning "Forever Young," regarded as one of the most stunning ruins after Machu Picchu.

Our campsite is conveniently nearby. Distance: 9.9 miles – Estimated walking time: 7 to 8 hours.

Day 4 WIÑAYWAYNA – MACHUPICCHU: Begin your day early with breakfast, then depart the campsite around 5:30 a.m. to head to Machu Picchu. You'll reach "Inti Punku" before sunrise, offering a breathtaking view of the Inca citadel. Enjoy a 2-hour guided walking tour, followed by free time to explore Machu Picchu at your leisure.

The Inca trail is an extensive road system connecting the Inca Empire, constructed in the 15th century to link the coast with the Andean mountains. It facilitated the movement of food, armies, and officials. These engineering marvels were crafted under Inca Pachacutec's reign to maintain control over conquered territories.

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