Inca Trail Trek To Machu Picchu

Day 1 PISCACUCHO (Km.82) – HUAYLLABAMBA: We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and travel by bus to Piskacucho. Along the way, we will stop in Ollantaytambo, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, for a short break. Our trek begins at kilometer 82. We will follow a path alongside the Urubamba River for about 3 hours until reaching Miskay, a charming village where you can taste the traditional drink, Chicha, offered by local women.

As we ascend, you will enjoy impressive views of Patallacta, an ancient Inca site situated at the base of the mountain. Continuing along the Cusichaca River for another 2 hours, we will arrive at a scenic spot to rest and have lunch.

The Inca Trail trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience leading to the magnificent Machu Picchu. The route is surrounded by lush vegetation, where you can spot cedar, laurel, and more than 400 species of orchids and begonias. The Incas preserved the environment by building stone trails and maintaining the natural landscape along with their archaeological sites.

After our break, we will continue to our first campsite at Wayllabamba. From here, you can enjoy spectacular Andean scenery and the impressive Veronica Mountain. Distance covered: 6.8 miles – Estimated walking time: 5 to 6 hours.

Day 2 HUAYLLABAMBA – PACAYMAYU: After waking up at 5:30 a.m. and having breakfast, we will start a steep ascent, climbing numerous steps through the stunning jungle until we reach Llulluchapampa for a short rest. We then continue upward to the highest point of the trek, the Abra de Warrmihuañusca or Dead Woman’s Pass, which rises to 4,215 meters above sea level. This location is known as one of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes.

The Inca Trail network traverses the Andean mountains, crossing through jungle and highland terrain. You will witness the amazing peaks of Vilcabamba during this journey.

After conquering the pass, we will descend to our lunch spot. Following lunch, we head to our campsite in Pacaymayo for the night. Distance covered: 6.21 miles – Estimated walking time: 6 to 7 hours.

Day 3 PACAYMAYU – WIÑAYWAYNA: This day promises unforgettable moments. After breakfast at 6:00 a.m., we will start a gentle 2-hour climb to Runkurakay, an ancient lookout post at 4,000 meters above sea level. Along the trail, you’ll observe beautiful vegetation, birdlife, and tranquil lagoons.

Throughout the Inca Trail tour, you’ll have the chance to see Peru’s national bird, the Andean Cock of the Rock, known for its vibrant plumage, as well as hummingbirds and other wildlife. The wonder of the world Machu Picchu is also home to spectacled bears, pumas, Andean foxes, ferrets, small wildcats, and reptiles such as snakes.

We will descend to the Sayacmarka ruins, then continue to Puyupatamarka, an impressive archaeological complex featuring a sophisticated water system. We will reach Wiñay Wayna, meaning “Forever Young,” regarded as the most stunning ruins after Machu Picchu.

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

Day 4 WIÑAYWAYNA – MACHUPICCHU: We will wake up early for breakfast and leave camp around 5:30 a.m. to make our way towards Machu Picchu. We will arrive at "Inti Punku" before sunrise to witness the first views of the iconic Inca citadel. Afterward, you will participate in a 2-hour guided tour, after which you may explore Machu Picchu at your leisure.

The Inca Trail is an extensive network of paths connecting the Inca Empire, built during the 15th century to unite the coastal and Andean regions. It served for transporting food, military, and officials, and was developed under the rule of Inca Pachacutec to consolidate newly conquered territories.

After your visit, you’ll have the option to climb the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountains (optional). We will return to Aguas Calientes by bus, then take the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, we will continue to Cusco, where you will be dropped off at your hotel. Distance covered: 3.1 miles – Estimated walking time: 3 to 4 hours.