Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: 4-Day, 3-Night Adventure

Your adventure will begin with early pickup from your hotel in Cusco around 06:30 AM. Our transportation will take you through the picturesque Sacred Valley to Km 82 (Piskacucho), the official starting point of the Inca Trail. Here, after verifying our permits and passports, we will begin our walk. The first section is a gradual ascent that will allow us to enjoy impressive views of the trail and visit small, lesser-known archaeological sites. Around 13:00 HRS, we will stop in Miskay to enjoy our first delicious Andean lunch prepared by our expedition chef. We will continue the walk for about two hours until we reach Huayllabamba (3000 meters above sea level), where we will establish our camp for the night. Upon arrival (approx. 17:00 HRS), the crew will welcome us with snacks and hot drinks before dinner, the perfect time to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

This day is one of the most challenging but rewarding of the Inca Trail. After an energizing breakfast at 06:00 AM, we will begin an ascending walk of approximately 5 hours. Our objective is the highest point of the route: the Warmihuañusca Pass (4,200 meters above sea level), also known as the "Dead Woman's Pass" for its silhouette in the mountains. Here we will have enough time to absorb the panoramic views and energy of the Andes. Our guide will share information about Andean mythology. After the summit, we will begin a descent of approximately 2 hours to Pacaymayo (3600 meters above sea level), where our team awaits us with a well-deserved lunch around 2:00 p.m. HRS. This will be our overnight camp, offering you time to rest before dinner.

The third day is a 7 to 8 hour walk that will immerse us in the archaeological wealth of the Inca Trail. We will have breakfast at 06:00 AM and at 07:00 AM we will begin our exploration. We will ascend gently for an hour to Runkuraqay (3800 meters above sea level), a fascinating Inca complex where our expert guide will offer an immersive tour. After a brief break at the Runkurakay pass (3,760 meters above sea level), we will continue with a 45-minute descent to Sayacmarca (3,850 meters above sea level), another impressive archaeological site. Our lunch (approx. 2:00 PM HRS) will be in Chaquicocha. In the afternoon, we will continue along the last section of the original Inca Trail, visiting some Inca ruins en route, until we reach Phuyupatamarca. Finally, we will descend to Wiñayhuayna (2600 meters above sea level), which means "eternally young" in Quechua, one of the most beautiful places on the route, where we will establish our last camp. After a detailed exploration of this site, we will enjoy dinner and overnight.

The most anticipated day of the adventure begins very early. At 04:00 AM we will enjoy a light breakfast before starting the final walk around 04:30 AM. After approximately 3 hours of walking, we will arrive at Intipunku (La Puerta del Sol), the highest point where we will witness the first rays of sun illuminating the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu. This iconic view will take your breath away. We will descend to the citadel for a 2-hour guided tour of its main sectors such as the Main Plaza, the Cultivation Terraces and the Temple of the Sun. Afterwards, you will have free time to explore on your own, take photographs or, if you have booked in advance, ascend Huayna Picchu Hill or visit the Temple of the Moon and the Inca Bridge. At 2:30 PM HRS (approximate), we will take a bus from the ruins to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes). Here you will have time to have lunch (not included) or relax. Finally, we will board the return train (Expedition class) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, a private bus will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving at approximately 10:00 PM HRS.