The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu

Itinerary

Day 1: Start the Inca Trail

Stop At: Inca Trail, Cusco 08000 Peru
Let the big adventure begin! After our hotel pick up we will go to Piscacucho (2,750 m/9,022 ft.), at Km. 82 on the tracks to enter the Inca Trail. Our trip will start with a slow pace walk to get used to the trail. We will be able to see the beautiful snowcapped mountain Veronica and we’ll get to a natural viewpoint from where we will see the archaeological site of Llaqtapata. Our first campsite will take place at Huayllabamba (3,000 m /9,842 ft.)
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Igloo tent (2 people in each 4-person tent)

Day 2: Inca Trail

Stop At: Inca Trail, Machu Picchu Peru
The most intense day of the Inca Trail is here so make sure to bring some extra sugary sweets in your pocket for extra energy. We will walk through the Valley of Huayllabamba while we observe the ecological changes of going from the highlands to the plateau. In Yunca Chimpa we start the ascent to Llulluchapampa (3,750 mt. / 12,303 ft.). While we enjoy a refreshing snack, the Huayanay Valley is in front of us, and the challenge of the day: the defiant Warmiwañusca mountain pass (4,200 mt. / 13,779 ft.), also known as “Dead Woman” mountain pass. If we are lucky we´ll get to see the beautiful hummingbirds and sparrows that live in the area. Finally it is time to descend to our campsite in Pacaymayo (3,600 mt. / 11,811 ft.) for lunch and rest after this challenging day.
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Igloo tent (2 people in each 4-person tent)

Day 3: Winay Wayna

Stop At: Winay Wayna, Machu Picchu Peru
A day filled with archaeological sites in our trail, the longest but also the most impressive and least difficult day. We will ascend to the Runcuracay mountain pass (3,860 mt. / 12,664 ft.) to see the archaeological complex of the same name to later continue to the Sayacmarca Inca fortress (3,580 mt. / 11,745 ft.). After lunch, it’s time to cross the Phuyupatamarca Mountain pass (3,700 mt. / 12,139 ft.). In this area we will see the best preserved Inca complex in all the Inca Trail, whose name in English translates to “over the clouds”. After a well-deserved rest, we will continue to Wiñaywayna (2,650 mt. / 8,694 ft.), an impressive Inca complex with numerous agricultural terraces and religious and urban areas. This will be end of the day for us; we will set camp and enjoy our farewell dinner.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Igloo tent (2 people in each 4-person tent)

Day 4: Temple of the Sun and Machu Picchu!

Stop At: Temple of the Sun, Machu Picchu Peru
We are getting closer to our main objective. We’ll get up at dawn to ascend through a narrow way of steps until we get to Intipunku or the Door of the Sun (2,720 mt. / 8,923 ft.) and get a first glance of Machu Picchu (2,450 mt. / 8,038 ft.) at sunrise, a memorable experience to capture in pictures. We will then go down for a guided tour of the fortress and the opportunity to learn and see everything there is to see of one of the Seven Wonders of the World. At the arranged time, we will return to Cusco.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.