Day 1: Cusco – Km. 82 – Wayllabamba
You will be picked up from your Hotel Cusco between 5:30am and 6am and driven to the town of Ollantaytambo with the rest of your group, 1hr45 from Cusco. In Ollantaytambo you will have about 40 minutes to get some breakfast (not included) and use the bathroom. Afterwards it is a 20 minute drive to KM 82 which is the check-in point for the Inca Trail. Here you will have some time to adjust any last minute packing details and the porters will check in, once they have passed the control we will begin the trek. The first hour or so walking is on mainly flat ground until we reach the lunch stop. After lunch and a break to enjoy the scenery we will continue hiking for about 2 more hours on a gradually ascending trail. You will pass the archaeological sites of Llactapata, Qoriwayrachina and Wallabamba before reaching the first campsite at 2853m.a.s.l. (9360 feet). The first day you have the opportunity to purchase drinks and snacks from local people living in the area, and there are bathrooms available at the campsite.
Trip Summary
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Total distance: 10.4km (6.46 miles)
Estimated walking time: 4-5 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2853 m.a.s.l. (9360 ft)
Campsite altitude:2853 m.a.s.l. (9360 ft)
Day 2: Wayllabamba – Warmiwañusca – Pacaymayo
After breakfast you will begin the toughest part of the trail as you walk up and up and up through the cloud forest for about 3 hours until emerging into the Puna ecosystem in the high Andes. Here vegetation is sparse and you will feel the temperature drop as you reach the highest pass on the Inca Trail called Warmiwañiusca or “Dead Woman’s” pass at 4314ma.s.l. (14,153 feet) from where you will have an unbelievable panoramic view of the whole area. After a break you will begin descending once again for about 2 hours until reaching the campsite for lunch. This day will be the toughest day, but you will arrive to the campsite in the early afternoon – make sure to bring along with you playing cards or a book to read, or you may choose to take a nap until dinner time! The campsite is at 3564m.a.s.l. (11,692 feet) and there are basic toilets available. Water, alcoholic drinks and snacks are not available for purchase.
Trip Summary
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Total distance: 9.7 km (6.03 miles)
Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours
Maximum altitude point: 4,314 m (14,153 ft)
Campsite altitude:3,564 m (11,692 ft)
Day 3: Pacaymayu – Puya Patamarka – Wiñaywayna
After breakfast you start the steep ascent towards the second most important pass of the trail at 3,921m.a.s.l. (12,864 feet). About 2 hours into the climb you will reach the Sayamarca ruins, and from there it is about 40 minutes further to the pass. After the pass the trail will continue descending and ascending with stairs – a good workout! You will have a guided visit of Puya Patamarka, another important archaeological monument. A short distance from Puya Patamarka you will have lunch and about 1 hour to rest. In the afternoon there will be about 2.5-3 hours more trekking, the final portion being a descent of approximately 2000 Inca stairs to Wiñay Huayna (Forever Young). You will have a guided visit of this impressive archaeological complex. Dinner and overnight at the campsite at about 2,692m.a.s.l. (8,845 feet). Water, alcoholic drinks and snacks are not available to buy this day.
Trip Summary
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Total distance: 12.2km (7.58 miles)
Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,921 m.a.s.l. (12,864 ft)
Campsite altitude:2,692 m.a.s.l. (8,845 ft)
Day 4: Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu
The final day we have a very early start at about 3am to arrive in time for sunrise at Machu Picchu. After breakfast we will begin the trek to the gates where we will wait until 5:30am for them to open. From there it is only about 1.5 hours further to “Inti Punku” or the Sun Gate where you will have the most impressive panoramic view of the citadel. At the Sun Gate your group may choose to wait while the clouds lift from Machu Picchu for a magical picture of the site. Machu Picchu is the best known of the Inca ruins as it is recognized worldwide, however it is not mentioned in any of the writings by Spanish Conquistadors. It is believed to have been constructed around the mid-15th century and was “rediscovered” by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911.
The guided tour of this fascinating place is an awe-inspiring experience. From the Sun Gate it is another 40 minutes walking until reaching the Lost City. You will leave your bags at the entrance and take a break here for a snack. Afterwards your guide will bring you on a full guided tour or the archaeological site which will last for about 2 hours. Machu Picchu is open until 5:30pm so you can stay for the rest of the afternoon if you choose to explore the site on your own.
After your visit in Machu Picchu you will descend the mountain to Aguas Calientes (1hr downhill on foot, 20 minutes by bus – US$9). In Aguas Calientes you have the chance to take a shower and enjoy a lunch.
Then you will be taking the 9.30pm train departing from Aguas Calientes, if you want to come back earlier you can choose to change the train for an earlier one at extra cost.
Trip Summary
Meals Breakfast, lunch in Aguas Calientes
Total distance: 3.5km (2.17 miles)
Estimated walking time: 1.5-2 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2,692 m.a.s.l. (8,845 ft)
Machu Picchu altitude: 2,400 m (7,872 ft)
* Departure and arrival times are approximate.
** Campsites are subject to change according to the designation of the governmental institution regulating the use of the Inca Trail, as well as to our guide’s criteria and the group progress.
