This Inca Trail is a spectacular hike, taking us through stone paths, Inca tunnels, snow-capped peaks, incredible flora that we’ll stop to take pictures of and cloud forests. Every step of the way will leave unforgettable memories in our minds. We will appreciate archaeological sites full of history and surrounded by beautiful wild nature. We will feel our arrival approaching and finally our senses will vibrate as we stand at the Sun Gate. That same day we will walk through the great treasure of the Incas, Machu Picchu.
Depending on the arrival time of your flight, our team will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel in Cusco, where you will be welcomed with a cup of the famous coca tea. You will have the afternoon free to acclimatize. The city of Cusco is located at an altitude of 3,399 meters above sea level.
NOTE: If you arrive before check-in time, you can use the hotel’s common areas while you wait.
This morning you will have time to rest in your hotel and the rest of the day you will have time to explore the city of Cusco. Or, if you prefer, you can take the Sacred Valley tour, which is very nice to do before the Inca Trail.
The idea is to acclimatize a little more for the expected day, which is the Inca trail.
Overnight: Hotel in Cusco
Meals included: Breakfast
We will pick you up in our van at an agreed time. We’ll head to Piscacucho (2650m.a.n.m), a town known as Km 82, where the train route from Cusco to Machu Picchu passes. Starting our trek from the bridge checkpoint, we walked along the left bank of the Urubamba River, which flows to the northwest of the Sacred Valley. After passing through some flat terraces, we’ll reach Miskay (2800 m.a.s.l.) and then climb up to finally see the Inca city of Patallacta (2750 m.a.s.l.). We’ll continue our trek along the route of the valley created by the Kusichaca River, climbing gradually until we reach our first camp at Ayapata (Yuncachimpa) (3100 m.a.s.l.) where we’ll enjoy one of the most spectacular views of the Vilcanota River. On the opposite side of the Urubamba River you can see the impressive Nevado Veronica at a height of 5832 meters above sea level. It is not yet possible to estimate the diversity of flora and fauna that can be found here.
Overnight: Camp Ayapata
Schedule
After a good breakfast, we’ll be ready to continue our hike (this is the point considered to be the most difficult). It consists of a narrow climb close to precipices. The route is 9 km long. As we climb, the landscape changes from the Puna Mountains (a dry, high area with little vegetation). This will be the moment when we reach the first point of the mountain known as Abra de Warmihuañuska (Dead Woman’s Pass). We’ll see domestic Llamas and Alpacas grazing by the Ichu (one of the few plants that grow at this altitude). We’ll also pass through an area of forest home to various kinds of animals such as sparrows, birds and Andean bears. We suggest taking candies, chocolates and coca leaves with you so that you can keep your sugar levels high and control your glycerin levels at altitude. Immediately from this point we will descend to the Pacaymayu Valley (3600m.a.n.m) where we will have lunch after 6 hours of walking. After lunch and a short rest, we’ll continue our hike for another 6 km, the first part of which will be an ascent in which we’ll pass the incredible archaeological complex of Runkuracay (3970m.a.n.m) and then the magnificent archaeological complex of Sayacmarca, (3650m finally we’ll arrive at our campsite called Chaquicocha).
Overnight: Chaquicocha camp
Schedule
This day, as well as visiting the archaeological complexes from the previous day, we will be able to appreciate the magnitude of the ancient art of the Incas and see the rocks that have reached the ravine in perfect order. We’ll continue our walk and then pass through an Inca tunnel to reach one of the most complete and preserved archaeological complexes, which is located at the highest point of the mountain. Phuyupamarca means “The Cloud over the City”, from where we will be able to see a sophisticated complex, made up of water fountains with a solid foundation and impressive views of the Urubamba River. We will now continue down to Wiñayhuayna (2700 m.a.n.m). Here we will find a country house with a restaurant and rooms with bathrooms and hot showers. Five minutes from the campsite is the archaeological complex of Wiñayhuayna, which consists of an agricultural center with numerous religious and urban terraces.
Overnight: Camp WiñayHuayna
Schedule
On this day we will wake up at 4:00 am to leave Wiñayhuayna at the indicated time. We will climb up to Inti Punku (Sun Gate or Sunrise Gate). The tour will last approximately 1 hour. Then we will walk on the flat stones that are on the edge of the mountain where we will be able to watch the sun rise over the city of Machu Picchu. From Intipunku we will descend to Machu Picchu, arriving in approximately 40 minutes. Upon arrival in Machu Picchu we will take a guided tour lasting approximately 2 hours.
Then we will descend to the town of Aguas Calientes where we can visit the thermal baths to relax after 4 days of walking. We will return to the town of Ollantaytambo by train. Then we will board a bus to the city of Cusco. Estimated arrival time in Cusco: 10:30 pm.
Overnight: hotel in Cusco (own expense)
Meals: breakfast
Schedule
Hotel-airport transfer.
Depending on your flight time, our representative will pick you up at your hotel and take us to the airport.
End of our services.
NOTE: If your arrival time is after check-out time, you can use the hotel’s common areas while you wait.
Talk to a Travel Agent!
Cusco
Moderate difficulty
Total distance 12 Km
Maximum altitude 2,720 m
Up to 16 people
Consult availability
Cusco and Sacred Valley
Moderate difficulty
Total distance 12 Km
Maximum altitude 2,720 m
Up to 16 people
Consult availability
Cusco
Moderate difficulty
Total distance 43 Km
Maximum altitude 4.215 m
Up to 16 people
Consult availability
