Inca Trail Luxury 4 Days to Machu Picchu

Today begins your of a lifetime adventure. We will pick you up from your hotel in our private van very early in the morning at 5:30 am. You will be transferred to the Sacred Valley of the Inkas, where our van going to kilometer 82, where the Classic Inca Trail begins. On the way, we stop for breakfast in Ollantaytambo at 6:30-7 am to load up on energy for our start of the trail. (Breakfast is not included). Upon arrival at kilometer 82 at 11:30am, we will have some time to organize ourselves, At the Inka Trail first control point be ready to show your entrance tickets, passports and (if paying a student rate) your student card. At the start of the trail (2,720m/8,923ft) we cross the Vilcanota River and follow its route to the right. The first day is relatively easy, a warm-up along the Inka flat terrain. There are great views of the “Huillca Raccay”, the vast and incredible Inka site of Llactapata, (officially called ‘Patallacta’), and the beautiful snow-capped peak of ‘W’akay Willca’ (5,860m/19,225ft) known in books as Veronica. Our first campsite is in Wayllabamba (3,000m/9,842ft) in the temperate green valley with the same name. Temperatures at night are around 5ºC depending on the month. During the day, we will enjoy spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains Veronica, (5,860m/19,337ft), the lush green valley around us and a myriad of flora and fauna.

After waking up at 5 to 5:30am and enjoying a hot breakfast, we start a steep ascent towards the highest pass, abra de Warmihuañusca or ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’ at 4,200m/13,779ft. On this day, you will feel a real sense of achievement upon reaching the top! After a well-deserved rest, we begin the descent to where we stop for lunch, which is located at Pacaymayu (3,550m/11,646ft). On our way up to the pass, we will be able to see an array of hummingbirds and a combination of other species of bird life. There will be plenty of time to appreciate the incredible variety of native plants and the ´Polylepis´ or Q’ueuña trees which grow in the astonishing cloud forest located at 3,650m/11,972ft! After lunch, begins the second twohour steep climb to Runkuraqay pass (almost 4,000m/13,123ft). We arrive at our campsite by 5:00 pm. Temperatures at this campsite are around 4ºC during the night.

This is the most impressive day so far; keep this in mind as you ascend on day three! We wake up for breakfast at 6 am and start the day with a gentle climb to visit the archaeological site of ‘Phuyupatamarca’ (meaning ‘Town in the Clouds’). Here we reach the third highest point on the Inka trail (3,680 m / 12,073 ft). The views of the mountains, canyons and surrounding areas are spectacular! The Inca site of ‘Phuyupatamarca’, is located a few minutes’ walk from the third pass. After visiting this site, we continue walking down 3000 stairs through the cloud forest to the impressive terrases of Intipata. After taking some time to visit this site, we continue until we arrive at our third campsite Wiñay Wayna. (2,680m/8,792ft). Today, we will only walk about 4 to 5 hours. We arrive at camp by lunchtime! Temperatures during the night are about 12º C. A short walk from our campsite is the famous Incan site of ‘Wiñay Wayna’ (‘Forever Young’). Even if you are feeling tired after your day’s trek, it´s a moment you cannot miss, the most impressive site on the Inca trail.

On our last day of the Inca Trail, we will wake up very early, between 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., depending on the campsite location. A box breakfast will be provided for you. At approximately 6:30 a.m., we will arrive at the long-awaited Sun Gate. From here, the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu unfolds before us, revealing its breathtaking beauty— an incredible view for everyone! It is an extraordinary moment to imagine what the Incas must have felt during their exhausting journey to this vast temple of Machu Picchu. From the Sun Gate, we will descend towards the citadel of Machu Picchu.

Our first stop will be Circuit 1B or the Upper Terraces, where your guide will give a brief introduction to the site, and you will have a great opportunity to take the classic photo of one of the Seven Wonders of the World - Machu Picchu.

From there, we will go down to the checkpoint where we will register and leave our belongings (optional, extra cost for lockers), in order to re-enter (with a second entry ticket) this time inside the citadel of Machu Picchu (Circuit 2A, 2B, or 3B, subject to availability). Accompanied by your professional guide, you will explore the main archaeological areas of Machu Picchu. Here, you will have the chance to visit the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Royal Tomb, and the Main Plaza. Machu Picchu is considered a spiritual center, a hub of the world’s esoteric wisdom. Once the guided tour is over, you will have free time to explore the site at your own pace.

Return to Cusco: After your visit to Machu Picchu, we will descend by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes, where we will board the Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo or Poroy train station. Please note that the train departure time may vary depending on the schedule and availability. Once you arrive at the train station, our transportation will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Note: Please check with your travel advisor for the availability of the entrance circuits inside the Machu Picchu citadel.