An extraordinary experience, rich in cultural and spiritual aspects, aims to establish an authentic connection with one of the world's most famous destinations. This is achieved through the journey along the ancient Inca Trail to the legendary Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, which covers 32,952 hectares and contains an extensive network of Inca trails, numerous archaeological sites, ten ecological zones, more than 450 species of birds, 200 varieties of orchids, in addition to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary itself.
Hiking the Inca Trail to Machupicchu in Peru is South America's greatest trekking adventures. And ranked as one of the three best treks of the world.
The trail starts at an altitude of about 2,800 masl from Km 82/Piscacucho and traverses the Andes, crossing exciting sites like Dead Woman's Pass which, at 4,200 meters high, is the peak point of the trek. A few other impressive Inca sites are waiting for you such as Wiñayhuayna or "Forever Young" before descending towards the always fascinating Machu Picchu (2,450 m).
It takes four days to reach the legendary Inca city and, with the exception of the Dead Woman s Pass, getting to Machu Picchu is not too demanding.
The Inca Trail is rightly famous for its spectacular Andean scenery, full of snow-capped mountains between June and October, as well as the captivating Inca ruins you could meet along the way
The history of Peru is brought to life by our professional tour guides as we walk in the footsteps of the Incas in the company of their modern day descendants, our porters from the Sacred Valley.
Inca Trail Expeditions Perú offers you different trekking options on the Inca Trail, so you can combine this adventure along some other highlights from this fantastic country. And as always, all the different travelling ingredients on this tour have been precociously selected by specialists of voyaging so you just have to enjoy the wonderful landscapes while hiking to Machu Picchu.
Day 1: Cusco| Piscacucho Km 82 – Wayllabamba.
Hotel pick-up begins at approximately 05:00 a.m. We will head to Ollantaytambo and arrive around 06:30 a.m., having about 40 minutes for breakfast and souvenir shopping. Then, we will head to Piscacucho or kilometer 82, the starting point of the Classic Inca Trail> to begin our hike (breakfast is not included). Around 09:30 a.m., we will arrive at kilometer 82, the first checkpoint of the Inca Trail, where you will need to present your entrance tickets, passports and, if you are a student, the corresponding card (if you have paid a reduced rate).
At the beginning of the trail (2720 m / 8923 ft), we will cross the Vilcanota River and continue to the right following its course. The first day is relatively easy, serving as a warm-up along the flat Inca terrain. From here, we enjoy breathtaking views of the Inca fortress 'Huillca Raccay', the vast and incredible Inca site of Llactapata (officially called 'Patallacta'), and the imposing snow-capped peak of 'Wakay Willca' (5860 m / 19225 ft), also known as Veronica. Our first camp is located in Huayllabamba (3000 m / 9842 ft), a green and temperate valley that shares the same name. Night temperatures vary around 5ºC depending on the month.
Meals: Lunch and dinner. Accommodation: Camping. Distance: 11 kms / 6.8 mls . Difficulty: Moderate / Challenging. Walking Time: 6 hours approx. Minimum altitude: 2700 m / 8.858 ft Maximum altitude: 3300 m / 10.827 ft
After waking up around 5:30 a.m. and enjoying a hot breakfast, we will begin the steep ascent to the highest point, Abra de Warmiwañusca or 'Dead Woman's Pass', which is at 4215 m / 13829 ft. On this day, you will experience a real sense of accomplishment as you reach the summit. After taking a well-deserved rest, we will start our descent to Pacaymayo, where we will stop to enjoy lunch at an altitude of 3600 m / 11811 ft.
Meals: HBreakfast, lunch and dinner. Accommodation: Camping. Distance: 10 kms / 6.2 mls. Difficulty: Moderate / Challenging. Walking Time: 7 hours approx. Minimum altitude: 3300 m / 10,827 ft. Maximum altitude: 3600 m / 11.811 ft.
This day turns out to be especially impressive; keep this in mind as you embark on the third day's ascent. We will start the day with breakfast at 6:00 a.m. and embark on a gentle climb to explore the archaeological site of "Runkurakay" (meaning "Ovoid Site"). Here we will reach the third highest point of the Inca Trail, located at 3750 m / 12303 ft. Then, we will continue to Sayacmarca (which translates as "Dominant Village"). This citadel and religious enclave is located about 20 kilometers on foot from the trailhead, offering spectacular views of mountains, canyons and the surrounding area. The Inca site of "Phuyupatamarca " (meaning "city in the clouds") is a few minutes walk from the third pass. After exploring this site, we will descend 3000 steps through the cloud forest to the amazing Inca agricultural site of Intipata. After spending time at this site, we will continue to our third campsite at Wiñayhuayna (2680 m / 8792 ft). On this day, we will walk for approximately 7 to 8 hours and arrive at the camp just at lunch time. The night temperatures will be around 12º C. A few steps from our campsite is the renowned Inca site of "Wiñayhuayna" ("Forever Young"). Although you may feel tired after the hike, this is a moment not to be missed, as it is the highlight of the Inca Trail.
Meals: HBreakfast, lunch and dinner. Accommodation: Camping. Distance: 16 kms / 9.5mls . Difficulty: Moderate. Walking Time: 10 hours approx. Minimum altitude: 2650 m / 8,694 ft. Maximum altitude: 3600 m / 11.811 ft.
Around 4:00 a.m., it is time to wake up and you will be provided with a packed breakfast to begin the fourth day on the Inca Trail, with the goal of arriving punctually at Machu Picchu. This stage marks the final leg of your journey, reaching the Sun Gate or Intipunku at 6:30 am. At this point, the majestic Citadel of Machu Picchu unfolds before us with its imposing beauty, offering a spectacular view for all. It is here that we perceive the reality of what the ancient Incas must have experienced on their arduous journey to this expansive temple. We descend to the citadel of Machu Picchu from the summit, which is at an altitude of 2430 m / 7972 ft. After approximately 40 minutes of hiking, we enter the citadel from the top through the "Guardian's House" and access the upper platform. Afterwards, we head to the checkpoint where we check in and leave our belongings. Under the guidance of your professional guide, you will explore the amazing ruins, walking through the main streets of the city, squares and ascending the intricate staircases carved in stone. Machu Picchu is recognized as the spiritual center of the world according to esoteric wisdom. After the guided tour,
You will also have time to enjoy some of the following activities on your own if you wish (not included in the price:
Meals: Breakfast. Distance: 8.9 km / 5.5 ml. Difficulty: Easy Walking Time: 5 hours approx. Minimum altitude: 2040 m / 6.693 ft. Maximum altitude: 2720 m / 8.924 ft
Hotels in Cusco: no matter what the standard you would like (Standard, Economy, First Class, or Luxury) you should ask us to book your room as we know all the different rates for every hotel in Cusco and might secure you a pretty sweet deal.
In this video we show a brief description about the Inca Trail 2 days, you will appreciate the highlights of this trek in this 2 minutes longer video. There is a short description about the attractions that you will see below.
Dead Woman's Pass: Dead-Womans-Pass is the highest point on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, located some 4,215 meters above sea level. Its name is attributed to the shape of the mountain, which some see as a reclining woman. It is a challenging stage but offers breathtaking views of the Andes.
Pakaymayu: Pakaymayu is a panoramic point on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, at 3500 meters known as "Rio Bonito". It offers a beautiful natural environment and serves as a resting place for hikers.
Runkuraqay: Runkuraqay or Runku Raqay (Quechua runku basket, raqay shed / derelict house / ruin) is an archaeological site on a mountain of the same name in Peru located in the Cusco Region, Urubamba Province, Machupicchu District..
phuyupatamarka: Phuyupatamarka is an Inca archaeological site whose name, translated from Quechua, means 'city above the clouds'. It is located in the mountains of the Urubamba Valley, on the Vilcanota River.
Intipata: intipata is a checkpoint where different agricultural products such as potatoes, corn, oca, quinoa and even the famous coca leaf were cultivated on the terraces.
Intipunku: Intipunku is also called the 'Sun Gate' and leads to Machu Picchu. This is a great vantage point where you will get your first view of Machu Picchu. It was used by the Incas during their ceremonies for the summer solstice in December.