A hike along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu can be one of the most wonderful trekking experiences in South America. This trekking takes you through enchanting scenery with different landscapes and climates and arriving at the spectacular city of the Incas: Machu Picchu.
Day 1 Arrival in Cusco
Upon arrival in Cusco airport you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Lodging in Cusco
Day 2 Cusco – Pisca q´uchu (Km 82) – Wuayllabamba (prairie–green place) (B, D, BB)
You will be picked up in your hotel early in the morning. We will drive across the villages of the Sacred Valley such as Yucay and Urubamba. After a 3 hour bus ride we arrive at Kilometer 82 (2,600m / 8,528ft). At this point we have to register to be able to start the trek. From this place, 42 kilometers of mountains, Andean valleys, rivers and tropical forests separate us from Machu Picchu. In our way to our first camp at Wuayllabamba village, the first part of the trek is mainly flat, with slight ascents. It will take approximately 2 ½ hours until we reach the Llactapata’s (town in the heights) archaeological group. Then we will continue towards the valley of the Kusichaca River from where the route follows a slight ascent up to Wuayllabamba's camp located at 3,100 meters (10,168feet).
Day 3 Wuayllabamba Camp – Pacaymayo Camp (B, D, BB)
After breakfast, we start our second and most difficult day, since we will be ascending 1100 meters up to the highest point: the Warmihuañusca (“dead women”) pass at 4200 m. (13,776ft). The slow ascent will take about 5 hours. From the pass we enjoy an astonishing view of the surroundings and the magnificent landscape. This is a windy area so is important to wear warm clothing. We’ll then continue our way down to the Pacaymayo Camp located at 3500m (11480ft).
Day 4 Pacaymayo – Runkuracay – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñayhuayna (B, D, BB)
The third day begins with one and a half hour ascent to the Runku Raccay's Pass located at 3,950 m (12,916ft) of altitude. On the way down, we will visit to the interesting ruins known as Runkuracay (oval building) at 3800m (12,464ft). Then, the rest of the way is basically a descent towards the interesting ruins of Sayacmarca located at 3,600 meters. During Inca times this was used as a control point of the roads connecting to Machu Picchu. Then along a beautiful cloud forest, we will continue up to the pass of Phuyupatamarca, (“town above the clouds”) at 3,670m (12,038ft). From here we will descend on an impressive way of endless rock steps until we arrive to the beautiful Inca remains of Wiñayhuayna (“Forever Young”) located at 2,700 m (8,856 ft).
Day 5 Wiñayhuayna Camp – Machu Picchu – Cusco (B, BB)
The day begins earlier than usually at about 04:30 a.m. in order to make our final trek towards the city of Machu Picchu. After one and a half hour we arrive to Inti Punku (“Sun Gate") at 2,700m (8,856ft) from where we will have the first impressive views of the majestic Inca City of Machu Picchu. From here it is only 1 km more to arrive to the city. Once there, we will enjoy a guided visit to the most important places. At about 1:00 o’clock we will be transported by bus from the citadel down to the village of Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon we take our train back to the city of Cusco. Lodging in Cusco
Day 6 Departure from Cusco (B)
You’ll be transferred to the airport at the appropriate time for your flight
