Classic Inca Trail – 4 Days

We’ll depart Cusco at 5:30 am sharp to onboard a tourist bus towards the Sacred Valley, having a short break in Ollantaytambo town for a wholesome breakfast. Reaching Km 82, the starting point of the trek, you will meet the trek crew making sure everything is ready and the group is registered. Just after passing the famous Urubamba River, you’ll officially begin the Inca Trail. The first day is easy enough to stretch yourself or the trek. Approaching Miskay, you’ll have lunch overlooking the beautiful complex of Llactapata, located next to a small riverbank. Here our guide will explain and share exceptional facts about the ruins. We’ll then pass by Wayllabamba lookout for epic mountain views followed by a climb up to Yuncachimpa, which is our campsite for the evening. Feast your eyes on the beautiful snow-capped Veronica Mountain as you settle down for the night.

• Difficulty: Moderate      • Hiking time: 6-7 hours    • Distance covered: 11 km/6.8 mi

This day consists of a free walk, being able to hike at the most desirable pace for each one, and meeting up during the short breaks. This portion will lead us to the Llulluchapampa Valley, where you’ll cross about 3km/2mi of the famous Peruvian Rainforest, a fairly steep path covered in mist, giving this place an enchanting atmosphere. Be delighted with the soothing sounds of water as you merge with nature!

You’ll pass the Valley of Llulluchapampa with a slow ascend of 2-3 hours until you arrive at the highest peak of the trek: Warmihuañusca Pass (the Dead Woman Pass due to the silhouette it projects). This is the most challenging stretch of the Inca Trail, but reward yourself with a short break at the Summit before embarking on a steep descent down to Pacaymayo River, best known as the Sunrise River, while you head towards the Runkurakay Pass. A short time later we will reach the Campsite, Chaquicocha. Your mission for the night will be to have some well-deserved rest from your adventurous hike, as you settle down and appreciate the beautiful mountain scenery.

Difficulty: Challenging         • Hiking time: 8-9 hours          • Distance covered: 15 km/9 mi

On the third day, the trail will leave you speechless as the surroundings start to change into a tropical forest, one of the most wonderful gifts of nature on our way towards Wiñaywayna. At the second summit, you will pass a couple of beautiful lakes on top worth getting your camera out. Restart with a gentle climb through the beautiful Cloud Forest and a small Inca tunnel that offers spectacular views over the below Urubamba River.

Close by you’ll encounter The Town above the Clouds, the popular name for Phuyupatamarca, a beautiful a well-preserved site loaded with baths that prove to us the ingenuity of Inca engineering. On our walk, we will pass by another Inca tunnel before arriving in Wiñaywayna, which translated means ‘Forever Young’. Following a zigzag trail of Inca stairs, you’ll reach the last camping settlement, where you will be able to take a shower and sample some drinks.

• Difficulty level: Moderate – Easy • Hiking time: 5-6 hours • Total distance: 10 km/6 m

This is the end of the trail but the most important day, after early morning breakfast, you’ll head off on the last leg, equipped with flashlights to guide you through the dawn darkness. Now approaching on a 4-hour walk to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate). Here, you’ll be hypnotized by the first sights of Machu Picchu with astonishing views on the Lost Citadel.

On your way down the ruins, you’ll have a complete tour with our Guide uncovering the secrets and uses of the buildings and terraces, including a roam across the most important temples with mesmerizing views. Enjoy a complimentary walk around, and if you wish, the climb to Huayna Picchu (optional). Imagine yourself on top! (enquire for more details). The exploration finishes with a transfer to Aguas Calientes. This fun-packed day ends boarding the scenic train to Ollantaytambo followed by a bus transfer to Cusco. Arrive in Cusco in the evening.

• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate    • Hiking time: 2-3 hours      • Distance covered: 7 km/4.4 mi