Day 1: CUSCO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – WAYLLABAMBA
Total Distance: 10,4km – 6,46 miles
Orientation briefing the night before tour at 19:00. We will go to pick you up from your Hotel or Hostel between 5:30 and 6:00am and driven to the town of Ollantaytambo with the rest of your group, 1hr45 from Cusco. In Ollantaytambo, you will have about 40 minutes to get some breakfast (not included) or use the bathroom. Afterwards it is a 20-minute drive to KM 82, which is the check-in point for the Inca Trail. Here you will be given your mattress and have some time to adjust any last minute packing details. The porters will check in to the trail and once they have passed the control we will begin the trek. You will need your original passport to enter the trail. The first hour or so walking is on mainly flat ground until we reach the lunch stop. After lunch and a break to enjoy the scenery we will continue hiking for about 2 more hours on a gradually ascending trail. You will pass the archaeological sites of Llactapata, Qoriwayrachina and Wayllabamba before reaching the first campsite at 2853m.a.s.l. (9360 feet). The first day you will have the opportunity to purchase water, alcoholic drinks and snacks from local people living in the area and there are bathrooms at the campsite. Lunch and dinner are included on day 1. 4-5 hours walking time.
Day 2: WAYLLABAMBA – WARMIWAÑUSCA – PACAYMAYO
Total Distance: 9,7km – 6,03 miles
After a very early breakfast, we’ll begin our trek toward the steep Lullucha valley where we will observe the beautiful and amazing landscape, arriving at the first pass and our trek’s high point, Warmiwañusca (4050 meters above sea level). From this point, whose name in Quechua means Dead Woman’s Pass, we’ll have spectacular views of the high Andes before beginning the descent into Pacaymayo Valley (3600 meters above sea level). The descent is a 6 to 7 hour trek during which we’ll experience the depth and warmth of the valley. Our cooks will surprise us with a delicious lunch on the trail while we rest. Dinner will be at our camp for the night, at Pacaymayo.
Day 3: PACAYMAYO – PUYU PATAMARKA – WINAYWAYNA
Total Distance: 12,2km – 7,58 miles
We’ll begin the day’s hike after breakfast. On this day we’ll be able to observe a variety of wild orchids, bromeliads, mosses and ferns. We’ll make stops at the small archeological sites of Runcurakay, Sayacmarca, Conchamarca, Puyupatamarca, and Wiñayhuayna, which are examples of original Inca architecture. The total hiking time will be approximately 6 to 7 hours, with lunch en route amidst a panoramic view of the region’s snow-capped peaks. Upon our arrival at Wiñayhuayna we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and set up camp for the night.
Day 4: PACAYMAYO – MACHU PICCHU
Total Distance: 3,5km – 2,17 miles
On this day, we’ll visit one of the world’s most evocative sites: Machu Picchu Archeological Complex. After a very early breakfast, we’ll tackle the final segment of our trek. Our journey will take us through a lush and humid cloud forest filled with ferns and plants. After two hours, we’ll arrive at the Intipunku Sun Gate and Machu Picchu in all its dawn splendor will come into view. Descending into the archeological complex, we’ll begin an unforgettable 2-hour guided visit during which our professional guide will recount history enveloping this mysterious and enchanting site. After the guided visit, you’ll have free time to explore independently or relax and soak up the site’s ambience. At the appropriate hour, we’ll descend by bus back or by walk to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch.
In the evening you’ll catch the train to Ollantaytambo station where your transfer will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.
