Inca Trail

Your adventure begins from the imperial city of Cusco, from where you will depart for Ollantaytambo, enjoying a section of the Sacred Valley of the Incas along the way. On arrival, you will stop for breakfast and to make any final purchases before embarking on the trail. You have the option to walk or travel the 82km by bus to the railway station. This also acts as our starting point of “Piscacucho” where you will register for the path at the Sernanp control station. The first leg of your journey along the legendary Inca Trail will follow the current of the Río Sagrado or “Wilka Mayu” river, then cut into the mountains. Here you will find archaeological remnants, such as the Llaqtapata sector, left behind by the Incas as they made the journey to the sacred city of Machu Picchu. We’ll walk through distinct microclimates and ecological zones, which provide the appropriate conditions for the existence of a wide variety of flora and fauna. Your guide will explains how each variety were used in various ways by local people to cure illness, dye clothes, add flavor to food etc. You will stop at Miskay for a tasty lunch. After, you will continue until the area of Huayllabamba, where you will set up camp, east a dinner made by our chefs, and spend your first night under the stars.

• Minimum Altitude: 2670 m / 8,761 ft.
• Maximum Altitude: 2,954 m / 9,694 ft.
• Total Distance: 89 Km / 6.77 mi.
• Approximate Time Hiking: 5-6 Hours.
• Meals: Lunch and Dinner.

You will set off early from camp in order to reach the first peak- Warmi Wañuska mountain pass. Leaving early will help with the altitude. As you follow the Inca Trail, you will enjoy the distinct microclimates that the Incas took advantage off to help construct the indestructible trail. There will be a four hours ascent to the pass (which is considered the most difficult part of the trek). From the pass you will have a breathtaking view of the impressive southern Andes. Here you will take a rest before descending into the second campsite, Pacaymayo, where lunch will be prepared for you while you rest. The afternoon offers free time, followed by dinner and camping for the night.

• Minimum Altitude: 2,954 m / 9,694 ft.
• Maximum Altitude: 4,226 m / 13,866 ft.
• Total Distance: 10 km / 4.40 mi.
• Approximate Time Hiking: 5 hrs 30 min.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

It’s another early morning as you leave the campsite to confront the second difficult challenge of the trip- the Runkurakay Pass. First, you will make a stop at the archaeological site of the same name, famous for its beauty and simplicity. You will then begin the ascent towards the pass, taking the opportunity to appreciate the gorgeous landscape of the high Andes, where the Quechua ecological zone plays an especially prominent role. With, several small, turquoise lakes scattered along this leg of the hike. After crossing the mountain pass, you descend deeper into the Quechua ecological zone. You will again observe different Andean microclimates. Once we reach Phuyupatamarka you will have the opportunity to visit the vista point- laying display to a stunning panoramic view of the marvelous landscape, surrounded by sacred mountains and the back face of Mount Machu Picchu. You will also visit the modest yet complex archaeological area of Phuy. Following this, you will continue the hike by climbing a stone staircase carved into the mountain until we reach the third campsite, Wiñay Wayna. Once settled into camp you can enjoy a well-deserved rest, dinner, and get a good night’s sleep.

• Minimum Altitude: 2,729 m / 8,954 ft.
• Maximum Altitude: 3,974 m / 13,039 ft.
• Total Distance: 94 km / 6.80 mi.
• Approximate Time Hiking: 8 hrs 40 min.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

The early journey starts along the Inca Trail for a short time to “Inti Punku” or “The Sun Gate”. This is the original and principal entrance to the Sacred Citadel Machu Picchu. Here you will witness the sunrise over one of The Wonders Of The World. This is truly a once in a lifetime experience. Your guide will then provide a 3-hour tour of this archaeological marvel, highlighting the main results of the advancements and technological developments of the Andean people. Really their ability to construct beautiful and complex structures was the pinnacle of their work. You can explore the Temples, astronomical observatories, shrines, studies, and an elaborate network of aqueducts that are all indicative of grandeur that this marvelous site once embodied. You will feel the air full of magic and a unique energy. Machu Picchu is without a doubt the Mecca of the Andean Civilization, the epitome of the developments of the Incan culture. After you have had the opportunity to thoroughly explore the site, you will enjoy a lunch in Aguas Caliented before making the journey back to Cusco. You will board the train at Aguas Calientes and travel to Ollantaytambo. Once we arrive to the train station, a transfer will be pick you up for a return to your hotel in Cusco.

• Minimum Altitude: 2,088 m / 6,850 ft.
• Maximum Altitude: 2,732 m / 8,964 ft.
• Total Distance: 29 Km / 4.53 mi.
• Approximate Time Hiking: 4 hrs.
• Meals: Breakfast and Lunch.