Inca Trail 4 Days/3 Nights

We will pick you up from the hotel at 5:00 AM in a bus that will take us directly to Piskacucho (2,700 m.a.s.l.), a small community located at kilometer 82 of the road from Cusco to Machu Picchu, where we will begin our hike and meet the entire team of professionals who will make our journey a success. We will cross the bridge and start our walk along the left bank of the Urubamba River, which flows northeast through the Sacred Valley. After passing through some flat terraces, we will arrive at Miskay (2,800 m.a.s.l.), then ascend and finally see the archaeological site of Patallacta or Llactapata (2,750 m.a.s.l.). We will continue our hike along the valley created by the Kusichaca River until we reach our first campsite at Wayllabamba (3,000 m.a.s.l.), where we will have a nourishing dinner and spend the night. During the journey, we will enjoy spectacular views: the Vilcanota River, the Urubamba mountain range with the snow-capped peak of Mount Veronica (5,750 m.a.s.l.), and a wide variety of flora and fauna throughout the entire route.

On this day, after breakfast at approximately 7:00 AM, we will begin our hike, the hardest day of the trek. The hike consists of a steep and narrow climb for about 9 kilometers. Along this ascent, the landscape will change from the highland grasslands to puna, a dry, high-altitude area with sparse vegetation. At this point, we will reach the first and highest mountain pass at 4,200 m.a.s.l., known as Abra de Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass). Here, we can observe domestic llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at this altitude. We will also pass through a forested area where various animals, such as sparrows and the Andean bear, or spectacled bear, live. It is recommended to carry candies, chocolates, and coca leaves to maintain a high sugar level and help counteract altitude sickness. After overcoming the pass, we will descend into the Pacaymayu Valley (3,600 m.a.s.l.), where we will camp after 7 hours of hiking.

This is the longest day, but also the most interesting and impressive of our hike, as we will visit numerous archaeological sites guided and explained by our guide. From Pacaymayu, we will ascend to the second pass, Abra de Runkurakay (3,970 m.a.s.l.). We will visit the archaeological complex of the same name at 3,800 m.a.s.l., where we will find significant remnants of Inca Culture. After crossing the pass, we will descend towards Yanacona (Black Lagoon) and finally reach Sayacmarca (3,624 m.a.s.l.), where we will have lunch. We will then continue our hike, observing how the geography changes from dry, mountainous terrain to semi-tropical green forest, or “ceja de selva.” We continue with an easy climb and reach the third pass, Abra de Phuyupatamarca (3,700 m.a.s.l.). We will continue our hike, passing through an Inca tunnel, and arrive at the previously mentioned pass. This is one of the most complete and best-preserved archaeological complexes, located at the highest point of the mountain. Phuyupatamarca, meaning “The Cloud Above the City,” offers a sophisticated complex, including water sources with solid foundations and impressive views of the Urubamba River. We will continue ascending towards Wiñayhuayna (2,700 m.a.s.l.), meaning “Forever Young,” for a guided tour of this spectacularly located archaeological site.

Dinner and overnight at the campsite.

In Wiñayhuayna, we wake up early, around 4:00 AM, to head towards the Sun Gate, or IntiPunku, where we can enjoy a panoramic view of Machu Picchu and witness the sunrise after walking along the flat stones at the edge of the mountain cliffs. From IntiPunku, we will descend towards Machu Picchu, arriving in approximately 40 minutes. Then, we will head to the Inca city of Machu Picchu, where we will enjoy a guided tour of approximately 2 and a half hours. After the tour, you will have free time to explore the citadel, walk around, or hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain, where you will experience spectacular views of valleys and mountains. Alternatively, you can visit the Temple of the Moon and the fabulous Inca Bridge. Afterward, we will return to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch at your own expense, and finally head to the train station to return to Ollantaytambo, then take a bus to the city of Cusco.