DAY 1:CUSCO – PISCACUCHO (KM 82) – WAYLLABAMBA- AYAPATA
The starting point of this incredible trip begins between 5:30 and 6:00 am to arrive in Ollantaytambo and have breakfast in a restaurant (not included) and continue to kilometer 82 (Piskacucho), located on the outskirts of Cusco. From there, you will walk along the banks of the Urubamba River, surrounded by the most incredible mountain landscapes for approximately 2 hours to the Llactapata archaeological center, where you will make a stop to explain about this place. Then continue walking to the town of Huaybamba to have lunch.
During this first day, you will marvel at the ruins of Ollantaytambo and its vibrant agricultural terraces; Finally, you will camp in Ayapata (located at 3,300 meters above sea level), where you will enjoy a restful night, thanks to the serenity that nature provides.
During this day you will be able to immerse yourself in the Inca culture, get acquainted with the natural and archaeological beauty, and experience first-hand the human warmth of the local people.
- Total hiking distance: 8.7 miles / 14 km (6-7 hours).
- Campsite altitude: 3300 meters (high) above sea level
- Considered: Moderate day (getting used to the Inca Trail)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
- Accommodation: Camping in tents
- Weather: Warm and windy
DAY 2:HUAYLLABAMBA - INCA TRAIL HIGHEST POINT – PACAYMAYO- CHAQUICOCHA
Day 2 has arrived and we assure you that it will be perfect to have a challenging but highly rewarding experience. This is the journey from Wayllabamba crossing the Paso de la Mujer Muerta (Pacaymayo) to Chaquicocha where we will start at 6:00 am after trying a nutritious breakfast.
Leaving the Ayapata camp behind, you will become the greatest spectator of hilarious mountainous landscapes. You will come across winding valleys, over the hills, which will give you the best view of the high peaks of the Vilcabamba mountain range; and, if the weather allows it, you will be able to observe the snow-capped peaks in the distance.
However, this peculiar mouth-opener will lead you up the steep and challenging ascent of the Paso de la Mujer Muerta (also known as the Paso de Warmihuañusca). From this path you will reach an altitude of 4,200 meters, being the highest point of the entire Inca trail 4 days. And when you reach the summit, you will enjoy extraordinary panoramic views that will leave you speechless.
When you recover your sanity and your breath, the descent of the Paso de la Mujer Muerta will take you directly to the Runcuraccay Pass (at 3,950 m asl); where you can enjoy the typical beauty of the Andean landscapes, full of mountains, valleys and meandering rivers.
Finally, you will arrive at Chaquicocha; which will become your refuge to have a second night full of beauty and tranquility. Just lie down, recharge your energies, and get ready to continue your adventure to Machu Picchu on day 3!
- Total hiking distance: 8.2 miles/16km (8-9 hours).
- Campsite altitude: 3600 meters (high) above sea level
- Considered: Top day (you will have survived the two highest passes)
- Area: Andes and Cloud Forest
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
- Accommodation: Camping in tents.
- Weather: Cold and rainy
DAY 3: CHAQUIQOCHA – PHUYUPATAMARCA-WIÑAYWAYNA
On the stretch leading from Chaquiccocha to Wiñaywayna, travelers will find a combination of spectacular natural scenery, remnants of archaeological wonders, and a variety of exotic flora and fauna.
As you descend into the Kusichaca River valley, you will have before you breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, clear rivers, and deafening waterfalls.
As you advance, the trail will lead you into a thick cloud forest, where you will have the opportunity to experience the rich biodiversity of the place, coming across a variety of mammals and birds, such as the quetzal, the toucan, and the hummingbird.
Halfway, you will find the ruins of Wiñaywayna (which means “always young” in Quechua); one of the most impressive and well-preserved archaeological sites, composed of agricultural terraces, water sources, and some dwellings. Finally, for this day 3, we will settle into camp and rest for the “big day”.
- Total hiking distance: 2 miles/10km (5 hours)
- Campsite altitude: 2600 meters (high) above sea level
- Considered: beautiful Inca sites
- Area: Andes and Cloud Forest
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
- Accommodation: Camping in tents.
- Weather: Cold and worm
DAY 4:MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
Day 4 has arrived and begins just before sunrise, around 4:00 am, to walk to the Inti Punku, known as the Sun Gate. From this privileged viewpoint, you will witness one of the most exciting spectacles: the majestic Machu Picchu at sunrise.
After taking the time to breathe the purity and absorb the magic energy of the sun’s rays, you will descend to the citadel for 1 hour, and upon arrival, you can walk for 2 hours through its cobblestone streets, terraces, and sacred temples, along with our guide, who will be telling the group the fascinating stories and mysteries that surround this magical place.
At the end of the 2-hour tour of Machu Picchu, we will return to Aguas Calientes to have lunch at a local restaurant and take a train to Ollantaytambo for a two-hour trip. Once there our private transportation will pick you up to take you to Cusco.
- • Considered: The most exciting and magical day
• Area: High Cloud and Subtropical Forest
• Weather: Hot and very humid (bring lots of water)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, included
• Bus: Tickets for the bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes included
• Train: Train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo included; train at 14:30 or 14:55
• Transfer: From Ollantaytambo to Cusco included 1.5-2 hours car ride
• Back in Cusco: You will be back in Cusco around 6:30 pm
