Day 1: Cusco – Piscacucho KM 82 – Hatunchaca
Very early in the morning of the first day, we will pick you up from your hotel (exact time will be confirmed in the briefing). We will then travel in our transportation to Ollantaytambo, where we will stop to have breakfast (this breakfast is not included). Following breakfast, we will continue on to the trailhead (named KM 82). Then, upon completing the final checks, we will pass through the checkpoint (passport is required at this point). The beginning of the trek is relatively flat, allowing for an easy start to the day. About two hours into the hike you will see the first Inca site (Patallacta), and the guide will pause to explain the history and culture of the ancient Incas. Another one hour walk will put us at the lunch place. After lunch and another few hours of hiking, we will arrive at the first campsite (Hatunchaca) in time to prepare a dinner and rest up for the second day.
- Walking Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles.
- Overnight Accommodations: Camping facilities.
- Meals: Lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. Breakfast is not included.
- Campsite elevation: 3,000m/ 9,842 ft.
Day 2: Hatunchaca – Dead Woman´Pass – Pacaymayu
After waking up early at approximately 6 am and having a quick breakfast, we will start hiking towards the highest point of the Inca trail called warmiwañusca (dead women´s pass, 4215 meters). This is the most challenging day of the trek, as it involves the most strenuous climbs, but will offer you stunning views of the surrounding mountains. On this portion of the trek, expect several breaks, and allowances for photos and simply enjoying the surroundings. We will hike approximately 3.5 hours uphill before reaching our lunch stop (Llulluchapampa). We will take lunch after we will continue ascending until we reach the peak approximately 2 hours later. After reaching the highest point, we will descend for approximately 1.5 hours until we get to the second campsite (Pacaymayu).
- Hiking Distance: 11. km / 7.1miles.
- Overnight Accommodations: Camping facilities.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner.
- Campsite elevation: 3,600m/ 11,520ft.
Day 3: Pacaymayu – Runkuracay´Pass – Phuyupatamarca
This day is the most impressive day with many views of the Vilcabamba mountain range and the sacred mountain (Salkantay). We will wake up at approximately 7 am, grab a quick breakfast, and continue hiking until we reach the first Inca site of the day (Runkurakay). After exploring the ruins, we will keep going up for 1 hour to the second pass of the Inca trail (called Runkurakay Pass). Then we will descend to a second Inca site (Sayacmarca), at which we will stop for exploring and get information from your tour guide. After we will keep walking for 30 minutes, where we will take a rest and eat lunch. We will walk for 2 hours more, we will stop at the next overnight campsite and will have the opportunity to watch the sunset over the beautiful Vilcabamba mountain range.
- Hiking Distance: 12 km / 6.5 miles.
- Overnight Accommodations: Camping facilities.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner.
- Campsite elevation: 3,680m/ 12,000ft.
Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Aguas Calientes
After an early departure, we will stop at a popular Inca site (Phuyupatamarca). We will then follow our adventure, that day in the morning is downhill with a lot of steps through the cloud forest to the ruins of Intipata and Wiñayhuyna, which are both well restored. After grabbing a quick lunch at Wiñayhuyna, followed by a small ceremony to say thank you and goodbye to the crew. It’s an Inca trail tradition to organize a ceremony in the evening to introduce the team to the tourists once again and to thank them for the great job done (if you wish to provide tips for them, then you can do so now). We will walk another 1.5 hours to the Sun Gate, from where we will have a spectacular view of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains. However, it will take another 45 minutes to hike down to Machu Picchu itself. After spending some time in Machu Picchu, we will go by bus to our overnight hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Inca Trail 5 Days Hiking Distance: 10km / 7.4 miles.
- Overnight Accommodations: Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Aguas Calientes elevation: 2,000m/6,561ft.
Day 5: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
We will have a breakfast very early at the hotel and then catch a 5:30 am a bus to Machu Picchu. A half hour bus ride will bring you to the citadel for a guided visit, which normally takes approximately 2 hours. Your official tour guide will walk through the different sectors of the hill-top citadel, taking you back in time to gain an understanding of ancient Andean life. You will then have free time to explore the city by yourself and take in some of the magnificent views. If you still have the energy, you can also climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountains, which normally take approximately 45 minutes Huayna Picchu and 2 hours Machu Picchu Mountain. However, if you are interested in either of these additions, please book in advance as there are special ticket arrangements. At the end of your exploration of the site, you will be brought by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (it does not include), before receiving your train ticket to the Ollantaytambo station. Here, a driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
- Meals: Breakfast, provided by the hotel. (Lunch, tea time and dinner are not included).
Elevation: 2,400m / 7,874ft
