Inca trail (4 days / 3 nights)

Reaching Machu Picchu with this program is a challenge, the Inca trail of 4 days and 3 nights offers us the possibility to travel the same path that our ancestors once built. Throughout our walk we can see amazing views, we will pass the cold heights of the Andes and we will ascend by a path of many stairs, but the most beautiful thing will be the big number of archeological sites that we will discover as we get closer to our goal, the wonder of the world Machu Picchu.

Altitude

2050 - 4200 m.a.s.l

High season

March to October

Duration

4 days / 3 nights

Duration

Moderate

Route

Closed in February

ITINERARY

DAY 1: Cusco - km 82 - Llactapata - Wayllabamba – Yuncachimpa

We will leave around 5am, we will pick you up at the hotel in the city of Cusco and we will travel north to the Sacred Valley, we will have a stop in Ollantaytambo to have breakfast, later we will continue our journey until we reach the point situated at km 82 or “Piscacucho”. At this point, we will meet our team (porters, chefs, etc). We will start our journey crossing the suspension bridge over Urubamba river that is located at a height of 2900masl. The first day of the walk will be easy, but at the same time it will be a warm-up for the next days. After a short walk, we will discover the first archeological site, known as Llactapata that used to be an agricultural center which has large Inca terraces; at this point we will eat for the first time, before continuing our walk. Then we will go up the river to the village of Wayllabamba which is situated at 3000masl. We will continue the journey to our next destination that will be Yuncachimpa, situated at 3300masl, where we will have our first camping night. From here, we will have the opportunity to enjoy a magnificent view of the mysterious Veronica snowy mountain.

Difficulty level

normal-medium

Walking time

07 hours.

Walking distance

12 km.

DAY 2: Yuncachimpa - Paso Warmihuañusca - Pacaymayu - Paso Runkurakay - Chaquicocha

This day will be the most difficult, as our walk will be almost entirely upwards; this day each participant will be able to climb at his/her own rhythm, but always helping each other. Early in the morning, we will walk to the valley Lulluchapampa situated at 3850masl. The first 3 km you will be able to appreciate the humid area with many trees. The path will ascend slowly through the beautiful subtropical vegetation, slowly the slope will get steeper and the woods will slowly give way to arid landscapes of the altitude, kown also as the region “Puna”; we will continue to “Paso Warmiwañusca, or in Spanish “The Step of the Dead Woman” situated at 4200masl. This ascent is known as the most exhausting of the whole Inka trail. Upon reaching, we will have a short rest in order to descend with the destination being the valley of river Pacaymayo, situated at at 3500masl. Later we will have another stop, so we can start to climb again towards the archeological site of Runkurakay, which is situated at 3950masl. This site serves as a watchtower and tambo (resting place) for the travelers that are heading to the citadel of Machu Picchu.

Later we will continue the descent to Sayacmarca ruins situated at 3600masl, which is a small city composed of a labyrinth of alleys, squares, houses, terraces and springs. We will quickly reach the site of our second camp in Chaquicocha at 3650 meters above sea level; at this point, we will enjoy an impressive view of the mountains. After an excellent dinner prepared by our chefs, we will have a well-deserved rest.

Difficulty level

Advanced

Walking time

08 hours

Walking distance

Approximately 15 km.

DAY 3: Chaquicocha - Phuyupatamarca - Wiñayhuayna

This day will be the most beautiful of our walk. As we advance, we can see a change in landscapes, we will pass from the Puna climate to the climate of the tropical jungle. We will start the day slowly climbing and we will cross an Inca tunnel of about 20 meters until reaching the last step situated at 3700 masl.

We will continue our walk to Phuyupatamarca, situated at 3600masl. We will enjoy a magnificent view of the snowy peaks of the valley of Urubamba. Later we will descend under a thick bamboo cover and in the background there will appear the extraordinary ruins of Wiñaywayna, which means “forever young”, situated at 2650masl. Wiñaywayna is made up of an extensive set of Inka terraces, the complex leads by a grand staircase to a ceremonial area and the stairs are situated in zigzag all the way to a red building. This will be our last camping place where we will enjoy hot water and bottled mineral water.

Difficulty level

Normal(easy)

Walking time

05 hours

Walking distance

Approximately 9 km.

DÍA 4: WiñayWayna - Machu Picchu - Cusco

We will have breakfast early in the morning, around 4:30, then we will head to Puerta del Sol (Inti Punku), situated at 2700 meters above sea level. At this point we will have a panoramic view of Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu. We will end this unforgettable walk taking advantage of the sunrise in the Machu Picchu citadel; it will be a magical moment that you can only live after the Inca Trail.

After living this unforgettable experience, we will descend to the Machu Picchu citadel, situated at 2400masl. Our guide will share with us all his knowledge about the Inca history and architecture. The guided tour will last about 2 hours, later you will have a bit of free time to explore the Inca city on your own. Upon ending the visit, we will return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where we will have time to have lunch, relax in the hot springs or explore the picturesque village. In the afternoon, at a convenient time, we will have to head to the train station, to board the train towards Ollantaytambo station; here our staff will be waiting for you to assist you and transfer you to Cusco.

Difficulty level

Normal(easy)

Walking time

2-3 hours

Walking distance

Approximately 5 km.