Classic Inca Trail to Machupicchu

We will pick you up from your hotel/hostel and head to the city of Ollantaytambo (2 hours)
In Ollantaytambo you can have breakfast and buy some coca leaves for the trip. We also recommend purchasing a pair of walking sticks (10 soles). After last minute shopping we will continue our trip by bus to Piskacucho (2700 meters above sea level), a community located at Km. 82 of the Cusco-Machupicchu railway. All guests must show their original passport here to enter the Inka Trail. It is 12 kilometers on the way to our camp in Wayllabamba.

We begin by crossing the Urubamba River and walking mostly flat terrain to the small community of Miskay (2800 meters above sea level). In Miskay we will take a short break. There, you can try the local chicha (corn beer) from the Andean ladies sitting along the road. Past Miskay we climbed a steep hill to a plateau overlooking the valley. The view offers a stunning view of Patallacta (2750 meters above sea level), one of the many Inca ruins that we will find along the Inca Trail. After our guide explains the importance of the view, we will slowly climb along the valley for 2 hours to our lunch spot. Our cook and porters will be waiting with lunch ready.

After lunch we will be ascended another 2 hours to our first camp in Huayllabamba (3,000 meters above sea level). Hikers will be able to enjoy spectacular views of the Vilcanota Ridge throughout the valley, and appreciate the snow-capped peaks of Veronica Mountain (5,832 meters above sea level) from the camp.

Day 2 of the Inca Trail is considered one of the most difficult, so you will have an early start after a good breakfast. We are going to begin the 9 km ascent of Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman Pass, 4200 meters above sea level). In this section you climb sharply to a beautiful valley full of lush vegetation and clear mountain streams. Guests are encouraged to move at their own pace and enjoy the scenery. Halfway through the pass we will arrive at the small village of Lluluchapampa where guests can rest, use the bathrooms and buy snacks and bottled water. From Lluluchapampa it is a steep 2 hour hike to reach the pass. If the pass is exhausting for you, you won’t do it alone; Our guide will be there until the top of your spirits. The group will meet again at the pass for photos and celebration. We recommend carrying chocolates, candies and coca leaves in your backpack to keep your energy level high and to avoid altitude sickness. Although the view from the pass is spectacular, the cool air and breeze will encourage a quick stop before descending into the valley below. The decent is almost as spectacular as the view from the top as we wind 2.5km down Inca rock cut steps. The valley is the habitat of hummingbirds, sparrows and the rarely seen spectacled bear (Tremarctus Ornatus). Our porters and cook will have lunch for us on the way to our camp in the Pacaymayo valley (3600 meters above sea level). This special camp is located at the bottom of the valley with views of dramatic rocky peaks, waterfalls and lush jungle vegetation far below. A well-earned snack, dinner, tea and a good rest will rejuvenate you after such a difficult and rewarding day.

At 15 km, the third day on the Inca Trail is the longest. It is also the most historically rich day, due to the number of archaeological sites along the way. We are going to start climbing to Runkurakay pass (3,970 meters above sea level). Halfway there we will visit the archaeological complex of Runkurakay, which may have served as a clock or signal tower in the time of the Incas. After a guided tour and an explanation of the ruins, we will cross the pass and head down towards Yanacocha, eventually reaching the impressive Sayacmarca ruins (3624 masl). After exploring this archaeological site we will enter the cloud forest. This is a transition zone between the sub alpine and tropical jungle areas, and is full of beautiful flowers, orchids and bromeliads. The path winds up and down through the forest, passing through impressive Inca tunnels. After lunch we will climb to the third and last pass, Abra de Phuyupatamarca (3700 meters above sea level). This leaves only the gradual descent towards the Machupicchu valley. On the way to our camp, we will visit the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, a sophisticated complex of water fountains and Inca terraces. The end of the day leads to our camp in Wiñaywayna. Wiñaywayna offers a small restaurant where visitors can enjoy a hot shower, cold beers and party at night. This will be the last night with our team of porters and cook. We will say goodbye to them after a delicious dinner.

The fourth day is the one you’ve worked for! We will get up before dawn to begin a one-hour walk towards Inti Punko (Puerta del Sol). From La Puerta del Sol you can experience the sunrise over the Machupicchu mountain (weather permitting). After a brief stop for photos and explanation we will descend towards Machupicchu. The decent of Puerta del Sol is euphoric as the city reveals itself, becoming more and more impressive as you get closer to the city. Once in the famous Inca citadel, our guide will give us a complete tour of the complex, see all the important sites and explain their meaning. The tour will last approximately 2 and a half hours.

After the visit we will have time to take more photos, explore the ruins without a guide or climb Wayna Picchu, the great mountain that appears in every classic image of Machupicchu. The hike to Wayna Picchu takes approximately one hour climbing very steep stairs. Although the hike is exhausting, at the top you will be rewarded with incredible views of Machupicchu, Puerta del Sol, and the surrounding valley. After visiting Machupicchu you can take a bus to Aguas Calientes (US$6), or walk to the town (1.5 hours).
In Aguas Calientes you can visit the thermal baths, located in the upper part of the town. There is also a craft market and many restaurants for lunch. Your guide will provide you with train tickets back to Cusco, arriving after dark.