Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
A journey through ancient paths, mountain silence, and the timeless spirit of Peru
Walk through ancient paths toward Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail is located in the northwest part of the city of Cusco, eventually leading to the citadel of Machu Picchu. The trail is 42 km (25 miles) long, and you must take a bus to reach the starting point.
Landscape: The scenery along the Inca Trail changes dramatically. The first two days offer views of snow-capped mountains, valleys, forests, and small streams. The third day is more tropical, with lagoons and lush vegetation. It’s fascinating to see how quickly the landscape changes. Along the trail, you might spot animals such as llamas, various birds like hummingbirds, lizards, and, rarely, deer.
History: The Inca Trail is one of the remaining routes to Machu Picchu and was not used for transporting goods, people, or animals. Its purpose was religious, as many religious complexes were built along the trail to venerate the mountains, which were considered sacred by the Incas.
Day by day journey
DAY 1 Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Huayllabamba
We will pick you up from your hotel very early in the morning, then head to Km 82 (Piscacucho) where our trek along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu begins. After approximately 3 hours of hiking, we will stop for lunch. We will continue to our first campsite in Wayllabamba, followed by a guided tour of the Llactapata Archaeological Complex. Dinner and overnight stay at the campsite.
DAY 2 Day 2: Wayllabamba – Warmiwañusca – Pacaymayo
After breakfast, the most challenging part of the trek begins, with a steep climb followed by a 3-hour hike to reach the first pass, called Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman), at approximately 4,200 meters above sea level. Here, you will not only enjoy incredible panoramic views of the entire area but also the satisfaction of having reached the summit. After lunch, you will descend to Pacaymayo to camp and have dinner.
DAY 3 Day 3: Pacaymayo – Wiñay Huayna
After breakfast, the ascent begins to the second highest point of the trek, at 3,800 meters above sea level, where you will enjoy a guided tour of the Runku Rakay archaeological complex and the Inca citadel of Sayacmarca. Then, you will continue your hike to Phuyu Patamarka (village in the clouds), another important archaeological site, where you will stop for lunch. After a short rest, you will resume your trek to Wiñay Huayna (Forever Young), for a guided tour of this spectacularly located archaeological complex. Dinner and overnight stay at the campsite.
DAY 4 Day 4: Wiñay Huayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
After breakfast, enjoy a one-hour hike through the forest to Inti Punku (Sun Gate), known as the entrance to Machu Picchu, where you’ll have a breathtaking panoramic view of the citadel. Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, you’ll have a guided tour of the citadel, visiting the main ruins and monuments, such as the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Inti Huatana, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the cemeteries. You’ll have free time to explore the citadel before meeting up with the rest of the group and being transferred by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). In the afternoon, return to Cusco by train. Upon arrival in Cusco, transfer to your selected hotel.
Included
- Transportation to the start of the hike (82 km)
- Tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
- Bus ticket to Aguas Calientes
- Return train ticket to Cusco
- Transfers from the train station to the Hotel on the return day from Machu Picchu.
- Cook and kitchen team and porters
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu and all the archaeological remains found along the way.
- Professional English/Spanish speaking guide throughout the tour
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Camping equipment: two-person tents, sleeping mat.
- Vegetarian food at no extra charge.
Not Included
- The first day you’ll have breakfast, the last day you’ll have lunch (bring some snacks with you, because food in Machu Picchu is very expensive)
- Extra nights (not optional and included) at the Aqua Calientes endpoint, so you can stay a little longer in Machu Picchu, you need to tell us a few days in advance so we can buy your return ticket 1 day later!
- Personal porter: You must carry your belongings yourself or hire an additional porter. If you require a personal porter, please inform them that a permit is required along with your booking! They are officially authorized to carry up to 15 kg of personal belongings and 5 kg of personal items. Once you have booked, this is no longer possible. An additional porter for the 4 days costs $98 USD.
- Sleeping bags are available for rent. We rent good sleeping bags.