DAY 1 CUSCO – WAYLLABAMBA
(Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Having enjoyed a suitably breathtaking journey through the Sacred Valley on the way to the trailhead, your first eager steps of the trail will begin at the famous ‘km. 82’ footbridge. The early stages are gentle, following the course of the Urubamba River while trekking through a pleasant combination of meandering forest tracks and riverbank pathways, with your first planned stop being at the Miskay community; an ideal place to meet locals and taste their local ‘Chicha’ drink for an early energy boost. From here, the trail makes a gradual ascent into the valley, passing the impressive ancient Incan site of Patallacta which, archaeologically speaking, offers a tantalizing taste of what is to come over the next four days. From this magnificent viewpoint, you will follow the banks of the Cusichaca River, leading into a steady five-hour climb until reaching your camp for the evening, which comes courtesy of a clearing at Wayllabamba, the last inhabited village on the Inca Trail.
Total distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Estimated walking time: 5 to 6 Hours
Max. altitude: 3000m / 9,840ft
Campsite altitude: 3000m / 9,840ft
DAY 2 WAYLLABAMABA – PACAYMAYU
(Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
An early start this morning enables you to enjoy your time along the most physically demanding day of the trail. Beginning with 9 km of steep steps and uneven ground, this initial exertion is more than rewarded with heavenly views of the Llullucha Valley, high Andean plains and mystical woodland trails throughout, not to mention the satisfaction of passing through the highest point on your intrepid journey later in the day. Traversing crystal-clear streams and lush valleys into an enchanting Polylepis woodland reserve, the trail continues for several kilometers of steep ravines and treeless grasslands until reaching Warmihuañusca, or ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’; the highest point on the four-day hike (4,200m/13,776ft). Here, unforgettable panoramic views back toward the snow-capped peaks, and then onward to the trailhead winding into the horizon, provide all the motivation needed for the downhill hike to Pacaymayo, the site of your second day’s camp. This clearing is equipped with welcomed amenities such as showers which come as a well-earned reward after a strenuous day of hiking.
Total distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
Estimated walking time: 6 to 7 hour
Max. altitude: 4,200 m / 13,776 ft
Campsite altitude: 3,600 m / 11,808 ft
DAY 3 PACAYMAYO – WIÑAYWAYNA
(Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
This morning head out after breakfast towards the Inca ruins of Runkurakay. Thought to be an ancient, fortified guard tower, this simple though solid structure offers a fitting start to proceedings and a good taste of what is to come on the day ahead. From Runkurakay, the surrounding scenery evolves into misty, moss-covered cloud forest paths and the lofty peaks of the nearby Pumasillo Mountain Range, before making the gradual descent down to more impressive ruins at Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca. These ancient mountainside settlements showcase the best of Inca ingenuity, with its myriad of plazas, irrigation channels, courtyards and many scenic lookout points. The trail continues along steep steps to yet another magnificent ancient complex; Wiñayhuayna, the largest and most remarkable of all the ruins on the road to Machu Picchu. Time can be spent here exploring the treasure trove of history and wonder that the site represents, blanketed in orchids and wildflowers at every turn, before finally setting your sights on your camp for the night, close by, in the shadow of Wiñayhuayna.
Total distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles
Estimated walking time: 8 to 9 hours
Max. altitude: 3,970 m / 13,022 ft
Campsite altitude: 2,650 m / 8,692 ft
DAY 4 WIÑAYHUAYNA – MACHUPICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES – CUSCO
(Meal Plan: Breakfast)
A very early start today for your short hike to Inti Punku, more commonly known as the ‘Sun Gate’, provides the perfect culmination to your tour. So-called due to its ideally elevated position overlooking the early-morning sun rising behind Machu Picchu, the Sun Gate is a long-time pilgrimage site for travelers and tourists alike. Here, as the sun begins to rise, clearing the early-morning mist from the pristine lawns of Machu Picchu; one of the true wonders of the world. Descend to the site itself, passing on-looking llamas and ancient Incan stone masonry.
Your guide will then lead you on a personal 2-hour walking tour of the residential areas, ritual sites, the Intihuatana stone at the Temple of The Sun. At around noon, you will return to Aguas Calientes and take the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there you will be brought back to Cusco.
Total distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles.
Estimated walking time: 2 to 3 hours.
Max. altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft.
IMPORTANT NOTES
Park authorities may occasionally designate different campsites than those indicated in this itinerary.
Average trekking duration: 6 to 8 hours per day with several long ascents and descents.
Altitude: the highest point on the trek is 4,200m (13,776ft) but camping will be below that level
Season: from March to Januay (trail closed on February). Cusco’s climate is into two differentiated seasons: the rainy season, from November to April (the rainfalls occurring usually between January – March); and the dry season, from May to October.
Grade: moderate to challenging