Day 1: Cusco To Wayllabamba

Between 06:00-06:30 a.m Your guide will pick you up from the hostel. We’ll drive to Piskacucho (2,700 masl / 8,856 ft.), a community located on the kilometer 82 of Cusco – Machu Picchu railroad which is the starting point of the Inca Trail. We’ll begin our hike by crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River and walking along its left shore as it flows northwest along the Sacred Valley. Following the trail along a flat terrain, we’ll arrive in Miskay (2,800 masl / 9,184 ft.), then ascend and finally see from the tallest part of an overlook, the impressive Inca city of Llactapata (2,650 masl / 8,692 ft.). We’ll continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for about five hours until we reach the community of Wayllabamba (3,000 masl / 9,840 ft.), where we’re gonna set our first camp. All along the way we’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Vilcanota river on the opposite side of Urubamba River, where the impressive Veronica peak reigns at 5,832 meters above sea level. Not to mention the diversity of wild flora and fauna that can be found all along the valley.

Meals: L & D.
Total distance: 12 km (7.47 miles)
Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,000 masl (9,840 ft.)
Campsite altitude: 3,000 masl (9,840 ft.).

Day 2: Wayllabamba To Pacaymayo

We’ll wake up at around 06:00 a.m and after breakfast, we’ll begin the most difficult part of the trek which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km. Along this climb, the landscape changes from the mountain range to Puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation). On the way to the first mountain pass, the “Abra Warmihuañusca” (Dead Woman’s Pass – 4,200 masl / 13,776 ft.), we may see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at high altitude. We’ll also cross an area of the so-called cloud forest which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows, and the Andean bear which is also called the Spectacled Bear (“Tremarctus Ornatus”). We advise that on this day specially, your daypack be well-stocked with candies, chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high, and help with altitude sickness. Immediately after the pass, we’ll descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3,600 masl/11,808 ft.), where we’ll camp after approximately 7 hours of hike.

Meals: B, L, D
Total distance: 11 km (6.84 miles)
Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours.
Maximum altitude point: 4,200 masl (13,776 ft.).
Campsite altitude: 3,500 masl (11,480 ft.).

Day 3: Pacaymayo to Wiñaywayna

This day is the longest but also the most impressive and the most interesting, due to the number of archaeological sites and the lush of cloud forest area that we’ll cross, so rich in Andean flora and fauna. From Pacaymayo, we’ll climb the second pass, the “Abra Runkurakay” (3,970 masl / 13,022 ft.). Halfway up, we’ll stop to visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3,800 masl/12,464 ft., it consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served as purpose for a watchtower. After going over the pass, we’ll descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3,624 masl /11,887 ft.). This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Continuing up an easy climb, we’ll arrive at the third pass, the “Abra Phuyupatamarca” (3,700 masl / 12,136 ft.). Along this climb, we could appreciate the magnitude of the Incas ancient craft, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain, and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order, saving the trail from the multi-leveled Andean geography. We’ll go through an Inca tunnel to arrive later at the aforementioned pass and down to the complex of the same name. This is one of the most complete and best-preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and is located on the highest point of a mountain. Curiously, Phuyupatamarca means ¨Town over the Clouds¨. From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River Valley. We’ll continue our trek down the long descending stone steps that lead us to Wiñaywayna (2,650 masl/8,692 ft.), an impressive Inca complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector close to which our camp is located. This campsite hosts a trekker lodge, a bar and bathrooms with hot shower facilities. After visiting the impressive archaeological site, we’ll enjoy our farewell dinner at our camp.

Meals: B, L, D.
Total distance: 16 km (9.94 miles)
Estimated walking time: 8 hours.
Maximum altitude point: 3,900 masl (12,792 ft.).
Campsite altitude: 2,650 masl (8,692 ft.).

Day 4: Wiñaywayna To Machu Picchu

On this fourth and last day, we’ll get up at 04:00 a.m to leave Wiñaywayna an hour later and climb to the Intipunku or the Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hike along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we may see the sunrise over the Sacred Citadel of Machu Picchu. From Intipunku, we’ll descend into Machu Picchu, and 40 minutes later we’ll enter the citadel from the highest point through the ¨House of the Guardians¨. Then, we’ll descend to the control point where we’ll register ourselves and leave our backpacks. We’ll immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that we will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around, climb the Wayna Picchu Mountain where one can experience spectacular views of all Machu Picchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or visit the Temple of the Moon or the fabulous Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we’ll meet in the town of “Aguas Calientes” where, if you like, you could visit and relax in its hot springs. You need to return to “Aguas Calientes” at least 30 minutes prior to your train departure at 09:30 p.m.There will be a transport called “Mara tours” waiting for you in Ollantaytambo with your name on a list (check the sticker on your ticket’s envelope) to bring you back to Cusco, dropping you off at “Regocijo Square”.
If you prefer to return in the 06:45 p.m train (arriving to Cusco at 10:45 p.m), it is an additional cost of $15.

Meals: Breakfast(s).
Total distance: 4 km (2.49 miles).
Estimated walking time: 2 hours.
Maximum altitude point: 2,700 masl (8,829 ft.).
Machu Picchu altitude: 2,400 m (7,872 ft.).

*Departure and arrival times are approximated.

** Campsites are subject according to the designation of the Ministry of Culture according to their new regulations.

• Transfers from your hotel to km 82.
• Entrance fees for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
• Briefing the night before the tour.
• English-Spanish Bilingual Guide.
• Tents (could be double, triple depending on the accommodations required of the client).
• Camping & kitchen equipment including tents and foam mattresses
• All meals except of the first breakfast and last lunch and dinner in the town of “Aguas Calientes” (Veggie options available).
• Porters who carry equipment and food
• Train back from Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo
• Bus from Ollantaytambo to cusco.
• First Aid Kit and medical assistance.

• First breakfast
• Last Lunch and dinner.
• Bus ticket from “Aguas Calientes” to Machu Picchu (12 USD each way).
• Sleeping bags (you can rent it from us $15 for the whole trip)
• Walking sticks
• Tips for the porters / guides / chefs.
• Personal Travel Insurance.
• Water and snacks for the last day at Machu Picchu.
• Entrance fee to climb the Wayna Picchu Mountain ($70) you might book it in advance

• Original Passport
• University student Card if you book with this.
• Hiking boots of strong foot wear, waterproof recommendable.
• Trekking poles
• A backpack (30 to 40 liters) with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
• Water bottle 2 liters at least or plastic bottle.
• Micropure tablets for purifying water.
• Rain gear – jacket + trousers or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco).
• Warm clothes, including fleece jacket, thermal wear is highly recommended and can be also warm in the sleeping bags during cold nights.
• Trekking pants, zip off model is recommended
• Gloves or mittens, scarf, woolen hat for cold nights.
• 3 pairs of socks
• Sandals or jogging shoes for comfort at the campsite.
• Sleeping bag (you can rent one from us for $15 for the whole trip).
• Flashlight/headlamp and extra batteries
• Binoculars
• Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume quickly under cold conditions)
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold.
• Sunblock
• Insect repellent
• Sunglasses
• Personal medical kit
• Extra cash to tip guides, porters and chefs for purchasing snacks in “Aguas Calientes” before getting on the rain.