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Inca Trek to Machu Picchu

4 Days / 3 Nights

The Inca Trek is probably one of the most famous walks in South America. A four-day hike, taking you from Cusco into the high Andean Mountains and along a secret trail only known by a few trusted Incas, through many micro climates and spectacular scenery. This trek ends with a visit to this new wonder of the world in the same way ancient people used to do it: through the sun gate.

Itinerary

Day 1: CUSCO - HUAYLLABAMBA

Very early in the morning, about 4:30 to 5:00 a.m., you will be picked up from your hotel. Depart from the city of Cusco (3,350 m / 10,990 ft.) and travel for one hour and a half to the village of Ollantaytambo, where we stop for 45 minutes approximately. You will visit the surroundings of the village of Ollantaytambo and then you will be driven to km 82, the starting point of the Inca Trail, which will take approximately one hour. Begin walking along the left bank of the Urubamba River as it runs northwest along the Sacred Valley following the trail along a flat terrain, observe the beautiful view of the snowcapped mountain called Verónica, regarded as the highest point of the Urubamba mountain range. Continue to the archaeological complex of Llactapata.

After walking to Huayllabamba, where evidence suggests that this might have been an important staging post on a network of roads extending from Cusco to Vitcos. Leaving the Urubamba Valley behind, you will walk approximately 2 hours to finally arrive to Huayllabamba (3,400 m / 11,154 ft.), where you will make your first camp.

Activity of the Day :	Trek
Level :	Moderate
Walking Time :	06 hours
Meals :	Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation :	Camp
Maximum altitude :	3,400 m / 11,154 ft
Campsite Altitude :	3,400 m / 11,154 ft
Average Temperature :	5° C – 10° C

Day 2: HUAYLLABAMBA - LLULLUCHAPAMPA - PACAYMAYO

Today you will walk through the Huayllabamba Valley, along the way you will be able observe beautiful landscape. Then you will continue walking through the Llulluchapampa Valley (3850 m / 12631ft) with a steep four hours climb which will takes us through an area of rain forest. Lunch will be served. Continue walking for approximately one hour to the highest point in the trek, the Abra Warmihuañusca pass “Dead Woman’s Pass” (4,200 m / 13780 ft.), at this point, you will enjoy great panoramic views and see domesticated llamas and alpacas. After a short rest, you will make your way down the deep valley of Pacaymayo (3580 m / 11745 ft.), walk for approximately two hours before making second camp.

Activity of the Day :	Trek
Level :	Moderate
Walking Time :	07 hours
Meals :	Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation :	Camp
Maximum altitude :	4,200 m / 13,776 ft.
Campsite Altitude :	3,580m / 11,745 ft.
Average Temperature :	(-1° C) - 12° C

Day 3: PACAYMAYO - WIÑAYWAYNA

Today you will climb and walk 2 hours to the second pass, the Abra Runkuraqay, (3,970 m / 13022 ft.), and half-way; you will visit the archaeological complex, a site consisting of a small oval structure that are believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower.

After going over the pass, you will descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud-forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3,624 m / 11,887 ft), a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals.

Continue walking towards the third pass, the Abra Phuyupatamarka “Town over the clouds” (3,650 m / 11,876 ft). Along this climb, you will be able to admire the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient craft, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain, and rocks that fill up ravines in a perfect order, saving the trail from the rough geography of the Andes. Journey down along the long stone steps and appreciate the impressive view of the Urubamba Valley, before arriving to Wiñaywayna (2,650 m/ 8,694 ft.), the biggest archaeological site on the Inca Trail besides Machu Picchu, which consists of an agricultural centre with numerous terraces, and a religious and urban sector. Here, you will camp and overnight.

Activity of the Day :	Trek
Level :	Moderate - Demanding
Walking Time :	08 hours
Meals :	Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation :	Camp
Maximum altitude :	3,900 m / 12,792 ft.
Campsite Altitude :	2,650 m / 8,692 ft.
Average Temperature :	3° C - 15° C

Day 4: WIÑAYWAYNA - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO

Train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo | Tourist Class| 14:55 | 16:31

After an early breakfast at 4.00 am, walk one hour and a half to Inti Punku “The Sun Gate” (2,710 m / 8,891 ft.) regarded as the front door to Machu Picchu and from where you will have a spectacular view of the Inca citadel. Upon arrival to Machu Picchu (2,400 m / 7,874 ft), you will have a guided tour of the ruins. Later, a shuttle bus will take you to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you will have time to relax and visit the hot springs and finally take the train back to Cusco train station, arrival and transfer to your hotel in Cusco.

Optional:
For those who would like to visit/climb Huayna Picchu, it is important an early morning, shuttle bus to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu as only a limited number of visitors per day are allowed.

Special Meals Request:
Special meal requirements are guaranteed if arranged in advance minimum 15 day prior to departure.

Activity of the Day :	Visit to Machu Picchu (2 ½ hours)
Level :	Moderate
Walking Time :	02 hours
Meals :	Breakfast
Altitude :	2,710 m / 8,891 ft.
Average Temperature :	10° C – 20° C

Note: All itineraries are subject to change, due to weather and other conditions. All times indicated are approximate, and are also subject to change.

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