The Inca Trail

Between 04.00-04.30am our private transport and staff will pick you up from your hotel. You will drive to Piskacuchu (2700m), a community located on the 82nd kilometre of the Cusco to Machu Picchu railroad, which is the starting point of the Inca Trail. You begin your 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, you arrive in Miskay (2800m), to then ascend and finally see the impressive Inca city of Llactapata (2650m). You continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for about five hours until you reach the community of Wayllabamba (3000m), where you will set your first camp. All along the way you will enjoy spectacular views of the Vilcanota ridge on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, where the impressive Veronica peak reigns at 5832 meters above sea level. You will also enjoy the diversity of wild flora and fauna that can be found all along the valley. (BLD) OVERNIGHT: CAMPSITE

Total distance: 12km

Estimated time: 5-6 hours

Maximum altitude point: 3,000m

Campsite altitude: 3,000m

You will wake up at around 6:00 am and after breakfast, begin the most difficult part of the trek. This consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km. Along this climb, the landscape changes from sierra 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 – 4200m), you may see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at high altitude.

You 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 especially, your daypack is well stocked with sweets, chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high, and help with altitude sickness. Immediately after the pass, you descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600m), where you camp and rest after approximately 7h of hiking. (BLD) OVERNIGHT: CAMPSITE

Total distance: 11km

Estimated time: 6-7hours

Maximum altitude point: 4,200m

Campsite altitude: 3,500m

This day is the longest but also the most impressive and the most interesting due the number of archaeological sites and the lush cloud forest area that you cross. This area is so rich in Andean flora and fauna. From Pacaymayo you climb to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970m). Halfway up, you will stop to visit the archaeological complex of the same name. This site, located at 3800m, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower. After going over the pass, you descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3624m). 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, you arrive at the third pass, the Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700m). Along this climb you can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient craft. You will walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain and see rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order. 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. You continue your trek down the long descending stone steps that lead you to Wiñaywayna (2650m). This is an impressive Inca complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector, close to which your camp is located. After visiting the impressive archaeological site, you enjoy your farewell dinner at your camp. (BLD) OVERNIGHT: CAMPSITE

Total distance: 16km

Estimated time: 8hours

Maximum altitude point: 3,900m

Campsite altitude: 2,650m

On this fourth and last day you will get up at 4.00 am to leave Wiñaywayna an hour later and climb to the Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, you may see the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. From Intipunku you descend into Machu Picchu, and 40 minutes later you enter the citadel from the highest point through the ¨House of the Guardians¨. You then descend to the control point where you register yourselves and leave your backpacks. You immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around or visit the Temple of the Moon or the impressive Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, you may choose to meet your hiking group in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in its hot springs. You have accommodation at your hotel in Aguas Calientes for tonight. Enjoy dinner at your hotel this evening. (BD) HOTEL

Total distance: 4km

Estimated time: 2 hours

Maximum altitude point: 2,700m

Early this morning you will make your own way to the buses with your prepaid tickets for the 2nd entry to Machu Picchu and ticket to climb Huayna Picchu. You will need to begin your Huayna Picchu hike between 0700 & 0800. You need to be back at the train platform no later than 1200 or 1300 for your train back to Poroy, just outside of Cusco where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Cusco. (B)