Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days

Before we reach our starting point of the hike, km 82, we will take a short break in Ollantaytambo for having the option to get breakfast. The official beginning of the Inka Trail is called km 82. Here we will meet the rest of the group and take care of the registration facilities. After crossing the Rio Urubamba (2200m), we will start the legendary Inca Trail. The first day the trail is an easy walk and a good warm up for the following days. In Miskay, we’ll have lunch on a small river bank while getting some information about the archeological complex of Llactapata. Afterwards, we will continue our hike to Wayllabamba (3100m/10,170 ft) and ascend to Yuncachimpa (3300m/10,826 ft). We will pitch our camp site for the night here. From the site, we have a great view of the mysterious Nevado de Veronica.

We will all meet up either at our breaks or gather at the stairs. Early in the morning, we will find that the trail first leads through the Valley of Llulluchapampa (3850m/12,631 ft). The first 3km are steps – enjoy the humid woodlands and the sounds of flowing water or waterfalls. From Llulluchapampa, we will follow the trail for 2 -3 hrs. until you reach the highest point of this section of the hike called Warmihuanusca Pass (Dead Woman’s Pass) (4200m/11,378 ft). This climb is known as the most difficult part of the Inca Trail. After a short break at the summit, we continue our hike down with the long and steep descent to the river Pacaymayo (Sunrise River) towards the Runkurakay pass (3050m/10,007 ft) until you reach our camping site called Chaquicocha at (3650m/11,975 ft). Here you can relax your body from the tough day while enjoying an amazing view over the mountains.

The third day is the most beautiful one. You can notice a change in the eco-system while walking to the tropical forest of Winay Wayna. We will pass two small lakes at the top of the second pass (3950m). It’s a gentle climb through the clouds, beautiful forest, and a small Inca tunnel before the third pass (3700m). From here, we get a spectacular view over the Rio Urubamba Valley. The nearest settlement is named Phuyupatamarca (“Town above the clouds”) at 11,811 ft. This well preserved site boasts a long chain of Inca baths that impressively displays the practicality of their ancient engineering. We pass another Inca Tunnel before visiting the ruins of Winay Wayna (“Forever young”) at 8,694 ft. The Inca stairs change into a zigzag trail until you reach the red-roofed white building. We will camp here as our last site since this location has hot water and bottled drinks.

e Inti Punku (Sun Gate) to get the first glimpse of Machu Picchu and watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu. The last triumphal decent will take you almost one hour before we visit the citadel of Machu Picchu (2400m/7,874 ft) around 8am. You can enjoy its spiritual charm during a guided tour, which is about 2 hours, that helps you to understand an ancient use of the different buildings. After this tour, you will have enough time to explore the archeological sites on you own – explore the Inca Bridge, the many ruins, or climb Wayna Picchu for amazing photos. When you’re ready, a nice bus will take you back down to Aguas Calientes. Relax your muscles from all the exploring in the hot springs there. In the afternoon, we will leave Aguas Calientes for Cusco.