4-Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

d Valley, passing through Chinchero, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo. After a 2.5-hour scenic drive, we’ll reach Km 82, the official starting point of the Inca Trail. The adventure begins with an ascent to Wilka Rakay, offering breathtaking views of the Inca site of Patallacta and the Kusichaca Valley. As we continue along the trail, you'll be immersed in stunning Andean landscapes, with ancient Inca ruins and diverse flora surrounding us. By late afternoon, we will arrive at Wayllabamba (3,000 masl / 9,842 ft.), where we’ll set up camp for the night. Here, you can relax and enjoy the serenity of the mountains as our team prepares a nourishing dinner. Rest well—tomorrow, we tackle one of the most challenging yet rewarding sections of the trail.

From here, we enter the enchanting cloud forest, surrounded by lush vegetation and fresh mountain air. As we continue, we approach the most demanding yet rewarding section of the Inca Trail, the Abra de Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass, 4,215 masl / 13,828 ft.), the highest point of our trek. Crossing this vast high-altitude grassland, we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the rugged Andean terrain. After celebrating this milestone, we begin a steep descent toward our campsite at Pacaymayo (3,600 masl / 11,811 ft.), where we’ll settle in for the night. Here, surrounded by towering mountains, you can unwind and enjoy a well-earned meal before resting for the next day’s adventure.

Another 45-minute climb brings us to the Runkurakay Pass (4,000 masl / 13,123 ft.), the second highest point of the Inca Trail. From here, we descend to the spectacular Sayacmarca ruins, strategically built on a steep mountainside. After exploring its impressive stone structures, we continue along a well-preserved Inca path to our lunch site at Chaquicocha. From this point, the trail enters the high Andean cloud forest, a stunning ecosystem filled with lush vegetation and unique wildlife. We follow a narrow ridge leading to Phuyupatamarca Pass, where breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley, towering peaks, and Machu Picchu await. Our descent takes us past ceremonial sites and agricultural terraces, arriving at Wiñayhuayna, our final campsite before reaching the Lost City of the Incas.

unku (Sun Gate), the entrance to the legendary city of Machu Picchu. This section of the trail is relatively easy, and after about one hour, we arrive at Inti Punku, a spectacular viewpoint where, weather permitting, we’ll witness the sunrise over the Andes and enjoy our first breathtaking glimpse of Machu Picchu. A 45-minute descent takes us to the upper terraces, the perfect place for classic photos. OPTIONAL (Extra cost for a new ticket for re-entry to Machu Picchu): Inside the Inca citadel, your guide will lead a detailed tour, exploring its temples, ceremonial sites, terraces, and storage structures. If pre-booked, you may also hike Huayna Picchu (2,720 masl / 8,924 ft.) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3,082 masl / 10,111 ft.) for a panoramic view. Afterward, we return to Aguas Calientes for a break and lunch before boarding our train to Ollantaytambo, where a private van will take you back to Cusco.