Inca Trail Traditional 4D / 3 N

Pick-up from the hotel, then a bus journey of about 2 hours to the town of Ollantaytambo, where we will have a 30-minute stop. There will be opportunities to buy last-minute supplies, have breakfast, use the restroom, etc. We continue to the village called Piscacucho KM 82 (2,750 meters above sea level). This is the starting point and control point of the Inca Trail, where passports and student cards (if applicable) will be checked. It is also the starting point of the 43-kilometer hike with the initiation of the Interpretation Center of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

On the first day of the hike, we will observe the archaeological groups of Llactapata and Pulpituyuq, a variety of flora and fauna, domestic animals, as well as communities within the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. After approximately 5 hours of hiking, we will arrive at the Hatunchaca or Huayllabamba campsites, located at an altitude of about 3,000 meters above sea level. The trail is relatively flat for about 70% of the first day.

On the second day, we will wake up early and, after breakfast, slowly ascend the most challenging pass, Warmi Wañusqa (4,215 meters above sea level). Along the way, we will pass through a beautiful forest of uncas (Myrciantes Orophila) and polylepys (native trees like queuñas and chachacomos), as well as spectacular Andean landscapes, reaching Llulluchapampa (3,750 meters above sea level), where a beautiful plain is located at the foot of the pass (paramo-puna). There will be opportunities to buy water and other supplies before ascending to the pass, known as the Dead Woman’s Pass, and then descending to the Pacaymayu Valley (3,620 meters above sea level), where we will camp. Here, we can appreciate the extraordinary construction of the Inca Trail and part of the Huacayhuilque glacier. (The hiking pace will be adjusted to each person’s ability).

After breakfast, we will ascend to visit the archaeological group of Runkuracay, from where we can have a spectacular panoramic view and see two small lakes. We will then ascend the pass of the same name (3,900 meters above sea level). Next, we will descend to the Sayacmarca Archaeological Group, which offers a magnificent view of the Aobamba Valley. Lunch will be at a place called Chaquicocha.

We will continue ascending to the Phuyupatamarka pass and finally descend approximately one thousand meters (trekking poles are recommended) through Inca staircases until we reach the Wiñaywayna campsite. These staircases are interconnected by a white granite path amidst abundant forest vegetation, allowing us to witness the remarkable balance achieved by the Incas and their surroundings. Our camp will be located near the Wiñaywayna archaeological group (2,650 meters above sea level). Farewell dinner (traditional tipping customs). Rest early to wake up early the next day.

On the last day, we will wake up early, around 4:00 a.m., and head towards the control post of Wiñayhuayna. We will wait in line, during which time we can use the restroom or other facilities. The control post opens at 5:30 a.m., and we will begin the hike towards the Sun Gate (INTIPUNKU, 2,745 meters above sea level), from where we can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains. We will descend to Machu Picchu (2,400 meters above sea level) for a guided tour of the different important areas of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. In the afternoon, we will transfer to the town of Aguas Calientes and then board the train back to Cusco. The itinerary may vary depending on the reservation date made by the client.