Itinerary

1. Day 01: Cusco to Wayllabamba (12 km)

   • Depart early from Cusco hotels and travel by bus through Chinchero, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo.
   • Stop in Ollantaytambo for breakfast before continuing to Kilometer 82, the start of the Inca Trail.
   • Cross the Vilcanota River and begin hiking along the trail climbing away from the river.
   • View the Inca ruins of Huillca Raccay overlooking the Cusichaca Valley.
   • Enjoy panoramic views of the Cordillera Urubamba and the snow-capped peak of Veronica.
   • Observe the extensive ruins of Llactapata, an important agricultural settlement that supplied Machu Picchu.
   • Continue hiking along the river to reach the village of Wayllabamba at 3,000 meters.
   • Spend the night at Wayllabamba, the last location to purchase snacks and drinks on the trail.

2. Day 02: Wayllabamba to Pacamayo (12 km)

   • Begin a steep ascent following the Llulluchayoc River toward Tres Piedras and the Huayruro River.
   • Enter cloud forest terrain with waterfalls and dense vegetation.
   • Reach Llulluchapampa meadow at 3,680 meters after several hours of climbing.
   • Ascend to the highest point of the trek, Abra de Huarmihuañusca, also known as Dead Woman’s Pass, at 4,200 meters.
   • Experience strong Andean weather conditions near the pass.
   • Descend into the Pacamayo Valley and arrive at the campsite at 3,600 meters.
   • Spend the night at Pacamayo campsite with basic facilities available.

3. Day 03: Pacamayo to Wiñay Wayna (16 km)

   • Climb from Pacamayo to the circular ruins of Runkuracay overlooking the valley.
   • Cross the second pass, Abra de Runkuracay, at 4,000 meters.
   • Descend along original Inca stone paths and arrive at the ruins of Sayacmarca, an isolated cliffside settlement.
   • Pass Conchamarca, a small Inca dwelling believed to be a tambo.
   • Walk through lush cloud forest filled with orchids, mosses, and tree ferns.
   • Pass through an Inca tunnel carved into solid rock.
   • Climb to the third pass at 3,700 meters with views of Salkantay and Veronica peaks.
   • Visit Phuyupatamarca, the Town in the Clouds, and observe the ceremonial Inca baths.
   • Descend a long stone staircase through cloud forest to reach Wiñay Wayna.
   • Visit the ruins of Wiñay Wayna, known for its agricultural terraces, temples, and water fountains.
   • Spend the night at the Wiñay Wayna campsite, the final campsite before Machu Picchu.

4. Day 04: Wiñay Wayna to Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco (5 km)

   • Wake early and begin hiking toward Machu Picchu before sunrise.
   • Walk through cloud forest and ascend the final steps to Intipunku, the Sun Gate.
   • Witness the first full panoramic view of Machu Picchu at sunrise.
   • Descend toward Machu Picchu and enter the site from the upper section.
   • Follow Circuit 1 to enjoy panoramic viewpoints of the Citadel.
   • Register at the checkpoint and reenter the site for a private guided tour.
   • Explore Machu Picchu following Circuit 3, including the Temple of the Sun, Sacred Rock, Water Fountains, Callancas, Temple of the Condor, and storage areas.
   • Take the bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and free time.
   • Board the train to Ollantaytambo and continue by bus to Cusco.
   • Arrive in Cusco in the evening and transfer back to the hotel.