Full Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu

Follow the original footsteps of the Incas as you make your way to Machu Picchu. The Inca trail showcases the mystery of the Incas and allows for an insight into what physical feats this civilisation undertook to create their once great empire. Throughout the four days traverse through different ecosystems from high altitude peaks, where the highest pass comes in at over 4200m, climb Inca steps and spot desolate ruins before descending down through Cloud Forest taking in the diverse flora and fauna along the way. The first sighting of Machu Picchu makes the challenging adventure all the more rewarding.

Day 1 - Cuzco/Sacred Valley - Huayllabamba (max altitude 2954m, distance walked 12km, campsite altitude 2954m)

You will be picked up early in the morning and travel to Km 82, whereby all trekkers enter the Inca Trail Network . Start hiking through the first stretch along the Urubamba river to reach "Llaqtapata", where you will enjoy lunch with a spectacular view of the surrounding scenery. After a brief break, return to the path to begin a slight ascent to the Piscacucho Valley to reach the Huayllabamba Community which will be the campsite for the night.

Day 2 - Huayllabamba - Pacaymayo (max altitude 4226m, distance walked 11km, campsite altitude 3500m)

After a hearty breakfast, start climbing towards the first and highest pass of the route, Warmiwañusca (also known as Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4215m, from here you will get an amazing view of the snowy mountain ranges of Vilcabamba and Vilcanota. The ascent will take most of the morning before reaching a spot for lunch. After lunch, descend for a few hours until the next campsite is reached, Pacaymayo.

Day 3 - Pacaymayo - Wiñaywayna (max altitude 3974m, distance walked 16km, campsite altitude 2650m)

This morning starts with the ascent to the second pass "Runcuracay" at 3974m and a descend on the other side for about 2 hours to the beautiful archaeological site "Sayacmarca". After having explored this unique place continue on the original stone path of the Incas through semitropical cloud forest to the third pass "Phuyupatamarca" at 3800m. Clear skies bring spectacular views of the surrounding snowy peaks and the valley below. From here it is all downhill to the camp at "Wiñaywayna" (one of the most beautiful sites in the area for its construction and setting).

Day 4 - Wiñaywayna - Machu Picchu - Cuzco (max altitude 2732m, distance walked 4km)

Wake up early around 4am for a wholesome breakfast before hiking for 2 hours through cloud forest to the famous sun gate "Intipunku". Here the first breathtaking view and best panorama of the mysterious "Machu Picchu" are found. A short walk brings us down to the site. Upon arrival discover "the lost city of the Incas" on a guided tour for approx. 2 hrs before descending to Aguas Calientes.