Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba
5:00 AM - Departure from Cusco
- Meeting point at your hotel or designated station
- We’ll depart early from Cusco, traveling by private vehicle to Kilometer 82, the official start of the trail.
- Travel time: 2 hours by vehicle.
- Recommendation: Wear suitable hiking clothes, comfortable footwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and bring enough water.
7:30 AM - Start of the Trek at Kilometer 82
- Location: Kilometer 82, marking the official start of the famous Inca Trail.
- Altitude: 2,700 meters (8,858 feet) above sea level.
- We’ll start our hike towards Patallacta, an Inca settlement surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
- Highlights: The first day’s trek is relatively easy, offering stunning views of the Urubamba Valley, the Vilcanota River, and the surrounding mountains.
- The hike will take about 5-6 hours, depending on the group’s pace.
2:00 PM - Arrival at Wayllabamba Campsite
- Location: Wayllabamba, a village by the river, surrounded by mountains and lush nature.
- Altitude: 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) above sea level.
- Set up camp and enjoy a hot dinner.
- Recommendation: Rest well for the next day, which will be more challenging.
Day 2: Wayllabamba – Warmiwañusca – Pacaymayo
6:00 AM - Breakfast and start of the trek
- After a hearty breakfast, we’ll begin our hike towards the highest point of the trail, Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass).
- Altitude at Warmiwañusca: 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) above sea level.
- This day is the most challenging as there’s a steep climb that will take you up to Warmiwañusca.
- Highlights: Enjoy panoramic views of the valley and snow-capped mountains. From the top, you can see the vast Andean landscape and nearby ruins.
11:30 AM - Arrival at Warmiwañusca Pass and descent to Pacaymayo
- After taking in the breathtaking views from the top, we’ll descend to Pacaymayo, where we’ll camp for the night.
- Distance: About 3 hours of descent.
- Altitude at Pacaymayo: 3,600 meters (11,811 feet) above sea level.
- Dinner and rest at the campsite.
Day 3: Pacaymayo – Runkurakay – Wiñay Wayna
6:00 AM - Breakfast and start of the trek
- After breakfast, we’ll start the day by hiking to Runkurakay, an archaeological site in the shape of a fortress.
- Altitude at Runkurakay: 3,800 meters (12,467 feet) above sea level.
- Highlights: Explore the ruins and enjoy incredible views of the valley and mountains.
- We’ll continue along the trail to Salkantaypampa, passing through stunning landscapes and many other archaeological sites, until we reach Phuyupatamarca, where you’ll catch a glimpse of Machu Picchu in the distance.
1:30 PM - Lunch at Wiñay Wayna Archaeological Site
- Location: Wiñay Wayna, an architectural complex surrounded by beautiful landscapes, known for its agricultural terraces and stone architecture.
- Altitude at Wiñay Wayna: 2,650 meters (8,694 feet) above sea level.
- After exploring Wiñay Wayna, we’ll head to a nearby campsite to rest and enjoy dinner.
Day 4: Wiñay Wayna – Inti Punku – Machu Picchu
5:30 AM - Breakfast and hike to Inti Punku
- The final day begins early as we head towards Inti Punku (The Sun Gate) to catch the sunrise.
- Altitude at Inti Punku: 2,720 meters (8,924 feet) above sea level.
- The hike to Inti Punku is a short but impressive walk, with a stunning panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
7:00 AM - Arrival at Inti Punku and panoramic view of Machu Picchu
- From Inti Punku, you’ll have an incredible view of Machu Picchu in all its glory.
- Photo opportunities: Take time to capture the moment and enjoy the breathtaking sight of the Inca city.
- We’ll descend to Machu Picchu.
9:00 AM - Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, you’ll be guided through this remarkable archaeological site, where you’ll learn about its history, architecture, and cultural significance.
- Highlights: The Main Plaza, the Sun Temple, the Intihuatana, and the famous Incan buildings of the citadel.
12:00 PM - Free time to explore
- After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to explore Machu Picchu on your own, take photos, and soak in the site’s mystique.
- Optional: If you’re feeling energetic, you can take an additional hike to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu (advanced booking required).
2:00 PM - Descent to Aguas Calientes
- We’ll take the bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, where you can relax, enjoy lunch, or visit the hot springs (optional).
- Return to Cusco: In the afternoon, we’ll take the train from Aguas Calientes back to Cusco, with an estimated arrival time around 8:00 PM.
