The Inca Trail is one of the best hikes in the world, offering the possibility to explore a route created by the Incas over five centuries ago. It is an experience that transforms the lives of those who undertake it.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu begins at kilometer 82 of the railway that connects the town of Ollantaytambo with the town of Aguas Calientes. During the trek, you will pass through ruins and Inca archaeological remains that are over 500 years old.
You will cross the high mountains of the Andes, walk through cold plains over 3,000 meters above sea level, and finally enter the warm subtropical jungle, arriving at the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu through the so-called Sun Gate.
One of the most striking features of Inca architecture is its incredible connection with the surrounding environment. It is remarkable how Inca engineers built their observatories, towers, dwellings, roads, stairs, bridges, and other structures, respecting the slopes, shapes, and natural contours of the hills and rivers, creating masterpieces that have remained almost intact to this day.
Access to the Inca Trail is accompanied by a certified guide and a group of more than 4 people, under the responsibility of a certified agency.
A day before the hike, the CuscoPeru.com staff will contact you to finalize details and ensure you are prepared for the adventure.
Early in the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel with the guide to start the journey. We will have a 1 hour and 30 minute trip to Ollantaytambo, where we will have breakfast and you will have time to make any last-minute purchases.
We will head to Piscacucho, also known as KM 82, where our hike begins. At the first checkpoint, we will present the permits and passports of each traveler to verify that everything is correct.
We will start by crossing the Vilcanota River and walking for approximately 2 hours until we reach the village of Miskay, a village that still maintains Inca traditions. We will rest before visiting Patallacta, the largest archaeological site in the area. We will continue walking for approximately 4 hours to Huayllabamba, surrounded by Andean landscapes and accompanied by the view of the "La Veronica" snow-capped mountain.
We will arrive at the first camp in Huayllabamba around 5:00 pm, where the campsites will be ready for us to settle in. We will have a brief rest before dinner. Afterward, we will prepare to sleep. At this camp, the temperature can drop to -5°C.
This first day is a good warm-up for the following days, as it is the easiest hike of the entire journey.
Early in the morning, we will witness an incredible sunrise and start the day with a good breakfast to fuel our bodies for the climb ahead.
We will begin the ascent to the Warmiwañusca Pass, also known as the “Dead Woman’s Pass.” This is the highest point on the Inca Trail and where travelers often experience altitude sickness. Our travel team is prepared for such situations, carrying pills, oxygen, and all necessary equipment for these circumstances.
After a rest at the top, we will descend to Pacaymayo, located at 3600 meters. During the descent, we will be surrounded by a great diversity of flora and fauna. In Pacaymayo, we will enjoy a delicious lunch to recharge our energy for the afternoon.
The camp in Pacaymayo will be ready to welcome us and provide us with a well-deserved rest. It is important to be prepared for cold nights, as temperatures here often drop to around 4°C.
After a good breakfast at 6:00 a.m., recharge your energy for a day of strenuous hikes and historical discoveries, starting with a climb to Runkuraqay, located at 3,750 meters. This one-hour climb will be the first challenge of the day. We will continue ascending for another hour to the Runkurakay pass, the second highest point on the Inca Trail, at 3,950 meters, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
We will descend for 45 minutes to Sayaqmarca, at 3,650 meters, where we will explore its architecture and enjoy the views. Then, we will walk for 25 minutes to Chakiccocha for a delicious lunch. Replenished, we will embark on the last hike of the day: a one-hour climb to Phuyupatamarca, another impressive Inca construction at 3,600 meters.
We will then descend for two hours on a gentle trail to Wiñay Huayna, our final camp at 2,680 meters. Relax and enjoy the surroundings, knowing you have conquered the incredible Inca Trail. At 6:30 p.m., we will have a farewell buffet, and if you feel energetic, you can visit the captivating archaeological site of Wiñay Huayna, just 5 minutes from the camp.
Our final destination the next day is Machu Picchu, the highlight of this incredible journey on the Inca Trail.
On our last day, we will start early with breakfast at 6:00 a.m. and head to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, to enjoy the breathtaking views of Machu Picchu and the Andean mountains. This entry point of the Inca Trail offers an excellent opportunity for panoramic photos.
From the Sun Gate, we will descend to Machu Picchu for a 2-hour guided tour of the historic sanctuary. Our guide will take us through the temples, ruins, and hidden corners, revealing the stories and significance of each place.
After the guided tour, we will have free time to explore Machu Picchu at our own pace. Those seeking more adventure can climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (tickets not included) or enjoy Aguas Calientes, exploring the town, visiting the local museum, or relaxing in the hot springs.
Finally, we will descend to Aguas Calientes by bus and take the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a bus trip to Cusco. This day culminates with the satisfaction of having explored one of the world's most impressive wonders.
Happy passengers
