Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N Group Service

Your adventure on the Classic Inca Trail begins today! At 4:30 AM, your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. From there, we’ll travel to Piskacucho, known as Kilometer 82, the starting point of the trail. On the way, we’ll stop for a delicious breakfast in Ollantaytambo at around 6:30-7:00 AM to fuel up for the day ahead.

Morning Preparations: Arriving at KM82 (8:30 AM), we’ll take some time to organize, use the restrooms, and apply sunscreen and insect repellent. You’ll meet your porter and hand over your duffel bag, keeping only a small daypack with essentials. Be sure to check our packing list for guidance. At the Inca Trail checkpoint, have your passport and student ID (if applicable) ready; your guide will manage the permits and tickets.

Starting the Trail: The journey begins at 2,720m (8,923ft), crossing the Vilcanota River and following its picturesque route. The first day’s hike is a relatively easy warm-up along rolling “Inca flat terrain.” Enjoy stunning views of the Inca Fortress of Huillca Raccay, the expansive Inca site of Llactapata (also called Patallacta), the Urubamba mountain range, the Andes Mountains, and the magnificent snow-capped peak of Veronica (5,860m/19,225ft), also known as W’akay Willca.

Lunch and Afternoon Trek: We’ll stop for a gourmet lunch at Hatunchaca. After lunch, there are about three more hours of hiking to our first campsite.

First Campsite: Our first campsite is located about 2 hours past the small village of Wayllabamba (3,000m/9,842ft), nestled in a temperate green valley. Night temperatures can drop to as low as 5ºC, especially during the dry season from May to September.

Upon arrival at camp, enjoy afternoon tea and appetizers. Your tent will be set up and ready for you to settle in.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea, and dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles), approximately 6 hours of hiking
• Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Embark on this incredible journey and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and rich history of the Inca Trail!

Your second day on the Classic Inca Trail begins early. At 5:30 AM, your guide will wake you with a hot mug of tea or coffee, allowing you to enjoy a comforting drink in your sleeping bag before starting the day. After a hearty breakfast, you’ll prepare for the day’s challenging hike.

Morning Ascent: With your daypacks kept as light as possible, you’ll start a steep ascent towards the highest point of the trail, Abra de Warmihuañusca, also known as Dead Woman’s Pass, at 4,200m (13,779ft). As you climb, keep an eye out for an array of hummingbirds and various other bird species. You’ll also have the opportunity to appreciate the diverse native plants and the unique Polylepis, or Q’ueuña trees, thriving in the cloud forest at 3,650m (11,972ft). Reaching the top of Dead Woman’s Pass is a significant achievement, and you’ll have plenty of time to take photos and enjoy the stunning views.

Descent and Lunch: After a well-deserved break, you’ll begin the descent to Pacaymayu (3,550m/11,646ft), where a gourmet lunch will be waiting.

Afternoon Climb: Following lunch, you’ll tackle a second steep climb for about two hours, heading towards Runkuraqay Pass at 4,000m (13,123ft). This portion of the hike is demanding but equally rewarding, with incredible scenery and the sense of accomplishment as you reach the pass.

Arrival at Campsite: You’ll arrive at your campsite by 5 PM, where afternoon tea and appetizers await you. Settle into your tent and relax after a challenging day of trekking. Nighttime temperatures at this campsite can be around 4ºC, so be prepared for cooler weather.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea, and dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 16 km (10 miles), approximately 9 hours of hiking
• Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging

This day is both physically demanding and immensely rewarding, offering breathtaking views and a deep sense of achievement as you conquer the highest pass on the trail.

Day three on the Classic Inca Trail is one of the most breathtaking yet. Your guide will wake you up at 6 AM with a hot mug of tea or coffee, allowing you to enjoy a warm drink in your tent before getting up for breakfast.

Morning Ascent: Begin the day with a gentle climb towards the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca, aptly named “Village in the Clouds.” Reaching this site, you’ll be at the third highest point on the Inca Trail at 3,680m (12,073ft). The panoramic views of mountains, canyons, and the surrounding landscape are truly spectacular.

Exploring Phuyupatamarca: Phuyupatamarca is an extensive Inca site just a few minutes’ walk from the third pass. After exploring this site, you’ll descend approximately 3,000 stairs through the lush cloud forest to the impressive Inca site of Intipata. As you descend, you’ll notice the temperature rising as you approach the Amazon jungle.

Intipata and Wiñay Wayna: Take some time to explore Intipata before continuing to your third campsite at Wiñay Wayna (2,680m/8,792ft). Today’s hike is relatively short, taking about 4 to 5 hours, allowing you to arrive at camp by lunchtime. Nighttime temperatures here are milder, around 12ºC.

Afternoon Exploration: A short walk from your campsite is the renowned Inca site of Wiñay Wayna, which means “Forever Young” in Quechua. The site is named after a special orchid that grows abundantly in the area. Spend the afternoon exploring this fascinating site and soaking in the serene atmosphere.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea, and dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles), approximately 5 hours of hiking
• Difficulty: Moderate

This day is filled with incredible archaeological sites and stunning natural beauty, making it one of the most memorable days on the Inca Trail.

Early Start: Your final day on the Classic Inca Trail starts early with a 3:30 AM wake-up call. After a quick breakfast at 4:00 AM, you’ll head to the checkpoint to ensure you’re among the first to start trekking when the gates open at 5:30 AM.

Journey to the Sun Gate: This last stretch of the trek leads you to the Sun Gate, also known as Inti Punku, arriving around 6:00 AM. Here, you’ll witness the breathtaking sight of the Machu Picchu Citadel bathed in the golden light of dawn as the sun rises from behind the mountains. It’s a moment of awe and wonder as you see Machu Picchu spread out before you in its full glory.

Descent to Machu Picchu: After soaking in the views from the Sun Gate, you’ll descend towards Machu Picchu Citadel (2,400m/7,872 ft). After about 40 minutes, you’ll enter the Citadel through the “House of the Guardians,” where you can take the iconic postcard photos of Machu Picchu. Proceed to the control point to register and leave any large backpacks or walking poles. Only small bags, like camera bags, are allowed inside the Citadel to protect the ancient stones.

Guided Tour of Machu Picchu: Your guide will lead a comprehensive tour of Machu Picchu, providing fascinating insights into the history and significance of this ancient site. The tour lasts about two hours and covers the three main sectors of Machu Picchu: agricultural, residential, and religious.

Exploration and Optional Huayna Picchu Hike: After the guided tour, you’ll have time to explore the ruins and take photos at your own pace. If you’ve booked the additional hike up Huayna Picchu, check your ticket for the entrance time and enjoy the hike on your own. This optional hike offers a different perspective and more stunning views of Machu Picchu.

Return to Aguas Calientes: Once you’ve had your fill of Machu Picchu, you’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you might have some time to shop, sightsee, or visit the local museum or hot springs.

Train Ride Back to Ollantaytambo: The Expedition Train departs at 2:55 or 3:20 PM, taking you on a scenic ride back to Ollantaytambo along the beautiful Urubamba River. Look up to spot Wiñay Wayna perched high on the steep canyon walls.

Return to Cusco: Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you and transport you back to your hotel in Cusco in a private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by around 7:00 PM.

• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
• Difficulty: Easy

This final day is a fitting culmination of your journey, offering unforgettable views and the chance to explore one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites. Enjoy every moment as you complete your adventure on the Classic Inca Trail.