The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is considered one of the best routes in the world due to its archaeological richness, as well as the scenic beauty, flora, and fauna found along the entire route. It is one of the most famous hiking trails on the planet, as at the end of this journey, travelers discover the magical Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a wonder of the world. Along the trail, you will appreciate impressive forests, ancient stone stairways, tunnels, cloud forests, archaeological sites, hundreds of varieties of orchids, colorful birds, llamas, and vibrant landscapes. Finally, we will arrive at the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu. Our experienced guides will lead you through safe areas—don't miss the chance to live a unique experience traveling back in time along the ancestral route of the Incas to the citadel of Machu Picchu.
Private pickup will be at 5:00 am, departing from the city of Cusco in our private transport toward the district of Ollantaytambo, where we will stop for 45 minutes to have breakfast. Then we will continue to Km82 (Piscacucho), the starting point of the hike. After two hours, we will arrive at the archaeological site of Llactapata, where the guide will explain the history of this place. Afterwards, we will continue hiking through the Cusichacay Valley, finally arriving at Huayllabamba (3,000 m.a.s.l.), where we will spend the first night camping.
After breakfast, we will begin the most difficult and demanding part of the trek, with a steep ascent lasting three to four hours to reach the first pass called Warmiwañusca (“Dead Woman”), at an altitude of 4,200 m.a.s.l. From this point, we will admire an impressive view of the entire Huayllabamba and Pacaymayo valleys, where you will feel on top of the world. Here, the guide will perform a small ceremonial offering to the snow-capped mountains Verónica and Wayanay. After the ritual with coca leaves, we will descend the mountain for about one and a half hours to reach Pacaymayo (3,600 m.a.s.l.), where we will spend the second night camping.
After breakfast, we will begin ascending to the second pass of the Inca Trail. After one hour of hiking, we will reach the archaeological site of Runcuracay, discovered in 1915 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham, which we will visit. Then we continue climbing to reach the second pass, from where we can admire the Pacaymayo and Aobamba valleys, as well as the snow-capped peaks of Pumasillo (6,000 m.a.s.l.), Verónica (5,700 m.a.s.l.), and some small lagoons. Due to its location, this place invites reflection and meditation. We will then descend the mountain to reach the third archaeological site of the trail, Sayacmarca (3,540 m.a.s.l.), which we will visit before continuing the hike. After 30 minutes, we will arrive at the Chaquicocha campsite for lunch. After a short rest, we continue to the pass of Phuyupatamarca (3,650 m.a.s.l.), where we will see the impressive Machu Picchu mountain and take a short break for photos. After a 10-minute descent, we will reach the archaeological complexes of Phuyupatamarca, Intipatay, and Wiñayhuayna. From here, we will descend approximately 1,000 meters, enjoying one of the best examples of the stone Inca Trail, as well as a great diversity of flora and fauna, finally arriving at the Wiñayhuayna campsite, where we will spend the third night.
Very early at 4:00 a.m., we will have breakfast to begin the hike toward Machu Picchu at 5:00 a.m. Along the way, we will see a variety of flowers such as begonias, orchids, ferns, and more, as well as diverse birdlife. After about one and a half hours of hiking, we will arrive at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku, 2,490 m.a.s.l.), one of the most impressive viewpoints of Machu Picchu, located 1 km from the archaeological site. This is the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu, where we will take photos and admire the sunrise. We will then descend to the Machu Picchu control point, where you will have some free time to use facilities and store your belongings. Afterwards, you will visit the archaeological site of Machu Picchu with the guide for approximately 2 hours, followed by free time to explore on your own. After the visit, we will take the bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you may have lunch, and then prepare to board the Observatory Train back to Poroy station, where our private transport will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.
