Classic Inca Trail – 4 Days

Transfer to Km 82, Hike to Huayllabamba

• Pick up from the hotel at 05:00am and transfer to the head of the Inca Trail at Piscacucho, Km 82 (2,850m/9,350ft) where we will meet the porters. The car trip from Cusco to Piscacucho takes around 3 hours. Our vehicle usually stops at the town of Ollantaytambo on the way for about an hour so that people can have breakfast.
• We begin our trek of the Inca Trail by crossing the suspended bridge over the Urubamba River. We then hike on the shore, left of the Urubamba River as it runs northwest towards the Sacred Valley. We will continue on a flat surface to Miskay. As we continue on we will have the opportunity for an aerial panoramic view the inspiring Inca City of Llactapata from a vista adjacent to these amazing Ruins.
• Resuming our trek through the valley, carved out by River Kusichaca, we will begin our ascent for around five hours until we arrive at the archaeological site of Huayllabamba (3,000m/9,840ft) where we will camp for the night. Throughout the journey we will enjoy the extravagant sights of the fantastic Vilcanota ridge which is located on the far side of Urubamba River. The imposing Veronica peak looms over us standing tall at (5,832m/19,134ft) over sea level. The first day of the Trail is simple and offers sufficient training for the days ahead.
• Overnight in camp.
• Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner.
• Approximate walking distance: 10.5 km (6.52 miles)
• Estimated time walking: 6-7 hours Maximum altitude point: 2,970 m (9,744ft)
• Campsite altitude: 2,970 m (9,744ft)

From Huayllabamba to Paqaymayu (Crossing the highest point)

• Breakfast at hotel - pick up from your hotel at 07:00am.
• We then will then embark on a journey back in time to the Incan´s Sacred Valley beginning in Pisac (2,900m/9,514ft), 31 km from Cusco. The ancient Incan archeological site and city is located on the top of a mountain. There you will have the chance to firsthand witness the impressive stonemasonry skill of our ancient ancestors.
• Afterwards, you will go down into the quaint little town and wander through its colorful market where you can buy intricate, beautifully crafted locally hand-made products.
• After this, lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
• Then, you will continue to Ollantaytambo, a military, religious, and agricultural center of the Incas located at the top of a mountain. Note: unlike other small towns, this one has maintained its original Incan design including outstanding stone buildings and narrow streets. It was once used as a fortress and administrative and urban center.
• Stop in Ollantaytambo from where we catch the train to Aguas Calientes (2,040m/6,693ft), upon arrival to Aguas Calientes, reception and transfer to your hotel.
• Overnight at the Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.

• Expedition train --- Ollantaytambo (15:37pm) - Aguas Calientes (17:02pm)

Paqaymayu to Wiñayhuayna (Descending into the Cloud Forest)

• After Breakfast we will make our way along the longest and most remarkable part of the trail. The presence of numerous archaeological sites as well as the green cloud forest and the rich presence of Andean flora and fauna will take your breath away. We will make our way from Paqaymayu to Abra Runkurakay, the second pass (3,955m/12,975ft).
• Midway along the Inca trail, you will come upon the remains of Runkurakay, a semi-circular Inca domicile overlooking the Paqaymayu valley. After a short visit we make our way into the Cloud Forest to the Archaeological site of Sayacmarca where you will have a chance to explore. Continuing the hike, we will approach the third mountain pass at Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft) and descend to the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca, also known as “The Town in the Clouds" where you will have a chance to explore this astounding Inca vestige.
• Next, we will make our way down a long stone stair case that will lead us to Wiñayhuayna (2,700m/8,858ft), an inspiring Inca center consisting of a thriving agricultural complex, an urban sector and a religious hub in close proximity of our camp. Wiñayhuayna becomes the last official camp before Machu Picchu. Ensure that you are well rested so that you wake up in time to catch the marvelous sunrise at Machu Picchu.
• Overnight in camp.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

• Approximate walking distance: 10.6 km (6. 58 miles)
• Estimated time walking: 7-8 hours Maximum altitude point: 3,955 m (12,975 ft)
• Campsite altitude: 2,700 m (8,858 ft)

Hike to Sun Gate, Visit Machu Picchu Sanctuary & Back to Cusco

• At around 04:00am you will get up, have breakfast and continue on the Inca trail to Machu Picchu. This is the last part of the journey so we will arrive to the Sun Gate by 06:00am.
• Out of the blue every part of Machu Picchu will materialize before your eyes stuttering with its immense beauty - an incredible sight for all to see. The sight is overwhelming and you can imagine what the ancient Inca must have perceived after their taxing expedition to this expansive temple. At this point we move downhill towards Machu Picchu (2,430m/7,972ft), after a period of 40 minutes we will enter the citadel through the “House of the Guardians”.
• We then proceed to the control point where we register and leave our belongings.
• At 08:00am the guided tour begins, your guide will expertly direct you throughout the astounding ruins and its main streets. You can then wander around the town squares as well as climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone. Machu Picchu is considered to be the world’s spiritual center by esoteric wisdom.
• From 10:30am to 12:00pm once the guided tour is over, you will have some free time to explore the site on your own, relax, or meditate.
• From 12:00 to 13:00pm take bus to Aguas Calientes.
• Lunch on your own.
• Return to Cusco: later board the train for the return trip to Cusco. You will stop at the Poroy station and then be picked up and driven to your hotel in Cusco.
• Meals Included: Breakfast.
• Expedition train --- Aguas Calientes (15:20pm) – Cusco (19:05pm)

• Approximate walking distance: 4.4 km (2.73 miles)
• Estimated time walking: 2 hours Maximum altitude point: 2,670 m (8,759 ft)
• 1) Train tickets; we will attempt to book tickets on this train but this depends on availability; if there is no availability, we will book other train schedules with the same train service.
• 2) New rules to visit Machu Picchu; Peru’s Ministry of Culture announced the new entrance rules for visiting Machu Picchu. From July 1, 2017 entrance tickets to Machu Picchu will be split into 2 entrance times. AM entrance from 6am – 12pm and PM entrance from 12pm – 5:30pm
• 3) About Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain; • Entrance times to Huayna Picchu Mountain from 7 to 8am and 10 to 11am. • Entrance times to Machu Picchu Mountain from 7 to 8am and 9 to 10am.* Departure and arrival times are approximated. ** Campsites are subject to change according to the designation of the governmental institution regulating the use of the Inca Trail as well as to our guide’s criteria and the group progress.