The classic four-day trek along the Inca Trail, the paved route the Incas laid to Machu Picchu.
The walk starts at Km 82, after crossing the Urubamba River (2,200 m), and climbs through the Sacred Valley to the Lluncachimpa campsite. Day two crosses the highest point of the route, the Warmiwañusca or 'Dead Woman's Pass' (4,200 m). Day three passes through the Wiñayhuayna cloud forest and the archaeological sites of Phuyupatamarca, 'the City above the Clouds' (3,600 m), and Wiñayhuayna (2,650 m). The final day reaches the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) before dawn to see Machu Picchu (2,400 m) and explore the citadel before the train back to Cusco. All three nights are spent camping, with equipment, cook and porters included.
Highlights
The Inca Trail, the Incas' paved route to Machu Picchu
The Warmiwañusca or 'Dead Woman's Pass' (4,200 m)
Phuyupatamarca, 'the City above the Clouds' (3,600 m)
The Wiñayhuayna complex (2,650 m)
The dawn arrival through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)
Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
Day-by-day itinerary
Day1
Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 / Wayllabamba / Lluncachimpa (6–7 h)
Departure from Cusco at 5:30 a.m. towards the Sacred Valley, with a short stop in Ollantaytambo (breakfast option). After crossing the Urubamba River (2,200 m) at Km 82 the trek begins, easy on the first day. Lunch at Miskay, on the riverbank, with information about the Llactapata complex. The trail continues to Wayllabamba (3,100 m) and climbs to the Lluncachimpa (Yuncachimpa) campsite, with a view of the Verónica snow peak. Overnight in campsite. Meals: lunch and dinner.
Day2
Day 2: Lluncachimpa / Llulluchapampa / Pacaymayu / Chaquicocha (8–9 h)
A 'free walk' day, at your own pace. The trail climbs to the Llulluchapampa valley (3,850 m) through humid forest and, in 2 to 3 hours, reaches the highest point of the route: the Warmiwañusca or 'Dead Woman's Pass' (4,200 m), the most demanding stretch. After the summit it descends to the Pacaymayu River and climbs to the Runkurakay pass (3,050 m) to the Chaquicocha campsite (3,650 m). Overnight in campsite. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day3
Day 3: Chaquicocha / Phuyupatamarca / Wiñayhuayna (5–6 h)
The most beautiful day of the route, through the Wiñayhuayna tropical forest. It passes two small lakes at the second pass (3,950 m) and an Inca tunnel with a view of the Urubamba River and the Sacred Valley. It reaches Phuyupatamarca, 'the City above the Clouds' (3,600 m), with its chain of Inca baths, and, after another Inca tunnel, the Wiñayhuayna complex, 'Forever Young' (2,650 m). A zigzag Inca staircase descends to the last campsite. Overnight in campsite. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day4
Day 4: Wiñayhuayna / Machu Picchu / Cusco (5 h)
Early breakfast at 4:00 a.m. and a walk to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) to watch sunrise over Machu Picchu. A short descent leads to the Machu Picchu citadel (2,400 m), one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, to explore its passages and alleys. Afterwards, descend to Aguas Calientes and, at the appointed time, take the train back to Cusco. Meals: breakfast.
What's included
Included: Camping and kitchen equipment
Included: Bus and train transport Cusco / Km 82 – Machu Picchu / Cusco
Included: Downhill bus to Aguas Calientes
Included: Meals as per itinerary (vegetarian option): lunch and dinner on day 1; breakfast, lunch and dinner on days 2 and 3; breakfast on day 4
Included: Entrance to the Inca Trail and the Machu Picchu Sanctuary
Included: Professional guide (English or Spanish)
Included: Cook, assistant and porters for the camping equipment and meals
Included: Camping equipment for the crew
Included: First-aid kit and oxygen
What's not included
Not included: Lunch in the town of Aguas Calientes (day 4)
Not included: Sleeping bag
Not included: Extra porter
Not included: Additional nights due to bad weather
Not included: Personal-care items
Not included: Domestic and international airfare
Not included: Domestic and international airport taxes and visa fees
Not included: Excess baggage fees
Not included: Meals not mentioned in the programme
Not included: Drinks not included with meals
Not included: Tips and gratuities
Not included: Personal expenses and optional excursions
Not included: Travel insurance
Not included: Anything not expressly mentioned as included
Optional services
Optional, at extra cost:
Extra porter — Additional porter who carries up to 15 kilos of personal luggage and accompanies the group only until the third day.