Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Itinerary:

Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Hatunchaca – Wayllabamba – Ayapata

Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu begins the night before when you will have a briefing with your trekking guide, at 06:30 pm at your hotel (this is a reference time). The next day our guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 pm A.M. From there, we will travel to Piskacucho, which is known as Kilometer 82, where the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu begins. On our way, we will stop for breakfast in Ollantaytambo around 6:30-7:00 AM to recharge our energy for our first big day. (Breakfast is not included)

Arriving at KM82 (8:30 am), we will have some time to get organized, use the restrooms, apply sun cream, and insect repellent, etc. Here you will have to hand in your duffel bag to the porters, keeping only a small backpack with the essentials. That you will need during the hike. Your guide will have all your permits and tickets.

At the beginning of the trail (2,720m.a.s.l./ 8,923 feet) you will cross the Vilcanota River and follow its scenic route. The first day is relatively easy. There are excellent views of the Inca Fortress of Huillca Raccay, the vast and incredible Inca site of Llactapata (also called Patallacta), the Urubamba mountain range that divides the jungle from the Andes mountain range and the beautiful Verónica snow peak. (5860m.a.s.l. / 19,225 feet), also known as W’akay Willca. You will stop for your first lunch in Hatunchaca, after which you will have a three-hour walk to the campsite

• Meals: Lunch – Afternoon tea – Dinner.
• Accommodation: camping
• Elevation: 3,350 m/10,988ft.
• Distance: 16 km
• Walking time: Approximately 7-8 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Ayapata –Warmihuañuska   – Pacaymayu – Ch’aqui Qocha

Today is considered by many to be the most difficult day of the trek; to reach 2 high passes (Dead Woman’s Pass is the highest at 4,200m/13779ft) with your backpacks as light as possible, start a steep ascent to the highest pass, Cove of Warmihuañusca, On this day, you will feel a real sense of accomplishment when you reach the top! After a well-deserved break to take photos, we will begin the descent to the lunch spot, which is located in Pacaymayu (3,550m.a.s.l./ 11,646ft).

On your way to the pass, you will see a variety of hummingbirds and other varieties of other bird species. There will be plenty of time to appreciate the incredible variety of native plants and the Polylepis or Q’ueuña trees, which grow in the amazing cloud forest located at (3650m.a.s.l. / 11,972ft).

Our campsite for tonight is at Chaquicocha (3600m.a.s.l./ 11800ft). Like Ayapata, it is one of the quietest camps and offers beautiful views of the sun set over the mountains in the distance.

• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon tea – Dinner.
• Accommodation: camping
• Elevation: 4,250 m/13,940 ft.
• Distance: 8 km
• Walking time: Approximately 9-10 hours
• Difficulty: Challenging

Day 3: Ch’aqui Qqocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna

After having overcome the 2 coves the previous day, we will, now enjoy a relaxing day through some of the most impressive and beautiful landscapes that the Inca Trail has to offer. We will start the day with a gentle climb to the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca, which means ‘Town in the Clouds’.

Here, we will reach the third highest point along the Inca trail (3,680m.a.s.l./ 12,073ft). The views of the mountains, canyons, and surrounding areas are spectacular!

The hike to the 2 Inca sites (Phuyupatamarca and Winay Wayna) makes this day by far as one of the most impressive days of the trek. Our camp for tonight is at Wiñay Wayna (2680m.a.s.l. / 8792ft), to which we will arrive in the early afternoon and have an extended guided tour once we have settled in.

• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon tea – Dinner.
• Accommodation: camping
• Elevation: 3,690 m/12,070 ft.
• Distance: 6 km
• Walking time: Approximately 8 hours
• Difficulty: Easy

Day 4: Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Today is the highlight day of the hike. After waking up early, we head straight to the checkpoint to enter Machu Picchu, of course, once the site opens. You will continue until the Sun Gate also known as Inti Punku. At that point, the majestic Citadel of Machu Picchu will be in front of you with its mystical beauty. An incredible sight for all to see. At the Sun Gate, you will see how the sunlight spreads over the citadel like melting ice, while the sun rises behind you.

Finally, we will walk downhill to the Citadel of Machu Picchu (2,400m.a.s.l./ 7,872ft). After walking for about 40 minutes, we entered the citadel from above through the “House of the Guardians”. From there, we head to the checkpoint, where we check in and leave our large backpacks or walking sticks. You are only allowed to take small bags into the citadel, such as camera bags.

Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, you will have a 2-hour guided tour of the site during which you will learn about the Incas and visit all the most important areas of the citadel. After your tour, you will have free time to explore the site on your own. If you have permits to climb the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain you can do it. In the afternoon you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo from where you will continue by bus back to Cusco.
Read About Inca Trail

• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon tea – Dinner.
• Accommodation: camping
• Elevation: 4450 m/14,596 ft.
• Distance: 16 km
• Walking time: Approximately 8-9 hours
• Difficulty: Challenging

Note: The Hike to Huayna Picchu, and/or Machu Picchu Mountain depends on availability, please let us know if you want to add one of these additional hikes at the time of your reservation.