Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. We drive for 2 hours to Piskacuchu (2,700 m / 8,856 ft), a community located at ‘Kilómetro 82’, which is the starting point of the Classic Inca Trail to Machupicchu. We begin our walk by crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River and walking along its left bank to then ascend and finally see, from the highest part of a viewpoint, the impressive Inca city of Llactapata (2,650 m / 8,692 feet). We continue walking through the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for about five hours until we reach the community of Wayllabamba (3,000 m / 9,840 ft), where we establish our first camp.
Along the way we enjoy spectacular views of the Cordillera Vilcanota on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, where the impressive Verónica Peak reigns at 5,832 meters above sea level. Throughout the valley you will find a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Total distance: 12 km
Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours.
Maximum altitude point: 3,000 m (9.840 ft)
Altitude of the camp: 3,000 m (9.840 ft)
Meals provided: Lunch and dinner

We wake up around 6:00 am and after breakfast we begin the most difficult part of the hike, which consists of a steep ascent that extends for 9 km. Throughout this climb, the landscape changes from the sierra to the puna (dry and high area with little vegetation).
On the way to the first mountain pass, the Abra Warmiwañusca (4,200 m / 13,776 ft), we can see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at high altitude. We also cross the area of the so-called Cloud Forest, which is the habitat of different types of birds such as hummingbirds and sparrows, as well as the Andean bear, also called the spectacled bear (Tremarctus ornatus). We advise that on this day especially, your backpack is well stocked with sweets, chocolates, and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high and help with the altitude.
Immediately after the pass, we descend to the Pacaymayo valley (3,600 m / 11,808 feet), where we camp after approximately 7 hours walking.

Total distance: 11 km
Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours.
Maximum altitude point: 4,200 m (13.776 ft)
Altitude of the camp: 3,500 m (11,480 ft)
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

This day is the longest, but also the most impressive and the most interesting, due to the number of archaeological sites and the lush cloud forest that we pass through, rich in Andean flora and fauna.
From Pacaymayo we climb to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3,970 m / 13,022 ft). Halfway through, we stop to visit the archaeological complex of the same name. This site, located at 3800 m / 12,464 ft, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served as a watchtower.
After crossing the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lake) and enter the cloud forest to finally reach Sayacmarca (3,624 m / 11,887 ft). It is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Continuing with an easy ascent, we arrive at the third pass, the Abra Phuyupatamarca (3,700 m / 12,136 ft). Throughout this ascent we will be able to appreciate the magnitude of the ancient craftsmanship of the Incas, when walking along trails attached to the mountain, and see rocks that fill ravines in perfect order, saving the multilevel Andean geography trail.
We go through an Inca tunnel to then reach the aforementioned pass and descend to the complex of the same name. This is one of the most complete and best-preserved archaeological complexes along the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and is located at the highest point of a mountain. Interestingly, Phuyupatamarca means “city above the clouds.” From above, you can see a sophisticated sacred complex formed by water sources with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba river valley.
We continue our Inca Trail Trek along the long descending stone steps that lead us to Wiñaywayna (2,650 m / 8,692 ft), an impressive Inca complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector, near which we find our camp.
After visiting the impressive archaeological site, we enjoyed our farewell dinner at our camp.

Altitude of the camp: 2.650 m (8.692 ft)
Total distance: 16 km (9, 94 miles)
Estimated walking time: 8 hours.
Maximum altitude point: 3.900 m (12.792 pies)
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

On this fourth and last day we get up at 3:30 am to leave Wiñaywayna an hour later and go up to Intipunku, or Sun Gate. This will take an hour of walking along a flat stone path on the edges of the cliffs in the jungle of the highlands. From this fabulous place, we can see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. From Intipunku we descend to Machu Picchu, and 40 minutes later we enter the citadel from the highest point through the ¨Casa de los Guardianes¨ or “guardians’ house”. Then we descend to the checkpoint where we check in and leave our backpacks. We immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. Then you will have free time to walk around the city and visit the impressive Inca Bridge on your own.
In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you wish, you can visit and relax in its hot springs. From here we take the train back to the city of Cusco, where we arrive at night.

Total distance: 4 km
Estimated walking time: 2 horas.
Maximum altitude point: 2700 m (8829 pies)
Machupicchu’s altitude: 2,400 m (7,872 pies)
Meals provided: Breakfast

* The departure and arrival times are approximate
The campsites are subject to change according to the designation of the governmental institution that regulates them.