Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu

Upon our arrival in Cusco, you'll be transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the historic capital of the Inca Empire, nestled in the breath-taking Andes Mountains. Stroll around the cobbled streets, discover Spanish churches and mansions that sit alongside Inca remains and enjoy the vibrant nightlife. The city also offers a wonderful range of restaurants where you can sample the local cuisine.

After breakfast the day is free for you to explore Cusco at you own pace. Known as the heart of the Inca Empire and holding the title of the foremost archaeological capital in the Americas, it's also the oldest inhabited city on the continent.

Today our four-day Inca Trail adventure begins! It's an early start for our transfer to KM82 where the trail begins. After completing entry formalities, the hike begins at 2,720 m (8,923 ft), crossing the Vilcanota River and entering the cloud forest. Along the way, we see the Inca fortress Huillca Raccay and the vast Patallacta ruins, where lunch is served.Our trek continues through stunning Andean scenery, with views of the Urubamba mountain range and the snow-capped peak W'akay Willca (Veronica). After six to seven hours of hiking, we camp near the village of Wayllabamba, where we camp at 3,000 m (9,842 ft), enjoy dinner, and rest for the night. Temperatures can drop to around 5°C, but sleeping bags provide warmth for a good night's sleep.

We start early at 5:30 a.m. with a hearty breakfast, preparing for what is known as the toughest day of the Inca Trail. Our trek today starts with a steep ascent toward the sacred Apus, where the mountain spirits dwell. After a few hours, we reach the highest point, Dead Woman's Pass, at 4,200 m (13,779 ft), a challenging but rewarding trek. After resting and taking in the stunning views, we descend to Pacaymayu at 3,550 m (11,646 ft) for lunch, spotting hummingbirds and native plants along the way. In the afternoon, we hike another steep ascent to Runkurakay pass (4,000 m), where we set up camp for the night, feeling tired but accomplished.

After breakfast, we begin a gentle uphill trek to Phuyupatamarca, "The City Above the Clouds," at 3,680 m, where we admire its terraced slopes and stone baths, with stunning views of snow-capped peaks like Salkantay and Veronica. We continue along a series of over 1,000 Inca steps, descending through the cloud forest to the agricultural site of Intipata. After 4-5 hours of trekking, we reach our campsite at Winay Wayna by lunchtime. After lunch, we explore the Winay Wayna ruins, known for their terraces and baths, before resting at camp in preparation for the final day at Machu Picchu.

The final day of our Inca Trail adventure begins early at 4:30 a.m., as we set off in the dark for the last stretch of the trail. After a 1.5-hour hike, we arrive at Intipunku (the "Sun Gate") just in time to witness the sun’s first rays slowly illuminate the breathtaking Machu Picchu. It’s a magical moment as the ancient city is revealed before us! We then head to Machu Picchu for a fascinating 2-hour guided tour of the magnificent citadel. Finally, we descend to Aguas Calientes for a well-deserved lunch before taking the train back to Cusco, celebrating the end of an unforgettable journey!

Optional Activity: Wayna Picchu There is time for those with enough energy to climb Wayna (Huayna) Picchu (at your own expense). Wayna Picchu is the mountain behind Machu Picchu. The climb itself is interesting as you will see how the Inca cut some steps out of the rocks and as you wind around the side of a mountain will see Machu Picchu from different angles. Please note that this option depends on permit availability and should be arranged at the time of booking.

Today our incredible adventure comes to an end and you'll be transferred to Cusco airport for your onward flight.