Classic Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu

This is the original pilgrimage route for the Inca to their most sacred temple and is by far the most popular route. This beautiful trail starts at the Kilometre 82 gate and takes in many of the Inca ruins including Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Wayna and finally Machu Picchu.

Day 1: Arrive Cuzco

• Elevation: 3400m

If you booked airport transfers we will meet you at Cuzco airport and transfer to your hotel. If not, you can make your own way there.

Day 2: Cuzco – Ollantaytambo

• Elevation: 3400m to 2800m

By leaving Cuzco we drive to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, from where we reach the town of Chinchero where we will meet the local people who still speak the ancient Quechua language and learn about the traditional textile making. We will visit Salt Mines of Maras which date back to pre-Incan times and from Maras walk down to the Vilcanota river where our transport awaits and continue driving to Ollantaytambo. The rest of the day is relaxing time.

Day 3: Ollantaytambo – Km 82 – Wayllabamba

• Elevation: 2800m to 3000m
• Trekking distance: 12km
• Trekking time: 5-6 hours

After breakfast we depart Ollantaytambo and drive to the start of our trek. Official beginning of the Inca Trail is called Km 82, and here we will meet our group and register for the trek. Right across the Rio Urubamba legendary Inca Trail starts, and on the first day the trek is fairly easy and a good warm up for the days to come. We will pass a magnificent archaeological site Llactapata on our way to Tarayoc. Then we proceed to Wayllabamba (3000m), the camping site where we will spend the night.

Day 4: Wayllabamba – Pacamayo

• Elevation: 3000m to 4200m to 3580m
• Trekking distance: 10km
• Trekking time: 8-9 hours

Starting early in the morning, first we will go through the Valley of Llulluchapampa (3750m). From Llulluchapampa the path leads us to the Warmihuañusca Pass (Dead Woman Pass), the first of three passes on the Inca Trail and the highest point of our trek. After a short break at the summit, we continue descent to Pacamayo River where we will camp for the night.

Day 5: Pacamayo – Winay Wayna

• Elevation: 3580m to 2650m
• Trekking distance: 18km
• Trekking time: 8-9 hours

Today we climb to the ruin of Runkurakay, fFrom where we continue to ascend to the summit of  Runkurakay Pass at 3900m. Then we climb up to Phuyupatamarka, and  continue to descend into a forest, visiting the site of Intipata (Terraces of the Sun), before reaching our campsite at Wiñay Wayna.

Day 6: Winay Wayna – Machu Picchu (Via The Sun Gate) – Cuzco

• Elevation: 2650m to 2400m to 3400m
• Trekking distance: 5km
• Trekking time: 2-3 hours

After early start we set our way to final section of the Inca Trail to the famous Inti Punku (The Sun Gate), where you will have first chance to famous Machu Picchu. After the guided tour, you will have an option to climb Huayna Picchu, the famous mountain behind the ruins. In the afternoon, we will catch the train from Agua Calientes to Ollantaytambo, where you will met our driver, who will transfer you to your hotel in Cuzco.

Day 7: Depart Cuzco

If you have arranged airport transfers we will meet you at the hotel. Otherwise make your own way to Cuzco airport for your departing flight.