Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu

4 day / 3 night camping trek.
Grade: Moderate
Highlight: Archaeology, Scenery
Distance Covered: 59 Km or 32.31 mi.
Max. Altitude: 4,200m or 13,860 ft
(see Trek Map)
Average hiking per day: 6 hours

This is the classical version of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail is probably the best known and most popular hike in the Americas and is walked by thousands of people every year. It has everything: gorgeous mountain scenery, cloud forest and lush sub-tropical vegetation with numerous species of flora, three sets of remarkable Inca ruins which can only be visited on foot, and a stunning destination (Machu Picchu). The views of snow-capped mountains and high cloud forest can be stupendous, weather permitting. Walking from one beautiful ruin to the next is a mystical and unforgettable experience.

We have carefully spaced out our campsites and tried to pick the best ones for your enjoyment. We supply all camping equipment including sleeping bags and Therm-A-Rest pads. You will have a guide, cook and his assistant, porters, and all the equipment, water and food, including tents, chairs tables, kitchen kit and first-aid kit. Porters will carry your gear and you just carry your water, camera and some clothes you may need. At every camp you would have a toilet tent. Not included, alcoholic beverages (other than wine), extras, tips, laundry service, insurance, hiking boots and other personal gear

Day 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Please Note: This itinerary can be combined with a previous night at our private camp at Km. 82 and/or an overnight with an extra day in Machu Picchu at the end.

Day 1

We will collect you from your hotel and travel to Km. 82 (approx 1 1/2 hours –from Urubamba--; 28 km), the trail head of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. You will meet your porters and begin your trek following the left bank of the Urubamba River.

After a couple of hours of gentle hiking you reach and visit the Inca ruins of Llactapata (2,600m/8,580ft). You continue hiking, this time away from the Urubamba River ascending and following the Cusichaca River towards the village of Huayllabamba, a small agricultural settlement, where you will have a picnic lunch. Total trek today: 6 hours (12 km). B.L.D.

Day 2

After a relaxed breakfast with time to enjoy the beauty of your campsite, you register at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary control station to continue on a tough ascending trail with increasingly fantastic views and a clear change of vegetation as you gain altitude. You will pass through an interesting protected cloud forest of native trees before reaching your lunch spot at Llullucchapampa. Continue the tough ascent toward the highest pass of the trail, called “Warmiwañusta” or Dead Woman’s Pass (4,200 meters). Spectacular views lead your way in the afternoon as you descend to your campsite at Pacaymayo at 3,600m/11,880ft. Total trek today: 7 hours (17 km). B.L.D.

Day 3

After breakfast you will start your walk and soon encounter the original cobblestone paved trail left by the Incas. You will be able to appreciate the sudden changes in vegetation and geology as you pass through different ecological zones. Today is a long but very interesting and rewarding day, since you will be encountering both original Inca cobblestone trail as well as magnificent archaeological sites on the way. You will climb up and over the second pass, the Abra de Runrurcakay, (3,950m/13,035ft). On a clear day, our efforts are rewarded with unparalleled views of the snow covered peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba and the lush valley vegetation. Masterful Inca engineering is visible along the trail and the Inca remains of Sayacmarca at 3,640m/13,035ft. are a true highlight. Explore the site, have a picnic lunch and continue to the incomparable site of Phuyupatamarca, (“the place above the clouds”) at 3,680m/12,144ft. You will camp here and should have enough time to soak up some of the magical charm of this marvelous campsite. Total trek today: 8 hours (22km) B.L.D.

Day 4

Sunrise in Phuyupatamarca is considered one of the highlights of the trek. Today you will reach Machu Picchu, the lost City of the Incas. After an early breakfast, you will trek several hours down a clear stone paved trail with several incredible stairways, some carved in stone, a small tunnel and several viewing terraces. After continuing along a buttress and passing Phuyupatamarca ruins, the flagstoned trail winds sharply down into the cloud forest to the ruins of Winay Wayna (2,644m). Lunch nearby. You will continue on to Inti Punku, or Gate of the Sun. This is the point where you will get your first glimpse of the spectacular city of Machu Picchu below you. A quick descent along the wide royal Inca road and you will enter the mysterious citadel. Total trek today: 6 hours (8 km). B.L.

After a guided visit of Machu Picchu, you will return to Ollantaytambo by train and will be transferred to your hotel in Cusco.

Important Inca Trail Regulations (July 2004)

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