Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days

Day 1: Cusco - KM 82 Piscacucho - Huayllabamba

We will leave Cusco (3350m/10,990ft) at 5:30am by bus and head for the Sacred Valley. Firstly we will meet up with our porters and cooks who will help us to bring camping equipment and will prepare food preparation the trek.

Afterward we continue driving on to Piscacucho, which is the starting point of the Inca trail. Once there, we begin walking along the Urubamba river with magnificent views of the snow-capped Mountain "La Veronica" (5,682 m) and the archeological sites which dot the landscape.

After 5 to 6 hours walking we arrive at the first campsite in the Andean community of Huayllabamba, an ancient Inca citadel that guards the entrance to two valleys.

• Total distance: 12 km (7 miles)
• Estimated walking time: 5 to 6 hours
• Maximum altitude point: 3,000 m (9,842 ft)
• Campsite altitude: 3,000 m (9,842 ft)

Day 2: Huayllabamba - Warmihuañusca pass - Pacaymayu

We wake up at around 6:00am and after a hearty breakfast we set off from Huayllabamba, climbing up toward Warmihuañusca pass at 4,200m (13,779 ft). Along the way you will have the chance to see the ecology changing, as you leave the reasonably mild valley behind you and reach the treeless pastures in the colder highlands.

The high mountain grass "Ichu", can be found at the highest parts of these pastures, this land scape this landscape is similar to Ausangate Sibinacocha Trek. Before reaching the pass there is a campsite named Llulluchapampa, enjoying a great location for enjoy marvelous views.

Of course you can take a good break here, before climbing up the last part to the pass itself. After reaching the top of the pass we drop down to a second campsite named Pacaymayu, at 3,600m (11,480ft).

• Total distance: 11 km (6, 84 miles)
• Estimated walking time: 6 to 7 hours
• Maximum altitude point: 4,200 m. (13,779 ft)
• Campsite altitude: 3,600 m (11,811 ft)

Day 3: Pacaymayu - Wiñayhuayna

This is the longest part of the trail, although also the most impressive and interesting. Along the path are many archeological remnants, including Runkuracay at 3800m (12,467 ft). This small circular ruin occupies a commanding position overlooking the Pacaymayo valley below.

After leading you to the top of the second pass named "Abra de Runkuracay" at 3,800m (12,467 ft), you will at last feel that you are walking along the trail of the Incas. The descent from the pass is down some very steep steps, so take care.

This section of the trail up to the third pass is particularly beautiful, as the path crosses high stone embankments and skirts deep precipices.

After about one hour from the second pass we arrive at Sayacmarca archeological site, 2650m (8,694 ft), by way of a superbly designed stone staircase. The name Sayacmarca means 'Inaccessible Town' and describes the position of the ancient town, well protected on three sides by sheer cliffs.

No one knows the exact purpose of these constructions. After the third pass the path descends into the magnificent rainforest, full of orchids, hanging mosses, tree ferns and flowers, also passing through an impressive Inca tunnel, carved into the rock. Finally we get to the last Campsite in the beautiful Andean village of Wiñayhuayana's.

• Total distance: 16 km (9, 94 miles)
• Estimated walking time: 6 to 7 hours.
• Maximum altitude point: 3,800 m (12,467 ft)
• Campsite altitude: 2,650 m (8,694 ft)

Day 4: Wiñayhuayna - Machu picchu - Cusco

We get up early! After eating breakfast and setting off along the trail again at around 5:30am, we aim to arrive at Machupicchu before sunrise. After approximately two hours walking we will arrive at the sun gate which is named "Inti punku" in the Quechua language, and from here we will be able to enjoy the sunrise over Machu picchu spread before us, an unforgettable experience.

Afterwards we descent for forty minutes to the old city of Machu picchu to explore and enjoy a guided tour. You will have plenty of time to take pictures and explore the citadel by yourself. In the afternoon we take a bus down to Aguas Calientes, where we catch a train back to Cusco, taking around four hours.

• Total distance: 4 km (2, 49 miles)
• Estimated walking time: 2 hours.
• Maximum altitude point: 2,700 m (8,829 ft)

Includes:

• Hotel pick-up in Cusco
• Private bus from Cusco to start of hike
• Professional bilingual tour leader (two leaders for groups over 8 people)
• Support staff (they will carry only the tents, food and kitchen utensils).
• Cook and meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners)
• Camping equipment (tents, mattresses, tables, chairs, kitchen tent and dinning tent)
• First aid kit and oxygen
• Bus ticket from Machupicchu to Aguas Calientes
• Entrance fee to Inca Trail and Machupicchu
• Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (Expedition Service)

Not included:

• Breakfast on first day and lunch on day four
• Tips for crew (tour leader, cooks and porters)
• Sleeping bag (can be hired for USD $ 5 per day)
• Entrance to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes
• Porter to carry your personal items over 12 kilograms (USD $ 180.00)
• Vistadome train service (USD $50 plus)

We recommend bringing:

• Backpack and sleeping bag
• Hiking shoes or boots
• Raincoat or poncho
• Warmth clothes
• Insect repellent
• Sun block, sun glasses and hat
• Water bottle
• Water purifying tablets
• Flashlight and knife
• Towel and toilet paper
• Snacks (chocolates, candies, cookies, etc)
• Personal Medical Kit
• Extra national currency (soles)
• Original Passport