Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba – Yuncachimpa

We’ll leave Cusco (3350m/10990f) at 5:30 am in a tourist bus heading for the Sacred Valley. We have a short break in Ollantaytambo for breakfast before arriving at km 82, the official beginning of the trek. We’ll meet the trek team at km 82 and register for the hike. After crossing the Rio Urubamba (2200m/4850f), we’ll begin the legendary Inca Trail. The first day is easy and a good warm-up for the following days. We’ll have lunch in Miskay by a small river bank, and learn about the nearby archeological complex Llactapata. Next, we’ll hike to Wayllabamba (3100m/10170f) and ascend to Yuncachimpa (3300m/10826f), our camping site for the night. This campsite has a great view of the snow-capped Veronica Mountain.

Day 2: Yuncachimpa – Llulluchapampa – Warmihuañusca pass – Pacaymayu – Runkurakay pass – Chaquicocha

The second day has an early start, and everybody should walk at his/her own pace. We’ll meet up during short breaks or while ascending the stone stairs. The first 3km/2m are steep, with humid woodlands and the sounds of water to accompany you. The trail first leads through the Valley of Llulluchapampa (3850m/12631f), and ascends for 2-3 hours until you reach the highest point: Warmihuañusca Pass (also called Dead Woman Pass due to its silhouette, 4200m/13780f). This climb is the most difficult part of the Inca Trail. After a short break at the summit, you continue your hike with a steep descent to Pacaymayo River (Sunrise River) towards Runkurakay Pass (3050m/10007f) until we reach our camping site, Chaquicocha at (3650m/11975f). Here you get a well-deserved rest from the strenuous day while enjoying an amazing view of the mountains.

Day 3: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñayhuayna

The third day is the most beautiful; you’ll see changes in the ecosystems while you walk to the tropical forest of Wiñaywayna. We’ll pass two small lakes at the top of the second pass (3950m/12960f). It’s a gentle climb through beautiful cloud forests and a small Inca tunnel before the third pass (3700m/12140f) offers a lovely view over the Urubamba Valley. The nearest settlement is Phuyupatamarca (Town Above the Clouds) (3600m/11811f). There’s a well-preserved site with a series of Inca baths that are testimony to the excellence of Inca engineering. We pass another Inca tunnel before visiting the ruins of Wiñaywayna (Forever Young) (2650m/8694f). We end the day arriving at our camp by the Inca stairs.

Day 4:  Wiñayhuayna – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

After breakfast at 4:30 am, we’ll head – equipped with our flashlights – to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) for our first spectacular glimpse of Machu Pichhu at sunrise. The last descent takes almost one hour before we arrive hiking at Machu Picchu (2400m//7874f) around 8:00 am. For about two hours, you’ll have a guided tour to better understand the meaning and use of the ancient buildings. After the tour, you’ll have time to explore the archeological site on your own (e.g. go to the Inca Bridge, revisit intriguing structures, or climb Wayna Picchu if you have a reservation). Afterwards, a bus takes you down to Aguas Calientes, where you can soak in the natural springs (cost 10 soles). We’ll leave Aguas Calientes by train to return to Cusco in the afternoon. You will have completed the four day Machu Picchu Inca Trail