Early in the morning (about 4 -5 am, time to be confirmed at the briefing time), we come to your hotel to transfer you to the Piscacucho-KM 82 where the trail starts. There will be a breakfast stop in Ollantaytambo (6:30-7am), to load up on energy (breakfast is not included). Upon arrival at kilometer 82 (8:30am), we will have some time to organize ourselves (use the restrooms, apply sunscreen/insect repellent) and it will be necessary to show your entrance tickets, passports and (if paying a student rate) the student card at the trail’s first control point. To start the trail (2720m/8923ft), we cross the Vilcanota River and follow its route to the right. The first day is relatively easy (a warm-up along the Incan flat terrain), and we will have great views of the site of an Incan Fortress (‘Huillca Raccay’), the vast and incredible Incan site of Llactapata.
Our first campsite (Ayapata) will be an hour and a half up the small village of Wayllabamba (3000m/9842ft). Temperatures at night are around 5ºC/41ºF (depending on the month).
After waking up at 5:30am (or 5:00 depending on your guide) and having breakfast, we will start a steep ascent towards the highest pass (Dead Woman’s Pass at 4200m/13779ft). On this day, a real sense of achievement is felt upon reaching the top! After a rest here, we begin the descent to our lunch stop, which is located at Pacaymayu (3550m/11646ft). On the way up to the pass, we will be able to see lots of hummingbirds and other birds. We will have the time to appreciate an incredible variety of native plants and trees; such as the ´Polylepis´ or Q’ueuña trees, which grow in the astonishing cloud forest located at 3650/11972m!!
After lunch, begins the second two-hour steep climb to Runkuraqay pass (almost 4000 meters). We arrive at our campsite around 5 pm. Temperatures at this campsite are around 4ºC/39ºF during the nights.
This is the most impressive day, so just keep thinking about that on the ascent on day 2! We wake up for breakfast at 6am and start the day with a gentle climb to visit the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca (Town in the Clouds), and reach the third highest point on the trail (3680m). The views of the mountains, canyons and surrounding areas are spectacular!
The Incan site of ‘Phuyupatamarca’, is located a few minutes’ walk from the third pass and after visiting this, we continue walking (3000 steps) through the cloud forest and the impressive agricultural Incan site of ‘Intipata’ until we arrive at our third campsite Wiñay Wayna (2680m/8792ft). Today, we will only walk about 4 to 5 hours and arrive to camp by lunchtime! A short distance from this campsite, is located the Incan site of the same name, Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young). Even if you are tired after your day’s trek, don’t miss out on visiting the most impressive site on the trail.
Temperatures during the night are about 12ºC/54ºF.
We leave the last campsite at about 5:30am on the final day (breakfast is around 3:30-4:00am). It is an early start in order to get to ‘Inti Punku’ (‘Sun gate’) (2730m/8792ft) before sunrise. This is the place where you will have your first stunning view of Machu Picchu (2400m/7873ft), with the sun rising over it! After some time there, we will walk down the last part of the trail to a spot where you can take the classic picture postcard shot of this ancient city. Finally, we visit Machu Picchu itself!
After the tour you have time to explore Machu Picchu at your own leisure before returning to Aguas Calientes by bus. From here you will take the train to Ollantaytambo where a bus to Cusco will be waiting for you.
All locations or itineraries are subject to change depending on time of bookings, and campsites provided by INC (institution that runs the Inca Trail).
Trek Briefing: A detailed briefing held at our Cusco office the evening before your trek to prepare you with essential information, including duffle bag logistics.
Expert Guides: Our bilingual guides are licensed and extremely knowledgeable about the history and culture of the Inca civilization, ensuring you have both enjoyable and educational experiences throughout your trek.
Transportation: Convenient round-trip transportation from Cusco to the trailhead at Kilometer 82, making your journey hassle-free.
Professional Support Team: A dedicated team of chefs and porters will carry our camping gear, set up camps, and prepare delicious meals, allowing you to enjoy the hike.
Meals: Enjoy three breakfasts, four lunches, and three dinners made from organic, locally-sourced ingredients, ensuring you stay nourished during your journey.
Camping Equipment: Stay comfortable with a high-quality tent shared by two people, equipped with foam mats for a restful night’s sleep under the stars.
Guided Tour at Machu Picchu: Experience a guided tour of the iconic remains to understand the significance of this archaeological marvel.
Bus and Train Transfers: Included are bus tickets from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes town and train tickets back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a transfer back to your hotel in Cusco.
Safety Equipment: We prioritize your safety, providing first-aid kits, oxygen, and experienced staff trained in wilderness first aid.
Additional Amenities: vegetarian meal options available upon request.
Porter Services:
Important Note: Our porters carry cooking and camping gear only. If you don’t want to carry your personal belongings on the trail, we recommend hiring an extra porter. If you choose to rent sleeping bags and pads, they typically weigh about 3 kg. However, keep in mind that if you rent camping gear from us, we won’t carry those items.
Don’t wait! Book your Inca Trail and Machu Picchu tour with us today for an unforgettable adventure!
When choosing a destination for your backpacking trip, it is important to consider the level of difficulty of the trail and the weather conditions. Some popular backpacking destinations include national parks, wilderness areas, and mountain ranges. It is also important to obtain any necessary permits and to be aware of any regulations or rules for the area you plan to visit.
The classic route of the Inca Trail stretches approximately 26 miles (42 kilometers)and is typically completed over a period of four days, allowing trekkers to explore the magnificent scenery and historical elements along the way.
Absolutely! To hike the Inca Trail, you must obtain a permit. These permits are limited to about 500 per day (including guides and porters), making early booking essential—ideally several months in advance.
The prime hiking season for the Inca Trail falls between April and October, coinciding with Peru’s dry season. June through August is the peak season, attracting more trekkers due to favorable weather conditions.
A moderate level of fitness is recommended for the Inca Trail. While you don’t need to be an expert hiker, some sections can be challenging due to significant altitude changes and varying terrain
When preparing for your trek, essential items to include are:
There are no established age limits for the Inca Trail. However, children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult, and some tour operators may enforce their own age restrictions.
A typical Inca Trail tour package includes:
Our organized tours provide well-prepared meals by a designated cook accompanying the group. Be sure to communicate any dietary restrictions upon booking to ensure your needs are accommodated.
With peaks reaching 13,828 feet (4,215 meters), altitude can be challenging on the Inca Trail. It’s crucial to acclimatize by spending a few days in Cusco before your trek to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
If permits for the Inca Trail sell out, consider alternative routes like the Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, or Inca Jungle Trek, all of which offer stunning views and lead to Machu Picchu.
