Itinerary
Cusco │ Wayllabamba │ Pacaymayo │ Wiñaywayna │ Machu Picchu
Today you start the legendary four-day hike along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu! Today’s trail is still fairly easy in the beginning, while the incredible panoramic views along the Vilcanoa river are quite impressive. Around noon you reach the first ruins of “Patallcacta”, where you enjoy lunch and take a small break before continuing to Huayllabamba. During your hike, you have a splendid view over the Cordillera Urumbaba and the snowcovered mountain, Veronica. You spend the first night in Huayllabamba and prepare for a difficult second day.
Distance: 12km/7,5mi
Walking time: 5-6 hours
Highest point: 3,000m/9,842ft
After a substantial breakfast, you start the second and most exhausting day of your trekking tour. During the steep climb through dense, green cloud forests you gain altitude until finally reaching the highest point of the Inca Trail, the pass of Warmihuañusca (Dead Women’s pass) at an altitude of 4,200m/13,780ft. Once you reach the top you are rewarded with a fantastic view over the valley of this region and can enjoy the extensive and unique landscape. After lunch, you descend until reaching the Pacamayo River (3,500m/11,482ft) where you’ll stay for the night.
Distance: 11km/6,8mi
Walking time: 6-7 hours
Highest point: 4,200m/13,780ft
Today your route leads you past the ruins of Runturacay over the second Runkuracay Pass (4,000m/13,123ft) that you need to cross today. Walking past the picturesque lakes, you finally reach the impressive ruins of Sayacamarca (“inaccessible place”). After completing your last steep climb, you reach the third pass (3,700m/12,139ft) from which you have a stunning view of the snow-covered Salkantay and Veronica mountains. After having seen the carefully restored ruins of Phuyupatamarca, you descend to today’s camp at Wiñaywayna.
Distance: 16km/9,9mi
Walking time: 8 hours
Highest point: 4,000m/13,123ft
Before sunrise, you leave and hike until you reach the famous gate of Machu Picchu, “Puerta del Sol“ (Sungate), where you have a truly breathtaking view. Once you reach the ruins your guide tells you all about the secrets of the world-famous ruins and you will have enough time to explore the ancient Inca city on your own. Around noon you reach Aguas Calientes, where you take the train to Poroy. Here, you are picked up and are brought to your hotel in Cusco.
Distance: 4km/2,5mi
Walking time: 2,5 hours
Highest point: 2,700m/8,858ft