Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 4 Days

Pick-up at your chosen location around 05:30 and a scenic drive to Km 82, the start of the Inca Trail, near Ollantaytambo. On the way we stop in Ollantaytambo for breakfast and last-minute shopping for snacks or supplies. At Km 82 we meet our porters and start walking. The first part is fairly easy, along the Urubamba river, with the first views of the snow-capped Veronica mountain, towards our first Inca site, Llactapata. After exploring Llactapata we continue through the valley to a lunch prepared by our chef. After 6–7 hours of walking (14 km) we reach our first camp at Wayllabamba (3,000 m), a quiet Andean village. Hot dinner and a good night’s rest in your tent. Difficulty: moderate (getting used to the Inca Trail). Weather: warm and windy.

We wake you with a warm cup of coca tea and, after breakfast, start the most challenging part of the trek. A steady climb through dense cloud forest becomes steeper as we go up, until we reach Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca, 4,215 m), the highest point of the trek, with breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys. About two hours downhill to the Pacaymayo valley (3,600 m) for lunch, then on to our camp at Pacaymayo to relax. A hearty dinner and a night under the Andean sky. The toughest day of the trek. Area: Andes and cloud forest. Weather: cold and rainy.

After breakfast we continue along the Inca Trail, visiting several ancient sites. First Runkurakay (3,950 m), then down to the well-preserved ruins of Sayacmarca, an intricate Inca site overlooking the Aobamba valley. Lunch near the Chaquicocha ruins and on along the most scenic stretch of the trail, with views of Salkantay mountain and the cloud forest. Through Inca tunnels and stone staircases we reach Phuyupatamarca (3,680 m), the "town in the clouds", with panoramic views. The trail descends to Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m), our last camp and the most beautiful site on the Inca Trail, with terraces overlooking the Urubamba river. Dinner and rest before the early visit to Machu Picchu. Difficulty: moderate — a short climb, then all downhill. Area: high cloud forest. Weather: warm and very humid, with a chilly night.

We wake up before dawn for an early breakfast. A short walk takes us to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku, 2,720 m) and your first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu in the morning sun. We walk down into Machu Picchu for a guided tour of its main temples, terraces and plazas. Afterwards you can climb Huayna Picchu (optional, advance booking required). In the afternoon, bus down to Aguas Calientes and train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer to your hotel in Cusco, arriving in the evening. Area: high cloud forest and subtropical forest. Weather: hot and very humid — bring a bottle of water.