Classic Inca Trail

We pick you up early from your hotel in Cusco. We will then drive for two and a half-hour through the Sacred Valley to the beginning of the trail which is Piskacucho KM 82 ( 2,700 m/ 8,856 ft). Half way through the drive, in Ollantaytambo, in the heart of the Sacred Valley we will stop to have breakfast (this first breakfast is not included in your package tour), after that, we will continue for an hour to get the beginning of the Inca trail; we’ll stop at the main checkpoint for the registration of our documents, for this, you must bring your original passport. Once we pass the main checkpoint we will walk for about three-hour to Tarayoc. On this section of the trail, we’ll see the first Incan site known as Kanabamba and impressive sights of the majestic Veronica mountain (Waqaywillka).
On the first day the most fascinating site is Llaqtapata (Incan site which is comprised of temples, palaces, terraces), that was used as the nexus point between the cities from the jungle side and the cities from the highlands during the Incan empire, our Trek Leader will brief us on the history of this site. At a place called Tarayoc we’ll have our lunch by 1:00 pm. We will then walk up the valley for two more hours to reach the first campsite, called Wayllabamba located at an altitude of 3,000 m / 9,840 ft.
In the evening we’ll have our tea accompanied with local empanada, popcorn, etc. Eventually, as we wind up the day we will have our dinner before retiring for the day. Hiking Time: 6-7 Hours (approx.) | Hiking Distance: 11 Kms/6.83 Miles | Highest Point 3,000 m/9,840 ft. | Lowest Point: 2,700m/8,856 ft. | Highlights: Inca Ruins | Physical Level: Moderate |

The second day is the most challenging one, today a great nutritious breakfast makes us ready for the hike, the path is uphill until we reach the Dead-woman pass ( 4,215 m / 13,825 ft ) which is the highest point on the Inca trail. As we hike to this pass, we’ll get in different ecotones ( a transition area between two adjacent ecological communities “ecosystems”), before crowning the top we’ll have lunch at Llulluchapampa 3,800 m / 12,464 ft. After having lunch, we’ll hike up to reach the Dead-woman pass for two more hours, upon our arrival we’ll take a very well-deserved break to enjoy the sceneries around, from this highest point we walk downhill for 3 hours to get the second campsite called Pacaymayu. This evening we’ll have tea and dinner. Hiking Time:7-8 Hours (approx.) | Hiking Distance: 12 Kms/ 7.45 Miles | Highest Point 4,215 m/ 13,825 ft. | Lowest Point: 3,000 m/ 9,840 ft. | Highlights: Highest Point on the train, Scenic Views | Physical Level: Extreme |

Early in the morning we’ll take our breakfast, we will then reach the second pass called Runkuraqay 3,950 m / 12,956 ft m, today is quite different than the other previous days, because you’ll enjoy several Incan ruins along the trail (Runkuraqay, Sayaqmarka, Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, and Wiñaywayna) where you’ll get a rich history of each Incan temple. Most part of the trail goes through the cloud forest where is possible to see beautiful orchids and birds, and most part of the trail is still original as the Incans left behind centuries ago. As well as, today we’ll treat us with dramatic views of the Urubamba range and Vilcabamba range, both located in the Andes. About mid-day we’ll enjoy our just prepared fresh meal at a lookout point with stunning vistas around. After lunch, we’ll hike downhill to Wiñaywayna, translated to “Forever Young,” ( 2,650 m / 8,692 ft.) the last camp site. In the evening we’ll enjoy our tea time and dinner. Hiking Time:8-10 Hours (approx.) | Hiking Distance: 15 Kms/ 9.32 Miles | Highest Point 3,950 m/ 12,956 ft. | Lowest Point: 2,650 m/ 8,692 ft. | Highlights: IncaRuins, Original section of Inca Trail, jaw dropping views | Physical Level: Extreme |

The most important day–Machu Picchu, there is no way how to describe the feelings of the first views of Machu Picchu from the Gate of the Sun, as the mist rises off the mountains early in the morning and the astonishing Incan city appears in front of you. this morning, all sores, and other uneasiness of the trek are transformed in happiness, because we’ll be illuminated by the energy, that way we’ll be entering in the wonder, underneath the sunrise. Eventually, we’ll reach this impressive place, where the masterpiece is combined in one element with thousands of elements crafted carefully to have a brilliant combination and perfection. In which, all our dreams will come reality. The morning is dedicated to exploring the extraordinary Machu Picchu with your Trek Leader. After a great time at the Incan emperor’s palace, we’ll take the bus down to Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes town), where we’ll have lunch (not included). In the afternoon we’ll take the train back to Ollantaytambo train station and/or Poroy train station, as of this place continue driving to your hotel in Cusco. Hiking Time: 2-3 Hours (approx.) | Hiking Distance: 5 Kms/ 3.11 Miles | Highest Point 2,700 m/ 8,856 ft. | Lowest Point: 2,400 m/ 7,872 ft. | Highlights: Entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, Guided tour of Machu Picchu | Physical Level: Moderate |