The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most fascinating trekking routes in the world because it is so well-known and popular among travelers, there is high demand for places, which is why reservations must be made at least 4 months in advance. The Inca Trail is a hike of approximately 27 miles / 45 kilometers and takes four days to complete, including the visit on the fourth day to the ruins of Machu Picchu. The natural scenery surrounding the route, with imposing views of snow-covered peaks, cloud forests and high mountain jungle, passing many well-preserved archaeological sites along the way, make this a unique experience that nobody should miss.
Day 1: CUZCO / CHILLCA / HUAYLLABAMBA (-/L/D)
From your hotel you will travel in private transport as far as Kilometer 82, where the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu begins. During the first day, you will follow the course of the Urubamba river and enjoy panoramic scenery dominated by mount Veronica (19 192 ft / 5 850 m). After lunch, you will visit the remains of the Inca settlement known as Llactapata, after which you will continue through the Huayllabamba valley as far as our campsite of the same name.
Distance: 7.52 mi / 12.1 km
Altitude: minimum: 8 860 ft / 2 700 m, maximum: 9 842 ft / 3 000 m (Huayllabamba)
Approximate walking time: 5-6 hours
Day 2: HUAYLLABAMBA / PACAYMAYO (B/L/D)
From Huayllabamba the trail leads us uphill through Andean forest as far as the high plain of Llulluchapampa, with excellent views of the Huayanay mountain range. You will walk for another two hours as far as the high pass known as Warmiwañuska, the highest point of our route (13 280 ft / 4 050 m), from where you will descend as far as your next campsite in the valley of the Pacasmayo river.
Distance: 5.47 mi / 8.8 km
Altitude: minimum: 9 840 ft / 3 000 m, maximum: 13 795 ft / 4 205 m
Approximate walking time: 6-7 hours
Day 3: PACAYMAYO / WIÑAY WAYNA (B/L/D)
As you cross the high pass of Runcuracay you will notice how the vegetation changes, for here you will have left the mountains and entered high forest. Here you will have excellent panoramic views of the Vilcabamba and Urubamba mountain ranges. From the pass you will descend along a paved Inca path as far as the ruins of Runcuracay and Sayacmarca. Here you will enter the cloud forest, and in the afternoon you will descend along a series of Inca steps, passing the ruins of Phuyupatamarca to arrive at the archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna, where you will camp.
Distance: 8.33 mi / 13.4 km
Altitude: minimum: 8 860 ft / 2 700 m, maximum: 12 960 ft / 3 950 m (Runcuracay)
Approximate walking time: 7 hours
Day 4: WIÑAY WAYNA / MACHU PICCHU / CUZCO (B/-/-)
From the beautiful architectural complex of Wiñay Wayna it is a two-hour walk to the Sun Gate, or Intipunku. From here you will have your first view of Machu Picchu. Once you reach the city you will have the rest of the day to explore its temples, palaces, houses and agricultural terraces, before taking the train back to the city of Cuzco in the afternoon, where you will be transferred to your hotel and have the evening free.
Distance: 2.9 mi / 4.67 km
Altitude: minimum: 7 875 ft / 2 400 m, maximum: 18 793 ft / 2 680 m
Approximate walking time: 2 hours
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