Inka Trail 4D/ 3N

Itinerary

DAY 01: CUSCO - KM 82 - WAYLLABAMBA - YUNCACHIMPA

We will leave Cusco (3350m / 10990f) at 5:30 am. In a tourist bus to the Sacred Valley. We will take a short break in Ollantaytambo for breakfast before arriving at km 82, the official start of the trek. We will meet the trekking team at km 82 and check in for the trek. After crossing the Urubamba River (2200m / 4850f), we will begin the legendary Inca Trail. The first day is easy and a good warm up for the following days. We will have lunch and learn about the nearby archaeological complex Llactapata. We will then hike to Wayllabamba (3100m / 10170f) and ascend to Yuncachimpa (3300m / 10826f), our camp for the night. This camp has an excellent view of the snow-capped mountain Veronica.

• Difficulty level: moderate
• Hiking time: 6-7 hours.
• Total distance: 11 km / 6.8 m

DAY 02: YUNCACHIMPA - LLULLUCHAPAMPA - WARMIHUAÑUSCA PASS - PACAYMAYU - RUNKURAKAY PASS - CHAQUICOCHA

The second day has an early start, and everyone should walk at their own pace. We will meet during short breaks or when climbing the stone stairs. The first 3 km / 2 m are steep, with humid forests and the sound of water to accompany you. The trail first leads through the Llulluchapampa Valley (3850m / 12631f), and ascends for 2-3 hours to reach the highest point: Warmihuañusca Pass (also called Dead Woman Pass because of its silhouette, 4200m / 13780f). This climb is the most difficult part of the Inca Trail. After a short rest at the summit, you continue your hike with a steep descent towards the Pacaymayo River (Sunrise River) to Runkurakay Pass (3050m / 10007f) until you reach our campsite, Chaquicocha (3650m / 11975f). Here you will get a well-deserved rest from the arduous day while enjoying an incredible view of the mountains.

• Difficulty level: strenuous
• Hiking time: 8-9 hours.
• Total distance: 15 km / 9 m

DAY 03: CHAQUICOCHA - PHUYUPATAMARCA - WIÑAYHUAYNA

The third day is the most beautiful; you will see changes in the ecosystems as you walk towards the tropical forest of Wiñaywayna. We will pass two small lakes at the top of the second pass (3950m / 12960f). It is a gentle climb through beautiful cloud forests and a small Inca tunnel before the third pass (3700m / 12140f) offers a beautiful view over the Urubamba Valley. The nearest settlement is Phuyupatamarca (City above the clouds) (3600m / 11811f). There is a well-preserved site with a series of Inca baths that testify to the excellence of Inca engineering. We pass another Inca tunnel before visiting the ruins of Wiñaywayna (Forever Young) (2650m / 8694f). Inca stairs turn into a zigzag trail until we reach a white building with a red roof, our last campsite, where there are hot showers (cost 5 soles) and bottled drinks.

• Difficulty level: Moderate - Easy
• Hiking time: 5-6 hours.
• Total distance: 10 km / 6 m

DAY 04: WIÑAYHUAYNA - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO

After breakfast at 4:30 a.m., we will head, equipped with our flashlights, to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) for our first spectacular view of Machu Picchu at sunrise. The last descent takes almost an hour before arriving at Machu Picchu (2400m // 7874f) around 8:00 a.m. For approximately two hours, you will have a guided tour to better understand the meaning and use of the ancient buildings. After the tour, you will have time to explore the archaeological site on your own (for example, go to the Inca Bridge, revisit intriguing structures or climb Wayna Picchu if you have a reservation). Then, a bus takes you to Aguas Calientes, where you can soak in the natural springs (cost 10 soles). We will leave Aguas Calientes by train to return to Cusco in the afternoon.

• Difficulty level: Moderate - Normal easy
• Hiking time: 2-3 hours.
• Total distance: 7 km / 4.4 m

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