INCA TRAIL
The legendary Inca Trail
The 4-day Inca Trail is the legendary trail that ends at Inti Punku, the Inca sun gate to Machu Picchu. You walk through the Andes with a spectacular view over the mountain peaks and Inca ruins. The magical feeling when you see the Inca city coming out of the mist in the morning is indescribable. You walk along the Inca ruins Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna in an international group and you sleep in well-equipped tents with a mat and sleeping bag. Food and drinks and a carrier for personal luggage (max 7 kg pp) are included if you like.
Day 1
KM82 (2500m)- Wayllabamba (3100m) – Yuncachimpa (3300)
6-7 hour hike/ 11km
A bus ride from Cusco takes you through the Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo to MK 82 (2500m). The official starting point of the Ica Trail where you cross the bridge over the Urubamba river. You follow the river for several kilometres and then start a climb of 2 hours to the village of Miskay, where a delicious lunch awaits with a splendid view of the Llactapata ruins. The first day is a simple hike, a good warm-up for the days to come. Afterwards, we continue our walk to Wayllabamba (3100m) and Yuncachimpa (3300m), the campsite. From here, you’ll have a great view of the mysterious Mt. Verónica.
Day 2
Yuncachimpa (3300m) – Dead Woman’s Pass (4200m)- Pacamayu (3630)
8-9 hour hike/15km
After breakfast, the path will lead you through the Llulluchapampa valley (3850m). Enjoy the warm climate and the sound of water. You then climb upwards for 1200 metres across constructed stairs for 3 to 4 hours to the Warmi Wañusca, ‘The Dead Woman’s Pass’ (4200 m).
After a short break at the summit with splendid views, the descent takes you down to the valley and the Pacaymayo River (3630m). After a short climb to the Inca ruin of Runkurakay we continue along original Inca paths until arriving at the campsite of Chaquicocha (3650m). Here, you can recuperate after the long day and enjoy a breathtaking view across the mountains.
Day 3
Chaquicocha (3650m) – Phuyapatamarca (3600m) – Winay Whayna (2700 m)
5 – 6 hour hike/ 10 km
The third day is the best day! You trek through a lush tropical forest with green ferns and orchids towards the pass of Phuya Patamarca (city in the clouds) at 3670m. We pass two small lakes at the summit of the second pass (3950m). It’s a pleasant climb through the cloud forest and a small Inca tunnel before the third pass (3700m) which provides a magnificent view across the Rio Urubamba Valley. The nearest settlement is called Phuyupatamarca/ ‘Village above the clouds’ (3600m). You continue hiking through a carved out tunnel to the most beautiful Inca ruin so far, Wiñay Wayna (2700m). The Inca built stairs change into a zigzagging path until we reach out final campsite.
Day 4
Winay Whayna (2700 m) – Machu Picchu (2430) – Cusco
2-3 hours walking / 7 km
You leave the campsite at 5.30 am to be at Machu Picchu with sunrise. After 1 hour through rainforest and over Inca stairs you reach the Inti Punku, the Inca sun gate, with flashlights, where the sunlight gives Machu Picchu a magical glow from 7 o’clock in the morning.
That the Incas were in direct contact with nature can be seen and felt. At an altitude of 2430 meters, between 2 steep mountains, misty rainforests and the Andes you can find Machu Picchu, the masterpiece of the Inca civilization. You can enjoy the magic during the 2 hour guided tour. Then you have enough time to explore the archaeological site itself (go for example to the Inca bridge or climb to the Huayna Picchu for beautiful panorama photos). A bus takes you from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. Here you can relax in the hot springs.
Included:
* Private transport from hotel in Cusco to KM 82
* Train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (Poroy)
* Bus to Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
* Entry fees for the Inca course and Machu Picchu
* Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
* Camping equipment (professional double tent, sleeping mats)
* Cook, meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners)
* Tea and snacks every day
* Carriers of personal baggage (up to 7 kilos)
* First aid kit and oxygen cylinder
Not included:
* Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
* Sleeping bag (if you don’t have one you can rent it)
