The Inca Trail is one of the most famous trekking routes of South America. It stands out due to its numerous Inca archaeological sites located along the route. The Inca Trail starts at the Andean lands of the Sacred Valley and ends at the impressive Machu Picchu citadel, which is located amidst the cloud forests of the high Peruvian jungles.
The Inca Trail was part of the Qhapaq Ñan, an ancient road system that connected the most important population centers of the Inca Empire. After the Spanish conquest, most roads of the Qhapaq Ñan slowly deteriorated and disappeared. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the last remaining sections of this ancient Inca road system.
The best time to hike the Inca Trail is during the dry season, between June and September. The Inca Trail can be traversed in just 4 days. The highest point of the trek is Warmiwañusqa, also known as Dead Woman’s Pass, which is located at 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) above sea level.
Due to the high altitude of the Inca Trail, it is recommended to spend some days in Cusco city to acclimate to the Andean environment. By doing this, you will help your body to avoid suffering from altitude sickness.
At Andean Luxury we are committed to provide the best tours and treks in the region of Cusco. Whether you want to visit the incredible Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, or explore the sinuous trekking routes of the Andes, we are your best option.
Take the incredible 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu accompanied by our expert team of professional tour guides. We also offer group tours to the most famous destinations of the region, such as the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Rainbow Mountains of Cusco. Explore the marvels of Cusco with us.
Cusco hotel transfer
6:00 am
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco city at 6:00 am. Then, we will board our private vehicle to go to Ollantaytambo, a town located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Once we arrive at Ollantaytambo, we will board a train to Km 82 train station, the starting point of the Inca Trail.
Once we arrive at Km 82, we will pass a security checkpoint before entering the Inca Trail. Then, we will hike to Miskay campsite, where we will stop to have lunch. After lunch, we will visit the Patallaqta archaeological site.
After exploring Patallaqta, we will visit the Wayllabamba and the Patawasi Inca ruins. Afterwards, we will set up our campsite near Wayllabamba. Then, we will have dinner and rest for the next day.
We will leave Wayllabamba after having breakfast early in the morning. Then, we will trek to the Warmiwañusqa Mountain Pass, the highest section of the entire Inca Trail. After crossing this point, we will descend to the Pacaymayo campsite, where we will stop to have lunch.
After having lunch, we will spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at Pacaymayo. We will have a delicious dinner before going to sleep.
After having breakfast, we will leave our campsite. Then, we will trek to the Runcuracay Mountain Pass, which is located at 3950 meters (12959 feet) above sea level. After crossing this point, we will descend to the Sayacmarca archaeological site. Then, we will hike to Phuyupatamarca, where we will stop to have lunch.
After having lunch, we will visit the Inca terraces of Intipata. Then, we will finally trek to Wiñay Wayna, where we will have a short guided tour. After exploring Wiñay Wayna, we will set up our tents on a nearby campsite. Before going to sleep, we will have a delicious dinner.
After having breakfast, we will leave our campsite early in the morning, around 5:30 am. Afterwards, we will hike to the Inti Punku, a stone structure that marks the entrance to Machu Picchu citadel.
Once we reach Inti Punku (Sun Gate), we will finally enter the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu. Then, you will have a complete guided tour of the site. You will visit the Temple of the Three Windows, the Main Temple, the Temple of the Sun, among other Inca marvels. If you have booked an entrance ticket to Machu Picchu mountain or Huayna Picchu mountain, our staff will guide you to the respective trailhead.
Once the tour has finished, we will board a bus to Aguas Calientes town, where you will have time to have lunch at a local restaurant. The lunch is not included in the tour price.
In the afternoon, we will board a train to return to Ollantaytambo. Once we arrive there, our staff will transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco city. We will be arriving at Cusco around 10:00 pm.
