Inca Trail 4 Days to Machu Picchu

Hotel pick-up begins at approximately 05:00 a.m. We will head to Ollantaytambo and arrive around 06:30 a.m., having about 40 minutes for breakfast and souvenir shopping. Then, we will head to Piscacucho or kilometer 82, the starting point of the Classic Inca Trail> to begin our hike (breakfast is not included). Around 09:30 a.m., we will arrive at kilometer 82, the first checkpoint of the Inca Trail, where you will need to present your entrance tickets, passports and, if you are a student, the corresponding card (if you have paid a reduced rate).

At the beginning of the trail (2720 m / 8923 ft), we will cross the Vilcanota River and continue to the right following its course. The first day is relatively easy, serving as a warm-up along the flat Inca terrain. From here, we enjoy breathtaking views of the Inca fortress 'Huillca Raccay', the vast and incredible Inca site of Llactapata (officially called 'Patallacta'), and the imposing snow-capped peak of 'Wakay Willca' (5860 m / 19225 ft), also known as Veronica. Our first camp is located in Huayllabamba (3000 m / 9842 ft), a green and temperate valley that shares the same name. Night temperatures vary around 5ºC depending on the month.

Meals: Lunch and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping.
Distance: 11 kms / 6.8 mls .
Difficulty: Moderate / Challenging.
Walking Time: 6 hours approx.
Minimum altitude: 2700 m / 8.858 ft
Maximum altitude: 3300 m / 10.827 ft

After waking up around 5:30 a.m. and enjoying a hot breakfast, we will begin the steep ascent to the highest point, Abra de Warmiwañusca or 'Dead Woman's Pass', which is at 4215 m / 13829 ft. On this day, you will experience a real sense of accomplishment as you reach the summit. After taking a well-deserved rest, we will start our descent to Pacaymayo, where we will stop to enjoy lunch at an altitude of 3600 m / 11811 ft.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping.
Distance: 10 kms / 6.2 mls.
Difficulty: Moderate / Challenging.
Walking Time: 7 hours approx.
Minimum altitude: 3300 m / 10,827 ft.
Maximum altitude: 3600 m / 11.811 ft.

This day turns out to be especially impressive; keep this in mind as you embark on the third day's ascent. We will start the day with breakfast at 6:00 a.m. and embark on a gentle climb to explore the archaeological site of "Runkurakay" (meaning "Ovoid Site"). Here we will reach the third highest point of the Inca Trail, located at 3750 m / 12303 ft. Then, we will continue to Sayacmarca (which translates as "Dominant Village"). This citadel and religious enclave is located about 20 kilometers on foot from the trailhead, offering spectacular views of mountains, canyons and the surrounding area. The Inca site of "Phuyupatamarca " (meaning "city in the clouds") is a few minutes walk from the third pass. After exploring this site, we will descend 3000 steps through the cloud forest to the amazing Inca agricultural site of Intipata. After spending time at this site, we will continue to our third campsite at Wiñayhuayna (2680 m / 8792 ft). On this day, we will walk for approximately 7 to 8 hours and arrive at the camp just at lunch time. The night temperatures will be around 12º C. A few steps from our campsite is the renowned Inca site of "Wiñayhuayna" ("Forever Young"). Although you may feel tired after the hike, this is a moment not to be missed, as it is the highlight of the Inca Trail.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping.
Distance: 16 kms / 9.5mls .
Difficulty: Moderate.
Walking Time: 10 hours approx.
Minimum altitude: 2650 m / 8,694 ft.
Maximum altitude: 3600 m / 11.811 ft.

Around 4:00 a.m., it is time to wake up and you will be provided with a packed breakfast to begin the fourth day on the Inca Trail, with the goal of arriving punctually at Machu Picchu. This stage marks the final leg of your journey, reaching the Sun Gate or Intipunku at 6:30 am. At this point, the majestic Citadel of Machu Picchu unfolds before us with its imposing beauty, offering a spectacular view for all. It is here that we perceive the reality of what the ancient Incas must have experienced on their arduous journey to this expansive temple. We descend to the citadel of Machu Picchu from the summit, which is at an altitude of 2430 m / 7972 ft. After approximately 40 minutes of hiking, we enter the citadel from the top through the "Guardian's House" and access the upper platform. Afterwards, we head to the checkpoint where we check in and leave our belongings. Under the guidance of your professional guide, you will explore the amazing ruins, walking through the main streets of the city, squares and ascending the intricate staircases carved in stone. Machu Picchu is recognized as the spiritual center of the world according to esoteric wisdom. After the guided tour,

You will also have time to enjoy some of the following activities on your own if you wish (not included in the price:

• Hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain (only from 10:00 am) and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there.
• Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or bathing in the hot springs.

Meals: Breakfast.
Distance: 8.9 km / 5.5 ml.
Difficulty: Easy
Walking Time: 5 hours approx.
Minimum altitude: 2040 m / 6.693 ft.
Maximum altitude: 2720 m / 8.924 ft