Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu
DAY 1 CUSCO – LLAQTAPATA
We depart Cusco in the morning in a private transport, which will drive us to km.82, the starting point of the Inca Trail. We start our hike walking along the left shore of the Urubamba River. Following the trail along a flat terrain, we arrive in Miskay (2800m/9184ft), to then ascend and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the Inca city of Llactapata (2750m/9020ft). From this point, we descend to the ruins, next to which we set the first camp. In the afternoon we will explore the archaeological site.
DAY 2 LLAQTAPATA – LLULLUCHAPAMPA
Wake up early to continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing until we reach the farming community of Wayllabamba (3000m). All along the way we see spectacular views of the Vilcanota mountain range on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, where the impressive Veronica peak reigns at 5832m. Continuing through the trail, we leave Wayllabamba behind to begin the most difficult part of the trek, which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km and reaches the first mountain pass in the Inca Trail Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman’s pass). We only climb half way up the pass, stopping at Llulluchapampa for the night.
DAY 3 LLULLUCHAPAMPA – PHUYUPATAMARCA
After breakfast, continue the hike up the highest point in the Inca Trail, reaching the mountain pass of Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass – 4200m) after about 2 hours. Immediately after the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600m), from which we then start to climb to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3900m). Half way up, we visit the archaeological complex with the same name.Continuing up an easy climb, we arrive at the third pass, the Abra Phuyupatamarca (3800m).
DAY 4 PHUYUPATAMARCA – MACHU PICCHU
Today, we might have the chance to appreciate one of the most spectacular sunrises in the Inca Trail, provided the sky is clear, as Phuyupatamarca’s location offers awesome views at this moment of the day. We then start our way through the long descending stone steps which will lead us to Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft) the biggest archaeological site in the Inca Trail besides Machu Picchu. After our visit, we leave Wiñaywayna to climb to Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we may enjoy spectacular views over the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu, weather permitting. From Intipunku, a short walk brings us down to the entrance of Machu Picchu from where we continue to aboard the bus toward Aguas Calientes where you will spend the night in a hotel.
DAY 5 MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO
Very early in the morning we will take a bus to visit the fantastic stone constructions of Machu Picchu, probably the most outstanding feat of engineering in all of ancient America, temples, stairways palaces and gabled stone dwellings are scattered everywhere, testifying to the energy and ingenuity of the builders. In the afternoon we return by train to Cusco.