INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS

After a large breakfast and a hot cup of coca tea, we will hike for roughly 4 hours to the highest pass of the trek, the Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215m/ 13,829ft). On reaching the pass, we will stop for a short break to enjoy the fascinating views before setting off again to our 2,5 hours descent to the next valley of Pacaymayo (3,600m/ 11,800ft). We will have some tea and a freshly prepared dinner and spend the night at our campsite.

Hiking Distance: 10 km/7.5 miles

Our team will wake you up early with a hot cup of coca tea. This day will be the longest and most challenging, which is why we have a nutricious breakfast to get ready for the day. We will continue our hike surrounded by jungle vegetation and a number of incredible archaeological Inca sites ahead. The first archaeological site we visit are the Runcurakay ruins (3,760m/ 12,300ft). Unlike other buildings of Inca origin, the Runkurakay ruins present the peculiarity of having circular enclosures among its structures, something unusual in the design of the Inca cities. After a short break, we hike for 1.5 hours to the archaeological site of Sayacmarka. These ruins are located on a rocky cliff road at 3,600 m altitude and look like a labyrinth of houses, squares with fountains in the middle, and narrow streets. We then reach our lunch point at Chaquicocha, where we have some time to relax. After 2.5 hours of hiking, we reach the next archaeological site of Puyupatamarca (3,600m/ 11,810ft), also known as the “The City Above the Clouds”. There are Inca ruins with five small stone baths, which during the wet season contain constant fresh running water. From there we start our 3-hours descent to our campsite Wiñayhuayna, where we will have tea and dinner. This will be a special meal as it will be the final one together with our team and we will say goodbye to our porters.

Hiking Distance: 15 km/10 miles

Today we will wake up at 3:30 am, have breakfast and descend to the control point. We will wait there for a bit more than one hour until the gates open. Once we have passed through the control point, we will hike 1.5 hours to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the ceremonial gateway into Machu Picchu. We will get our first glimpse of the majestic Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. From there, we will descend for 40 minutes to the citadel of Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas“. This complex is considered a jewel of the Inca architecture. It is a complete town with different quarters, squares, alleys, buildings, astronomical observatories and terraces. The city was rediscovered on July 24, 1911 by the US researcher Hiram Bingham. Our local guide will share his knowledge about this sacred place and show us the whole complex. Later, you have enough free time to explore the archaeological site on your own.

For those who have previously selected to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, you will do so at your designated time.*

In the afternoon, we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and have lunch at a local restaurant. We then take the train to Ollantaytambo, enjoying the beautiful landscape of the Sacred Valley during the train ride. Upon arrival at the train station, we will take you to your hotel in Cusco.

*Please ask in advance for availability. $65.00 per person for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain

Hiking Distance: 6 km/3.7 miles