Cusco – Trailhead at KM 82 – Ayapata

Inca Trail - The guide will collect travelers from their hotel in Cusco at 4:30 a.m. to drive to the trailhead at Kilometer 82. This early start is rewarded with a stunning drive through the Sacred Valley as dawn breaks.

The journey takes travelers to Ollantaytambo, where there will be a brief stop for photo opportunities and breakfast (not included).

Upon arrival at the trailhead at Kilometer 82, the Classic Inca Trail begins. Porters and a chef will meet the group here to start the trek.

The trek begins with 2.5 hours of relatively flat terrain leading to the Wilkaraqay Inca site, offering spectacular views of the Llactapata ruins. The guide will discuss the site’s history and provide an overview of the Inca trail’s history.

Continuing on the trail, the group will hike for two more hours to Hatunchaca (2,598 m/8,525 ft) for a delicious lunch.

In the afternoon, the hike continues for another 2.5 hours until reaching the campsite at Ayapata.

Patallacta - Archaeological excavations suggest it was a rest stop and shrine on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, frequently used by travelers and pilgrims. It is also believed to have been an administrative support site for Machu Picchu, possibly with ceremonial or religious significance due to its solar alignments. The agricultural terraces likely helped feed Machu Picchu’s inhabitants.

The site was discovered by American Hiram Bingham in 1912, who described finding 10 or 12 dwellings and what was thought to be the home of an Inca chieftain.

Ayapata – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayu – Chaquicocha

Inca Trail - After breakfast, the hike to the famous Dead Woman’s Pass begins! For the first 2 hours, the trail passes through the cloud forest, traversing various bio-zones, including the low sierra and the high Puna.

After this 2-hour hike, the group reaches Lluchapampa (3,800 m/12,460 ft). Following a 15-minute break, the hike continues.

The trail to “Dead Woman’s Pass” at (4,215 m/13,825 ft) takes around 2 hours through breathtaking mountain scenery. A pause at the top of the pass allows for admiration of the Inca trail’s majesty.

The descent leads to the Pacaymayu camp for lunch. After lunch, there is a 45-minute climb to the Inca site of Runcuraccay. The guide will provide a tour of the ruin before continuing uphill for an additional hour to the Runcuraccay pass (3,950 m/12,959 ft).

After a 90-minute descent, the group arrives at the Inca site of Sayacmarca (3,657 m/12,000 ft).

From here, it is just 25 minutes to the campsite for the night at Chaquicocha (3,600 m/11,800 ft).

Sayacmarca - The Inca ruin of Sayacmarca was discovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1915. Sayacmarca impresses visitors with its stone staircases and buildings carved directly into the rock walls, integral components of Incan urban architecture during the 15th century.

Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna

Winay Wayna - Day 3 of the Classic Inca Trail begins with a 2-hour hike to the Inca ruins at Phuyupatamarca (3,680 m/12,073 ft). From here, travelers will enjoy spectacular views of Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Mountain, and Huayna Picchu mountain, followed by a guided tour of the ruins.

Next, the journey heads into the rainforest! A 2 ½ hour downhill walk leads to the camp. During this stretch, the group will visit Inti Pata, a spot known for offering some of the most beautiful pictures of the entire Inca trail. From Inti Pata, it is just 40 minutes to the campsite at Wiñay Wayna (2,680 m/8,792 ft).

Upon arrival at the campsite, lunch is served, followed by some relaxation time before visiting the archaeological site that shares the camp’s name. Wiñay Wayna is the largest and most beautiful archaeological site on the Inca trail, meaning “forever young” in Quechua, and the company provides a guided tour of Wiñay Wayna.

Winay Wayna - At Wiñay Wayna, Inca Trail hikers can explore a massive terracing structure, believed to have been used as a farming boundary. The site also features dark caves, and archaeologists speculate this part of the complex served as a spiritual retreat.

Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Machupicchu Cusco - On the final day, the group rises very early to complete the last few kilometers of the Inca Trail. After breakfast, the trek is fairly easy for about an hour, leading directly to the “Sun Gate.”

This ancient entrance to the sacred city offers the first incredible views of Machu Picchu and, weather permitting, the spectacular sunrise over the Andes.

The trek concludes with a final 45-minute downhill hike to the city’s entrance gates. Upon arrival, the group will head to the classic photo spot for pictures, followed by a short break before starting a 2-hour guided tour of the site. All guides are experts in the site’s history and mythology, bringing the visit to life!

After the tour, the group travels to Aguas Calientes by bus and then by train to Poroy, where a private vehicle will be waiting to transport them back to their hotel in Cusco. Arrival time in Cusco is 8 pm, marking the end of the adventure on the Classic Inca Trail.

• Private transportation
• Sleeping tents and mattress – Four person tent for every two people
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Support staff including professional cooks and porters to carry all the camping equipment
• Breakfast
• Tour Guide
• Pre trek briefing
• Emergency supplies, including first aid kit, oxygen, and emergency radios

• Sleeping Bag – can be rented from us
• Hiking poles – can be rented from us
• Tips
• Personal Porter

The Classic Inca Trail is the most famous hike in South America – perhaps the world. It is a must-do and one of the biggest highlights of your trip to Peru. It offers 4 days of trekking along original paved Inca pathways and a range of spectacular Inca ruins along the way. The stunning scenery is breath taking. The Classic Inca Trail spans through altitudes in the valley from 2,700 m (8,856 ft) to mountain passes of 4,215 m (13,825 ft). Finally it passes through the cloud forest to arrive at the majestic Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu itself.

Hiking the Inca Trail is one of those things that everyone should do once in their life. Be you young or old, the Inca Trail is for everyone!

• What to Bring
• Original passport (if you have acquired a new one after you made your booking, bring both)
• Down or synthetic feather sleeping bag (can be rented from us)
• Clothes (trekking boots, warm fleece jacket, a few t-shirts, socks, sun hat, warm underwear, light long pants, gloves, rain jacket)
• Toiletries (toilet paper, wet wipes, personal towel)
• Sunscreen SPF 35+ recommended
• Head lamp
• Sunglasses
• Camera with spare batteries (batteries run down faster at high altitudes)
• Binoculars
• Book to read (you will have some spare time at every camp to read your favorite book)
• Trekking poles (recommended especially for the steep descents, can be rented from us)
• Bug repellent

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.