A complete network of interconnecting roads linked Cusco to its provinces and other kingdoms and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was part of that system. Today it has become the most famous and popular trek in South America due to the variety of attractions it offers.
The trail route lies within the 32,592 hectare Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary, which was created by the government in 1981 to protect the natural beauty and the archaeological sites of this extraordinary area.
This spectacular trail runs from high mountains down to cloud forest, passing through a number of diverse ecological zones filled with an enormous variety of plants and birdlife. The route is also studded with archaeological sites which lead the visitor to the remains of Machu Picchu itself.
Day 1: Cusco / Chilca / Huayllabamba
Our vehicle will take us to the trailhead at Chilca. From here the trail follows the left bank of the Urubamba River from where we will see beautiful views of snow-capped Mount Veronica (5850 m). After lunch we will visit the ruins of Llactapata before continuing along the Huayllabamba valley and camping that evening near the village of the same name.
Day 2: Huayllabamba / Pacaymayo
From the village of Huayllabamba the trail climbs steadily through high Andean woodland to a plain called Llulluchapampa just before the Inca Trail’s first pass, from where there are excellent views of the Huayanay mountain chain. After another two hours walking we will reach the pass of Warmiwañuska (4050 m / 13,280 ft), before descending as far as the canyon of the Pacaymayo River, where we will make our second camp.
Day 3: Pacaymayo / Wiñay Wayna
The trail now climbs to the second pass at Runcuracay, from where we will be able to see both the Vilcabamba and Urubamba mountain ranges. After a short rest we will descend slowly along a paved Inca road to the restored ruins of Runcuracay and Sayacmarca. Here we enter the cloud forest and in the afternoon the trail descends via a stone stairway past the ruins of Phuyupatamarca to Wiñay Wayna, where we will camp for the night.
Day 4: Wiñay Wayna / Machu Picchu
After about two hours walking we arrive at Inti Punku, or the Sun Gate, from where we will get our first glimpse of Machu Picchu. On arriving at the city we will tour the temples, houses, agricultural terraces and palaces of this magical place both independent and in the company of our guide.
Return to Cusco by train in the afternoon.
Includes:
- Transfer to the trailhead and return to Cusco from Machu Picchu by train.
- Meals: From the first lunch to last breakfast.
- English-speaking trekking guide.
- Camping services; camp cook, porters and camp assistant(s).
- All group camping equipment; double tents and Thermarest air mattress; kitchen; dining tent; toilet tent.
- All the trash produced during the trek returns to Cusco.
- First-aid kit.
Not included:
- Personal expenses: clothing and sleeping bag.
We recommend that you bring the following personal equipment:
- A good sleeping bag (we have sleeping bags for hire on request).
- Day pack for daily items and camera.
- Small duffel bag for the majority of your gear. (If you do not have one, then we will provide one for you).
- Warm jacket for the evenings, wool sweaters, long pants, light cotton shirt and T-shirts, hat with brim, wool or flannel shirt.
- Comfortable walking shoes (well broken in).
- Rain jacket or rain poncho, sun block, insect repellent.
- Canteen or plastic water bottle.
- Flashlight.
- Binoculars (for bird watching), camera and film.
Optional:
- Swimwear and towel (for the thermal baths at Aguas Calientes).
