Pick up from your hotel is very early in the morning (5:30 am). Once we’ve left Cusco by private bus we’ll drive through the famous Sacred Valley (Chinchero, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo) and will arrive after about 2 ½ hours at “km 82” that is the start of the trail. On our way from Cusco to km 82 our bus usually stops for around 30 minutes in Ollantaytambo in order to give our customers the opportunity to have breakfast or to buy something else (snacks, drinks etc.). Having arrived at km 82 at around 09:00 am you are going to cross the Urubamba river and follow the left bank of the river for about 1 ½ hours. The first little climb will be to Wilka Rakay; from here there is a spectacular view of the Inca site Patallapta and the Kusichaca Valley. The subsequent descent down to Kusichaca river is very simple. On the way to our first camp side there are great views of the Urubamba mountain range with the snow-capped Peak Veronica (5’750 m, Wakay Wilka). We’ll follow Kusichaca Valley for approximately 7km up to Wayllabamba (3’000 m), where we will spend our first night.

Trekking distance: 12km

Estimated time: 6-7 approx.

Maximum altitude: 3000m

Campsite altitude: 3000m

After an energetic breakfast we will start climbing up for about 1 hour to Tres Piedras (The Three Stones). A little farther we will enter into the beautiful cloud forest. After having trekked for around 2 hours through spectacular vegetation we will reach the tree lines and Llulluchapampa at 3’800m. Here we will stop to have a short break with some tea or coffee and some sandwiches to regain your strengths. You’ll need them for the next 1 ½ hours of hiking that will bring us to the highest point of the Inca Trail - Abra de Warmihuñusca or dead woman pass (4’215m). Predominant flora of this part of the trail is the vast grassy land that you’ll cross when getting closer to the pass. Once we have reached the summit of the pass, we’ll celebrate all together for having completed the most difficult part of Inca Trail. The following 2 hours descent will bring us to the base camp in Pacaymayo (3’600m) where we will spent the second night.

Trekking distance: 12km

Estimated time: 6-7 hours approx.

Maximum altitude: 4215m

Campsite altitude: 3600m

The third day starts with a 40 minutes hike from Pacaymayo to Runkurakay. These small ruins occupy a commanding position overlooking Pacaymayo valley and offering a very nice view. Another 45 minutes hike will bring you to the top of the second pass, Abra Runkurakay (3’950m). The descent down to Sayacmarka (3’500m) takes around 1 hour. From here the trail descends into the magnificent cloud forest full of orchids, hanging moss, ferns and native flowers. It takes 30 minutes passing by the small Inca site Conchamarka and then reaching Chaquicocha (3’550m), where we will have lunch. On the way to Phuyupatamarka pass (3’700 m) we will follow for approximately 1 ½ hours a paved stones road that also leads us through an Inca tunnel carved into the rocks. From the top of the pass we have a spectacular view of the snow-capped peaks Salcantay (6‘271m), Veronica (5’750m) and also of Machu Picchu mountain. The descent to the last camp site Wiñayhuyna (2’650m), close to Machu Picchu will take us around 2 ½ hours.

Trekking distance: 15km

Estimated time: 8-9 hours approx.

Maximum altitude: 3950m

Campsite altitude: 2650m

On the fourth day we will wake you up very early (at 4:00 am) to have breakfast and to be able start our hike to Machu Picchu at 5:30 am. Like this we’ll be in Machu Picchu for the sunrise. From Wiñayhuyna it will take us around 1 hour to get the sun gate (Inti Punku at 2’720m). From here you will see magnificent Machu Picchu for the first time. It is another 40 minutes walk down to Machu Picchu and to get to the classical viewpoint. From here we’ll be able to overlook and admire the entire Machu Picchu complex. This is also the spot where you’ll be able to take the classical post card picture with its terrific view of Machu Picchu. Now we have to descend to the main entrance to leave our backpack in the deposit (10 minutes). We will then return to the Inca site to start the guided tour of Machu Picchu with your guide. The tour takes approximately 2 hours. After that you will have free time to explore the site on your own again. Once you feel that you have seen every corner of Machu Picchu you will take a bus down to the village of Aguas Calientes to have lunch. Usually we take the bus at around 13:00 pm. The bus ride takes around 25 minutes and your guides will give you the ticket. Make sure that, before you leave Machu Picchu by bus, the guides give you time and location of the restaurant where the group meets in Aguas Calientes. You will get your train tickets back to Cusco.

Trekking distance: 6km

Estimated time: 2 hours

Maximum altitude: 2720m

Machu Picchu altitude: 2400m