Awaken to the first light of dawn as you commence your extraordinary 4-day journey along the Inca Trail, surrounded by the rich tapestry of history and nature.

Departing at the crack of dawn, your adventure kicks off with an early transfer from Cuzco at 5:30 AM. Embrace the day ahead, knowing you've packed and prepared the evening before, for the Andean escapade waits for neither man nor myth.

Stepping into Ollantaytambo, you'll have the chance to fuel your body with a wholesome breakfast, ensuring you're energized for the trail. It's also the perfect moment to procure any last-minute items—think snacks for energy, water for hydration, and walking sticks for support. And, of course, your passport is your golden ticket (student IDs included for those with the distinction).

The Inca Trail truly beckons as you reach Piscacucho, the storied starting gate to this ancient path. Here, you'll follow in the footsteps of Inca nobility, trekking beside the serene Vilcanota River Valley and stumbling upon hidden archaeological jewels that reveal secrets of a civilization long past.

Lunch will be a delightful episode amidst the scenic wilderness, a chance to savour the Andean flavour and rejuvenate for the remainder of the day's hike.

Your day concludes at the tranquil Wayllabamba Camp. Perched at an altitude of 2,980 meters, you'll have traversed 10 kilometers in approximately six hours, your efforts rewarded by the moderate ascent through the rolling Andean landscape.

As the evening unfurls, the natural amphitheatre of the Andes cradles you in a history-rich embrace, setting the stage for the adventures that await.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Basic Light: Wayllabamba Camp
• Complete Normal: Wayllabamba Camp

As the second day dawns on your Inca Trail journey, set out refreshed and ready to tackle the segment that's as challenging as it is gratifying.

Begin your morning with a nourishing breakfast at the first light of 6:00 AM. You'll need the energy for what lies ahead—a vigorous climb spanning 6 kilometres up to the imposing height of Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215 meters. This ascent, taking about 5 hours, invites you to immerse yourself in the experience, embracing your surroundings as you rise to the day's challenge at your own pace.

Reaching the zenith of Dead Woman's Pass, you’re rewarded with a panorama that captures the essence of the Andes—the majesty of snow-cloaked peaks above and sublime waterfalls below. The beauty of this high-altitude landscape is a prize earned with every step.

Your journey then eases into a descent, following the Incan-carved stairways winding down 3 kilometres to the sanctuary of Pacaymayo Camp, nestled at an elevation of 3,600 meters. Over 2 hours, the descent is a meditative transition from the exhilaration of the peak to the quietude of the valley.

The remainder of your day is a testament to tranquillity. Refuel and recharge with a satiating lunch, followed by a restful nap to soothe your exhilarated senses. As serenity envelops the afternoon, the camp becomes a place of rest and reflection amidst the Andean beauty.

When dusk falls, a sumptuous dinner bridges the gap to a night of peaceful slumber, as the mountains stand solemn guard over your respite.

Across the 10 kilometres trekked, spanning approximately 7 hours, you ascend and descend through varying altitudes and terrains, each with its own tale. The day's exertions are challenging, with a climb of 1,200 meters to the pass's peak followed by an 800-meter decline to camp. It’s not merely a passage through the landscape, but a transformative adventure that carves a lasting memory into the heart of every traveller.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Basic Light: Pacaymayo Valley Campsite
• Complete Normal: Pacaymayo Valley Campsite

As the sun casts its first rays on the third day of your Inca Trail expedition, set forth on a path that leads you through the whispers of ancient civilizations and astounding landscapes.

Commence your morning ascent with a hike that will take you up through the cool air for an hour to the captivating archaeological site of Pacaymayo. Here, the echoes of the past resonate amidst the silence of the ruins. With only a short sojourn, your feet carry you further skywards, for another hour, until you crest Runquracay Pass. At 3,950 metres, the summit gifts you with breathtaking panoramic views—an alpine spectacle of neighbouring summits that dance with the clouds.

As you venture onwards, your pathway weaves through history, leading you to encounter the enigmatic remnants of Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca. Your guide, a fountain of knowledge, brings stones to life with tales of old as you wander between the relics that speak of empires gone by. A well-earned lunch amidst these historical wonders provides not just sustenance, but also a moment to ponder these testaments to human endeavour.

The day's trek gradually transforms as you descend into the embrace of the high jungle oasis. By late afternoon, the Wiñayhuayna High Jungle camp comes into view, serenely seated at 2,650 metres, above a river valley framed by a riotous jungle tapestry—a majestic conclusion to a day spent in the upper echelons of the Andes.

Post dinner, as the canvas of night unfurls, take the opportunity to extend your gratitude to the porters and guides—those tireless guardians of your journey whose efforts have shepherded you along this storied route.

Covering 15 kilometres in approximately 9 hours, the day is measured moderate in difficulty but fraught with the inherent undulations of ancient Incan stairways.

Anticipate an enriching day that interlaces archaeological intrigue with the natural splendour that is the trademark of the third day on the Inca Trail.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Basic Light: Winay Wayna Camp
• Complete Normal: Winay Wayna Camp

The culmination of your Inca Trail adventure unfolds in the predawn hush, as you rise between 3:30 and 4:30 AM, anticipating the spellbinding moments ahead.

In the silent twilight, share an early breakfast with your companions, the familiar ritual now charged with the excitement of the day's promise. With quiet steps, make your way to the Wiñaywayna checkpoint, joining the hushed queue as you await the stirring opening of the gate at 5:30 AM.

As dawn breaks, commence the final leg of your trek—a reflective one-hour hike to the revered Sun Gate. Here, amidst the quiet anticipation, hope meets horizon, and if the skies are clear, you will be gifted with the day's first sunbeams illuminating the timeless grandeur of Machu Picchu.

The last stretch of the trail, a 40-minute descent, brings you into the heart of the archaeological wonder. It is here, amidst the whispering winds and stone sentinels, where history’s weight is both seen and felt.

Embrace the mysteries of Machu Picchu as you delve into its story with a guided tour, expertly weaving two hours through a labyrinth of lore and legend. Afterwards, allow yourself the leisure to explore, to look deeply into the landscape, and to etch into memory the visage of a place untouched by time. If your spirit craves more, options to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain stand available, though advance reservations are a must.

In the full light of afternoon, begin the return journey. A train to Ollantaytambo cradles weary travellers, and from there, a bus carries you back to the familiarity of Cuzco, with an expected arrival around 20:00. Upon reaching Plaza San Francisco, you'll say your farewells, each traveller parting ways, carrying the shared experience within.

Trekking Synopsis:

• Distance: A final 7 kilometres across approximately 2 hours.
• Difficulty: An easeful, final day's walk, flat and narrow from the verdant Wiñayhuayna High Jungle Camp at 2,650 metres to the Sun Gate at 2,720 metres, cascading down into the iconic embrace of Machu Picchu at 2,400 metres.

Prepare yourself for a day imbued with magic as you witness the daybreak over Machu Picchu and close the chapter on an extraordinary passage through time and terrain.

Essential Information:

Your Inca Trail Trek permits are included with your reservation but are known for being in high demand and fill quickly. For assurance of your trek, early booking is highly advised. Should permits be beyond reach, there's no cause for concern. We present enticing alternatives such as the Ultimate Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or the Lares Trek. Your serenity is paramount and if no alternative resonates, a full refund remains an open selection. Book with the comfort of certainty for an adventure that leaves no room for worry.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast