Embark on a unique 4-day adventure to Machu Picchu, the jewel of the Andean world and one of the most fascinating destinations on the planet. Located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, this enigmatic citadel is known as the “Lost City of the Incas”.
For centuries, Machu Picchu remained hidden in the mountains, known only to the local people. It was rediscovered in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham, who revealed it to the world and unleashed the amazement of entire generations.
This tour has been designed to offer you a complete experience: history, culture, nature and mysticism in one trip. Each step will connect you more with the Inca legacy, surrounded by spectacular landscapes and ancestral energy.
Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Ayapata
Early departure from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and then to Km 82, the starting point of the Inca Trail. The trek begins passing by archaeological sites such as Llactapata and with impressive views of the Urubamba mountain range and the Veronica mountain. After about 6 hours of trekking, arrival at the camp in Ayapata, dinner and rest.
Day 2: Ayapata – Abra Warmihuañusca – Runkurakay
Ascent to the highest point of the trail: the Abra Warmihuañusca (4,200 m). After enjoying the scenery, descent to Pacaymayu for lunch. Then, ascent to Runkurakay Pass (4,000 m) and camp in that area. Dinner and rest.
Day 3: Runkurakay – Puyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna
The day includes visits to the archaeological sites of Puyupatamarca and Intipata, amid spectacular views of mountains and canyons. Arrival at Wiñay Wayna (2,680 m) for lunch. In the afternoon, optional visit to the nearby archaeological complex. Dinner and rest.
Day 4: Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Early morning hike to Inti Punku to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu. Guided tour of the Inca citadel, with free time to explore. Descent to Aguas Calientes, delivery of tickets and free time before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo, and final transfer to Cusco.
Early in the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel or, if you prefer, you can join the group at the Plaza Regocijo to start the trip to Ollantaytambo. There we will make a brief stop to enjoy breakfast (not included).
Then, we will continue in our vehicle to Piscacucho (Km 82), the starting point of the legendary Inca Trail. After the final preparations and the organization of the equipment, we will begin the trek passing through the first checkpoint, where we will present our entrance tickets and identification documents.
We will start the trek crossing the Vilcanota River, following a route of moderate difficulty in this first stage, as we will still be at a relatively low altitude. Along the way, we will enjoy breathtaking landscapes and visit some of the first archaeological remains, such as the Quechua fortress of Huilca Raccay, the ruins of Llactapata, and the majestic views of the Urubamba mountain range and the imposing Veronica mountain (5,860 m).
After about 6 hours of hiking (depending on the pace of the group), we will arrive at our first campsite in Ayapata, located near the community of Wayllabamba. There we will enjoy a comforting dinner and rest in our tents under the Andean sky.
We will start the day very early with an energetic breakfast, preparing for one of the most challenging but also most rewarding sections of the Inca Trail. We will begin the ascent to the highest point of the trek: the Abra Warmihuañusca or Paso de la Mujer Muerta, located at 4,200 meters above sea level.
Once at the top, we will take a well-deserved rest to enjoy the scenery, breathe fresh mountain air and capture incredible panoramic photographs.
Then, we will begin the descent to the Pacaymayu valley, located at 3,550 meters, where a comforting lunch awaits us to replenish our energy.
In the afternoon, we will resume the trek with a demanding climb of approximately 2 hours to reach the Runkurakay Pass at 4,000 meters, where our second camp is located.
Upon arrival, we will have time to rest after a challenging day, followed by a hot dinner before retiring to our tents for the night under the starry skies of the Andes.
After breakfast, we will begin the day’s trek, continuing along the ancestral Inca Trail towards the fascinating archaeological site of Puyupatamarca, located at 3,680 meters above sea level, known as “the city above the clouds”.
Along the way, we will witness spectacular views of the Peruvian Andes, with imposing mountains, deep canyons and abundant Andean vegetation. On the way we will also visit Intipata, a set of agricultural terraces built by the Incas, which are still in excellent condition.
After approximately 5 hours of hiking, we will arrive at the Wiñay Wayna camp at 2,680 meters above sea level, just in time for lunch. In the afternoon, we will take a short optional hike to explore the archaeological complex of Wiñay Wayna, one of the most beautiful on the Inca Trail, where we can tour its structures, learn about its history and take spectacular photographs.
At the end, we will return to the camp to enjoy dinner and rest in our tents, on the eve of the awaited encounter with Machu Picchu.
Very early, before dawn, we will leave camp after breakfast to undertake the final trek of the Inca Trail. Although this section is shorter than the previous ones, it has a special purpose: to reach Inti Punku (the Sun Gate, at 2,730 m.a.s.l.) just in time to witness the first rays of the sun illuminating Machu Picchu, a truly unforgettable experience.
From Inti Punku, we will continue to the citadel of Machu Picchu, where we will take a guided tour of approximately 1 hour and a half, exploring its temples, plazas and ceremonial sectors, while discovering the history, architecture and mysticism that surrounds this impressive Inca sanctuary.
After the tour, we will have free time to continue touring on your own and take pictures in the places that have captivated you the most.
After the tour, we will descend to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy lunch (not included) and for the guide to hand out the train tickets. The group will have free time before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo, from where a vehicle will be waiting for us to transfer us back to Cusco.
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