The Inca Trail is considered the best hike in South America. It is a route of 43 kilometers through ancient Inca trails to Machu Picchu. The duration of the trek is 4 days and 3 nights. There are many trails leading to Machu Picchu, but none like the Inca Trail. The most popular among travelers and the most famous footpath in the Americas.
It is important to choose the best time of year. Groups are organized all year round (except in February, when it rains cats and dogs and the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance), but the best months (colder and drier) are June, July and August.
We start our trip early in the morning 05.30 am approximately, to head towards Ollantaytambo, where those who wish can have breakfast or buy some candy, chocolates that help for the hike, then we will continue until Km. 82 Piscacucho (2700 m.a.s.l.) place where the first control is located. Before starting the hike, we will have a brief meeting where you will meet the staff of our company that will accompany you on the trip. At that moment you will have nothing left to do but start enjoying this adventure. We will walk gently for 2 hours to the place known as Miskay, where we will have lunch and take a short break. We will continue our hike for 4 hours. On the way we will be able to observe the archaeological center of Patallacta and its unique terraces. Finally, we will arrive to Huayllabamba where we will enjoy dinner and a refreshing rest in the tents installed in our camp.
In the morning we will have breakfast, in order to recover and activate our energies again. We will leave the camp and start a 45 minute walk to the second checkpoint Wayllabamba and then begin a gradual ascent of 1.30 minutes (4 km) to our first resting point named TRES PIEDRAS where we can find toilets and gloceries points, then continue the ascent of 1.30 minutes to our second resting point llullucha pampa, then continue the walk of 1.45 minutes to the top of the mountain called Warmiwañusca or Dead Woman. From there we will appreciate a spectacular panoramic view of the Andes mountain range while we take the time to rest. Then we will descend for 2 hours until we reach the place where we will have lunch and then continue walking to our camp in Pacaymayo where we will spend the night.
After breakfast we will continue our hike where we will observe a variety of vegetation and a number of Inca archaeological sites of different functions.The first archaeological site that we will visit will be Runcurakay, which is located 45 minutes from the starting point which is another Inca archaeological complex in the form of towers that has a strategic site of surveillance of this valley, then continue to Runcurakay, where we have a brief explanation of the Inca culture and then descend to the second archaeological site of Sayacmarka visit (area of difficult ascent, by the difficulty of the steps), where you will be surprised again with the engineering and Inca architecture. Then we will continue the time of 25 minutes to the lunch point Chaquicocha where we will taste a lunch prepared by the chef and then continue the hike to the next archaeological site to visit named Puyupatamarca, we continue with the journey of 3 hours of descent of steps to our camp Wiñay Wuayna where we will have our special dinner because this day we will have a farewell ceremony to our porters.
We will start our day very early. We will leave the camp heading to the Machu Picchu entrance checkpoint which is open from 5:30 am. After checking in, we will walk to the Inti Punku or Sun Gate which is located in front of the Machu Picchu complex itself. When you see for the first time this impressive archaeological center you will feel that all the effort was worth it. There we will have a guided tour for about 2 hours through this ancient city. They managed to build a safe, sustainable and excellently planned city on the mountains thanks to their deep relationship with nature. After the tour, you can climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. Be sure to book your tickets in advance. The time it takes to climb and descend either of these mountains is approximately 3 hours.
You will enjoy this magical citadel before heading to the town of Aguas Calientes where, approximately between 01:37 p.m.-06:20 p.m. (subject to availability), we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo. This journey takes 2 hours. In Ollantaytambo we will board a bus that will take us back to Cusco. Arrival to the city at approximately 09:00 p.m.
Get Ready to Explore? With your booking confirmed, all that's left to do is pack your bags and get ready to explore. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first journey, we'll be with you every step of the way. At Machu Picchu Agency, we believe that every journey begins with a single step. So why wait? Start your adventure today and let the world be your guide.
Book fast and easy on our website and keep track of your reservation with our most advanced booking system, be updated on our discounts every week.
Machu Picchu Agency it’s the people who make a difference. Our travel experts craft the perfect trip for every traveler through our award-winning customer service. Real people helping real people. Beside you every step of the way.
Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, is one of the most popular destinations for adventure treks in South Amer
Read moreThe Inca Trail is a world-renowned hiking trail that leads to the iconic Machu Picchu in Peru. The trail is a combinatio
Read moreMachu Picchu is a stunning 15th-century Inca ruin located high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It is considered one of t
Read more