Classic Inca trail

The Inca Trail, justly famous for being one of the most amazing walks in the world with its soaring views and the Inca ruins dotting the trail, can now be done on either a regular or private basis. Either way, you end up arriving to a stunning view of Machu Picchu. This popular tour starts from Cuzco. click for departure from Lima

Day 1: Arrive in Cusco - Wayllabamba
We pick you up at your hotel in our own private bus and drive to Piskacuchu (2,700m high), a community at km 82 of the Cusco Machu Picchu railway. Starting here, we cross the bridge and walk along the left shore of the Urubamba River as it flows north-west along the Sacred Valley. Following the trail along a flat terrain, we arrive in Miskay (2,800m). Then ascend and see, from the highest overlooking point, the Inca city of Patallacta (2,750m). We continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca river, gradually climbing for about five hours until reaching our first campsite in the Wayllabamba village (3,000m). All along the way there are spectacular views of the Vilcanota ridge on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, where the impressive Veronicam peak reigns at 5,832ml. Note the diversity of wild flora and fauna that can be found all along the valley. B,L,D

Day 2: Pacaymayo
Wake up around 6am. After breakfast we leave Wayllabamba behind to begin the most difficult part of the trek, which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km. Along this climb, the landscape changes from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation). On the way to the first mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuanusca (Dead Woman´s Pass), you will see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at this altitude. We also cross an area of cloud forest, the habitat for many different kinds of birds, like humming-birds, and the Andean Spectacled Bear. Immediately after the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3,600m), to camp after approximately 6h of hiking. Recommended for this day especially: stocked your pack well with sweets, chocolates and coca leaves to keep your sugar level high, and to help with altitude sickness. B,L,D

Day 3: Wiñaywayna
This day is the longest but also the most impressive, due the number of archaeological sites that we visit and learn about from our guide. From Pacaymayo we climb to the second pass, the Abra de Runkurakay (3,970m). Half way up, we visit its archaeological complex. This site, 3,800 high, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served as a watchtower. After traversing the pass, descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud-forest to arrive finally at Sayamarca (3,624m). This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canal.

Continue up an easy climb to arrive at the third pass, the Abra de Phuyupatamarca (3,700m). Along this climb appreciate the magnitude of the Incas ancient craft by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain, and observing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order, saving the trail from the multileveled Andean geography. We go through an Inca tunnel to arrive later at the pass and to the complex of the same name. This is one of the most complete and best preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and is located at the peak of the mountain. Curiously, Phyupatamarca means "town over the clouds". From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River (2,700m). The campsite is a lodge with restaurant, bar and bathrooms with hot showers. Only five minutes away from the lodge is Winaywayna, an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector. B,L,D

Day 4: Machu Picchu - Cusco
On this fourth and last day we rise at 4am to leave Winaywayna an hour later and climb to Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This takes an hour of hiking along a stone trail on the edge of cliffts in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot and if the weather permits, you can the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. From Intipunku we descend into Machu Picchu, and 40 minutes later we will enter the citadel from the highest point through the "House of the Guardians". At the control point we register and leave our packs, to begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that takes around two hours. You then have time to walk around, climb the Huayna Picchu mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machu Picchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or you can visit the Temple of the Moon and the Moon and the fabulous Inca bridge. In the afternoon, meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in the thermal baths. From here we will take the train back to Cuzco (Vistadome train). B