3 Day Trek to Machu Picchu via Inca Trail

We depart from Cusco at 4:30 a.m. in a private transport to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will stop in Ollantaytambo for breakfast (not included) before heading to KM 82, the starting point of the Inca Trail. The trek begins along the left bank of the Sacred Valley River, following a relatively flat path to the community of Miskay (2800 m / 9184 ft). The first 2 hours of the hike are relatively easy as we head to our first Inca site, Patallaqta, an Inca checkpoint for the approach to Machu Picchu. After reaching Patallaqta, we have another 2-hour hike to our lunch stop. After lunch, we will hike uphill for 3 more hours to reach our first night’s campsite at Llulluchapampa (3800 m). We will arrive at our campsite around 5:30 p.m., where you can relax and enjoy a hot drink and a snack with your team of porters, chefs, and guides. Dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m., after which you can enjoy a well-deserved rest.

• Total distance: 15 km (9.3 miles)
• Estimated hiking time: 8 hours
• Maximum altitude: 3,800 m (12,468 ft)
• Campsite altitude: 3,800 m (12,468 ft)

Leave your alarms at home; you will be awakened with a hot cup of coca tea in your tent, but it will be early! We will hike for about 2 hours to reach the highest pass of the trek, Dead Woman’s Pass (4215 m / 13829 ft). At the pass, we will take a short break to enjoy the views before descending into the next valley (Pacaymayo – Hidden River). It’s another 2 hours down the valley side to our lunch stop and an opportunity to refill our water bottles. After lunch, we begin another ascent towards the second pass of the trek. It’s a 2-hour hike to the pass, where we will stop at a small Inca site (Runku Raccay) and see two large waterfalls cascading down the opposite side of the valley. After the second pass, it’s another 3-hour downhill trek with ‘Inca Flats’ (gradual inclines) towards our final campsite, Phuyupatamarca (3,680 m). This site offers impressive views of the Salkantay range, along with abundant flora and fauna. Upon arrival at our campsite, we will have our first view of Machu Picchu Mountain and the Sacred Valley River. After setting up our tents, we can enjoy the beautiful sunset over the snow-capped peaks of the Andes.

• Total distance: 16 km (10 miles)
• Estimated hiking time: 9 hours
• Maximum altitude: 4,215 m (13,821 ft)
• Campsite altitude: 3,600 m (11,811 ft)

Today, weather permitting, we will enjoy one of the most spectacular sunrises on the Inca Trail. After breakfast, you will have a guided tour of Phuyupatamarca before descending down long stone steps. As we near the end of the stairs, we will take a side path off the main route to visit the site of Intipata (Terraces of the Sun), which offers stunning views of the Sacred Valley and was an important agricultural site for Machu Picchu. We will spend some time at Intipata before continuing to Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,692 ft), the largest archaeological site on the Inca Trail besides Machu Picchu. After our visit, we will have our last lunch with the porters. At this point, it is traditional on the Inca Trail to have a ceremony of thanks for all the hard work provided by the porters and cooks. You may choose to leave them a tip at this time. After saying goodbye to our team, we will continue to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where we will have our first views of Machu Picchu. It will take approximately one hour of walking on a flat stone path through the high jungle to reach the Sun Gate. From here, it’s another hour’s hike to reach Machu Picchu. After taking photos, you will have a 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu with your private English-speaking guide. After that, you will have time to explore Machu Picchu on your own. When you are done exploring, you can take a bus or walk down to Aguas Calientes for dinner (not included). You will then take the 6:30 p.m. train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a bus to Cusco, where you will be dropped off at your hotel. You will arrive around 10:30 p.m.

• Total distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
• Estimated hiking time: 7 hours
• Maximum altitude: 3,680 m (12,033 ft)