Following the Ancients

Day 1

Start of the Trek – Km 82 to First Campsite

Your journey begins in Cusco with transportation heading towards the Sacred Valley and the official trailhead at Km 82. After a short briefing and a delicious breakfast, you start walking along the banks of the Urubamba River, following the same paths once used by the Inca. The soft land enables you to slowly get in the swing of the path and see the first glimpses of beautiful Andean valleys.
You explore the stunning archaeological site of Llactapata where your guide explains to you what the site signifies in the history of Machu Picchu and its relationship with it. The trail is followed through fertile valleys and varying vegetations and you are given time to enjoy the view and accustom oneself to the altitude.
Towards the latter part of the afternoon you arrive at your first base, upon which the entire support team have pitched comfortable tents and are preparing a substantial dinner. By night you unwind under the stars, tell tales with your group and get excited about what awaited us as we continue on the 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Distance hiked

12 km – 6-7 hours

Highest altitude

2,700 m

Lowest altitude

2,650 m

Route

Cusco – Km 82 – Llactapata – First campsite

Difficulty level

Moderate

Day 2

Ascent to Dead Woman’s Pass – Challenging Andean Views

The second day of your 4 day Inca Trail hike is the most demanding as you begin a steady climb toward the famous Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215 m. The path winds through high mountain landscapes with spectacular views of snow-capped peaks all around you.
You reach the summit after a well-earned effort and enjoy a well-deserved rest while taking in the breathtaking panoramic scenery of the Andes The down-climb on the other side leads into another valley of different vegetation with an accomplishment that remains with you throughout the day.
Now you come to the next camp in the afternoon, where there is a tasty lunch and excellent tents. The professional guide and support group ensure that all is prepared in order to allow you to recuperate before the lovely section of the cloud forest that lies ahead.

Distance hiked

10 km – 7-8 hours

Highest altitude

4,215 m (Dead Woman’s Pass)

Lowest altitude

3,600 m (camp)

Route

First campsite – Dead Woman’s Pass – Second campsite

Difficulty level

Challenging

Day 3

Cloud Forest and Inca Ruins – Winay Wayna Highlights

Day three makes you go through a gorgeous cloud forest enjoying different ecosystems with a great biodiversity. The path is more diverse and consists of small up-downs, which make the walk both exciting and satisfying.
You see the key archaeological sites of Runkurakay, Sayacmarca and the breathtaking Winay Wayna, one of the trail of stock attractions. At each location your guide fills out the history and comes to see how this place becomes a part of the great Inca web.
By late afternoon you get to the third camp site on the approach to Winay Wayna having had a special farewell dinner with the entire team. Stories and friendship abound as you set off in the mystic last morning of your 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Distance hiked

16 km – 6-7 hours

Highest altitude

3,700 m

Lowest altitude

2,650 m

Route

Second campsite – Runkurakay – Sayacmarca – Winay Wayna – Third campsite

Difficulty level

Moderate

Day 4

Sun Gate to Machu Picchu – Sunrise and Return

You wake up very early for the short final hike to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, arriving in time to watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu. The initial light which shines on the citadel is one of the most memorable scenes during the whole journey.
Once you have reached the very location you will receive a guided tour around the location that uncovers the history and mysteries of Machu Picchu. And then you have time to sightsee at your leisure on the terraces, temples and plazas, followed by a ride on the bus down to Aguas Calientes.
A picturesque train ride on the Vista Dome train transports you back along the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo after which you board an Inca trail train, bringing you to a close in Cusco, filled with a sense of pride and memories that can last a lifetime.

Distance hiked

5 km – 2-3 hours

Highest altitude

2,720 m (Sun Gate)

Lowest altitude

2,040 m (Aguas Calientes)

Route

Third campsite – Inti Punku (Sun Gate) – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco

Difficulty level

Easy