Short itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba
- Pick up from your hotel early in the morning and transfer to Km 82.
- Start the trek around 11:00 AM.
- Easy first kilometers with beautiful views of Veronica snow-capped mountain and the Vilcanota river.
- Visit the archaeological site of Llactapata and have lunch.
- Continue hiking to the first campsite at Wayllabamba.
- Dinner and overnight in tents.
Day 2: Wayllabamba – Warmiwañusca – Pacaymayo
- Begin the challenging ascent to Warmiwañusca Pass (Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,200 m.
- Descend to the second campsite at Pacaymayo.
- Enjoy lunch, dinner, and rest at camp.
Day 3: Pacaymayo – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñayhuayna
- Continue trekking, passing by Runkurakay and Sayaqmarka archaeological sites.
- Reach Phuyupatamarca for impressive views.
- Descend to Wiñayhuayna campsite.
- Dinner and last night camping.
Day 4: Wiñayhuayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
- Early wake-up and short hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for a panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu (approx. 2 hours).
- Bus down to Aguas Calientes.
- Train to Ollantaytambo and transfer back to Cusco.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba
We’ll pick you up from your hotel early in the morning and drive to Km 82, the starting point of the Inca Trail. We’ll begin hiking around 11:00 AM along a gentle route with stunning views of the Veronica snow-capped peak and the Vilcanota river. We’ll arrive at the archaeological site of Llactapata for a visit and enjoy lunch nearby. Afterward, we continue our trek to reach the first campsite at Wayllabamba, where we’ll have dinner and spend the night in tents.
Day 2: Wayllabamba – Warmiwañusca – Pacaymayo
After breakfast, we’ll start the most challenging part of the trail: ascending to Warmiwañusca Pass (Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,200 meters above sea level, the highest point of the trek. This section is demanding but offers rewarding panoramic views. We’ll then descend into the Pacaymayo valley where we’ll set up camp, have lunch and dinner, and rest for the night.
Day 3: Pacaymayo – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñayhuayna
Our trek continues through impressive archaeological sites like Runkurakay and Sayaqmarka. We’ll reach Phuyupatamarca, known for its stunning viewpoint over the cloud forest. The trail then descends with lush scenery all the way to our final campsite at Wiñayhuayna. Here we’ll have dinner and spend our last night on the Inca Trail.
Day 4: Wiñayhuayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Very early, we’ll hike the final stretch to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) to witness the breathtaking first view of Machu Picchu. We’ll then descend to the citadel for a guided tour of about two hours, exploring its temples, plazas, and terraces. After the visit, we’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and later board the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, a transfer will take you back to Cusco, concluding this unforgettable adventure.
Included
- Transportation from Cusco to Km 82
- Entrance ticket to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
- Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
- Porters to carry camping gear, food, and kitchen equipment
- Bilingual professional guide
- Bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- First aid kit
- Snacks
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek
Not included
- Lunch on the fourth day
- Sleeping bag
- Extra porter to carry your personal backpack
- Entrance tickets to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (requires advance booking and additional cost)
Recommendations
- Bring light clothes for the day and warm layers for the night
- Wear comfortable trekking shoes and carry rain protection
- Use sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, and a hat
- Carry your valid passport or ID (mandatory for entry)
- Pack a small backpack with water, snacks, and personal items
- Follow your guide’s instructions and respect the environment to help preserve this unique heritage site
