Inca Trail Trek

WAYLLABAMBA – DEAD WOMENS PASS – PACAYMAYU

Today is the most challenging on Inca Trail, as it involves a steady ascent up and over the mountain pass of Warmihuañusca (aka Dead Woman’s Pass). After a hearty breakfast we will begin our hike through the cover of a densely vegetated Andean forest until arriving at the campsite of Three Stones, where we will take a short rest. From here we continue our ascent. You'll notice the vegetation begin to change as we enter the Inter-Andean forest full of Unca trees, which are unique to this area. After 3-4 hours hiking we will arrive at the Llulluchapampa campsite where we will take an extended rest with snacks and hot drinks. From here we'll begin the final ascent up the pass of Warmihuañusca, the highest point of the trek. From the top of the pass the views of the surrounding valleys below are fantastic. After taking some time to rest, we'll then descend a few hours to our final campsite in Pacaymayu for the night.

PACAYMAYU – CHAQUIKOCHA – WIÑAYHUAYNA

We start today's trek early with a 45 minute walk to the archaeological site of Runkurakay, which was in ancient times a “tambo” (a resting lodge for ancient pilgrims). After a short tour we continue on for another 45 minute uphill to the second highest pass on the Inca Trail, Runkurakay (4000 m, 13,123 ft). From here we will rest briefly before descending to the beautiful archaeological site of Sayacmarca, where your guide will provide a tour. We will then continue down to our lunch site at Chaquicocha.

After lunch we'll begin our hike into the high Andean cloud forest. There is a small pass, Phuyupatamarka (3,680m / 12070 ft), that we have to traverse, but as you are now well acclimatised you should find this section of the trail easy going. From Phuyupatamarka you'll catch a glimpse of Machu Picchu, as well as a great view of the Sacred Valley and the surrounding mountain peaks. From here we have a 2 hour descent to our final campsite, Wiñayhuayna. En route we will pass an archaeological site and temple that is designated for offerings to the sacred mountain spirits.

WIÑAY WAYNA TO MACHU PICCHU TO CUSCO

We will rise very early to complete the final stretch of the Inca Trail, which brings us to “Inti Punku” or the Sun Gate, the principal entrance of the city of Machu Picchu. The trail here is fairly easy going and after about an hour we will arrive at Inti Punku, an awesome location to observe the citadel of Machu Picchu and, weather permitting, sunrise over the Andes.

From Inti Punku we'll descend another 45-minute into the higher area of Machu Picchu, which provides a fantastic view of the city as well as a great group photo opportunity. From here we'll need to register via the main entrance before returning to the Citadel. The tour will last approximately 2 to 3 hours, and here is an option for those interested to hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu (this is an extra cost and must be booked in advance). In the afternoon we'll catch one of the shuttle buses that drop visitors at Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu.

Once in Aguas Calientes you are free to explore or grab lunch (not included) before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo, where a shuttle bus will be waiting for you to return you back to your hotel in Cusco.