Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 Days

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – KM 82 – Hatunchaca

Departure for your Machu Picchu Inca Trail Tour from Cusco will be at 5 a.m. Leaving Cusco in private transportation and head toward KM 82, the starting point of the Inca Trail. On arrival, your chef will prepare a delicious breakfast before you start your trek. We start our hike walking along the left shores of the Urubamba River, following the trail along flat terrain, to the community of Miskay (2800 m /9184 ft). The first two hours of the trek are relatively easy as we make our way to our first Inca site and checkpoint, Patallacta. After we arrive at Patallacta, we will make our way down into the canyon to enjoy lunch and the views. From Patallacta, we will continue on the trail at an easygoing pace, while enjoying the scenery enjoying stories from your guide. It’s about a two-hour walk to reach our camping site at the village of Hatunchaka (3,300 meters). Here be surrounded by lush vegetation and the sounds of the rushing river. Later enjoy a hearty dinner and your first night under the stars.

• Total Distance: 12 km (7,800 miles)
• Estimated Walking Time: 4 hours
• Maximum Altitude Point: 2,600 m (8,692 ft)
• Campsite Altitude: 3,000 m (9,842 ft)

Day 2: Hatunchaca – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayo

The trek begins early from Hatunchaca to ascent to Dead Woman´s Pass. The views of the snow-capped mountains and the cloud forest are fantastic. The vegetation thins and the air cools, signaling the approach to the formidabel Warmiwanusca or Dead Womans Pass, this the highest point of the trek. Reaching the summit is both a physical and emotional triumph, offering sweeping views of the Andes. Later desend to Llulluchapampa for lunch and to relax and to buy any last essentials. We may be able to see deer and falcons in this area. We will have the chance to spot domesticated llamas and alpacas, who graze on ichu (one of the few plants that grow at that altitude). After the two-hour walk up to the second pass, we can enjoy the beautiful views and a refreshing cup of coca tea. The rest of the day is downhill, after about two hours, we´ll stop for lunch, and have a free afternoon in the Pacaymayo Valley. Pacaymayo is nestled in a peaceful valley with flowing streams- the perfect place to recover and reflect on the day’s achievements.

• Total Distance: 10 km (7,376 miles)
• Estimated Walking Time: 6 hours
• Maximum Altitude Point: 4,215 m (13,821 ft)
• Campsite Altitude: 3,600 m (11,811 ft)

Day 3: Pacaymayo – Runcu Raccay Pass- Sayacmaraca Ruins – Phuyupatamarca

On day 3 begin our journey with a steady ascent from the Pacaymayo campsite. Along the way, we will see fantastic views of waterfalls and flora and fauna. Halfway up, we will stop and visit the Inca site of Runcu Raccay (an Inca watchtower), and to catch our breath before we continue our climb to the pass (4,000 meters). From the pass, the trail leads to the well preserved Sayacmarca ruins, one of the most beautiful ruins on the Inca Trail, dramatically perched on a rocky promontory, where we’ll have a one hour, guided tour about the intricate stoneworkd and ceremonial past. From Sayacmarca, we will continue to our lunch spot at Chaquicocha (dry lake). Here you will see some of the fantastic flora and fauna the Inca Trail has to offer. From Chaquicocha onwards, we will walk along Inca flat (gradual inclines), as we make our way towards our final campsite, Phuyupatamarca (3,680 meters) meaning a place above the clouds. Phuyupatamarca is a mystical terraced complex that often floats above the mist. After another two hour walk, we’ll arrive at our campsite, where we’ll get our first view of Machu Picchu mountain and the Urubamba river. We’ll settle into our campsite, and have the chance to explore the Inca site. As the sun goes down, we can enjoy the beautiful sunset over the snow-capped peaks.

• Total Distance: 13 km (8,136 miles)
• Estimated Walking Time: 9 hours
• Maximum Altitude Point: 4,000 (13,123 ft)
• Campsite Altitude: 3,680 m (12,033 ft)

Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes

Today, we will have the chance to enjoy one of the most spectacular sunrises on the Inca Trail, weather permitting. After breakfast, you´ll have a guided tour of Phuyupatamarca. We will then start our way down through the cloud forest where sweeping mountain views and morning mist create a magical start to the day. This is the start of the long descending stone steps to Wiñay Wayna 2,650m/8,692ft. As we near the bottom of the staircase, we will visit the site of Intipata (Terraces of the Sun). This site has beautiful views of the Sacred Valley and was an important agricultural site for Machu Picchu. After Intipata, we will continue to Wiñay Wayna, passing dramatic terraces and cascading waterfalls, perfect for stopping and taking in the views. Winay Wayna archaeological site that is the largest on the Inca Trail besides Machu Picchu. It consists of an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center, with numerous terraces, a religious sector, and an urban sector. This site offers spectacular views over the already narrower Urubamba River valley. After our visit, we will have our last lunch with the porters. Following, it is a tradition on the Inca Trail to have a thanking ceremony for all the hard work the porters and cooks have provided. If you wish, you may leave a tip for them at this time. After we´ve said goodbye to our team, we will carry on to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where we will get our first views of Machu Picchu. It takes about an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones in the highland jungle to reach the Sun Gate. From there, it is about another hour down to the site itself. Upon arrival, we´ll have a chance to enjoy the sunset and to see views of Machu Picchu without crowds, before taking the bust to your hotel in Aguas Calientes.

*Private groups can arrange to camp this evening, instead of staying at a hotel

• Hotel: Inti Punku (or similar)way
• Total Distance: 11 km (614 miles)
• Estimated Walking Time: 5 hours
• Maximum Altitude Point: 3,680 m (12,033 ft)

Day 5: The Lost City of The Incas – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

Wake up early and board one of the first buses to Machu Picchu, to enjoy the sunrise at the citadel (if the weather allows). You’ll have a two-hour tour of the Inca citadel; your guide will give you an insightful tour answering any questions you may have about the history of the Inca, you will have time to take all the necessary pictures while on your guided tour. See all the most important parts of Machu Picchu, from the terraces, which played an important part in the life of the Inca, to the Royal houses and the religious temples. The impressive views will leave a lasting impression are is perfect for those wonderful Machu Picchu photos.

If you have purchased permits for Huayna Picchu, your guide will show you where this climb begins. It will take you 45 minutes to the top and another 45 back down. Priced at $70 per person and will need to be booked in advance. After the citadel tour, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, and meet you fellow trekkers last lunch in town. Having lunch with your group is optional and is not included in the trek cost. Take the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private bus will be waiting to take you back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.

Note: If you are looking for a shorter experience, you can do the Short Inca Trail – 2 days,
which includes the highlights up to Machu Picchu.