Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu 5D/4N

Arrival Day

Today you can arrive in time that fits you the best and find your way to your accommodation of choice. Enjoy the rest of the day on your own and get ready for the adventure ahead!

Cuzco, Trek to Wayllabamba Camp via Ollantaytambo (L/D)

Today you will be picked up at your accommodation between 5:00-6:00 am. One day before the trek, make sure you made all of the necessary preparations. Before starting the amazing trek adventure, you will be taken by bus to the town of Ollantaytambo, where you will have an hour to eat breakfast on your own and purchase last-minute snacks, water and walking sticks. Then you will hop back on the bus to Piscacucho where the famous Inca Trail journey will begin. Don't forget to bring your original passport, student card (if applicable) for the first Inca Trail checkpoint. Your guide will have your tickets for you. Start hiking along rolling hills in the Vilcanota River Valley where you will spot at several small archaeological sites on the way. During half-way, you will enjoy a tasty lunch and you will have time to relax before reaching Wayllabamba camp. (2,980m)

Trekking:10 kilometers / 6 hours

Difficulty: Moderate trek along a rolling path gradually ascending from Piscacucho 82 KM (2,570m) through the Urubamba river valley for 10 KM to reach Wayllabamba Camp (2,980m).

Trek to Pacaymayo Camp via Dead Woman's Pass (B/L/D)

Enjoy an early breakfast around 6:00 am before starting off on the most challenging day along the trail, with a vertical hike of 6 km (approx. 5 hours) to reach Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215m followed by a 3 km hike down stone steps to reach Pacaymayo camp at 3,600m (approx. 2 hours). You can take your time and rest as much as you need, as you will ascend more than 1,200 meters over the course of the morning. Just after you reach Dead Woman's Pass you will be rewarded with spectacular views of nearby snow-capped mountain peaks and roaring waterfalls. Walk slowly down to Pacaymayo Camp (3,600m) to enjoy the view. You will stop for lunch and a well-deserved nap. Then you will have the rest of the afternoon to enjoy the camp before dinner and an early bedtime.

Trekking: 10 kilometers / 7 hours.

Difficulty: Difficult trekking day starting at Wayllabamba Camp (2,980m) with a constant ascent of 6.4 KM to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215m), an elevation gain of 1,200 vertical meters. Descend another 2.4 KM along a stone staircase to reach Pacaymayo Camp (3,600m), a decrease in elevation of 800 vertical meters.

Trek to Wiñayhuayna Camp via Runquracay Pass (B/L/D)

Today, hike for one hour uphill and discover the beautiful Pacaymayo archaeological site. Continue one hour to Runquracay Pass (3,950m) where you can summit the mountain for amazing views of surrounding peaks. You will have the chance to explore two more archaeological sites called Sayacmarca & Phuyupatamarca with your guide before having lunch along the way. By late afternoon you will reach Wiñayhuayna High Jungle camp (2,650m) set above a river valley in a high jungle climate. After dinner, say a big THANK YOU to your porters and guides.

Trekking: 15 kilometers / 9 hours

Difficulty: Moderate ups and downs along ancient Inca stairways for 15 KM from Pacaymayo Camp (3,600m) crossing over Runquracay Pass (3,950m) ending at Wiñayhuayna High Jungle Camp (2,650m) with breaks at scenic archaeological sites along the way.

Trek to Sun Gate, Explore Machu Picchu, Return to Cuzco (B)

Today, you will wake up between 3:30 and 4:30 am and have breakfast early to live an incredible experience. You will head to the Wiñaywayna checkpoint and join the lineup to wait for the gate to open at 5:30 am. Once the gate opens, you will hike about an hour to reach the Sun Gate. We'll keep our fingers crossed for a clear day! Catch the first glimpses of light over the stunning ruins of Machu Picchu, a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Then continue down the final length of the trail for 40 minutes to reach the Machu Picchu archaeological complex.

Explore this magical site on a 2-hour guided tour and learn about the history of this incredible Inca citadel. Afterward, you will be free to visit on your own and take pictures at your leisure. If you're feeling adventurous, take an optional trek to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (must be booked in advance). Return to Aguas Calientes from where you will catch a train to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, you will take a bus back to Cuzco, arriving back around 20:00. You will be dropped off late in the day at the Plaza San Francisco. Please make your way back to the accommodation of your choice. We wish you the best for your onward travels!

Trekking: 7 kilometers / 2 hours

Difficulty: Follow an easy, flat and narrow 7 KM path from Wiñayhuayna High Jungle Camp (2,650m) to the Sun Gate (2,720m) and finally descend into the impressive archaeological site of Machu Picchu (2,400m)

Important Information

Inca Trail Trek permits (INCLUDED in your booking) sell fast, so we recommend booking in advance. If there are no more permits we will suggest you an alternative hike or you can get a full refund.