BEGINNING THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL.

Ollantaytambo - Guests will be picked up from their accommodations in Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo. Pickup times are 4:30 AM from Cusco, 5:30 AM from Urubamba, and 6:30 AM from Ollantaytambo. A briefing the day before will cover all details. The journey to Km 82, the starting point of the Inca Trail, will commence after the Sacred Valley, arriving around 7:00 AM. A delightful breakfast prepared by the cook will be served before passing through the first Inca Trail checkpoint to start the trek (please ensure you have your original passport to enter the Inca Trail). The initial 2 hours of the trek are relatively easy, leading to the first Inca site, Patallacta, an ancient checkpoint for approaching Machu Picchu. From Patallacta, it’s another 2-hour hike to the lunch stop. After lunch, the hike continues for another 2½ hours to the first night’s campsite at Ayapata, 3300 meters (10800 FASL). This final stretch passes through two small communities where energy drinks, snacks, or essential items like batteries can be purchased. Arrival at the campsite is by 5:00 PM, where guests can relax with a hot drink and snack with the team of porters, chef, and guides. Dinner will be ready by 7:30 PM, followed by a well-deserved rest.

CROSSING THE ANDES TO THE JUNGLE.

Patallacta - Porters will wake guests early with a hot cup of tea to prepare for the day. This is the longest day, starting early with a 4-hour hike to the highest pass, Dead Woman’s Pass, at 4215 meters (13829 feet). A short break at the pass allows for enjoying the views before descending to the next valley (Pacaymayu Valley – Hidden River). It’s another hour and a half down the valley to the lunch spot and a chance to refill water bottles. After lunch, the ascent to the second pass begins, taking 2 hours with a stop at a small Inca site (Runcu Raccay) and views of two large waterfalls. After the second pass, it’s an hour downhill to the magnificent Inca site, Sayacmarca (an otherwise inaccessible village). A rest and quick tour of the site will be followed by watching the sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range. It’s then just 20 minutes to the second campsite, Chaquicocha (Dry Lake, 3600 meters). After dinner, if not too tired, star gazing is an option, with the fascinating Inca constellations pointed out in the stunning Southern Hemisphere sky, free from artificial lighting.

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL DAY ON THE INCA TRAIL.

Winay Wayna - The day begins early at 6:30 AM, starting what is considered the most beautiful day of the Inca Trail. A 2-hour hike along “Inca flat” (gradual inclines) leads into the jungle, known as the Cloud Forest. Along the way, the majesty of Salkantay, the second-highest snow-capped mountain in the Sacred Valley, and a fantastic panoramic view of the Vilcabamba mountain range can be seen. Towards the end of the Inca flats, the ascent to the last peak at Phuyupatamarka, 3600 meters (11800 FASL), begins, reaching the edge of the east Andean range, near the Amazon. Down the valley, the first views of Machu Picchu Mountain appear, though the site itself remains hidden. From Phuyupatamarka, it’s a 3-hour walk down to the last campsite, near Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young). Wiñay Wayna is the most spectacular Inca site on the trail after Machu Picchu. During the descent, two Inca ruins, Phuyupatamarka (Town in the Clouds) and Intipata (Terraces of the Sun), are visited. Arrival at the campsite is around 1:00 PM for lunch and relaxation in preparation for the final day at Machu Picchu. At 4:30 PM, a short orientation is given, followed by a visit to the Inca ruins of Wiñay Wayna, spending about an hour and a half there. The significance of the site is explained, combining all information given during the trek to prepare for the visit to Machu Picchu the following day. Guests are treated to a final feast with the porters and chefs, and an Inca Trail tradition ceremony is organized to introduce the team to the tourists again and thank them for their excellent work. It’s advisable to go to bed at a reasonable time to wake up early and arrive at Machu Picchu at dawn at Intipunku (the Sun Gate), the main gate of Machu Picchu.

SUNRISE AT THE SUN GATE OF MACHU PICCHU.

Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu - Wake-up time is at 3:30 AM. Breakfast is at 4:00 AM, followed by waiting at the checkpoint to be among the first to start trekking when the gates open at 5:30 AM. After bidding farewell to the team of porters and chef, it’s “Forward On” to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). From there, spectacular views of the mountains and Machu Picchu in all its glory can be enjoyed. The Sun Gate is reached by 6:30 AM, followed by an hour trek downstairs to the Lost City of the Incas. As Machu Picchu is approached, the views of the city become increasingly breathtaking! At about 7:40 AM, the final checkpoint is reached, and entry into Machu Picchu begins with a 2-hour private guided tour. Afterward, there is free time to explore Machu Picchu independently. Guests can also add an additional mountain climb, such as Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain, for a panoramic view of Machu Picchu. Departure from Machu Picchu is flexible, followed by a walk down to Aguas Calientes to reach the train station for the return to Ollantaytambo. Outside the train station, a person will be waiting to take guests back to Cusco downtown.

• Hotel pick-up in Cusco between 4:30 to 5:00am
• Return by train at 9:30pm from Aguas Calientes
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Full camping gear except for sleeping bag
• Breakfast
• Machu Picchu and Inca Trail entrance fee (book 2 months in advance)
• 3 Nights Camping (private for couples)

• another porter to carry your personal things
• Gratuities

The Classic Inka Trail, known as Qhapac Ñan in the Quechua language, is renowned worldwide for its trekking experience. This historic path was once traversed by the Inka (King) to reach Machupicchu, situated atop the Andes mountain range. It is a vast road network extending over 30,000 km from southern Colombia to northern Chile and Argentina. This remarkable communication channel, the oldest in America, was constructed with advanced technology, featuring tunnels and bridges to link various cities and facilitate communication.

This tour is extremely popular, and availability is limited. It is advisable to book in advance, as reservations may be required up to two months ahead, depending on the season.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.