Itinerary
- Day 1
Cusco to Huayllabamba
Your pickup happens between 4:30-5:00 am from your hotel, so you'll want to be ready early. From there, you'll head toward Urubamba, stopping at Ollantaytambo to grab any last-minute supplies you might need. The actual trailhead starts at Km 82, and your first hike covers about 10 km to reach Huayllabamba campsite. Along the way, you'll pass through the Llactapata archaeological site and stop for lunch at Miskay before settling in at camp for the night.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at Miskay (first Inca Trail Village)), Dinner, Snack
Included Activities
- Guided hike on Inca Trail from Km 82 (Piskacuchu) to Huayllabamba
- Visit Llactapata (Patallacta) Inca Trail archaeological site
- Guided tour explanation of Llactapata
Optional Activities
- Purchase last-minute gear and personal items at Ollantaytambo
Landmarks/POIs Ollantaytambo Llactapata (Patallacta) Huayllabamba - Day 2
Huayllabamba to Pacaymayo
This is the day you tackle the most elevation. Starting early takes advantage of the mountain shade as you work your way up to Warmihuañusca, also called Dead Woman Pass, sitting at 4,200 m and marking the trail's highest point. The payoff includes panoramic views across snow-capped peaks and different ecological zones. After reaching the summit, you'll descend to Pacaymayo for your second campsite. Lunch happens at Pacaymayo, leaving you with a free afternoon to rest and acclimate.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at Pacaymayo), Dinner, Snack
Included Activities
- Guided hike from Huayllabamba to Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman Pass)
- Guided hike descent from Dead Woman Pass to Pacaymayo
Landmarks/POIs Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman Pass) Pacaymayo - Day 3
Pacaymayo to Wiñaywayna
Today centers on visiting multiple Incan sites scattered across the trek. After breakfast, you'll hike about 45 minutes to Runcurakay Pass and check out the Runcuracay site itself. The day continues with stops at Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca as you move through the landscape. You'll have lunch along the route, then push on to Wiñaywayna for your final night on the trail. The evening brings a celebratory dinner and a chance to say goodbye to the porters who've been supporting the group.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at Chaquicocha), Dinner (Celebratory dinner), Snack
Included Activities
- Guided hike to Runcurakay Pass (3,850 m)
- Visit and guided tour of Runcuracay archaeological site
- Visit and guided tour of Sayacmarca archaeological site
- Visit and guided tour of Phuyupatamarca archaeological site
- Visit and guided tour of Wiñaywayna archaeological site
- Celebratory dinner
Landmarks/POIs Runcurakay Runcurakay Pass Sayacmarca Phuyupatamarca Intipata Wiñaywayna - Day 4
Wiñaywayna to Machu Picchu to Cusco
An early start gets you to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, where you'll catch panoramic views of Machu Picchu before heading down to the citadel itself. After registration and a 2-hour guided tour of the site, you'll have free time to wander around on your own. Later, you'll catch a bus to Aguas Calientes train station. The train departs between 4:30-6:20 pm heading to Ollantaytambo, and from there a private bus takes you back to Cusco, with arrival expected between 9:30-10:00 pm.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Snack
Included Activities
- Guided hike from Wiñaywayna to Inti Punku (Sun Gate)
- 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu sanctuary city
- Free time to explore Machu Picchu independently
- Train journey from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Private bus transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
Optional Activities
- Huayna Picchu mountain hike (45 minutes to summit, steep descent) - $80 per person; must be arranged minimum 2 months in advance
- Upgrade to Vistadome train - $60 per person
Landmarks/POIs Inti Punku (Sun Gate) Machu Picchu Huayna Picchu
