itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVE CUSCO AIRPORT & TRANSFER TO OLLANTAYTAMBO
You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Ollantaytambo.
Accommodation: Pakaritampu
DAY 2: OLLANTAYTAMBO IN THE SACRED VALLEY
The beautiful Sacred Valley sits at very high altitude in the Andes, so it’s important to take time to relax and acclimatise in preparation for the impending Inca Trail trek. While it’s important to factor in plenty of rest, there are a number of activities we can arrange for you including mountain biking, horse riding, rafting or visiting local markets or fascinating Inca ruins in charming Ollantaytambo, where ancient Andean ways of life continue to this day.
Accommodation: Pakaritampu
DAY 3: COMMENCE THE INCA TRAIL (OLLANTAYTAMBO – HUAYLLABAMBA)
There’s an early-morning car transfer today to ‘kilometre 82’ where the day starts with a light, easy trek to the first archaeological complex, Llactapata, which will ease you gently into acclimatising to the altitude. The hike then continues up to Hatunchaca where camp will be set up for the night.
Throughout the four-day trek, there’ll be a combination of wonderful mountain views, lush sub-tropical vegetation and architectural ruins to explore, and porters will carry all equipment and up to 7kg of luggage per person. The porters are local Quetcha people who know the area very well and usually set off slightly earlier to ensure that overnight camps are set up before you arrive.
Approximate walking time: 4 ½ to 5 hours (distance 12 km)
Altitude: beginning of trek: 2,750 m.a.s.l. / ends at: 3,000 m.a.s.l.
Accommodation: Camping (in-camp upgrades possible)
DAY 4: HUAYLLABAMBA – PACAYMAYO (SECOND DAY OF INCA TRAIL)
A carbohydrate-based breakfast on this second day of the Inca Trail is the most important meal of the trek in preparation for today’s demanding hike. The hike commences through the Huayllabamba Valley to Yunca Chimpa in Llulluchapampa (3750 m.a.s.l.) and from here you’ll witness the Huayanay Valley before arriving at the highest section of the path known as the ‘Warmiwañusca’ or ‘Dead Woman's Pass’, which sits at 4,200 metres (approx. 14,000 feet) and which can be quite intense and challenging for some given the high altitude. The climb will take most of the morning and then after lunch, there’s a short, two-hour descent to Pacaymayo where camp will be set up for the night. With any luck, the porters and chef will have gone on ahead to set up camp and have your well-deserved, three-course dinner cooking on the fire. Don't be surprised if everyone heads to bed early after a tough but rewarding day.
Approximate walking time: 7 hours (distance 13 km)
Altitude: beginning of trek: 3,000 m.a.s.l. / ends at: 3,800 m.a.s.l.
Accommodation: Camping (in-camp upgrades possible)
DAY 5: PACAYMAYO – WIÑAYWAYNA (THIRD DAY OF INCA TRAIL)
Today is the most diverse day in terms of sites and scenery. In the morning, there’s an ascent to the second pass, Runcuracay, which sits at 3,680 metres (around 12,800 feet) followed by a short two-hour descent to the stunning archaeological site of Sayacmarca with its far-reaching views of the surrounding valleys and snow-peaked mountains. There will be some time to explore this fascinating spot before continuing along the original Inca stone path to the Phyyupatamarca complex where you’ll have a short tour before descending the 3 kilometres to Wiñaywayna. Here, camp will be set up for the night amongst the mystical ruins.
Approximate walking time: 10 hours (distance 15 km)
Altitude: beginning of trek: 3,800 m.a.s.l / ends at: 2,650 m.a.s.l
Accommodation: Camping (in-camp upgrades possible)
DAY 6: TREK WIÑAYWAYNA – MACHU PICCHU VIA SUN GATE, THEN ON TO CUSCO
After breakfast, you will head to the Inti Punku area, known also as the Sun Gate, where you will enjoy an impressive view of the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu. From here, it’s a short hike to the citadel itself. You will visit these impressive and remarkably well-preserved ruins accompanied by a guide who will explain the history and structure of this wonderful place. Finally, you will board a bus and head to the train station and make the onward journey to Cusco on the Vistadome train. Your hotel for the next couple of nights, El Retablo, is a simple, well-presented property nestled amidst Cusco’s ancient cobbled streets.
Approximate walking time: 2 ¼ hours (distance 6 km)
Altitude: beginning of trek: 2,650 m.a.s.l. / ends at: 2,400 m.a.s.l.
Accommodation: El Retablo
DAY 7: EXPLORE CUSCO
Spend this final day independently exploring bustling Cusco, the breathtakingly beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site. You might want to book a massage for your weary legs or spend some time in one of the many cafes at the Plaza de Armas taking in the fabulous views. The chocolate museum, ‘El Museo Cacao’, is well worth a visit and provides excellent insight into cocoa production in Peru, not to mention cooking classes and marshmallows with chocolate fondue in the café! There are also a whole host of ancient Inca palaces, temples and Spanish Colonial buildings to discover.
Accommodation: El Retablo
DAY 8: DEPART
You will be transferred to Cusco airport in good time for your flight home.
