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The mythical Inca Trail is the most popular trail of Peru and one of the top trails of the world. There are many Incan roads and trails, but the 43 km route that finishes at the magical citadel of Machu Picchu is the classic one. This amazing trail across dreamy landscapes goes through mountains and the edge of the jungle, where unique flora and fauna make this experience even more delightful. Along the way, remains of ancient and mysterious archaeological sites are the perfect preamble to the biggest reward: arriving to sacred Machu Picchu.
Make the most out of this 5 day program, excellent to avoid the crowds of the shorter programs, and treat yourself camping at remote beautiful sites. This program is also recommended for families with kids or people not as used to trekking, as it is perfect to favour gradual acclimation and the daily walking distances are shorter.
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At about 8:00 a.m. we will pick you up from the hotel and head for Piscacucho (2,700 m.), the well-known kilometre 82 of the Cusco – Machu Picchu railroad. Our trail begins here. We will follow the left bank of the Urubamba River across the Sacred Valley towards Miskay village (2,800 m.) From this point we ascend lightly until reaching the lookout of the Incan city of Llactapata. We will then descend towards the ruins to set our first campsite. We will spend the evening exploring this archaeological complex and enjoying the landscape.
At this point we will have walked for 5 km in about 3 hours. The highest altitude on this section of the trail is 2,800 m and the campsite will be at around 2,650 m.
Hotel Boutique Lima Centro
Cena de bienvenida
After breakfast we will continue our journey following the course of Kusichaca River, ascending gradually until arriving to Huayllabamba village (3,000 m.) Along the way we will have stunning views of the mountain range of Vilcanota and of one of the most beautiful snowy peaks in it, “la Verónica” (5,832 m.) Soon, we will begin the toughest section of the trail, an abrupt steep ascent of 9 km with a changing landscape, where we will be able to see some of the cloudy forest, that is home to many bird species and mammals like the Andean bear (Spectacled bear). As it is a complicated part of the trail, we will only ascend half the way to the highest mountain pass of the route, the rest we will finish the next day. We will set our camp at Llulluchapampa.
For this day it is a good idea to bring candy, chocolates and coca leafs to ensure a sugar intake to boost our energy and prevent altitude sickness. Today, we will have walked 12 km in about 5 or 6 hours. The highest altitude for the day will be 3,850 m. which will be also the camping altitude.
Hotel Boutique Lima Centro
Cena de bienvenida
After breaking camp we will continue our ascent by the gorge hillside towards the first mountain pass of our trek, the Warmihuañusca Pass (4,200 m.), the highest point of the whole route. Then, we will descend to Pacaymayo Valley (3,600 m.) where we will enjoy a nice lunch. From here, we will descend to the second mountain pass, the Runkurakay Pass (3,970 m.), visiting the archaeological sites along the way.
After reaching the second pass, we will descend to Yanacocha to enter the edge of the jungle on a trail that will take us to Sayacmarca (3,625 m.), a beautiful archaeological settlement with streets, fountains, patios, and various buildings located at many levels.
We will continue ascending lightly towards the third mountain pass, the Phuyupatamarca Pass (3,700 m.). Along this section of the trail we will begin to really appreciate the magnitude of the engineering and architecture work of the Incas, walking on roads attached to the mountains and through a magnificent tunnel that we will cross to get to the next pass. Then, we will descend to the local archaeological complex, one of the most complete and best preserved of the ones along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. We will camp on this spot.
Today, our trek would be of about 15 km in 8 hours or so, with a maximum altitude of 4,200 m. and camping at 3,600 m.
Hotel Boutique Lima Centro
Cena de bienvenida
If the weather allows it, we will be able to enjoy one of the most splendid sunrises of the Inca Trail. From now on our trail will descend by a long stone stairway that will take us to Wiñaywayna (2,700 m.), a great complex that include a religious, an urban and a farming sector with great terraces.
After this visit we will continue the trek towards the Inti Punku or Gate of the Sun, following a narrow flagstone section surrounded by green mountains. From this fabulous place we will finally see Machu Picchu. We will come down the Inti Punku to the check point and get out to go to our hotel in Machu Picchu.
Up to here, we would have walked 11 km in about 5 hours, with a maximum altitude of 3,600 m.
Hotel Boutique Lima Centro
Cena de bienvenida
Finally, an unforgettable day. We will dedicate over two hours in the morning for a complete guided visit to the sacred citadel. Then, you will have some free time to tour it on your own, ascend Huayna Picchu if you wish, maybe visit the Moon Temple or the impressive Incan Bridge. Later, in the afternoon, we will meet up in Aguas Calientes. If you wish, you can visit the hot springs. From Aguas Calientes we will board the train that will take us back to Cusco, where we will be arriving at night.
* Departure and arrival times are estimations.
** The camping sites may vary due to governmental decision.
Hotel Boutique Lima Centro
Cena de bienvenida
At about 8:00 a.m. we will pick you up from the hotel and head for Piscacucho (2,700 m.)
After breakfast we will continue our journey following the course of Kusichaca River, ascending gradually until arriving to Huayllabamba village (3,000 m.)
After breaking camp we will continue our ascent by the gorge hillside towards the first mountain pass of our trek, the Warmihuañusca Pass (4,200 m.)
If the weather allows it, we will be able to enjoy one of the most splendid sunrises of the Inca Trail.
Finally, an unforgettable day. We will dedicate over two hours in the morning for a complete guided visit to the sacred citadel
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Every Ittacca itinerary is unique and designed specifically for you? We focus on understanding your interests, travel pace, and dreams to create an experience that reflects exactly who you are and what you want to discover in Peru and the world.
