Inca Trail 4 days / 3 nights

We begin our experience very early, departing from Cusco at 5:30 a.m. in a tourist vehicle. On the journey to the Inca Trail starting point, we pass through colorful rural landscapes, farmlands, and traditional communities that reflect the living essence of the Andes.

Upon arriving at Kilometer 82, we meet the team of porters who will accompany us throughout the hike. After a brief preparation, we begin trekking along ancient Inca paths surrounded by mountains and lush vegetation. After about three hours of leisurely walking, we pause at Hatunchaka (3,000 m) to enjoy a well-deserved lunch. This location offers amenities such as restrooms and small shops, as well as the opportunity to restock water or snacks.

After our break, we resume the trail, ascending to Ayapata (3,300 m), a small community nestled in the mountains. This is the site of our first campsite, surrounded by nature and offering an ideal atmosphere for resting and acclimatizing for the journey ahead.

After breakfast, we resume our hike, ascending through the Ayapata ravine. As we gain altitude, we pass through wooded areas and reach Llulluchapampa (3,850 m), an ideal spot to take a short break and admire the scenery.

From there, we continue the ascent toward the famous Warmiwañusca Pass (4,200 m)—also known as "Dead Woman's Pass"—the highest point on the Inca Trail. From the summit, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Andes, including the imposing, snow-capped Mount Verónica in the distance.

After taking in the view, we begin our descent along a stone-paved path to the Pacaymayo Valley (3,500 m), where we will have lunch and set up camp for the night, surrounded by nature.

This is considered one of the longest days, yet also one of the most impressive due to the wide variety of landscapes and ecosystems we traverse. After breakfast, we begin the ascent to the second mountain pass: Runcuracay (3,950 m). From there, we enjoy a spectacular view of the Aobamba Valley, stretching out amidst the dense cloud forest vegetation.

Along the way, we explore ancient archaeological sites such as Runcuracay (3,750 m), Sayacmarka (3,650 m), and—further ahead—Phuyupatamarka (3,600 m), a sacred site known as "the city above the clouds." Here, we pause for lunch and to recharge.

In the afternoon, we continue our descent along trails surrounded by tropical flora until we reach the final campsite: Wiñayhuayna (2,650 m), set amidst lush vegetation and located very close to the Machu Picchu citadel.

We wake up very early, around 3:00 a.m., to get ready and head to the checkpoint with our flashlights. Instead of a traditional breakfast, we receive a packed breakfast, as the hike begins immediately.

We start the final leg of the Inca Trail toward the Sun Gate, known as Inti Punku (2,780 m). From this vantage point, we witness a magical moment: the sunrise gradually illuminating the ruins of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountain in the background.

At approximately 8:00 a.m., we enter the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu (2,400 m) for a two-hour guided tour. We explore its main structures and learn about its history, architecture, and spiritual significance.

Afterward, we descend by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes, where we have time for lunch. Then, we board the train to Ollantaytambo and continue by road back to Cusco (3,350 m).