DAY 1: CUSCO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – PISCACUCHO – WAYLLABAMBA (L)(D)

The adventure begins in Cusco. Before leaving the hotel, make sure you are carrying your original passport and ISIC card if you are a student. Travelers are picked up at around 6:00 am from their hotels and taken on a spectacular scenic drive through the mystical Sacred Valley of the Incas, with beautiful views of the Urubamba river, picturesque Andean villages, and the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo. Along the way, we may stop at Urubamba or Ollantaytambo for last minute supplies, leg-stretching, or to use the restrooms before continuing to Piscacucho.

In Piscacucho, Km 82, you will meet the rest of the crew and the porters who will be carrying the camping equipment. Here we will pass the first official Inca trail checkpoint and begin our hike. After clearing the gates and crossing a suspension footbridge across the Urubamba river, the trek begins with a gentle climb. Following the course of the river, the first three hours are on relatively flat terrain. Superb views of the snow-capped peak of Wakay Willka, also known as Veronica, can be observed, as well as the Urubamba mountain range, which divides the jungle and the Andes. You will then arrive at the Inca fortress of Willka Raccay.

After lunch, you will continue hiking towards the extensive Inca settlement of Llactapata (Patallacta on some maps) and take in the impressive farming terraces of this complex. The Inca trail follows the left bank of the river up to the village of Wayllabamba at 9840 ft above sea level (3000 masl) to where you will have dinner and camp for the night. Buenas noches, amigos!

(About 5 hr trekking 12 Km/7.5 miles)

DAY 3: PAQAYMAYU – SAYACMARCA – PHUYUPATAMARCA – WIÑAYHUAYNA (B)(L)(D)

This is possibly the longest day of Inca trail hiking but one that will bring splendid landscapes and views. A perfectly scheduled cup of hot tea will follow the wake-up call at around 6:00 am. Enjoy breakfast with your trekking comrades and prepare yourself to hike along the well-preserved Inca pathway that is mostly original.

You will start with a steady ascent to the second highest pass at Runkuracay, reaching 12400 ft above sea level (3780 masl), and passing through a circular Inca control point that overlooks the spectacular Vilcabamba mountain range below. Catch your breath, from here the rest of Inca trail is mostly downhill. Be careful of your knees as the descent from the pass to the ruins of Sayacmarca is very steep and you may feel the strain at the end of the day. It is recommended to use trekking poles, additional gel insoles, and perhaps an additional porter.

Take a pause at this archeological complex located at 11472 ft above sea level (3497 masl) for an in-depth tour and explanation. The name Sayacmarca means “inaccessible town” and clearly describes the position of the site, perfectly perched on the edgy rocks.

The Inca trail, now a monumental structure of granite stones, continues through ever-changing layers of cloud forest, full of rare orchids, hanging mosses, bromeliads, and tree ferns. Past the Inca tunnel, a gentle climb will take you to the third pass at 12139 ft above sea level (3700 masl), offering incredible views of several snow-capped peaks including Salkantay (20574 ft./6271m) and Veronica (18865 ft./5750m).

Close to the pass you will find the impressive ruins of Phuyupatamarca (a cloud-level town). You’ll hear a brief explanation of the mysteries of Inca architecture before continuing along paved Inca road to the impressive agricultural site of Intipata and up to the third and last campsite at Wiñayhuayna (“forever young” in Quechua) located at 8856 ft above sea level (2700 masl).

Wiñayhuayna, named after a variety of pink orchids that grow here, is the last official campsite before Machu Picchu. The most impressive ruins are located just minutes away, so even if you are tired after today’s hike, it is a good idea to explore the Wiñayhuayna archeological. Then, rest.

(about 7 hrs trekking)