4 Days
Daily Tour
16 people
English, Espanol, Portuguese
Start with a 5:30 AM pick-up from your Cusco hotel for a 1-hour drive to the Sacred Valley. Stop at a viewpoint for panoramic photos and a brief overview from your guide. Continue to Calca for a quick visit to its vibrant local market, full of traditional products. Then, drive 2 hours to Lares (3,100 m / 10,170 ft), where you’ll meet our team (chef and muleteer). Before trekking, relax in the soothing Lares thermal baths (28–34°C / 82–93°F).
Begin the trek with a gentle 2-hour walk on flat terrain to Vilcabamba Bridge, where lunch awaits. After a short break, hike 3 more hours to Wacahuasi (3,750 m / 12,303 ft), greeted by local children in traditional clothing. Set up camp (nights can reach -5°C / 23°F—bring warm layers!), explore the village, enjoy tea time with stories and cultural insights from your guide, then savor dinner before resting.
Walking Time: 5 hours Total Distance: 11 km Campsite Altitude: 3,750 m / 12,303 ft
After breakfast, start hiking at 6:00 AM with stunning Andes Mountain views. Ascend 3 hours to Paso Sacsallaully (4,646 m / 15,242 ft), a breathtaking viewpoint showcasing valleys, snow-capped peaks, and Aruray Cocha Lake. Spot native birds like Cara Cara, geese, ducks, and wildlife including llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos.
From the pass, descend to Aruraycocha and Yuraccocha lakes, surrounded by sacred Queuña forest. Enjoy a scenic Andean lunch beside one of the lakes. Then hike 2 more hours through a changing landscape, descending a picturesque Queuña valley rich in Andean flora—perfect for photos.
Arrive at Yanahuara (2,780 m / 9,120 ft), a warm, welcoming village near the Sacred Valley, for your second campsite.
Walking Time: 5–6 hours Total Distance: 14 km Campsite Altitude: 2,780 m / 9,120 ft
After breakfast at 6:45 AM, transfer to Ollantaytambo train station. Board the 7:45 AM train for a 1-hour ride to km 104 (2,200 m / 7,217 ft), the Inca Trail start. Cross the Urubamba River bridge (sacred Willkamayuc in Quechua) and present ID at the checkpoint.
Hike 15 minutes to Chachabamba and Choquesuysuy archaeological sites in the subtropical forest. Ascend 3 hours through terraces, enjoying Sacred Valley views, waterfalls, and orchids. Reach Wiñaywayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft)—"Forever Young"—with circular terraces, 20+ structures, and the Temple of the Rainbow. Explore for 1 hour, then enjoy a box lunch.
Continue 2 hours through Andean terrain and stone steps to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) (2,720 m / 8,923 ft), the historic Machu Picchu entrance. Take in the panoramic view, then descend 30 minutes to Machu Picchu (2,490 m / 8,169 ft). Ride the bus (25 minutes) to Aguas Calientes (2,160 m / 7,086 ft).
Check into a comfortable hotel. Optional: visit hot springs (10 soles, 10-min walk) or enjoy bars, restaurants, and ATM. Savor a delicious à la carte dinner in town.
Walking Time: 5.5–6 hours Total Distance: 12 km Hotel Altitude: 2,160 m / 7,086 ft
Start early after breakfast, boarding the bus for a 30-minute ride to Machu Picchu Citadel. Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of the most iconic temples and palaces. Then, explore freely—hike to the Sun Gate or Inca Bridge. (Optional: Huayna Picchu hike for +$75 USD/person.)
At the scheduled time, descend by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (your choice). In the afternoon, board the train back to Ollantaytambo (arrive 30 minutes early). A private transfer awaits for the 1.5-hour drive to your Cusco hotel.
Walking Time: 2–4 hours (guided + free time) Total Distance: 2–5 km (depending on hikes) Altitude: 2,490 m / 8,169 ft (Machu Picchu)
Yes, a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended. The trek involves hiking through varied terrain at high altitudes, so it's important to be prepared for physical activity and altitude changes.
Essential items include sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing, a rain jacket, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), a sleeping bag, trekking poles, and a small backpack for daily essentials.
In the event of bad weather or unforeseen circumstances, the tour guides will assess the situation and make necessary adjustments to ensure safety. This may include changing the itinerary or seeking alternative routes.
Yes, you can extend your stay in Cusco or Aguas Calientes. Please let us know in advance so we can assist with additional accommodation and travel arrangements.
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