Itinerary In Brief

Day 1:

Transfer by road and train to the trailhead at KM 82. Hike upwards through the beautiful valley, passing Llaqtapata ruins, before arriving at Huallabamba campsite for the night.

Day 2:

Take on the challenging Warmi Wañuska or Dead Woman’s Pass with stunning scenery and views of the snow-capped Andes along the way. Enjoy dinner and a well-deserved rest at Pacaymayo campsite.

Day 3:

Visit the Runkurakay ruins and traverse the mountain pass with the same name. You’ll also pass the Phuyupatamarka lookout point and the Phuya archaeological site before arriving at Wiñay Wayna campsite.

Day 4:

After exploring Wiñay Wayna ruins, trek the final path to Machu Picchu, via Inti Punku (the sun gate). Enjoy a full tour of the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu, before transferring back to Cusco.

Contact us and book your Classic (4 day) Inca Trail trek today!

Itinerary In Detail

Day 1: Cusco – Huallabamba
Transfer by road from Cusco to the Sacred Valley, where you’ll begin the trek at KM 82. Here you register with the authorities and then begin the trek, following the Sacred Valley into the mountains. Passing through different ecological zones, your guide will point out the flora and fauna along the way. Today you’ll visit Llaqtapata ruins, built by the Inca on their way to Machu Picchu, and stop for a picnic lunch along the way. Later in the afternoon, you’ll arrive at your campsite for the night – Huallabamba.
Max altitude: 9,694ft / 2,954m above sea level
Distance covered: 6.77 miles / 10.89km
Approx. trekking time: 5 hrs

Day 2: Huallabamba – Pacaymayo
Leaving the campsite early, today you’ll take on the first and toughest high altitude pass – Warmi Wañuska or Dead Woman’s Pass. On the way up the breath-taking views get better and better, with the chance to look out over the southern Andes mountains, many of them snow-capped in the distance. After a scenic picnic lunch you’ll continue onwards, descending to your campsite for the night – Pacaymayo for dinner and a well-deserved rest.
Max altitude: 13,866ft / 4,226m above sea level
Distance covered: 4.4 miles / 7.1km
Approx. trekking time: 5.3 hrs

Day 3: Pacaymayo – Wiñay Wayna
On today’s trek you’ll tackle the second high-altitude pass of the Inca Trail, Runkurakay, named after the nearby ruins with the same name, which you’ll visit before the pass. The ecology changes as you ascend, becoming more barren, and you’ll pass several small mountain lakes. You’ll then descend to a lookout point at Phuyupatamarka and the Phuya archaeological site, perched on the side of the mountain, before continuing to your campsite for the night – Wiñay Wayna.
Max altitude: 13,039ft / 3,974m above sea level
Distance covered: 6.8 miles / 10.9km
Approx. trekking time: 8.4 hrs

Day 4: Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu
After exploring the beautiful and mysterious ruins of Wiñay Wayna, filled with fountains, temples and astrological observations, you’ll begin your final journey to Machu Picchu, passing through the Inti Puku (sun gate) where you’ll get your first glimpse of the iconic citadel. Entering the archaeological wonder, you’ll enjoy a full guided tour, taking in all the highlights – including the terraces, temples, burial sites and other sacred places. Your guide will show you the best spots for those classic Machu Picchu photos. At the end of the tour, you’ll transfer back to Cusco by bus and train.
Max altitude: 8,964ft / 2,732m above sea level
Distance covered: 4.53 miles / 7.29km
Approx. trekking time: 4 hrs

Contact us and book your Classic (4 day) Inca Trail trek today!