Peru’s best known hike, visited by thousands of tourists every year. The classical 43-km trek leading to the Sacred Inca City of Machu Picchu combines the visit of mysterious archaeological sites, amazing mountain scenery and lush cloud forest rich in Andean flora and fauna. Machu Picchu is reached at sunrise on the fourth day.
Historical Marvels:
Explore ancient ruins like Machu Picchu, a breathtaking testament to the Incan civilization.
Cultural Richness:
Visit Cusco to experience a unique blend of colonial history and indigenous traditions through vibrant markets and local crafts.
Diverse Landscapes:
Enjoy the varied scenery of Peru, from the lush Sacred Valley and high Andean peaks to the mysterious Nazca Lines and desert landscapes.
Culinary Delights:
Discover Lima’s dynamic food scene where traditional recipes meet innovative culinary techniques.
Unique Destinations:
Experience tranquil moments at Lake Titicaca and explore other hidden treasures across the country, each offering its own distinct charm.
These highlights illustrate why Peru is an exceptional destination for travelers seeking history, culture, adventure, and natural beauty.
Between 4:00 and 4:30 am, we will pick you up at your hotel in our own private bus. We will then drive to Piskacuchu (2700 m.a.s.l), a community located on the 82nd kilometer of the Cusco -Machu Picchu railroad. Starting at this point, we will cross the bridge and walk along the left shore of the Urubamba River as it flows north-west along the Sacred Valley.
Following the trail along a flat terrain, we will arrive in Miskay (2800 m.a.s.l), to then ascend and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the Inca city of Patallacta (2750 m.a.s.l). We will continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca river, gradually climbing for about five hours until we reach our first campsite in the Wayllabamba village (3000 m.a.s.l). All along the way we will see spectacular views of the Vilcanota ridge on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, where the impressive Veronica peak reigns at 5832 meters above sea level. Not to mention the diversity of wild flora and fauna that can be found all along the valley.
We will wake up at around 6:00 am, and after breakfast we will leave Wayllabamba behind to begin the most difficult part of the trek, which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km. Along this climb, the landscape changes from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation). On the way to the first mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass), we will see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at that altitude. We will also cross an area of the so called cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows and the Andean bear, which is also called the Spectacled Bear ( Tremarctus Ornatus). We advise that on this day specially, your day pack is well stocked with candies, chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high, and help with altitude sickness. Immediately after the pass, we will descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600 m.a.s.l), where we will camp after approximately 6h of hiking.
This day is the longest but also the most impressive and the most interesting, due the number of archaeological sites that we will visit and learn about from our guide. From Pacaymayo we will climb to the second pass, the Abra de Runkurakay (3970 m.a.s.l). Half way up, we will visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3800 m.a.s.l, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower. After going over the pass, we will descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud-forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3624 m.a.s.l). This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Continuing up an easy climb, we will arrive at the third pass, the Abra de Phuyupatamarca (3700 m.a.s.l). Along this climb we can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas’ ancient craft, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain, and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order, saving the trail from the multileveled Andean geography. We go through an Inca tunnel to later arrive at the aforementioned pass and down to the complex of the same name. This is one of the most complete and best preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and is located on the highest point of a mountain. Curiously, Phuyupatamarca means “town over the clouds”. From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River valley and the long descending stone steps along which we will continue on to Wiñay Wayna (2700 m.a.s.l). At this campsite we will find a lodge with a restaurant, bar and bathrooms with hot showers. The campsite has the same name as the complex located only five minutes away from the lodge. Wiñay Wayna is an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector.
On this fourth and last day we will get up at 4.00 am to leave Wiñay Wayna an hour later and climb to Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we will see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. From Intipunku we will descend into Machu Picchu, and 40 minutes later we will enter the citadel from the highest point through the “House of the Guardians”. We will then descend to the control point where we will register ourselves and leave our backpacks. We will immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around, climb the Huayna Picchu mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machu Picchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or you can visit the Temple of the Moon and the fabulous Inca bridge. In the afternoon, we will meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in the thermal baths. From here we will take the train to the city of Cusco, where we will arrive after nightfall.
* Departure and arrival times are approximated.
** Campsites are subject to change according to the designation of the governmental institution regulating the use of the Inca Trail.
At Peru Expediciones, we are passionate about showcasing Arequipa’s natural beauty through responsible tourism. We offer personalized tours—from scenic hikes to classic adventures—designed to match your unique preferences.