Day 1: Cusco - Wayllabamba Max alt 3000m/9900 ft. Distance - 10 km/6 mi

Our team will arrive at 6:00 am to pick you up for your departure from Cusco to Km 82 in Piskacucho, with a brief stop in Ollaytaytambo, where you can buy last minute gear and personal items. We arrive in Piskacucho where the hike begins on a strolling, flat path along the Urubamba River and then shifts upward until our lunch stop. Along the way, we stop for a close-up view of the archaeological ruins of Llactapata before we arrive at our campsite for the night.

Day 2: Wayllabamba - Warmiwanusca - Papaymayu Max alt 4270 m/14,000 ft Distance - 12 km/7.5 mi

We'll start the day early with a healthy breakfast prepared by our chef and then hike up to the highest point of the Inka Trail (Dead Woman's Pass). We hike through several ecological zones where we are able to discern between the different microclimates. The chef will have lunch ready and waiting at midday prior to passing the highest point, Warmiwañusca Pass at 4,200 meters/13,780 feet above sea level. Our descent will eventually take us to the campsite Pacaymayo, where will enjoy our dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Day 3: Papaymayu - Chaq 'icocha - Winaywayna Max alt 3600 m/11, 800 ft Distance - 15 km/9.3 mi

Our day begins with a nutritious breakfast and then a 45 minute hike up to the second pass on the Inka Trail (3950 meters/12,959 feet above sea level). Along the way we are able to visit Inka ruins including Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, and Puyupatamarka. Your guide readily provides additional information about the history and signaficance of ruins, wildlife and plants throughout the hike. After lunch we hike to the Wiñaywayna Camp site, for our last night on the Trail.

Day 4: Winaywayna - Machu Picchu - Cusco Max alt 2440/8000 ft Distance 5 km/3 mi

After an early breakfast, we begin the final trek to the lost city of Machu Picchu. We cross over the top of the mountain at Inti Punku “ the Sun Gate”, where we get our first inspiring and panoramic view of Machu Picchu. Then we descend to Machu Picchu where we will register at the check point and enjoy our private, guided tour of the ancient Inka ruins. After the tour you can choose to rest or explore the ruins on your own before we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to board the train back to Cusco.

The process for applying for Inca Trail permits is best if arranged in advance. It is advisable to book at least 4-6 months before your planned travel dates, or more if you have a group of 7 or more.

Campgrounds are available on first-come, first-serve basis and operators do not find out which campgrounds you have been assigned to until the permits are completed. It's possible the hike to Machu Picchu on Day 4 could be 12 KM or 5 Km depending on the campground you are staying in the night before. This affects the amount of time you have to visit the ruins. We have the option to schedule later departure times on the train back to Cusco. Travel time to Cusco is 4- 5 hrs. This makes a long day. The only other option is to add another day to your itinerary and stay overnight in Aguas Calientes so you can return to Machu Picchu the next day. We can book a hotel & defer your train tickets if we know in advance. We do our best to make sure your visit to Machu Picchu meets your expectations. Let us know your preferences.