Classic Inca Trail

We recommend visiting the San Pedro Markets for souvenirs and local snacks, walking around the main square and exploring the many shops and restaurants in the Cuzco.  

Top things to do in Cuzco: 

1. Visit Plaza de Armas
2. Explore San Pedro Market
3. Visit Cusco Cathedral
4. Visit Qurikancha Museum
5. Explore San Blas neighborhood
6. Go to Museums and art Galleries
7. Try Peruvian food & traditional drinks

• Pre-departure briefing: You will have a pre-departure briefing with the Peruvian operator who will go over all the details. 
• This program does include sleeping bags 
• The rest of your luggage will stay at the hotel until you return back to Cuzco

This Inca Trail Packing List will help you to prepare for your outdoor adventure in one of the most stunning regions of South America. Here is a list of suggested packing things you should bring: 

• Duffel Bag and Backpack
• Clothing: Base Layer, trekking shirts, hiking shorts and trousers, fleece jacket, a third layer like a windproof, waterproof warm jacket and trousers and a compact poncho rain-suit.
• Hat for sun protection
• Head band or beanie
• Neck Gaiter or Balaclava
• Inner glove 
• Outer gloves
• Hiking boots
• Thermal socks
• Gaiters
• UV protection sunglasses (recommended: minimum of 80% light reduction)
• Headlamp
• Water bottle or hydration bladder

Ramada by Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco is a converted 17th-century mansion located in Cuzco’s centre, a few steps away from Cuzco Main Square and La Merced Church. It offers colonial-style accommodation and free WiFi. 

Ramada by Wyndham Costa del Sol Cuzco ’s Paprika Cuzco Restaurant serves breakfast buffet and international dishes with a blend of traditional Peruvian cuisine for lunch and dinner. Walak bar serves drinks and snacks.

San Pedro Train Station is nearby and other close by attractions include the Central Market, Cathedral of Cuzco, and Inka Museum.

Cusco to Wayllabamba (B-L-D)
Your trip will start with a 06:00 AM pick up from your hotel for the drive from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and on to Km 82. Here, you will have to register to enter the Inca Trail and you will meet all the staff members that will be trekking with the group. 

From Km 82, there is a a gentle hike for 2 hours until arrival to the lunch spot known as Miskay. 

After lunch, and a short rest, the journey continues with an adventure for 4 additional hours of walking until arrival at Huayllabamba. On the way, you will pass an the archaeological site of Patallacta. 

Finally, upon arrival to camp in Huayllabamba, dinner will be prepared while you relax. Your tent will be set up and waiting for at the camping site.

Total Distance: 12 km
Estimated Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Maximum Altitude Point: 3,000 m
Campsite Altitude: 3,000 m 

Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo (B-L-D)
Today wake up is around 6:00 am and after breakfast, you will begin the most difficult part of the trek. This 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 – 4200m), you may see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at high altitude. The group will also cross an area of the 'cloud forest', which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows as well as the Andean bear, which is also called the spectacled bear (Tremarctus Ornatus). 

We advise that your day pack is well stocked with candies, chocolates and coca leaves today to help keep your sugar level high and help with altitude sickness. 

Immediately after the high pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600m), where tonight's campsite is located.

Total Distance: 11 km
Estimated Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Maximum Altitude Point: 4,200 m
Campsite Altitude: 3,500 m

Pacaymayo to Wiñaywayna (B-L-D)
Today will be the longest day of the trek, but also the most interesting due to the number of archaeological sites and lush cloud forest areas so rich in Andean flora and fauna. 

From Pacaymayo the climb starts up to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970m). Halfway up, the group will stop to visit the archaeological complex. This site, located at 3800m, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have been a watchtower. After summiting the pass, the descent begins towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and followed by the cloud forest before arriving to Sayacmarca (3624m). 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, you will arrive at the third pass - Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700m). You will appreciate the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient craft as you walk along paths semi-detached from the mountain that allows the trail to avoid the multi leveled Andean geography. The path continues through an Inca tunnel to later arrive at the aforementioned pass and then down to the complex of the same name. 

This is one of the most complete, best-preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and is located on the highest point of the pass. Fittingly, Phuyupatamarca means 'town over the clouds'. From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations and impressive views of the Urubamba river valley. 

The trek continues down the long descending stone steps that lead us to Wiñaywayna (2650m), an impressive Inca complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector. This is very close to which our final campsite location. After visiting the impressive archaeological site, the group will enjoy a farewell dinner at camp.

Total Distance: 16 km
Estimated Walking Time: 8 hours
Maximum Altitude Point: 3,900 m
Campsite Altitude: 2,650 m

Please Note: The Huayna Picchu hike permit is not included in starting price. Please speak to us if you would like this to be included, pending availability.

Wiñaywayna to Machupicchu - Cuzco (B)
On this final day of the trek, wake up is at 4.00 am for an early breakfast before departure at 5.00am from Wiñaywayna. The day starts with the climb up to the Intipunku, or 'The Sun Gate'. This will take approximately an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. 

From this fabulous spot, depending on your hiking speed and time of year, you may see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. From Intipunku, the final descent into Machu Picchu takes approximately 40 minutes.

You will enter the citadel from the highest point through the 'House of the Guardians'. The group will continue to the control point to register and leave backpacks. The group immediately begins a complete guided tour of the citadel that takes approximately two hours. 

From here you may choose to explore on your own further, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, or if you have requested an additional Huayna Picchu hiking permit, you will stay and hike. 

The whole group will take the same train (details provided during the trek) back to the city of Cuzco for arrival after nightfall.

Total Distance: 4 km
Estimated Walking Time: 2 hours
Maximum Altitude Point: 2,700 m
Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,400 m 

* Departure and arrival times each day are approximated.
** Campsites are subject to change according to the designation of the governmental institution regulating the use of the Inca Trail, as well as to our guide’s criteria and the group progress.

Please contact us if you would like to include additional accommodation in Cuzco