Arrival in Cusco
- Upon your arrival at the Cusco airport, a Travel Experts Peru representative will meet you and transfer you to your Cusco hotel.
- Take the day to acclimate and prepare for your upcoming Inca Trail trek.
- Overnight in Cusco.
Cusco Free Day
- You’ll have the day to continue acclimating and preparing for your Inca Trail trek.
- Walk the local plazas and enjoy some of Cusco’s amazing museums and markets.
- Enjoy the local cuisine and pick up any last-minute necessities before you head out the following day.
- Overnight in Cusco.
Inca Trail Trek
(Trek Day 1)
- Begin your day bright and early with a hotel pick-up, followed by a picturesque 2-hour journey through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo. Here, gather your trekking gear and join your team before boarding a bus to Piscacucho (Km. 82), the starting point of the Inca Trail. Trek alongside the valley before ascending a steeper trail towards a lofty plateau. Your determination will be met with a breathtaking vista of the Inca ruins of Patallacta.
- Patallacta, known as the “Village in the Heights,” is an archaeological site nestled at the base of a mountain on the left side of the Cusicancha River, a tributary of the Urubamba River. Following lunch, you’ll trek for an additional two hours until reaching the initial campsite at Wayllabamba. This marks the day’s pinnacle, offering awe-inspiring vistas of the Vilcanota ridge.
- Hike Distance: 7.5 mi (12 km)
- Minimum Altitude: 8,230 ft (2,600 m)
- Maximum Altitude: 9,840 ft (3,000 m)
- Approximate Time: 4 to 6 hrs
- Gradient: Moderate
Inca Trail Trek
(Trek Day 2)
- On the second day, brace yourself for the most demanding stretch of the Inca Trail, urging you to proceed at a steady pace. The journey is challenging, featuring a lengthy and steep ascent to the Abra de Warmiwañusca, famously known as the “Dead Woman’s Pass,” towering over 13,700 feet (4,200 meters) above sea level. Upon crossing the pass, a winding staircase leads sharply downhill through a natural valley to the subsequent campsite.
- While trekking, stay alert for wildlife sightings; amidst the diverse avian population, you might catch a glimpse of the Andean bear, also known as the spectacled bear, native to the Andean cloud forest. Your day’s trek concludes at the Pacaymayo Valley campsite, where you’ll enjoy dinner and well-deserved rest following the strenuous trail.
- Hike Distance: 10 mi (16 km)
- Minimum Altitude: 9,840 ft (3,000 m)
- Maximum Altitude: 13,830 feet (4,215 m)
- Approximate Time: 7 to 8 hrs
- Gradient: Challenging
Inca Trail Trek
(Trek Day 3)
- Following breakfast, the trek resumes along a trail brimming with archaeological wonders. A challenging ascent leads to the Runkurakay Pass, offering panoramic views. Along the way, you’ll encounter the ruins of Runkurakay, an Inca structure overlooking the Pacaymayo Valley, aptly named the “Hidden River.” Traverse past breathtaking mountain panoramas and lakeside hamlets, eventually arriving at the ruins of Conchamarca and Phuyupatamarca, known as “The Town in the Clouds.”
- As dusk approaches, make your way to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna, or “Forever Young,” your final campsite. These ruins feature Incan terraces and are believed to have served as a religious center dedicated to water worship. Nature enthusiasts will delight in the sight of vibrant pink orchids dotting the area. The evening typically concludes with cold beverages and a farewell celebration, providing an opportunity to bid adieu to your dedicated cook and porters, who will depart early the next morning to catch a train back to Cusco.
- Hike Distance: 10 mi (16 km)
- Minimum Altitude: 8,700 ft (2,650 m)
- Maximum Altitude: 12,500 ft (3,900 m)
- Approximate Time: 8 to 10 hrs
- Gradient: Moderate
Inca Trail Trek & Machu Picchu
(Trek Day 4)
- Following an early breakfast, embark on the final stretch of the journey, aiming to reach Inti Punku, the Sun Gate entrance to Machu Picchu, by 5 a.m. in time for sunrise. While weather conditions may vary, the sight is consistently breathtaking. Descend from Inti Punku to the citadel for a guided exploration of Machu Picchu, where you’ll marvel at the intricate Inca stonework set against the stunning Andean backdrop. Delve into the three distinct zones of this ancient city: the urban, agricultural, and surrounding areas. Highlights include the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, and the Principal Bath, among other remarkable sights.
- Later in the day, you’ll board your comfortable train bound for Cusco, where you’ll then be transported to your hotel in the city to spend the evening.
- Overnight in Cusco.
Cusco Free Day
- You’ll have the day to yourselves to relax after your late arrival.
- Take the day to explore the Plaza de Armas, mercado San Pedro, and walk the cobble-stone streets of the city.
- If you’re up for more activity, we can schedule a city tour where you’ll visit the main cathedral, Sacsayhuaman, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay ruins.
- Evening to explore the amazing restaurants and nightlife in the city.
Cusco Departure
- Enjoy breakfast at your hotel prior to being picked up and transferred to Cusco’s airport for your flight back to Lima.
- Safe travels back home.
