The Inca Trail is the most famous hike in South America – perhaps the world – and a must-do, life-changing experience to check off your bucket list! From 82km outside Cusco, through the Andes, and starting down to the jungle, you will visit many impressive Incan constructions.
Orange Nation guides are passionate about Inca history, culture and architecture! This trek is about so much more than just checking Machu Picchu off your bucket list. See the map of the Inca Trail
The Inca Trail is one of the world’s most famous trekking tours, a short but tough hike of 43 km/26.6 miles through the undulating Andes mountains.
Are you up to the challenge? While it may seem daunting, the Inca Trail isn’t the exclusive domain of experienced trekkers. It is a tour people of almost all ages undertake and, with some energy and preparation, anyone can do it — check our tour: “Classic Inca trail 4 days”
DETAILED ITIENRARY FOR THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
DAY 1: CUSCO – KM 82 – WAYLLABAMBA – AYAPATA
The excitement of this famous trail will get you ready by 04:30am for pick up and begin our journey to Ollantaytambo, where you can choose to have breakfast. After getting energized we will take our bus to KM 82 in Quechua terms Piskacucho Where you will suit up, boots on and ready to begin the first hike of the Inca Trail. But first! We would need to pass through our first checkpoint where passports and student cards are required.
After passing through checkpoint we are ready for the hike following and crossing through the Vilcanota river. No uphill on the first day as the path are pretty easy along flat terrain. There are some magnificent view of the Inca Fortress Huillca Raccay and also the inca site of Llactapata the incan site which constitute of Temples, Palaces and Terraces with a view of a snow capped peak of W´akay Willca.
Continuing our hike towards Wayllabamba (3,000m/9,842ft) we are almost to our first campsite Ayapata. After settling in we will have afternoon high tea with a mountain peak view and later ending the day with an Andean dinner prepared by our trekker chef.
- Meals: Lunch. Afternoon tea. Snack. Dinner
- Accommodations: Camping facilities
- Distance: 12KM / 7.5MILES (at approx. 6-7 hours’ hike)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
DAY 2: AYAPATA – PAQAYMAYU – CHAQUICOCCHA
Morning glory waking up at 05:00AM with a hot breakfast, coffee, teas served. A boost for our next trail. It would be a steep uphill towards the highest pass of Abra de Warrmihuañusca in other terms Dead Woman´s Pass! (4,200m/13,799ft) It maybe one of heaviest hike for a couple of hours but you will be mesmerized by the spectacular view after reaching the top.
After a well-deserved rest, we will calmly hike down to Pacaymayu (3,550m/ 13,779ft) where lunch will be served. After lunch, we will continue our hike for another 2 more hours on a steep path towards Runkuraqay (4,00m/13,123ft) reaching our second campsite at 17:00PM.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, snack, dinner
- Accommodations: Camping facilities
- Distance: 16KM / 10MILES (at approx. 9 hours’ hike)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
DAY 3: CH´AQICOCHA – PHUYUPATAMARCA – WIÑAY WAYNA
Coming through day 3 of our trail rise and shine with hot breakfast served at 06:00AM. Begin with a moderate climb towards Phuyupatamarca, which means Town in the Clouds. Spectacular view of the mountains, the canyons and the panoramic surroundings. It is known to be the third highest point of the Inca Trail at (3,680m/12,074ft) We will be spending some time on this site and getting a well-deserved rest.
After resting, we will calmly dive down through the cloud forest to the beautiful inca agricultural site of Intipata. Approaching the ruin of Wiñay Wayna (2,680m/8,793ft) also known as Forever young. Our third campsite of the day arriving at lunch time. Ending our last camp night with some delicious Andean food prepared by our trekker chef.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, snack, dinner
- Accommodations: Camping facilities
- Distance: 10KM / 6.2MILES (at approx. 5 hours’ hike)
- Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 4: WIÑAY WAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
This is the final part of your journey with lots of exciting site to see. We’ll eat breakfast at 4:00 AM and wait at the checkpoint to be one of the first to start trekking to Machu Picchu, arriving about 6:00am at the Sun Gate, also known as Inti Punku. At that point, the majestic Machu Picchu Citadel will be in front of us with its mystic beauty. At the Sun Gate, you will watch sunlight spreading down over the citadel like melting gold, as the sun rises behind you. Finally, we walk downhill on the Inca flat stone steps towards Machu Picchu Citadel (2,400m/7,872 ft.) Be sure to have your camera out for all of the incredible views of the Majestic Machu Picchu.
After walking about 60 minutes, we enter the Citadel of Machu Picchu from the top through the “House of the Guardians” where all of the famous postcard pictures of Machu Picchu are taken. From there, we proceed towards the control point, where we register and leave any large backpacks or walking poles. You are only allowed to take small bags into Machu Picchu, such as camera bags. Walking poles are not allowed because they can damage the stones. Your guide will give you a guided tour and educate you about the history of the ruins for about two hours. You will see many of the important parts of Machu Picchu
After your tour, those who have booked in advance for the extra hike up Huayna Picchu will have time to enjoy those views on their own. When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping or sightseeing.
The Expedition Train at 2:55 or 3:20pm will take you back to Ollantaytambo, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. You can also see Wiñay Wayna from the train if you look up high on the steep canyon wall! Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 7:00pm.
Meals included: Breakfast ONLY
Distance: 6kms/3.7mls
Difficulty: Easy
***IMPORTANT:
- On the 4 day Inca Trail, we will be doing the Circuit #3 and there is no way to do another circuit unless you buy an additional entrance to Machu Picchu (US$57).
- You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55 or 3:20, 4:22, or 4:43pm. The cost is $67 USD.
- Early trains can be organized by request and it has to be done by booking time.
- The Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike depends on availability and let us know about it at booking time.
