Special Inca Trail – 3 Days

Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 AM. A scenic drive will take you to Km 82, the official starting point of the Inca Trail. After crossing a bridge over the sacred Urubamba River, you’ll start your hike along its left bank. The trail initially follows a flat terrain, leading you to Miskay (2800m/9184 ft). From here, you’ll ascend to an overlook offering your first glimpse of the impressive Inca city of Llactapata (2650m/8692 ft). Continuing through the valley carved by the Kusichaca River, you’ll gradually climb for approximately five hours until you reach the picturesque community of Wayllabamba. Leaving Wayllabamba behind, you’ll begin the challenging ascent towards the first pass. This day concludes as you make it halfway up, stopping at Llulluchapampa, where you’ll set up camp and spend the night, preparing for the most difficult section ahead.

After an early breakfast, you’ll resume your trek, beginning the most challenging part of the Inca Trail: the ascent to the highest point, Abra Warmihuañusca, famously known as the Dead Woman’s Pass (4200m/13776ft). This strenuous climb takes approximately 2 hours, rewarding you with spectacular panoramic views from the summit. Immediately after the pass, you will descend into the serene Pacaymayo Valley (3600m/11808ft). From the valley floor, you’ll begin your climb to the second pass, Abra Runkurakay (3970m/13022ft). Halfway up this ascent, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the fascinating archaeological complex of Runkurakay (3800m/12464ft), an oval-shaped structure believed to have served as an Inca watchtower. The trek continues through stunning cloud forest landscapes, passing through more archaeological sites like Sayacmarca and Conchamarka, before arriving at your campsite for the night at Phuyupatamarca (3600m/11811ft), offering magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Today is the most anticipated day as you wake up early to catch the breathtaking sunrise over the Andes. After a final trek breakfast, you’ll embark on a relatively easy downhill hike, often referred to as the ‘Inca Flat‘ stretch, passing through beautiful cloud forest and visiting the impressive Inca agricultural terraces of Wiñaywayna (2650m/8694ft). Soon after, you’ll reach Inti Punku, the Sun Gate (2720m/8923ft), where you’ll be rewarded with your first iconic panoramic view of Machu Picchu. Descending into the citadel, your guide will lead you on a comprehensive two-hour guided tour, exploring the main temples, plazas, and sacred sites of this magnificent ancient city. Afterwards, you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu at your own pace. In the afternoon, you’ll take a bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have lunch (not included). From Aguas Calientes, you will board a scenic train back to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, followed by a transfer back to your hotel in Cusco, concluding your extraordinary Inca Trail adventure.