INCA TRAIL Trekking

This journey sees you walking in the footsteps as the Inca people will truly be a highlight of your Peruvian adventure.  At the end of the trek you will overlook the lost city of Machu Picchu for the very first time.  It will leave you mesmerised and you will understand why so many people decide to embark on this journey.  When you get to the lost city, remind yourself to always remember the achievement and the spiritual feeling of standing on the grounds of a lost empire.

Day 1: Arrival in Cusco

On arrival in Cusco you will be met and taken to your hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure and time to relax to get ready for your Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu. It is advisable to drink a lot of water it will assist you with the effect of high altitude.

Day 2: Cusco to Yuncachimpa

Our trek takes you on a journey through the historic sanctuary but also you will see a rich variety of flora and fauna.  Your guide will collect you from your Cusco hotel for a drive up to the town of Urubamba for a brief stop.  You will then drive to Chilca, the starting point of the classic Inca Trail.  Here you will commence walking the road of the Incas.  You will trek to Yuncachimpa passing through the archaeological site of Llactapata.  Your overnight campsite is in Yuncachimpa.

Day 3: Yuncachimpa to Runcuracay

It’s an early start to the morning but the fresh air and the idea of your journey will make you feel inspired!  We start trekking to the highest point on the Inca trail, this is where we can see the different ecological zones and enjoy the changing climates.  We then cross over the Warmiwanusca pass, pause for a moment at the top to soak up your achievement at 4200metres above sea level before you head down to Runcuracay.  The circular ruins of Runcuracay can only be visited by those who choose to hike to the ruins of Machu Picchu.  It is said this was a place where Inca couriers or messengers would stop over for food and rest for a while, until they could continue their trip onward.  Thus, it is fitting that we camp for the night here!

Day 4: Runcuracay to Winay Wayna

From Runcuracay we walk down to 3,850m to reach the second pass and visit the archaeological remains of the Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca ruins. After lunch we then trek onto Winay Wayna for our final night.  In the Quechua language, Winya Wayna means for “Forever Young”, and is an Inca ruin built into a steep hillside overlooking the Urubamba River.  This area is an important ritual site as the Inca trail cuts across the ridge above Machu Picchu where the trails begins to wind downhill. 

Day 5: Winay Wayna - Machu Picchu 

Machu Picchu is one of the main attractions when visiting Peru.  You have seen postcards, read about it in magazines, seen documentaries and have had it on your list as a “must do” in your life.  Today is the day you will not only see Machu Picchu but you will breathe the magic and the beauty of Machu Picchu!  After trekking for 3 days, the significance and empowered beauty of Machu Picchu will mean so much more.  You most certainly have earnt it! 

It’s an early rise as we trek to Inti Punku to see the breathtaking panoramic views of Machu Picchu.  After a moment to reflect on your achievement, smile and take advantage of the once in a lifetime photo opportunities, you can head down to the famous lost city of the Incas for a 3hour guided tour of Machu Picchu. 

After the tour we then take the coach to the town of Aguas Calientes, overnight is booked in this vibrant village for the night.

Day 6: Aguas Calientes to Cusco – end your Inca Trail Adventure

After breakfast you have some free time before returning by train to Cusco where your journey concludes.
We suggest to extend your stay for at least another 3nights in this amazing city to explore the rich ruins the Inca’s left in the Capitol of the Inca Empire.  Your Travel Specialist is happy to assist you in arranging this.

Onward Journey Suggestions:
We suggest booking an extra night in Cusco to explore the amazing city that is the Capital of the Inca Empire.

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