On the second day of our Inca Trail experience, we will wake up around 6:00 AM. An early start will ensure we have plenty of time to get ready and have breakfast together before starting our excursion. We will walk along a narrow road covered by plants and across a small bridge that will lead us towards a uniquely beautiful cloud forest. In this portion of the trip, passengers will need to climb many stairs.  We highly recommend that you take your time and stop for breaks whenever necessary. Following our route, we will eventually arrive in the Llulluchapampa area, where we will take a quick break before climbing to the famous Warmy Huañuska pass (the highest altitude of our hike, located at (4,200m/13,776ft). Because we will be walking about 2 kilometers that can be a bit steep at times, we recommend going slowly and stopping for a break whenever necessary. This part of the trip will be the most difficult part of our hike, as we will be walking at altitudes of over (4,200m/13,776 ft); however, this part will also be the most rewarding as you take in one of the most beautiful landscapes of the world. Once we reach the top of the mountain, we will be greeted with a spectacular view of the Andes mountains. At the top, you will be able to take pictures of the classic Inca Trail. You may even spot diverse species of wild birds.

Afterwards, we will arrive at Pacaymayo camp (3,600m/11,808ft) where we will spend a comfortable night. Pacaymayo is an official camp site, offering baths and showers; however, be aware that the water in this region is very cold.  (B, L, D)

• Accommodation: Camping
• Highest Elevation: 4,200 m/13,776 ft
• Lowest Elevation: 3,600m/11,808ft
• Distance to walk: 11 km /6,84 miles
• Approximate walk time: 6 - 7 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Challenging (due to elevation)

Many visitors say that Day 3 is one of the longest days of the excursion, but also one of the most spectacular days due in part to the remarkable Incan buildings scattered along the trail. We will start our day at 6:00 AM. After a savory breakfast, we will begin walking up a steep road. Before long, we will arrive at the beautiful Runkurakay ruins (3,800m/12,464ft), an oval construction believed to have been used by the Incas as a watchtower. After being given the background to its history, we will make our way to the Runkurakay pass located at (3,970m/13,022ft). During this part of the hike, we will pass a small lake where you just might see Andean geese among other native bird species. After the pass, we will descend through a beautiful valley full of plants.  In the valley, we will visit the Sayacmarka ruins at a height of (3,624m/11,887ft). This is an interesting Inca construction that was built over a steep slope and is surrounded by mountains. After visiting Sayacmarka, we will continue descending through the cloud forest and arrive next at the Phuyupatamarca ruins (3,700m/12,136ft). These ruins showcase the Incas impressive hydraulic engineering consisting of spectacular fountains and water channels. From here, we will continue downward until we reach one of the most beautiful Inca buildings of all - the ruins of Wiñaywayna (2,650m/8,692ft). A close second to Machu Picchu, these are without a doubt one of the most beautiful of all the ruins. Wiñaywayna means "forever young,” and it is said that its name comes from the abundant orchids (bearing the same name) native to the area. After exploring every corner of Wiñaywayna, we will head to our final camp site located just a few meters away. Tonight, we will organize a small thank you party as we say goodbye to our porters and tour staff who helped make our venture a reality. (B, L, D)

• Accommodation: Camping
• Highest Elevation: 3,970m/13,022ft
• Lowest Elevation: 2,650m/8,692ft
• Distance to walk: 16 km/9,94 miles
• Approximate walk time: 8 - 9 hours

Level of Difficulty: Challenging

On our last day, we will wake up very early at 4:00 am. We will quickly venture through the control gate and enter the path that leads directly to Machu Picchu. We advise you to bring a flashlight with you, as it is normally dark at this hour. After walking for about an hour and a half, we will arrive at Inti Punko or “Sun Gate” (2,700m/ 8,858ft) - a magnificent outlook over the city of Machu Picchu. Here you will be able to relax and take picturesque photos of the group before we finally make our way down to the iconic Machu Picchu: one of the seven Wonders of the World.

It was long thought that Machu Picchu was merely a legend - that was until the American explorer, Hiram Bingham, discovered it in 1911 after making many expeditions in the area. Machu Picchu rises to a height of (2,430m/7,972ft) and is extraordinarily located in the middle of a tropical forest. It is without a doubt one of the most amazing urban creations of the Inca Empire with its rocky cliffs still showcasing to this day the masterful precision used to cut and form massive walls, terraces, and ramps. Our guide will take you on a two-hour tour through this beautiful and impressive Incan citadel.

Around 12:00 hours we will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes (2,040m/ 6,692 ft). In the afternoon we returned to the station to catch the train to Ollantaytambo and then transferred to a tourist bus to return to the city of Cusco.  The trip to Cusco will take approximately 4 hours.  (B)

End of the trip.

* Departure and arrival times are approximated

** Campsites are subject to change in accordance with governmental regulation of the usage of the Inca Trail, as well as with our guide’s criteria and the group’s progress.

• Accommodation: Not Included
• Highest Elevation: 2,700m/ 8,858ft
• Lowest Elevation: 2,430m/7,972ft
• Distance to walk: 6 km/ 3,7 miles
• Approximate walk time: 2 - 3 hours.
• Approximate time of Visit: 2 - 3 hours.

Level of Difficulty: Easy