Short itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Wayllabamba
- Approximately 4-hour hike towards the highest point of the route: the Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,829 ft).
- Brief pause to admire the spectacular views of the sacred Andean place.
- A 2-hour and 30-minute descent towards the Pacaymayo valley (3,600 m / 11,800 ft).
- Hot tea, delicious freshly prepared dinner, and overnight stay at the campsite surrounded by mountains.
Day 2: Wayllabamba – Paso de la Mujer Muerta – Pacaymayo
- Early wake-up with hot coca tea and a nutritious breakfast provided by Pakareqtampu Travel.
- Hike surrounded by jungle vegetation and impressive Inca archaeological sites.
- Guided visit to the circular enclosures of the Runkurakay ruins (3,760 m / 12,300 ft) and a 1-hour hike towards the pass.
- A descent of nearly 2 hours to the labyrinth of structures at the Sayacmarca archaeological site (3,600 m).
- Lunch and time to relax in Chaquicocha.
- A 2-hour and 30-minute hike towards Phuyupatamarca (3,600 m / 11,810 ft), «The city above the clouds».
- An approximate 3-hour descent to the campsite in Wiñayhuayna for tea and a special farewell dinner with the porters.
Day 3: Pacaymayo – Abra Runcuracay – Chaquicocha – Wiñayhuayna
- Early wake-up with a cup of hot coca tea and a nutritious breakfast to continue the hike.
- Advance through jungle vegetation and incredible archaeological complexes.
- Visit to the Runkurakay ruins (3,760 m / 12,300 ft) to appreciate its unusual circular enclosures.
- A 1-hour hike towards the Runkurakay pass and a descent of about 2 hours to the Sayacmarca archaeological site.
- Lunch in Chaquicocha with free time to rest and relax.
- A 2-hour and 30-minute hike towards the Phuyupatamarca archaeological site, «The city above the clouds».
- An approximate 3-hour descent to the campsite in Wiñayhuayna, enjoying a comforting tea and a special dinner with the team.
Day 4: Wiñayhuayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
- Wake up at 3:30 a.m., breakfast, and descent to the checkpoint to await the opening of the gates.
- A 1-hour and 30-minute hike to the Sun Gate (Intipunku) to get the first glimpse of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.
- A 40-minute descent towards the Machu Picchu citadel, the «Lost City of the Incas».
- Detailed guided tour through the most important areas of the complex with the Pakareqtampu Travel guide.
- Free time to explore on your own or take the optional hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (with prior reservation and additional cost).
- Bus transfer to Aguas Calientes (not included) and lunch at a local restaurant (not included).
- Return by train to Ollantaytambo and final transfer in a Pakareqtampu Travel van towards Cusco, culminating at Plaza Regocijo.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Wayllabamba
After enjoying a hearty breakfast and a comforting cup of coca tea, we will begin a hike of approximately 4 hours heading to the highest point of the entire route: the imposing Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,829 ft). Upon arrival, we will take a brief pause to admire the spectacular views that this sacred Andean place offers. Then, we will begin a 2-hour and 30-minute descent towards the Pacaymayo valley (3,600 m / 11,800 ft), where a well-deserved hot tea and a delicious freshly prepared dinner will await us. We will spend the night at our campsite, surrounded by the tranquility of the mountains.
Day 2: Wayllabamba – Paso de la Mujer Muerta – Pacaymayo
The Pakareqtampu Travel team will wake you up early with a cup of hot coca tea. This day will be the longest and most challenging, so we will enjoy a nutritious breakfast before starting the hike. We will advance surrounded by jungle vegetation and a series of impressive Inca archaeological sites. The first site we will visit will be the Runkurakay ruins (3,760 m / 12,300 ft). This complex stands out for its circular enclosures, something unusual in Inca architecture. After a brief rest, we will continue for approximately 1 hour to the pass of the same name, from where spectacular views can be appreciated. Then, we will descend for nearly 2 hours to the Sayacmarca archaeological site, located at an altitude of 3,600 m. Its structures resemble a labyrinth of houses, plazas with fountains, and narrow Inca streets. We will continue to our lunch spot in Chaquicocha, where we will have time to relax. After 2 hours and 30 minutes of hiking, we will arrive at the next archaeological site: Phuyupatamarca (3,600 m / 11,810 ft), known as «The city above the clouds.» Here you will find five stone baths that, during the rainy season, have fresh running water. From this point, we will begin a descent of approximately 3 hours to our campsite in Wiñayhuayna, where we will enjoy tea and then a special dinner, as it will be the last one with our entire team before saying goodbye to the porters.
Day 3: Pacaymayo – Abra Runcuracay – Chaquicocha – Wiñayhuayna
The Pakareqtampu Travel team will wake you up early with a cup of hot coca tea. This day will be the longest and most challenging, so we will enjoy a nutritious breakfast before continuing the hike. We will advance surrounded by jungle vegetation and a series of incredible Inca archaeological sites. The first site we will visit will be the Runkurakay ruins (3,760 m / 12,300 ft). Unlike other Inca structures, this complex stands out for its circular enclosures, something unusual in the design of Inca cities. After a brief rest, we will continue walking for approximately 1 hour towards the pass that bears the same name, from where we can appreciate impressive views. Then, we will descend for about 2 hours to the Sayacmarca archaeological site. These ruins, settled on a rocky path at an altitude of 3,600 m, resemble a labyrinth of houses, plazas with fountains, and narrow streets perfectly aligned. Afterward, we will continue to our lunch spot in Chaquicocha, where we will have time to relax. After 2 hours and 30 minutes of hiking, we will arrive at the Phuyupatamarca archaeological site (3,600 m / 11,810 ft), known as «The city above the clouds.» Here we will find five stone baths that during the rainy season maintain a constant flow of fresh water. From this point, we will begin a descent of approximately 3 hours to our campsite in Wiñayhuayna, where we will enjoy a comforting tea and a special dinner, as it will be the last night with our team before saying goodbye to the porters.
Day 4: Wiñayhuayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Today we will wake up at 3:30 a.m., have breakfast, and descend to the checkpoint. We will wait there for a little over an hour until the gates open. Once we pass the checkpoint, we will begin a 1-hour and 30-minute hike to the Sun Gate (Intipunku), the ceremonial entrance to Machu Picchu. We will catch our first glimpse of the majestic mountains of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. From there, we will descend for 40 minutes towards the citadel of Machu Picchu, the «Lost City of the Incas.» This complex is considered a jewel of Inca architecture, featuring neighborhoods, plazas, alleys, buildings, astronomical observatories, and terraces. The city was rediscovered on July 24, 1911, by the American researcher Hiram Bingham. The Pakareqtampu Travel guide will share detailed information about this sacred place and show us the most important areas. Afterwards, you will have free time to explore the archaeological site on your own. For those who have previously selected to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, the hike will take place at the assigned time (additional cost of US$ 65.00 per person; please check availability in advance). In the afternoon, we will take the bus to Aguas Calientes (not included) and have lunch at a local restaurant (not included). Then we will board the return train to Ollantaytambo, enjoying the views of the beautiful Sacred Valley along the way. Upon arriving at the Ollantaytambo station, the Pakareqtampu Travel team will pick you up in a van to return to Cusco, ending the experience at Plaza Regocijo. Please ask in advance for availability. The entrance cost to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain is US$ 65.00 per person.
Inclusions
Includes
- Official permit for the Inca Trail (in the passenger’s name and for a specific date).
- Passport change management only due to renewal (present new and old passport).
- Entrance to the Inca Trail for 4 days.
- Professional tour guide from Pakareqtampu Travel (English and Spanish), certified and with extensive experience.
- First aid kit and oxygen for basic emergencies.
- Assistance and evacuation if necessary.
- Accommodation at the campsite (comfortable tents).
- Foam mattress included.
- 3 breakfasts.
- 3 lunches.
- 3 snacks.
- 3 dinners.
- Professional chef and complete kitchen equipment.
- Dining tent and kitchen tent.
- Options for special diets (vegetarian, vegan, etc.).
- A cup of hot coca tea every morning.
- Boiled water available for coffee and tea at the campsites.
- Transfer from the hotel in Cusco to the starting point (Km 82) by Pakareqtampu Travel.
Does not include
- Lunch on the last day.
- Backpack transport from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes.
- Extra services and expenses.
We recommend bringing
- Trekking backpack.
- Hiking shoes.
- Thermal and light clothing.
- Sunscreen 70+ or higher.
- Insect repellent.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Sun hat and buff/neck gaiter.
- Waterproof trekking boots.
- Light footwear or sandals.
- Hiking pants and socks.
- Long-sleeve shirts.
- Shorts.
- Thermal jacket.
- Waterproof jacket / poncho.
- 15 to 25-liter backpack.
- Sleeping bag.
- Trekking poles.
- Flashlight.
- Camera with charger.
- Power bank.
- Personal hygiene products.
- Swimsuit.
- Towel.
