THE ACIENT INCA TRAIL

Early in the morning, we enjoy the tranquil Plaza of Ollayantaytambo, located deep in the heart of the Sacred Valley. We can explore the Inca site or simply enjoy the morning in this picturesque town. We have lunch here before we head off on the track road leading from Ollantaytambo to Km82, this is our check point at the start of the trek.

The trail follows the river valley for a while; this day is a good training day before the second more challenging day. Our campsite is Patallacta which used to be an important Inca construction along the Inca Trail. this is just the beginning of a holy trail full of sanctuaries.

Start Height: 2670 masl / 8761 ft.

Max Height: 2788masl / 9146ft.

Approximate Walking time: 4 hrs

Meals: L, D. Snacks

After a good nights sleep and a beautiful breakfast we will climb through the Cusichaca Valley. Its a hot and humid ascent with a beautiful landscape, with interesting flora and fauna. We will walk accompanied by locally indigenous hummingbirds.

Today is a challenging day but not very long, and is a great preparation for the following days ascent to the highest pass of the Inca Trail. We spend tonight at the Llulluchapampa campsite a half way point towards tomorrows Mountain Pass.

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Start Height: 2788masl / 9146ft.

Max Height: 3680masl / 12073ft.

Approximate Walking time: 6 - 7 hrs

Meals: B, L, D. Snacks

With the sun shining we will follow the Inca Trail to Warmiwañusta (Dead Woman's Pass). This is our high mountain pass 4212masl. It is all uphill until we reach the summit and then we follow a beautiful stone trail. We continue along this ancient trail passing small ponds, over mountain passes, caves and forest, and surrounded by sweet songbirds.This trail will guide us to our second high pass. Today is gruelling but after our second high pass of the ​day at 3970m/13022ft, our lunch stop awaits

After a fulfilling and well-earned lunch the next two hours before our campsite of Phuyupatamarca is quite possibly the most memorable section of an original cobblestoned Inca Trail. The scenery is unbelievable and if the weather permits, we may see Apu Salkantay and the Vilcabamba mountain range! Along this section we have the best chance to spot indigenous birds such as Tanagers, as well amazing orchids, a variety of ferns, essentially a plethora of flora and fauna to delight and amaze.

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We camp tonight at Phuyupatamarca (Quechua for ‘town over the clouds’) a befitting name as this spectacular campsite is situated up above the clouds, a great welcome for a nice quiet night.

Start Height: 3627 masl / 11900 ft.

Max Height: 4212masl / 13819 ft.

Approximate Walking time: 9-10 hrs

Day Distance: 12 Km / 7,5 Ml

Meals: B, L, D. Snacks

While everybody else arrives rushing into Machu Picchu we take the leisurely approach, behind all the crowds. This exciting morning eager to see Machu Picchu after such a long way, we will gradually approach Inti Punku, the famous Sungate. This is the main original entrance to Machu Picchu, where we catch our first glimpse of the citadel from afar. The Sungate is probably the most stunning part of the trail.

Today is for tantalizing our Inca taste buds! We will see just a little part of Machu Picchu, in anticipation of our full afternoon tour tomorrow. We take the bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes where our hotel and a nice shower will be waiting for us. Later we dine together as a group with our guide, exchange trek tales and congratulate each other, we have completed the Inca Trail! We have a big day tomorrow.

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Start Height: 3688 masl / 12100 ft.

Max Height: 3688 masl / 12100 ft.

Approximate Walking time: 6 hrs

Day Distance: 10.9 km / 6,8 ml

Meals: B, L, D. Snacks

Accommodation:Hatun Inti Classic or similar

Good Morning! Rested and enthusiastic for our ultimate day we have the option to relax this the morning or have a wander round the town.

Today we will lunch early in one of Aguas Calientes’ excellent restaurants in order to arrive to the Citadel in good time for our full afternoon tour. Accompanied by our guide, we take a 25 minute bus ride to the sanctuary of Machupicchu (2400m / 7874ft). Our guide will lead us in a tour of exploration and discovery of the many curious corners within this enigmatic Citadel. Our guided tour will have an average duration of 2 hours.

Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu

If you feel like you could take on another uphill challenge, you have the option to climb the famous mountain of Huayna Picchu this morning, pre afternoon tour. It is important to mention that to climb this mountain, you need to buy a separate ticket in advance. Please confirm that you want to make this climb at the time of making your booking with us. The trail consists of many steep narrow steps (not recommended for people who suffer vertigo), the height of the mountain is 2700m / 8858ft (the climb is 300 m.) We will climb Huayna Picchu at 10am. The route is around 3 hours round trip. We will then exit Machu Picchu citadel and have our lunch at Sanctuary Lodge just outside the entrance to the Citadel. After lunch we re-enter the citadel at 2pm for our guided tour of the citadel itself.

As the site closes for the day at 5:30pm we bus back down to Aguas Calientes. We then have a charming train journey back to Ollantaytambo and time to reflect on, quite possibly, one of the most amazing experiences of your life. Our private transport will be waiting to take us back to your hotel.

Meals: B, L.