Inca Trail Trekking

If possible, we highly recommend spending two nights in Cusco before your trek begins in order to acclimate. The night before your trip begins, our guide will come to your hotel to discuss the logistics for our upcoming trek.

Cusco to Ollantaytambo and Trek to Huayllabamba

Leaving Cusco early, we’ll travel approximately 2 hours by vehicle through the Sacred Valley to reach the road’s end past the ancient city of Ollantaytambo. At our destination, simply known as Kilometer 82 (~8,500 ft), we meet the rest of our team, who will assist us with our journey along the Inca Trail.

We start our trek escorted by our guide and porters, going through semi-arid terrain alongside the Urubamba River with magnificent views of snow-capped mountains and the river below.

After a couple of hours on the trail, we arrive at our first of many Inca sites – Llactapata and Patallacta. Here we turn up a side canyon, leaving the Urubamba River valley, and set off up the Cusichaca River toward our first campsite at Huayllabamba (~9,850 ft above sea level).

Today will have been a relatively easy day, as much of the trail follows the Urubamba River without gaining significant elevation. It’s a great warm-up, helping us acclimate to both the altitude and our surroundings. The scenery of the river, flora, ruins, and mountains high above won’t disappoint, as the anticipation of the trail ahead keeps us excited at every turn. (L, D)

Hiking Distance / Time: ~7 miles / 6 hours

Huayllabamba to Pacaymayo

We awake to the sound of the nearby stream, ready to face our trek’s greatest challenge – the ascent to Warmihuanusca Pass. We’ll have time to relax with a cup of coffee or hot tea as our support team prepares breakfast. Once we’ve eaten and our day packs are loaded, we set off along the trail, which immediately begins to ascend up the canyon toward the high peaks of the pass.

After a steady climb this morning, our breaking point for lunch is a terraced slope high in the canyon, with magnificent views of our path below. On a clear day, Veronica Mountain is a prominent presence across the valley. After lunch, we move steadily up the trail, taking our time to allow our lungs to capture as much oxygen as possible in the thin air. As we gain elevation, the saddle of Warmihuanusca Pass comes into view. Eventually, we reach our goal and stand together at the highest point of the trek (~13,828 ft).

Descending the other side, we travel along the ancient path, marveling at the work involved in laying the stone pathway we follow. The trail meanders down the canyon, finally arriving at tonight’s camp in a place called Pacaymayo (~11,810 ft). (B, L, D)

Hiking Distance / Time: ~5.5 miles / 8 hours

Pacaymayo to Phuyupatamarca

We’ll continue on our journey along the pathway to Machu Picchu. From our camp, the Inca Trail climbs to the circular ruins of Runkurakay, a small outpost used as a resting place and for monitoring travel along the trail by the Inca people. The trail continues to climb steadily to our second of three passes, reaching ~12,790 ft in elevation. From here, we have great views of the valley ahead.

As we descend into the next valley, the stonework of the trail and its ability to endure for centuries continues to fascinate us. We follow each stone laid before us and approach the ruins of Sayacmarca atop a tall flight of stairs. Here, we will stop and explore for a short time. The name Sayacmarca means ‘Inaccessible Town’ and describes the position of the ruins perfectly, protected on three sides by sheer cliffs. From here, the stone trail enters a more jungle-like climate as the forest becomes more humid and the flora more dense. Soon we come upon The Tunnel, where the Incas built the trail through a natural cavity created by a landslide.

Upon reaching our third and final pass (~11, 900 ft), the trail brings us to our final camp perched above the Phuyupatamarca Ruins. From here, if the sky is clear, we will have magnificent views of the spiritual Salkantay Mountain and other far-off glaciers. And, for the first time, we can see the ridge line that is home to Machu Picchu. (B, L, D)

Hiking Distance / Time: ~6 miles / 7 hours

Phuyupatamarca to Machu Picchu

We awake on our perch above the jungle below, surrounded by the impressive and jagged Andean mountains. From here, the trail descends steeply and takes us through the nearby ruins, then traverses the mountainside high above the Urubamba River valley. We arrive at Intipata Ruins, a wonderful example of the terraced agricultural landscapes created by the Inca for the acclimatization of their crops.

After lunch, we may get to visit the impressive ruins of Wiñay Wayna, which consists of upper and lower house complexes connected by a staircase and fountain structures. From here, the trail clings to the steep hillside before turning up a steep, almost vertical incline of stone steps. The ascent seems almost surreal, as four days of hiking can be felt in our muscles, and the near-vertical pitch has us reaching with our hands toward the stairs in front of us. Upon reaching the top, we’re greeted by a sign that reads Inti Punku or the Sun Gate.

From here, your view of Machu Picchu sanctuary is excellent, as the Sun Gate provides an overlook of the entire landscape. After taking it all in, we slowly descend through the intricate stonework of the many civilizations before us – the Inca Empire and generations before. We’ll make our way to the exit for a shuttle ride to Aguas Calientes and our night’s accommodation. (B, L, D)

Hiking Distance / Time: ~6 miles / 7 hours

Machu Picchu and Cusco

We’ll get an early start this morning to make the most of our time at Machu Picchu. Here, high above the Urubamba River, our guide will lead us on a tour of the extraordinary Lost City of the Incas.

For an additional cost, you may choose to climb Huayna Picchu—a steep, vertical hike that takes about 2 hours and affords great views of the sanctuary. Be sure to request this well in advance, as tickets are limited.

After our guided exploration of the sanctuary, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch. You’re free to dine at the restaurant of your choice before we meet for the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private vehicle awaits to return us to Cusco and your hotel. (B)

Accommodations this evening and return airport transfer are not included. OARS can arrange extra nights of lodging in Cusco, airport transfers, and additional tours of the region for before and/or after your Machu Picchu hiking adventure. Contact your Adventure Consultant for more details.