The classic Inca route: Patallacta, Warmiwañusca, Runcurakay, Wiñayhuayna and arrival to Machu Picchu through Inti Punku
We begin our journey early in the morning at 5:30 am after picking up all our passengers. We will head to Ollantaytambo, where those who wish can have breakfast or buy some candies and chocolates to help with the hike.
Then we continue to Km. 82 Piscacucho (2700 m), the location of the first checkpoint. The hike begins with a 2-hour walk to Patallacta (2750 m), an Inca archaeological site that will be explained by our guide.
After the visit, we hike for 45 minutes to have lunch prepared by our experienced chef. After lunch, we continue our hike for 1.5 hours to our campsite at Wayllabamba (3000 m).
There, after a well-deserved rest, we will have tea, then dinner and spend the night.
Distance: Km. 82 – Wayllabamba: 8 km / 4 hours
In the morning we will have breakfast at 5:30 am. We continue the hike for 45 minutes to the second checkpoint at Wayllabamba and then begin a gradual ascent of 1.5 hours (4 km) to our first rest stop called TRES PIEDRAS, where we can find restrooms and local vendors.
We continue the ascent for 1.5 hours (4 km) to our second rest stop at Llulluchapampa (3800 m). Then we continue the hike for 1 hour 45 minutes (4 km) to the Warmiwañusca Pass at 4215 m.
Then we descend for 2.5 hours to the Pacaymayo campsite (3600 m) where we will have tea, dinner, and spend the night.
Distance: 12 km – 8 hours
After breakfast we continue our hike. This section is 16 km, full of vegetation and numerous Inca archaeological sites.
The first archaeological site we will visit is Runcurakay (3750 m), located 45 minutes from the starting point, an Inca archaeological complex with watchtowers in a strategic surveillance location. Then we continue to Runcurakay Pass (3900 m) where we have a brief explanation of Inca culture.
We descend for 1.5 hours to the second archaeological site, Sayacmarca (an area difficult to ascend due to the steep steps). We continue for 25 minutes to the lunch point at Chaquicocha.
After lunch, we hike for 2.5 hours to the next archaeological site, Puyupatamarca (3750 m). We continue with a 3-hour descent down steps to our campsite at Wiñayhuayna, where we will have tea and a special farewell dinner for our porters.
Note: This campsite may be changed to Phuyupatamarca depending on availability. If we stay at Phuyupatamarca, on day 4 we will hike 3 hours downhill to Wiñayhuayna and another 2 hours to Machu Picchu, arriving around 11 am.
Distance: 16 km – 12 hours
This day we wake up at 3:30 am for breakfast. Then we descend to the checkpoint where we will wait for 1 hour 20 minutes. After passing the checkpoint, we hike for 1.5 hours to Inti Punku (Sun Gate), where we will rest for 20 minutes to enjoy the majestic view of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.
We begin the 1-hour descent to the Machu Picchu citadel. There we will take the classic photo and exit Machu Picchu.
We go down to the town of Aguas Calientes where you can have lunch at your own expense and visit the hot springs (optional). Then you will go to the train station to return to Ollantaytambo (14:55 or 21:50 depending on availability) and from there by tourist bus to Cusco (San Francisco Square).
Distance: Wiñayhuayna – Machu Picchu: 6 km – 3 hours
Return: Train 14:55 or 21:50 + bus Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
$680.00 USD
* Price per person in shared group
** Sleeping bag rental: $15.00 USD
*** Extra porter (14kg): $180.00 USD
**** Huayna Picchu: +$65.00 USD (subject to availability)
Everything you need to know before experiencing this unique 4-day adventure
As early as possible! The Inca Trail is the most popular trek in South America and the Peruvian government only allows 500 people per day (including guides, porters, and tourists).
High season (May - September): Tickets sell out 4 to 6 months in advance.
Low season (October - April): We recommend booking 2 to 3 months in advance.
We handle the entire ticket purchasing process once you confirm your reservation. Don't leave your adventure to chance!
The Classic Inca Trail has a MODERATE TO DIFFICULT difficulty level. It is a demanding trek but achievable for people in good physical condition.
Key facts:
Who can do it? People with mountain hiking experience, good cardiovascular health, and no knee problems. We recommend training 2-3 months in advance with long hikes and strength exercises.
Minimum recommended age: 12 years (accompanied by adults and in good physical condition).
Maximum age: No official limit, but people over 65 should consult their doctor and be in excellent physical condition.
Important medical restrictions:
Important: Altitude sickness can affect anyone, even if you are in good shape. We recommend arriving in Cusco 2-3 days before to acclimatize.
Essential documents:
Clothing and equipment (25-35 liter backpack):
Important: Porters will carry your main equipment (7 kg per person). You will only carry your daypack with the essentials!
Campsites:
Included logistics:
Important tips:
