Inca Trail Peru

This day is the most challenging and high-altitude day on the Inca Trail, with an 11 km steep rise. Pack the day bag with lots of chocolates or candy to maintain blood sugar levels and prevent altitude sickness.

After breakfast, we begin our demanding day with a sharp climb to the Warmi wañusca Pass, the Dead Woman’s Pass (4,200m/13,776ft). Along this path, the surroundings transform into a mountainous terrain where we may see local alpacas and llamas grazing on the Ichu grass.

We walk downwards on a meandering trail that skirts around the valley next to our next campground. Additionally, we pass through a region known as the cloud forest, home to various species, including sparrows, hummingbirds, and the Andean bear, also known as the spectacled bear.

After 6 hours of trekking, we descend into the valley of Paqaymayu (3,500m/11,480ft), where we find our campsite. Enjoy a wonderful meal and rest after an exhausting day.

Overnight in camp.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Distance estimate: 11 km (6,84 miles)
Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours

We continue down the Inca Trail’s longest and most spectacular route following breakfast. Numerous ancient monuments, lush cloud forests, and thriving wildlife and flora of the Andes. We go from Paqaymayu to Abra Runkurakay (3,955m/12,975ft), the second pass.

About halfway up the Inca route, we will come across the ruins of Runkurakay, a semi-circular Inca dwelling with a view of the Paqaymayu valley. After a brief stay, we continue into the Cloud Forest to the Sayacmarca Archaeological Site.

Continuing the walk, we reach Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft) and descend to Phuyupatamarca, commonly known as “the town in the clouds,” where we may explore this incredible Inca remnant.
We descend a long stone stairway to Wiñayhuayna (2,700m/8,858ft), an impressive Inca town with a vibrant agricultural complex, urban sector, and religious center near our camp.

It is the final official camp before Machu Picchu. Get enough sleep to see the magnificent sunrise at Machu Picchu.

Overnight in camp.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Distance estimate: 16 km (9,94 miles)
Estimated walking time: 7-8 hours

At around 04:00 am, we have breakfast and continue on the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, the last part of the journey, so we arrive at the Sun Gate by 06:00 am.

After 40 minutes of walking, we arrive at Machu Picchu (2,430m/7,972ft) via the “House of the Guardians.” Machu Picchu (2,430m/7,972ft) was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.

Around 08:30 am, the guided tour begins; the guide expertly directs through the astounding ruins and its main streets. Then wander around the town squares and climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone. Machu Picchu is considered the world’s spiritual center by esoteric wisdom.
The guided tour takes around two hours and 30 minutes.

From 12:30 pm to 13:30, take the bus to Aguas Calientes.
From 13:30 to 15:00, take lunch at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes.
Return to Cusco: Later in the day, board the train to return to Cusco. Arrive at Poroy station and then be picked up and transported to the Cusco hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Expedition train — Aguas Calientes (15:20) – Cusco (19:05)

Distance estimate: 4 km (2,49 miles)
Estimated walking time: 2 hours

* The camping places may vary; the Ministry of Culture assigns these according to availability.
** We attempt to book tickets on this train. However, we may need to book an alternative service if the timetable changes or the trains are unavailable.