Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4D/3N

Early in the morning, we will pick you up at your hotel and then go on a private bus to Piscacucho located at kilometer 82 (2,800 m / 9,186 ft), on the way we pass through the Sacred Valley, the towns of Urubamba and Ollantaytambo in here make a short stop for you to visit the local market and buy some supplies for the hike, then continue with our journey to Piscacucho. Upon arrival at Piscacucho Km. 82 pass the control to start the walk along the Urubamba River.

In this first section of the Inca Trail, visit the small community of Miskay (2,800 m / 9,186 ft), later we begin to ascend to a small plateau where we can delight with extraordinary Andean landscape and Inca construction known under the name Patallacta, located 2,750 m / 9,022 ft, in this place we can observe some farming terraces that were used to feed different places travelers taking this route to reach Machu Picchu.

Then we continue walking through a green area where it is very likely to see the giant hummingbird, after walking for about 2 hours we arrive at our first camp in the area Huayllabamba 3,000 m / 9,842 ft Huayllabamba is a small town surrounded by fields of corn, potato crops and other products, here we will have our first camp.

Note:

This first day is usually hot during the dry season (May to September), therefore it is recommended to wear light clothing, as well as a good sunscreen and a good hat or cap.

On this day we will have a great challenge, ascending the open Warmihuañusca to begin with we will have a refreshing breakfast then begin our trek toward the Valley Ayapata which took 1 hour to get to this sector, it is known for having a micro climate of high Andean valley. Then pass through a packed narrow trail vegetation, passing a small bridge that will take us through a cloud forest, with unsurpassed beauty to reach the highest point of Warmihuañusca, Quechua name that means “When the woman dies “, this point has a height of 4,200 m / 13,779 ft, along the climb will appreciate how the vegetation changes however this place is one of the most beautiful because once we have conquered the summit, we will be offset by a beautiful view of snowcapped peaks and Andean landscapes.

Then we descend along a winding valley to a point where we stop for lunch. During this journey you can observe various types of birds. We follow the path until you reach the Pacaymayu River Valley (3,600 m / 11,811 ft), where we will have our second camp.

For many visitors, this is one of the longest days, but at the same time one of the most beautiful, because of the presence of Inca constructions along the path. After a nutritious breakfast we will take our walk ascending a steep path. We will pass through a second open where the archaeological sites of Runkuracay (3,800 m / 12,467 ft) which takes its name from its unique shape of half circle. This semicircular shape allows protected from strong winds in the area. Then ascend towards Yanacocha (Black Lake) lagoon and then proceed to Sayaqmarca (3,600 m / 11, 811 ft), “The dominant people”, where we will see interesting Inca ruins, and will have a panoramic view of the valley of Acobamba, the only way to access these buildings is through a steep stone staircase. During the tour porConchamarka, a small archaeological site recently discovered is passed.

Then we continue uphill and we will reach the first tunnel along the road, then continue climbing until you reach the third and final open, where the people of Phuyupatamarca (3,665 m / 12.024 ft), “Town above the clouds” see which it is undoubtedly one of the most original along the Inca Trail citadels. It is located on the edge of a ravine. Here we will find many cultivation terraces and ceremonial fountains.

After visiting this site, we descend about 2,000 cobblestone stairs to the citadel of Wiñaywayna (2,700 m / 8,858 ft), which means “Forever Young”, the name derives thanks to the typical orchids that can be found throughout the year with flowers of red, yellow and violet. This is possibly the most attractive of all the palaces along the Inca Trail, and the last urban center before reaching Machu Picchu. It was built on the slopes of the mountains, is divided into four main parts: housing at the bottom, with over 20 buildings, the area holding the ritual fountains, the area of cultivation terraces and the tower area .

After exploring every corner of Wiñaywayna, we go to our last camp, which is located a few meters away. This will be the night when we bid farewell to our porters or staff of the tour, so at night a little party to thank everyone for sharing with the group this beautiful experience will be held.

On this last day, we get up early and then have breakfast and continue our walk, after three hours of walking, we reach the area Intipunku or Puerta del Sol (2,490 m / 8,169 ft). A small complex of small buildings that apparently seem to have been used as a control. It is an excellent opportunity to take panoramic pictures of the citadel of Machu Picchu. If the traveler has started to walk early, will come just before dawn, this is perhaps the best place and time to contemplate the majestic splendor of Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas.

For a long time it was thought that Machu Picchu was part of a legend, until 1911 the explorer American Hiram Bingham discovered Machu Picchu rises to a height of 2,430 m / 7,972 ft in the middle of a tropical forest, and a extraordinary location. It was certainly one of the most beautiful urban creations in the heyday Incaico. Its massive walls, terraces and ramps seem to be continuously cut naturally in the rocky cliffs.

Then descend to tour the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, we will have a guided by our guide about 2 hour tour, followed by a free time for you to enjoy this wonder of the world independently can visit Huayna Picchu (not included in the tour) .

Then descend by bus to Aguas Calientes (2,160 m / 7,087 ft), where you can visit the thermal baths of the town (entry 10 Soles is not included in the tour). Return to Cusco.