4 Days Sacred Trek Inca Trail to Machu Picchu from Cusco

Early in the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and we will travel with our experienced guides and shamans to Piscacucho, the trailhead for the trek.

Once there, you’ll participate in a traditional Andean Blessing ceremony to guarantee safe passage before starting on your journey.

We’ll cross the bridge over the Urubamba River and walk along the south bank, shortly arriving at Miskay and ascending to the highest part of the look-out, the impressive Inca city of Llactapata. We’ll continue through the valley created by the Cusichaca River and climb gradually until we reach Wayllabamba, our first campsite.

We’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Vilcanota Ridgeline on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, where the impressive 5832m Veronica Peak reigns supreme, while also observing the diversity of flora and fauna that can be found throughout the valley.

After a traditional Andean breakfast, we begin the most difficult part of the trek.

As we climb, the landscape changes from sierra to puna (a high, dry grassland with little other vegetation). On the way to the first mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuañusca (“Dead Woman’s Pass”), we’ll see domesticated llamas and alpacas and cross an area of cloud forest, the habitat for many different kinds of birds, such as hummingbirds and sparrows.

Immediately after the pass, we’ll descend into the Pacaymayo Valley and enjoy a large traditional Peruvian dinner and culinary explanation from the lead chef.

Prepare yourself for the longest and most impressive day of your trek.

The climb from Pacaymayo takes us to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay, and a stop at the Runkurakay archaeological complex consisting of a small oval watchtower.

After going over the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest to arrive at Sayacmarca, a beautiful complex made up of semicircular constructions, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals.

Continuing up a gentle ascent, we’ll arrive at the third pass, Abra Phuyupatamarca, meaning “Town over the clouds.” Our guides will take you on a short tour of the site, fully immersing you in the ethereal mists and energy of the site. Lose yourself in the moment here.

We’ll next descend the long stone stairways that lead you to Winay Wayna, an impressive Inca complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, plus religious and urban sectors.

After exploring the site, we’ll enjoy our farewell dinner at our nearby camp.

On this fourth and last day, we’ll leave Wiñay Wayna before dawn to climb up to Inti Punku (“The Sun Gate”).

From this holy gateway, we’ll witness the first rays of sun beaming over the mountains and shining down onto the citadel of Machu Picchu.

We descend from Inti Punku to Machu Picchu and enter the citadel through the “House of the Guardians.”

Next begins a guided spiritual tour of this sacred Inca citadel, including a climb up to Huayna Picchu and visit to the Temple of the Moon.

Following this day full of winding stairways, trails and exploration of one of the world’s greatest wonders, we’ll meet in the town of Aguas Calientes.

From here we board the train back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel after nightfall.

* The Departure and arrival times are approximate. ** Campsites are subject to change according to the designation of the governmental institution that regulates the use of the Inca Trail as well as to our guide’s criteria and the group progress.