Inkatrail to Machu Picchu

• Early morning pick up from hotel in Cusco and approximately 3 hours drive to Chilca.

• Start of the trek leading first to the ruins of Huillca Raccay and then to Llactapata (2650 m).

• Continue downhill to the Cusichaca river. During the trek we can enjoy a beautiful view of the Cordillera Urubamba and the snow-capped Mount Veronica (5860 m).

• Following the river we reach our camp in Huayllabamba (grassy plain, 3000 m) in the afternoon. Since the night camps are determined by the cultural institute, there may also be another camp nearby.

• Walking time: about 5 hours. Meals: lunch, dinner. Overnight: Tent camp. 

Day 2: from Huayllabamba to Pacaymayo

• After breakfast, a seven-hour hike begins. First along the Llulluchayoc river for about an hour uphill to «Tres Piedras» (Three Stones), crossing the Huayruro River on a narrow bridge to Polylepis forests and a waterfall.

• After another three hours of climbing we reach the tree line and Llulluchapampa (3680 m).

• Another 1½ hour ascent to the first and highest pass of the hike, the «Abra de Huarmiwañusca» at 4200 m. The weather up here can be very changeable.

• The descent leads steeply into the valley on old Inca steps.

• In the afternoon we reach our night camp in Pacaymayo (3600 m).

• Hiking time: about 7 hours. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: Tent camp. 

Day 3: from Pacaymayo to Wiñay Huayna

• From Pacaymayo it's an initial climb of about an hour to the ruins of Runcuracay.

• After another 45 minutes we reach the 2nd pass, the «Abra de Runkuracay» (4000 m). The descent that follows is quite steep.

• Then we walk uphill on ancient Inca steps to the ruins of Sayacmarca (unreachable site, 3580 m) protected by sheer cliffs.

• The path leads further up to the third pass (3700 m). From the pass we have an amazing view of the snow-capped mountains Salkantay (6180 m) and Veronica (5860 m).

• The next destination are the ruins of Puyupatamarca (city in the clouds), which we will take a closer look at.

• After about an hour of hiking on a path with many stone steps through a cloud forest, we reach Wiñay Wayna (2650 m).

• Here we set up camp for the night.

• Hiking time: about 7 hours. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: Tent camp.

Day 4: from Wiñay Huayna to Machu Picchu, return to Cusco

• After breakfast at 4:30 h about 1½ hour hike to Inti Punku (Sun Gate). With a bit of luck, you can watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu from here.

• Arrival at Machu Picchu around 8 h.

• Guided tour of Machu Picchu. Then some free time to explore on your own.

• By bus or on foot down to Aguas Calientes.

• Possibility to have lunch (not included), up in Machu Picchu or down in Aguas Calientes.

• In the afternoon, return to Cusco by train from Aguas Calientes.

• Transfer to the hotel.

• Hiking time: about 3 hours. Meals: breakfast.