Experience one of the most spectacular routes to Machu Picchu on the historic 4-day Inca Trail. Hike through Andean landscapes, cloud forests, and ancient archaeological sites, including Wiñay Wayna. The trek culminates at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), offering your first view of Machu Picchu. A unique experience combining adventure, nature, and history.
This exciting Inca Trail adventure begins bright and early with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco (those located in the historic center) around 4:30 a.m. If you’re staying in the Sacred Valley, we’ll pick you up a little later, around 6:00 a.m. Our first stop will be in Ollantaytambo, where you’ll enjoy breakfast while admiring the mountains surrounding the valley. This will also be your last chance to purchase anything you might need for the trek.
From there, we’ll continue to Km 82, the starting point of our trek to Machu Picchu. There you’ll meet the team that will make this experience possible: our chef, the porters, and, of course, our expert guides, who will accompany you throughout the entire route.
The hike begins with a leisurely two-hour stretch to Willkarakay, where we’ll pause to enjoy the view of the first archaeological site: Llactapata, visible from a nearby viewpoint. Next, we’ll continue for another two hours to the picturesque village of Hatunchaca, where our team will welcome you with a delicious lunch prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
With our energy replenished, we’ll hike for another two hours to our first campsite in Ayapata, located at 3,300 meters. There, you’ll find your tent already set up, ready for you to rest. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner before a well-deserved rest, preparing you for the next day’s adventure.
We’ll start the day with a hot coffee or coca tea right in your tent. After a nutritious breakfast, the most challenging section of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu awaits: a 4-hour hike to Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point of the trek (4,215 m). Don’t worry, we’ll take a well-deserved break at the summit to enjoy the scenery and participate in a traditional ceremony offered by our guide to the Apus, the mountain spirits.
Afterward, we’ll hike down for two hours to the Pacaymayo Alto Valley, where a delicious lunch awaits. After refueling, we’ll have a gentler two-hour ascent to Runkurakay Pass, located at 4,000 m. Along the way, we’ll explore two fascinating Inca sites: Runkurakay and Sayacmarca.
Our day will conclude at the second campsite, Chaquicocha, at an altitude of 3,600 meters. Here, you can marvel at a beautiful sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range before dinner. At night, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the constellations – the perfect place for stargazing!
Once you’ve conquered the most challenging part of the Inca Trail, you can relax and enjoy the most pleasant and exciting day. Today’s route is incredibly varied and consists of a 5-hour hike to the final campsite. Along the way, you’ll traverse diverse ecosystems, such as the lush cloud forest, and enjoy magnificent panoramic views of Salkantay Mountain, the second highest peak in Cusco.
We’ll visit two Inca archaeological sites: Phuyupatamarca, known as the “City in the Clouds,” with spectacular views of the Urubamba River and Machu Picchu Mountain; and Intipata, or the “Terraces of the Sun,” where you’ll have time to rest and soak in the magical surroundings.
We’ll arrive at the campsite just in time for lunch, relaxation, rest, following the llamas, or a refreshing shower. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the impressive Inca site of Wiñaywayna, where you’ll learn about its history and explore its incredible terraces.
Finally, we’ll return to the camp to share tea, dinner, and a surprise farewell.
On our last day of the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, we’ll wake up very early for the highlight of your TreXperience: visiting Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. We’ll head straight to the checkpoint and wait for it to open at 5:30 a.m. As dawn breaks, we’ll hike for an hour to the Sun Gate (Intipunku) and enjoy breathtaking views. If the sky is clear, you’ll witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu—an unforgettable spectacle.
After admiring the view, we’ll descend gently for an hour to Machu Picchu and explore Circuit 1, the best spot for panoramic photos. We’ll then continue to the main entrance, where you’ll find restrooms, a cafeteria, and the official checkpoint.
After checking in, we’ll tour Machu Picchu along Circuit 3, visiting its most exclusive areas, including temples, palaces, water fountains, and observatories, guided by our experts. If you’re looking for more adventure, you can climb Huayna Picchu (tickets must be booked in advance). Afterward, you’ll take the bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch, and then the Vistadome scenic train back to Ollantaytambo. There, the TreXperience team will meet you as you disembark the train and transfer you by van to your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. We’ll arrive in Cusco around 7:30 p.m.
