Inca Trail Express

Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Piscacucho - Wayllabamba. Arrive in Cusco the day before the start of the tour, and you will be picked up from your accommodation. We depart early this morning for the Inca Trail. We leave Cusco at 5:30 AM and travel through the Sacred Valley towards Ollantaytambo.

Here, you can have breakfast at your own expense and pick up any last-minute supplies such as snacks, water, or walking sticks before continuing to Piscacucho, the starting point of the Inca Trail.

Our trek begins alongside the Vilcanota River as we follow the ancient trail through changing Andean landscapes while learning about the history of the route once used by the Incas to reach Machu Picchu.

Along the way, we pass several archaeological sites hidden within the mountains and stop for lunch surrounded by the scenery of the Andes. We then continue through the valley to reach our first campsite at Wayllabamba, where we settle in for the evening beneath the towering peaks of the Peruvian highlands.

Please note: ensure you bring your passport, as this is required for entry to the trail. Inca Trail Trek permits are included in your booking. These permits are highly sought-after and tend to sell out quickly. To secure your spot, we strongly recommend booking in advance.

Altitude: 2,980m.
Trekking Distance: 10 kilometers (approx. 6 hours)
Difficulty: Moderate, with a gradual ascent on rolling terrain.

Wayllabamba - Pacaymayu. We have an early start this morning, enjoying breakfast at around 6:00 AM before setting out on the most challenging section of the Inca Trail.

Today's trek takes us on a steep 6-kilometre ascent towards Dead Woman's Pass, the highest point of the trail at 4,215 metres. The climb takes approximately five hours, allowing plenty of time to walk at a comfortable pace and take in the spectacular Andean scenery along the way.

At the summit, we are rewarded with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, cascading waterfalls, and the surrounding mountain landscape.

From Dead Woman's Pass, we descend for around 3 kilometres along ancient Inca stone steps to Pacaymayu Camp at 3,600 metres, a journey of approximately two hours.

After arriving at camp, we enjoy a well-earned lunch and have time to relax and take in the peaceful surroundings of the Andes. The remainder of the afternoon is free to rest and reflect on the day's achievement before gathering for dinner and an early night.ther for dinner before settling in for an early night ahead of another day on the trail.

Distance: 10 kilometers (approx. 7 hours).
Difficulty: Difficult, with a 1,200-meter ascent to Dead Woman’s Pass and a 800-meter descent to Pacaymayu Camp.

Pacaymayu - Wiñay Wayna. This morning, we begin with a one-hour uphill hike to explore the archaeological site of Pacaymayu and learn more about the history of the Inca civilisation.

We then continue for approximately another hour to reach Runquracay Pass at 3,950 metres, where panoramic views stretch across the surrounding Andean peaks.

Throughout the day, we visit the impressive archaeological sites of Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca with our guide, discovering the significance of these ancient settlements and their role along the route to Machu Picchu.

After lunch, we continue along a scenic section of the trail, passing through changing landscapes as the high mountain terrain gradually gives way to high jungle vegetation.

By late afternoon, we arrive at Wiñay Wayna Camp at 2,650 metres, perched above a picturesque river valley in the heart of the high jungle. Following dinner, we take time to thank the porters and guides whose hard work and support have helped make this journey possible.

Distance: 15 kilometers (approx. 9 hours).
Difficulty: Moderate, with a mix of ups and downs along ancient Inca stairways.

Winay Wayna - Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo - Cusco. We rise early at around 3:30-4:30 AM and enjoy breakfast before setting out for the final stage of our Inca Trail adventure.

We make our way to the Wiñay Wayna checkpoint, where we wait for the gates to open at 5:30 AM before beginning the final hike towards the Sun Gate.

After around an hour on the trail, we reach Inti Punku, also known as the Sun Gate. If the weather is clear, we witness the first morning light illuminating the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu - one of the most unforgettable moments of the journey.

From here, we continue for around 40 minutes down to the Machu Picchu archaeological complex, where we enjoy an approximately two-hour guided tour exploring the history, architecture, and significance of this remarkable Inca site.

After the guided visit, you have free time to explore the ruins further, take photographs, and soak up the atmosphere before returning to Aguas Calientes. If booked in advance, you may also choose to complete the optional hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.

Later, we return to Aguas Calientes to board the train to Ollantaytambo, before continuing by bus to Cusco. We arrive back in Cusco at approximately 8:00 PM and are dropped off at Plaza San Francisco, from where you can make your own way to your accommodation.

Distance: 7 kilometers (approx. 2 hours).
Difficulty: An easy, flat, and narrow 7 KM path from Wiñay Wayna High Jungle Camp (2,650m) to the Sun Gate (2,720m), descending into the magnificent Machu Picchu (2,400m).