Deluxe Classic Inca Trail – 4 Days

Your adventure will start early morning, when one of our experienced guides picks you up from your hotel in Cusco. We recommend you to have some breakfast there or bring some with you in order to be energized for our first exciting day. Our first stop is by car: picturesque Ollantaytambo (2792 mts/9160.1 ft). The Andes town is one of the oldest in this area. It has continuously been inhabited for nearly 800 years and is located in the middle of the magical Sacred Valley of the Incas. After a short stroll through the streets, a last visit to the supermarket, or a chat with the locals, we will make our way to Kilometer 82.

A 40 minutes ride separates us from our next destination: Piscacucho (2675 mts/8776.3 ft) situated at Kilometer 82 is our last halt before we officially start our way up the steep and rocky paths through the untouched nature. Our guide and staff will give you a final briefing and make sure you are good to go. In case you need walking sticks let us know in advance. We will equip you with a pair and give you guidance on how to use them properly.

Once you are set we are ready to start our incredible hike following the traces of Inkas, setting foot on paths the ancient culture used back in their days, through steep mountain passes and brightly shining vegetation. Being surrounded by stunning scenery the first four hours will pass like no time. Soon we arrive at the the Tarayoc site (2675 mts/8776.3 ft) where we will recharge our energy with a succulent lunch.

After two more hours of hiking our campsite will be waiting for us at Wayllabamba (2970 mts/9744.1 ft). Finally, your cook will prepare dinner with regional, organic ingredients for you. After a long first day you have earned your night under the tranquility of the Andes` stars, and your comfortable bed is waiting for you in your tent.

After you regained your strengths with a good night sleep and a generous breakfast, our hike continues towards the Ravine of Ayapata (3328 mts/10918.7 ft). Suddenly you will find yourself on a path surrounded by thousands of large trees and a stream with water crystal clear. This trail leads us further into the woods up to a clearing three hours later, leaving us with spectacular views of the humid Andean forest. While you are enjoying the panorama at Llulluchapampa (3760 mts/12335.9 ft) and catch a glimpse of the Warmiwañusca Pass (also known as the Dead Woman’s Pass for its appearance of a woman lying on her side), we will prepare a picnic lunch for you and grant you some rest.

When you feel rested we will wander further uphill. Our goal: Magnificent views over the landscapes from the top of the Warmiwañusca Pass. On this part of the trail the steps are plastered into the mountain to keep rock and soil from abrasion. Once you made the last step you can be proud of yourself. You made it to the highest point of our hike located at 4215 mts/13828.7 ft. Don’t be shy, shoot some photos in heroic poses. You definitely deserve it.

For a change we will descent again. 700 meters down to 3500 mts/11482.9 ft or about two hours later we will reach our final campsite for today. A rich dinner will await you. Later on, lay in your comfortable bed, wondering what the next day will bring.

Before we start our way to more exciting trails and incredible landscapes, we will make sure your batteries are at full power while having a nourishing breakfast is prepared and our excitement rises for the upcoming. A well-kept slope will lead us to the ancient Inca ruins of Runkurakay, where we learn more about the mystic circular shape located just at the edge of the mountain. And only an hour later another impressive view awaits you. The so called Runkurakay Pass keeps incredible views over the whole valley and your progress lies in plain sight: In between the steep rocks and green treetops most of the Inca trail is seen.

Continuing the path downhill we will pass a gorgeous lake covered in seaweed, while the winds attracts increasing attention at the hillside. A zig-zag shaped road takes us further down to the impressive remains of former Inca town Sayacmarca (3585 mts/11761.8 ft). While your hunger to learn more about the Incas gets allayed by our experts, the rest of our staff makes sure your growling stomach gets satisfied. After your tour a gourmet lunch awaits you in the impressive valley of Chaquicocha (3535 mts/11597.8 ft).

When everyone is pleased, we will pass a small tunnel made of stone where we can witness incredible views of sheer rocks reaching further than our eyes can perceive. About 2.5 hours after lunch we will reach our campsite Phuyupatamarca (3670 mts/12040.7 ft). This afternoon you will have enough time to disconnect relaxing at your bedroom tent, before enjoying dinner. Since this is the final day of some of our crew, we suggest to share a last toast and compare all the photos we have taken. Cheers, Skol, Prost or as we say in Peru: Salud!

Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy. A succulent breakfast awaits us at 4:30am. Why so early? We have a long but likewise incredible day just ahead of us. Be ready for plenty of exceptional plants, colorful orchids and beautiful birds. Three hours later the first stunning archeological site for today awaits us: Wiñaywayna (2650 mts/8694.2 ft), Quechuan for “Forever Young”. A hint to the marvellous orchids being spread throughout the forest. Steep stairs over a course of 1.5 hours lead to Intipunku (2750 mts/9022.3 ft), also called the “Sun’s Gate”.

The sunrise shining it’s red morning light on unimaginable landscapes of pure beauty, peaks of sheer rocks and in the distance: Machu Picchu (2430 mts/7972.4 ft), the lost city of the Incas. After embracing the rising sun over the ruins of the Inca town are just an hour of walking distance. And then, the moment you have waited for. You are entering the gates of Machu Picchu, surrounded by steep rock walls and lush vegetation, the most famous sight of this continent will not fail to impress you. A guide will give you a complete tour, answering all your questions, explaining everything about the citadels secrets and myths and showing you its unique construction. And yes, there will be plenty of time to take the perfect photo and discover Machu Picchu on your own. When you are satisfied with you visit, a delightful lunch included in our program.

After you have enjoyed lunch, you will be going back to Aguas Calientes in a 30-minute bus ride to board your wagon to Poroy train station. After your arrival, you will be transferred back by our View Latin America representative in our private vehicle for a 40 min ride to your Cusco hotel After all the experiences of the past days, all the fascinating landscapes, the vivid rainforest and local coffee plantations, after visiting Machu Picchu, we are sure you will have gained memories for a lifetime.