ITINERARY
DAY 1: CUSCO - KM82 - WAYLLABAMBA - YUNCACHIMPA
At 5:30 AM, we will leave Cusco and head towards the Sacred Valley. Our first stop will be in Ollantaytambo for breakfast, after which we will continue to kilometer 82. Upon arrival, we will coordinate the expedition and pass through the Inca Trail checkpoint. After crossing the Urubamba River (2200m), we will begin our trek along the legendary Inca Trail.
The first day's hike is easy. In Miskay, we'll have lunch on a small riverbank and learn about the Llactapata archaeological complex. After that, we'll continue our trek to Wayllabamba (3100m); we'll then ascend to Yuncachimpa, the campsite where we'll spend the night. From here, we have a great view of Nevado de la Verónica (5,682m).
* Hiking time: 6-7 hrs
DAY 02: YUNCACHIMPA – PACAYMAYU – CHAQUICOCHA
The second day is a "free day," meaning everyone should hike at their own pace. Early in the morning, we'll follow the trail to the Llulluchapampa Valley (3850m). For 3km, we'll enjoy the cloud forest and the sounds of the water. From Llulluchapampa, we'll continue hiking for 2-3 hours until we reach the highest and most challenging point of this section, Warmiwañusca (Death Pass). After a short break at the summit, we'll continue the trek with a long, steep ascent to the Pacaymayu River towards Runkurakay Pass (3050m), until we reach our campsite, Chaquicocha (3650m). Here, you can relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains.
* Hiking time: 5 - 6 hrs
DAY 03: CHAQUICOCHA - PHUYUPATAMARCA - WIÑAYHUAYNA
The third day is the most beautiful of the entire trek. You'll notice a change in the ecosystem as you hike through the Wiñayhuayna rainforest. Early in the morning, we'll pass two small lakes at the top of the second pass (3950 m); the ascent is gentle, passing through a small Inca tunnel, which offers a magnificent view over the Urubamba River and the Sacred Valley.
The nearest settlement is “Phuyupatamarca” (City Above the Clouds) at 3600m, a well-preserved site with long Inca baths where one can appreciate the impressive ancient engineering. We will pass through another Inca tunnel before visiting the Wiñayhuayna complex (Forever Young) at 2650m and climb the zigzag Inca staircase to reach the red-roofed, white-roofed building, where our final campsite will be located, including a hot water position (S5) and bottled drinks.
* Hiking time: 5 - 6 hrs
DAY 04: WIÑAYHUAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
4:00 AM Breakfast. We will head to the checkpoint to be among the first to begin our hike towards the Sun Gate and witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu. After a short descent, we will arrive at the famous citadel of Machu Picchu. We will begin our tour at the upper level, known as the Guardhouse, and visit the top of Circuit 1, a popular spot for taking the best photos of the citadel. Before descending, we will take the opportunity to leave any excess weight and get comfortable. Circuit 3, established by the Ministry of Culture, lasts 2.5 hours and allows us to visit the main attractions of Machu Picchu, such as temples, palaces, and work areas.
Then, we will take the bus that will take us to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you will have time for a delicious and restorative lunch, before taking the train back to the city of Cusco in the afternoon.
* Hiking time: 2 - 3 hrs
End of services .
OPTIONAL NET: Visit to Huayna Picchu between 10 and 11 am (USD 75.00)
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
Huayna Picchu NET (Subject to availability) 75.00 USD
Additional Carrier NET (4 days) 179.00 USD
RECOMMENDATIONS
Important: (**) The 2-person camping equipment includes: Doite, Cima 4 model, extra light/4kg; Doite, Kailas 3 model, extra light/4.5kg; and Doite, Himalaya model, extra light/4.5kg, a dining tent with a table and chairs, and a toilet tent. (***The porters for carrying the main luggage include all the dining, camping, and kitchen equipment.)
Bring a backpack with a rain cover, face masks, alcohol or gel, gloves, pulse oximeter, portable oxygen if needed, towel, medications and personal hygiene items, sandals, sneakers or hiking shoes, flashlight with batteries and spare bulbs, hat or cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent (recommended with 40% or more DEET), clothing for hot and cold weather such as a waterproof jacket, rain pants and/or lightweight pants, swimwear (for swimming in Aguas Calientes), binoculars, camera, daypack and small backpack, plastic bags, sleeping bag, some snacks such as chocolate bars and dried fruit, your original passport, ISIC student card, and money for extra expenses.
