Description of Classic Inca Trail + Transfers 7 days

This Inca Trail adventure is a journey like no other. Trek along ancient stone paths, pass through Inca tunnels, and marvel at snow-capped peaks, lush cloud forests, and vibrant flora perfect for photo stops. Each step brings you closer to archaeological wonders steeped in history and surrounded by breathtaking wild landscapes. As you approach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), feel the excitement build until you finally stand before the crown jewel of the Inca Empire: the majestic Machu Picchu. This unforgettable experience will leave you in awe of the Inca legacy and the beauty of the Andes.

Tour Details

  • Tour type: Trekking, culture and adventure
  • Best Time to Travel: May – October
  • Starting Point: Cusco
  • Level of difficulty: Moderate
  • Ending Point: Cusco
  • Guide: Bilingual (English, Spanish)
  • Places to be visited: Patallacta, Runkuracay, Phuyupamarca, Wiñay Wayna, Intipunku e Machu Picchu
  • Groups of up to 16 people
  • Maximum altitude: 4,215 m
  • Departures: Check availability
Itinerary

DAY 1: Airport > Hotel in Cusco

Upon your arrival, our team will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Cusco, where you’ll be welcomed with a soothing cup of traditional coca tea. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax and acclimatize to the altitude—Cusco sits at 3,399 meters above sea level, so taking it easy is key.

  • Overnight: Hotel in Cusco
  • Check-in: 12:00 PM | Check-out: 9:00 AM
  • Meals: Not included

Note: If you arrive before check-in time, feel free to use the hotel’s common areas while you wait.

DAY 2: Free day

Today, enjoy a relaxing morning at your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the charming city of Cusco. Alternatively, you can opt for the Sacred Valley Tour, a perfect way to immerse yourself in Inca culture before embarking on the Inca Trail. This day is designed to help you acclimatize further and prepare for the adventure ahead.

  • Overnight: Hotel in Cusco
  • Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 3: Cusco > Km 82 > Huayllabamba > Ayapata > 11 km walk

We’ll pick you up at your hotel at the agreed time and drive to Piscacucho (2,650 masl), also known as Km 82, the starting point of the Inca Trail. After crossing the bridge checkpoint, we’ll begin our trek along the left bank of the Urubamba River, which winds through the Sacred Valley.

The trail takes us through flat terraces to Miskay (2,800 masl), followed by a climb to the Inca ruins of Patallacta (2,750 masl). From there, we’ll continue along the Kusichaca River Valley, gradually ascending to our first campsite at Ayapata (Yuncachimpa) (3,100 masl). Here, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Vilcanota River and the towering Nevado Verónica (5,832 masl) across the valley. The area is rich in diverse flora and fauna, adding to the magic of the journey.

  • Level of Difficulty: Moderate
  • Walking Time: 6-7 hours
  • Total Distance: 11 km
  • Overnight: Camp at Ayapata

DAY 4 Ayapata > Warmiwanusca > Pacaymayu > Chaquicocha > 15 km walk

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll prepare for the most challenging day of the trek. The trail features a steep, narrow climb with breathtaking views and a sense of adventure. Covering 9 km, we’ll ascend through the Puna Mountains—a high, dry landscape with sparse vegetation—until we reach the highest point of the trek: Abra de Warmihuañuska (Dead Woman’s Pass).

Along the way, you’ll spot llamas and alpacas grazing on Ichua grass, one of the few plants that thrive at this altitude. We’ll also pass through a forested area home to sparrows, birds, and even Andean bears. To keep your energy levels up, we recommend carrying candies, chocolates, or coca leaves to help with altitude and sugar levels.

From the pass, we’ll descend into the Pacaymayo Valley (3,600 masl) for a well-deserved lunch after about 6 hours of trekking. After a short rest, we’ll continue for another 6 km, passing the impressive ruins of Runkuracay (3,970 masl) and the stunning Sayacmarca (3,650 masl) before arriving at our campsite in Chaquicocha.

  • Level of Difficulty: Difficult
  • Walking Time: 8-9 hours
  • Total Distance: 15 km

Overnight: Camp at Chaquicocha

DAY 5: Chaqicocha > Phuyupatamarca > Wiñaywayna > 10 km walk

Today, we’ll explore even more of the Inca Trail’s archaeological wonders, marveling at the precision and artistry of ancient Inca engineering. Along the way, we’ll pass through an Inca tunnel and reach one of the most complete and well-preserved sitesPhuyupatamarca, meaning ‘The City Above the Clouds.’ This impressive complex features sophisticated water fountains, solid stone foundations, and panoramic views of the Urubamba River Valley.

From here, we’ll descend to Wiñayhuayna (2,700 masl), where you’ll find a cozy lodge with a restaurant, rooms, and hot showers—perfect for relaxing after the day’s trek. Just five minutes from the campsite lies the Wiñayhuayna archaeological complex, a stunning agricultural center with terraces, religious sites, and urban structures.

  • Level of Difficulty: Moderate
  • Walking Time: 5-6 hours
  • Total Distance: 10 km
  • Overnight: Camp at Wiñayhuayna

DAY 6: Wiñayhuayna- Machu Picchu - Cusco - 10 km walk

On the final day, we’ll wake up at 4:00 a.m. to begin our trek from Wiñayhuayna to Inti Punku (Sun Gate). The hike takes about 1 hour, leading us to a breathtaking spot where we’ll watch the sunrise over the iconic Machu Picchu. From there, we’ll descend for approximately 40 minutes to reach the citadel itself, where a 2-hour guided tour will bring its history and beauty to life.

After exploring Machu Picchu, we’ll head down to Aguas Calientes, where you can unwind in the thermal baths—a perfect way to relax after 4 days of trekking. From Aguas Calientes, we’ll take a train to Ollantaytambo and then a bus to Cusco, with an estimated arrival time of 10:30 p.m.

  • Level of Difficulty: Moderate – Easy
  • Walking Time: 2-3 hours
  • Total Distance: 6 km
  • Overnight: Hotel in Cusco (not included)
  • Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 7: Hotel – Airport (buy the return ticket at a time of your choice)

Hotel-Airport Transfer:
Depending on your flight schedule, our representative will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the airport, marking the end of our services.

  • Check-in: 12:00 PM | Check-out: 9:00 AM
  • Meals Included: Breakfast

Note: If your flight departs after check-out time, you’re welcome to use the hotel’s common areas while you wait.

What's Included

  • Extra Porter: Carry up to 6 kg of your belongings.
  • Private Transfer: Airport to hotel in Cusco.
  • Accommodation: 3 nights in a Cusco hotel with breakfast included.
  • Transportation: Hotel to Km 82 (trailhead).
  • Entrance Fees: Inca Trail and Machu Picchu permits.
  • Professional Guide: Bilingual (English and Spanish).
  • Specialized Cook: Delicious meals prepared daily.
  • Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners. Enjoy a variety of dishes like pancakes, omelettes, soups, fresh fruit, spaghetti, chicken, fish, meat, and rice—all high in carbohydrates for energy. Hot drinks and coca tea are also provided to help with altitude.
  • Daily Snacks: Tea, coffee, popcorn, and cookies.
  • Staff Accommodation: Guides, cooks, and porters are fully supported.
  • Bus Ticket: Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
  • Train Ticket: Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Expedition Service at 14:55, 16:22, or 18:20, subject to availability).
  • Transfer: Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
  • Camping Equipment: High-quality tents (Doite models: Cima 4, Kailas 3, and Himalaya, all lightweight at 4-4.5 kg), mattresses, dining tent with tables and chairs.
  • Safety: Oxygen balloon and first aid kit provided.
  • Agency Services: Full support throughout your journey.

What's Not Included

  • Plane tickets
  • Drinks except those mentioned in the itinerary
  • Meals except those mentioned in the itinerary
  • Extra spending money
  • Tips/gratuities
  • Travel insurance
  • Professional hiking poles (USD 10.00 each)
  • Sleeping bag USD 25.00 per person (can be rented from us)
  • Individual tent USD 45.00 per person

Optional Services

  • Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain entrance: Additional cost of USD 80.00 per person (requires advance booking).
  • Upgraded return train service: Enjoy a scenic journey on the VISTADOME/360° train with panoramic views and a traditional dance show (Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo). Upgrade cost: USD 65.00 per person.
  • Buffet Lunch at Sanctuary Lodge: Enjoy a delicious meal at the exclusive Machu Picchu restaurant for USD 45.00 per person.

What to Take

  • Light daypack
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Toilet paper
  • Sunscreen
  • Passport with at least 6 months validity
  • Sunglasses
  • Repellent
  • Sunhat
  • Camera
  • Clothing for hot and cold weather conditions
  • Walking shoes/boots
  • Personal medications (for headaches, anti-inflammatory´s etc).
  • Long-sleeved shirts, (due to there being mosquitos in Machu Picchu)
  • Rain gear or poncho
  • Extra memory stick and additional batteries
  • Extra Cash in soles and small denominations if possible

Prices

Economic ★★★

Prices

Single Room
US$ 900.00 / person
Double Room
US$ 879.00 / person
Triple Room
US$ 970.00 / person

Hotels

Cusco

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