The Inca Trail

One of the most popular and spectacular ways of getting to Machu Picchu is by foot along the Inca Trail: A 5d/4n trek where overnight accommodation is in tents with porters carrying your trek bags.

The trail traverses the Andes, passing archaeological ruins, rivers, terraced valleys, snow-capped peaks, cloud forest, and a wide array of flora (including numerous varieties of orchid) and bird life. In order to protect the trail from the impact of being one of the best hikes in the world, the Peruvian government have set a limit on the number of people that can walk the trail each day, with full closure of the trail each year during the rainy season month of February.

There are a great many wonderful treks all over Peru, including a less walked 7 day route to Machu Picchu via Salcantay mountain. Please consult with us your options of trekking in Peru.

Below is a guideline of the route taken on the classic 5D/4N Inca Trail

Day 1. Cusco - Q’ente

This morning you will be transferred to the station to board the train bound for Machu Picchu. Disembark at the 88km mark, where you will begin the short walk to Q’ente where you will camp. You will have the chance to visit the surrounding archaeological remains of Q’ente and Machu Q’ente - located amidst Inca Terracing. These short walks and visits will allow you to slowly become accustomed to the altitude and prepare you for the harder hikes on the days to come!!
(Time: up to 4-6 hours. Distance up to 11 km).

Day 2. Q’ente – Llulluchapampa

The trail winds slowly uphill through cloud forest where a narrow hanging valley harbours the Queñua tree, a rare species only found in the Andes. After a short visit we continue up the Cusichaca Valley passing local adobe houses to finally reach the tiny highland village of Huayllabamba. From here the trail ascends steeply to a large pampa below the first pass, where we camp at 4015m. From here we have a breathtaking view of Mt. Huayanay (5778m). Overnight at Llulluchapampa.
(Time: 6 hours. Distance: 9 km).

Day 3. Llulluchapampa – Phuyupatamarca

A spectacular day and a long one! The trail ascends at an angle of 30 degrees, crossing the hillside of Puna grassland before arriving at Warmiwañusca pass (4250 m/13,280 ft.) with commanding views across the valleys the trail follows. The route descends to the Pacaymayo River and then climbs slowly past the Inca site of Runkuraqay, which was originally used as a look out post. From here we hike over a lower pass to Sayacmarca, an Inca fortification. The route now becomes a clear Inca path, skillfully constructed centuries ago, firstly along a causeway across a dry lake bed, we then pick our way along a picturesque ridge, lined with wild orchids to finally reach Phuyupatamarca (translated from Quechua means ‘the town above the clouds’) where we camp, from here the sacred snow capped mountain of Salcantay (6271m) caps a superb panorama.
(Time: 8 hrs. Distance: 9 km).

Day 4. Phuyupatamarca - Machu Picchu

After continuing along a buttress and passing the Phuyupatamarca ruins, the flag stoned trail winds sharply down into the cloud forest to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna, containing well-restored Inca ruins and some amazing Inca terracing. After a two-hour walk through a cloud forest-covered Inca Trail, we arrive at Machu Picchu, the same way the Incas used to make the pilgrimage to this magnificent citadel, from Intipunku - the sun gate. Overnight at a hotel in Aguas Calientes/Sanctuary Lodge.
(Time: 5 hrs. Distance: 8km)

Day 5. Machu Picchu – Cusco

The whole day is dedicated to exploring these extraordinary Inca remains, including a visit to Wayna Picchu the mountain overlooking the site. The mid-afternoon train takes you back to Cusco, transfer to your hotel.