Trailhead to Ayapata Camp

The Alpaca Expeditions team picks up the group from their hotel in Cusco at 4:20 am and drives to the Porters' House in Ollantaytambo, where breakfast is prepared by the trekking chef. Then, the group is driven for one hour to the trailhead at Piscacucho or Kilometer 82. After arrival, there is time to prepare for the hike before starting along the ancient Inca path. The first destination is Llactapata, followed by a two-hour hike to the lunch spot where the campsite is set up and hot meals are served. Water refill with safe drinking water is available. After resting, the hike continues for about two hours to Ayapata, the campsite for the night, where dinner is served.

420 min

Dead Woman’s Pass to Chaquicocha

Following breakfast, the trek begins with a four-hour ascent to the highest point of the Inca Trail, Dead Woman’s Pass or Warmi Wañusqa, at 4215 meters (13829 feet). From this pass, the trail can be seen descending toward the Pacaymayu River. After enjoying the views, the group heads down to the lunch spot. After resting, the ascent continues toward Runccuracay Pass, where there is an archaeological site and views of two waterfalls. The descent from here is short and easy, leading to Chaquicocha or Dry Lake, the campsite for the night. A happy hour is provided by the trekking chef before dinner. This is the most difficult day of the trek.

540 min

Phuyupatamarka to Wiñay Wayna

The final hiking day offers views of the Salkantay snowy peak and Vilcabamba Mountain. The group begins the last climb to Phuyupatamarka at 3600 meters, from where the Urubamba River and Machu Picchu can be seen in the distance. Following this, a three-hour descent leads to the last campsite, passing notable locations including Intipata, known as the Terraces of the Sun, and Phuyupatamarka, called the Town in the Clouds. Lunch will be provided at the campsite. After a break, the trek continues to Wiñay Wayna, the largest site along the Inca Trail. This day is considered the easiest to help preserve energy for the final visit to Machu Picchu.

300 min

Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco

After an early breakfast, the group departs for Machu Picchu, hiking about two hours to the Sungate (Intipunku), which offers a different view of Machu Picchu. After taking photos, the group proceeds to the ancient site where a guided tour of approximately two hours is provided. If Huayna Picchu tickets have been purchased ($75 each, requiring advance booking), an additional hike follows the tour. Afterward, the guide waits at Aguas Calientes. Following lunch, the group takes the train back to Ollantaytambo, where a driver picks them up and returns them to their hotel in Cusco.

180 min