KM 82 to Wayllabamba Camp

Accommodation pick-up occurs between 5:45 and 6:00 am. The group is transported by bus to Ollantaytambo, where there is a one-hour break to have breakfast independently and to buy water, walking sticks, and any last-minute snacks. The bus then proceeds to Piscacucho (KM 82) at 2,570 meters, the starting point of the Inca Trail. Hikers must carry their original passport and student card if applicable for the first checkpoint. The guide will hold the entrance tickets. The trek is 10 kilometers long and takes about 6 hours, following rolling hills in the Vilcanota River Valley and passing several small archaeological sites. Lunch is provided halfway through, with time to rest before arriving at Wayllabamba camp at 2,980 meters.

1080 min

Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo Camp

After an early breakfast around 6:00 am, the trek begins with a difficult 6.4-kilometer vertical ascent taking approximately 5 hours to reach Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215 meters, starting from Wayllabamba Camp at 2,980 meters. This involves ascending more than 1,200 vertical meters. Then the trail descends 2.4 kilometers down stone steps for about 2 hours to Pacaymayo camp at 3,600 meters, a decrease of 800 vertical meters. Hikers can rest as needed during the ascent. After crossing Dead Woman's Pass, there are views of nearby snow-capped peaks and waterfalls. Arrival at Pacaymayo camp allows time for lunch, rest, and the afternoon before dinner and an early bedtime. The day covers 10 kilometers over about 7 hours.

1440 min

Pacaymayo to Wiñayhuayna Camp

The day starts with a one-hour uphill hike to the Pacaymayo archaeological site, followed by another hour to Runquracay Pass at 3,950 meters, where hikers may summit the mountain for views of surrounding peaks. The route continues past two additional archaeological sites, Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca, with a lunch break along the way. By late afternoon, the group reaches Wiñayhuayna High Jungle camp at 2,650 meters, located above a river valley in a high jungle environment. The trek covers 15 kilometers over about 9 hours with moderate ascents and descents along ancient Inca stairways, starting from Pacaymayo Camp at 3,600 meters and crossing Runquracay Pass at 3,950 meters.

1440 min

Wiñayhuayna to Machu Picchu and return

Wake up between 3:30 and 4:30 am for breakfast, then head early to the Wiñayhuayna checkpoint to join the line for the gate opening at 5:30 am. After the gate opens, hike about one hour to the Sun Gate at 2,720 meters. From there, descend for 40 minutes to the Machu Picchu archaeological site at 2,400 meters. A 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu is included, followed by free time for independent exploration and photography. Optional treks to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are available if booked in advance. After visiting, the group returns to Aguas Calientes to take a train to Ollantaytambo, then a bus to Cuzco, arriving by 8:30 pm. Drop-off is at Plaza San Francisco, with participants responsible for their own transport to accommodations. The trek covers 7 kilometers over about 2 hours on an easy, flat, and narrow path starting from Wiñayhuayna High Jungle Camp at 2,650 meters.

720 min