CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TOUR PACKAGE TO MACHU PICCHU ITINERARY

Day 1: YOUR ARRIVAL IN CUSCO

Arrival in Cusco & Acclimatization

Upon arrival in Cusco, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. You’ll receive a short briefing before enjoying the rest of the morning at leisure — ideal for resting and adjusting to the altitude.

Afternoon at Leisure

In the afternoon, explore Cusco at your own pace. The city blends Inca foundations with colonial architecture, offering an easy introduction to the Sacred Valley region.

Wander through historic streets, visit nearby plazas, or simply relax at a café while taking in daily life.

Evening in Cusco

As evening arrives, Cusco comes alive. Choose from a wide range of traditional Peruvian restaurants, sample local flavors, or enjoy the city’s lively music and nightlife.

For a refined dining experience, you may consider Senzo, led by world-renowned chef Virgilio Martínez (advance reservations recommended).

Accommodation Options

• 3★ Hotels: Maytaq Wasin or Waman Qorikancha
• 4★ Hotels: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection, or Novotel

Local Recommendations

We recommend a relaxed walk around Plaza de Armas and a visit to the colorful San Pedro Market, known for its aromas, local produce, and cultural energy.

Day 2: CUSCO – PISAC – SALT MINES – MORAY & OLLANTAYTAMBO

Your day begins with a 7:30 AM pickup from your hotel in Cusco, traveling by private transportation into the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

The first stop is the Taray Viewpoint, offering sweeping views over the Urubamba Valley and its traditional farming communities — landscapes that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.

Pisac Ruins & Market

Continue to the archaeological site of Pisac, where you’ll explore the ancient Inca city for approximately 2 hours. Highlights include:

• Agricultural terraces carved into the mountainside
• Inca tunnels and pathways
• Ceremonial and religious areas of the site

Afterward, visit the Pisac Market, known for local crafts and colorful stalls, before driving to Urubamba for lunch (not included).

Moray & Maras Salt Mines

In the afternoon, visit Moray, often called the “Inca Agricultural Laboratory.” The circular terraces create distinct microclimates, believed to have been used by the Incas to experiment with crop cultivation at different elevations.

Next, continue to Maras for views of the Salineras salt mines — thousands of salt pools cascading down the hillside. These pre-Inca salt pans are still actively used today, producing high-quality salts, including naturally occurring pink salt.

Ollantaytambo: Living Inca Town

End the day in Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved Inca towns in Peru. With your guide, explore the impressive Inca fortress, including:

• Massive agricultural terraces
• The Temple of the Sun
• Strategic viewpoints overlooking the valley

Learn about Ollantaytambo’s importance during the final years of the Inca Empire and the early Spanish conquest.

You’ll spend the night in Ollantaytambo, perfectly positioned to begin the Inca Trail the following day.

Accommodation

• 3★ Hotel: Andenes del Inca Hotel

Day 3: OLLANTAYTAMBO – KM 82 – WAYLLABAMBA – AYAPATA

Today marks the start of your Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

At 6:00 AM, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in private transportation and driven to Piskacucho (Km 82), the official starting point of the Inca Trail.

Km 82 Checkpoint & Trail Start

Arrive at Km 82 around 8:30 AM, with time to prepare for the hike, use facilities, and apply sunscreen and insect repellent.

At the first Inca Trail control point, you’ll need to present:

• Original passport
• Inca Trail entrance ticket
• Student card (if applicable)

Scenic Trail & Acclimatization

Starting at 2,720 m / 8,923 ft, the trail follows the Vilcanota River, making this a gentle and gradual day designed to help you acclimatize.

Along the way, enjoy views of:

• Huillca Raccay Inca fortress
• Llactapata (Patallacta)
• The Urubamba and Andes mountain ranges
• Veronica Mountain (W’akay Willca) — 5,860 m / 19,225 ft

The route passes through lush valleys and offers frequent opportunities to observe local flora and fauna.

Wayllabamba Valley & Ayapata Camp

After reaching the village of Wayllabamba (3,000 m / 9,842 ft), continue climbing toward your first campsite at Ayapata.

Arrive in the afternoon with time to relax and enjoy the surrounding scenery. Evening temperatures can drop to around 5°C / 41°F, depending on the season.

Day 3 Overview

• Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
• Hiking Time: Approx. 6 hours
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea, and dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities

Day 4: AYAPATA – PASS – PAQAYMAYU – CHAQUICOCCHA

The day begins early with a hot breakfast before starting the steep ascent to the highest point of the Classic Inca Trail:
Abra de Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,000 m / 13,779 ft.

Reaching the summit is a rewarding milestone and offers expansive views across the Andes. Along the climb, keep an eye out for hummingbirds and other native bird species, as well as Polylepis (Q’ueuña) trees, which are unique to high-altitude Andean environments.

Afternoon Trek & Runkuraqay Pass

After lunch, continue hiking toward the Runkuraqay Pass, just under 4,000 m / 13,123 ft. This section takes approximately 2 hours, with time for short breaks to rest and enjoy the scenery.

From the pass, begin the descent toward camp.

Camp & Evening Rest

Arrive at your campsite around 5:00 PM, with time to unwind after a long day on the trail. Evening temperatures can drop to around 4°C / 39°F, so warm layers are recommended.

Dinner is served at camp, followed by a well-earned rest.

Day 4 Overview

• Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
• Hiking Time: Approx. 9 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities

Day 5: CHAQ’ICOCHA – PUYUPATAMARCA  – WIÑAY WAYNA

Day three is often considered the most impressive day of the trek. After breakfast at 6:00 AM, begin with a gentle climb toward the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca, known as the “Town in the Clouds.”

Reaching 3,680 m / 12,073 ft, this is the third-highest point on the Inca Trail and offers sweeping views across mountains, canyons, and cloud forest.

Cloud Forest Descent & Intipata

After visiting Phuyupatamarca, begin a long descent of approximately 3,000 stone steps through the Cloud Forest.

Along the way, stop at Intipata, an impressive agricultural site featuring expansive Inca terraces with views over the valley below.

Wiñay Wayna Camp & Ruins

Continue downhill to Wiñay Wayna Camp (2,680 m / 8,792 ft), arriving around lunchtime. With a shorter hiking day of 4–5 hours, you’ll have time to rest and recover.

A short walk from camp brings you to the remarkable Wiñay Wayna ruins (“Forever Young”), widely regarded as the most impressive site on the Inca Trail after Machu Picchu. Even if you’re tired, this visit is not to be missed.

Hot showers are available at camp.

Day 5 Overview

• Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
• Hiking Time: Approx. 4–5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Campsite Altitude: 2,680 m / 8,792 ft
• Night Temperature: Around 12°C / 56°F
• Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities with hot showers

Day 6: WIÑAY WAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

The final day on the Inca Trail begins early with a 3:30 AM wake-up call and breakfast at 4:00 AM. You’ll then wait at the checkpoint to be among the first groups on the trail when gates open at 5:30 AM.

After saying goodbye to your porters and chefs, continue toward the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).

Sunrise at the Sun Gate

Arrive at the Sun Gate around 6:30 AM, where panoramic views open across the mountains and Machu Picchu below. From here, begin a 1-hour descent toward the citadel.

As you approach, the views grow increasingly impressive. Around 7:40 AM, pass the final checkpoint and enter Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas.

Machu Picchu Circuits & Guided Tour

Begin with Circuit 1B, offering the best view of the citadel at the spot of the Classic Machu Picchu Postcard Picture.

Later, continue on Circuit 3B, followed by a 2-hour guided tour covering Machu Picchu’s most important landmarks, including:

• Temple of the Sun
• Temple of the Condor
• Temple of the Three Windows
• Sun Dial (Intihuatana) and the Quarry
• House of the Inca

Your guide will also explain the agricultural, residential, and religious sectors, bringing together the history and meaning of the site after days on the trail.

Free Time & Optional Huayna Picchu

After the tour, receive your bus tickets for the descent to Aguas Calientes.

Enjoy free time to explore the town on your own or, if arranged in advance, complete the optional Huayna Picchu hike (permit required and must be booked ahead of time).

Your guide may join you in Aguas Calientes for a celebration lunch at a local restaurant (not included).

Scenic Train Journey & Return to Cusco

In the afternoon, board the Expedition train departing at 2:55 PM or 3:20 PM, following the Urubamba River through a dramatic canyon. From the train, you may even spot Wiñay Wayna high on the mountainside.

Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, your driver will be waiting to transfer you by private vehicle back to your hotel in Cusco, with an estimated arrival around 7:00 PM.

Day 6 Overview

• Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
• Difficulty: Easy (very early start)
• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Highlight: Sunrise at the Sun Gate & Machu Picchu

Accommodation (Cusco)

• 3★ Hotels: Maytaq Wasin or Waman Qorikancha
• 4★ Hotels: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection, or Novotel

Important Notes

• On the Classic Inca Trail Package, access is limited to Circuit 3. Additional circuits are only possible with a separate Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
• Vistadome Train Upgrade: +USD 67 per person
  • Available departures: 2:55 PM, 3:20 PM, 4:22 PM, or 4:43 PM
• Earlier train departures can be arranged by request at the time of booking.

DAY 7: CUSCO – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN – CUSCO

Your adventure begins with an early 4:00 AM hotel pickup in Cusco. Travel by private transportation through the South Valley, enjoying views of Inca terraces, traditional villages, and high Andean peaks during the approximately 3-hour drive to the trailhead at Llacto (4,638 m / 15,216 ft).

Breakfast & Trailhead

Enjoy a hot breakfast surrounded by alpacas and llamas, a memorable way to start the day.

From the trailhead, begin the hike following a gentle stream, with growing views of Ausangate Mountain and nearby glaciers. Along the way, your guide shares insights into local Quechua culture, traditional clothing, and Andean customs — and may even teach you a few words in Quechua.

Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Option

After approximately 1.5 hours of hiking, reach Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) at 5,020 m / 16,466 ft.

Take time to explore, photograph the multicolored slopes, and enjoy the dramatic mountain scenery. You’ll spend about 30 minutes at the summit.

For those looking for an extra challenge, an optional hike to Red Valley is available, adding approximately 45 minutes before returning to the trailhead.

Return to Cusco

Descend the same route, taking about 1 hour, then enjoy a freshly prepared lunch before beginning the return journey to Cusco.

Arrive back at your hotel around 5:00 PM. If you have an evening flight, airport transfer can be arranged upon request.

Day 7 Overview

• Meals Included: Hot breakfast and lunch
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• Highest Point: 5,020 m / 16,466 ft