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Inca Trail Trek Guide

Machu Picchu is situated in the region know as the Vilcabamba. This area extends between the Apurimac and Urubamba rivers where the 45km Inca trail lies within. Visitors from all around the world come to Peru, not only to see Machu Picchu, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, but also to hike the Inca trail. The Inca Trail links a range of stunningly preserved Inca ruins. Along the way the natural scenery is breath-taking, with views of snow capped mountains and the lush cloud forest vegetation.

This world famous trek is considered of moderate difficulty but does include long climbs up to 4,200m of altitude and also long descents. The exact itinerary can vary as different campsites are used.

Day 1: You will be collected from your hotel early in the morning for a three-hour drive to the start of the Inca Trail at “Kilometre 82”. The first day breaks you in gently as you follow the left bank of the Urubamba River for a couple of hours until you reach the first archaeological ruins at Llactapata (2300m). From here you turn off the vast Urubamba canyon and begin to climb gently up the narrow Cusichaca valley towards the small farming community of Huayllabamba (3100m).

Day 2: After Huayllabamba comes the hardest part of the trek as the trail begins to climb steeply uphill through beautiful forests, before emerging onto open meadows at Llulluchapampa. From here it is a further two to three hour strenuous climb towards the Warmiwañusqa (Dead Woman’s) pass. This is the highest point of the trek at 4200m, affording spectacular views before the trail descends into the Pacamayo Valley.

Day 3: Climbing up original Inca steps, you pass the ruins of Runkuracay and a couple of small lagoons on the way to the Second pass at 3850m where, clouds permitting, snow-capped mountains heave into sight. The trail then snakes down towards the ruins of Sayacmarca, from where there are sweeping vistas of distant valleys and hills. Continuing along the paved Inca road you pass through a tunnel before reaching the third pass and, soon after, the ruins of Phuyupatamarca. From a nearby hilltop there are often incredible views of the snow-capped Mount Salkantay, the most beautiful mountain in the region. This is followed by a steep, knee-crunching one kilometre descent to Wiñay Wayna. This exquisite Inca site, containing a series of fine ceremonial fountains and elegantly curved terracing, overlooks the Urubamba River. Nearby beers, chocolates and even warm showers are available.

Day 4: From here, it's just a two hour, relatively flat walk through wonderful cloud forest to the Intipunku or Sun Gate, from where you have your first superb view of the celebrated Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu. On arrival at Machu Picchu you will have a two-hour guided tour through the maze of fine stone temples and palaces, spectacularly perched on a high, narrow ridge, with time to explore on your own.