Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Inca Trail From Cuzco 4D/3N

We will set off early with the hotel-drop in Cuzco and will be driven in the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo to have some breakfast. Having spent the day in the cool morning and the valley, we will proceed to KM 82 where the Inca trail actually starts.
The trail we will take out of the checkpoint is an easy one along river Vilcanota, farmland and desolate Andean villages. We will take the Huillca Raccay, a picturesque viewpoint, with fine vistas of Patallacta, and come down to the terraces of the same into the great valleys beneath Veronica Mountain.
Hatun Chaca will be lunch, whence we shall proceed gradually ascending to Ayapata Camp. The path will include small towns and woody areas until we arrive at camp where we will have dinner, hot drinks, and sleep under the stars.

Day 1 Statistics:

Distance: 14 km
Highest Altitude: 3,300 meters above sea level
Lowest Altitude: 2,706 meters above sea level
Route: Cuzco – Ollantaytambo – KM 82 – Ayapata
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Our day will begin on a sad note as we are going to drink warm coca tea and have breakfast early in the morning and then proceed to the day of the most difficult trek. The path ascends gradually up through the woods and the valleys and it gets steeper and steeper as we approach Dead Woman Pass.
Once we reach the top of the last switchbacks, we shall be in the peak at 4,215 meters and have extensive scenery of the adjacent valleys. We will have a short rest, we will take pictures and afterwards we would go down the valley of Pacaymayo and take lunch with the native flora and fauna.
Then after lunch we will again ascend to the second pass, and see Runkurakay on our road. The roads are made of stone and built to navigate us through cloud forest to the dramatic location of Sayacmarca, greatly found up on a cliff. At the end of the fourth day we are taken across Chaquicocha Camp to have a quiet night.

Day 2 Statistics:

Distance: 12 km
Highest Altitude: 4,215 meters above sea level
Lowest Altitude: 3,600 meters above sea level
Route: Dead Woman Pass – Runkurakay – Pacaymayo – Chaquicocha
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

We shall start with some peaceful mornings and proceed down a smooth trail on cloud forest. The highway provides a pleasant walk with predictable views. Along the path, we will have a sight of Salkantay Mountain and deep Urubamba Valley.
We shall arrive at the Phuyupatamarca, which is above the clouds. We shall see its temples, platforms and ceremonial fountains. Machu Picchu Mountain will be early seen upon this ridge.
Soon the visit will come to an end, and upon completion, we will go down long stone steps towards Winaywayna. The climb goes over falls, orchids and areas of thick wood. Arriving at Winaywayna, we will discover its terraces and temples and are going to have tea and dinner in the camp.

Day 3 Statistics:

Distance: 10 km
Highest Altitude: 3,600 meters above sea level
Lowest Altitude: 2,650 meters above sea level
Route: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna
Difficulty: Moderate

We shall begin before day-light with a light breakfast. The route is a small one leading to Inti Punku. We will arrive at the Sun Gate and have the view of the first sunrise of Machu Picchu.
We shall gradually go down to the citadel and take photos at the same time we are at the house of the guardian. Then we will start taking a tour around temples, plazas, terraces, and religious grounds. The manual will describe the designs and cultural values of every industry.
We will walk to Aguas Calientes where we will have lunch after visiting the citadel. We will board the train to Ollantaytambo and also get back to Cuzco on a private transport. This latter will make up our four-day sightseeing tour to remember.

Day 4 Statistics:

Distance: 6 km
Highest Altitude: 2,720 meters above sea level
Lowest Altitude: 2,430 meters above sea level
Route: Wiñaywayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Cuzco
Difficulty: Easy