Meet your guide and depart from Cusco and drive to Kilometer 82, our starting point on the Inca Trail. Walk in the footsteps of the great Inca civilization as you journey along their ancient trail to the sacred city of 'Machu Picchu'. Andean history comes to life along this ancient route as each day you pass ever larger ruins. Scenery changes from snowcapped mountains to lush green cloudforest. The trek is made with pilgrims from all over the world, and your friendly crew of guides and porters will take great care of you along the way. On Day 4, the group descends 3,000 feet from the campsite at Phuyupatamarca to reach spectacular Machu Picchu, by way of the Sun Gate, in the early afternoon. Enjoy a brief tour of the ruins, and take some proud hero photographs, before continuing to the village of Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly called Aguas Calientes) below the ruins. Enjoy one of many excellent local restaurants or end your day soaking in the hot springs after conquering days of hiking on the Inca Trail.
Trek Details
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Day 1 - KM 82 TO HUAYLLABAMBA -- Trek length: 7.8 miles (5-7 hrs) Camp elevation: 9,691 ft
Day 2 - HUAYLLABAMBA TO PACAYMAYO -- Trek length: 5.1 miles (5-7 hrs) Camp elevation: 11,833 ft. Warmiwanusca pass (13,776 ft)
Day 3 - PACAYMAYO TO PHUYUPATAMARCA --Trek length: 4.5 miles (4-6 hrs); Camp elevation: 12,067 ft
Day 4 - PHUYUPATAMARCA TO MACHU PICCHU -- Trek length: 6.9 miles (5-7 hrs); Machu Picchu elevation: 7,875 ft
Some itineraries will hike farther on day three and camp at a closer location to Machu Picchu, making the hike on day four shorter. This will be up to the discretion of your Tour Leader and the Peruvian National Park Service. Your Tour Leader will notify you locally of your camping itinerary.