A thrilling 4-day trek on the iconic Inca Trail

Pick-Up:

• All Packers Expeditions will pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo.
• Cusco: Pick-up between 4:00 – 4:30 AM.
• Urubamba: Pick-up between 5:30 – 6:00 AM.
• Ollantaytambo: Pick-up between 6:30 – 7:00 AM, allowing you a bit more rest.
• Exact times will be confirmed during your pre-trek briefing.

Morning Preparation:

• Head to the Porter House in Ollantaytambo for a delicious breakfast prepared by our cook.
• Meet your dedicated team of porters who will be assisting you throughout the trek.

Start of the Trek:

• Drive to Km 82 to officially begin your adventure.
• Important: Have your original passport ready for the first Inca Trail checkpoint.

First Leg of the Hike:

• Trek for about 2 hours to the fascinating Inca site of Patallacta, an ancient checkpoint to Machu Picchu.
• Spend some time exploring this incredible spot.

Lunch Stop:

• Continue for another 2 hours to our lunch spot.
• Enjoy a nourishing meal to refuel for the next part of the trek.

Final Stretch to the Campsite:

• Hike for an additional 2½ hours to reach our first campsite at Ayapata (3,300 meters).
• Pass through two small communities where you can grab an energy drink, snacks, or any essential items you might have forgotten, like batteries.

Arrival at Campsite:

• Arrive at the campsite by 5:00 PM.
• Unwind with a hot drink and a snack, relaxing alongside our team of porters, chefs, and guides.
• Dinner will be served at 7:30 PM, followed by some well-deserved rest under the stars.

Morning Wake-Up:

• Start your day with the serene sounds of the mountains.
• Our dedicated porters will greet you with a hot cup of coca tea to energize you for the day ahead.
• Early start for the most challenging and rewarding part of the journey.

First Climb:

• Begin with a 4-hour hike to the highest point of the trek, Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 meters / 13,829 feet).
• Reach the summit and take in breathtaking, panoramic views.
• Enjoy a moment of triumph and unforgettable scenery.

Descent to Lunch Spot:

• Descend into the tranquil Pacaymayu Valley (Hidden River Valley).
• Hike for 1.5 hours down to our scenic lunch spot.
• Enjoy a nourishing meal prepared by our talented chefs.
• Refill your water bottles and rest up for the next part of the trek.

Second Climb:

• Post-lunch, tackle the second climb of the day with a 2-hour trek to the next pass.
• Pause at the Inca site of Runcuraccay to witness two magnificent waterfalls cascading down the valley.

Descent to Sayacmarca:

• Begin the descent to the incredible Inca site of Sayacmarca, an ancient village hidden in the mountains.
• Take a short break to explore and learn about this remarkable historical site.

Sunset and Final Stretch:

• Watch the sunset over the majestic Vilcabamba mountain range.
• A short 20-minute walk takes us to our second campsite, Chaquicocha (Dry Lake, 3,600 meters).

Evening at Campsite:

• Unwind with a delicious dinner under the stars.
• Optional stargazing session to end the day—view the dazzling Southern Hemisphere sky and learn about the Inca constellations.

• Early Start:

  • Wake up at 6:30 AM to begin what many consider the most beautiful day of the Inca Trail.
  • Enjoy a hot cup of coca tea to start the day.

• Morning Hike:

  • Hike for 2 hours along the “Inca flat” (gradual inclines).
  • Enter the lush Cloud Forest.
  • Enjoy views of Salkantay, the second-highest snow-capped mountain in the Sacred Valley.
  • Take in a panoramic view of the Vilcabamba mountain range.

• Reach the Final Peak:

  • Ascend to the last peak at Phuyupatamarka (3,600 meters).
  • Overlook the Urubamba River and catch a glimpse of Machu Picchu Mountain.

• Descent to Last Campsite:

  • A 3-hour descent down a flight of steps to our last campsite near Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young).
  • Visit two Inca ruins along the way:
    • Phuyupatamarka (Town in the Clouds)
    • Intipata (Terraces of the Sun)
  • Arrive at the campsite around 1:00 PM and enjoy a delicious lunch.

• Afternoon Relaxation:

  • Relax and recharge for your final day at Machu Picchu.
  • Around 4:30 PM, your guide will provide a short orientation.
  • Visit the Inca ruins of Wiñay Wayna for an hour and a half tour.

• Preparation for Machu Picchu:

  • Learn about the significance of Wiñay Wayna and tie together all the information from the trek.
  • Prepare for the visit to Machu Picchu the following day.

• Evening Celebration:

  • Enjoy a special feast prepared by our chefs as a celebration of your journey.
  • Participate in an Inca Trail tradition—a ceremony to introduce the team of porters and chefs.
  • Opportunity to thank the team and provide tips if you wish.

• Rest Up:

  • Get a good night’s sleep in preparation for an early start to reach Machu Picchu.
  • Aim to arrive at dawn in hopes of witnessing a beautiful sunrise over the ruins.