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:

  • 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:

  • 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.

• Early Wake-Up:

  • Wake up at 3:30 AM to prepare for the final leg of our journey.
  • Enjoy a quick breakfast at 4:00 AM.
  • Head to the checkpoint early to be among the first to start trekking when the gates open at 5:30 AM.

• Farewell to the Team:

  • Wave goodbye to our amazing team of porters and chefs who have supported you along the way.
  • Set off towards the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) with the call of “Forward On!”

• Arrival at the Sun Gate:

  • Reach the Sun Gate by 6:30 AM, where you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of the mountains and Machu Picchu in all its glory.
  • Take in the first magical sight of the Lost City of the Incas.

• Trek to Machu Picchu:

  • As you get closer, the views of this ancient city become even more stunning.

• Enter Machu Picchu:

  • Arrive at the final checkpoint around 7:40 AM to enter Machu Picchu.
  • Enjoy a 2-hour private guided tour, exploring the history and architecture of this remarkable site.

• Free Time in Aguas Calientes:

  • After the tour, receive your bus tickets to head down to Aguas Calientes.
  • Spend some free time exploring the city on your own or climb one of the neighboring mountains like Huaynapicchu (must be arranged in advance).

• Optional Lunch in Aguas Calientes:

  • Optionally, join your guide in Aguas Calientes for a final lunch in a local restaurant (not included in the package).
  • Your guide will hand out train tickets during lunch; if you prefer to skip, make sure to get your ticket before leaving Machu Picchu.

• Return Journey:

  • Take the Expedition class train departing Aguas Calientes at either 2:55 PM or 3:20 PM, unless you’ve arranged for an upgraded train.
  • Arrive at the platform at least 30 minutes before departure for a smooth boarding process.
  • Enjoy a scenic 2-hour train ride to Ollantaytambo.
  • Upon arrival, an All Packers Expeditions driver will meet you and transport you back to Cusco on our bus, dropping you off at your hotel.