INCA TRAIL TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

INCA TRAIL TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

DAY 01: CUSCO - WAYLLABAMBAWe will start the day by collecting you from your hotel for the 1½ hour drive to Ollantaytambo where we will stop for approximately 30 minutes in a local restaurant. You can use toilets, buy water, snacks, chocolates and get the last things you may have forgotten to buy in Cusco. To reach the trail head we drive one more hour after Ollantaytambo to km 82. Before starting our trek we will organize our backpacks and make sure we have all that we need for the first day trek. After crossing the Urubamba River, we walk 3 hours through farmland along the Urubamba river until our first stop and lunch near the first archeological site called Llactapata. After a delicious meal prepared by our chef and porters, we will continue for another 3 hours to reach our campsite in Wayllabamba where we will have dinner and then relax in preparation for the next day.
DAY 02: WAYLLABAMBA - PACAYMAYOEarly morning we have to wake-up call, 5:00 a.m. or 5:30 a.m. depending of your tour guide. Warm wash water and a high energy breakfast will be waiting for you. Also you will have some time to refill your water bottle and be given some snacks for the day to help you get over the pass. Wayllabamba campsite to Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman Pass) is an uphill climb of approx. 7 km. This is considered the hardest part of the Trail. However the changes in the vegetation and landscape as you climb through different climatic zones will keep you involved with the hike and focussed on discovering more as you climb.
At the top of the pass you will be greeted with panoramic views to distant mountains. Looking back into the valley you have just climbed out of, congratulate yourself for your accomplishment. Looking ahead you will see your way on toward Machu Picchu.
After the Pass we have approximately 3 km going downhill to reach Pacaymayo campsite. Our team will be waiting for you there with food warm wash water and with your tent already set up. For the rest of the afternoon you will be able to rest and enjoy before happy hour and dinner at the end of the day.
DAY 03: PACAYMAYO - WIÑAYWAYNAWe begin this new day with breakfast. Then, after a short climb you will reach a remarkable Inka lookout called Runcurakay. Your tour guide will describe the importance of this place. Then after 1½ hours more to reach the second pass you’ll be able to enjoy the view from the second highest spot on the trail. There are 1½ hours of stairs down to a dramatic Inka site, Sayacmarca perched high on the ridge. Learn what is known of this place take pictures and learn of the historical background from your guide .
Lunch will be near to our next archeological site Puyupatamarca, a spectacular tumble of buildings where you will have a view of all the mountains around Machu Picchu far below. Then we start our descent, going into rainforest with a beautiful cover of vegetation with orchids, bromeliads, ferns and many other native plants. Also if we are lucky we can see and hear some of the hundreds of birds in the area.
Our three hours down hill to Wiñayhuayna will be our last challenge before we finish the day and enjoy tea time, a delicious dinner, take a nap and prepare for the next best day: Machu Picchu.
DAY 04: WIÑAYWAYNA - MACHU PICCHULast day, we wake up early and commence the walk to Machu Picchu (2 hours.) We will mark our arrival when we pass through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) From this spot, if weather is good, you will have an unforgettable panoramic views of Machu Picchu. After just one more hour downhill you will enter the iconic Inka Citadel. Your tour guide will take you inside Machu Picchu with his knowledge, telling you all about this majestic city for around 2 hours. After this tour, you will have free time to take pictures, feel energies and discover more of Machu Picchu by yourself. Also if you registered to hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain this is the time you will do that.
Once you feel you are complete in the Citadel, it will be time to go down to Aguas Calientes. You will take the bus for 25 minutes. In Aguas Calientes you can enjoy your last lunch with the group. Then decide to relax in the hot springs (10 soles) or explore the shops and craft stalls in the Village.
Later in the afternoon you will catch the train to Ollantaytambo (1 hour 50 minutes). In Ollantaytambo you need to get out of the train station and transfer to a bus where the driver will be waiting to take you from Ollantaytambo to Cusco (1½ hours.)

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