Inca Trail · Machu Picchu

THE JOURNEY IN DETAIL

Four days on Inca stone.

The classic Inca Trail is the only way to arrive at Machu Picchu as people arrived five centuries ago: through the Sun Gate on the fourth afternoon. Forty-two kilometres of genuine imperial road, three passes and a dozen archaeological sites along the way. The number of daily permits is strictly capped.

• Arrival through the Inti Punku Sun Gate
• Dead Woman's Pass, 4,215 m
• The Wiñay Wayna terraces above the canyon
• The round temple of Sayacmarca in cloud forest

1. 01
   DAY 1 · Acclimatisation and rest

   Arrival in Cusco, 3,400 m

   Cusco sits at 3,400 m and the altitude tells within the hour. A deliberately idle day: coca tea, a short walk on the Plaza de Armas and an early check-in. A trail briefing in the evening.

   Overnight: Hotel in Cusco
2. 02
   DAY 2 · Acclimatisation and sites

   The Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo

   We drop into the Urubamba valley at 2,800 m, which makes acclimatisation gentler. The salt pans of Maras, the circles of Moray and the fortress of Ollantaytambo with its flawless masonry.

   Overnight: Hotel in Ollantaytambo
3. 03
   DAY 3 · 11 km, 400 m of ascent

   Kilometre 82, the trail starts

   Passports are checked at the control point by the bridge at kilometre 82: entry is by named permit only. An easy first day, 11 km along the Urubamba to Wayllabamba (3,000 m) past the ruins of Llactapata.

   Overnight: Tents at Wayllabamba, 3,000 m
4. 04
   DAY 4 · 12 km, a 4,215 m pass

   Dead Woman's Pass

   The hardest day: 1,200 m of step climbing through cloud forest to Warmiwañusca (4,215 m), then a steep 600 m drop into the Pacaymayo valley. Some 12 km in seven to eight hours.

   Overnight: Tents at Pacaymayo, 3,600 m
5. 05
   DAY 5 · 16 km, two passes

   Two passes and Phuyupatamarca

   A long day over two passes, Runkurakay (3,950 m) with its round ruin and Phuyupatamarca (3,680 m). On the way, the temple of Sayacmarca on its spur and the first true Inca tunnel. We finish at Wiñay Wayna.

   Overnight: Tents at Wiñay Wayna, 2,650 m
6. 06
   DAY 6 · 6 km to Machu Picchu

   The Sun Gate and Machu Picchu

   Up at half past three to be first through the control. Two hours on the trail, a steep flight of fifty steps, and then Inti Punku, where Machu Picchu appears whole. A guided tour of the site and the evening train out.

   Overnight: Hotel in Ollantaytambo
7. 07
   DAY 7 · Free day

   Cusco and the valley

   Back to Cusco and a free day. The Qorikancha beneath the cathedral, the megaliths of Sacsayhuamán and the San Blas quarter. A group dinner in the evening and a look back over the route.

   Overnight: Hotel in Cusco
8. 08
   DAY 8 · Transfer

   Departure from Cusco

   Breakfast and a transfer to Velasco Astete airport. Flights to Lima start early in the morning; the guide helps with bags and check-in.

   Overnight: —