We admit it – no one does the Inca Trail like we do. We combine the cultural highlights of the Sacred Valley with the challenge of one of the world’s most famous hikes. The four-day trek along the Inca Trail takes you through an impressive combination of ruins, mountain landscapes, and cloud forests in the region. Once you catch your first glimpse of Machu Picchu in the morning light, you’ll know it was all worth it.
Best of all, since we operate our own treks, we can guarantee the fair treatment of our porters and the quality of food and equipment, so you can relax and enjoy the beauty of the region.
We admit it – no one does the Inca Trail like we do. We combine the cultural highlights of the Sacred Valley with the challenge of one of the world’s most famous hikes. The four-day trek along the Inca Trail takes you through an impressive combination of ruins, mountain landscapes, and cloud forests. Once you catch your first glimpse of Machu Picchu in the morning light, you’ll know it was all worth it.
Best of all, since we operate our own treks, we can guarantee the fair treatment of our porters and the quality of food and equipment, so you can relax and enjoy the beauty of the region.
Why do we love this experience?
Overview Itinerary
Cusco
Arrive at any time.
Day 1 Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Km82 – Wayllabamba
Depart from Cusco by van to km 82, where the Inca Trail begins. Immerse yourself in the adventure with an easy day of hiking through winding streams, stunning Andean landscapes, and ancient Inca ruins.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 2 Wayllabamba – Warmiwañusca – Pacaymayu
Start early to climb the long and steep trail to Warmiwañusca, best known as Dead Woman’s Pass. This is the highest point of the trek at 4,198 m (13,769 ft). Most hikers reach camp in the early afternoon, with plenty of time to rest and relax.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 3 Pacaymayu – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna
Cross two more passes and ruins during today’s hike. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950 m (13,113 ft), where, on a clear day, hikers can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Vilcabamba Range. Walk through the cloud forest on a gentle ascent to the second pass of the day, walking along original Inca constructions. The highest point of the pass is 3,700 m (12,136 ft). On a clear day, enjoy spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley. At 3,650 m (11,972 ft), arrive at the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the “city above the clouds.” Camp here or continue for another 1.5 hours to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna (“forever young”) located at 2,650 m (8,694 ft).
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 4 Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
The final day of the trek begins before dawn to reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Enjoy the first views of the stunning Machu Picchu ruins on a clear day. Hike down for a guided tour of the ruins, before taking the train back to Cusco.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5 Cusco
Depart at any time.
Cusco – Arrival Day
Arrive at any time.
Arrive early and spend some time exploring the city. Meet the group at the welcome meeting – check the start time on the welcome note at the hotel.
Please note: Hot water shortages and power outages can be quite common in Peru (even in upgraded hotels and private homes). We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are beyond our control.
Arrival day and welcome meeting with the Tunqui representative.
The adventure begins today. Feel free to explore, but make sure to return in time to meet the group. Your Tunqui representative will go over the tour details.
Depart Cusco by private transport to Km 82, where the Inca Trail begins. Immerse yourself in the adventure with an easy day of hiking along winding streams, stunning Andean landscapes, and ancient Inca ruins.
Hike through beautiful landscapes with a variety of flora that changes with the seasons, passing by several smaller ruin sites like Llactapata.
A team of porters, cooks, and local guides will handle all the details during the trek. The porters carry most of the equipment, so you’ll only need to bring a small daypack with water, rain gear, snacks, a camera, etc.
Private Vehicle: Ollantaytambo – Inca Trail 45 min
Settle in and enjoy the landscape from the comfort of a private vehicle.
Inca Trail Hike: Km 82 – Wayllabamba Camp 5h-6h 11 km
Get your blood pumping on this first day of hiking along the Inca Trail. The trekking is fairly easy and serves as a good warm-up for the days ahead. Pass winding rivers, a small village, and enjoy panoramic mountain views – just a taste of what’s to come.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Start early to climb the long, steep trail to Warmiwañusca, better known as Dead Woman’s Pass. This is the highest point of the trek at 4,198 m (13,769 ft). Most hikers reach camp in the early afternoon, with plenty of time to rest and relax.
Inca Trail Hike: Wayllabamba Camp – Paqaymayo Camp 6h-7h 12 km
Hike increasingly spectacular and steep terrain on your way to Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass), the highest point of the trek at 4,198 m (13,769 ft). Be prepared to face the harsh Andean weather (scorching sun or cold winds) around the pass. Hike at a steady pace and drink plenty of water along the way – incredible views await as your reward. Enjoy ample time to rest and relax after arriving at camp; most hikers arrive early in the afternoon.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Cross two more passes and ruins on today’s hike. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950 m (13,113 ft), where, on a clear day, hikers can glimpse the snow-capped Vilcabamba Range. Walk through the cloud forest on a gentle climb to the second pass of the day, hiking along original Inca constructions. The highest point of the pass is 3,700 m (12,136 ft). On a clear day, enjoy spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley. At 3,650 m (11,972 ft), reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the “city above the clouds.” Camp here or continue for another 1.5 hours to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna (“forever young”) located at 2,650 m (8,694 ft).
Inca Trail Hike: Paqaymayo Camp – Wiñay Wayna 9h 16 km
Cross two passes and more ruins along the Inca Trail on the final full day of hiking. Pass Runquraqay at 3,950 m (13,113 ft) and reach the second pass at 3,700 m (12,136 ft). Take in the beautiful Vilcabamba Range and the Urubamba Valley in the distance on a clear day. Camp at Phuyupatamarca or Wiñay Wayna.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
The final day of hiking begins before dawn to reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Enjoy the first views of the stunning Machu Picchu ruins on a clear day. Hike down for a guided tour of the ruins, before taking the train back to Cusco.
Inca Trail Hike: Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu 2h-3h 6 km
Wake up around 3:30 am to reach the Sun Gate as early as possible. Head to the checkpoint and join the line to wait for the gate to open. Enjoy the first views of the stunning Machu Picchu ruins (fingers crossed for clear weather). Hike down to Machu Picchu (approximately 45 min) for a 1.5-hour guided tour of the site and free time to explore. Optionally, visit the Inca Bridge (a 15-minute one-way hike) at no extra cost if time allows.
Take the bus outside Machu Picchu’s gate for a 25-minute downhill ride to Aguas Calientes. Eat and relax before the train ride back to Cusco this evening.
Guided Tour of Machu Picchu: 1h30m-2h
Head out with the local guide to explore Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas. Learn the history and gain insights about this enormous mountaintop citadel as you wander through ancient dwellings, stone temples, and carved terraces.
Train: Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo 1h30m-1h45m 31 km
Private Vehicle: Ollantaytambo – Cusco 1h30m-1h45m 60 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Casa Andina Standard Cusco Plaza (or similar)
Depart at any time.
