Day 1 Cusco – Km 82 – Miskay – Patallaqta – Wayllabamba

Early pick up from your hotel and land transfer on a scenic route through picturesque villages of the gorgeous Sacred Valley. After an estimated 3.5 hour ride, arrive at km 82, the start of the trail. There you will meet the camp crew and porters. Make sure you carry your original passport. Cross a suspension footbridge across the Urubamba River and begin the trek with a gentle climb of 3 hours. Superb views of Mount Veronica (5,750m/18,865ft) in clear days. Visit the typical community of Miskay. Pass through a forest of giant cactus and native bushes ascending gradually to Patallaqta, a beautiful Inca building. The path presents native flowers and bromeliads along with majestic views of the mountains. Continue on for another 3-4 hours to the village of Wayllabamba (3,000m/9,840ft).
Minimum Altitude: 2,650m/8,745ft
Maximum Altitude: 3,000m/10824ft
Distance Travelled: 12 km/7.5mi approx.
Approximate walking Time: 5-6 hours

Day 2 Wayllabamba – Llulluchapampa – Dead Woman’s pass – Pacaymayo

Climb up for about 3 hours through steepening woods and increasingly spectacular terrain. This day is a greater challenge but provides plenty of time to enjoy: it is the biggest climb of your hike, strenuous but rewarded with spectacular views up the mountain. Part of the road up is comprised of ancient Inca stone steps. You will see some species of birds and will enter a beautiful cloud forest and the treeless grasslands of the puna region. From Llulluchapampa (3,680m) you start the first and the highest pass of the trail: Abra de Warmihuañusca or “Dead Woman Pass” at 4,200m/13,779ft. Once at the top you can celebrate having completed the most difficult section of the trail… you made it! From this spot you will have amazing views. Take a short rest before beginning a steep descent into the Pacaymayo Valley for 2-3 hours approx to reach the campsite. Pacaymayo is an official camp and it has basic facilities.
Minimum Altitude: 3,000m/9,840ft
Maximum Altitude: 4,200m/13,776ft
Distance Travelled: 13 km/8mi approx.
Approximate walking time: 6-7 hours

Day 3 Pacaymayo – Runkuracay – Sayacmarca – Phuyupatamarka – Wiñay Wayna

The path climbs very steeply from Pacaymayo camp to the small circular ruins at Runcuracay. Another 45 minutes will take you the second and highest pass: “Abra de Runcuracay”. From this pass, most of the trail is downhill. From here and up until the third pass, it is particularly beautiful as it crosses high stone embankments and skirts deep precipices. You will arrive Sayacmarca by way of a superbly designed stone staircase. Sayacmarca means “inaccessible town” and describes the position of this archaeological complex, perfectly protected on three sides by sheer cliffs. After a visit, continue on by the road, soon finding yourself in the typical climate of a semi tropical cloud forest. Pass through the ruins of Phuyupatamarca (“Town in the Clouds”) with impressive fountains and water channels, a spectacular work of the Incas. After walking through the cloud forest, arrive Wiñay Wayna, the last official campsite before Machu Picchu. Wiñay Wayna means “forever young” and a variety of pink orchids grows here. Comprised of magnificent agricultural terraces set in an impressive location, these ruins are the second most important Inca archaeological site of the area after Machu Picchu, with many buildings and a sequence of baths suggesting that this was probably a religious center to the worship of water. Basic facilities near the camp.
Minimum Altitude: 2,700m/8,856ft
Maximum Altitude: 3,950m/12,300ft
Distance Travelled: 16 Km/10mi approx.
Approximate walking time: 7-8 hours

Day 4 Wiñay Wayna – Intipunku – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Wake up very early to head off in the direction of the famous Intipunku (“Gateway of the Sun”). After a brief hike of one-and-a-half hour, arrive to the Intipunku, overlooking the majestic Machu Picchu. After exploring one of the Seven Wonders of the World and immersing yourself in the energy of this magical spot, take time before descending to the station for a train return to Cusco.
Minimum Altitude: 2,400m/7,874
Maximum Altitude: 2,700m/8,858ft
Distance Travelled: 4 Km/2.50miapprox plus exploration of Machu Picchu
Approximate walking time: 2 hours plus Machu Picchu visit

Optional

You may spend the night in Machu Picchu.

What to bring

• A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole trek
• Rain gear: jacket and pants if available (You can buy a poncho in Cusco)
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots and sandals or jogging shoes to be comfortable while at camp
• Warm clothes including jackets, fleeces and thermal clothes for sleeping
• Flashlight/headlamp, camera, films and batteries
• Hat or cap, sunblock, hydrating cream, insect repellent, toilet paper, handkerchiefs
• Water container (plastic water bottles are no longer permitted)
• Swimsuit if visiting (optional) the hot spring waters at Aguas Calientes