Classic Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu

5.30 am private transfer from Cusco to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Enjoy a short break on the way  in Ollantaytambo for a hearty breakfast to start the day (not included). Drive to 'KM 82', the official beginning of the Inca Trail where hikers register for the 4-day trek. After a short briefing with your guide and porters cross the Urubamba river and set out on the legendary Inca Trail.

The first day of the trek is an easy hike and a good warm up for the following days. Stop by the river in Miskay for a nice cooked lunch while your guide will provide details about the archaeological site of Llactapata ('the town on the hill') at 9318 feet (2840 m). After lunch the path slowly goes up to 10,170 feet (3100 m) as you get to Wayllabamba. Further up in Yuncachimpa (10,826 ft - 3300 m) you will set up camp for the night. The site offers spectacular views of the mysterious Nevado de Verónica. 

Overnight at Yuncachimpa camp site. 

Early in the morning the hike goes through the Valley of Llulluchapampa (12,631 ft -3850 m). The path is made of steps for the first 2 miles amidst the humid woodland. From Llulluchapampa the hike climbs for 2 to 3 hours to the highest point of this section at 13,780 feet (4200 m), the Warmiwañusca pass (Dead Woman Pass). This is the most difficult part of the Inca Trail according to most. 

After a short break at the summit to enjoy the fantastic scenery, start hiking down the long and steep descent to the Pacaymayu river (the 'Sunrise river') on your way to the Runkurakay pass (13,000 ft - 3950 m) until you reach your camp site for the night at Chaquicocha (11,975 ft - 3600 m). Here you can relax from the tough day while enjoying the amazing view over the surrounding mountains. 

Overnight at Chaquicocha camp site. 

The hike on the third day is the most scenic one. Leaving the dry valleys behind, the environment starts to change drastically as you step into the tropical forest of Wiñayhuayna. On reaching the second pass of your journey (12,960 ft -3950 m) you will hike past two beautiful lakes. The gentle climb that follows goes through beautiful cloud forest and a small Inca tunnel on your way to the third pass (12,140 ft - 3700 m) with scenic views over the Rio Urubamba Valley. 

The nearest settlement is named Phuyupatamarca (the 'town above the clouds'). Sitting at 11,811 feet (3600 m) this well-preserved site is a testimony of the impressive engineering techniques of the Inca. Agricultural terraces and an intricate series of ceremonial baths connected by water chanels that still function to this day. Step into another Inca tunnel before visiting the ruins of Wiñayhuayna ('Forever young') (8,694 ft - 2650 m). The Inca stairs change into a zigzag trail until you reach a white building with a red roof, your last camping site, which offers hot water and bottled drinks. 

Overnight at Wiñayhuayna. 

After your 4.30 am breakfast set off on the trail with flashlights, to the Inti Punku (the 'Gate of the Sun') to get the first glimpse of Machu Picchu and watch the sunrise over the ancient citadel. Depending on your ultimate triumphant descent to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu (7,874 ft - 24000 m), you should get there before 8 am.

A 2-hour guided tour will unlock all the site's secrets and reveal its spiritual charm to understand the meaning and ancient use of the different buildings. After the tour enjoy some free time to explore the site on your own (visit the Inca Bridge or climb up Huayna Picchu for amazing panoramic views). 

From Machu Picchu a bus will be waiting to take you down to Aguas Calientes. In this little relaxing town, you can soak away your aches and pains in one of the many hot springs. In the afternoon board the train at the Aguas Calientes train station to Ollantaytambo or Poroy station. Private car transfer to Cusco.