This is the most popular hike in the Andes, the Incas have established a long system of trails around their empire, building a huge system of trails with lodges such as KALLANKAS and AULLUS, the whole system has been preserved to this day. A small part of it has been restored and adapted for visitors who are interested in visiting and walking. This hike starts from the route 82 of the train wagons to Machupicchu. It is a walk through the Vilcabamba mountain range.
Early in the morning, we will depart to Ollantaytambo train station to go to Km82. During the trip, we will make a stop to use the restroom or make the last necessary purchases.
We will take the train and stop at Km82 (stop called Piscacucho) to start the excursion. There will be a checkpoint to check tickets and passports. Here we will meet the team who will carry the necessary equipment and food for the 4-day trek.
The first part of the hike is easy and begins with a gentle ascent. We will pass through a forest of cactus and native bushes. A few hours later, we will arrive at the Inca village of Llactapata (Village of the terraces). This special form of construction was used during the time of the Incas for the cultivation of corn, quinoa and other cereals.
After a brief rest, we will continue the trail for 15 minutes to have lunch at the site of Tayaroc. After lunch, we continue our hike for approximately 3 hours until we reach the village of Wayllabamba, where we will set up camp and have dinner.
Overnight at Wayllabamba camp.
After breakfast, we start the day with a gradual ascent through the forest, bushes and a stream.
Today is the day we will have our biggest challenge, reaching the summit, the highest pass (4250 m // 13,943 ft.). After reaching the summit we will be delighted with the extraordinary landscape, part of which includes an ancient Inca staircase made of stone.
The ascent will be steep through the Corralpunku Valley to the Llulluchayoc Zone, where we will be able to observe some species of birds. You may be able to observe small hummingbirds, hawks, eagles, or perhaps with a lot of luck we can see the king of the heights, the condor, highly respected and revered in the Andean culture.
From here we will be able to see the summit and our objective, called Warmiwañusca Pass (Paso de la Mujer Muerta); we will continue walking uphill for 2 more hours until we reach the highest pass. We will take a short rest before starting the descent to the Pacaymayo Valley, where our campsite and dinner will be located.
Arrival to Pacaymayo, dinner and overnight in camp.
After an energetic breakfast, we will begin the ascent to the archaeological site of Runkurakay. This is our second challenge, as it is located at 3800 m or 12,467 feet above sea level.
Arrival to Runkurakay and guided visit of the archaeological complex, where we will find important vestiges of the Inca Culture. We will continue to Sayacmarca and then arrive to Chaquicocha, where we will have lunch.
After resting for a while, we will continue our journey observing how the geography changes from a dry climate to a tropical rainforest. The trail will take us to Phuyupatamarca (village in the clouds), another important archaeological monument, and after a short hike we will arrive at our last campsite in Wiñaywayna,
Dinner and overnight at Wiñaywayna camp.
We will get up very early in the morning to start the last trail of our tour and reach the Intipunku (Sun Gate). After 1 to 2 hours depending on the pace, we will arrive at the ancient gate of Machupicchu, and an exceptional viewpoint of the entire Inca city. We will arrive just in time to appreciate the first rays of sunlight over the Inca sanctuary.
After resting and enjoying the panoramic views, we will descend peacefully to the citadel of Machupicchu. Today we will not visit the wonder of the world, we will descend to the small town of Aguas Calientes and have time to rest.
Arrival at the hotel and overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Early in the morning, we will take the shared bus to climb the most famous Inca site in the country: Machupicchu, "old summit" in Quechua language.
During your guided tour (about 2h), we will discover, still shrouded in the morning mist, this architectural complex built on a narrow ridge bordered by cliffs. A breathtaking view that evolves with the progression of the sun.
Then we will walk through the alleys of the citadel, its neighborhoods, its squares, its royal houses, its agricultural areas, its trails and its observatories.
After the guided tour, we descend in the afternoon to Aguas Calientes to take the train to Poroy (the closest train stop to the city of Cusco).
Arrival in Poroy, transfer to your hotel and end of services to continue to another destination or excursions.
Additional activities to do on site: (not included in the package and booked in advance)
