The first day of the Inca Trail is relatively easy, providing a gentle introduction to the trek. The trek starts early in the morning, with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco from 5:30 to 6:00 am The drive to the starting point of the trek, Piscacucho, takes about two hours. From there, you will cross the Urubamba River and enter the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

After passing through the checkpoint, the trail will take you through beautiful Andean scenery, with snow-capped peaks and lush vegetation. You’ll also pass by some small Inca ruins, including Llactapata, which is a good warm-up for the ruins you’ll encounter later on in the trek.

The trail will continue through the valley until you reach Wayllabamba, where you’ll set up camp for the night. This is a good time to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings before continuing the trek the next day.

Early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco 5:30 to 6:00 am and drive to the starting point of the trek, km 82.

Begin the hike with a gentle walk along the Urubamba River, passing small villages and archaeological sites along the way.

Hike through lush vegetation and up to the first campsite at Wayllabamba, which is located at 10,830 feet above sea level.

• Total hiking distance: 8.7 miles / 14 km (6-7 hours).
• Campsite altitude: 3000 meters (high) above sea level
• Considered: Moderate day (getting used to the Inca Trail)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
• Accommodation: Camping in tents
• Weather: Warm and windy

Day two of the Inca Trail is the most challenging, with a steep ascent to Dead Woman’s Pass, which sits at an elevation of 4,215 meters. The trail is quite steep and can be a bit of a challenge for some, but the views from the top are absolutely stunning.

After reaching the pass, you’ll begin the descent to Pacaymayo, passing through beautiful landscapes and cloud forests. This part of the trail is particularly interesting, as it passes by several Inca ruins, including Runkurakay and Sayacmarca.

You’ll arrive at Pacaymayo in the late afternoon, where you’ll set up camp for the night. This is a good time to rest and recover before continuing the trek the next day.

Today is considered the most challenging day of the trek, as you will climb up to the highest point of the trail, Warmiwañusca Pass, which stands at 13,780 feet above sea level.

Take breaks along the way to rest and enjoy the stunning views of the Andean mountains and valleys.

Descend into the Pacaymayo valley and set up camp for the night.

• Total hiking distance: 6.2 miles/10km (6-7 hours).
• Campsite altitude: 3700 meters (high) above sea level
• Considered: Top day (you will have survived the two highest passes)
• Area: Andes and Cloud Forest
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
• Accommodation: Camping in tents.
• Weather: Cold and rainy

Day three of the Inca Trail is a bit easier than day two, with a mostly downhill trek to Wiñay Wayna. This part of the trail is particularly interesting, as it passes by several Inca ruins, including Phuyupatamarca, which is known as the “Town in the Clouds.”

You’ll also pass by some beautiful waterfalls and streams, providing plenty of opportunities to rest and take in the scenery. You’ll arrive at Wiñay Wayna in the late afternoon, where you’ll set up camp for the night.

Today’s hike is a mix of steep climbs and descents, passing through several Inca sites along the way, including Runkuracay and Sayacmarca.

Reach the second highest point of the trail at 12,630 feet above sea level before descending into the cloud forest and arriving at the final campsite of Wiñay Wayna.

• Walking distance: 9.94 miles/16 km (7-8 hours)
• Campsite altitude: 2.600 meters (high) above sea level
• Considered: Moderate day, short uphill, then – all downhill!
• Area: High Cloud Forest
• Weather: Warm and very humid (chilly weather)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
• Accommodation: Camping in tents

The final day of the Inca Trail is the most exciting, as you’ll finally reach Machu Picchu. You’ll start the day early, with a short trek to the Sun Gate, which provides stunning views of Machu Picchu from above. From there, you’ll descend to the ruins themselves, where you’ll have a guided tour.

Machu Picchu is truly awe-inspiring, with its stunning architecture and breathtaking views. After the tour, you’ll have some free time to explore the ruins on your own before taking the train back to Cusco.

Wake up early to arrive at the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) in time for sunrise over Machu Picchu.

Descend into the citadel and enjoy a guided tour of the ancient Inca city.

In the afternoon, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and a train ride back to Cusco.

• Considered: The most exciting and magical day
• Area:High Cloud and Subtropical Forest
• Weather: Hot and very humid (bring lots of water)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, included
• Bus: Tickets for the bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes included
• Train: Train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo included; train at 14:30 or 14:55
• Transfer: From Ollantaytambo to Cusco included 1.5-2 hours car ride
• Back in Cusco: You will be back in Cusco around 6:30 pm