5-Day Sacred Valley Acclimatization & Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (Group Service)

Our adventure begins at approximately 8:00 AM with a relaxed departure from your hotel. This first day is designed primarily for acclimatization, allowing your body to gradually adjust to the altitude before we begin the iconic Classic Inca Trail the following morning.

Our first stop will be Chinchero, a traditional Andean village renowned for its rich textile heritage. Here, you will learn about the traditional Awana weaving techniques, which have been passed down through generations. Local artisans demonstrate how natural fibers are transformed into beautifully detailed textiles using traditional Andean methods and natural dyes.

We then continue to Moray, an extraordinary Inca agricultural site formed by a series of enormous circular terraces carved into the earth. Your guide will explain the theories behind this fascinating site and its possible role in Inca agricultural experimentation.

From Moray, we continue to the Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of small salt pools cascade down the mountainside. Local families continue to maintain these traditional salt ponds using techniques that have been practiced in the region for centuries.

After exploring Maras, we travel to Urubamba, located in the heart of the Sacred Valley, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch and take some time to relax.

In the afternoon, we continue to Ollantaytambo, one of the most remarkable living Inca towns in Peru. We will explore its ancient streets, terraces, temples, and impressive stone constructions while learning about its important role in Inca history.

Finally, we continue by private transportation toward Km 82, the official starting point of the Classic Inca Trail. Here, we will settle into our campsite, organize our trekking equipment, enjoy dinner prepared by our chef, and rest early in preparation for the beginning of our iconic Inca Trail adventure the following morning.

This is intentionally a relaxed day with no long-distance trekking, giving you the opportunity to explore some of the Sacred Valley’s most important cultural and archaeological sites while allowing your body to acclimatize before the demanding days ahead.

Day 1 Details
Departure: Approximately 8:00 AM
Purpose: Sacred Valley exploration & altitude acclimatization
Places Visited: Chinchero · Moray · Maras Salt Mines · Urubamba · Ollantaytambo · Km 82
Activities: Cultural visits, archaeological sites and short walks
Lunch: Urubamba
Dinner: At camp
Accommodation: Camping at Km 82
Transportation: Private tourist transportation
Difficulty: Easy
Trekking: No long-distance trekking
Next Day: Begin the Classic Inca Trail from Km 82

Your Classic Inca Trail adventure to Machu Picchu begins with an early morning departure from your hotel in Cusco. We will travel by private tourist transportation through the spectacular Sacred Valley of the Incas, making a stop in Ollantaytambo, the last major town before reaching the trailhead at Km 82.

Ollantaytambo is the perfect place to make any last-minute purchases or pick up essential items you may need during the trek. From here, we continue toward Piscacucho, also known as Km 82, the official starting point of the Classic Inca Trail. The name “Km 82” refers to its location approximately 82 kilometers along the railway route from Cusco toward Machu Picchu.

Upon arrival, we will complete the required entrance procedures. Local authorities will check your passport and Inca Trail permit before allowing you to enter the protected trail.

Once everything is ready, we begin our trek with a gentle ascent toward Miskay. The trail gradually leads us through beautiful Andean landscapes, with impressive mountain scenery and opportunities to discover smaller and lesser-known archaeological sites along the way. This first section offers a wonderful introduction to the history, nature, and cultural heritage of the Inca Trail.

After reaching Miskay, we will enjoy our first lunch on the trail. Our professional local chef will prepare a delicious traditional Andean meal, using fresh ingredients to provide the energy you need for the afternoon’s hike.

After lunch, we continue trekking for approximately two more hours toward Huayllabamba, passing additional archaeological remains and enjoying increasingly spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

We expect to arrive at Huayllabamba, located at approximately 3,000 m (9,842 ft), at around 5:00 PM. Our trekking team will be waiting to welcome you at camp with a selection of appetizers and a freshly brewed cup of Peruvian coffee or tea.

As the afternoon comes to an end, you can relax and enjoy the peaceful mountain surroundings while taking in the sunset. Later, we will serve a freshly prepared dinner before you retire to your tent for a well-deserved night’s rest.

Tomorrow, we will continue deeper into the Andes as the trail leads us toward higher elevations and the spectacular mountain passes of the Classic Inca Trail.

• Day 1 Trekking Details
  Total Distance: Approximately 10 km (6.2 miles)
  Estimated Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
  Maximum Altitude: Approximately 3,000 m (9,842 ft)
  Campsite: Huayllabamba – approximately 3,000 m (9,842 ft)
  Difficulty: Moderate
  Meals: Lunch, afternoon refreshments & dinner
  Accommodation: Camping
  Places & Highlights: Ollantaytambo · Piscacucho (Km 82) · Kanabamba · Llactapata Inca Site · Tarayoc Lunch Spot · Hatunchaca · Huayllabamba

is the most challenging and rewarding day of your Classic Inca Trail adventure, taking you through some of the highest and most spectacular landscapes of the entire trek. We will begin early in the morning to make the most of the cool mountain temperatures and allow you to enjoy the trail at a comfortable pace.

Your day begins with a freshly brewed cup of Peruvian coffee or tea, followed by a nutritious, protein-rich breakfast prepared by our trekking chef. After breakfast, we will begin our gradual ascent through the cloud forest and high-Andean landscape toward Llulluchapampa, where the vegetation becomes increasingly sparse as we gain altitude.

From here, the trail continues upward toward the legendary Warmiwañusca, known as Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point of the Classic Inca Trail at approximately 4,215 m (13,829 ft) above sea level.

The pass receives its name from the distinctive silhouette of the surrounding mountain, which resembles a woman lying down when viewed from a particular angle. Reaching this point is one of the most memorable achievements of the trek. Take your time to catch your breath, appreciate the extraordinary panoramic views, and celebrate this important milestone with your trekking team.

At the summit, our guide will share stories about Andean cosmology, mountain worship, and the spiritual importance of the Apus, the sacred mountain spirits traditionally revered by Andean communities. This is more than simply reaching the highest point of the trek—it is an opportunity to connect with the history and cultural traditions that have shaped the Andes for centuries.

After spending some time at the pass, we begin a long but gradual descent toward Pacaymayu. The trail winds through dramatic mountain scenery, changing ecosystems, and ancient stone pathways constructed by the Incas. Although the descent can be demanding on the knees, our guides will maintain a comfortable pace and provide assistance whenever needed.

We expect to arrive at Pacaymayu at approximately 3,650 m (11,975 ft), where our crew will have a well-deserved lunch waiting for you. After lunch, you will have time to relax, recover, or enjoy a short siesta while surrounded by the peaceful Andean landscape.

In the afternoon, we will serve freshly brewed coffee or tea and light refreshments, giving you additional time to rest before dinner. Our chef will then prepare a nourishing evening meal designed to help replenish your energy after the day’s demanding hike.

Tonight, you will camp at Pacaymayu, surrounded by the mountains and beneath the spectacular Andean sky. After dinner, we recommend an early night’s rest, as another beautiful section of the Classic Inca Trail awaits you tomorrow.

Why Our Day 2 Itinerary Is Different

One of the advantages of our carefully designed itinerary is that we cross only one major high mountain pass on this day: Dead Woman’s Pass.

Some itineraries continue farther after Pacaymayu and camp near Chaquicocha, requiring trekkers to cross another significant pass of approximately 3,950 m (12,959 ft) on the same day. This means dealing with two demanding high-altitude passes in a single day.

Our itinerary is designed to provide a more balanced trekking experience. By camping at Pacaymayu after crossing Dead Woman’s Pass, we allow you to complete this challenging section without adding another major ascent. This gives you more time to enjoy the scenery, recover properly, and experience the Inca Trail at a more comfortable and sustainable pace.

• Day 2 Trekking Details
• Total Distance: Approximately 12 km (7.5 miles)
• Estimated Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Highest Point: Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass) – 4,215 m (13,829 ft)
• Campsite: Pacaymayu – approximately 3,650 m (11,975 ft)
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea/coffee & dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Main Highlights: Huayllabamba · Yunkachimpa · Tres Piedras · Llulluchapampa · Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass) · Pacaymayu
• Cultural Experience: Andean mythology, Apu traditions and Inca history
• Main Achievement: Crossing the highest point of the Classic Inca Trail

this day is one of the most spectacular and culturally enriching sections of the Classic Inca Trail. Today, we will leave the high mountain landscape behind and gradually descend through ancient Inca pathways, cloud forests, and a remarkable sequence of archaeological sites.

We will wake up early at approximately 6:00 AM and begin the morning with a nourishing Andean-style breakfast, accompanied by freshly brewed Peruvian coffee or tea. After breakfast, we will leave our campsite at around 7:00 AM, beginning another unforgettable day on the ancient Inca road.

Our first major archaeological site will be Runkurakay, reached after approximately one hour of uphill hiking. Located at around 3,800 m (12,467 ft), this fascinating Inca complex has a distinctive semicircular design and is believed to have served as an important resting and control point along the royal road.

Our expert local guide will lead an immersive exploration of the site, explaining its architecture, strategic location, and role within the extensive network of roads connecting the Inca Empire.

From Runkurakay, we continue upward toward Runkurakay Pass, reaching approximately 3,900 m (12,795 ft). Here, we will pause to catch our breath and take in the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The combination of dramatic landscapes and ancient stone pathways makes this one of the most memorable viewpoints on the trek.

We then begin a steep but carefully paced descent toward Sayacmarca, an extraordinary Inca settlement perched dramatically on a mountainside at approximately 3,850 m (12,631 ft). Its name is commonly interpreted as “Inaccessible Town,” an appropriate description given its impressive location and the narrow stone stairways leading into the complex.

After exploring Sayacmarca, the trail continues through an increasingly lush cloud forest, where moss-covered stones, orchids, ferns, and native vegetation create a completely different atmosphere from the high-altitude landscapes of the previous day.

Along the way, we will encounter additional archaeological remains, including Conchamarca and Chaquicocha, before reaching our lunch location. Our chef will prepare a fresh and nourishing meal, giving you time to relax and recharge for the afternoon.

After lunch, we continue along one of the most beautiful sections of the entire Classic Inca Trail toward Phuyupatamarca, often associated with the Quechua meaning “Town in the Clouds.” The site is surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and is particularly impressive because of its sophisticated terraces, ceremonial structures, fountains, and stonework.

From Phuyupatamarca, the trail continues along an ancient stone-paved route, descending deeper into the cloud forest. We will pass additional Inca remains and viewpoints, including Intipata, a spectacular agricultural complex overlooking the valley below.

Our final destination is Wiñay Wayna, located at approximately 2,650 m (8,694 ft). Its Quechua name means “Forever Young,” and the site is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and impressive archaeological complexes along the entire Inca Trail.

We will have time to explore Wiñay Wayna with our guide and appreciate its remarkable terraces, ceremonial fountains, stairways, and stone structures. Its dramatic position on the mountainside provides a fitting finale to an extraordinary day of hiking and archaeological discovery.

As the afternoon light begins to fade, we will return to our campsite, where our crew will welcome you with tea, coffee, and refreshments. After enjoying the peaceful surroundings and, weather permitting, the sunset over the Andes, we will gather for a delicious dinner and prepare for the final and highly anticipated day of our journey to Machu Picchu.

• Day 3 Trekking Details
  Total Distance: Approximately 16 km (10 miles)
  Estimated Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
  Difficulty: Challenging but highly rewarding
  Highest Point: Approximately 3,900 m (12,795 ft)
  Campsite: Wiñay Wayna – approximately 2,650 m (8,694 ft)
  Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon refreshments & dinner
  Accommodation: Camping
  Main Highlights: Pacaymayu · Runkurakay Inca Site · Runkurakay Pass · Sayacmarca Inca Site · Conchamarca · Chaquicocha · Phuyupatamarca · Intipata · Wiñay Wayna
  Landscape: High-Andean terrain, cloud forest and lush subtropical vegetation
  Cultural Experience: Inca architecture, engineering, history and Andean traditions
  Main Highlight: Exploring Wiñay Wayna, one of the most spectacular archaeological sites on the Classic Inca Trail

This is the long-awaited final day of your Classic Inca Trail adventure, when the ancient Inca road finally leads you to the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu.

We will wake up at approximately 3:00 AM and begin the day with breakfast at camp. After breakfast, we will say goodbye to our dedicated trekking crew. This is a meaningful moment to thank the porters, cooks, and support staff who have accompanied you throughout the journey. If you wish to show your appreciation, this is an appropriate time to offer a personal tip.

After breakfast, we will begin our final hike through the ancient stone pathways toward Wiñay Wayna and Intipunku, the Sun Gate. The early start allows us to take advantage of the quieter trail and increases our chances of experiencing one of the most memorable moments of the entire trek.

From Wiñay Wayna, the trail continues for approximately one hour through a spectacular section of the original Inca road. Along the way, we will pass through lush vegetation and beautifully preserved stonework as the landscape gradually opens toward Machu Picchu.

Our destination is Intipunku (Sun Gate), the traditional entrance to Machu Picchu for travelers completing the Classic Inca Trail. Reaching this iconic viewpoint is an unforgettable moment. From here, you will enjoy your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu, dramatically surrounded by towering green mountains.

Weather permitting, you may witness the first rays of sunlight illuminating the surrounding peaks and the ancient citadel below. As the morning mist gradually lifts, Machu Picchu reveals itself in one of the most spectacular settings in the Andes. Take some time to appreciate the scenery, capture photographs, and celebrate the achievement of completing the Classic Inca Trail.

From Intipunku, we continue along the final section of the trail toward the Machu Picchu citadel. After reaching the entrance area and completing the required procedures, our professional guide will lead you on an approximately two-hour guided tour of this extraordinary archaeological sanctuary.

During the guided visit, you will discover some of Machu Picchu’s most important sectors, including the Main Plaza, agricultural terraces, ceremonial areas, temples, and other remarkable architectural structures. Your guide will explain the history, engineering, religious traditions, and theories surrounding this extraordinary Inca sanctuary.

For travelers who have reserved an additional mountain experience, such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, our guide will indicate the appropriate entrance and provide directions so you can continue with your independent climb.

Once you have completed your Machu Picchu experience, we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, the small town located below the citadel.

You will then have some free time to enjoy lunch, explore the town, browse the local markets, or simply relax. If your schedule allows, you may also choose to visit the Aguas Calientes hot springs, an excellent way to relax your muscles after several days of trekking through the Andes.

In the late afternoon, we will meet again for our return journey. At approximately 6:00 PM, we will board the train from Aguas Calientes toward Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our representative will be waiting to welcome you and assist with your private transportation back to Cusco.

We expect to arrive at your hotel at approximately 10:00 PM, bringing an unforgettable four-day trekking experience to an end.

You will leave the Inca Trail not only having reached Machu Picchu, but having walked in the footsteps of an ancient civilization, crossed dramatic Andean landscapes, explored remarkable archaeological sites, and created memories that will remain with you long after you leave Peru.

• Day 4 Trekking Details
• Total Hiking Distance: Approximately 7 km (4.3 miles)
• Estimated Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
• Early Breakfast: Approximately 3:00 AM
• Main Highlight: Intipunku (Sun Gate)
• Machu Picchu Guided Tour: Approximately 2 hours
• Maximum Altitude: Approximately 2,700 m (8,858 ft)
• Places to See: Wiñay Wayna · Intipunku (Sun Gate) · Machu Picchu Citadel · Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)
• Optional Activities: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, subject to ticket availability
• Return: Train to Ollantaytambo + private transportation to Cusco
• Estimated Arrival in Cusco: Approximately 10:00 PM

 Please Note: Walking and journey times are approximate.