Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in (4 days)

Our trip to Machu Picchu begins with pick-up from your hotel around 5:00 AM by your guide. We will arrive in Ollantaytambo around 6:30 a.m. with a 40-minute break for breakfast and a chance to shop for souvenirs. Later we will head towards Piscacucho, known as kilometer 82, where our incredible Inca Trail hike begins. (Breakfast is not included.) Around 9:30 a.m. we will arrive at kilometer 82, the first Inca Trail checkpoint, where we must present our Inca Trail permit, original passports and student ID (if applicable for student discount).

At the trailhead (2720 m/8923 ft), we will cross the Vilcanota River, hiking for about 2 hours until we reach Miskay (2690 m/8825 ft), where we will enjoy a delicious lunch.

The first day is relatively easy and serves as a warm-up along the flat Inca terrain. There are great views of the Inca Fortress 'Willca Raccay' (2750m/9022ft), the vast and incredible Inca site of Llactapata (officially called 'Patallacta') and the beautiful snow-capped peak of 'Wakay Willca' (5860m/19225ft), known as Veronica. Our first campsite is at Wayllabamba (3000 m / 9842 ft). We will arrive there at 5:00 p.m., and upon arrival we will have a moment to enjoy "afternoon tea", hot drinks and cookies and then enjoy a nice dinner prepared by our personal professional chef at approximately 6:30 p.m. After dinner, we will settle in for the night. Nighttime temperatures are around 5°C, depending on the month.

After breakfast at 5:30 a.m., we begin the most difficult part of the hike, a challenging climb ahead. We will undertake an ascent to Warmiwañusca, also known as the "Dead Woman's Pass". At 4215 m / 13829 ft, this will be the highest point on the entire Inca Trail. Reaching the summit will be an accomplishment that will fill you with pride!

Here you will have enormous satisfaction for having reached the highest point of the entire Inca Trail. After this fabulous experience we will have lunch and then continue descending until we reach Pacaymayu where we will have dinner around 6:30 p.m and where we will spend the night, under the stars.

After breakfast we start walking until we ascend to the second most important pass of the Inca Trail which is located at 3,850 m.a.s.l. until we reach the archaeological complex of Runkarakay where we will have a guided tour of the entire complex, as well as the citadel of Sayacmarca. After the guided tour we continue walking to reach the archaeological complex of Phuyupatamarka another important monument where we will have lunch, after a short rest we will continue with the walk until we reach the last Wiñay Huayna camp (forever young) where we will have a guided tour of the impressive archaeological complex. After the guided tour we will have dinner and spend the last night, sleep soundly in our Wiñay Huayna camp.

On this final day, we will have breakfast before heading to the first checkpoint, which opens at 5:30 a.m. An exciting one-hour ascent awaits you that will take you to the Sun Gate, where you will be greeted by breathtaking views of Machu Picchu and the majestic Andes Mountains.

Take a 20-minute break at the Sun Gate, soak in the panorama, before a final 10-minute descent to the legendary lost city of the Incas. The Inca Trail culminates here, leaving you on the threshold of wonder.

Entering Machu Picchu: Go through the second checkpoint and leave your backpacks (3 soles per bag) as you enter the wonder of this ancient city. Make sure you have your passport, entrance ticket, and student card (if applicable) handy.

Uncovering the secrets of Machu Picchu: Between 8:00 and 10:00 AM, your guide will take you through the captivating surroundings of Machu Picchu, discovering the stories and significance of its temples, ruins, and hidden corners.

Climbing for Panoramic Glory: For adventure seekers, the optional ascent to Huayna Picchu (2-hour round-trip) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3-hour roundtrip) offers stunning aerial views of the entire city. Tickets are necessary and sell out quickly, so plan accordingly.

In addition, you will have free time to do the following activities on your own (not included in the price):

• Climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain* for breathtaking views from above.
• Discover Aguas Calientes: Explore the charming village at the foot of Machu Picchu, visit the new local museum, or relax in the natural hot springs.
• Immerse yourself in the local culture: try delicious Peruvian cuisine, search for unique souvenirs, or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Descent and Return to Cusco: As your time in Machu Picchu comes to an end, use your included bus ticket to descend to Aguas Calientes. We will board the "Expedition Train" back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a connecting bus ride to Cusco (3.5 hours).

Flexible Return Options: Return time from Aguas Calientes is typically 03:20 PM (subject to availability). However, you can adjust your train schedule to arrive in Cusco later, giving you the flexibility to continue exploring Aguas Calientes or do other planned activities.