Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Culinary & nightlife

Tackle the unforgettable Inca Trail and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime hike to Machu Picchu. Departing from Cusco, discover one of the world’s oldest pilgrimages on this 4-day trip and explore a cloud forest. Day 1: Cusco - Km 82 - Ayapata Depart from your Cusco hotel early in the morning, drive to Km 82, the starting point, and begin the Inca Trail hike visiting Llactapata, Tarayoc, and arrive after 6 hours to the first campsite in Ayapata, located 3300 (10826 feet) meters above sea level. Day 2: Ayapata - Dead Women´s Pass - Chaquicocha In the morning, make your way to the highest point of the Inca Trail, passing two mountains for a total of 10 hours of hiking. Traverse Dead Woman’s Pass is the highest point of the Inca Trail at 4215 meters (13829 feet). Then, cross the Runqurakay Pass, with 4000 meters (13123 feet), to Chaquicocha campsite. Day 3: Campsite - Phuyupatamarca - Wiñaywayna After a good night's rest at Chaquicocha, take on the 6-hour trek, visiting Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, and finally, the archaeological site of Wiñaywayna at 2600 meters (8530 feet). Pass through a number of ecological zones, home to a diversity of flora and fauna. Spot orchids, bromeliads, hummingbirds, foxes, and deer. Day 4: Sun Gate - Machu Picchu Wake up early and hike for 2 hours to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, and enjoy a unique view of Machu Picchu. After exploring Machu Picchu, board the Panoramic Vistadome train back to Cusco and be dropped off at your hotel in the evening.

DAY 1: We will start this great adventure with the pick up from your hotel at 8:00 am to go to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Pisac, Colonial Inca, discover one of the Inca archaeological sites, on top of the mountain with impressive stone walls, agricultural terraces, irrigation systems and the largest cemetery of the Inca Empire. Time to shop at the craft market, where artisans sell their ceramics, textiles, jewelry, Andean instruments, alpaca products, and souvenirs. We will continue our trip of approximately 1 hour through the Sacred Valley to Urubamba where we will have time to have lunch in one of the local restaurants that offers several traditional dishes, made with fresh products. In the afternoon, visit the archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo, where you can appreciate the technique with which the Incas worked the stone, the last Inca citadel standing. The city is built on ancient Inca buildings. Explore the archaeological site of the city that has temples, terraces, warehouses and a large Inca monolith. Next, we will depart by train from the Ollantaytambo station, we will arrive at the Aguas Calientes station, where our staff will assist you to stay in one of the hotels in Aguas Calientes. (Select between a tour with or without accommodation). DAY 2: In the morning the guide will pick you up at the hotel to board the transport that will ascend an intricate path giving us a spectacular view of the Urubamba River that shapes the famous canyon. The Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, will welcome you with its incredible terraces, stairways, ceremonial precincts and urban areas where energy emanates from all over the place. After a guided tour, you will have the opportunity to have lunch in one of the restaurants in the area. At the coordinated time, we will return by train and we will be transferred to the hotel in Cusco, ending with a great experience.

Day 1: Hiking to Machu Picchu Your short Alpaca Expeditions Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu starts with you being picked up from your hotel from 4 to 4:30 AM. Next, we’ll go to the train station and leave on the 6:40 a.m. train from Ollantaytambo. The trail follows the Urubamba River until we reach Km 104, where we’ll begin our trek. Along the way, you’ll see spectacular views of farmlands, snow-capped mountains, and the mighty Urubamba River. After hiking for three hours we’ll reach the most beautiful Incan site on the Inca Trail Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young) at 2,600 m/8,500 ft. Few people get the opportunity to see these elaborate water fountains, temples and agricultural terraces. A few minutes of walking from there and you’ll arrive at the Alpaca Expeditions campsite used by hikers who have chosen to do the Classic Inca Trail. Here you’ll be able to enjoy the hot homemade lunch that’s been freshly cooked by Alpaca Expeditions’ chefs. From Wiñay Wayna, we’ll walk to the Sun Gate. After taking photos and exploring the area, we’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and head to your hotel. After that, we’ll head to the restaurant for dinner (included). After dinner, we recommend going to bed early to make the most of the next day. Day 2: Visit Machu Picchu “Lost City of the Incas” and return to Cusco We’ll wake up early so that we can catch one of the first busses so that we can catch the striking sunrise at Machu Picchu. You’ll have a two-hour guided walking tour by your private English-speaking Alpaca Expeditions guide. After that, you’ll have time to explore Machu Picchu by yourself. Those who have tickets to Huayna Picchu will have time to climb the mountain, which takes approximately an hour and a half round-trip. After exploring you can either take a bus or walk down to Aguas Calientes for a free afternoon. You’ll need to remember to catch your train, which will depart that afternoon to Ollantaytambo. Once you arrive at the station in Ollantaytambo we will be there to meet you and drive you back to Cusco and we will drop you off at your hotel.

Walk the world-famous Inca Trail on this guided trek over 4 days and 3 nights. Follow an ancient footpath through the Sun Gate and into Machu Picchu, passing magical cloud forests on the way. Enjoy scenic camping, tasty meals and the expertise of local guides and porters. Day 1 Start with pickup from your hotel in Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo on the first morning. Enjoy a hearty breakfast and meet your team of guides and porters before an 82km drive to the trail’s starting point. Hike in 2 hour intervals, with regular stops to eat and take a break. The first night’s campsite will be at Ayapata with an elevation of 3300 meters. Relax here with a hot drink, dinner and a well-deserved rest. Day 2 Wake up early for the trek’s longest day which will include the trail’s highest point, Dead Woman’s Pass, at 4215 meters. Stop here to enjoy the spectacular views before you descend into the Pacaymayu Valley in time for lunch. Next, climb to the Inca site of Runcu Raccay where you can admire two huge waterfalls across the valley before another descent to the remote site of Sayacmarca. After a quick tour, take a short walk to the second campsite, where you can watch the sun set over the Vilcabamba mountains before dinner. Day 3 Start early again for the trail’s most beautiful day. Walk along gradual inclines as you approach the Cloud Forest and Salkantay, the second highest peak in the Sacred Valley. Then, begin the climb to the final peak, Phuyupatamarka, where you’ll get your first views over Machu Picchu. From here, it’s a 3-hour walk down a flight of steps to Wiñay Wayna, where you’ll camp in close proximity to Machu Picchu. Share a relaxed final evening with your guides and porters, and get an early night before your final day of exploring. Day 4 Get up at the crack of dawn to catch a stunning sunrise over the ruins of Machu Picchu. Trek down to the Sun Gate and make your way into the Lost City of the Incas, where your private tour of the ruins will begin. After the tour, head down to Augas Calientes by bus. Take a few hours here to explore the city, or optionally to climb Huayna Picchu, before catching the train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy. From here, a driver will transfer you back to your hotel by bus.

Day 1: Cusco - Inca Trail - Machu Picchu Pueblo Start your adventure at your hotel in Cusco by meeting your guide at 4:00 a.m. After a short drive to Ollantaytambo, you will set off on a 1.5-hour train ride to Chachabamba, taking in the scenery of the Urubamba River along the way. From the checkpoint at Chachabamba (Km 104), you will start your Inca Trail Trekking to Machu Picchu. Visit the archaeological sites of Chachabamba and Wiñaywayna and take in the variety of flora and fauna.  Enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, and from here, you can take in one of the most spectacular views of the Lost City of the Incas. Arriving in Machu Picchu in the late afternoon lets you see the empty city and enjoy the sunset. After a short bus ride to your hotel, you can enjoy a relaxed end to the day with dinner and a night of comfortable sleep in a 3-star hotel.   Day 2: Explore Machu Picchu - Return Cusco After another early start, you will prepare to visit Machu Picchu, the tour's highlight. Board your bus just as the sun rises. Your guide will take you on a 2 to 3-hour comprehensive tour of the city before leaving you in Machu Picchu to explore independently. You also have the option to hike either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Montaña.  After the Machu Picchu tour, you will take the bus from Machu Picchu back to Aguas Calientes, then take the Panoramic Vistadome train and take the bus back to Cusco. After a full day of sightseeing, you will be conveniently shuttled back to your accommodation for a relaxing end to your Inca exploring adventure. 

Hike along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, considered to be one of the best walks in the world and perfect for visitors to Peru who are in search of a good adventure. Follow the ancient path that was traced by the Incas used to connect different cities and temples of the Inca Empire. Classic Option (4 Days, 3 Nights) Day 1: Get picked up from your hotel in Cusco very early in the morning and take a bus to the town of Chilca. Begin your hike along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. After approximately 3 hours of walking arrive at a beautiful Inca building known as Llactapata in the base of the mountains, where you will stop for lunch. In the afternoon, continue walking towards the first campsite at 3,000 meters, called Wayllabamba. Enjoy dinner at the camp.  Day 2: Wake up in the early morning. After breakfast, begin the toughest and the most amazing part of the trail, walking towards the highest point of the Inca Trail. Take in the panoramic views and observe different types of microclimates at 4,250 meters. After a 5 hour walk, reach the first pass, called Warmiwañusca or Dead Woman's Pass. Then, continue your walk down to Pacaymayo to each lunch and spend the night at the campsite. Day 3: After breakfast, hike towards the second pass of the Inca Trail, at 3,950 meters above sea level. On the way, enjoy the archaeological complex of Runkurakay, Sayacmarca. Stop for lunch at Phuyupatamarca (also known as the Cloud-Level Town). Descend down to one of the most beautiful Inca sites along the trail, Wiñay Huayna (which means Forever Young). Stay overnight nearby and enjoy a small party with the trekking crew at camp.  Day 4: After breakfast, get up early to watch the sunrise at Inti Punku. After 1.5-hours of walking through the cloud forest, reach the Gate of the Sun, for the most impressive panoramic view of Machu Picchu. Arrive at the citadel for a 2-hour guided tour around the magnificent complex, and then take a bus down to Aguas Calientes. From there, catch a train back, where your adventure will end. Short Option (2 days, 1 night) Day 1: First, depart from Cusco to the train station in Ollantaytambo. Board the train that will take you to the starting point of the hike. Walk for approximately 3 hours until you reach the archaeological complex of Wiñay Wayna.  After lunch, explore the houses and terraces, then visit the Inti Punku, the Inca Gate of the Sun. Admire your first views of Machu Picchu, then take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night in a 3-star hotel. Day 2: After breakfast, get picked up by your guide at the hotel. Visit Machu Picchu and spend a full day exploring the site. After this incredible visit, return to the town of Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes) and take the train bound for the Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, hop into a car and transfer back to the main square in Cusco where your tour concludes.

Day 1 | Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Km 104 - Wiñaywayna - Machu Picchu: Your journey starts with a train from Cusco/Ollantaytambo to 104 km, marking the beginning of the short Inca Trail. The scenic ride leads to a checkpoint where your trek begins. Guided through Chachabamba and Wiñayhuayna, you'll explore Inca sites and natural beauty, with a lunch break at Wiñayhuayna. The hike culminates in a stunning sunset view of Machu Picchu from the Sun gate, followed by a descent to the site and a bus ride to Aguas Calientes for dinner and rest, preparing for the next day’s exploration. Day 2 | The Most Important Day – Machu Picchu: Today, we'll visit Machu Picchu early for a peaceful sunrise experience. Open from 6 am to 5 pm, we'll bus to the site for a 2-hour guided tour of its temples, terraces, and more, showcasing the Incas' engineering marvels. Post-tour, explore independently, possibly climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (tickets required). Enjoy over 5 hours at the site, then return to Aguas Calientes for an optional lunch. Conclude with a train to Ollantaytambo and a bus to your hotel, promising an adventure-rich day and lasting memories.

Make the most of your stay in Cusco with a full day private visit to the world wonder, Machu Picchu. On this exclusive tour, manage your own time and enjoy every moment. After being picked up at your hotel, we will head to Ollantaytambo to board the train to Aguas Calientes. On the way, you will enjoy panoramic views of the Andes and the lush jungle from the train window. Upon arrival, your guide will be waiting for you at the train station exit. Together, you will board the bus that will take you on a 30-minute ride to Machu Picchu. Enjoy a self-paced tour of this historic citadel, exploring each highlight such as the Main Plaza, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Temple of the Condor, the Intihuatana, among others. Don't miss the classic photo at the lookout point while contemplating the breathtaking scenery! After the visit, you will have free time in Aguas Calientes to explore the town or enjoy lunch before taking the train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Experience the thrill of adventure, the breathtaking natural beauty of the Inca Trail, and the marvel of Machu Picchu on a 4-day tour from Cusco. Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Cusco – Santa Maria (Bike and Rafting) Travel by bus to the high mountain pass of Malaga, where you’ll start your descent on a mountain bike to the town Huamanmarca. The bus will take you to the town of Santa Maria, where you’ll have a short break before beginning a rafting adventure on class III and IV rapids. Overnight at a home stay in Santa Maria. Day 2: Santa Maria – Santa Teresa (Trekking) Begin your trek with an ascent, stopping along the way to learn about the local flora and fauna. Enjoy a rest stop to resupply with water and taste regional tropical fruit. Cross a section of the Inca Trail that historically connected Machu Picchu with the city of Vilcabamba. Take in impressive views of the Huancarccasa Canyon. Descend to the small town of Quellomayo for lunch and a rest in a hammock. Continue to the thermal baths of Cocalmayo. Overnight in a home stay in Santa Teresa. Day 3: Santa Teresa – Aguas Calientes (Trekking and Zipline) Begin your trek to Aguas Calientes after breakfast. Walk through the Aobamba Valley, stopping for lunch along the way. See a series of waterfalls and admire the majesty of the mountains surrounding Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. Overnight at the Hatun Samay Hotel or similar. Day 4: Machu Picchu – Cusco Get an early start and board one of the first buses to Machu Picchu. See the sun rise over the Incan city and have plenty of time to take photos. Enjoy a guided tour of the site and hear about the history of Machu Picchu and its most important structures. From the top of Huayna Picchu take in breathtaking view of the complete Machu Picchu area. Take a bus down to the village of Aguas Calientes for lunch before heading back to Cusco.

Day 01: Cusco - Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes • Breakfast at the hotel. • Pick up from the hotel (7:30 -8:00 hrs) • Will visit: Pisac, Urubamba Ollantaytambo. • Buffet lunch in Urubamba. • Ollantaytambo tourist train – Machu Picchu Town. • Hotel night in Machupicchu Town. Day 02: Machupicchu - Cusco • Breakfast at the hotel. • Bus to the archaeological center from Machupicchu (round trip) • Guided in Machu Picchu • Lunch at MachuPicchu town. • In the afternoon return by train to Ollantaytambo. • Transport Ollantaytambo - Cusco • Hotel night in Cusco.