Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu 5D/4N

Day 1: Arrive in Cuzco & Briefings

1. Cusco
   1 day
   Welcome to Cuzco, Peru! Check into your accommodation for tonight and the day will be yours to explore.
   
   Don't forget to swing by our Cuzco office for the following:
   
   1. CHECK-IN
   Check-in with your passport a few days to a few hours before your briefing to let us know you've arrived safely and get some individualized attention. We'll confirm your pick-up info and answer any questions you may have, like booking extras, rental equipment, etc.
   
   2. PRE-DEPARTURE BRIEFING
   Return to our office for a mandatory pre-departure briefing at 6pm. Meet your group and local Bamba guide, receive detailed information on your excursion and a list of what to bring, and ask any last-minute questions. Where: Calle Matara 242, Second Floor, Cuzco, Peru

Day 2: Start your Inca Trail Trek

1. 1 day
   Today you will be picked up at your accommodation between 5:00-6:00 am. One day before the trek, make sure you made all of the necessary preparations. Before starting the amazing trek adventure, you will be taken by bus to the town of Ollantaytambo, where you will have an hour to eat breakfast on your own and purchase last-minute snacks, water and walking sticks. Then you will hop back on the bus to Piscacucho where the famous Inca Trail journey will begin. Don't forget to bring your original passport, student card (if applicable) for the first Inca Trail checkpoint. Your guide will have your tickets for you. Start hiking along rolling hills in the Vilcanota River Valley where you will spot at several small archaeological sites on the way. During half-way, you will enjoy a tasty lunch and you will have time to relax before reaching Wayllabamba camp. (2,980m)
   
   Trekking: 10 kilometers / 6 hours

Day 3: Trek to Pacaymayo Camp via Dead Woman's Pass (B/L/D)

1. 1 day
   Enjoy an early breakfast around 6:00 am before starting off on the most challenging day along the trail, with a vertical hike of 6 km (approx. 5 hours) to reach Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215m followed by a 3 km hike down stone steps to reach Pacaymayo camp at 3,600m (approx. 2 hours). You can take your time and rest as much as you need, as you will ascend more than 1,200 meters over the course of the morning. Just after you reach Dead Woman's Pass you will be rewarded with spectacular views of nearby snow-capped mountain peaks and roaring waterfalls. Walk slowly down to Pacaymayo Camp (3,600m) to enjoy the view. You will stop for lunch and a well-deserved nap. Then you will have the rest of the afternoon to enjoy the camp before dinner and an early bedtime.

Day 4: Trek to Wiñayhuayna Camp via Runquracay Pass (B/L/D)

1. Winay Wayna
   1 day · Admission ticket included
   Today, hike for one hour uphill and discover the beautiful Pacaymayo archaeological site. Continue one hour to Runquracay Pass (3,950m) where you can summit the mountain for amazing views of surrounding peaks. You will have the chance to explore two more archaeological sites called Sayacmarca & Phuyupatamarca with your guide before having lunch along the way. By late afternoon you will reach Wiñayhuayna High Jungle camp (2,650m) set above a river valley in a high jungle climate. After dinner, say a big THANK YOU to your porters and guides.
   
   Trekking: 15 kilometers / 9 hours

Day 5: Trek to Sun Gate, Explore Machu Picchu, Return to Cuzco (B)

1. Machu Picchu
   2h
   Today, you will wake up between 3:30 and 4:30 am and have breakfast early to live an incredible experience. You will head to the Wiñaywayna checkpoint and join the lineup to wait for the gate to open at 5:30 am. Once the gate opens, you will hike about an hour to reach the Sun Gate. We'll keep our fingers crossed for a clear day! Catch the first glimpses of light over the stunning ruins of Machu Picchu, a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Then continue down the final length of the trail for 40 minutes to reach the Machu Picchu archaeological complex.
   
   Explore this magical site on a 2-hour guided tour and learn about the history of this incredible Inca citadel. Afterward, you will be free to visit on your own and take pictures at your leisure. If you're feeling adventurous, take an optional trek to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (must be booked in advance).
2. Ollantaytambo
   8m
   Return to Aguas Calientes from where you will catch a train to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, you will take a bus back to Cuzco, arriving back around 20:00. You will be dropped off late in the day at the Plaza San Francisco. Please make your way back to the accommodation of your choice. We wish you the best for your onward travels!

Pickup details

Please note that there is a mandatory pre-departure briefing at our Cuzco Headquarters one day prior to departure at 6 PM. You will receive detailed information on your excursion, a list of what to bring, and confirm your departure details.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• As of June 11, 2022, all travelers over 18 years old must have three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. That means two regular doses plus a booster. Passengers from 12 to 17 years old must prove they are vaccinated with two doses. If they do not have a complete scheme, they must present the negative result of an RT-PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before boarding in their country of origin.