This trek is firmly on my hit list for an all-out trip. I’m desperate to experience the legendary Inca Trail without the typical crowds and chaos. This five-day excursion is all about getting off the beaten path, taking you to unique spots with stunning views of the Peruvian Andes and a chance to explore seldom-visited Inca ruins. The best part? You get to stay in exclusive campsites, ensuring a proper night’s rest under the stars. I’m excited by the idea of experiencing this epic trail in a more intimate, uncrowded way. It’s an adventure that promises to go where others don’t.
I’m particularly drawn to this trek because it’s guided by expert, local guides who have years of experience. They’ll take us through hidden corners of the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu over five magical days and four nights. This isn’t just a hike; it’s a unique and truly exclusive experience. We’ll pass through soaring mountain peaks, vibrant tropical valleys, dense cloud forests, and roaring rivers, all while exploring ancient ruins and lesser-known paths. To cap it all off, we’ll spend our nights in private, exclusive camping areas before finally arriving at the magical Inca citadel of Machu Picchu via the Intipunku (Sun Gate).
This day is kicking things off with an early start. We’ll be picked up from our hotel in Cusco (11,155 ft / 3,400 m) at 5:00 a.m. or from the Sacred Valley at 7:00 a.m. On the two-hour drive to the trailhead, we’ll stop in Ollantaytambo (9,160 ft / 2,792 m) for a delicious breakfast with spectacular views. This is a brilliant opportunity to support a local community. While other trekking groups will cross the Urubamba River to start their hike, we’ll begin on the right bank, visiting little-known gems like Salapunku, K’anabamba, and Machu Q’ente.
I can’t wait for the thrill of reaching the checkpoint at KM 88 – Q’oriwayrachina (9,153 ft / 2,790 m) after about three hours of walking. We’ll have lunch at our campsite in Chamana (7,217 ft / 2,200 m). In the afternoon, our guide will take us to the impressive Inca site of Wayna Q’ente, a unique spot with fantastic views of the valley. We’ll camp overnight in Chamana, close to the Inca site of Patallaqta.
After a delicious breakfast, we’ll visit the stunning Patallaqta Inca Site. While most hikers head back to KM 82, we’ll have the whole place to ourselves. From there, we’ll hike along the Cusichaca River to the village of Huayllabamba (9,678 ft / 2,950 m), where we’ll explore Incarakay and enjoy a well-deserved lunch.
The second part of the day will be a bit more challenging as we begin to climb up to our second campsite at Llulluchapampa (12,467 ft / 3,800 m). Towards the end of the day, we’ll discover fascinating ecosystems, including a thick cloud forest filled with blooming flowers and native birds. It’s going to be an unforgettable adventure.
Today is the toughest but most rewarding day. We’ll kick off with an early ascent to Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass), the highest point of the Inca Trail at 13,779 ft / 4,200 m. We’ll take our time at the top to soak in the incredible, sprawling views before descending for two hours to Pacaymayo Alto (11,811 ft / 3,600 m) for lunch.
The afternoon is just as exciting. We’ll start with a steep two-hour climb to the second pass of the Inca Trail, Runccuracay (12,979 ft / 3,956 m), and then continue for three more hours to our final camp at Phuyupatamarca (12,007 ft / 3,660 m). Along the way, we’ll explore the fascinating Inca sites of Runccurakay, Sayacmarca (12,073 ft / 3,680 m), and Conchamarca, all while enjoying stunning views of the Salkantay and Vilcabamba mountains. I’m ready for the challenge.
Waking up at the most incredible campsite on the trek with a delicious coffee is going to be epic. We’ll watch the sunrise before starting our descent. Today’s route is mostly downhill along a stone-paved path. We’ll visit the stunning Inca sites of Puhyupatamarca, Intipata, and Wiñaywayna (8,694 ft / 2,650 m) before lunch.
After a final lunch with our porters at Wiñaywayna, we’ll say goodbye and hike for an hour to the Sun Gate (Intipunku) (8,885 ft / 2,708 m). This is where we’ll get our first magical, iconic view of Machu Picchu (7,972 ft / 2,430 m) at sunset. To cap it all off, we’ll spend the night in a hotel in the village of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) (6,693 ft / 2,040 m).
Today is the day we finally get to board the first buses to Machu Picchu! Our guide will take us to all the most incredible spots within the citadel, from the temples to the palaces. Afterward, we’ll have some free time to take last-minute photos and just soak it all in. Once we’re back in Aguas Calientes, the panoramic Vistadome train will be waiting to take us back to Ollantaytambo. We’ll arrive in Cusco around 7:30 p.m., but trust me, you’ll want to experience every last minute of this incredible journey.
Clothing
In Your Daypack
In Your Duffel Bag
This will be carried by our porters from one camp to the next, so you won’t have access to it during the day’s hike. The weight limit is 7 kg (14 lbs), with 4 kg for your personal items and 3 kg for your sleeping bag and pad.
A highly qualified professional with extensive experience in the art of guiding will lead your tour. They have years of dedication to nature walks, have medical certifications and an overflowing passion for leading people on unforgettable adventures.
We understand how essential a delicious hot meal is to revitalize and comfort your body after a challenging hike. Therefore, on each expedition with Ausangate Peru, you will find chefs with extensive experience in preparing meals during the hikes.
All our hiking trips offer a varied selection of delicious meals, rich in carbohydrates, proteins and essential fats. We have carefully selected foods that adapt perfectly to the natural environment.
Our experienced muleteers and their faithful horses are responsible for all our equipment and will always be available in the safe and comfortable camps, ready to receive us.
The Inca Trail is a trekking route built by the Inca Empire more than 500 years ago that ends at the famous citadel of Machu Picchu. Along the route you can find countless Inca archaeological remains, such as towers, water sources, platforms, observatories, temples, homes and the Inca Trail itself, whose roads or paths are built with stone.
It is considered one of the best short walks or treks in the world.
The total length of the Inca Trail is approximately 43 kilometers. This route has sections in which you must climb extensive stairs, as well as descend steep hills, so the route is not linear or straight at almost any point.
The walking time during the Inca Trail depends on the distance between the points or camping sites assigned by the INC (National Institute of Culture of Peru, the body in charge of caring for this route) and the physical condition of the traveler. Normally you have between five to eight hours of walking on the first three days and two to three hours of walking on the fourth day.
The porters carry the shared luggage of the trekking group, that is, they carry the tents, blankets, food, kitchens, utensils and other belongings that will probably be used during the tour by all participants.
Each traveler must carry their own backpack containing products for personal use, water, sunscreen, hats, hiking sticks, ponchos or raincoats , etc., up to a maximum of five kilos. This will be verified at the beginning of the tour (the backpacks will be weighed to verify that they do not exceed five kg)
Most of the route is along the road made by the Incas, which is a road or path 1.5 to 15 meters wide so there are no great dangers if you are careful; However, you should not go off the route because there are also deep abysses that are most likely fatal.
If you have heart problems or illnesses that may require immediate medical assistance, you should consult with your doctor because one of the main characteristics of the route is its inaccessibility.
Toilets have been installed along the route and many of them have water facilities, however, most of them are ‘silo’ type toilets which is basically a hole in the ground over which a small room for the bathroom.
The INC (National Institute of Culture of Peru) has assigned specific areas where tourism agencies and operators, through their official guides, set up their camps to spend the night. The traveler only has to worry about his belongings.
The Inca Trail does not require any special skills, that is, you do not need to know how to climb, know how to rappel down and things like that, so any traveler with good boots and good equipment can do it, however, during the The first day of the route is walked from 2,000 meters above sea level to 4,000 meters above sea level, so the physical challenge is considered moderate to intense and a fair to good physical condition is required.
After four days of hiking through impressive and beautiful mountain ranges, valleys and plains, the Inca Trail ends at the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, the perfect ending to an unforgettable experience.
The final stretch of the Inca Trail ends at the archaeological site known as ‘Inti Punku’ or gate of the sun in Quechua, which is also part of the Machu Picchu Archaeological Park.
The maximum number of tourists or travelers allowed per group is sixteen people, while the minimum group size allowed is four people.
The INC does not require the purchase of insurance to be able to make the trip, however, it would be a very important option if you want to reduce risks.
Since 2001 it has not been possible to do the Inca Trail without the company of an official tourist guide.
The Inca Trail must be done in the company of a group of travelers led by an official tourism guide, who in turn is controlled by the tourism agency or operator.
There are no restrictions regarding the minimum age to do the Inca Trail; If the child is used to walking, he can do this trekking route; however, it would be prudent to communicate and coordinate his entry with the tourism agency.
It is generally recommended that walkers set their own pace, there will normally be groups that complete the route before others, as well as groups that overtake others and then fall behind, so there is no reason to get extremely agitated.
Official tour guides are trained to handle all types of situations, from discomfort due to altitude to fatigue to falls, bumps and sprains. They will do everything possible so that you can complete your journey without problems, but if this is the case they will be responsible for coordinating your return.
The first archaeological site after Km 82 is only visible from the other side of the river; Inca Trail hikers will not visit this site. Travelers can only take photos from the other side of the river. The site has large walls and a large gate that is believed to be the entrance to Machu Picchu from the Sacred Valley.
Also, Located on the opposite side of the river from the Inca Trail, this second archaeological site was a resting place for travelers.
Llaqtapata: “We found evidence that some Inca chief had built his house here and included ten or dozens of buildings in the plan. They were made of rough stones set in clay with the usual symmetrical arrangement of doors and niches. It may have been built by one of the captains of Manco” – Hiram Bingham, The Lost City of the Incas, 1912.
Located in the upper part of Llaqtapata, with a circular construction and excellent location, it is noted that it was used and uninhabited by religious priests.
Located in the heart of the Inca Trail, the semicircular-shaped ruins were once used as a rest stop for more messengers and a religious place for the moon.
It is an incredible archaeological site with a strategic location that controls all the cloud forest valleys below. This place was used for religious and military purposes.
Located just below Sayacmarka, it was probably the home of an important person or a high priest.
Phuyupatamarca: “The city above the clouds” is located on a mountaintop above Machu Picchu Mountain. This place was an important religious place because of the water and the mountains.
Located in the thick cloud forest, this site was an important agricultural center. The terraces adapt perfectly to the shape of the mountain.
This is one of the most beautiful and important Inca sites on the Inca Trail. A religious place with temples, water sources and cultivation terraces.
Sungate, this incredible place, is a checkpoint and an astronomical observatory. The first and best view of Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu: There is no greater joy than arriving from the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
If you’re one of the lucky few, you won’t feel a thing. There are those whose hearts will beat faster while others may experience difficulty breathing. You may also have nausea or a headache. Don’t risk it; You should prepare for that if it’s your first time in this place.
The best thing you can do is give yourself at least two days to acclimatize before hiking the Inca Trail. Take some medicine, drink coca tea and sleep a lot. It would be best if you buy Diamox to use before you start walking.
You do not need a prescription to buy Diamox in Peru; You can find it in all pharmacies in Cusco; you should order ACETAZOLAMIDE – Acetazolamide (brand name: Diamox), of course, you are expected to feel some common side effects such as dizziness, lightheadedness, tingling sensation. It is best to take it at night before bed or early in the morning before your activities.
If you prefer something more natural, we recommend Sorojchi Pills, Altivital and coca tea, and drink plenty of water.
Although it is very fun, it is not that easy. You have to prepare physically and psychologically. You need stamina and stamina, so if you could exercise to improve strength and breathing, it would be pretty easy. Consider running or other cardiovascular exercises. Other top tips are to breathe deeply, take small steps, stay positive, and rent hiking poles.
Almost all hikes on Cusco to Machu Picchu trips will include passing through high altitude sites of at least over 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) before reaching Peru, taking short hikes regularly once a week more.
5 (12 reviews)
5 (12 reviews)
5 (12 reviews)
5 (12 reviews)
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Cras maximus diam non nunc aliquam, sed venenatis erat mattis. Donec id lectus a felis bibendum semper. Vestibulum dui odio, varius id eros id, ultricies mattis arcu. Phasellus lacinia elit mollis justo fermentum, non consectetur felis vestibulum.
