Cusco Peru Adventure
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu CAMPING
Destinations: Machu Picchu, Inca Trail, Cusco Peru
Duration:        4 days / 3 nights
Tour Type:      Peru Adventure, Peru Nature, Moderate to Challenging Trek

DAY 1

Cusco - Piscacucho - Wayllabamba                                                        (B, L, D)

Pick up from your hotel. Start the Inca Trail at the 82nd kilometer of the Cusco – Machu Picchu railroad. Cross the bridge over the Urubamba River. Follow the trail along a flat terrain towards Miskay (2800m/9184ft), to ascend and see the Inca city of Llactapata (2650m/8692ft). Trek along the valley created by the Kusichaca River until reaching the community of Wayllabamba (3000m/9840ft), the first camp. Enjoy spectacular views of the Vilcanota ridge, where the impressive Veronica peak reigns at 5832 meters above sea level (19129ft).

Distance:                         12 km / 7.47 ml
Minimum Altitude:            2650 masl / 8692 ft
Maximum Altitude:           3000 masl / 9840 ft
Approximate Time:           5-6 hrs
Gradient:                         moderate

Overnight at campsite.

DAY 2

Huayllabamba – Abra Warmi Wañusqa – Pacaymayo                            (B, L, D)

Begin the most difficult part of the trek, an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km. Cross the first mount pass, the Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman´s Pass – 4200m/13776ft). Cross an area of the so called cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows, and the Andean bear, which is also called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus). (Recommendation: Stock your daypack with candies, chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high, and help with altitude sickness). Descend to Pacaymayo Valley (3600m/11808ft).

Distance:                         11 km / 6.84 ml
Minimum Altitude:            2950 masl / 9676 ft
Maximum Altitude:           4200 masl / 13776 ft
Approximate Time:           6-7 hrs
Gradient:                         moderate to challenging

Overnight at campsite.

DAY 3

Paqaymayo – Abra Runkuraqay – Phuyupatamarka – Wiñay Wayna    (B, L, D)

Visit numerous archeological sites. Climb the second pass the Abra Runkurakay (3970m/13022ft). Descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3624m/11887ft). Arrive at the third pass, the Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft). Along this climb we can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient craft, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain, and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order, saving the trail from the multileveled Andean geography. From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations. Trek down the long descending stone steps that lead us to Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft), an impressive Inca complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector close to where the camp is located.

Distance:                         16 km / 9.94 ml
Minimum Altitude:            2700 masl / 8856 ft
Maximum Altitude:           3900 masl / 12792 ft
Approximate Time:           8 hrs
Gradient:                         moderate to challenging

Overnight at campsite.

DAY 4

Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes - Cusco                            (B)

Leave Wiñaywayna and climb to the Inti Punku, or The Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. Descend to Machu Picchu, enter the citadel from the highest point through the “House of the Guardians”. Begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. Free time to walk around, climb the Huayna Picchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machu Picchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or visit the Temple of the Moon or the impressive Inca Bridge.
In the afternoon you will regroup in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in its hot springs. Take the train back to the city of Cusco. Transfer to your hotel.

Distance:                         4 km / 2.49 ml
Minimum Altitude:            2000 masl / 6560 ft
Maximum Altitude:           2700 masl / 8856 ft
Approximate Time:           2 hrs
Gradient:                         moderate to challenging

Overnight at campsite.