Inca Trail to Machu Picchu CAMPING
Destinations: Machu Picchu, Inca Trail, Cusco Peru
Duration:        4 days / 3 nights

DAY 1

Cusco to 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 Wayllabmaba (3000m/9840ft), the first camp. Enjoy spectacular views of the Vilcanota ridge, where the impressive Veronica peak reigns at 5832 meters above sea level. Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours.

Overnight at Campsite

DAY 2

From Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo                                                       (B, L, D)
Breakfast will be served around 6 am, make sure you eat plenty as today will be the most challenging day of the trek. It consists of a steep uphill slope that covers 9 km (5.5 miles) taking us from the Andes to the Altiplano, making this the highest point of the entire Inca Trail (4,200 msnm / 13,780 ft). Immediately after the mountain pass, we will descend to Pacaymayo valley were our second camp will be prepared.

Overnight at Campsite

DAY 3

Pacaymayo to Wiñaywayna                                                                (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. This campsite hosts a trekker lodge, a bar and bathrooms with hot shower facilities. After visiting the impressive archaeological site, you will enjoy a farewell dinner at the camp. Estimated walking time: 8 hours.

Overnight at campsite.

DAY 4

Wiñaywayna to Machu Picchu                                                                     (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 Huaynapicchu 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. Estimated walking time: 2 hours.