Inca Trail – Long

Your trek begins at kilometer 82 in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, in the Piscaycucho community. Porters will be waiting to meet you with all the equipment. An essential part of the team, they will accompany you throughout the trail. Begin walking parallel to the Urubamba River towards the town of Miskay, soaking up the beautiful views of imposing Mount Veronica. From here, you will climb to the viewpoint overlooking Llactapata to admire the impressive Inca agricultural center and surrounding panoramas. At this point, say goodbye to the Urubamba Valley and hello to the Huayllabamba Valley. Set up camp in a village of the same name, built on the foundations of an ancient Inca settlement.

Today’s journey begins with an ascent to Llulluchapampa through a forest of uncas, native Andean trees, followed by a rare dwarf forest of miniature trees. Reach the top of the Inca Trail at Warmihuyñuska mountain pass (4200m elevation), where the landscape has transformed into an arid Andean highland. From here, descend 900m by stone steps, passing through cloud forest. Spot several species of endemic birds before reaching Pacaymayo, where we camp for the night.

Begin by ascending towards the Runkurakay Pass, where you can see the step of Warmiñuska and the valleys that descend to the Amazon. Enter the cloud forest and continue to the ruins of Sallacmarca, treading a wide, well-maintained, paved trail surrounded by orchids, ferns and bromeliads, ideal habitat for hummingbirds and the spectacled bear, which if very lucky you may glimpse. Finally, continue to your camp near the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, where you can savour an awe-inspiring view of the Urubamba and Vilcanota mountain ranges.

In the morning, admire the 360-degree view of the surrounding mountain ranges, including the impressive Salkantay Pumasillo. Afterwards, descend to the ruins of Intipata, an ancient agricultural and experimental center with a spectacular view over the Urubamba Valley.

Proceed to the impressive Wiñaywayna archaeological site, built into a steep hillside, then continue along a path surrounded by tropical vegetation to Intipunku (Sun Gate), where you gain your first fabulous view of Machu Picchu. At this point, begin your final descent to the Inca citadel. On reaching the citadel, check in at Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel.

After an early breakfast, visit the mystical Inca citadel and its surrounding complexes on a half-day private excursion to Machu Picchu. Enjoy an optional hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (both subject to availability). From here you gain breathtaking views of the surrounding area and the magical lost city. In the afternoon, board the bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will take your train back to Cusco.