The Classic Inca Trail Trek Machu Picchu is one of the most famous trekking routes in the world. It’s just one example of the 40000 kilometers of road built by the Incas some 500 years ago. The traditional (or classic) Inca Trail tour starts in the Sacred Valley and finishes in the jungle region, passing through a range of vegetation types, making you feel like you’ve passed through a multitude of biospheres to reach your goal.
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Walk the classic Inca Trail trek Machu Picchu, one of the most famous and most rewarding hikes in the world!
Discover the legacy of Incan culture in Cusco, once the capital of the Empire, and in the traditional way of life of the indigenous peoples of the Sacred Valley.
In the Sacred Valley, you will trek through some of the most wonderful scenery in Peru, observing a diverse spectrum of flora and fauna as you pass through the many different microclimates.
Be overwhelmed as you finally walk through the Sun Gate at the end of your Inca trail, and get your first glimpse of majestic Machu Picchu.
Day 1 | Cusco -City Tour
Begin your adventure in Cusco, acclimatizing to the altitude before beginning your Classic Inca Trail trek
Machu Picchu. Discover the history and architectural genius of the Incas with a private tour of the ancient capital of the empire, taking in the key archaeological sites of Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, Puca Pucara, and the Temple of the Sun.
Accommodation in Cusco-Tierra Viva ***
Tour time: 4:30 – 5:00 hours approx.
Kilometers covered: 7 km. (4.3496 mi.) approx.
Low point: 3300m./10826.77 ft. – High point: 3850 m./12631.23ft. approx.
Day 2 | Cusco – Classic Sacred Valley Tour
Meet the modern-day descendants of the Incas with a private tour of the Sacred Valley! Your day will begin in Pisaq, where you can barter for traditional handicrafts at the colorful market and explore the breathtaking mountaintop ruins. Next, you will explore Ollantaytambo, which still retains its original Inca-era layout and architecture. Finally, you will visit Chinchero, one of the most traditional towns in the Sacred Valley.
Accommodation in Cusco – Tierra Viva ***
Tour time: Full day .
Tour by Car.
Low point: 2850m./9350.394 ft. – High point: 3850 m./12631.23ft. approx.
Day 3 | Classic Inca Trail | Cusco to Wayllabamba
Today, you’ll begin the adventure of a lifetime – the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu! Your first day on the trail is the easiest, and serves as a warm-up for the rest of the trek. You will begin at the famous trailhead, Kilometre 82, and enjoy fabulous views of the sparkling Urubamba river as you make your way up to the ruins of Llactapacta, the first archaeological site of the trek. A few more kilometres of gentle ascent will take you to Wayllabamba campsite, where you will spend the night.
Trekking time: 6:00 – 6:30 hours approx.
Kilometers covered: 13 km. (8.07783 mi.) approx.
Low point: 2850 m./9350.394 ft. – High point: 3100 m./10170.6ft. approx.
Day 4 | Classic Inca Trail | Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo
The second day of your Inca Trail trek is the most challenging, but intensely rewarding! After spending the morning ascending through scenery that gradually becomes sub tropical forest, you will cross the highest point of the trail: Dead Woman’s Pass (4,200m). Enjoy the sense of achievement (and also the amazing views of the Sacred Valley!) before descending for another few kilometres towards Pacaymayo campsite.
Trekking time: 7:00 – 7:30 hours approx.
Kilometers covered: 11 km. (6.83508 mi.) approx.
Low point: 3100 m./10170.6 ft. – High point: 4224m./13858.27ft. approx.
Day 5 | Inca Trail | Pacaymayo to Wiñay Wayna
This morning, you will visit the beautiful Inca archaeological sites of Runkurakay and Sayakmarka before descending into the cloud forest. Keep your eyes peeled for orchids and humming birds! Take in magnificent views of Salkantay peak, one of the most important Inca mountain gods, as you descend towards Wiñay Wayna. This beautiful archaeological site is one of the highlights of the trail, and an excellent precursor to Machi Picchu. You will camp at the Wiñay Wayna campsite, which even has hot showers!
Trekking time: 10:00 hours approx.
Kilometers covered: 16 km. (9.94194 mi.) approx.
Low point: 3100 m./10170.6 ft. – High point: 4224m./13858.27ft. approx.
Day 6 | Classic Inca Trail | Wiñay Wayna to Cusco via Machu Picchu
Get up with the dawn and experience the magical sight of sunrise over Machu Picchu! Nothing compares with walking through the Sun Gate at the end of your trek and seeing the majestic, ruined city for the first time. Visit the key sites of the awe-inspiring citadel with your expert guide, before spending some time exploring at your own pace, soaking up the atmosphere. Head back to Aguas Calientes by bus, before taking the train back to Cusco, full of amazing memories of your Classic Inca Trail Trek Machu Picchu!
Accommodation in Cusco-Tierra Viva ***
Trekking time: 2:50 hours approx.
Kilometers covered: 5 km. (3.10686 mi.) approx.
Low point: 2000 m./6561.68 ft. – High point: 2720m./8923.885ft. approx.
More amazing photos about this trip HERE
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