 Detailed Itinerary of the Classic Inca Trail:
DAY 1: Cusco – Huayllabamba: An early start takes us to Km. 82 where we collect the porters to commence walking, via Urubamba for breakfast (not included in price). From Km. 82 we cross the raging Vilcanota River. Walking in the shadow of snow-capped Mount Veronica (5,680 metres) we continue the hike, stopping for lunch near the Cusipata River, and admiring the Inca ruins at Llactapata. We complete 6 to 7 hours of gentle hiking by reaching the first campsite Huayllabamba.
DAY 2: Huayllabamba – Pacaymayu: the second day is the most arduous of our journey. After a hearty breakfast we commence by ascending to Warmihuañusca (Dead Women’s) pass (4,200 metres). This change of altitude means that we will pass through three separate ecological zones during the day: Quechua, Yunga and Puna (from valleys with trees, through high pasture, to arid grassless areas short of the snowline). The ascent of over 1000 metres to the first pass earns magnificent views. Descending from this superb vantage point we pass waterfalls before making camp at Pacaymayu.
DAY 3: Pacaymayu – Wiñaywayna: The day stars with the pass of Runkuracay (3,900 metres) where we see an Inca ´Watchtower´. Then we continue to the Inca ruins at Sayacmarca (a small maze like ruin built above a sheer cliff) and, passing through a rock tunnel, we reach Phuyupatamarca (City above the clouds), a beautiful set of linked stone baths still supplied by mountain streams. From this area, we should achieve views of Mt. Salkantay (6271 metres), one of two most sacred peaks to the Incas. The descent down from the third pass (3,700 metres) is by a continuous set of steps (over 2,300 of them), into cloud forest, to our last campsite. From here a short walk takes us to the impressive ruins of Wiñaywayna, curving around a steep valley with walled terraces hugging the contours. The extra relaxation time provided here allows us to recoup our strength to make an early star the next day and maximize the experience of Machupicchu.
Day 4: Wiñaywayna–Machupicchu: A pre-dawn breakfast allows us to ascend to Intipuncu (the Sungate) where we may observe the sunrise over Machupicchu. After taking in this memorable view we descend to the ruins for a guided tour, starting well before the crowds arrive by train from Cusco. There should be 6 to 7 hours available to spend in this unique archeological site, allowing ample opportunities to explore on your own. Those not yet tired of heights might like to climb Huaynapicchu for an unparalleled view of the lost city of the Incas, or visit the temple of the Moon and the Inca drawbridge. Alternatively, it is possible to overnight here for another day in the sacred city. All trains for Cusco leave from Agues Calientes. This narrow gauge railway gives a scenic ride through the Urubamba valley.
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT LIST FOR THE INCA TRAIL
- Day Pack
- Hiking boots
- Sleeping bags (also available for hire)
- Sandals
- Sun hat
- Spare set of clothes
- Waterproofs
- Warm clothing, hat, and gloves
- Three pairs of socks
- Swimsuit and towel
- Toiletries
- Sunglasses
- Sun block (you will be walking under a tropical sun at altitude)
- Insect repellant (Machupicchu can have mosquitoes depending on season)
- Lip balm
- First-aid kit
- Flashlight and Batteries
- Camera and films
- Plastic bags of clothing and garbage
- Snacks if desired e.g. chocolate, biscuits, dried fruit etc.
- Coca leaves (optional for help with altitude)
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