HL- 02 INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU
(4 Days / 3 Nights)

In the morning scenic bus ride to the trailhead at Piscacucho (Km 82) where porters await for us for a walking day along the upper banks of the Urubamba River cross from the snow-capped peak of Mount Verónica (5900m/19,500 ft.) towards the first archaeological site Llaqtapata (2,650m/8,750ft.). After a rest continue upon the Cusichaca Valley (8,500ft.) observing several Inca agricultural terraces and irrigation channels. We enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon we follow the Cusichaca Creek on a gentle climb passing houses of settlers reaching the picturesque village of Huayllabamba which is our fist camp (3,000m/9’900ft).

After an early breakfast we start our walk the trail ascends steeply to a small pampa just below the fist pass Llulluchapampa (3,660m/12,000ft.). A 300m/1000 ft. climb brings us through three different vegetation zones to the summit of Warmiwañusca pass (4,200m/13,800ft) our first and highest pass. From the summit the trail descends steeply to the Pacaymayo Valley and we can view the trail going down into the valley and the second pass that we walk the next day after two hour descent we reach the camp site (3,600m/11,800ft.).

Today is the most diverse day of our adventure. We start in the morning with the climb up to the second pass at Runcuracay (3,990m/12,900ft) that offers fantastic views of the Vilcabamba Range with its glaciers, weather permitting. A 2 hour descent brings us to the fascinating archaeological site of Sayacmarca. After exploring this beautiful construction we continue - now on original Inca stone path - through high cloud forest with its lush vegetation, offering glimpses of waterfalls, valleys, canyons and glaciers like Salkantay. In the afternoon we arrive at the last high pass, Phuyupatamarca (3,600m/11,900ft), from where we get our first glimpse of Machupicchu and start the long and steep descent (over Inca staircases) towards the archaeological site of Wiñaywayna, considered one of the most beautiful sites in the area due to its location and architecture. Here we camp one last time in beautiful countryside.

After breakfast we say goodbye to our Quechuan porters and continue our hike through high cloud forest with its diverse flora and fauna towards the famous Sungate or Intipunku. From here we can enjoy the first and best view of the Lost City of the Incas: legendary Machupicchu (2400 mts/8’000 ft). We enjoy this enigma in a guided tour and will have enough free time to explore the site individually or do some hikes before we descend to Aguas Calientes in the afternoon. Train ride back to Cusco, transfer to the hotel and overnight.