Our short version of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu begins at your hotel, where you will be picked up around 5:00am. From your hotel, you will travel 1 to 1.5 hours with your guide to Ollantaytambo, where we will take the Expedition Train to our starting point called KM 104 “Chachabamba”. A good 2-day introduction to the trail if you don’t have the time for a full trekking experience.
Your journey begins at 2:30 PM in Cusco, where you’ll meet your experienced trekking team at our conveniently located office near Cusco’s central plaza. Once introductions are complete, you’ll board comfortable private transportation for a scenic 3.5-hour drive through stunning mountain landscapes to Soraypampa, located at approximately 12,500 feet above sea level.
Arriving in the late afternoon, settle into our exclusive Sky Lodges, unique accommodations that offer sweeping vistas of glacier-capped mountains. After enjoying a warm welcome drink and delicious dinner prepared by your personal trek chef, your guide will provide a detailed overview of the adventure ahead. The clear mountain skies here offer spectacular stargazing opportunities—perfect for photography and relaxation.
Awake before dawn (around 4:00 AM) to a hearty breakfast and fresh coffee, energizing you for the longest and most scenic hiking day of your trip. Before departure, your duffel bag will be handed off to our expert muleteers, who will transport your belongings ahead to camp.
The day’s trek starts with a gradual ascent (approx. 1.5 hours) to the strikingly beautiful Humantay Lake (13,780 feet), renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounded by snowy peaks. Early morning access ensures peaceful solitude at this remarkable location.
After visiting Humantay Lake, the trail continues steadily upward for about three hours toward your lunch stop at Soyroccocha. Along the way, breathtaking views of the towering mountains of Salkantay await. After lunch and rest, you’ll climb to the highest point of the trek, Salkantay Pass (15,255 feet), where you’ll enjoy panoramic views and hot tea served by your guides.
From the summit, a gentle three-hour descent brings you to your campsite at Wayracmachay (12,800 feet). Your tents will be set up upon arrival, and you’ll have warm water available to freshen up before happy hour, dinner, and another chance to stargaze, guided by your team in identifying ancient Inca constellations.
Start the day around 5:30 AM with hot beverages delivered to your tent, followed by breakfast overlooking spectacular glacier peaks. Today’s trek transitions from the stark high mountains into lush jungle environments.
A gentle four-hour descent through diverse ecosystems brings you to your lunch spot at Ccollpapampa (8,860 feet), where orchids, hummingbirds, and tropical flora surround you. After lunch, the trek continues gently downhill for another four hours to the Jungle Domes at Loreta (7,870 feet).
Upon arrival at our exclusive Jungle Domes, you’ll unwind with luxurious amenities, including private hot showers and an outdoor hot tub overlooking the Salkantay River. The camp’s gardens are filled with local fruits, coffee plants, and exotic vegetation. A delicious dinner will be served overlooking the river, after which you can relax beneath star-filled skies.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before beginning the shortest—but arguably most memorable—day of your trek. Today’s path leads you through tropical farmland to an organic coffee plantation. Here, you’ll learn about local agriculture, taste freshly harvested coffee, and enjoy a hands-on cooking demonstration paired with lunch.
The journey continues uphill for about 2.5 hours along a picturesque stretch of original Inca trail to the fascinating Llactapata ruins (8,860 feet). From this ancient site, you’ll catch your first spectacular views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding valleys—truly unforgettable.
A brief 15-minute descent leads you to our private, locally-owned campsite, offering unmatched solitude and extraordinary views of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a relaxing evening and dinner beneath the stars, learning about the Milky Way and Inca astronomy from your guide.
Awaken to views of Machu Picchu bathed in early morning sunlight before your final breakfast on the trail. Today’s hike descends gently for two hours towards the stunning Hidroelectrica waterfalls, where you’ll have your final trail lunch and bid farewell to your trekking team.
Continuing along the route of the original explorer Hiram Bingham, you’ll pass by historic landmarks including Melchor Arteaga’s farm and the ancient sundial stone (Intiwatana). A relaxed three-hour hike along the railway leads you into the bustling town of Aguas Calientes, nestled beneath Machu Picchu.
Here, you’ll check into your luxury accommodations at the renowned Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel by Inkaterra, featuring lush gardens, private casitas, hot showers, spa treatments (available separately), and unparalleled comfort. Enjoy dinner in town before resting for tomorrow’s exploration of Machu Picchu.
Rise early for breakfast before catching the short bus ride (approx. 30 minutes) from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu’s entrance gates. Your experienced guide will lead you directly to prime viewing locations for sunrise photography and then provide an insightful, approximately two-hour guided tour of the main highlights within the Machu Picchu complex.
Optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are available (advance booking required, $75 extra per person).
After exploring Machu Picchu, return to Aguas Calientes in time to catch your afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo (approx. 2-hour scenic ride). Upon arrival, our private transportation will meet you at the station and drive you directly back to your hotel in Cusco (approx. 2-hour drive). Accommodation tonight in Cusco is not included.
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Contact us for more information and to start planning your incredible Inca Trek to Machu Picchu!
info@incatrek.com
+12029641004
