Day 1. The first day starts early, leaving Cuzco and passing through Ollantaytambo until you reach the river and Cusichaca Bridge where the Inca Trail begins. After an energising breakfast and some coca leaf tea you begin the walk, crossing the bridge and passing small communities until you reach open spaces and ruins down below. (This is when you really need to have your insect repellent). You then reach an area of more vegetation and small communities.

Day 2. Today you begin walking up steps through sub-tropical jungle and alongside small running streams. This can often be completed at the end of day 1, before reaching the plains of Lluichapampa, just below the well-known (and dreaded!) Dead-Woman’s Pass. The walk up to the pass is not far but the altitude affects everyone and the pace is slow. Upon reaching the top you have a breather to take in the magnificent views and regain some energy. From Dead Woman’s pass you descend into the valley where you usually stop for lunch, ready for another climb up to the second pass in the trail. En-route you pass the small ruins of Runkuracay. From the second pass you head down towards your second campsite, passing the larger ruins of Sayacmarca and going into a more tropical area.

Day 3. You start day 3 walking through the cloud forest along the ancient Inca paths until you reach the 3rd pass, just beyond which you pass through the ruins of Phuyupatamarca. From here you continue downhill to Winaywayna in time for lunch and you have time to relax at your campsite before a leisurely afternoon visit to the ruins.

Day 4. A very early morning start (torches definitely a must) to make it to Intipunku, the Sun Gate, in time for sunrise. It is very often cloudy but it is still an amazing and surreal site to view Machu Picchu emerge through a gap in the clouds. It is then a short walk to the site of Machu Picchu.

On arrival in Machu Picchu you will have a guided tour of the site and then have time free to explore. You have the option of climbing Huayna Picchu, the mountain that shadows Machu Picchu, well worth the climb for fantastic views of Machu Picchu and the valley below.
In the afternoon take the bus down the valley for the train along the Urubamba River back to Cuzco.

Extencion: Day 5 Stay overnight (the fourth night) at a hotel close to Machu Picchu (Hotels in Machu Picchu). The morning of the fith day is free to explore Machu Picchu and in the afternoon take the bus down the valley for the train along the Urubamba River to return to Cusco.

PLEASE NOTE - In order to reserve a place on the Inca Trail we require your passport number. This passport number must correspond with the passport that you will use while travelling in Peru.

It is essential that you be prepared and necessarily equipped for the trail so as well as your clothes please ensure that you take the following items:
Waterproof / rain poncho, torch, insect repellent, sun cream, hat or head scarf.
The only other items you will need to carry in your day pack are water (on average you should be drinking approximately 1½ litres a day), camera, binoculars, sweets and anything else you may deem essential.
Your guide will provide you with a waterproof duffle bag which will be carried between campsites by your porters. Approximately 5kg can be taken but try not to take any unnecessary items. Please be aware that it be cold at night (even below freezing) so ensure that you have clothing that will keep every part of you very warm (a good thermal base layer and many layers are best).
You will have a bowl of hot water to wash in each day and at the last camp in Winay Wayna there are hot showers at the hostel. For further advice and suggestions for the Inca Trail and walking at altitude please contact us or refer to our Travellers Guide sent to you when you make your reservation