Inca Trail Cusco to Machu Picchu – Inca Trail Machu Picchu

The second day of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu will begin early in the morning with a warm wake-up call and a steaming cup of coca tea. After a nourishing breakfast, we will set off from Ayapata. We will be ready to face the most challenging and rewarding part of the trek. 

The trail will take us through a lush cloud forest before gradually ascending toward the highest point of the Inca Trail Cusco to Machu Picchu, the famous Dead Woman’s Pass.  Dead Woman’s Pass, stands at 4,215 meters (13,828 feet) above sea level.

The climb will be steep and demanding, but the spectacular views and sense of achievement will make every step worthwhile. As we approach the top, the air will grow thinner, and the challenge of altitude sickness may arise. However, with steady pacing and proper acclimatization, we will conquer the summit.

Standing at the pass, breathtaking panoramic views of the Andean mountains will unfold before us. It will be offering a well-earned reward for our efforts. A short break will allow us to soak in the scenery and prepare for the descent into the Pacaymayo Valley.

The downhill trek will be gentler but still require caution as we navigate the rugged terrain. Upon reaching the valley floor, a hearty lunch will be waiting, giving us the energy to continue our journey. In the afternoon, the adventure will lead us to the second pass, Runkurakay Pass, at 3,950 meters (12,959 feet). Before reaching the top, we will stop at the impressive Runkurakay ruins, a circular Incan structure believed to have been a resting place for messengers traveling to Machu Picchu.

Unveiling Sayacmarca: A Journey Through History and Nature on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Once we reach the summit, the trail will wind down to the mysterious ruins of Sayacmarca, an ancient Incan outpost that offers a glimpse into the strategic planning of the empire. Nestled on a mountainside, Sayacmarca features narrow stone pathways and stunning views of the surrounding valleys. Our tour guide will share fascinating details about the site’s history and its role in the Incan road system.

The final stretch of the day will take us through lush cloud forest vegetation, offering a stark contrast to the rugged mountain passes we conquered earlier. The trail will lead us to our next campsite at Chaquicocha, located at 3,600 meters (11,811 feet). Upon arrival, we will relax with a warm drink while watching the sunset over the Andes. 

A delicious organic dinner will be served, providing much-needed nourishment after an intense day of hiking. The peaceful atmosphere of the campsite, surrounded by mist-covered mountains and the sounds of nature, will be the perfect setting for a restful night’s sleep before continuing our journey along the Inca Trail Machu Picchu.

The third day of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu will begin with a refreshing cup of coca tea or Peruvian coffee, followed by a hearty Andean breakfast. This section of the trail will be more relaxing, as we will trek through lower altitudes and lush cloud forests, surrounded by breathtaking views of the Andean landscape. The journey will lead us through ancient pathways, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and archaeological wonders.

A short hike from our campsite at Chaquicocha will take us to the fascinating ruins of Phuyupatamarca, located at 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) above sea level. Its name, which means “mystical place above the clouds” in Quechua, perfectly describes the ethereal atmosphere that surrounds this site. 

As the morning mist rises, the stone terraces and ceremonial fountains will emerge from the clouds, creating a magical scene. Our knowledgeable tour guide will share insights into the site’s historical significance and its connection to the vast Incan network leading to Machu Picchu.

After exploring Phuyupatamarca, we will begin our descent toward Intipata, a remarkable agricultural site that offers spectacular views of the winding Urubamba River below. The descent will take about an hour and a half, providing plenty of opportunities to take in the stunning surroundings.

As we approach Intipata, the impressive series of terraced fields will reflect the Inca’s advanced farming techniques, which are still in use today by local communities in the Sacred Valley. Our guide will explain how these terraces played a crucial role in sustaining the Incan population and how their legacy continues to influence modern farming practices.

Wiñay Wayna: A Timeless Treasure and the Final Stop Before Machu Picchu

From Intipata, we will continue hiking downhill to Wiñay Wayna, which means “forever young” in Quechua. This final campsite, situated at 2,650 meters (8,694 feet), will welcome us with breathtaking views and a well-deserved lunch. After some rest, we will visit the Wiñay Wayna archaeological site, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved complexes along the Inca Trail Cusco to Machu Picchu. The site features a blend of agricultural terraces, ceremonial fountains, and stone structures that showcase the engineering brilliance of the Inca civilization.

During our exploration, we will also get a glimpse of the short Inca trail, a two-day trekking route that joins the classic trail just before reaching Machu Picchu. As the sun sets over the lush green mountains, we will have a quiet moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve undertaken so far.

Back at the campsite, our team will prepare a special celebratory dinner to honor the accomplishment of conquering the toughest sections of the Inca Trail Machu Picchu.

This will be a time to express gratitude to our dedicated support crew, including porters and chefs, who have been an essential part of the experience. As the night sky fills with stars, we will enjoy our final night on the trail, gazing at the Milky Way and dreaming of the incredible moment when we finally reach Machu Picchu the next day.

The final day of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu will begin before dawn. A gentle wake-up call with coca tea will prepare us for the most anticipated part of the journey. After a quick breakfast, we will set off from Wiñay Wayna.  We will be making our way through the last stretch of the ancient trail under the soft glow of our headlamps. The excitement will build as we walk along the misty pathways. We will be surrounded by the sounds of the awakening cloud forest.

A gradual climb will take us to the legendary Sun Gate, known as Inti Punku in Quechua. Standing at 2,720 meters (8,924 feet) above sea level, this iconic viewpoint will offer the first breathtaking glimpse of Machu Picchu, emerging through the morning mist. The sense of achievement will be overwhelming as we take in the panoramic views of the lost Incan city, bathed in the soft golden light of sunrise. After capturing this unforgettable moment, we will continue the final descent toward the heart of Machu Picchu.

Upon entering the citadel, the sheer scale and beauty of Machu Picchu will leave us in awe. With our expert guide leading the way, we will explore the most significant areas of the site. Our guided visit will include the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone, and the Royal Quarters. Each structure will reveal fascinating insights into the ingenuity and spiritual beliefs of the Inca civilization.

As we pass through the stone corridors and terraces, we will have a sense of being connected to the past. The mountains surrounding us will also arouse our sense of awe.

Machu Picchu and Beyond: Celebrating the End of an Unforgettable Inca Trail Journey

After the guided tour, we will have free time to wander through Machu Picchu at our own pace. Those who still have energy can climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for even more spectacular views. As the morning sun rises higher, we will make our way down to the town of Aguas Calientes. Here we can relax and celebrate our achievement with a well-earned meal.

In the afternoon, we will board the train back to Ollantaytambo, enjoying the scenic ride through the Sacred Valley. From there, a comfortable transfer will take us back to Cusco. Our incredible journey along the Inca Trail Cusco to Machu Picchu will come to an end. The experience will leave lasting memories of the ancient wonders, breathtaking landscapes, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing one of the world’s most famous treks.