Inka Trail – Classic Route

4 D / 3 N

Itineray

The route of the Inka Trail is offered by different providers in different lengths. The most visited route is usually between four and five days long.

Day 1 – 10 kilometers

Route: From Llaqtapata to Huayllabamba.

Daily routine:

Departure early in the morning followed by transfer from the accommodation in Cusco and drive to the kilometer 82 of the railway to Agua Calientes, from where we start the Inka Trail. Here most of the mountain hikes start to Machu Picchu. You will experience the Inka-built ruin complex of Llaqtapata-Inka settlement with its fascinating terraces over the banks of the Cusichaca River. Then you will continue to hike to the last inhabited village Huayllabamba on the Inka Trail. Overnight in tents in the upper Cusichaca valley near the village of Wayllabamba (Huayllabamba) at about 3,000 sea-level above sea level.

Day 2 – 12 kilometers

Route: From Wayllabamba over the Warmiwanusca pass to the Pacamayo River.

Daily routine:

Early in the morning, Wallabamba sets off on a neatly ascending path into the Llullucha valley. From there, the most difficult ascent of the Inka Trail takes place, through mostly tropical mountain fog through the forest to the Warmiwañiusca Pass (Pass of the Dead Woman). That is also the most difficult ascent part of the Inka Trail up to over 4,000 meters altitude. If you are lucky and have a good view, then you will get an unforgettable view of snow-capped andean peaks between 5,000 and 6,000 meters in height. Once you have mastered the pass and enjoyed your stay there, taking souvenir photos, the descent begins here to about 600 meters, where you arrive at the end of the day shortly after crossing the Pacamayo river at today’s campsite.

Day 3 – 11 kilometers

Route: From Pacamayo via Phuyupatamarka to Winayhuany.

Daily routine:

Today’s route from Pacamayu continues along the Inka Trail to the archaeological complex of Runkurakay. In the further course you will then reach the pass of the same name again up to an altitude of about 3,900 meters above sea level. Later, the Inka Trail goes down many steps, which is not necessarily exhausting, but you will notice in the further descent course someday your muscles in your knees and legs, that the musculature downhill is also required. You will pass through the tunnel of Phuyu Patamarka, where lunch will take place. Continue along the trails to Winaywayna and the Inka era ruin complex (Wiñay Huayna). There you will spend the night in the tent again.

Day 4 – 9 kilometers

Route: From Wiñay Wayna to Inti Punku Gate and on to Machu Picchu.

Daily routine:

At Wiñay Wayna, your last day on the Inka Trail begins, with a very early wake up and breakfast, to arrive at Machu Pichu just in time just before dawn. It’s an hour through the subtropical rainforest to the entrance gate of the Machu Picchu, the Inti Punku. There you will experience a fascinating sunrise and the mood of the morning mist over the Machu Picchu. The rest of the day will be filled with an approximately three-hour guided tour of the Machu Picchu site and the remaining time will be available for a free visit. In the late afternoon, the descent takes you to Agua Calientes and from there you drive back to Cusco to spend the night in your hotel or hostal.