Hiking the Long Inca Trail

Begin your authentic Inca Trail adventure with a scenic transfer from Cusco hotels to Ollantaytambo, the historic Sacred Valley town featuring spectacular Inca ruins built by Emperor Pachacuti. Take advantage of local artisan markets before departing for your trek starting point. Your 4-day Inca Trail hike begins at KM 82 (Piscacucho village), the official Inca Trail checkpoint. Experience a unique alternative Inca Trail route with a 2.5-hour trek along the sacred Urubamba River Valley. This less-crowded trail leads to hidden Inca ruins like the ancient site of Salapunku, offering exclusive archaeological experiences away from the Classic Inca Trail crowds. Enjoy a gourmet trail lunch before crossing the Urubamba River at KM 88. The afternoon trek ascends past traditional Andean agricultural terraces, providing panoramic Sacred Valley views. Explore the impressive Qoriwayrachina archaeological complex before reaching your exclusive first campsite at Patallaqta ruins, a spectacular Inca site off the main tourist route. At this private camping location, experience authentic Andean culture while interacting with professional Inca Trail porters and learning about their ancestral traditions. Your expert trekking crew will prepare a comfortable campsite while you explore the ancient Inca ruins of Patallaqta at sunset. 

 Start your second day on the Inca Trail with sunrise views over Patallaqta ruins. After a hearty trek breakfast, begin your ascent through the scenic Huayllabamba Valley. Trek through pristine Andean cloud forest, home to rare native trees. Your hike leads to Ayapata, where you'll enjoy a gourmet trail lunch surrounded by peaceful mountain atmosphere. Continue ascending to Llulluchapampa campsite, your exclusive high-altitude camping location. Experience authentic mountain culture through interactions with professional Inca Trail porters, joining optional traditional highland football matches at one of the world's highest natural playing fields. Participate in a traditional Andean ceremony led by local guides, honoring Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the sacred Apu mountain spirits. This authentic cultural ritual seeks blessings for tomorrow's challenging ascent of Warmiwañusca Pass, the Inca Trail's highest point.     

Experience the most challenging day of your Classic Inca Trail trek, conquering two high-altitude mountain passes while exploring ancient Inca ruins and pristine cloud forests. Explore the mysterious Sayaqmarca archaeological complex, an ancient Inca site perched dramatically on a mountain ridge. Continue your Inca Trail journey to Chaquicocha, where you'll enjoy a gourmet trail lunch amid stunning Andean scenery. Complete your day's trek at the exclusive Phuyupatamarca campsite (3,750 meters/12,303 feet), known as the "City Above the Clouds." This premium camping location offers spectacular Sacred Valley vistas, with the sacred Urubamba River winding below and mystical cloud formations drifting past. Away from crowded camping areas, enjoy a celebratory dinner prepared by expert mountain chefs after conquering the Inca Trail's most challenging section. 

Begin your final Inca Trail day with a sunrise mountain breakfast before trekking to Wiñaywayna archaeological site. Continue your journey to the iconic Sun Gate, where you'll experience your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu, the legendary Lost City of the Incas. Enter Machu Picchu Sanctuary for an expert-guided tour exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about ancient Inca history, architecture, and sacred rituals at one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Break for lunch outside the citadel before returning to discover hidden temples and ceremonial plazas. Capture perfect photos with resident alpacas against the backdrop of Huayna Picchu Mountain. After experiencing the mystical energy of this ancient Inca sanctuary, descend to Aguas Calientes for free time to explore this charming mountain town. Complete your bucket-list Inca Trail adventure with a scenic train journey through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo, followed by comfortable transport back to your Cusco hotel.