The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (45mk-28mi) is rated among the best trekking trips in the world because of the exquisite beauty of its natural surroundings. These include different ecological areas from the dry Andean valleys to tropical cloud-forest. Following in the footsteps of the Inkas you will experience amazing archeological Inka sites, enigmatic Andean mountains and the mysterious cloud forest. Depending on the season you might see the spectacular and mysterious Andean bear “the spectacle bear” (Ukumari in Inka language) whose habitat is the cloud forest, but also enjoy of the great variety of flora, including miniature and large orchid species. Our journey is escorted by experienced and professional tour guide and a crew of porters that will make your trip the most safe, pleasant and unforgettable experience.
Early in the morning, we pick you up at your Cusco hotel and transfer by van to the trailhead at Pisqa k´uchu (Km. 82 on the train route to Machu Picchu) the starting point of such great trek following the footsteps of the Inkas. At this point you will meet our local crew of porters and cook that will look after you for the duration of the hike. Our porters carry the majority of the gear for the trek, so you trek only carrying a small daypack with water, rain gear, snacks, a camera, etc. As you walk the trail that linked this ancient empire you will experience a deep valley with semi-arid terrain along the Urubamba River with magnificent views of snowcapped mountains, the great Inka site of Llaqtapata and the valley of Kusipata. After lunch provided by our trained crew we start to gain altitude following the narrow side valley of the Kusichaka River. We camp near the hamlet of Huayllabamba.
Today, after a reenergizing breakfast, start your trek along the steep path towards the highest point of this trek (Warmiwañusqa-Dead Woman´s pass 4,215m/13,910ft). The walk up is demanding but rewarding with astonishing views at every step you take through the montane sub-tropical forest, which is the habitat of the spectacle bear, white tailed deer brocket, miniature and big orchids as many hummingbirds and colorful birds. After enjoying a tremendous sense of accomplishment and well deserved resting time, you will start to walk down the other side of the mountain you climbed up stopping into many breaks for appreciating the beautiful landscape and water cascades. At the end of a gorge is the campsite with a spectacular view.
This day, we will start trekking up to the second pass (3,950m – 12,870ft) visiting the incredible Runk´uraqay Inka site along the way. Upon arrival to the summit enjoy of the fantastic views of amazing snowcapped mountains and the exuberant evergreen cloud forest. From here follow a fine Inca highway down to the exquisite ridge-top ruins of Sayaqmarka, where you will have time to explore and have a guided tour. Afterwards it comes the most spectacular part of the trail before reach the campsite, a trail and a tunnel amid the luxuriant cloud forest and breathtaking views. Our Camp will be in the nearby of the superb Phuyupatamarka ruins and overlooking the Vilcanota River far below. Phuyupatamarka is Quechua for “City above the Clouds”. The views toward the sacred peak of Salcantay are sublime.
After a delicious breakfast. we descend steeply, following the Royal Highway through orchid-rich cloud forest to Winya Wayna Inka site. The final part of the trail on the back of Machu Picchu Mountain is a stunningly beautiful traverse leading to the Gate of the Sun overlooking Machu Picchu. We reach this highlight in the golden sunshine of late afternoon. Descending into the city, we get some time for taking pictures and enjoy of the beauty of this magical place. Afterwards we board a shuttle bus to descend a switch backing road to Machupicchu town (Aguas Calientes town). See below for optional hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
In the morning, after taking a thirty-minute bus ride up a switchback road, you will arrive to the incredible “Lost city of the Inkas”. Your guide will take you on a guided tour and history lesson of this incredible site, contemplating the complicated history and the surprising degree of technology achieved by its builders, the provision of water channels that reveal a deep understanding of hydraulics, and its exceptionally fine stonework. All this magnificent building allows you to go back in time and with the help of your guide revive the existence of those master builders. After a complete overview of the site, we descend to Machupicchu town for our train ride back to Cusco.
Safety & High-Quality Service
Meals
Transportation service.
Accommodation service
Entrance tickets and permits
We often send out our newsletter with news and great offers. We will never disclose your data to third parties and you can unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time.
Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer free samples. As a retailer, we buy all magazines from their publishers at the regular trade price. However, you could contact the magazine’s publisher directly to ask if they can send you a free copy.
You can create a new account at the end of the order process or on the following page. You can view all of your orders and subscriptions in your customer account. You can also change your addresses and your password.
No, you don’t have to create an account. But there are a few advantages if you create an account.
You never have to enter your billing and shipping address again
Find all of your orders, subscriptions and addresses in your account
Download invoices of your orders
No, we don’t have a physical store location at the moment. We accept only orders through our online shop and we’re shipping all orders with the Swiss Post Service. Please visit our shipping section for more details.
From time to time you will find us at design fairs and popup markets in Switzerland. Subscribe to our newsletter and you’ll receive the latest news.