Tour Type: Hiking, camping, adventure, history, culture.
Total Distance: 50KM/31 Miles.
Good For: Those who enjoy hiking and have a moderate level of fitness.
Difficulty: Challenging.
Considerations: Permit required (We will obtain it after you book with us).
Season: From March 1st to January 31st.
Trail closed: February for maintenance.
Flexible plans: book your trip now, without being charged today.
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Alpaca Expeditions will pick you up from where ever you are staying in Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo. Pick-up from Cusco will be from 4 to 4:30 AM, from Urubamba from 5:30 to 6 AM, and if you stay in Ollantaytambo, you get to sleep in a bit with your pick-up from 6:30 to 7 AM. These times will be confirmed at your briefing, as they might fluctuate based on where you are staying. We will take you to the Porter House which is located in Ollantaytambo after a delicious breakfast prepared by your cook, your guide will introduce you to your team of porters.
We will then drive to Km 82, we’ll go through the first Inca Trail checkpoint to begin our trek. Please make sure you have your original passport with you to enter the Inca Trail. The first 2 hours of the trek are relatively easy as we make our way to our first Inca site. Patallacta is an ancient Inca checkpoint for the approach to Machu Picchu.
From Patallacta it’s another 2-hour hike to our lunch stop. After lunch, we will hike for another 2½ hours until we reach the first night’s campsite at Ayapata (3300 meters). On this last stretch, we pass through 2 small communities. If you want to buy any energy drink, snacks, or essential items you may have forgotten such as batteries you can do so here. We’ll arrive at our campsite by 5:00 PM. After settling in for a bit, you can relax and have a hot drink and snack with your team of porters, chefs, and guides. By 7:30 PM, your dinner will be ready, and after you can get some well-deserved rest.
8.7 miles/14 km (6-7 hours)
3300 meters (high) above sea level
Moderate day (getting used to the Inca Trail)
Warm and windy
Your porters will wake you up early with a hot cup of coca tea to get you ready for the day. We will have an early start since it will be our longest day. We’ll hike for roughly 4 hours to the highest pass of the trek, Dead Woman’s Pass (4215 meters/13829 feet). On reaching the pass, we’ll stop for a short break to enjoy the views before setting off again to descend to the next valley (Pacaymayu Valley – Hidden River). It’s another hour and a half down the side of the valley to our lunch spot, where you will have a chance to refill your water bottles. After lunch, we begin ascending again to the second pass of the trek. It’s 2 hours over the pass where we will stop at a small Inca site (Runcu Raccay) and see two huge waterfalls cascading down the opposite side of the valley. After the second pass, it’s another hour downhill hike to reach the magnificent Inca site, Sayacmarca (an otherwise inaccessible village).
We’ll stop here to rest and have a quick tour. Afterward, we will be able to watch the sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range. It’s then just another 20 minutes until we stop for the night at our second campsite Chaquicocha (Dry Lake, 3600 meters). After dinner, if you’re not too exhausted, we can do some star gazing, and we’ll point out the fascinating Inca constellations. In the magnificent Southern Hemisphere sky, away from all the artificial lighting, this sky is something to behold!
9.94 miles/16 km (7-8 hours)
3600 meters (high) above sea level (chilly weather)
Top day (you will have survived the two highest passes)
Andes and Cloud Forest
Cold and rainy
Completing Day 2 and beginning Day 3 certainly deserves a pat on the back! We will start early again, waking up at 6:30 am to begin what is commonly felt to be the most beautiful day of the whole Inca Trail. We hike for 2 hours along what we like to call “Inca flat” (gradual inclines) and begin to enter the jungle, known as the Cloud Forest. As we walk, we will have the opportunity to see Salkantay, the second highest snow-capped mountain in the Sacred Valley, and a fantastic panoramic view of the Vilcabamba mountain range. Towards the end of the Inca flats, we begin to make our way up to the last peak at Phuyupatamarka (3600 meters) from where we’ll have great views overlooking the Urubamba River. Down the valley, we get our first view of Machu Picchu Mountain, but the site itself is still hidden. From Phuyupatamarka it´s a 3-hour walk down a flight of steps to our last campsite, close to Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young). Wiñay Wayna is the most spectacular Inca site on the trail after Machu Picchu and the most popular campsite because of its proximity to Machu Picchu. During the descent, we visit 2 Inca ruins, Phuyupatamarka (Town in the Clouds) and Intipata (Terraces of the Sun). We arrive at our campsite around 1:00 PM to have lunch.
Then we will relax so that you are ready for your final day at Machu Picchu. At around 4:30 PM your guide will give you a short orientation, and you will visit the Inca ruins of Wiñay Wayna for an hour and a half there. Your guide will explain the significance of the site and combine all the information given during the trek. This way you will be fully prepared for your visit to Machu Picchu the following day. We like to spoil our guests as we enjoy our last feast with the porters and chefs. It’s an Inca Trail tradition to organize a ceremony in the evening to introduce the team to the tourists once again. This is to thank them for the great job done (if you wish to provide tips for them then you can do so at this time). It is advisable to go to bed at a reasonable time to get up in the early hours of the morning to arrive to Machu Picchu at the crack of dawn in the hopes that the weather will give us a beautiful sunrise over the ruins at Machu Picchu.
6.2 miles/10km (5 hours)
2.600 meters (high) above sea level (chilly weather)
Easy day – all downhill!
High Cloud Forest
Warm and very humid
oday marks the most anticipated day of your journey, the long-awaited visit to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
We’ll wake up early at 3:00 a.m., and breakfast will be served at 3:30 a.m. Shortly after, we’ll begin a short walk to the park ranger checkpoint, where we’ll wait for the gates to open at 5:30 a.m.
Why so early? Our porters must reach the railway at Km 107 to catch the only daily train passing at 5:30 a.m. Out of respect for their effort, all groups wake early so the porters can return safely to Ollantaytambo. Your duffel bags will be transported by porters to Aguas Calientes and left at the restaurant where you’ll later have lunch.
The final section of the Inca Trail from Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) is narrow, and park rangers only allow hikers to enter after dawn for safety. This portion takes about one hour, with lush cloud forest vegetation and occasional sightings of orchids. Just before reaching the Sun Gate, you’ll climb the steep “Gringo Killer” steps , about 20 original Inca steps that mark the final challenge before your reward.
Arriving at Inti Punku, you’ll witness your first breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu. During Incan times, this gate served both as the main entrance to the citadel and as a solar observatory during the solstice, when sunlight aligned perfectly through its opening to illuminate the Sun Temple window. We’ll spend about 15–30 minutes here (weather permitting) before continuing for another hour of gentle downhill trekking to reach the citadel.
By 7:30–8:00 a.m., we’ll arrive at the main viewpoint of Machu Picchu, the iconic photo spot. After soaking in the view, we’ll exit briefly to use the restrooms (S/2) and leave any large backpacks in storage (US$5).
We’ll then re-enter to begin our 2-hour private guided tour along Circuit 3B, exploring temples, water fountains, and sacred plazas. Your guide will explain the fascinating history and mysteries behind the Incan architecture.
After your tour:
When finished, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch at a local restaurant (not included). Your guide will provide your train tickets at this time.
Return Journey:
You’ll board your train to Ollantaytambo between 2:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. (Expedition or Voyager class, depending on availability). The scenic ride lasts about 1 hour 45 minutes, offering spectacular views of the river and surrounding mountains.
Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, an Alpaca Expeditions driver will be waiting to transfer you by private bus back to Cusco (approx. 2 hours). You’ll arrive between 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., where your stored luggage will be returned, and you’ll be dropped off at your hotel.
The most exciting and magical day – arrival at Machu Picchu!
High Cloud Forest and Subtropical Zone
Hot and very humid (bring plenty of water)
Breakfast Only
On your own (Cusco city)
We will pick you up between 4:00 and 4:30 am from your hotel, Airbnb, or hostel in Cusco. After a scenic 2½-hour drive, we’ll arrive at the Phulawasipata trailhead (4,200 m / 13,780 ft) around 7:00 am. Here, our chef will prepare a delicious breakfast including coffee, hot chocolate, teas, bread, fruit salad, eggs, and other warm options to help you start the day right.Since Cusco sits at 3,300 m / 10,826 ft, mornings at the trailhead can be even colder. Be sure to bring a warm jacket, hat, scarf, and gloves to stay comfortable.
After breakfast, we’ll begin our 2-hour hike uphill toward the Rainbow Mountain range. The pace can vary depending on fitness and acclimatization—some hikers reach the top in 1½ hours, while others take up to 2¾ hours. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating insights about the mountains, their geology, and the local culture. You’ll also have the chance to spot llamas and alpacas grazing in the area.The trail is wide and stable, suitable even for those with mild vertigo. During the dry season, conditions are ideal but can be dusty; in the rainy season, the path may be slippery, so good waterproof hiking boots and trekking poles are highly recommended.
Upon reaching the summit around 9:00–10:00 am, you’ll have about 1 hour to take in the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and the majestic Ausangate Mountain (6,384 m / 20,944 ft), the highest peak in Cusco. Your guide will explain the geological origins of the mountain’s vibrant colors and share stories about its significance in Inkan history.
After photos and exploration, we’ll descend via a different route that leads to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the Red Valley, a hidden gem that many hikers find even more breathtaking than Rainbow Mountain itself. The descent takes about 2½ hours, mostly downhill, ending near our starting point.There, your chef will be waiting with a freshly prepared lunch, including cold drinks, appetizers, soup, and a hearty main course. Afterward, we’ll drive about 2½ hours back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel between 5:30 and 6:00 pm.
Stunning views of Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley
Andes Mountains near Cusco
Cold, especially in the morning
Breakfast and Lunch
On your own (Cusco City)
Alpaca Expeditions is a 100% peruvian, indigenous owned company. Started by Raul Ccolque, a former porter and tour guide, Alpaca Expeditions separates ourselves by our dedication to both our customer and our team. We work very hard to make sure that all our clients needs are taken care of throughout the tour with us. At the same time, we never forget about our brothers and sisters working tirelessly for us to make all of this possible. Responsible and sustainable tourism that gives as much to our community as to our clients.
Everyone on the Alpaca Team is from Cusco region, living the traditions and history they share with you while on one of our tours. Our guides are all graduates of university studying tourism, history and english. Our chefs are trained every February by a professional cooking team learning new meals, adding varieties of entrees for all types of eating. And all our porters are from HUARQUI, HUACAHUASI, PATACANCHA, QUISWARANI, CANCHACANCHA, QUEYUPAY, UMACHURCO and CCACCACCOLLO villages, very often working this job on top of maining their farms back at home. Most of our team has been with us for years, as we have the most loyal, hard working, happy employees in Cusco. We know how lucky we are to have the best team trekking and you will immediately fall in love with all the men and women who call Alpaca Expeditions their home.
Our goal at Alpaca Expeditions is to create the best experience for all of our clients. We create journeys that are to be remembered for a lifetime. Journeys you can be proud of and can share with everybody around you.
In the pursuit to stand out from the rest, Alpaca Expeditions has obtained four ISOs plus our carbon footprint certificate to date. These achievements result from our efforts to implement the internationally-recognized integrated management system. They also represent our commitment to all of our clients and staff of operating sustainability and responsibility in every way possible.
