Inca Trail Trek 4 days / 3 nights

In Huayllabamba, the next day we had lunch in the heart of a lush nature. Then we ascend for about an hour following the left bank of the Llulluchayoc River. On the way, we take the bridge that crosses the Huayruru River. The name refers to an ornamental tree with red and black seeds that is so typical of the region that the bearers of the district of Ollantaytambo who wear red and black ponchos also call themselves Huayruro.

We stop at Tres Piedras, where a camp with sanitary facilities is waiting for us. Then we walk approximately 1h30 through the forests of Huancas, to get to know more and more extraordinary sites. Finally, we arrive at the Llulluchapampa meadow, at 3,680 m above sea level. We hike for another 1h30 and reach the highest point of the Inca Trail, the Abra de Huarmihuañusca or Paso de la Mujer Muerta at 4,200 m. At this point, Hikers can appreciate the presence of multiple ecosystems, dry puna, high and lush forest, all bathed in an Andean atmosphere: penetrating cold, scorching sun, icy wind at times. When we reach the pass, in front of a wide panoramic view, we can rejoice at having completed the most arduous part of the Inca Trail. The descent takes 2 hours but, although vertiginous, it is not difficult. It is done on the left side of the valley and leads to the Pacaymayo camp at 3,600 m.

Arriving around 3 p.m., we are offered a good rest until the next morning.

After an invigorating breakfast, the adventure continues. After Pacaymayo, it is only an hour to reach the ruins of Runkuracay, which occupy a privileged position above the valley. A 45-minute ride takes us to the top of the second pass, the Abra de Runkuracay at an altitude of 4,000 m.

From that moment on, our feet step on the original pavement of the Inca Trail that gradually turns into a steep, steep and dangerous staircase. This part of the path is particularly attractive: we come across high scree, steep valleys and we skirt vertiginous precipices. After 1 hour of hiking, we arrive at Sayacmarca, an “inaccessible city” – inaccessible because it is protected on three sides by steep ravines – and accessible only by a staircase of beautifully cut stones. Along the way, we pass through Conchamarca, a small Inca settlement, which probably served as accommodation for weary travelers on their way to Machu Picchu.

The descent is made through a beautiful misty forest, covered with wild orchids, fragrant flowers, thick mosses, and hanging ferns. In this place, the vegetation is so lush that it almost completely hides a mysterious Inca tunnel carved into the stone.

Before reaching the third pass of Phuyupatamarca, which rises to 3,700 m above sea level, we can admire the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay at 6,180 m and Veronica at 5,860 m. Then we arrive at Phuyupatamarca, “City in the Clouds”, an impressive Inca site. Access to the ruins is through a staircase that crosses six fountains, probably used in ritual ceremonies around the cult of water. Amid sumptuous agricultural terraces, well-preserved buildings, and a dozen thermal baths suggest that this site was likely a religious center of contemplation for pilgrims embarking on the latter leg of their journey to Machu Picchu. At the end of the tour of Phuyupatamarca, we find the steep and vertiginous Inca stairs that lead us through the forests of Queuña, Pisonay, Muña and Puyas to Wiñay Huayna, our last campsite. Wiñay Huayna, in Quechua, means “Forever young”; It is also the name of a native variety of pink orchids.

From this camp, the path is clearly marked and we continue it for two hours. On that day, the alarm clock is set for 3:30 a.m. After breakfast, the hike starts around 5:30 am, at sunrise. An hour of walking and we take, through a forest hidden in the fog, fifty vertical steps that lead to the last pass, Inti Punku, “Sun Gate”. Machu Picchu is then offered to us in all its splendor. An extraordinary spectacle, the highlight of our trip!

After a short stop, we head to the main entrance of the enclosure where, in complete safety, we can leave our backpacks (payment in soles), have a coffee in the restaurant and use the toilets. The same guide, who accompanied the group during the trek, shows Machu Picchu for 3 hours. Among all the wonders available to visitors are the Main Square, the Circular Tower, the Holy Sundial, the Royal Apartments, and the Temple of the Three Windows, etc. So many opportunities to learn more about the Incas’ ways of life, their beliefs, their cults, and their religious ceremonies. It should be noted that the discovery of Machu Picchu is subject to visiting circuits, designed by the Ministry of Culture, which visitors must scrupulously respect and that do not allow them to return.

For lunch on site, there is only one expensive restaurant, while in Aguas Calientes there are restaurants accessible for all budgets. To get to Aguas Calientes, a shuttle bus departs from Machu Picchu every 15 minutes. In the afternoon, it was time to head back to Cusco. The train departs from Aguas Calientes and arrives in Ollantaytambo 1 hour and 45 minutes later. Departure time varies

depending on the number of seats available at the time of booking. Then, the route from Ollantaytambo to Cusco is done in one of our vehicles that takes you to your hotel in Cusco.
If you opt for the ascent to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu de Montana (optional visit), here are some important recommendations:

• Tickets for these climbs must be purchased in advance, at the time of booking the tour (please note that the number of places is limited).
• To climb them, you must purchase another “Machu Picchu + ascent” ticket of $55/additional person and book the ticket at the same time you pay for your reservation in full.
• The climb to Huayna Picchu is very steep, people who suffer from vertigo and are prone to discomfort should of course avoid this route.
• If you choose to climb Machu Picchu Mountain, it takes 1h30 to climb. Please note that Machu Picchu Mountain is higher than Huayna Picchu
• Finally, when opting for these climbs, the Ministry of Culture assigns you a visiting schedule that you must absolutely respect and that can therefore reduce your visit to the site planned as part of the Inca Trail.