Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 4D/3N

Our adventure begins with a 5:30 AM pickup from your hotel. We drive to Ollantaytambo for a quick breakfast and then head to KM 82 (Piscacucho) where we pass the official Inca Trail checkpoint. The first day is relatively easy and serves as an acclimatization hike. We will hike along the scenic Urubamba River, enjoying spectacular views of the snow-capped Veronica mountain (5,900m). We will explore the impressive Incan ruins of Llactapata (Patallacta) before stopping for a gourmet lunch prepared by our chef. Afterward, we continue hiking gently uphill to our first campsite in the village of Wayllabamba. • Trekking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles • Estimated Time: 5-6 hours • Starting Altitude: 2,720m / 8,923ft • Campsite Altitude: 3,000m / 9,842ft

We wake you up early with a hot cup of coca tea in your tent. Today is the most challenging day of the trek. After a hearty breakfast, we begin a steep, 4-hour ascent through beautiful native Polylepis forests to reach the highest point of the trail: Warmiwañusca, also known as Dead Woman's Pass (4,215m). Here, we will celebrate our achievement, take photos, and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the Andes. Following a well-deserved rest, we begin a 2-hour descent down ancient stone steps to our second campsite located in the Pacaymayu valley, where a delicious lunch and dinner await us. • Trekking Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles • Estimated Time: 6-7 hours • Highest Altitude: 4,215m / 13,828ft • Campsite Altitude: 3,580m / 11,745ft

This is arguably the most beautiful and culturally rich day of the trek. We begin by ascending to the second pass, Runkurakay (3,950m), passing the semi-circular ruins of the same name. As we cross the pass, the landscape transforms dramatically from alpine tundra to lush tropical cloud forest. We will explore the archaeological site of Sayacmarca before continuing along a stunningly preserved original Incan stone path to the third pass, Phuyupatamarca ('Town in the Clouds'). Finally, we descend via thousands of original stone steps to the spectacular terraced ruins of Wiñay Wayna ('Forever Young'), our final campsite. In the evening, we will have our final dinner and say goodbye to our amazing team of porters and chefs. • Trekking Distance: 16 km / 10 miles • Estimated Time: 8-9 hours • Highest Altitude: 3,950m / 12,959ft • Campsite Altitude: 2,680m / 8,792ft

The climax of our journey! We wake up at 3:30 AM to be among the first at the final checkpoint. We hike for about two hours through the cloud forest to reach Inti Punku, the legendary Sun Gate. From here, we will witness our first, magical view of the Machu Picchu citadel as the sun rises over the surrounding mountains. We then descend into Machu Picchu for a comprehensive 2-hour guided tour exploring the temples, palaces, and sacred plazas. Afterward, you will have time to explore on your own before taking the bus down to Aguas Calientes. Finally, we board the panoramic train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transport to your hotel in Cusco. • Trekking Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles • Estimated Time: 2-3 hours • Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,400m / 7,874ft • Return to Cusco: Evening