Your epic 4 day Classic Inca Trail adventure starts with a seamless pick-up directly from your hotel in Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo. At approximately 5:00 AM, your expert Ali Perú Treks guide and our private transport will pick you up to head toward the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo. We will make a strategic stop there to enjoy a revitalizing breakfast and make final preparations.

From there, we will continue toward Km 82, the official gateway to the Inca Trail. Here, you will meet your dedicated team of professional porters and our talented chef. It is essential to ensure you have the original passport used for your booking, as we will pass the official government checkpoint to begin our legendary journey.

We begin with an acclimatization hike, passing by the Inca site of Kanabamba and the impressive archaeological site of Llactapata, where your guide will reveal the secrets of this Inca agricultural center. Afterward, we will hike for two more hours toward Hatunchaca to enjoy a gourmet Andean lunch and a brief, restorative siesta.

In the afternoon, we will ascend toward our first campsite in Ayapata (3,300 m). On the way, we will pass through Wayllabamba, the last village on the route and your final opportunity to buy snacks or additional drinks.

Upon arrival at Ayapata, your professional tents and high-quality inflatable mattresses will already be set up and ready for you—an exclusive Ali Perú Treks comfort. We will end the day with a comforting «Tea Time» and a spectacular dinner under the starlit Andean sky.

• 🏔️ Starting Altitude (Km 82): 8,923 ft / 2,720 m
• ⛺ Campsite Altitude (Ayapata): 10,827 ft / 3,300 m
• 🛤️ Total Distance: Approx. 8.7 miles / 14 km
• ⏳ Hiking Time: 6 hours
• 📈 Elevation Gain: +1,904 ft / +580 m
• 🥾 Difficulty Level: Moderate (Acclimatization day)
• ✨ Highlights: Llactapata Inca Site, Kanabamba, views of the Urubamba River, and premium comfort at Ayapata.
• 🍽️ Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Your second day begins with a comforting cup of coca tea served directly to your tent, followed by a high-energy breakfast prepared by our chef. This is the most demanding day of the trek, but also the most rewarding. We depart from Ayapata early to begin a steady ascent through the Llullucha Valley.

The first major goal is to conquer the legendary Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca), the highest point of the trail at 4,215 m (13,829 ft). Upon reaching the summit, you will feel an incredible sense of accomplishment while enjoying breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks. After a well-deserved break and a group photo, we will begin a steep descent into the Pacaymayo Valley to enjoy a delicious gourmet lunch.

After lunch, the journey continues with a second, shorter ascent toward the Runkuraqay Pass (4,000 m). Along the way, we will explore the circular ruins of Runkuraqay and then descend toward the magnificent site of Sayacmarca, an architectural gem perched on the edge of a cliff. We will conclude the day at our scenic campsite in Chaquicocha, where you can relax and enjoy the sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range.

As always, the Ali Perú Treks team will have your campsite ready upon your arrival. Enjoy our «Tea Time» with hot drinks and snacks before a well-earned gourmet dinner to replenish your energy. After dinner, under the pristine Andean sky, your expert guide will show you the Andean constellations, and you will learn about fascinating Inca cosmology beneath the stars.

• 🏔️ Starting Altitude (Ayapata): 10,827 ft / 3,300 m
• ⛺ Campsite Altitude (Chaquicocha): 11,811 ft / 3,600 m
• 🔝 Highest Point (Dead Woman’s Pass): 13,829 ft / 4,215 m
• 🛤️ Total Distance: Approx. 10 miles / 16 km
• ⏳ Hiking Time: 9–10 hours
• 🥾 Difficulty Level: Challenging (The most intense day)
• ✨ Highlights: Dead Woman’s Pass, Sayacmarca exploration, and Inca astronomy.
• 🍽️ Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

After the most intense day of trekking, the third day begins with a nutritious breakfast to recharge your energy. This section welcomes us with spectacular landscapes and a more relaxed pace, designed to deeply connect with nature. We begin our hike from Chaquicocha, entering the fascinating cloud forest. For many travelers, this is the most beautiful sector of the entire Inca Trail, where we will cross original stone tunnels and observe a vibrant biodiversity unique in the world.

Our first stop is Phuyupatamarca («Town Above the Clouds»), located at 12,073 ft (3,680 m). From this strategic point, we will enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Salkantay and the majestic Urubamba Valley. After exploring its ritual fountains, we will begin the descent via perfectly preserved Inca stairways toward the site of Intipata, an impressive agricultural terrace offering an unparalleled panoramic view of the river and mountains.

Finally, we will arrive at our campsite at Wiñaywayna. Here, you will have plenty of time to enjoy a refreshing and revitalizing shower. In the afternoon, we will take a guided tour of the stunning Inca site of Wiñaywayna («Forever Young»), considered the most spectacular and mystical archaeological complex before reaching the citadel of Machu Picchu.

As night falls at our camp, the Ali Perú Treks team will have everything ready for our final Andean gourmet dinner. This evening is truly special: we celebrate the success of the expedition and say goodbye to our incredible team of porters and chefs with an emotional thank-you ceremony. It is the perfect moment to share experiences and reflections before the grand final reward the following day.

• 🏔️ Starting Altitude (Chaquicocha): 11,811 ft / 3,600 m
• ⛺ Campsite Altitude (Wiñaywayna): 8,792 ft / 2,680 m
• 🛤️ Total Distance: Approx. 6.2 miles / 10 km
• ⏳ Hiking Time: 5–6 hours of scenic trekking.
• 🚿 Comfort: Free time for a shower and relaxation at the camp.
• ✨ Highlights: Phuyupatamarca, authentic Inca tunnels, Intipata terraces, and detailed exploration of Wiñaywayna.
• 🍽️ Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Today marks the culmination of your epic Classic Inca Trail adventure. We will wake up before dawn to be among the first at the final checkpoint, which opens promptly at 5:30 AM. After crossing, we begin the final one-hour hike toward the legendary Inti Punku (Sun Gate).

From this ancient vantage point, you will witness a sublime moment: the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu bathed in the first rays of the rising sun. It is a truly unforgettable experience and the ultimate reward for every step taken along the trail.

From the Sun Gate, we will descend for approximately 1 hour to reach the main platform of Circuit 1, the perfect location to capture the classic postcard photographs of the citadel. After immortalizing this moment, we will take a brief technical break and exit the Inca site to use the restrooms located outside the archaeological area.

Following the break, we will re-enter through Circuit 3 to begin your private, two-hour guided tour. Your expert Ali Perú Treks guide will lead you through the most iconic areas, revealing the deep history and mysteries surrounding this World Wonder.

Optional Challenge: Huayna Picchu

For adrenaline seekers who booked the Huayna Picchu permit in advance, you will embark on a challenging one-hour ascent to the summit, followed by a one-hour descent. From the top, you will enjoy a unique and dizzying aerial perspective of the entire citadel (please note: this requires booking months in advance due to high demand).

Once the exploration is complete, we will take the shuttle bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes. You will have time to enjoy a revitalizing lunch (optional) before your guide accompanies you to the train station. We will travel by train to Ollantaytambo, where our dedicated staff will be waiting to transfer you in our private transportation directly to your hotel door in Cusco, concluding an incomparable life experience.

• 🏔️ Starting Altitude (Wiñaywayna): 8,792 ft / 2,680 m
• 🏰 Machu Picchu Altitude: 7,972 ft / 2,430 m
• 🛤️ Total Distance: Approx. 3.1 miles / 5 km
• ⏳ Hiking Time: 2 hours to the photo platform.
• ✨ Highlights: Sunrise at Inti Punku, Classic postcard photos (Circuit 1), Specialized tour (Circuit 3), and private return to Cusco.
• 🍽️ Meals Included: Breakfast.