The Inca Trail: the millennial highway that created an empire. The Inca empire was one of the largest and most important in America. Despite its brief existence – lasting barely a century – it expanded over almost two million square kilometers, stretching from Colombia to Chile, passing through Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina.
One of the keys to this rapid expansion was its vast network of roads, known as “Camino del Inca”, which connected the main cities to the capital of the empire: Cuzco. The Inca Trail is considered by many to be the most famous hike in South America, captivating travelers with its magnificent landscapes and towering mountains, with clouds that seem close enough to touch.
The adventure begins at 5:45 am when we depart from Cusco (3350m / 10990 ft) and head to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Upon arrival, we’ll meet our Quechua porters who will carry all the food and camping equipment for our expedition.
During the hike, you’ll see native plants like large cacti (Trichocereus pachanoi) and Achupallas (Puya nail-Herculis). You’ll also enjoy views of the snow-capped Veronica mountain (5750m/18,865ft) and visit the archaeological sites of Kanabamba and Llactapata, showcasing the rich Inca history of the area.
We’ll stop for lunch in Tarachayoc and then continue walking to Wayllabamba, where we’ll set up camp for the night and enjoy a hearty dinner.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast at 6:00 am, we’ll hike through Llulluchapampa valley (3850m / 12631ft) and enter the Andean forest. Here, we’ll encounter Uncas trees, bromeliads, and traditional straw plants used by the locals for building and feeding animals like lamas and alpacas.
The highlight of the day is reaching the Warmihuañusca pass (4200m / 13780ft), also known as the "Dead Woman’s Pass", offering stunning views of Huayanay mountain and the Vilcabamba range. After a break, we’ll descend into the deep valley of Pacaymayo (3500m / 11483ft) for lunch and set up camp for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast at 5:30 am, we’ll climb steep stairs to the Runkurakay archaeological site (3700m), followed by the second pass (3900m / 12796ft). We’ll then walk downhill to Sayacmarca for lunch in Chaquicocha.
This is considered the most scenic day of the trek, offering beautiful views of the cloud forest, Inca tunnels, and ancient Inca trail cobblestones, along with abundant natural beauty including orchids and begonias. Our third pass leads us to Phuyupatamarka (3700m / 12136ft), a village "above the clouds", where we can enjoy views of Machu Picchu Mountain.
The final descent brings us to Wiñaywayna (2650m / 8692ft), a picturesque site with a trekker lodge, bar, and hot showers. We'll have a farewell dinner at the campsite.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On the final day, we rise early at 4:00 am and depart from Wiñaywayna at 5:00 am, heading towards the Intipunku (Sun Gate). The hike takes about an hour through stone trails on the edge of cliffs in the highland jungle.
From the Sun Gate, we’ll witness the sunrise over the sacred Machu Picchu citadel before descending to the site via the "House of the Guardians". After passing through the entrance, we’ll have a 2-hour guided tour of the Inca citadel.
After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore Machu Picchu. You can climb Huayna Picchu Mountain for stunning panoramic views (note that only 400 visitors per day are allowed), visit the Temple of the Moon, or see the impressive Inca Bridge.
In the afternoon, we’ll meet in Aguas Calientes for a relaxing time at the hot springs before taking the train back to Cusco, where we’ll arrive in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast
On day 1, we will arrive at noon at the Málaga pass (4,316 meters above sea level), after a relaxing trip through the beautiful Sacred Valley. There, the mountain bike adventure will begin, descending quickly in the middle of the immense, massive Andean geography to the archaeological site of Huamanmarca, where you can choose between continuing the biking to Santa María or doing this stretch in our support car (which will be present at all times). We will provide an excellent BMX bike and accessories such as a helmet, visor, gloves, elbow and knee protectors.
The Inka Jungle tour is also characterized by being ideal for those who like long walks. From day 2 to 4, it is what is most done. The hike begins in the heights near the snowy mountains, advancing through the unique, relaxing, and energetic Andean geography. As the days advance, the tour approaches the jungle region, with a very pleasant climate and exuberant vegetation.
A very good question. Another element that distinguishes this tour is that there are no nights in camp. You will have dinner, rest, and a very comfortable, revitalizing sleep in hotels.
A minimum of 10 years is recommended for any type of adventure, as long as the children have the necessary endurance, patience, and discipline.
If you do not regularly practice hiking or some endurance sport, it would be advisable to evaluate your physical condition before taking the tour.
The medical community recommends the following vaccines to be safe in Peru:
The Inca Trail was everything I hoped for and more. The trek itself was challenging but incredibly rewarding, with stunning views of the Andes and ancient Incan ruins along the way. Reaching Machu Picchu at sunrise after four days of hiking was a surreal moment—nothing compares to seeing it in person. The guides were fantastic, sharing deep knowledge of the history and culture of the trail. The camp setup and food were great, though it’s definitely a physically demanding journey.
The Inca Trail was everything I hoped for and more. The trek itself was challenging but incredibly rewarding, with stunning views of the Andes and ancient Incan ruins along the way. Reaching Machu Picchu at sunrise after four days of hiking was a surreal moment—nothing compares to seeing it in person. The guides were fantastic, sharing deep knowledge of the history and culture of the trail. The camp setup and food were great, though it’s definitely a physically demanding journey.
