Program Spiritual Inca Trail

Day 1: The 4-Day Inca Trail Begins with Coca

Early in the morning, between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m., you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Cusco. It’s about a two-hour drive to Ollantaytambo, where we stop for breakfast and to buy any last-minute supplies for the trek. Don’t forget your coca leaves to help you cope with the high altitude!

From Ollantaytambo, you continue to the starting point of the trail, where you’ll meet the porters who will carry your tent and, if you wish, some of your personal belongings for an additional fee.

These porters live in the area around Machu Picchu, speak the indigenous language Quechua, and carry around 20 kilos on their backs through the mountains. You’ll quickly come to appreciate everything they do!

The first day of the 4-day Inca Trail is relatively easy and takes you along the Urubamba River, beneath the snow-capped peak of Huacayhuillca, and past the first two Inca archaeological sites, Kanabamba and Llactapata. At the end of the day, you arrive at Wayllabamba, where you’ll spend the night. Your tent will already be waiting for you.

Day 2: Challenging Climb to Dead Woman’s Pass

Day two starts around 6:00 a.m. An early start is important, as today will be a challenging day, especially once the sun rises higher in the sky.

From the Llulluchapampa Valley, you make your way through the Andean forests towards the highest point of the trek: Warmihuañuska, also known as Dead Woman’s Pass. At 4,200 metres, the pass rewards you with breathtaking views of the green valleys and snow-capped mountain peaks.

After reaching the summit, you begin the descent towards the Pacaymayo Valley, where your tent will once again be ready and you can enjoy a well-deserved rest before dinner. You’ll spend the night here.

Day 3: Low-Hanging Clouds in the City of the Clouds

Once again, you’ll start early, as today is the longest day of the 4-day Inca Trail. From the Pacaymayo Valley, you immediately begin the climb up a long stone staircase with large steps towards Runcuracay, an impressive Inca archaeological site. From here, you continue climbing towards the second pass of the trek, at 3,900 metres. With the two highest passes now behind you, you descend towards Chaquicocha, where you’ll stop for lunch.

This is one of the most beautiful days of the trek. You’ll walk through low-hanging clouds along the original Inca stone paths, pass through an ancient Inca tunnel, and hike through a spectacular natural landscape filled with colourful orchids, begonias, and other native plant species. After crossing the third pass at 3,700 metres, you arrive at Phuyupatamarca, the City of the Clouds. From here, you get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu in the distance, with the iconic mountain already visible on the horizon.

A little further down lies Wiñaywayna, meaning “Forever Young”. This is the final campsite of the trek, where a farewell dinner with the porters awaits you.

Day 4: A Magical Moment at the Sun Gate

Day four has arrived, and it’s time to cover the final kilometres towards Machu Picchu. You’ll leave in the middle of the night, around 4:00 a.m. The day begins with another climb, this time towards Intipunku, the Sun Gate, the traditional entrance to Machu Picchu for hikers arriving via the Inca Trail. The path winds along dramatic cliffs and through beautiful mountain scenery.

With good visibility, Machu Picchu slowly comes into view from the Sun Gate. Here, you’ll have time to take photos and pause to reflect on the incredible journey you’ve just completed to reach this breathtaking Inca citadel. A truly magical moment. And you certainly won’t be the first to experience strong emotions here — from couples getting down on one knee to fellow hikers wiping away a tear of happiness.

Guided Tour of Machu Picchu

You then continue descending towards Machu Picchu, where your two-hour guided tour begins. A guided tour via Circuit 3 is included as standard with this trek. This extensive route takes you past the architectural highlights of the Inca citadel, while your guide tells you more about the history of the Incas and the origins of Machu Picchu.

At the end of the afternoon, you’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. Here, you can choose to visit the thermal baths and/or enjoy a delicious lunch in one of the town’s cosy restaurants before taking the train back to Cusco.

Climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain

If you’re looking for an extra challenge, you can also choose to climb Huayna Picchu, meaning “Young Mountain”. This is the distinctive green mountain overlooking Machu Picchu, offering spectacular views of the citadel and the surrounding mountains and valleys. The climb takes around 45 minutes, but is not included as standard.

Machu Picchu Mountain is located directly opposite Huayna Picchu. This impressive mountain is slightly steeper, but well worth the effort if you enjoy a challenge.

If you would like to add a climb of Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain to your trek, please contact us for more information.