The Extended Inca Trail Experience: 5 Days

Day 1 | Entering the Valley: Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba

The journey begins with an early departure from Cusco toward Km 82, the official starting point of the Inca Trail. The trail follows the Urubamba River through open valleys, passing small archaeological remains and agricultural terraces.

The pace is relaxed, allowing time to settle into the rhythm of the trek.

• The Night: Camp at Wayllabamba, surrounded by mountain landscapes and open skies.
• Stats: 10–12 km trekking | Max Altitude: 3,000m

Day 2 | The Ascent: Wayllabamba – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayo

The second day focuses on the gradual ascent toward Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca), the highest point of the trek at 4,215 meters.

With a slower pacing strategy, the climb becomes more manageable, allowing time to adjust to altitude while taking in the changing landscape.

After reaching the pass, the descent leads into the Pacaymayo valley.

• The Night: Camp at Pacaymayo, in a quieter and more remote setting below the pass.
• Stats: 12–14 km trekking | Max Altitude: 4,215m

Day 3 | The Inca Corridor: Pacaymayo – Runkurakay – Phuyupatamarca

This day introduces a higher concentration of archaeological sites connected by original Inca pathways.

You will visit Runkurakay before ascending to the second pass, followed by exploration of Phuyupatamarca, often described as “the city above the clouds.”

The extended itinerary allows more time to explore these sites without rushing.

• The Night: Camp near Phuyupatamarca or surrounding areas, with panoramic views of the cloud forest below.
• Stats: 10 km trekking | Max Altitude: 3,900m

Day 4 | Descent Through the Cloud Forest: Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna

The trail transitions into a more humid environment as it descends through the cloud forest. Vegetation becomes denser, and the landscape shifts toward a greener, subtropical setting.

The highlight of the day is Wiñay Wayna, one of the most impressive sites along the entire route, featuring terraces and ceremonial structures built into the mountainside.

• The Night: Final campsite near Wiñay Wayna, preparing for the early approach to Machu Picchu.
• Stats: 6–8 km trekking | Max Altitude: 2,700m

Day 5 | The Arrival: Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Cusco

The final day begins before sunrise. A short hike leads to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu appears as the morning light reaches the citadel.

Arriving this way offers a gradual and meaningful entrance into the site — the culmination of the entire journey.

After a guided tour of Machu Picchu, you return to Aguas Calientes and travel back to Cusco by train.

• The Finish: Guided exploration of Machu Picchu and return to Cusco
• Stats: 5 km trekking