After an early breakfast we will start the day’s hike, during which we will pass through several different climatic and ecological zones on the way to Warmiwañusca, also known as Dead Woman’s Pass. On the way we will pass through abundant vegetation and various types of native trees in an area that is considered the world’s highest cloud forest.

After the toughest part of the journey, which takes nearly 5 hours, we will arrive at the highest point of the journey. From there we will take a well-deserved break and observe the beauty of the deep valleys and beautiful landscapes. If we’re lucky, we will see the magnificent condor appear among the thick clouds in the sky. After our break to rest, we will descend towards the campsite of Pacaymayu where we will spend our second night.

A section of the Inca Trail overlooking lush green mountains.

After breakfast, we will begin our climb up the opposite side of the valley, towards the second pass. About halfway up we’ll find a small, round, roofless Inca construction known as Runkuracay, an astrological site and a sort of checkpoint for couriers following the trail to Machu Picchu. After a short tour we will continue to ascend towards the second pass, the Abra de Runkuracay.

The next part of the path descends towards a valley and a shallow lake. At this point the trail changes from a dirt path to a narrow stone roadway, containing the exact same stones which were present when the Incas walked the trail. The trail after the pass will lead us to a second, larger Inca site known as Sayacmarca (“Town in a Steep Place”). This monument was built on a rock overlooking the trail and is accessible only via a single narrow stone staircase. To the left of the staircase lies an overhanging rock wall and to the right you will see expansive views of the Peruvian countryside. This site is roofless and slightly overgrown, but the walls still stand strong and the shape of the fortress can easily be seen. We will also see an aqueduct, which once carried water to the nearby farmlands.

The Inca ruins of Runkurakay, a round construction which had astrological significance.

After touring Sayacmarca, we will begin our descent to the bottom of the valley. The roadway here takes the form of a long causeway leading across what may have once been a shallow lake. Here we will stop to enjoy lunch before continuing our climb. At this point the path will guide us through some interesting Incan structures, including a tunnel that is eight meters long and wide enough to allow humans and animals to pass through. After this tunnel, we will reach the third pass and explore another Incan site konwn as Phuyupatamarca (“Cloud-level Town”). Here we will learn about the ritual functions that the Incas used this site for. We will also see some water springs that the Incas used on the way to Machu Picchu.

Next we will continue our journey before finally reaching one more archaeological site, the ruins of Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young”). This impressive site features a number of buildings as well as some typical agricultural terraces. It is here where we will enjoy our dinner and settle for the night at our final campsite.

The Inca ruins of Wiñay Wayna and its surrounding agricultural terraces.

On the last day of our adventure, we will wake up early and follow a wide, relatively flat path. After about an hour and a half, we will climb a narrow path of stone steps leading to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. After three and a half days of sometimes difficult trekking, we will look through the rectangular doorway of the sun gate and finally take our first views of the lost city of the Incas and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu.

From there, we will descend into the archaeological complex, where your guide will give a thorough tour through the ruins. After the guided tour, we will take the bus down to the nearby town of Aguas Calientes where we will catch the train to return to Cusco.

The Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, considered one of the new 7 wonders of the world.