Peru Explorers invites you to discover the amazing trails built by the Incas that will take you directly to Machupicchu, an unforgettable experience where you will enjoy unique landscapes and beautiful samples of Inca architecture.
Come and discover all the mystery and fascination of this part of Peru.
Day 01: Cusco – Wayllabamba
Between 7:00 and 7:30 am, we will pick you up at your hotel in our private bus. Then we will drive to Piskacuchu (2700 m.a.s.l), a community located in the kilometer 82 of the Cusco – Machupicchu railroad. Starting at this point, we will cross the Inca bridge and walk along the left side of the Urubamba River as it flows north-west along the Sacred Valley. Following the trail along a flat terrain, we arrive to Miskay (2800 m.a.s.l), then ascend and finally see, from the highest part an overview of the area, the Inca city of Patallacta (2750 m.a.s.l). We continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for about five hours until we reach our first campsite in the Wayllabamba village (3000 m.a.s.l). All along the way we will see spectacular views of the Vilcanota ridge on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, where the impressive Veronica peak reigns at 5832 meters above sea level.
Day 02: Wayllabamba – Pacaymayo
We wake up at around 6:00 am , and after breakfast we leave behind Wayllabamba to begin the most difficult part of the trek, which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km. Along this climb, the landscape changes from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation). On the way to Warmihuañusca pass (Dead Woman´s Pass), we will see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at that altitude. We also cross an area of the so called cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows and the Andean bear, which is also called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus). We advise that on this day specially, your day pack is well stocked with candies, chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high, and help with altitude sickness. Immediately after the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600 m.a.s.l), where we camp after approximately 6 hours of hiking.
Day 03: Pacaymayo – Wiñaywayna
This day is the longest but also the most impressive and the most interesting, due to the number of archaeological sites that we visit and learn about with our guide. From Pacaymayo we climb to the second pass, the Pass of Runkurakay (3970 m.a.s.l). Half way up, we visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3800 m.a.s.l., consists of a small oval structure that is believed it was used as a watchtower. After going over the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud-forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3624 m.a.s.l.). This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction,with enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation channels. Continuing up on an easy climb, we arrive at the third pass, the Phuyupatamarca pass (3700 m.a.s.l). Along this climb we can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient craft, by walking along paths incredibly built in the mountains, and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order, saving the trail from the multileveled Andean geography. We go through an Inca tunnel to later arrive at the pass and down to the complex of the same name. This is one of the most complete and best-preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machupicchu, and is located on the highest point of a mountain. Curiously, Phuyupatamarca means ¨town over the clouds¨. From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River valley and the long descending stone steps along which we will continue on to Wiñaywayna (2700 m.a.s.l). At this campsite we find a lodge with a restaurant, bar and bathrooms with hot showers. The campsite has the same name as the complex located only five minutes away from the lodge. Wiñaywayna is an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector. |
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