Wake up time is 6 am to begin our ascent to Dead Woman´s Pass. The views of the snow-capped mountains and the cloud forest are fantastic. This first stretch is the most difficult part of the trek. It consists of a steep ascent that stretches for nine kilometers, which will bring us to the first mountain pass in the Inca Trail, Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman’s pass). We will stop at Llulluchapampa to relax and have lunch. From Llulluchapampa, we have approximately 2 more hours of hiking. The landscape begins changing from cloud forest to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation). We will have the chance to spot domesticated llamas and alpacas, who graze on ichu (one of the few plants that grow at the altitude). At our first pass we have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful panoramic views and a refreshing cup of coca tea. After we've made it to the pass, the rest of the day is downhill. After about two hours, we'll stop for our second camp in the Pacaymayo Valley.

Total Distance: 10 km (7,376 miles)
Estimated Walking Time: 6 hours
Maximum Altitude Point: 4,215 m (13,821 ft)
Campsite Altitude: 3,600 m (11,811 ft)
Weather: Warm, cold and very humid

Your porters will wake you up early with a cup of hot coca tea to get you ready for the longest day of the adventure. After breakfast, we will continue our hike up the opposite side of the valley, to the second pass on the trek. Along the way, we will see fantastic views of waterfalls and flora and fauna. Half way up the second pass, we will visit the Inca site of Runcu Raccay (an Inca Chaski station). There we can catch our breath before we continue our climb to the pass (4,000 meters). From the pass, we will once again begin our descent back into the cloud forest. After about an hour, we arrive at Sayacmarca, one of the most beautiful ruins on the Inca Trail, where we'll have a one hour, guided tour. From Sayacmarca, our journey continues to Chaquicocha (dry lake) then we will walk along Inca flat (gradual inclines) making our way towards our third lunch at Phuyupatamarca (3,680 meters). This area of the Inca Trail has stunning views of the Vilcabamba mountain range, we start to get our first views of Machu Picchu Mountain; however, the site itself is still hidden from view. From Phuyupatamarka, we have a 3 hour walk down a flight of steps to our last campsite, close to Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young). Wiñay Wayna is the most spectacular Inca site on the trail after Machu Picchu and the most popular campsite because of its proximity to Machu Picchu.

During our descent, we visit 2 Inca ruins, Phuyupatamarka (Town in the Clouds) and Intipata (Terraces of the Sun) before arriving at the campsite around 4:00PM. Around 4:30PM, your guide will take you to the Inca ruins of Wiñay Wayna and give you a short orientation explaining the significance of the site and combine all the information given during the trek so you’re fully prepared for your visit to Machu Picchu. We enjoy spoiling our guests with our last dinner feast. We will take this opportunity to introduce the Panaka team to the trekkers to thank them for a job well done. If you wish to provide tips for the porters, chef and facilities (toilet) staff, you can do so at this time. We strongrly advise all our trekkers to go to bed at a reasonable time as tomorrow will be our earliest start.

Walking distance: 9.1 miles/16 km (10 hours)
Campsite altitude: 2.600 meters (high) above sea level (chilly weather)
Considered: moderate difficult-challenge due to uphill and downhill
Area: High Cloud Forest
Weather: Warm, cold and very humid

Wake up time is at 3:30AM. We’ll eat breakfast at 4:00AM and wait at the checkpoint to be one of the first to start trekking. Gates open at 5:30AM. We’ll wave goodbye to our team of porters and chef and then it’s “Forward On” to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). At the Sun Gate, we’ll have spectacular views of the mountains and Machu Picchu in all its glory. We reach the Sun Gate by 6:30am and then it’s an hour trek down stairs to reach the Lost City of the Incas. As we approach Machu Picchu the views of the city get better and better! At about 7:40AM, we’ll reach the final checkpoint and enter Machu Picchu to begin our 2 hour private guided tour.

After the tour, you’ll be given your bus tickets which takes you to Aguas Calientes. You’ll have plenty of free time to explore Machu Picchu on your own or climb one of the neighboring mountain. If you wish to climb Huaynapicchu this must be arranged when you book your trek. The additional cost to hike Huaynapicchu is $75. Your guide will offer to meet you down in the village of Aguas Calientes to enjoy your last lunch in a local restaurant. Lunch is optional and not included. At lunch, he will hand out train tickets, so if you choose to skip, please arrange to get these before your guide departs at Machu Picchu.

Unless you arrange for an upgraded train, we will book the Expedition class train departing Aguas Calientes at 4:20. Please make sure you are on the platform at least 30 minutes ahead of time. This train will be 2 hours to Ollantaytambo where Panaka Adventure driver will meet you and drive you back to the city in our bus, then we will drop you off at your hotel.

Considered: The most exciting and magical day (early wake up 3.30AM)
Area: High Cloud and Subtropical Forest
Weather: Hot and very humid (bring lots of water)