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 4 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 2 hours, we'll stop for our second camp in the Pacaymayo Valley.

Total Distance: 10 km (6.21 miles)
Estimated Walking Time: 6 hours
Maximum Altitude Point: 4,215 m (13,821 ft)
Campsite Altitude: 3,600 m (11,811 ft)
Weather: Cold, windy & warm

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, we will continue to our lunch spot at Chaquicocha (dry lake). From Chaquicocha onwards, we will walk along Inca flat (gradual inclines), as we make our way towards our final campsite, Phuyupatamarca (3,680 meters). This area of the Inca Trail had stunning views of the Vilcabamba mountain range. After another two hour walk, we'll arrive to our campsite, where we'll get our first view of Machu Picchu mountain and the Urubamba river. We'll settle in to our campsite, and have the chance to explore the beauty of the camp and the views after it your crew will make ready a nice camping tent jacuzzi after it you can enjoy your afternoon tea.

Total Distance: 13 km (8,136 miles)
Estimated Walking Time: 9 hours
Maximum Altitude Point: 4,000 (13,123 ft)
Campsite Altitude: 3,680 m (12,033 ft)

Today, we will have the chance to enjoy one of the most spectacular sunrises on the Inca Trail, weather permitting. After breakfast you´ll have a guided tour of Phuyupatamarca, and then we will start our way down the long descending stone steps. This will lead us to Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m/8, 692 ft), which is where we will camp for the night. As we near the bottom of the staircase, we'll take a side path of the main route to visit the site of Intipata (Terraces of the Sun). This site has beautiful views of the Sacred Valley. It was an important agricultural site for Machu Picchu. We'll spend some time at Intipata, and then continue on to Wiñay Wayna. Wiñay Wayna is the biggest archaeological site on the Inca Trail, besides Machu Picchu. It consists of an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center, with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector, offering spectacular views over the already narrower Urubamba River valley. After our visit, we will have our last lunch with the porters. Following, it is a tradition on the Inca Trail to have a thanking ceremony for all the hard work the porters and cooks have provided. If you wish, you may leave a tip for them, at this time. After we've said goodbye to our team, we will carry on to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where we'll get our first views of Machu Picchu. It takes about an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones in the highland jungle to reach the Sun Gate. Following, it is about another hour down to the site itself. Upon arrival, we'll have a chance to enjoy the sunset and to see Machu Picchu without crowds, before taking the bus to your hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Hotel: Inti punku (or similar)way
Total Distance: 11 km (614 miles)
Estimated Walking Time: 5 hours
Maximum Altitude Point: 3,680 m (12,033 ft)

We will wake up early and board one of the first buses to Machu Picchu, to enjoy the sunrise at the citadel (if the weather allows). These buses are first come, first serve, starting at 5:30 a.m. You'll have a two hour tour of the Inca citadel, and then some free time to explore. If you have purchased permits for Huayna Picchu, your guide will show you where this climb begins. It will take you 45 minutes to the top and another 45 back down. This needs to be booked in advance, and costs $75 per person. When you are done with the citadel, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, and meet for our last lunch in town. Lunch with your group is optional and is not included in the trek cost. Following, you will take the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private bus will be waiting to take you back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.