Responsible Tourism

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

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The Trek

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru is one of the greatest treks in Peru, and indeed the world. Hike in breath-taking mountain scenery, amidst cloudforest and lush subtropical vegetation. Stumble across the remains of ancient Inca Ruins as you make you way towards the "Lost City of the Incas" - Machu Picchu, where you will arrive at the Sun Gate in the early morning hours to watch the sun set over the mystical ruins - an unforgettable experience!

The Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer from Cusco, trek to Huayllabamba (12km trek)

Travel by bus, via the highland villages of Chinchero, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, for the 3 hour journey to the start of the Inca Trail. From the road there are great views of the Cordillera Urubamba mountain range and the snow capped peak of Veronica 5860m. We follow the trail gently along the river bank until uphill we reach a eucalyptus grove and Llactapata - the first major ruins on the route. Vast retaining walls have converted the steeply sloping hillside into agricultural terraces: an amazing sight. Just below Llactapata the Río Cusichaca, a tributary of the Urubamba, takes a spectacular plunge into the ground and runs through a subterranean channel for some way. The trail climbs steeply out of the ruins over a low pass, and the hike up the valley begins. Basic camp near the little village of Huayllabamba (3,000m).

Day 2: Huayllabamba to Pacamayo (12km)

At Huayllabamba the trail leads up the Llullucha valley. After walking steeply upwards for about 1 ½ hours the path then enters beautiful fairy-tale cloudforest where the trees are hung with moss. Eventually, however, the trees become more stunted and you emerge into a meadow, Llulluchapampa, from where you can see ‘Dead Woman's Pass' (4,198m) ahead of you. It will take you about 1 ½ hours to climb to the top of the pass. This is the highest point on the trail, so take heart - if you survive this, you'll survive the other passes. You should be able to pick out the circular ruins of Runkuracay ahead, just below the next pass. We descend to the campsite at Pacamayo (3,600m).

Day 3: Pacamayo to Wiñay Wayna (15km).

We pass the ruins of Runkuracay, occupying a commanding position overlooking the valley. From Runkuracay the path is clear over the second pass (Abra de Runkuracay, 4,000m) and, excitingly, much of the time you are on Inca steps. You approach the Sayacmarca ruins up a superbly designed stone staircase: the mystery of the ruins adds to the beauty. From here the path becomes a glorious Inca Road and you climb through two Inca tunnels on your ascent of the third pass (3,700) with views of Salkantay. Just below the pass are the impressive ruins of Phuyupatamarca. At night we camp near the ruins of Huiñay Huayna (Wiñay Wayna). This is the last camping spot before Machu Picchu.

Day 4: Huiñay Huayna to Machu Picchu (5km), train to Cusco or hotel in Aguas Calientes

It is a very early start so we can get to Machu Picchu before sunrise. The sky starts getting light by 6am and the first rays of the sun reach Machu Picchu around 7am. The trail contours a mountainside and disappears into cloudforest full of begonias, bromeliads and tree ferns, before coming to a steep flight of stairs leading up to the first Inca gate. The path continues to the main gate, Intipunku - ‘the Gateway of the Sun' - and suddenly the whole of Machu Picchu is spread out before you. A magical moment. Plenty of time to explore Machu Picchu (guided tour and free time) before returning to Cusco - or stay in Aguas Calientes for an additional night and soak in the hot springs - you deserve it!

The benefits you bring in taking this tour.

Andean Trails makes a donation to a Porter's Community Project near Cusco for every person that books the Inca Trail through us. Currently, this money is being used to buy school equipment in the towns and villages where our porters live.

All Andean Trails activities are governed by our high respect for the environment and the people who live in it. We aim to make a positive impact both in the UK and in the Andean countries we work in (Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Guyana, Cuba). We agree with the principals of sustainable development and specifically promote environmentally aware and responsible travel in the Andean countries, in order to preserve the heritage of the people who live there and to help protect their environment.

Throughout Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina Guyana and Cuba we work together with local people, paying them a fair price, and putting money into the local economy. We do this by using local agents, local trek staff and experienced and qualified local mountain and cultural guides who have an in-depth knowledge of their own country.

We use locally owned services such as hotels and restaurants, paying a fair price for those services. We buy fresh local produce for all of our treks from markets and small shops in each departure town. In preference we choose local over imported goods. We use public transport whenever possible and feasible.

We are committed to working in conjunction with local communities in all the countries in which we operate.

In addition to this, we have been able to support the Huchuy Yachaq community project in the marginalised neighbourhood of Hermanos Ayar, on the outskirts of Cusco, with the help of everybody who has travelled with Andean Trails since 1996.

Every year we donate a percentage of our profits to this community project.

The project has been set up by volunteer social workers and teachers to provide much needed social and educational support to the children and families of this neighbourhood. Children are encouraged to attend study and games sessions held each afternoon and participate in holiday projects. Our contributions so far have paid for educational books and games, tables and chairs, improvements to the structure of the basic community owned building and the addition of functioning toilets, materials for the children to take to school, school books, holiday programmes.

We contribute a minimum of USD 3000 each year so that all of the community's 110 children can get to and from school and have all the books and materials they need.

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