Alternative Inca Trail

Alternative itinerary

During Autumn 2017 we changed our standard itinerary for the Classic Inca trail slightly to include a day in Cuzco at the start of the trip rather than travelling to the Sacred Valley. As we have a number of people booked onto the original itinerary we are continuing to offer this itineray on a few dates. The Inca trail trek itinerary has not changed at all. The last few remaining places on these itineraries are being sold at a discount of £100 ($125) to the new itinerary.

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We have recently slightly changed our Inca Trail itinerary for 2018 to include a day in Cuzco at the start of the trip rather than travelling to the Sacred Valley. As we have dates where a number of people have already booked onto the original itinerary we are continuing to offer this itinerary on those dates. The trek itinerary itself has not changed at all. The last few remaining places on the 2017 itineraries are being sold at a discount of £100 ($125) to the new itinerary.

Detailed Itinerary for the 2017 itinerary Inca Trail

Alternative itinerary

Day 1Arrival

The Kandoo team will meet you at Cuzco airport and transfer you to your pre-trek hotel. Otherwise, you can make your own way there. Later you will attend a pre-trek briefing with your Lead Guide to prepare you for the challenge ahead.

Day 2Acclimatisation day in the Sacred Valley

The air is almost as thin in Cuzco as it will be at the highest points of your trek. To help your acclimatisation we will spend the morning in the Sacred Valley, visiting the town of Chinchero and the Salt Mines of Maras. We will then continue by vehicle to our hotel in Ollantaytambo where you will have the afternoon free to rest or explore.

Day 3Drive from Ollantaytambo to KM 82, trek to Wayllabamba

We will leave Ollantaytambo after breakfast to drive to the start of our trek. The official beginning of the Inca Trail is called Km 82. Here we will meet our crew and register for our trek.

After crossing the Rio Urubamba we start the legendary Inca Trail. The first day of the trail is relatively easy and a good warm up for the following days. On the way we will pass a beautiful archaeological site called Llactapata before we reach Tarayoc. After that, we will continue our hike to Wayllabamba (3000m), the camping site where we will spend the night.

Elevation: From 2800 metres to 3000 metres

Day 4From Wayllabamba to Pacamayo

Today we cross the first of three passes and the highest point of our trek - Warmihuañusca Pass (Dead Woman Pass) at 4200m. Our trek begins with a fairly steep climb to Llulluchapampa, before levelling out slightly as we head up to Dead Woman's Pass. After a break at the summit to enjoy the view, we begin the long, steep descent to the Pacamayo River where we will camp overnight.

Elevation: From 3000 metres to 3850 metres
Highest point: 4200 metres (Dead Woman's Pass)

Day 5From Pacamayo to Wiñay Wayna

This morning we climb up to the oval-shaped ruin of Runkurakay, then continue our ascent to the summit of our second pass, Runkurakay Pass at 3900m. From here you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the entire snow-capped Vilcabamba range, before another steep descent. We will then climb up to our third pass, to Phuyupatamarka, an Inca ruin named “The Town in the Clouds”. Finally we descend once more into the cloud forest, visiting the site of Intipata (Terraces of the Sun), before reaching our campsite at Wiñay Wayna.

Elevation: From 3580 metres to 2650 metres
Highest point: 3900 metres (Runkurakay Pass)

Day 6From Wiñay Wayna to Machu Picchu to Cuzco

A very early start today as we set off on the final section of the Inca Trail to the famous Inti Punku (Sun Gate) where, weather permitting, you will enjoy your first views of Machu Picchu. You will have a comprehensive tour of the site, as well as some time to explore on your own. If you wish to climb Huayna Picchu, the famous mountain behind the ruins, you will need to book your permit with us in advance.

In the afternoon, we will return to Aguas Calientes to catch the train to Ollantaytambo. From here, our driver will transfer you back to your hotel in Cuzco.

Day 7Departure

After a shower and a good night's sleep, it will be time to leave. If you have arranged airport transfers we will meet you at the hotel. Otherwise make your own way to Cuzco airport for your departing flight.