TRAVEL PROGRAM

Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Llactapata – Ayapata

Your journey with High Expeditions begins early in the morning. We will pick you up directly from your hotel in Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo and travel toward the Sacred Valley. After enjoying a freshly prepared breakfast, we visit our Porter House, where you will meet our experienced porters — the true guardians of the Inca Trail. From Km 82, we begin our trek, walking through beautiful Andean landscapes to reach the impressive archaeological site of Patallacta (Llactapata), an ancient Inca checkpoint. After lunch, we continue hiking for approximately two and a half hours until we reach our first campsite at Ayapata (3,300 m / 10,826 ft). Along the way, we pass small local communities where you may purchase snacks or essential items.

At camp, you will enjoy hot drinks, snacks, and a freshly prepared dinner by our mountain chef.

Day details:

• Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles (6–7 hours)

• Campsite altitude: 3,300 m

• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Dead Woman’s Pass – Runcuraccay Pass – Chaquicocha

We will wake you up with a hot cup of coca tea to prepare you for the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. A steady 4-hour ascent takes us to Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass), the highest point of the Inca Trail at 4,215 m / 13,829 ft, offering breathtaking panoramic views. After descending into the Pacaymayu Valley for lunch, we climb to the second pass at Runcuraccay, where we explore a small Inca site and admire massive waterfalls across the valley. We then continue to the stunning archaeological site of Sayacmarca before reaching our campsite at Chaquicocha (3,600 m / 11,811 ft). If the sky is clear, we will enjoy a magical night of Andean stargazing.

Day details:

• Distance: 16 km / 9.94 miles (7–8 hours)

• Campsite altitude: 3,600 m

• Difficulty: Challenging

• Weather: Cold and possibly rainy

Day 3: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarka – Wiñay Wayna

This is the most scenic day of the trek. We hike along panoramic paths through the Cloud Forest, enjoying sweeping views of the Vilcabamba mountain range and, on clear days, the majestic Salkantay Glacier. We visit the Inca sites of Phuyupatamarka (Town in the Clouds) and Intipata (Terraces of the Sun) as we descend toward our final campsite. We arrive early at Wiñay Wayna (2,600 m / 8,530 ft) for lunch and time to relax. In the afternoon, we enjoy a guided visit of this spectacular archaeological complex. In the evening, we share a special farewell dinner with our porters and chefs, including a traditional High Expeditions gratitude ceremony.

Day details:

• Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles (5 hours)

• Campsite altitude: 2,600 m

• Difficulty: Easy (mostly downhill)

• Weather: Warm and very humid

Day 4: Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco

Today is the most anticipated and magical day of your adventure. We wake up at 3:00 a.m. and walk to the park checkpoint. Once the gates open, we hike toward Intipunku (Sun Gate), where you will enjoy your first unforgettable panoramic view of Machu Picchu.

We continue descending to the main viewpoint of the citadel to capture stunning photos before beginning a guided tour of Machu Picchu, exploring:

• Sacred temples

• Royal palaces

• Ritual fountains

• Astronomical observatories

After the guided tour, we take the bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Later, we board the panoramic train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer back to Cusco. Estimated arrival in Cusco: around 8:30 p.m.

Day details:

• Highlight: Sunrise at the Sun Gate & Machu Picchu

• Guided tour of Machu Picchu

• Weather: Warm and very humid

What is included?

Professional Guides

Our guides are highly trained professionals who studied Tourism and English at Cusco National University. Born and raised in the Andes, they have deep roots in this land and a true passion for sharing its culture, history, and spirit. Friendly, knowledgeable, and safety-focused, they will make sure you feel confident, cared for, and inspired every step of the journey.

Official Permits & Machu Picchu Access

To hike the legendary Inca Trail, a government-issued permit is mandatory and only licensed operators like High Expeditions can secure it. Once your personal details and deposit are received, we immediately reserve your permit in your name for a specific date. Permits are non-transferable and non-changeable, except for passport number updates.
Your permit includes Machu Picchu Circuit 1 – Panoramic View, one of the most spectacular routes inside the citadel.

Pre-Trek Briefing

The evening before your adventure, you will attend a detailed trek briefing at our office along with your guide and fellow trekkers. You will receive your personal duffel bag, carried by our porter team during the hike. The bag must not exceed 7 kg / 14 lbs, including your sleeping bag and air mattress if rented. Layering your clothing is essential for changing mountain conditions.

Personal Porter Service

We include a personal porter at no extra cost to carry your duffel bag. You will not need to worry about heavy loads, allowing you to enjoy the hike fully. Access to your duffel will be at your evening campsite.
Maximum weight: 7 kg (4 kg clothing + 3 kg sleeping system).

Our Porter Team – The Heart of High Expeditions

Our porters are the backbone of every expedition. Loyal, strong, and deeply respected, they handle all camping equipment, food logistics, and camp setup. We strictly respect government regulations, with a maximum load of 20 kg per porter.
For example, a group of 8 trekkers is supported by approximately 15 professional porters, ensuring efficiency, safety, and comfort.

Trekking Chef & Mountain Cuisine

Our mountain chefs create restaurant-quality meals at high altitude. Expect hot, nutritious breakfasts, energizing lunches, and satisfying dinners — all prepared with fresh ingredients. Meals often begin with a warming soup and include protein, salads, sides, and homemade desserts. Special dietary requirements are carefully accommodated when provided at booking.

Clean & Safe Drinking Water

Hydration is essential at altitude. We provide treated, boiled, filtered, and cooled water at every meal. Please bring enough water for the first trekking morning, as water service begins from lunch on Day 1.
We recommend carrying containers for at least 3 liters of water.

Premium Camping Equipment

High Expeditions uses top-quality expedition gear:

• 4-person Eureka Timberline tents (shared by only 2 guests)

• Spacious dining tents with tables and chairs

• Sleeping foam mats and small pillows for every trekker

• All dining equipment included
  Single tents are available for $40 USD.

Hotel-to-Hotel Service

We provide door-to-door logistics:

• Pick-up from your hotel to the trailhead (KM 82)

• Return transfer from the train station to your hotel or AirBnB after the trek

Our private transportation ensures comfort and punctuality.

Trains & Transportation

All transport is included:

• Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes

• Tourist class train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo

• Private vehicle back to Cusco
  Optional upgrade: Vistadome panoramic train – $85 USD per person

Medical Safety & Emergency Response

Your safety is our top priority. Our guides receive annual wilderness medical training by professional doctors. Each team carries:

• Complete first-aid kits

• Full oxygen tanks
  In case of emergency, we execute fast, safe evacuation procedures to the nearest clinic.

Satellite Communication

Each expedition is equipped with a fully charged satellite phone, ensuring constant connection to emergency services or medical professionals when needed. These phones are also available for client use in non-emergency situations for peace of mind.

Thoughtful Details That Set Us Apart

At High Expeditions, excellence is in the details:

• Personal sleeping pillow

• Foam mattress

• Rain poncho

• Backpack rain cover

• Hot water stations for personal hygiene

• Evening happy hour to relax and connect

• Professional service focused on creating unforgettable experiences

Transparent Pricing-No Hidden Fees

All taxes, permits, and government fees are included in your final price.
What you see is what you pay-no surprises, no hidden costs.

What is not included?

Rentals

Every trekker needs a sleeping bag for camping nights. To enhance your comfort and safety on the trail, we highly recommend using an inflatable air mattress and trekking poles with rubber tips.

If you prefer to travel light, all of this equipment is available for rent directly with High Expeditions:

• Sleeping Bag: USD 35

• Inflatable Air Mattress: USD 30

• Trekking Poles (pair): USD 30

Our high-quality equipment is clean, well-maintained, and designed to give you a warmer, more comfortable, and safer adventure in the mountains.

Huayna Picchu Mountain (Optional Add-On)

Huayna Picchu is the iconic mountain that rises next to Machu Picchu and offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the Andes. The hike to the summit takes approximately 45 minutes. The descent is steep and challenging, making it a thrilling experience, especially for adventurous travelers. If you have a fear of heights, this climb may feel intense.

This hike is done after your guided tour of Machu Picchu.

Cost: US$85 per person
Due to high demand, reservations must be made at least one month in advance.

Please remember: Mountain weather can change quickly, and conditions are always beyond our control-but the experience is always unforgettable.

What to take?

• Passport
• Extra money (soles recommended)
• Personal medications
• Water bottle or camelback - (purifying tablets optional)
• Sunscreen 70+ or more
• Insect repellent
• Personal care products
• Hiking boots/shoes (preferably waterproof)
• Light shoes or sandals
• Hiking pants (*)
• Hiking socks
• Waterproof booties
• Long sleeve shirts
• Thermal jacket
• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof poncho
• Hat that protects face and neck
• Neck scarf or buff
• Lenses with UV protection
• Sleeping bag
• Walking sticks
• Medium hiking backpack (15 to 25 liters)
• Camera with charger
• Extreme battery
• Snacks: energy bars, electrolytes, nuts, energy gels, etc.
• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Flashlight