Your Travel Experience with Bamba
Day 1
Cuzco - Wayllabamba Camp, Peru
Embark on a breathtaking 4-day Inca Trail adventure, starting with an exhilarating first day full of history and natural beauty!
Departure Time: Bright and early at 5:30 AM from Cuzco.
Your Journey Begins: Be ready for an early pickup between 5:00-6:00 AM at your accommodation. Ensure you're all set from the day before – this adventure waits for no one!
First Stop: Ollantaytambo
- Fuel up with a hearty breakfast on your own.
- Grab last-minute essentials like snacks, water, and walking sticks.
- Don't forget your passport (and student card if you have one)!
The Inca Trail Awaits:
- Your journey truly starts at Piscacucho, the gateway to the famous Inca Trail.
- Trek alongside the stunning Vilcanota River Valley.
- Discover hidden archaeological gems sprinkled along the route.
- Savor a delicious lunch amidst the Andean wilderness.
Your Destination: Wayllabamba Camp
- Altitude: 2,980m.
- Trekking Distance: 10 kilometers (approx. 6 hours).
- Difficulty: Moderate, with a gradual ascent on rolling terrain.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the heart of the Andes, where history and nature entwine to create an unforgettable experience!
Day 2
Trek to Pacaymayo Camp via Dead Woman's Pass
On day two of your Inca Trail adventure, rise to the challenge, conquering the trail's most demanding yet rewarding segment!
Early Start with Scenic Rewards:
- Fuel up with an early breakfast at 6:00 AM.
- Embark on a thrilling 6 km vertical climb to Dead Woman's Pass (4,215m), taking about 5 hours. Remember, it's not a race – take your time and enjoy the journey.
- Witness breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and cascading waterfalls at the summit.
- Descend 3 km on ancient stone steps to Pacaymayo Camp (3,600m), a 2-hour journey.
Relax and Reflect:
- Savor a well-earned lunch and take a rejuvenating nap.
- Spend the afternoon basking in the serene beauty of the Andes.
- Enjoy a hearty dinner before settling down for an early night's rest.
Trekking Details:
- Distance: 10 kilometers (approx. 7 hours).
- Difficulty: Difficult, with a 1,200-meter ascent to Dead Woman’s Pass and a 800-meter descent to Pacaymayo Camp.
Prepare to be tested and awed as you traverse this historic and majestic path through the heart of the Andes!
Day 3
Trek to Wiñayhuayna Camp via Runquracay Pass
Discover the Ancient Wonders:
- Begin your day with a one-hour uphill hike to explore the captivating Pacaymayo archaeological site.
- Continue for another hour to reach Runquracay Pass (3,950m), where you can summit the mountain and revel in stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
- Embark on a fascinating journey to explore two more archaeological sites, Sayacmarca & Phuyupatamarca, guided by your knowledgeable guide.
- Pause for a well-deserved lunch amidst the historical wonders.
High Jungle Oasis:
- By late afternoon, you'll arrive at Wiñayhuayna High Jungle camp (2,650m), nestled above a picturesque river valley in the heart of a high jungle climate.
- After a satisfying dinner, take a moment to express your gratitude to the hardworking porters and guides who make this adventure possible.
Trekking Details:
- Distance: 15 kilometers (approx. 9 hours).
- Difficulty: Moderate, with a mix of ups and downs along ancient Inca stairways.
Prepare for an enriching day filled with archaeological marvels and scenic beauty as you journey through the Inca Trail's third day.
Day 4
Trek to Sun Gate and Explore Machu Picchu and Train back to Cuzco
A Magical Morning:
- Rise early between 3:30 and 4:30 AM for a remarkable day ahead.
- Enjoy an early breakfast in anticipation of an unforgettable adventure.
- Head to the Wiñaywayna checkpoint and wait in line for the gate to open at 5:30 AM.
Sun Gate and Machu Picchu:
- Embark on a one-hour hike to the iconic Sun Gate, crossing your fingers for clear skies.
- Witness the first rays of light casting their glow upon the mesmerizing ruins of Machu Picchu—an unparalleled experience.
- Descend the final 40 minutes of the trail to reach the Machu Picchu archaeological complex.
Explore and Discover:
- Delve into the magic of Machu Picchu with a guided tour that unveils its rich history over two captivating hours.
- Afterward, wander freely, take photos, and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring atmosphere.
- For the adventurous, consider an optional trek to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (advance booking required).
Return Journey:
- Return to Aguas Calientes and catch a train to Ollantaytambo.
- From Ollantaytambo, board a bus back to Cuzco, with an estimated arrival at 20:00.
- You will be dropped off at Plaza San Francisco, from where you can make your way back to your chosen accommodation.
Trekking Details:
- Distance: 7 kilometers (approx. 2 hours).
- Difficulty: An easy, flat, and narrow 7 KM path from Wiñayhuayna High Jungle Camp (2,650m) to the Sun Gate (2,720m), descending into the magnificent Machu Picchu (2,400m).
Prepare for a day of enchantment as you greet the sunrise at Machu Picchu and bid farewell to this remarkable journey.