The second day is the ‘Free-Hike-Day’, this means that everybody should walk in his/her own pace. Of course, you will meet during the small breaks or see each other while beating the stairs. Early in the morning the trail first leads through the Valley of Llulluchapampa (3850m/12631f). The first 3km are steps - enjoy the humid woodland and the water sounds.

From Llulluchapampa follow the path for 2-3 hours until you reach the highest point of this section, the Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman Pass) (4200m/113780f). 

This climb is known as the most difficult part of the Inca Trail. After a short break at the summit, you continue your hike down with a long and steep descent to the river Pacaymayu (Sunrise River) towards the Runkurakay pass (3050m/10007f) until you reach our camp site called Chaquicocha at (3650m/11975f). Here you can relax from the tough day while enjoying an amazing view over the mountains.

Level of difficulty: challenging

Hiking time: 8-9 hours

Total distance: 15 km approx.

The third day is the most beautiful one. You can notice a change in the eco-system while walking to the tropical forest of Wiñayhuayna. We will pass two small lakes at the top of the second pass (3950m). It’s a gentle climb through beautiful cloud forest and a small Inca tunnel before the third pass (3700m) offers a grand view over the Rio Urubamba Valley. The nearest settlement is named Phuyupatamarca/"Town above the clouds" (3600m/11811f).

A well preserved site with long chain Inca baths where one can enjoy impressive ancient engineering. We pass another Inca tunnel before visiting the ruins of

Wiñayhuayna/"Forever young" (2650m/8694f). The Inca stairs change into a zigzag trail until you reach a red-roofed white building, our last camping site, and also a location with hot water (S5) and bottled drinks.

Level of difficulty: normal

Hiking time: 5-6 hours

Total distance: 10 km Approx.

After our breakfast at 4:30am we will head, equipped with our flashlights, to the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) to get the first glimpse of Machu Picchu and watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu. 

The last triumphal descent will take almost one hour before visiting the citadel of Machu Picchu (2400m//7874f) around 8.00am. You can enjoy its spiritual charm during a guided tour (about two hours) that helps you to understand the meaning and ancient use of the different buildings. From Machu Picchu there will be a bus awaiting you to take you down to Aguas Calientes. Here you can soak away your aches and pain in the town’s hot springs. We will leave Aguas Calientes in the afternoon.

Level of difficulty: normal

Hiking time: 2-3 hours

Total distance: 7 km approx.