The citadel of Machu Picchu, at 4 hours train ride from Cusco, is no doubt the best example of Inca architecture, planning and technology, well known for the way they have been harmonized with the beautiful mountains surrounding it. Due to the incredible archaeological value of these Inca ruins, as well as the amazing natural landscape surrounding them, Machu Picchu was declared as a Natural and Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 1983.

The Inca Trail adventure starts at the imperial city of Cusco, taking the train towards Machu Picchu, but getting off at kilometer 88, the trail starts here. The trekking this first day takes around 6 to 7 hours, including a visit of the archaeological centre of Patallacta, and arriving to camp at Wayllambamba (Grass Prairie), a flat grassy area at an elevation of around 2000m. On a sunny day, the snow covered peaks of the Cordillera Urubamba can be seen.

After Wayllabamba, the second day, the trail begins to climb slowly through fairly dense sub-tropical vegetation and continues climbing upwards beyond Llupachayoc ("Place of Offerings").The ascent becomes increasingly steep towards the first pass, the Abra de Warmihuañusca ("Dead Woman's Pass"). This is the highest point of the Inca Trail. This place is cold and windy due to the elevation, covered with ichu, a highland pasture. After the Abra the trail descends steeply towards the valley of the Pacaymayu river (hidden river). At the bottom of the river valley is the second campsite.

The third day starts with a steep climb towards the second pass the Abra de Runkuracay, which is at around 3500m. On the far side of the pass, the trail descends towards a valley passing by the twin lakes of Yanacocha (black lake). At around this point, the trail changes from a dirt path to a narrow stone roadway.

Then, the trail leads to a large Inca ruin, Sayacmarca ("Dominant Town"), a fantastic inca site on the edge of a mountain with a panoramic view of the Aobamba Valley and the Pumasillo snow covered peak. After Sayacmarca, the trail descends to the valley floor, and the roadway takes the form of a long causeway leading across what may have been the bed of a lake. On the far side, the trail begins to climb again.

Phuyupatamarca (Town Above Clouds), is one of the most beautiful sites in the Inka Trail, almost always with clouds, typical of the cloud forests, and agricultural terraces and fountains with circulating fresh water.

Below Phuyupatamarca, the trail spirals and descends steeply towards Wiñayhuayna, ("Forever Young"), the site of another Inca ruin, named after a typical orchid in the area. This is the last campsite and former urban center before arriving to Machu Picchu next day. Several Inca archaeological centers are visited during the third day, including Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, Cochamarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñayhuayna.

The final day starts from Wiñayhuayna, arriving to Intipunku, the Gateway of the Sun, and through a rectangular doorway, the ruins of Machu Picchu can be seen. The Inca Trail connects to Machu Picchu at the "Watch Tower", located in the south side, by the ancient entrance to the city

The Inca Trail between Cusco and Machu Picchu, was named as the number one adventure travel destination according to the World's 20 best Adventure Holidays in England in July, 2004. Mr. Simon Calder, Editor of the Independent and Mr. Paul Goldstein from Exodus Travel, specialized in adventure travel, participated in this nomination.