Trekkers normally take three or four days to
complete the "Classic Inca Trail".
It starts from one of two points: km 88 or
km 82 from Cuzco on the Urubamba River at
approximately 2,800 m altitude.
At Wayllabamba the trail to
Machu Picchu turns west and begins
ascending along a tributary of the Cusichca.
Because of previous damage caused by hooves,
pack animals are not allowed on the
remainder of the trail. For the same reason,
metal-tipped trekking poles are not allowed
on the trail.
As the trail ascends toward, Warmiwañusca or
"Dead Woman's Pass", which resembles a
supine woman, it passes through differing
habitats, one of which is a cloud forest
containing Polylepis trees. The campsite at
Llulluchapampa is located on this stretch of
trail at 3,800 metres (12,500 ft). The pass
itself is located at 4,215 metres (13,829
ft). above sea level, and is the highest
point on this, the "Classic" trail. After
crossing the pass the trail drops steeply
into the Pacaymayu River drainage. At a
distance of 2.1 km and 600 m beow the pass
is the campground Pacaymayu.
