Start at Cusco. Cusco, Peru is the traditional starting off point for a trek to Machu Picchu. Enjoy the beauty and amenities of this charmingly modern Peruvian city before taking a bus to kilometer 182, the actual start of the Inca Trail. From kilometer 182, cross the Vilcanota River and follow the trail to the right. You'll pass through a small village and some Incan ruins before getting to your next rest point of Wayllabamba.
Make your way to Pacamayo. Before starting on your six mile or so hike to Pacamayo, take some time to buy snacks or drinks. Wayllambamba is the last place along the trek where you can do so. Once ready, follow the path along the Llulluchayoc river, passing the "Tres Piedres" (three stones) and a small bridge over the Huayruro river towards a cloud forest. Keep going until you get to a meadow known as Llulluchapampa. From there, it's another one and a half hours climb to the highest pass of the trail and a steep descent into Pacamayo.
Continue to Winay Wayna. From Pacamayo to Winay Wayna (the last official campsite before Machu Picchu), you'll climb through ruins, maneuver high stone embankments that border deep precipices, pass through a cloud forest full of orchids and descend an Incan staircase of a thousand steps. At Winay Wayna, you can rest and enjoy a restaurant and a much-needed shower.
Hike to Machu Picchu. The trail from Winay Wayna to Machu Picchu is clearly marked and only takes about an hour and a half. It's recommended to wake up early to start the trek so you can arrive at Machu Picchu before sunrise. You'll follow a trail around a mountainside that drops into another cloud forest before coming to an almost vertical flight of 50 steps. These steps lead up to the final pass called Sun Gate. There, you'll see the whole glory of Machu Picchu in front of you and your trek is complete.
