Tour Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days
4 days - 3 nights
Challenging
4200msnm
Hike
We will go through one of the most renowned Cusco Inca Trail Tours. Our 4-day Inca Trail trek will go through ancient roads. We will walk over mountains, valleys, and ruins that directly lead to Machu Picchu. With every step, we will get closer to history and to nature.
We will ride 42 kilometers of legendary roads. Along the way, we will cross cloud forest, Andean mountains, and stone stairways. Daily, we will see landscapes with snow-covered peaks, foliage, and interesting ruins. The ride will be challenging, but the reward will encourage us.
We will explore impressive sites that few travelers can see. We will rest in scenic camps surrounded by mountains and clear skies. Our team will prepare delicious meals that will restore our energy each day. We will share unforgettable moments under the stars of the Peruvian sky.
We will trek with expert guides who will share tales about the Inca culture. Our Cusco Inca Trail Tours will have real encounters and cultural interactions. We will enjoy tasty food prepared along the journey. We will rest well at night in clear Andean skies in nice campsites.
We will reach the Sun Gate on the final morning. We will stare in wonder at the breathtaking first view of Machu Picchu from there. We will remember that moment and value every hike and descent. Together, we will complete one of the most memorable Inca Trail Tours.
- Location: Machu Picchu.
- Tour duration: 4Days – 3Nights.
- Tour Type: traditional, cultural, adventure.
- Difficulty of the route: challenging Starting altitude: 2720 m – 8920 feet.
- Maximum altitude: 4,217 m – 13,780 feet.
- Security: We have all biosafety permits.
- Group: Maximum 3 people
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Recommendations
- Frequent Questions
Itinerary
Day 01: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Wayllabamba
We begin with an early 05:30 AM Cusco hotel pickup. We visit the Sacred Valley, featuring the Urubamba River and scenic Andean towns. We visit Ollantaytambo to marvel at the Inca fortress and experience the vibrant town.
We will continue to Piscacucho at kilometer 82, where our porter team awaits. Here, the Inca Trail 4 Days hike begins officially. We’ll climb beside the river with easy going and panoramic, broad-open views.
During the first hours, we will be to Wakay Willka or Veronica with an altitude of 5682 meters. We will see the archaeological site of Llactapata and its extensive terraces. We will hike in the afternoon up to Wayllabamba at an altitude of 3000 m. Dinner and overnight stay will be in our first camp.
Day 1 Statistics
- Distance: 12 kilometers
- Lowest Altitude: 2750 meters above sea level
- Highest Altitude: 3000 meters above sea level
- Route: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Piscacucho – Wayllabamba
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Difficulty level: Easy
Day 02: Wayllabamba – Warmiwañuska – Pacaymayo
We wake up early and prepare for the hardest day. We have breakfast at 07:00 AM and begin our steep ascent. The trail climbs steadily along high Andean scenery and green forests.
We will see local wildlife like hummingbirds, hawks, and black-chested eagles occasionally. The trail will test our stamina when we approach the Warmiwañuska pass. This is the highest point of the Inca Trail and is 4200 meters high.
We’ll rest and observe stunning views of snow-white mountains and valleys. After recuperation, we’ll descend to Pacaymayo, 3600 meters above sea level. We’ll dine and rest there in the surroundings of mountains.
Day 2 Statistics
- Distance: 11 km
- Lowest Altitude: 3000 meters above sea level
- Highest Altitude: 4200 meters above sea level
- Route: Wayllabamba – Warmiwañuska – Pacaymayo
- Difficulty: Challenging
Day 03: Pacaymayo – Puyupatamarca – Wiñay Huayna
We will start at 06:00 AM, ready for a long but interesting day. We will climb to the Runkurakay pass at 3780 meters. We will stop here at the circular Inca checkpoint with panoramic view over the Vilcabamba range.
We will continue on an orchid, mosses, and cloud forest vegetation terrain. Trekking poles will guide us along the stone stairs. We will move through an Inca tunnel carved directly into rock before we reach the third pass.
At 3700 m., one will have spectacular vistas of Salkantay (6271 meters above sea level.) and Veronica (5750 m.). We will make a visit to Phuyupatamarca, the “town above the clouds”. Next, we will go to Intipata and head on to Wiñayhuayna at 2700 m. This is the place that still has terraces, temples, and an orchid-padded environment.
Day 3 Statistics
- Distance: 16 kilometers
- Lowest Altitude: 2700 meters above sea level
- Highest Altitude: 3780 meters above sea level
- Route: Pacaymayo – Runkurakay – Phuyupatamarca – Intipata – Wiñayhuayna
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Day 04: Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
We depart at 04:00 AM, have breakfast, and say goodbye to our porters. We will walk to Intipunku, the Sun Gate, by narrow paths. The final climb contains about 50 stone steps before arriving at the gate.
We will be amazed by the initial mystic Machu Picchu scenery at 2719 meters. We will take a photograph of the citadel set among forested hills and clouds. Then, we will accompany our guide on a two-hour hike.
We will explore temples, plazas, and the Lost City of the Incas’ terracing. We will travel by bus to Aguas Calientes following the tour. We will travel by train to Ollantaytambo and back to Cusco at night.
Day 4 Statistics
- Distance: 5 km
- Lowest Altitude: 2040 meters (Aguas Calientes)
- Highest Altitude: 2719 meters (Intipunku)
- Route: Wiñayhuayna – Intipunku – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco
- Difficulty: Moderate
Inclusions
Includes
- A briefing before departure to the Inka Trail presented by the guides.
- Official Inca Trail permission.
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
- Two-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu, exploring main temples, plazas, and terraces.
- Expedition train ticket on Day 4 from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Professional multilingual guides with deep knowledge of Inca history and nature.
- Well-treated local porters who will carry tents, food, and cooking equipment.
- 03 nutritious breakfasts, 03 energizing lunches, and 03 hearty dinners during the trek.
Does not include
- Sleeping bag.
- Walking sticks or trekking poles.
- Day 1 breakfast and Day 4 lunch and dinner in Aguas Calientes.
- Personal porter service to carry extra luggage beyond provided allowance.
- Extra snacks, energy bars, or bottled water.
- Travel insurance (highly recommended for trekking at high altitudes).
- Huayna Picchu Mountain entrance tickets
- Tips for guides, cooks, and porters.
- Additional expenses such as souvenirs, hot springs, or drinks in Aguas Calientes.
Recomendations
- Original passport (mandatory for Inca Trail permit).
- Backpack (30–40 liters recommended).
- Sleeping bag.
- Trekking poles.
- Comfortable hiking boots with good grip.
- Lightweight clothing for warm days.
- Warm jacket, gloves, and hat for cold nights.
- Rain jacket or poncho (weather changes quickly).
- Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries.
- Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (at least 2 liters).
- Personal toiletries and small towel.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hat.
- Insect repellent for jungle sections.
- Personal medication and a basic first aid kit.
- Energy snacks like granola bars or dried fruit.
- Cash in Peruvian soles for tips and small purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the highest altitude on the trail?
The highest point is Warmiwañuska Pass at 4200 m.
2. Do we need a permit for the Inca Trail?
Yes, permits are mandatory and limited. We will secure them in advance.
3. When is the best time to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
The best months are April to October during the dry season.
4. Is the Inca Trail difficult?
The trek is moderate to challenging, but we will move at a steady pace with rest stops.
5. Are porters included on the tour?
Yes, porters will carry camping equipment, food, and tents. Personal porter service is optional.
6. Where will we sleep during the Inca Trail?
We will camp in designated sites with tents provided by the team.
7. What should we bring for the trek?
We should carry essentials such as a backpack, sleeping bag, trekking poles, warm clothing, and water.
8. Can we climb Huayna Picchu after Machu Picchu?
We must reserve tickets in advance because they are limited.
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