Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days – Inca Trail Tour
4 days - 3 nights
Challenging
4200msnm
Hike
Are you ready to experience one of the most popular Cusco Inca Trail Tours? This 4 day inca trail hike will be special for you. You will trek through mountains, valleys, and ruins. This will lead us to Machu Picchu. At the end, we will get closer to history and to nature.
We will be cycling 42 kilometers of legendary roads. We will cycle over cloud forest, Andean mountains, and rock steps along the route. We will have scenery that features snow-capped mountains, foliage, and interesting ruins every day. The inca trail tour journey is challenging, but the reward will encourage us.
We will see incredible locations that few tourists have the privilege of seeing. We will stay in gorgeous camps in the middle of mountains and blue skies. Our chefs will treat us to delicious meals that will refuel our energy banks daily. We will have memories that will last a lifetime in the starry skies of Peru.
We will walk with experienced guides who will narrate tales of the Inca nation. Our Cusco inca trail to machu picchu 4 days will involve authentic contacts and cultural encounters. We will enjoy fine food prepared en route. We will rest well at night under Andean skies in decent campsites.
We will get to the Sun Gate on the final morning. We will stare in wonder at that breathtaking first view of Machu Picchu from there. With us, you will never forget the trekking inca trail machu picchu.
- Location: Machu Picchu.
- Duration of the tour: 4Days – 3Nights.
- Type of tour: traditional, cultural, adventure.
- Route difficulty: challenging.
- Starting altitude: 2720 m – 8920 feet.
- Highest point: 4,217 m – 13,780 feet.
- Safety: We have all biosafety clearances.
- Group: Up to 3 individuals.
Why Choose the Classic 4 Day Inca Trail Hike
It is the most important point if you are looking to do the Inca trail Machu Picchu. Here are some of the reasons our clients choose us as their trekking company:
- Licensed Local Guides – Our guides will educate you about Inca history, archaeology, and the cultural history of the area.
- Small Groups – Of course, small groups are always going to be more comfortable. The group size allows the guide to spend more time with you.
- Eco-Friendly – We limit our waste and operate sustainably when trekking.
- Comfortable Campsites – We deliver quality camping gear and safe hygiene for cooking and camping practices.
- Fantastic Trip Advisor and Google reviews – We have thousands of trekkers who report that we have great trips.
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Recommendations
- Frequent Questions
Itinerary
Day 01: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Wayllabamba
To start our 4 day inca trail hike we will leave Cusco early in the morning, traveling through the Sacred Valley landscapes. Rolling hills and snow-capped peaks will frame our journey. In Mollepata, we will enjoy a traditional breakfast to start our adventure. A short drive will bring us to Challacancha, where our trekking path begins.
The inca trail to machu picchu 4 days will take us along an ancient Inca water canal. Crisp air and mountain silence will accompany our steps. We will see herds of llamas grazing in the highlands. Gradually, we will approach the wide plateau of Soraypampa.
In the inca trail tour we will reach Soraypampa. Here we will set up camp at 3,850 meters above sea level. From here, we will continue trekking inca trail machu picchu to the turquoise Humantay Lake at 4,200 meters above sea level. Its glacier-fed waters will sparkle under the Andean sun. Snowy peaks will rise dramatically around us.
After exploring the lakeshore and capturing photos, we will descend back to camp int this inca trail 4 days. The sun will set behind the mountains, casting golden light. A warm dinner will await us in the dining tent. We will rest under a sky filled with stars.
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
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.
What to Pack for the 4 Day Inca Trail Hike
Packing smart for your 4 Day Inca Trail Hike is the most important step. It ensures comfort, safety, and the best trekking experience through Peru’s breathtaking landscapes.
- 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 most elevated point on the trail?
It is Dead Woman’s Pass, approximately 4,215 meters (13,828 feet) above sea level. It is also called Warmiwañusca.
2. Is a permit important for the Inca Trail?
Yes, you must all have a permit for the formal Inca Trail. It pays to plan ahead in order to obtain the pass of your choice. Book in advance as permits sell out months ahead. We will help you get it.
3. What is the best time to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
The appropriate seasons to trek are the dry season. It is the most populated too! It extends from May to September.
4. Is the Inca Trail Difficult?
The trail is hard at the high peak. It is manageable with the help of our tour guides. There are also places to rest if needed.
5. Are there porters who accompany your guided tour?
Yes, porters are usually included on most guided trips. They will carry group equipment, cooking gear, and tents, so you just have a day pack and walk! Porters are trained, and the convenience that they add to hiking cannot be measured.
6. Where do we sleep on the Inca Trail?
Travelers overnight at a campsite along the trail. Tents are usually arranged by a tour company, and sleeping mats and bedding will be arranged by some of the tour companies. This usually guarantees people are comfortable for the night.
7. What do we take in our backpacks?
You require a water bottle and a raincoat. In addition, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also useful. You can even keep some bars and snacks.
8. Can we hike up Huayna Picchu?
Yes. You just need to get a permit for this. The Huayna Picchu trek is like the Machu Picchu one.
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