Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days / 3 nights
¿WHAT WE EXPECT?
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days Trek
What makes the Inca Trail unique: This famous 4-day trek is not only the most popular in Peru, but also one of the most spectacular in the world. Along its 42 kilometers of paved Inca paths, the trail winds through breathtaking landscapes, hidden ruins, high mountain passes, and cloud forests, offering a magical blend of adventure and spirituality.
Highlights of the Inca Trail:
- 32,952 hectares of protected land
- 10 distinct ecological zones
- Over 450 bird species
- 200 orchid varieties
Inca archaeological sites such as Llactapata, Runkurakay, Wiñayhuayna, and more
DETAILED TOUR ITINERARY:
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 4 Days
Experience the Magic of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure along the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic hiking routes in the world. Over 4 days, explore breathtaking Andean landscapes, ancient Inca ruins, and the biodiversity of the National Park.
Enjoy a fully immersive experience:
Travel aboard the panoramic Vistadome train, taste exquisite Peruvian cuisine, interact with local porters, and connect with travelers from around the world in small, personalized groups.
The highlight:
Arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at sunrise — an unforgettable experience.
Day 1: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Cusco – Km 82 – Miskay – Llactapata – Wayllabamba
- Distance: 11 km
- Maximum Altitude: 3,000 m
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
The journey begins with a hotel pickup in Cusco at 5:00 a.m. heading to Piscacucho (Km 82). After breakfast (not included) in Ollantaytambo, you’ll arrive at the trail checkpoint to start your Inca Trail adventure.
During the first stretch, you’ll cross the Vilcanota River and arrive at Miskay, where you’ll enjoy your first lunch with valley views. The hike continues with views of Willca Raccay and the impressive archaeological site of Llactapata. Finally, you’ll reach the campsite at Wayllabamba, where a delicious dinner and a restful night await.
- Included: Lunch, snacks, tea, dinner
- Accommodation: Wayllabamba Campsite
- Nighttime temperature: approx. 5°C
Day 2:Inca Trail to Machu Picchu– Wayllabamba – Warmiwañuska – Pacaymayu
- Distance: 10 km
- Maximum Altitude: 4,215 m
- Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging
Prepare for one of the most demanding and memorable days. After breakfast, you’ll begin a several-hour ascent to the highest point of the Inca Trail: the Warmiwañuska Pass (Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,215 m. Your effort will be rewarded with spectacular views and a great sense of accomplishment.
Then, you’ll descend to the Pacaymayu valley to rest at the second campsite.
- Included: Breakfast, snacks, tea, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Pacaymayu Campsite
- Nighttime temperature: approx. 4°C
Day 3: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Pacaymayu – Runkurakay – Sayacmarca – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna
- Distance: 16 km
- Maximum Altitude: 3,950 m
- Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging
This is the longest and one of the most beautiful days. Begin with an ascent to the Runkurakay ruins and its pass. Then explore the archaeological sites of Sayacmarca and Chakiccocha, where you’ll stop for lunch.
In the afternoon, hike toward Phuyupatamarca, known as “The City Above the Clouds,” before gradually descending to the final campsite at Wiñay Wayna — just five minutes away from another stunning Inca site you can visit before the farewell dinner.
- Included: Breakfast, snacks, tea, buffet lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Wiñay Wayna Campsite
- Nighttime temperature: approx. 12°C
Day 4: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Wiñay Wayna – Inti Punku – Aguas Calientes – Cusco
- Distance: 8.9 km
- Maximum Altitude: 2,720 m
- Difficulty: Easy
Your final day begins very early. At 5:30 a.m., you’ll pass the last checkpoint to begin the final stretch toward the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). From here, you’ll get your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu at sunrise — a moment you’ll never forget.
After a short rest, you’ll walk to the citadel for a full guided tour of Machu Picchu’s temples, plazas, and terraces. If you booked in advance, you can climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for panoramic views.
To finish, you’ll take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time before boarding the train back to Cusco via Ollantaytambo.
- Included: Breakfast
- Return: Expedition train + bus to Cusco
- Typical train time: 3:20 p.m. (check availability)
Final Tips for Travelers
- Always carry your original passport.
- Acclimate in Cusco for at least 2 days before the trek.
- If you want to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, book well in advance.
- Enjoy Aguas Calientes: visit the museum, hot springs, shop, and try local cuisine.
Are you ready to walk through history?
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu isn’t just a trek — it’s a transformative experience that connects you with nature, history, and yourself. Live this unique adventure and discover why Machu Picchu continues to inspire the world!
Upon Arrival at the Hot Springs in Aguas Calientes:
You can enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot springs — your belongings will be stored safely at our restaurant.
If you don’t extend your stay in Aguas Calientes, you’ll return to Cusco by train or a combination of train and bus, arriving around 9:00–9:30 p.m.
Note on High Season (May–September):
During high season, there are times when trains returning from Aguas Calientes only go as far as Ollantaytambo. In such cases, we will pick you up there in private transportation and bring you back to Cusco.
You’ll walk approximately 7 km on this final day.
Optional Extension:
You can choose to extend your trip by staying an extra night in Aguas Calientes in a local hostel, and return to Cusco on the 5th day. If you’d like to choose this option, it must be arranged before starting the Inca Trail or at least one day before at our office in Cusco.
WHAT TOUR SERVICES:
INCLUDED TO INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 4 days:
- Tourism Official Guide English / Spanish in the tour inca trail .
- Assistant Guide ( when the group exceeds more than 10 people ) in trek inca trail to machupicchu
- Pick up from your hotel
- Join the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
- Private transportation from Cusco to km 82 inca trekking
- Return train tickets from Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo –
- 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners in the trips inca trails.
- Duffle 5kg . To put your personal belongings including his sleeping bag in the inca jungle.
- Dining tent with tables , chairs in trekking inca trail
- Kitchen Chef who prepares the food for the Inca Trail
- Boil the purified water to fill their canteens every morning peru inca machupicchu
QUALITY EQUIPMENTTO INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 4 days:
Teams are Waterproof , clean for 2 or 3 people per store. The tents are large ( designed to fit 4 people ) if it allows you to have more space for personal items .
- The sleeping mats are Thick, comfortable .
- We ship proper equipment as dining tent , kitchen tent, tables and chairs to enjoy your stay and food.
- In the morning we prepare coca tea or coffee to get up that way more relaxed
- Ball oxygen and emergency kit in the trekking inca .
THINGS YOU SHOULD BRING TO INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU:
- Your original passport (and your student card ( ISIC) applies only to persons under 26 .
- Sleeping bag ( it is not included but can be rented at our office in Cusco)
- adapting shoe trails.
- Rain poncho or rainwear inca trail
- Warm clothes , hat and gloves inca trail
- T extras
- adapting and comfortable pair ‘s Shorts Walk
- Sunhat
- Sunscreen ( factor 35 recommended )
- Mineral water only for the first 4 hours and then we will provide purified water and boiled to fill their canteens .
- Mosquito repellent in machupicchu trek inca
- Disposable Paper Bath in trek inca trail
- Personal medication
- Camera for the inca trail .
- Flashlights with extra batteries during the tours inca trail.
PHOTO GALLERY?
ABOUT LODGE:
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 4 Days / 3 Nights
Discover the ancient paths of the great Inca Empire :The Inca Empire, considered the largest in the Americas and one of the most impressive of ancient times, stretched along almost the entire western mountain range of South America: from Colombia, through Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, all the way to Chile and northern Argentina. This vast territory, inhabited by more than 12 million people united by a single language—Quechua—was ruled by an emperor known as the Inca.
The capital of this powerful empire was Cusco (from Quechua Qosqo, “navel of the world”),
located in the heart of the Andes. From there, roads radiated out to all regions of the empire, including the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, one of the most breathtaking trekking routes on the planet.
The Incas were masters of stonework: they built temples, administrative buildings, irrigation systems, aqueducts, and structures that have defied the passage of time. Their construction techniques, using perfectly cut stones assembled without mortar, continue to amaze the modern world.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs):
Optional Services Not Included in the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
To ensure a more comfortable and personalized experience on your 4-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu, we offer the following optional services, which can be added at the time of booking:
Additional Equipment Rental:
- Sleeping bag for low temperatures (-15°C): USD $20.00
- Trekking poles (pair): USD $8.00
- Extra porter for personal gear: USD $25.00
Important: If you wish to hire an extra porter to carry your sleeping bag, mat, or personal backpack, you must request it when booking. These spots are limited as part of the daily 500-person quota, and cannot be added later.
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 4 Days / 3 Nights
One of the Most Famous Hiking Routes in the World
The Classic Inca Trail is more than just a hike — it’s a journey through history, spirituality, and the natural beauty of ancient Peru. Along the route, you’ll visit sacred sites like Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, and Wiñay Wayna before entering Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
This route was introduced to the modern world by Hiram Bingham in 1915, who named some of the sites, such as Qorihuayrachina, though the Incas had built them centuries earlier for ceremonial and spiritual purposes.
Phuyupatamarca: “The City Above the Clouds”
One of the most magical sites on the Inca Trail is Phuyupatamarca, whose Quechua name means “The City Above the Clouds.” Explorer Paul Fejos gave it this name after observing how, at night, clouds would descend into the valley, making the ruins appear as if they were floating. At sunrise, the sun’s warmth would lift the mist and reveal the stunning site.
Though its architecture is simple, with stone walls and terraced platforms, the symmetry of its design and interconnected stairways highlight the genius of Inca engineering. This site offers unique valley views and is among the most meditative parts of the trek.
Machu Picchu: More Than a Citadel
While traditionally thought to have been a royal retreat for Inca Pachacútec, newer research suggests that Machu Picchu was likely a ceremonial pilgrimage center, aligned with astronomical cycles and connected to other sacred sites like the Island of the Sun on Lake Titicaca.
Its strategic location, urban design, and link to the Inca Trail reinforce the idea that Machu Picchu was planned with profound spiritual and cosmic significance.
Availability and Best Time to Go
Daily Departures:
- From March to January (closed in February for maintenance).
- Please check current availability before booking.
- Best Season to Hike the Inca Trail:
April to October: Dry season, ideal for clear views and pleasant weather.
Limited Capacity:
- Only 500 people per day allowed (including guides, porters, and tourists).
- Only 200 foreign tourists per day.
- Booking at least 6 months in advance is strongly recommended, especially during high season.
Included Destinations Along the Tour:
- Cusco
- Ollantaytambo
- Km 82 (Inca Trail starting point)
- Llactapata
- Wiñay Wayna
- Inti Punku (Sun Gate)
- Machu Picchu Citadel
- Aguas Calientes
- Travel Style:
Archaeological · Cultural · Ecological · Scenic · Hiking · Camping
Main Activities:
- Complete hike along the Classic Inca Trail
- Camping in designated areas
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Optional overnight stay in Aguas Calientes (not included)
- Optional extended tour including Cusco (if arranged)
- Difficulty Level:
This trek is suitable for a wide range of adventurers:
- Easy: Ideal for casual hikers — Day 1 and Day 4
- Moderate: Day 3 is longer but with moderate climbs
- Challenging: Day 2 includes the steep ascent to Warmiwañuska Pass (4,215 m)
- Very Difficult: Only for those carrying all their own gear without a porter
- Recommendation: Acclimatization hikes in Cusco or the Sacred Valley are highly recommended before starting the trail.
Conclusion: A Life-Changing Adventure
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is more than a trek — it is a reconnection with history, nature, and the Andean spirit. Every step is a living lesson in Inca greatness, the sacredness of the land, and the rich cultural heritage of Peru.
Come walk the path of the Incas — and let it transform you.
PRICE FROM
S/. /pax
CODE: CUS-01
4 days y 3 night
Places to visit:
Tour Group:
02 Min - 08 Max
Tour Type:
Lare Trek , Inca Trail , Inka Trek , Trail Peru
Tour Physical Level:
1/5
PAYMENT ONLINE
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