Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days 3 Nights
On this four-day trek along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, we will journey through ancient Inca sites and breathtaking landscapes. We will begin by exploring this historic route, following trails used by the Incas centuries ago. Along the way, we will enjoy stunning views of the Andes Mountains and the lush Urubamba River valley.
As we hike the Inca Trail, we will visit iconic archaeological sites such as Patallacta and Runkurakay, each offering unique insights into Inca history. Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca, with their timeless stone structures, will connect us with the remarkable architectural genius of the Inca civilization. These stops will deepen our understanding of the extraordinary culture that once thrived in this region.
Duration
Group Size
Maximum Altitude
Level of Difficulty
Type of Service
Qualification
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Piscacucho KM 82 – Ayapata
We will begin the day with hotel pick-up in Cusco at 4:30 a.m. After a 2.5-hour drive, we will arrive at KM 82 (2,900 meters / 9,514 feet), where breakfast will be served. We will then start the trek with beautiful views of the Sacred Valley and the impressive Vilcanota mountain range.
The first five hours of hiking are gentle and relatively easy. Along the trail, we will explore two Inca archaeological sites, guided by our experienced trekking team.
We will arrive at our lunch spot around 1:00 p.m., where our chef will prepare a fresh and energizing meal. After lunch, we will continue with a two-hour ascent to our first campsite at Ayapata (3,300 meters / 10,826 feet). Everything will be set up for a comfortable evening, including snacks and dinner, followed by a restful night.
Day 1 Statistics:
- Maximum altitude: 3,300 meters / 10,826 feet
- Minimum altitude: 2,750 meters / 9,022 feet
- Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate, with gradual and steep ascents
- Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea & happy hour, dinner
- Accommodation included: Camping in Eureka tents, sleeping bags and liners, sleeping pads, pillows, thermal sleeping bags, and portable toilets
Day 2: Ayapata – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayo – Chaquicocha
We will wake up at 4:30 a.m. with coca tea, followed by a hearty breakfast. This challenging day begins at 6:00 a.m. with a four-hour ascent along original Inca stone steps. We will reach Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 meters / 13,828 feet), the highest point of the trek, where we will rest and enjoy spectacular panoramic views.
We will then descend for two hours to Pacaymayo (3,600 meters / 11,811 feet) for lunch. After a break, we will continue for 45 minutes to the archaeological site of Runquraqay. We will then climb to the second pass, Runquraqay Pass (3,950 meters / 12,956 feet), before descending into the cloud forest, passing the Sayacmarca site on our way to the Chaquicocha campsite.
Day 2 Statistics:
- Maximum altitude: 4,215 meters / 13,828 feet
- Minimum altitude: 3,250 meters / 10,662 feet
- Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles
- Difficulty: Challenging, with steep ascents and descents
- Hiking time: 8 to 9 hours
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea & happy hour, dinner
- Accommodation included: Camping in Eureka tents, sleeping bags and liners, sleeping pads, pillows, thermal sleeping bags, and portable toilets
Day 3: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna
We will wake up at 5:30 a.m. and enjoy breakfast. Today is an easier day, allowing more time to explore and fewer hours of hiking. We will start walking at 7:00 a.m. along a lush jungle trail with gradual ascents.
After two hours, we will reach the third pass, Phuyupatamarca (3,680 meters / 12,073 feet), which offers impressive views of Machu Picchu Mountain and the Sacred Valley.
After exploring the site, we will descend for three hours to the archaeological site of Intipata. We will arrive at Wiñay Wayna (2,600 meters / 8,530 feet) around 2:00 p.m. After lunch, we will explore this stunning complex and then enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the campsite.
Day 3 Statistics:
- Maximum altitude: 3,680 meters / 12,073 feet
- Minimum altitude: 2,680 meters / 8,792 feet
- Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate, with some steep descents
- Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea & happy hour, dinner
- Accommodation included: Camping in Eureka tents, sleeping bags and liners, sleeping pads, pillows, thermal sleeping bags, and portable toilets
Day 4: Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
We will wake up early at 3:00 a.m. and leave the campsite at 3:30 a.m. to reach the checkpoint, which opens at 5:30 a.m. We will hike for one hour to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where we will enjoy the first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu at sunrise.
After a short break for photos, we will descend for 45 minutes to the entrance of Machu Picchu. We will then enjoy a three-hour guided tour of the citadel, exploring the urban, religious, and agricultural sectors.
After the tour, we will take a bus to Aguas Calientes, where there will be free time for lunch. Later, we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private bus transfer to Cusco, arriving around 7:30 p.m.
Day 4 Statistics:
- Maximum altitude: 2,700 meters / 8,856 feet
- Minimum altitude: 2,400 meters / 7,872 feet
- Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Hiking time: 2 hours
- Meals included: Breakfast
Includes
- Pre-departure briefing at 6:30 p.m. the night before the trek at your hotel
- Private transportation for the entire trip
- Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu entrance tickets
- Professional and experienced tour guides
- Professional mountain chefs and assistants
- Full meals throughout the tour, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and happy hour (hot drinks). Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, wheat-free, and special diets available upon request
- Boiled and filtered drinking water
- Porters carry all camping equipment, including client tents, dining and kitchen tents, tables, stools, cooking equipment, gas tanks, kitchenware, dining utensils, and food
- Personal porter service carrying up to 7 kg (15 lbs) of your belongings
- Emergency first-aid kit, oxygen assistance, and satellite phone
- Spacious 2-person tents (EUREKA 4-person tents shared by only 2 people)
- Sleeping bags, sleeping bag liners, sleeping pads, pillows, and thermal hot water bottles
- Trekking poles
- Daily hot water buckets for washing inside your tent
- Biodegradable soap and hand sanitizer
- Private portable toilet
- Morning coca tea served in your tent every day
- 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu with additional free time to explore
- Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes
- Expedition tourist train back to Ollantaytambo and private bus transfer to Cusco
- Door-to-door pick-up and drop-off service at your hotel
- All taxes and fees
Not include
- Single tent supplement: US $70
- Energy snacks and energy drinks (optional)
- Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
- Cash tips for the trekking crew
Recommendations
- Original passport and ISIC student card (if applicable)
- Daypack (25 liters)
- Durable hiking boots with good soles (Vibram soles recommended)
- Warm clothing and trekking pants (no jeans)
- Layered clothing for changing temperatures, especially at night
- Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries
- Camera, memory cards, and spare batteries
- Sun protection: sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses
- Thermal clothing: wool socks, gloves, scarf, and wool hat for cold nights
- Insect repellent
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Extra plastic bags, especially during the rainy season, to line your backpack
- Toilet paper, small towel, toothbrush and toothpaste, personal medication, wet wipes, moisturizer, hand sanitizer
- Swimsuit for hot springs
- Water bottle or hydration system; purification tablets (optional)
- Personal first-aid kit and simple whistle
- Extra cash for souvenirs, drinks, and tips
- Trekking poles
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to hike the Inca Trail?
Yes. An official Inca Trail permit is required and is included in the tour. Permits are limited and must be booked in advance.
How difficult is the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail is considered moderate to challenging due to altitude and steep sections. A good level of physical fitness is recommended.
What is the maximum altitude on this trek?
The highest point reaches approximately 4,215 meters / 13,828 feet, depending on the route.
Is altitude sickness common?
Some travelers may experience mild altitude symptoms. We recommend acclimatizing in Cusco for at least 1–2 days before the trek. Our guides carry oxygen and a first-aid kit at all times.
What type of accommodation is provided?
Accommodation is camping in high-quality Eureka tents, shared by only two people, with sleeping pads, sleeping bags, and pillows included.
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