Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days – Inca Trail Tour

Cusco 4 Days

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Availability Daily departures
Transport Hotel pickup
Languages Español, Inglés
Service type Not specified
Cancellation policy Not specified

Summary
Itinerary
Inclusions
FAQs
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About this activity

The famous Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu 4 Days and 3 Nights is the most famous hike in Peru. With 4 days of walking along the Inca trail, we will walk along the originally paved Inca roads, appreciating nature and the beautiful flora and fauna of our tropical jungle.

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

What's included

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.

What's Not Included

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.

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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