Classic Inca Trail To Machu Picchu 4 Days
Trip Type: Hiking, adventure, history, culture and nature
Trip Length: 4 Days/3 Nights
Group Size: 2-8 Hikers
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging, but rewarding hike.
Weather: Dry season (Cold & sunny days) – Rainy season (Changeable weather)
Total Hiking Distance: 43 km
Overview
Discover Peru through the eyes of the Incas, hiking one of Cuzco’s most picturesque natural wonders. Hike along the section of the historic Inca Trail, where the Inca pilgrims did the same hundreds of years ago. You will have the privilege of exploring Inca ruins (Temples, portals, criss-cross terraces, resting places, etc.) above the cloud forest of the historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu and breathe fresh air around the holy mountains. The classic Inca Trail that is considered by UNESCO as world heritage site is the perfect tour-and-trekking for those who want to live and learn the rich culture of the Incas. However, the difficulty level of this hike is moderate to challenging due to a lot of stones steps along the way and also because you will have to conquer the highest pass of the Inca Trail which is the dead woman pass (4200 masl).
The trip is supported with porters for your convenience and we provide you with top quality camping equipment and a very balanced and energy-rich diet.
Would you like a remote experience on the Inca Trail? If so, then secure your spot today!
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Cuzco – Ollanta-km 82-Tarayoc/Hatunchaca- Wayllabamba/Ayapata
Early morning pick up from your hotel or accommodation in Cuzco between 4:20 to 4:50 AM. Then we will transfer you to Ollantaytambo where you will have breakfast here. After a hearty breakfast, you will continue for 1 hour more drive to the trail head in km 82 (Piscacucho village). Here (Inca trail checkpoint for visitors) you will show your passport to park rangers in order to start our hike. The first two hours of hike is easy and along the way you will spot some Incan sites such as: Ccanabamba (an Inca resting place), Patallacta (a multifunctional Inca town). You will also see our variety of flora, fauna and local houses such as our native trees, hummingbirds, butterfly, etc). From these Incan sites to the lunch spot it will take around 2 hours. After lunch it will take another 2 hours more of hiking to the campsite (Wayllabamba/Ayapata) where you will enjoy your happy hour time with hot tea and dinner prepared by our Inca Chef and then it will be time to rest.
Hiking Distance: 12km/14 Km -7/8 miles (6 to 7 hours)
Campsites Altitude: Night 1: 3,000/3300 m (9842/10829 ft)
Day 2: Wayllabamba/Ayapata-Llulluchapampa-Dead Woman Pass-Pacaymayo-Runcuracay Pass- Chaquiccocha
After an early breakfast, you will get ready to test your physical condition, because today is your big day and the day you have to tackle Dead Woman Pass located at a dizzying height of 4,215 m. Take heart, it will take just 4 hours or so to get to the highest pass, then take your time to appreciate the majesty of the snowing mountains, some views of the Andes, and others mountain chains around . After a well-deserved break, we will descend the mountain and Inca stairs slowly until we reach Pacaymayu where you will have lunch nearby. Then you will hike up to the Runcuracay Pass, but before to get there you will explore a small Inca ruin that is at the midpoint of the trail. Then you will head down for 2.5 hours more to hit to the next Inca ruin Sayaccmarca and finally to the campsite Chaquicocha. Note: if you start your day 2 from Wayllabamaba then you will spend the night just in Pacaymayo campsite and it is less challenging day.
Hiking Distance: 11 km/16 km-7/10 miles (7-9 hours)
Campsites Altitude: Night 2: 3,580 /3,600 m (11700/11800 ft)
Day 3: Pacaymayo/ Chaquiccocha-Phuyupatamarca-Wiñaywayna
Today will be the most amazing day because you will be into cloud forest surrounded by lush vegetation and intact Inca trail .After a big breakfast, you will start hiking along the undulated waved trail roughly for 2 hours or so until to reach to the 3rd pass (Puyupatamarca). Here you will see the pick of the Machu Picchu Mountain for first time and also you will explore the Phuyupatamarca Inca ruin. Following, you will just keep going downhill stairs for around 3.5 hours until you hit to the Wiñayhuayna camp where here you will have lunch ( at 1:30 PM) and spend the night., after your yummy lunch you will have plenty of time to take your siesta and take Inca shower. Right after your siesta, you will explore the mini Machu Picchu (Wiñaywayna) for 1 hour or so then during this afternoon it will be the time to have our last dinner and time to say good bye our porters and chef. If you feel that they have done a great job then you can leave tips for them, like Inca tradition, it will be a nice ceremony to introduce the team to you to shake your hand between you all. After this, time to go to bed because next day you will have to get up very early. Note: if you start your day 3 from Pacaymayo then you will have lunch in Chaquicocha/Phuyupatamarca and spend the night in Wiñayhuayna campsite as well and it will be challenging day, because the walking distance is 16 km.
Hiking Distance: 10 km/16 km-6.2/10 miles (5-9 hours)
Campsites Altitude: Night 3: 2,680 m-8792 ft.
DAY 4: Wiñaywayna- Sun Gate-Machu Picchu Tour – Return to Cuzco.
Day 4 will be one of the more remarkable and busy day, because you will visit one of the 7 new wonders in the world and thus, you will need to wake up early ( 3:30 AM) and) and will walk to the Sun gate which will take around 1h25 minutes. From here you will stare a splendid overlooking to Machu Picchu Inca City. After that, we will start going down and getting close to Inca City and where you will take your first post card pictures and right after that we will get out from Machu Picchu in order to re-enter to the same Inca site. You will have a memorable walking tour through the “lost city of the Incas” and let yourself be swept away by the magical landscape that surrounds this important ruin. You will have 3 hours guided tour by your speaking English guide. Finish up with last photos and then return to Aguas Calientes town for the return trip to Cusco. Note: you will take your train at 14:55/15:20 for the return trip with the Expedition train to the Ollantaytambo train station where you will catch our private van back to Cusco and your hotel. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 19:00 pm.
Hiking Distance: 6 km-3.6 miles (2.5 hours) & walking tour in MP for 3 hours
Upgrade options:
Climb Huayna Picchu for views over the ruins or add an extra day in Machu Picchu.
Vistadom train for 14:55/15:48 PM time to return from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo/Poroy.
- Inca trail is celebrated by UNESCO as World Cultural Heritage Site.
- Inca Trail Trek is known as one of the world’s top ten hikes.
- Starting the Inca Trail at KM 82, you will enjoy multiple Incan sites along the entire trek those which were built by our ancestors in back in the days.
- Conquer the highest Mountain Pass (Dead Woman Pass) surrounded by snowing mountain ranges in the second day of hiking.
- Enjoying panoramic views of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate” and your camping at the foot of Machu Picchu.
- A private guided tour of the key sites of Machu Picchu, with free time to further explore at your leisure.
- Enjoy beautiful and diverse plants (Orchids) and animals along the Inca Trail.
- Explore the astonishing the lost city of the Incas Machu Picchu.
- Create your unforgettable trip to Machu Picchu via PeruRail or Inca Rail Train.
Included
- Pre-departure briefing in our office or your hotel. Time to be determined by the company.
- Private Accommodation: 3 nights camping on the Inca Trail trek.
- Camping equipment: Dining and kitchen tents, 4 man tents for 2 people, portable toilet tent, tables, chairs, and cooking gears (all carried by porters).
- Inflatable mattress: Thermarest air mattresses that are 3 inches thick, which add a lot of comfort to sleep and rest.
- Pillow, rain ponchos and duffel bag.
- Transportation: You will be provided with all transportation for this trek. You will be picked up directly from your hotel around 4:20 A.M., and brought to the trail head. The bus ticket is included from Machu Picchu Inca city to Aguas Calientes.The train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy will be on the Expedition Class Train and will be included in your trip (Day 4). You also have the option to upgrade to the Vistadome train for $75 per person. Once you arrive at the train station, our van will take you back to your hotel in Cusco (Day 4).
- Professional Guides: English speaking, professionally educated guides. All of our guides studied English and tourism at Cusco National University. They all grew up in the Cusco region, and are committed to teaching others about their heritage. They are fun yet professional and will ensure you are safe, sound and happy so you can enjoy your time worry-free!
- Trekking Chef: A chef and his assistant, specialized in cooking on the trail, will prepare all of your delicious meals to replenish your energy along the trail.
- Supper porters: On day 1, 2, 3 and 4 our porters will carry all camping equipment and your personal baggage allowance (7 kgs/15.4 lbs). On day 4 your duffel bags will be carried by car or train to your destination.
- Meals: 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners (vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost), 4 Snacks, 3 happy hours. All these meals are prepared by our Chef.
- Water: We will provide you water for your morning hike every day and again during lunch. We suggest to bring your camel bag and extra energy drinks for this trek, because being well hydrated is the key to feeling great in the mountains.
- Products for hygiene: You will be provided with a small towel, soap and hand sanitizer before each meal to clean your hands.
- Entry ticket to Machu Picchu Archeological Site
- Permits for the Inca Trail: When we receive your details and a deposit, we will purchase your permits (depending availability, check our Inca Trail Availability link). These permits are for a specific date and in your name. They can’t be changed once confirmed. Only your passport number is allowed to be updated. The permit includes an entrance to Machu Picchu as well.
- Permits and entrance fee for our porters and cooks
- First-Aid Kit: Our guides have received training in first aid from physicians. Our guides will bring an emergency oxygen bottle, as well.
Not Included
- Sleeping Bags:You can rent one from our company if you do not have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy form and include a sleeping liner. The bags are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips. (Cost: USD $20).
- Walking Sticks:You can rent a set from our company if you would like (Cost: USD $15/pair).
- Last Day: Lunch in Aguas Calientes.
- Travel Insurance.
- Tips for our staff:Tipping is of course 100% voluntary and should only be done if you feel like your guide, porters, and Chef have done an amazing job for you.
- Additional costsor delays out of control of the management (landslides, bad weather condition, itinerary modification due to a safety concern, altitude sickness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.).
- Hayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (Cost: USD $75): These hikes sell out fast and must be booked in advance. Please let us know at the time of booking if you wish to do one of these additional hikes.
Optional Service:
Huayna Picchu: $75 USD and Machu Picchu Mountain $75 USD: Huayna Picchu is a mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45-minute hike to the top. Going back down is quite steep if you are scared of heights. You would do this after your tour of Machu Picchu. The cost is $75. Right now, to walk up to Machu Picchu Mountain it will take 3 hours round trip and the cost is the same $75. Arrangements need to be made at least one month in advance due to popularity. Please understand that the weather is out of our control.
This classic Inca trail is available almost all year, this tour is only closed in February due to preservation and maintenance of the trail. On the other hand, Peru usually celebrates annual festivities, special events, special occasions and activities such as: The Feast of the Sun, Easter Sunday procession, Folkloric Parade, Carnival, Christmas Day, Bullfighting, and so on, occasionally, unforeseen events such as: Solar and Lunar eclipses would be a surprising experience for you. For this reasons, Inca Vision guarantees your departure dates. BOOK now! Only your confirmation is needed.
CLICK here to check your availability for Inca trail and Annual Festivities, Special Events.
Availability Dates: All year around, except (February)
January 1st.
February or March (Variable Sunday)
March or April 1st to 8th.
June 24th
July 28th and 29th.
October 31st.
November 1ST and 2nd.
December 24th and 25th.
Important Reminder: For this trek you will need one hold-all or duffel bag, which we will provide. However, you will be carrying your small day pack while hiking. Please pack as light as possible. A light backpack is key to feeling great!
- Passport (very important)
- Valid STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
- Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- 2L Camelbaks or water bottles
- Water for the beginning of your hike. We will resupply you at lunch.
- Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles) and sandals. (very important)
- 4 Wicking/Hiking T-Shirts & and 2 hiking pants
- Nice shirt and pants for Machu Picchu day – remember you will always treasure these photos, wear something you love
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho, warm jacket, down jacket, fleece or sweater, scarf, wool hat, sunglasses, gloves and 4 pairs of socks
- Bathing suits & small towel for the hot springs (Optional on your own in Aguas Calientes )
- Sun protection cream and sun hat (very important)
- Insect Repellent
- Camera/ Cellphone with extra Power Bank
- iPhone/iPod for music
- Flashlight or head lamp with spare batteries (very important)
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
Toiletries
- Face moisturizer
- Hand Sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications.
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc
We require a deposit of 50% of the total price per person for any tours or treks. The deposit can be made via PayPal or Western Union. If you rent camping and hiking gear, upgrade tours or receive a discount of the total price our sales team will email you the updated remaining balance payable at our Cusco office.
For shared service (Group Tour)
- $ 750 USD per person (3 people minimum)
For private service (Private Tour) are based on group size:
- 2 People: $ 1196 USD per person
- 3 People: $ 1075 USD per person
- 4 People: $ 1025 USD per person
- 5 People: $ 975 USD per person
- 6 People: $ 965 USD per person
Note.
- If you book this tour for more than 2 people, ask for it and get a discount for this tour.
- 17 years old or less, the discount is $35 USD
- If you book this tour as a private service, then it includes Vistadome /Panoramic Train 360° train on the way back to Cusco.
Pay with PayPal
Please note that PayPal charge a fee of 5.5 % (only for online deposits) which the client is responsible for. The fee is for the use of PayPal’s secure payment gateway. Please send your deposit to incavisiontours@gmail.com and notify us after payment has made through PayPal.
Discounts:
Student Discount: US$35 (Requires Studen Card to qualify (and be NO older than 25 Years Old)
Under 18’s Discount: US$35
Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. For those using an university student card to receive the discount, or booking children 17-years-old or younger, we need a copy of their passport at booking time. Please send all to incavisiontours@gmail.com
Optional Extras Not Included (Need to book in Advance):
There are several optional upgrades you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices.
Huayna Picchu: $75 per person
Machu Picchu Mountain: $75 per person
Vistadome Train (one way): $70 per person
Extra Night at Aguas Calientes: Depends on the type of Hotel desired(Need to book in advance).
Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45-minute hike up to the top. Going back down is quite steep if you are scared of heights. You should do this after your tour of Machu Picchu. The cost is $75. Right now, to walk up to Machu Picchu Mountain it will take 3 hours round trip and the cost is the same $75. Arrangements need to be made at least one month in advance due to popularity. Please understand that the weather is out of our control.
Hotel: If you are doing overnight tours or treks that lead to Machu Picchu, you will be provided accommodation in a 3 star ★★★ hotel (Intipunku hotel or similar) in Aguas Calientes. For upgrades or cancellation, please enter your request in the special request box above. If you are booking a Peru Package Tour for 5 or more days, please contact our sales team.
Room Types: Matrimonial (1 bed for 2 people); Double (2 single beds), Single (1 bed for 1 person). If you wish to add extra beds, please specify in the special request box above.
Train: If you are doing tours or treks that lead to Machu Picchu. Expedition train is included from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo/Poroy or vice versa. To upgrade to Vistadome Train, $70 pp or Vistadome Train round trip, $125 pp. Please enter in the special request box above.