One of the wonders of the world, Machu Picchu, is what most people travel to Peru to see. And why not, it is one of the most well-preserved sites in South America, full of wonder and energy. For those who love adventure the Classic 4 Day Inca Trail is a must do experience. Travel in the footsteps of the ancient Inca experiencing archeological ruins, mother nature at its best and high passes with the most astonishing views. The trek passes many ancient sites, different ecological zones featuring some of the most beautiful species of birds and flowers anywhere. Trek to the famous Sun Gate where you will see your first glance of Machu Picchu, end by taking an interesting educational tour of the citadel to top off an adventure of a lifetime.

The 4-Day Inca Trail Itinerary Overview

• Km 82 (Pisacucho) starting point of the Inca Trail.
• Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusqa), the highest point of the trail at 4,215 meters (13,828 feet).
• Runkurakay, circular Inca ruins with impressive views.
• Sayacmarca, a steep, narrow Inca site with well-preserved ruins.
• Phuyupatamarca, known as the “City Above the Clouds,” offering breathtaking views.
• Wiñay Wayna, A stunning Inca site with terraced ruins and a ceremonial center.
• Sun Gate (Inti Punku), first glimpse of Machu Picchu at sunrise.
• Machu Picchu, iconic Inca citadel and final destination of the trail.

Itinerary for the 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Day 1. Cusco – Km 82 – Ayapata

Today is the begining of your Classic Inca Trail. Pick up will be at 4am from your hotel, your guide will be at your reception and you will board our van for the trip to Ollantaytambo. A short stop at Ollantaytambo for breakfast before we travel to the start of the trail at Piskacucho, Km82 around one hour.

Saying goodbye to our van and driver we ready ourselves for the start of the trail. It is a great idea to use the bathrooms at the start of the trail, also apply sunscreen and insect repellent. Here you will meet your porters, who will be with you for the next few days. Give them your duffel bag, remembering that it can weigh not more than 7kgs, keeping your small daypack with your essentials. Check our packing list before you leave home for more information. To enter the Inca Trail, you will need to show your passport or student ID. The guide will have your permits and tickets.

Cross the Vilcanota River to start the trail. Follow the scenic river for the first part of the trail. Don’t be lolled into a false sense of security, the first day is no indication of what is to come on the following days. The first day is relatively easy, with a path of up and down rolling hills. Enjoy many ruins along the way including the Inca Fortress of Huillca Raccay and Llactpata. See in the distance the Urubamba Mountain range, the Andes Mountains and the magnificent snowcapped Veronica Mountain. Later enjoy a gourmet lunch at Hatunchaca, relax and later trek around 3 hours to the first campsite.

The campsite is located in a temperate green valley, around 2 hours walk past Wayllabamba. The night can be cold getting down to 5C, can be lower in the dry season from May to September. On arrival settle into your tent before enjoying afternoon tea and later dinner.

• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 12kms/7.5mls (about 6 hours hiking)
• Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Day 2. Ayapata – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayu – Chaquicoccha

Awake early to a wonderful cup of hot tea or coffee. Enjoy the pleasure of having another 10 minutes in your sleeping bag before you need to rise. Devour a wonderful breakfast before setting of for a day of intense trekking. With your daypack ready start your ascent to our first high pass, Abra de Warmihuanusca, also aptly named Dead Woman’s Pass, the summit is located at 4200 meters. While trekking enjoy many different species of birds including hummingbirds. The abundant plant life is a welcome distraction to the pain you will be feeling in your legs. Once you reach the summit the views are worth the pain. Relax and take it all in before descending to the most wonderful lunch spot at Pacaymayu at 3550 meters.

Lunch will be a gourmet feast surrounded by the Andes, after begin a second 2 hour climb to the Runkuraquy Pass at 4000 meters. Arrival at tonight’s campsite will be around 5pm, tea and appetizers await. Dinner will be served in the dining tent, later relax in your tent after a hard day of trekking.

• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 16kms/10mls (about 9 hours hiking)
• Difficulty: Moderate/challenging

Day 3. Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna

Considered by some to be the most impressive day on the trail, day 3 starts with a hot drink in your sleeping bag. Fill up on breakfast before starting a gentle climb to the Inca site of Phuyupatamarca, meaning Village in the Clouds. Trek to the third highest point on the Inca Trail at 3680 meters. Enjoy views of the mountains, canyons and surrounds, there will be plenty of photos to be taken.

Your guide will give you a tour of Phuyupatamarca, only a short walk from the pass. Begin descending on a path of about 3000 stone stairs through a mystical cloud forest to the Inca site of Intipata. As you trek lower you will feel a change in the temperature. Enter the Amazon jungle as you are getting closer to Machu Picchu. Have a tour of Intipata before continuing to the 3^rd campsite at Winay Wayna, arrive before lunch. The temperature here at night is a balmy 12C.

After resting and filling up on our buffet style lunch, tour the Winay Wayna ruin, one of the most beautiful and well preserved on the Inca Trail. Learn about the site, your guide will give you witty antidotes and stories of the purpose and history of Winay Wayna, located on the side of the mountain not far from Machu Picchu.

• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 10kms/6.2mls (about 5 hours hiking)
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4. Wiñaywayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Today wake up time will be at 3.30am, yes you heard that correctly. Eat breakfast at 4am before setting off on the final part of the trek to Machu Picchu. Walk the final hour to the Sun Gate, or Inti Punku. From here we will watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu. See the city before you when the sun will spread over the site, like gold running from a volcano. Truly something that will live in your memory for a lifetime.

Later walk about 40 minutes down to the House of the Guardian, a view point where some pretty spectacular photos can be taken. Before entering Machu Picchu, you are required to check your bags and walking poles, these items are not allowed into the site as they can cause damage to the stones.

The guide will give a full tour and educate you about the history of the ruins which takes about two hours. See most of the important parts of Machu Picchu and learn about how Machu Picchu is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential and religious.

For those who have booked in advance for the extra hike up Huayna Picchu, check your ticket for the entrance time, the hike up will be on your own.

When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs.

Take the Expedition Train on a spectacular journey at 2:55 or 3:20pm to Ollantaytambo, following the raging Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. See Wiñay Wayna from the train if you look up high on the steep canyon wall! Back at Ollantaytambo, the driver will meet you at the exit from the train station and travel back through the Sacred Valley to the hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. Expect to arrive at your hotel by 7:00pm.

• Meals included: Breakfast
• Distance: 6kms/3.7mls
• Difficulty: Easy

Important Information

On the 4-day Inca Trail, we will be doing the Circuit #3 and there is no way to do another circuit unless you buy an additional entrance to Machu Picchu $75USD – These regulations are for all companies!

Upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55 or 3:20, 4:22, or 4:43pm. The cost is $67 USD.

Early trains can be organized by request and it has to be done at booking time.

Whats is included for the 4 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

• Briefing at our office. This will be done the night before the trek at 6:00pm
• Hotel pick up the first morning of the trek
• Private transportation from Cusco to Piscacucho (in our company van)
• Extra porter for your belongings (you will need only a day backpack to carry what is needed during day)!
• Eureka Timberline Tents, (large & comfortable) please see equipment
• Comfortable foam mattresses and pillow
• Professional English-speaking guide who is highly experienced in trekking
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional: vegetarian or other dietary needs upon request)
• First-aid kit, including emergency oxygen tank
• Porters to carry tents, food and cooking equipment
• Boiled water to fill water bottles or Camelback (the chef will provide clean water after each meal)
• Hot water for washing purposes
• Expedition Tourist Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and private transportation to Cusco (in our company van)
• Permit to the Classic Inca Trail & entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex
• Private toilet tent, with a normal toilet seat – this is only for our group
• Two hour guided tour in Machu Picchu
• Bus ticket from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes
• Dining and cooking tents with tables and chairs
• Chef and cooking equipment

Whats is not included for the 4 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

• Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountains: $75 USD – This needs to be booked in advance and please let us know at the time of booking (they book out very quickly). 
• Last lunch at Aguas Calientes.
• VISTADOME Train – $67 USD per person extra. (Return only)
• Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters

Extras

• Sleeping Bag –$20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
• Air Mattress – $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
• Walking Poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (These are professional poles that can be extended)
• Personal tent- $30 USD – (Please request when you book your trek)
• Additional night in Aguas Calientes – from $60 USD per person (depending on availability)
• Vistadome Train Upgrade – $67 USD per person (Return only)
• Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain  – $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)

Note Huayna Picchu Mountain and other optional treks around Machu Picchu do not include a guide. These tours usually are done without a guide. If you require a guide please request in advance. There will be an extra cost for this guided tour.