Classic Inca Trail 4 Days
Description
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic trekking routes in the world and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Over four unforgettable days, you will hike through ancient Inca paths, inter-Andean valleys, cloud forests, high mountain passes, and impressive archaeological sites, culminating at the legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku) with your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu.
Walking on original millenary stone paths, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush jungle, and sacred Inca sites, this journey offers a deep spiritual and cultural connection with the ancient Inca civilization. The trail blends stunning natural beauty, history, architecture, and adventure, finishing at one of the most mystical places on Earth—Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas.
Distance: 42 km (26 miles)
Duartion: 4 days / 3 nights
Difficulty Level: Challenging
Maximum Altitude: 4,215 m / 13,828 ft
Tour details
Included:
- Pre-trek briefing at our office the night before the trek (6:00 p.m.).
- Hotel pickup in Cusco (or Sacred Valley) at approximately 5:00 a.m..
- Private transportation from Cusco to Km 82 (Piscacucho), trek starting point.
- Entrance permit to the Inca Trail.
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu – Circuit 3B (Royalty Route).
- Professional bilingual tour guides (1 guide for every 6–8 passengers).
- Porters to carry all camping and cooking equipment.
- Experienced mountain cooks and kitchen assistants.
- All meals during the trek: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners + snacks.
- Boiled drinking water from Day 2 onward.
- Daily wake-up coca tea served in your tent.
- Spacious and comfortable 2-person tents (4-person tents used for extra space).
- Inflatable sleeping mattress (Thermarest style).
- Dining tent with tables and stools.
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen assistance.
- Biodegradable soap and hand sanitizer.
- Guided visit to 7 Inca archaeological sites along the trail.
- Approximately 2-hour guided tour in Machu Picchu, plus free time.
- Expedition-class train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco and hotel drop-off.
Not included:
- Sleeping bag (available for rent: USD 25, rated to -15°C).
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
- Optional personal porter (7 kg or 14 kg).
- Tips for guides, cooks, and porters (optional but appreciated).
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes on Day 4.
- Hot springs in Aguas Calientes (optional).
- Travel insurance (must cover trekking above 4,200 m / 13,776 ft).
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Patallacta – Huayllabamba (Camping)
Early morning pickup from your hotel at 5:00 a.m., followed by a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley to Km 82 (Piscacucho). After passing the official Inca Trail checkpoint, we begin the trek along the Urubamba River, enjoying views of Mount Veronica and visiting the archaeological site of Patallacta.
We continue hiking through valleys and Andean landscapes to reach Huayllabamba Camp (3,000 m). Enjoy tea time, dinner, and a briefing for the next day.
- Distance: ~12 km
- Hiking time: 6–7 hours
- Accommodation: Camping
Day 2: Huayllabamba – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayo (Camping)
This is the most challenging day of the trek. We ascend gradually through forests and puna grasslands to Llulluchapampa, then climb to the highest point of the Inca Trail: Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,776 ft).
After celebrating at the summit, we descend into the Pacaymayo Valley, where we set up camp surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.
- Distance: ~12 km
- Hiking time: 7–8 hours
- Accommodation: Camping
Day 3: Pacaymayo – Runkurakay – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna (Camping)
We hike over the second mountain pass and visit impressive Inca sites such as Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca (Town of the Clouds), and Intipata.
Descending through beautiful stone-paved paths, we arrive at Wiñay Wayna, the largest and best-preserved archaeological site on the Inca Trail. Final group dinner and time to thank the trekking crew.
- Distance: ~14 km
- Hiking time: 7–8 hours
- Accommodation: Camping
Day 4: Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Cusco
We wake up around 3:20 a.m. to hike to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) and witness sunrise over Machu Picchu. From there, we descend into the citadel for a guided tour of its most important temples and sectors.
After free time to explore, we travel by bus to Aguas Calientes, take the train back to Ollantaytambo, and then return to Cusco by private transport.
End of service: Afternoon / Evening arrival in Cusco
Recommendations
- Original passport (mandatory).
- Valid physical student ID (if applicable, under 25 years old).
- Trekking backpack (40–45 L) and/or small daypack.
- Warm sleeping bag (rated to -15°C).
- Trekking boots with good ankle support.
- Trekking poles with rubber tips (metal tips not allowed).
- Warm layered clothing for cold nights.
- Rain jacket or poncho.
- Hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen.
- Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries.
- Refillable water bottles (plastic disposable bottles are forbidden).
- Personal medical kit and insect repellent.
- Cash for tips, drinks, and emergencies.
Prices
Private Regular
1 person
2 people
3 people
4 people
5 people
6 people
7+ people
Superior Private
1 person
2 people
3 people
4 people
5 people
6 people
7+ people
Notes: Foreign tourist entrance tickets may be useful for future circuits.
Map
From 1120 USD
Classic Inca Trail 4 Days
4 Days / 3 Nights
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