INCA TRAIL MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS

The 4-Day Inca Trail Experience

Your Quick Snapshot & Daily Journey

Before we dive into the adventure, here are the fast facts. Whether you are checking your calendar or your fitness level, this is what you need to know about the Classic Inca Trail.

📋 At a Glance: Trip Specs

🗺️ Your Short Itinerary

Four days. 45 kilometers. One Wonder of the World.

Day 1: The Journey Begins – History & Hiking

Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba

Your adventure starts at your hotel door! We pick you up in our private tourist bus for a scenic 3-hour drive through the Sacred Valley to Km 82, the official starting point of the Inca Trail.

• The Trek: We ease into the adventure with a 6–7 hour hike along the Urubamba River.

• The History: Along the way, we stop to explore the impressive Inca ruins of Llactapata and the hillside site of Willkaraqhay.

• The Night: We settle into our first camp at Wayllabamba (3,000m), surrounded by the quiet hum of the Andes.

Day 2: The Challenge – Conquering the Pass

Wayllabamba – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayo

After an early, energizing breakfast, we start climbing before the sun gets too strong. Today is the most challenging—and rewarding—day of the trek.

• The Trek: We ascend through changing ecosystems for roughly 6–7 hours.

• The Peak: The goal is the famous Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca) at 4,200m—the highest point of the trail. The views from the top are unmatched!

• The Night: After celebrating our summit, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley to camp, eat heartily, and rest our legs.

Day 3: The Magic – Into the Cloud Forest

Pacaymayo – Wiñay Wayna

Today, the scenery shifts from high sierra to the lush, misty Cloud Forest. It is often voted the most beautiful day by hikers.

• The Trek: We cross the second pass (4,000m) and descend into the green jungle.

• The History: This is a day for explorers! We visit the circular ruins of Runkuraqhay, the fortress of Sayacmarka, and the «Town in the Clouds,» Phuyupatamarka.

• The Night: We camp at the spectacular Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young). This is the closest campsite to Machu Picchu and offers stunning views of the valley below.

Day 4: The Glory – Sunrise at Machu Picchu

Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Cusco

We wake up at 4:00 AM for the moment you’ve been waiting for.

• The Arrival: A brisk 1.5-hour hike brings us to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) just as the sun begins to illuminate the Citadel. Seeing Machu Picchu from above for the first time is a memory that will last forever.

• The Tour: We descend into the ruins for a comprehensive 2–3 hour guided tour, uncovering the secrets of this lost city. Afterward, you have free time to explore on your own or take photos.

• The Return: We take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for a celebratory lunch. In the afternoon, we board the train to Ollantaytambo and transfer you directly back to your hotel in Cusco.

FULL ITINERARY

Day 1: The Adventure Begins – Into the Heart of the Andes

Cusco – Km 82 – Llactapata – Llulluchapampa

Your journey of a lifetime starts before the sun comes up.

We will pick you up from your hotel door at 05:00 a.m. sharp. Please make sure you have your daypack ready and, most importantly, your original passport (and ISIC student card, if applicable)—we can’t get you on the trail without them!

We’ll whisk you away on a scenic 3.5-hour drive to Km 82, the official gateway to the Inca Trail. Here, we meet our team of porters, pass through the government checkpoint, and take our very first steps on the path to Machu Picchu.

🌿 The Morning: Warming Up the Legs

The first few hours are a gentle introduction to the Andes. We hike along the winding Urubamba River, with the magnificent snow-capped peak of Mount Veronica (5,750m) watching over us. The trail here is relatively flat, winding through forests of giant cactus and native bushes.

History Stop: Llactapata

Soon, we arrive at the archaeological site of Llactapata («High Town»). Discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1915, this ancient site features a stunning system of terraces used to grow maize—a prestige crop for the Incas. We’ll take time to explore the ruins and soak in the history before continuing down into the Cusichaca Valley for lunch.

🦅 The Afternoon: The Push for Solitude

After a rest, we begin our ascent. While most trekking groups stop at the village of Wayllabamba, we go further.

We continue the hike uphill through dense, mystical forests to reach our exclusive campsite at Llulluchapampa (3,800m).

• Why we do this: By pushing a little further today (totaling approx. 8 hours), we escape the crowded campsites below.

• The Reward: You get to camp in a peaceful, secluded meadow. This is a birdwatcher’s paradise! Keep your eyes peeled for hummingbirds, falcons, and the majestic Black-Chested Buzzard Eagle.

Because we camp higher tonight, you’ll have a significant head start for tomorrow’s big climb!

📉 Day 1: By The Numbers

Day 2: Conquering Dead Woman’s Pass & The Cloud Forest

The Challenge, The Triumph, and The Transformation

Today is often considered the most challenging day of the trek, but it is also the most rewarding. We begin our day at 07:00 AM with a hearty breakfast to fuel the adventure ahead.

The Morning: Reaching the Top

The morning is dedicated to a steady ascent toward the highest point of our journey: Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca) at 4,200 masl. As we leave camp, you will see the pass looming ahead—a goal waiting to be conquered.

The path consists of a large number of stone steps, some historic and others newly laid to protect the mountain from erosion. Remember, this is your journey—take it at your own pace. There is no rush; stop to catch your breath, hydrate, and take in the thinning air and expanding views whenever you wish.

Once the whole group celebrates arriving at the summit, we take a well-deserved break before beginning a steep descent into the Pacaymayo Valley, where a delicious lunch awaits to recharge our energy.

The Afternoon: Ruins and Vistas

Post-lunch, we begin our second ascent of the day toward the Runcuracay Pass (4,000 masl). Just below the pass, we will explore the circular ruins of Runcuracay («Round Balcony»).

Reaching the second pass offers a spectacular 360-degree vantage point. Look back to see Dead Woman’s Pass in the distance, or look forward to witness the breathtaking snow-capped peaks of Pumasillo («Puma’s Claw»).

The Evening: Into the Jungle

From here, the landscape transforms. The trail becomes a gentle downhill and undulating path leading us to the imposing Sayacmarca («Inaccessible Town»). Here, you are standing at a geographical tipping point: where the dry Andes end and the lush Amazonian jungle begins.

We will cross into the misty, green Cloud Forest, eventually arriving at our campsite: Chakiccocha (3,600 masl). If the weather is kind, we will end the day watching a stunning sunset over the surrounding mountains before settling in for the night.

📋 Trek Statistics

Day 3: The Beautiful Descent & Inca Engineering

A Feast for the Eyes, A Test for the Knees

Welcome to what many trekkers call the most visually stunning day of the journey. Today, the landscape transforms entirely. You will be walking along an incredibly preserved section of the trail, paved with original white granite stones laid by the Incas hundreds of years ago.

The Landscape: History Beneath Your Feet

The scenery today is exceptionally beautiful, blending the history of ancient ruins with the lush greenery of the high jungle. Perhaps the best news of the day is for your lungs: the route involves significantly more downhill than uphill walking, allowing you to enjoy the views without the breathless struggle of the previous days.

The Challenge: The Great Descent

While your lungs get a break, your legs will have a new challenge. We will descend approximately 3,000 stairs, dropping from the heights of Phuyupatamarca (3,600 masl) down to Wiñaywayna (2,600 masl) over a span of just 5 kilometers.

An Important Note on Knee Safety:

Because this steep descent places significant pressure on your joints, please walk cautiously. If you have a history of knee or ankle injuries, we highly recommend hiring an extra porter for this section. Unburdening yourself of extra weight can make a world of difference in protecting your body so you can fully enjoy the final day at Machu Picchu.

📋 Trek Statistics

Day 4: The Sun Gate & The Lost City

The Grand Finale: Sunrise at Machu Picchu

Today is the moment you have hiked four days to experience. We rise earlier than the sun to reach the final checkpoint, joining the anticipation of the early morning as we head toward the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).

The Reveal: Inti Punku

After a brisk morning hike, you will turn the corner at the Sun Gate and suddenly, there it is: Machu Picchu spread out before you, often framed by the morning light or lifting mists. This is the moment to pause, take a deep breath, and realize what you have accomplished.

The Tour: Circuit 2 (The Classic Route)

We will descend from the Sun Gate into the Citadel itself. Your entry includes Circuit 2, which is widely regarded as the most comprehensive route for visiting the site.

Unlike shorter lower circuits, Circuit 2 grants you access to the upper terraces—the exact spot where the famous «classic photo» of Machu Picchu is taken. Your guide will lead you on a 2-hour walking tour through the fascinating history of the Incas, visiting key sites such as:

• The Guardian’s House (The best panoramic view)

• The Main Plaza

• The Temple of the Sun

• The Sacred Rock

The Return: Aguas Calientes & Cusco

After soaking in the magic of the Lost City, we will take the bus down to the vibrant town of Aguas Calientes. Here, you will have some free time to explore or find a restaurant for lunch before boarding the train. The train ride offers a relaxing end to the adventure, winding along the Urubamba River before we transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco.

📋 Trek Statistics

What’s Included in Your Trek

We take care of the logistics so you can focus on the journey.

🚐 Logistics & Transportation

• Door-to-Door Service: Pick-up from your hotel and private bus transfer to Piscakucho (Km 82) to begin the adventure.

• The Return Journey: Bus ticket from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes, followed by the Expedition Class Train to the station, and a final transfer back to your hotel in Cusco.

• Permits: All entrance fees for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are secured in advance.

⛺ Camping & Comfort (Our «Space to Breathe» Promise)

• Roomy Tents: We use high-quality 4-season tents. We allocate 4-person capacity tents for just two travelers, ensuring you have plenty of space to stretch out and store your gear.

• Full Camp Setup: We provide a dining tent, kitchen tent, and a private toilet tent.

• Furniture: Tables and seats are set up for all meals.

• Sleeping Mat: A Therm-a-rest mattress is included for insulation and comfort.

🍽️ Dining on the Mountain

• Fresh & Fueling Meals: Enjoy 3 Breakfasts, 3 Hot Lunches, and 3 Delicious Dinners. Our chefs prepare carbohydrate-rich meals suitable for trekking, including pancakes, omelets, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, local trout/chicken/meat, and soups.

• Daily «Happy Hour»: Every afternoon, we relax with tea time featuring coffee, hot chocolate, biscuits, and popcorn.

• Dietary Needs: Vegetarian options are available upon request.

• Hydration: We provide boiled, cooled water every morning to refill your water bottles.

• Hot Drinks: Coca tea is served to help acclimatize to the altitude.

🤝 Safety & Staff

• Expert Guides: Licensed bilingual tour guides. (Groups of over 8 people will have 2 guides).

• Personal Porter: hike with just a daypack, your extra porter will carry your personal items (up to 7kg/15lbs). in the duffle bags that we provide.

• Our Porters: A team of general porters to carry all camping equipment and food. We are proud to provide our team with warm clothing, proper gear, and life insurance.

• Safety First: First-aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle accompanying the group at all times.

What is Not Included (Budgeting Guide)

To help you plan your travel budget, here are the few things not covered by the tour price.

🎒 Rentals & Extras

• Sleeping Bag: Available for rent at our office for US$20.00 for the trek. Note: All sleeping bags are professionally washed prior to every use.

• Walking Sticks: Available for rent (if needed).

🥘 Meals Not Included

• Day 1 Breakfast: Most hotels offer an early breakfast. If not, we stop in Ollantaytambo, where you can buy a meal and last-minute supplies.

• Day 4 Lunch: Lunch in Aguas Calientes after the Machu Picchu tour is on your own. (Budget approx. US$15.00 – $35.00).

➕ Optional Upgrades

• Thermal Baths: Entrance to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes (approx. US$ 3.00).

• Extra Night: If you wish to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes, let us know in advance so we can adjust your train ticket (hotel/meals not included for the extra night).

• Gratuities: Tips for the guide, cook, and porters are discretionary and appreciated.

Dates, Pricing & Availability

Your adventure starts when you are ready.

Availability

We operate the 4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu every day of the year (except February, when the trail closes for maintenance).

• Flexible Departures: As long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers, we can depart on any date that suits your schedule.

Tour Prices (Per Person)

Choose the travel style that fits your budget and preference.

Option A: Group Service

Join other travelers and make new friends on the trail.

• Standard Rate: $780 USD

• Group Discount: Gather your friends! Groups of 4 or more receive a $40 USD discount per person.

Option B: Private Service

Enjoy a personalized pace and exclusive attention from your guide.

Student & Youth Discounts

We are happy to offer discounts for students and families. Please note: Valid documentation is required at the time of booking to secure government permits.

• University Students (18-25 years): $30 USD OFF

  • Requirement: You must send a copy of your valid university ID containing: University Name, Student Name, Student Photo, and Expiration Date.

• Teenagers (12-17 years): $30 USD OFF

  • Requirement: Copy of passport required at booking.

• Children (Under 11 years): $40 USD OFF

  • Requirement: Copy of passport required at booking.

Customize Your Trek (Optional Extras)

Tailor your experience with these rental items and upgrades.

Gear Rentals

• Sleeping Bag: $20 USD (Professionally cleaned and rated for cold temperatures).

• Air Mattress: $20 USD (Therm-a-rest brand for superior insulation).

• Walking Poles: $15 USD (Pair of professional, extendable poles).

• Private Tent: $30 USD (For solo travelers who wish to sleep alone).

Upgrades & Extensions

• Vistadome Train Upgrade: $70 USD (Panoramic windows for the return trip to Cusco at 4:43 PM).

• Extra Night in Aguas Calientes: From $60 USD (Depending on hotel availability).

Additional Hikes (Must be booked in advance)

• Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD

• Machu Picchu Mountain: $75 USD

  • Note: These hikes are unguided and usually done after you tour the Citadel. If you require a guide for this extra hike, please request a quote in advance.

Important Booking & Permit Info

The Golden Rule: Book Permits First, Flights Second.

The Peruvian government strictly limits the Inca Trail to 500 people per day (this total includes approx. 200 tourists and 300 support staff/porters).

• When to Book: We recommend reserving your spot at least 30 days in advance.

• High Season Alert: If you plan to trek in June, July, August, September, or October, we strongly recommend booking 3 months in advance as permits sell out quickly.

• Train Tickets: We also need to secure your train tickets via Peru Rail/Inca Rail, which have limited seating.

Please secure your Inca Trail reservation with us before purchasing non-refundable flight tickets or hotels.

Packing Smart: Your Inca Trail Checklist

Travel Light, Travel Far.

Packing for the Andes is an art. You need to prepare for hot sun, cold nights, rain, and physical exertion—all while keeping your pack light. Don’t worry; we are here to help you get it right.

📄 The Non-Negotiables (Carry these on you)

• Original Passport: You must bring the exact same passport you used to book the trek. (Copies are not accepted at the checkpoint).

• Valid Student ID: If you booked with a student discount, you must have your physical university card with you.

• Hiking Boots: Well-broken-in boots with good ankle support are essential.

🎒 The Day Pack (What you carry)

Recommended Size: 30L – 40L Note: Large backpacks are not allowed inside Machu Picchu, so stick to this size.

Think of this as your «survival kit.» You will carry this while hiking, so only pack what you need for the walk during the day.

• Water Storage: 2-3 Liters capacity (Camelbaks/bladders are highly encouraged for easy sipping). Please bring water for the first morning; we supply boiled water starting at the first lunch.

• Rain Gear: A lightweight rain poncho or jacket (The weather is unpredictable!).

• Sun Protection: Sun hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen.

• Insect Repellent: Essential for the lower altitude/jungle sections.

• Headlamp: Crucial for early mornings and camp life.

• Warm Layer: A fleece or light jacket for when we stop to rest.

• Extremities: Wool hat and lightweight gloves.

• Snacks: Chocolate, cereal bars, or dried fruit for an energy boost.

• Tech: Camera and a Power Bank (There is no electricity along the trail!).

• Hygiene: Hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and a small trash bag (leave no trace).

• Personal First Aid: Band-aids, moleskin for blisters, and personal medication.

• Valuables: Wallet and cash.

👜 The Duffel Bag (What our Porters carry)

Weight Limit: 7kg (15lbs) Total

At your pre-trek briefing, we will provide you with a durable duffel bag. Our porters will carry this from camp to camp, so you won’t see these items during the day.

⚖️ Understanding the Weight Limit (Porter Welfare) By Peruvian law and our own ethical standards, we strictly limit the duffel weight to 7kg (15lbs) to protect the health of our porters.

The Math:

• Sleeping Bag: approx. 2 kg

• Sleeping Pad: approx. 1 kg

• Space left for your clothes: approx. 4 kg

If you require more than 7kg, you will need to carry the excess weight in your own day pack.

What to pack inside:

• Sleeping Bag: Rated for at least -15ºC (Available for rent from us).

• Camp Shoes: Comfortable sneakers or sandals to let your feet breathe after hiking.

• Warm Jacket: A down jacket is essential for the evenings (Campsites can drop to 3ºC / 37ºF).

• Fleece/Thermals: For sleeping or cold mornings.

• Trousers: 2 pairs of hiking pants (convertible pants are great).

• Tops: 2 T-shirts (moisture-wicking is best).

• Underlayers: 4 sets of undergarments and 3 sets of hiking socks (wool is best).

• Waterproof Gloves: Even if they are ski gloves, bring them!

• Towel: Quick-dry microfiber towel (We provide small ones, but you may prefer a larger one).

• Soap: Small bottle (We provide warm water for washing each day).

• Plastic Bags: To line your duffel and keep clothes dry in case of heavy rain.

🪥 Toiletries & Care

• Face Moisturizer: The wind and sun can be drying.

• Wet Wipes: The «camper’s shower»—essential for refreshing yourself.

• Toothbrush & Paste: Keep it small.

• Hand Sanitizer: Use frequently.

Essential Information

Everything you need to know before you go.

Preparing for the Inca Trail can feel overwhelming, but we are here to make it simple. Here are the most common questions and essential details to help you get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

🏔️ Acclimatization & Altitude

Don’t rush the height. The Inca Trail reaches a maximum altitude of 4,200 meters (13,779 ft) at Dead Woman’s Pass. To ensure you enjoy the hike rather than suffer through it, we strongly recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 to 3 days before your trek begins.

• Why? This gives your body time to adjust to the lower oxygen levels.

• What to do? Use this time to explore the city of Cusco or the Sacred Valley, drink plenty of water, and rest.

🛂 Passports & Permits

The golden rule of the checkpoint. You must bring your original physical passport to the trek. Photos or photocopies are not accepted by the park rangers.

• Important: If you renew your passport after booking the tour, you must let us know immediately and bring both your old and new passports. Without the correct document matching your permit, you will be denied entry.

🧳 Luggage Storage

What do I do with my main suitcase? Since you are only taking a duffel bag on the trail, you will need to store your main luggage.

• At your Hotel: Most hotels in Cusco are happy to store your luggage for free while you trek.

• At Our Office: If your hotel does not offer this service, or if you are changing hotels upon return, you are welcome to store your luggage safely at our office in Cusco free of charge.

🥗 Dietary Requirements

Fueling your adventure. Our chefs are magicians on the mountain! We can cater to almost any dietary need, including Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Nut Allergies.

• How to request: Please detail your dietary restrictions on your booking form.

• The Food: Expect fresh, high-energy meals. We use organic ingredients where possible to keep you healthy and strong.

🚽 Toilets on the Trail

The reality of hiking hygiene. We strive to make this as comfortable as possible.

• At Camp: We provide a private portable toilet tent solely for our group. This is kept clean and sanitary by our staff, so you don’t have to use the public park toilets at the campsites at night.

• On the Trail: During the hiking hours between camps, you will need to use the public squat toilets designated by the park. We recommend always carrying your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer in your day pack for these stops.

💰 Tipping (Gratuities)

A culture of gratitude. Tipping is not mandatory, but it is a customary tradition on the Inca Trail to show appreciation for the hard work of the porters, chefs, and guides.

• How it works: Tips are usually collected by the group on the final night of camping to be distributed among the porters and cook.

• Recommendation: We suggest bringing small denominations of Peruvian Soles. A general guideline is approx. $50 – $60 USD per hiker for the entire support team (excluding the guide), but the amount is entirely up to your satisfaction with the service.

🌧️ Weather & Seasons

Four seasons in one day. The Andes are unpredictable. Even in the dry season (May–September), it can rain. In the warmest months, it can still freeze at night.

• Layering is key: Be prepared to take layers off as you sweat up the mountain and put them back on as you cool down at the pass.

🏃 Fitness Level

Do I need to be an athlete? You don’t need to be an Olympic athlete, but you do need a reasonable level of fitness. The trail involves steep stone steps and long days of walking (6-9 hours).

• Preparation: We recommend regular cardio exercise (hiking, running, stair climbing) for at least 2 months prior to your trip. The more you train, the more you will enjoy the views!