4 Days | Inca Trail
If you’re planning to book within the upcoming two months, we highly recommend reaching out to our travel advisors beforehand to reconfirm availability.
The Inca Trail is a famous trekking route in Peru, leading to the ancient city of Machu Picchu. The 4-day hike offers stunning views, diverse ecosystems, and impressive archaeological sites. It combines natural beauty with rich history. A must for adventure seekers!
This tour runs with a minimum of 2 participants.
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
We will leave Cusco (3350m/10990f) at 5:30am by tourist bus and head for the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Before we reach our starting point, KM 82, we will have a short break in Ollantaytambo and have the option to get breakfast. The official beginning of the Inca Trail is called KM 82. Here we will meet the rest of the group and take care of the registration formalities. After crossing the Rio Urubamba (2200m) we will start the legendary Inca Trail.
The first day the trail is easy to walk and a good warm up for the following days. In Miskay we’ll have lunch at a small river bank while getting some information about the archaeological complex of Llactapata. After that, we will continue our hike to Wayllabamba (3100m/10170f) and ascend to Yuncachimpa (3300m/10826f), the camping site we will spend the night on. From here, we have a great view of the mysterious Nevado de Verónica.
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Total distance: 11km approx.
The second day is the ‘Free-Hike-Day’, this means that everybody should walk in his/her own pace. Of course, you will meet during the small breaks or see each other while beating the stairs. Early in the morning the trail first leads through the Valley of Llulluchapampa (3850m/12631f). The first 3km are steps - enjoy the humid woodland and the water sounds.
From Llulluchapampa follow the way for 2-3 hours until you reach the highest point of this section, the Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman Pass) (4200m/113780f). This climb is known as the most difficult part of the Inca Trail. After a short break at the summit, you continue your hike down with a long and steep descent to the river Pacaymayu (Sunrise River) towards the Runkurakay pass (3050m/10007f) until you reach our camp site called Chaquicocha at (3650m/11975f). Here you can relax from the tough day while enjoying an amazing view over the mountains.
Level of difficulty: challenging
Hiking time: 8-9 hours
Total distance: 15 km approx.
The third day is the most beautiful one. You can notice a change in the eco-system while walking to the tropical forest of Wiñayhuayna. We will pass two small lakes at the top of the second pass (3950m). It’s a gentle climb through beautiful cloud forest and a small Inca tunnel before the third pass (3700m) offers a grand view over the Rio Urubamba Valley. The nearest settlement is named Phuyupatamarca/"Town above the clouds" (3600m/11811f).
A well preserved site with long chain Inca baths where one can enjoy impressive ancient engineering. We pass another Inca tunnel before visiting the ruins of Wiñayhuayna/"Forever young" (2650m/8694f). The Inca stairs change into a zigzag trail until you reach a red-roofed white building, our last camping site, and also a location with hot water (S5) and bottled drinks.
Level of difficulty: normal
Hiking time: 5-6 hour
Total distance: 10 km Approx.
After our breakfast at 4:30am we will head, equipped with our flashlights, to the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) to get the first glimpse of Machu Picchu and watch th sunrise over Mach Picchu. The last triumphal descent will take almost one hour before visiting the citadel of Machu Picchu (2400m//7874f) around 8.00am. You can enjoy its spiritual charm during a guided tour (about two hours) that helps you to understand the meaning and ancient use of the different buildings.
From Machu Picchu there will be a bus awaiting you to take you down to Aguas Calientes. We will leave Aguas Calientes in the afternoon.
Level of difficulty: normal
Hiking time: 2-3 hours
Total distance: 7 km approx.
- Backpack with rain cover
- Sleeping bag
- Clothing for warm and cold climates, such as a waterproof jacket
- Rain pants and lightweight pants
- Trekking shoes
- Slippers or sandals (for showers and hot springs)
- Wool or synthetic socks
- Sweater
- Long- and short-sleeved polos or T-shirts
- Fleece
- Rain poncho
- Hat
- Scarf
- Bathing suit (for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Disinfecting alcohol or gel
- Water bottle and sterilizing tablets
- Toiletries
- Toilet paper
- Camera (wrapped in a plastic bag)
- Flashlight and batteries
- Some snacks like chocolate bars and dried fruit
- Original passport
- Extra money in soles
- Change of clothes (in case your clothes get wet)
Since the weather can be very cold and humid, your clothes — once wet — won’t dry overnight. So make sure to bring extra clothes to change into.
PRICING
1 Person
IMPORTANT
Included
- Briefing 1 or 2 days before your departure date.
- Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco.
- Transfer from the train station in Ollantaytambo to the center of Cusco (Plaza Regocijo / A few meters from Plaza de Armas or Marriott Hotel / Calle Ruinas, at the beginning of San Blas neighborhood).
- Bus going downhill from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, where the train station is located.
- Entrance fees to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English).
- Camping equipment (professional two-person tents: Doite, model Kailas 3, extra light / 4.5 kg; Doite, model Himalaya, extra light / 4.5 kg; and Eureka tents; sleeping mats; dining tent equipped with a table and chairs).
- Cook, cooking equipment, meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners). Food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, spaghetti, chicken, fish, meat, and rice — all rich in carbohydrates and very suitable for trekking. Hot drinks include coca leaf tea, which is excellent for altitude.
- Tea and snack time every day (tea, coffee, wontons, popcorn, and crackers).
- Porters to carry the main luggage and mattress (all the equipment and cooking stock).
- First-aid kit and oxygen bottle.
Not included:
- Breakfast on the first day and last lunch in Aguas Calientes.
- Sleeping bag (if you don’t have one, there is the possibility of renting it).
- Porter for each traveler’s personal belongings
- Travel insurance
- Walking sticks
- Huayna Picchu mountain entrance tickets
- Machu Picchu mountain entrance tickets
If you’re planning to book within the upcoming two months, we highly recommend reaching out to our travel advisors beforehand to reconfirm availability.
Altitude: 2050 – 4200m/6730 – 13780f
High Season: March – January
Duration: 4 days – 3 nights
Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Route: Closed in February
FAQ
Your Questions, Answered
We offer briefings at your hotel 1 or 2 days before your expedition, at 7:00 PM.
Briefings are approximately 40 minutes long.
When you make your reservation, please let us know your arrival date so we can schedule it accordingly.
We will pick you up directly from your hotel, as long as it is located in the center of Cusco.
The exact pickup time will be coordinated by your guide during the briefing. Please note that pickup times may vary by 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic conditions and previous stops.
Cusco is an old city with cobblestone streets and very narrow passageways. Many smaller hotels and Airbnbs are located on streets that vehicles cannot access, and some are on steep hillsides, making it difficult to carry luggage.
We highly recommend booking accommodations with easier vehicle access for a smoother experience.
Machu Picchu is especially breathtaking when viewed from above, which is why hiking one of the surrounding mountains is a popular option after your guided tour.
Entry tickets for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are NOT included and must be purchased in advance for an additional cost.
Huayna Picchu is the most popular hike and must be booked well in advance, as tickets sell out quickly. The hike takes approximately 1 hour to reach the summit and about 45 minutes to descend. Tickets are issued in time slots that indicate when you can begin the hike.
- The first time slot is from 7:00 to 8:00 AM
- The second is from 10:00 to 11:00 AM
We usually book the second slot, so you can enjoy your guided tour first. This hike is done independently, but your guide will show you where it begins.
Machu Picchu Mountain is a bit longer and slightly less crowded. It takes about 2 hours to reach the top and 1 hour to come back down. Like Huayna Picchu, it has two start windows:
- 7:00 to 8:00 AM
- 9:00 to 10:00 AM
We usually select the second slot for this hike as well.
On the 4-day treks, travelers CANNOT do both the mountain hike and a guided tour of the ruins, as there simply isn’t enough time.
If you choose to hike either of the mountains, you’ll have some additional time to explore the ruins on your own after completing the hike, as mentioned above.
The Inca Trail is a four-day trek that covers approximately 42 kilometers (26 miles), culminating at the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu. Starting at Kilometer 82, about 82 kilometers (51 miles) from Cusco, the trail meanders through stunning Andean landscapes, passing several significant Inca archaeological sites along the way.
While the trek is physically challenging, with steep ascents and descents at high altitudes, it offers incredible rewards—spectacular mountain views and the unique opportunity to explore the world-renowned Machu Picchu.
The Inca Trail is a challenging trek that requires good fitness and endurance. It involves hiking through rugged Andean terrain, including steep ascents, descents, and high-altitude passes. The trail covers 42 kilometers (26 miles) over four days, with several hours of hiking each day.
The most difficult part is the third day, when trekkers ascend to Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass), the highest point at 4,215 meters (13,828 feet). Despite the physical challenges, the trek offers stunning views, ancient Inca sites, and the chance to reach Machu Picchu on foot.
Being well-prepared, with proper gear and physical fitness, is essential for a successful journey.
The Inca Trail begins at Km 82, located 82 kilometers (51 miles) from Cusco in Peru. This is the traditional starting point for the classic four-day trek, which covers 42 kilometers (26 miles) to Machu Picchu.
The trailhead is in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, near the Urubamba River, and the route winds through beautiful Andean landscapes, including cloud forests, high-altitude passes, and ancient Inca sites.
Note that the Inca Trail is regulated, and permits are required. It’s recommended to book early due to limited availability.
You can safely store your luggage with us at no extra cost while you enjoy your adventure. Just let us know in advance to confirm availability, especially during busy days.
Alternatively, if you're returning to the same hotel after your tour, it might be even more convenient to leave your bags at the hotel. Most hotels offer storage—just check with them in advance.
The porter service allows the passenger to hand over their backpack at the entry point (Km 82), and it will be returned at each campsite and finally at the destination in Aguas Calientes.
Extra Porter: In accordance with Law 26702 and under the supervision of the Ministry of Employment, the assistance of an extra porter is available based on the customer’s specific needs. Please note that luggage must not exceed 12 kg, as porters are only permitted to carry up to 20 kg in total.
This service has an additional cost and includes transport, entrance fee to the Inca Trail, food, and camping equipment.