Inca Trail 4 Days to Machu Picchu

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Cusco| Piscacucho Km 82 – Huayllabamba
1 stop
1
Inca Trail
At 5:00 a.m. pick-up from your hotel by your guide. By 6:30 a.m., we’ll arrive in Ollantaytambo for a 40-minute breakfast break and a chance to buy souvenirs. We’ll then head to Piscacucho, known as kilometer 82, where our trek along the Inca Trail starts. At 9:30 a.m., we’ll reach kilometer 82 and present our permit, passport, and student ID if applicable. We’ll begin the trail (2720 m / 8923 ft) by crossing the Vilcanota River and walking for about 2 hours to Miskay (2690 m / 8825 ft) for a delicious lunch. This first day serves as a warm-up, featuring an easy hike with stunning views of the Inca fortress Willca Raccay and the archaeological site of Llactapata, along with the snow-capped peak of Wakay Willca. Our first campsite will be in Wayllabamba (3000 m / 9842 ft), where we’ll arrive around 5:00 p.m. Dinner will be served by our professional chef at 6:30 p.m., after which we’ll prepare to rest for the night, with temperatures around 5°C, depending on the month.
7 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 2
Huayllabamba - Warmiwañusca - Pacaymayo
1 stop
2
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at 5:30 a.m. to energize yourself for the challenging climb ahead. Conquering Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman's Pass): We will begin a steep ascent toward Abra de Warmiwañusca, also known as "Dead Woman's Pass." At an elevation of 4215 m / 13829 ft, this will be the highest point of the trek, and reaching the summit will be a proud achievement! After a well-deserved rest and lunch at Pacaymayo (3600 m / 11811 ft), take in the diverse flora and fauna on the descent. Delight in the sight of colorful hummingbirds and other bird species, and admire the impressive variety of native plants, including the majestic Q'ueuña trees that flourish in the enchanting cloud forest. Camping at Pacaymayo: By around 6:30 p.m., we’ll cozy up under the stars. Be prepared for chilly nights, as temperatures in this area typically drop to around 4°C.
7 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 3
Pacaymayo - Phuyupatamarca - Wiñayhuayna
1 stop
3
This is the most impressive day of the trek; keep this in mind for day three! We’ll wake up at 6:00 a.m. for breakfast and start with a gentle ascent to the archaeological site of Runkurakay (meaning "Ovoid Site"), reaching the third highest point of the Inca Trail at 3750 m / 12303 ft. Next, we’ll pass through Sayacmarca (meaning "Dominant Town"), a citadel with stunning views of the mountains and canyons. After visiting Phuyupatamarca (meaning "City in the Clouds"), we’ll descend 3000 steps through the cloud forest to the Inca agricultural site of Intipata. Following our visit, we’ll continue to our third campsite at Wiñayhuayna (2680 m / 8792 ft), where we’ll arrive after a 7 to 8-hour hike, just in time for lunch. Nighttime temperatures are around 12°C. Close to our campsite is the famous Inca site of Wiñayhuayna ("Forever Young"). Even if you’re tired, this is a moment you won’t want to miss, as it’s one of the most impressive sites on the Inca Trail.
6 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 4
Wiñayhuayna - Machupicchu – Ollantaytambo - Cusco
3 stops
4
At 4:00 a.m., you'll wake up and receive a box breakfast to begin the fourth day of the Inca Trail, aiming to reach Intipunku, the Sun Gate, by 6:30 a.m. There, the majestic Citadel of Machu Picchu will be revealed, offering an impressive view reminiscent of the Incas' excitement upon arriving at this temple. After a 40-minute hike, we'll enter the citadel through the "House of the Guardians" and check in. A professional guide will lead us through the ruins, after which you'll have free time to explore on your own. You can also choose to participate in optional activities (not included), such as climbing Huayna Picchu, visiting the local museum, or relaxing in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes. At the end of the day, you'll descend to Aguas Calientes and take the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, where our transport will take you to your hotel in Cusco.
5 minutes • Admission ticket included
5
Machu Picchu
We will visit the citadel of Machu Picchu for about 2 hours accompanied by our tour guide.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
6
Machu Picchu
In Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), you’ll have time to enjoy lunch and, if you wish, visit the hot springs. Afterward, we will take the train back to Cusco. Please ensure you arrive at the designated time to avoid missing your train.
3 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

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