Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 4 Days / 3 Nights

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Cusco - Piscacucho (KM 82) - Llactapata - Ayapata
5 stops
1
Cusco
Your great adventure on the Inca Trail begins with pick-up at your accommodation at 4:30 a.m. to transport you to Ollantaytambo, the last living Inca city
2 hours • Admission ticket free
2
Once here, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast before heading to the starting point of the hike, Piscacucho (KM 82).
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
3
The hike begins with a gentle stretch that will allow you to acclimatize while enjoying beautiful Andean landscapes.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
4
Inca Trail
We continue visiting archaeological sites such as Canabamba, Wilkarakay, and Llactapata, surrounded by the majestic mountain range and the Urubamba River.
4 hours • Admission ticket included
5
After lunch in Tarayoc, you will continue along trails surrounded by nature until you reach the first camp in Ayapata, where a warm dinner and a night of rest under the stars await you.
10 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Ayapata - Dead Woman’s Pass - Pacaymayu – Runkurakay Pass – Sayaqmarka - Chaquiqocha
6 stops
6
The day begins with a cup of hot coca tea and a nutritious breakfast to prepare you for the most challenging day of the trek, the hike to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,829 ft).
1 hour • Admission ticket free
7
At 4,215 m (13,829 ft), Dead Woman’s Pass offers stunning views and a brief ceremony honoring the sacred Apus, followed by a descent to Pacaymayo.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
8
After a well-deserved rest, you will descend to Pacaymayu to enjoy a delicious lunch and recharge your batteries.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
9
Then you will continue to the archaeological site of Runkurakay, followed by the Runkurakay Pass, where you can make a brief offering to the Pachamama.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
10
Sayacmarca
The route continues with a visit to the Sayaqmarka complex, an Inca enclave nestled in the mountains with spectacular views of the sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
11
Finally, you will arrive at your camp in Chaquiqocha, where a comforting dinner awaits you under a starry sky.
10 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Chaquiqocha - Phuyupatamarka - Intipata - Wiñay Wayna
3 stops
12
Today will be the most relaxed and awe-inspiring day of the trek. At 6:30 a.m., you will enjoy a delicious breakfast before setting off on a 1.5-hour hike to Phuyupatamarka (3,650 m / 11,975 ft), a mystical place “above the clouds” that offers a spiritual atmosphere and unforgettable views.
5 hours • Admission ticket included
13
The Ruins of Intipata
From there, you will descend along ancient trails for two and a half hours to Intipata, an ancient agricultural area with terraces overlooking the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the winding Urubamba River.
4 hours • Admission ticket included
14
Winay Wayna
You will then continue to the camp, located near the archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna, “forever young,” one of the most impressive sites along the way. After lunch, you will explore this fascinating complex with your guide, and in the afternoon, you will enjoy a small celebration with the team of porters and cooks to thank them for their support during the trip. The day ends early so you can rest well before the exciting entrance to Machu Picchu at dawn.
12 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Wiñay Wayna - Sun Gate - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - Cusco
5 stops
15
Very early, at 3:30 a.m., after receiving your breakfast, you will begin your approximately one-hour hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
1 hour • Admission ticket free
16
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
From this sacred spot, you will watch the first rays of dawn illuminate Machu Picchu, a mystical and powerful scene that marks the culmination of this unique journey. After descending to the citadel, you will enjoy an amazing view of the citadel and be able to take a postcard photo of this marvel. If you booked in advance, you can climb Huayna Picchu or Huchuy Picchu for spectacular views.
4 hours • Admission ticket included
17
Aguas Calientes
Then, you will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
18
Ollantaytambo
Where our private transportation will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
19
Cusco
We’ll arrive back in Cusco around 7:30 p.m.
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 at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• It's recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek so you can get used to the altitude
• The Inca Trail is highly demanded, specially in high season (May to September). Book this trip at least five months in advance to secure a spot.

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