Inca Trail 4 Days and 3 Nights to Machu Picchu

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Cusco - Piscacucho (Km 82) - Wayllabamba
1 stop
1
Today, your trek begins early. If you're in Cusco, pick-up is between 4 and 4:30 am; in Urubamba, between 5:30 and 6 am; and in Ollantaytambo, between 6:30 and 7 am. From Cusco, you'll take a 1.5-hour bus ride to Ollantaytambo for breakfast, where you'll meet your trekking team of cooks, porters, and your guide. Next, you'll head to Piscacucho (KM 82), the trail's starting point, and don't forget your passport to enter. The first few hours of walking are easy, with stops at Canabamba for views of the La Veronica glacier, and at Llactapata to explore ancient Inca ruins. After lunch in Tarayoc, you’ll hike 3.5 hours to your first campsite at WAYLLABAMBA (3,300 masl/10,827 fasl), passing small communities along the way where you can buy last-minute supplies. You'll arrive around 5 pm to rest, enjoy snacks, and reflect on the day before having dinner at 7:30 pm and heading to bed.
8 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 2
Huayllabamba - Inca Trail Highest Point - Pacaymayo
1 stop
2
Your day starts early with a hot cup of coca tea, which boosts your energy and eases altitude fatigue. After breakfast, you'll face the trek's toughest challenge: a 4-hour uphill hike to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 masl/13,829 fasl), offering stunning mountain views. Next, you'll descend for 1.5 hours to the valley for lunch. Then, a 45-minute climb leads to the Inca site of Runkurakay and its beautiful waterfalls. After another 45 minutes uphill to Runkurakay Pass, you’ll rest and enjoy the views. An hour-long descent brings you to Sayamarca, an almost hidden Inca site. A final 25-minute walk takes you to PACAYMAYO (3,600 masl/11,811 fasl) for dinner under the starry Andean sky.
10 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 3
Pacaymayo - Phuyupatamarka - Wiñaywayna
1 stop
3
The hardest day is done, and today’s reward awaits! After waking at 6:30 am and enjoying breakfast, you’ll hike for 1.5 hours through jungle with views of the Salkantay glacier and Vilcabamba range. You’ll then climb to Phuyupatamarca (3,650 masl/11,975 fasl) and descend for 2.5 hours to Intipata, where you’ll see the Sacred Valley and Urubamba River. A short 30-minute walk brings you to your campsite near Wiñay Wayna for lunch. At 4 pm, you'll explore Wiñay Wayna before a celebration with your trekking team. After saying goodbye to the porters, you'll rest early for tomorrow's sunrise at the ancient site.
6 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 4
Inti Punku - Machu Picchu - Cusco
1 stop
4
Machu Picchu
Today is the big reward! You’ll wake up at 3:30 am and, after a quick breakfast, head to the Sun Gate for sunrise. After an hour’s walk, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. Congratulations! You've made it to the Lost City of the Incas. After another hour, you’ll reach the final control point and start a 2-hour guided tour of the ancient site, marveling at its temples, homes, and aqueducts. You’ll have free time to explore or hike Huayna Picchu if pre-booked. Then, take a bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch before catching a train back to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, where private transport will return you to Cusco.
6 hours • Admission ticket included

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

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