4 Day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu

4 days (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 1 more

Experience the iconic 4-Day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu, a journey that combines breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and ancient Incan history. This trek covers 42 kilometers through diverse landscapes, from lush cloud forests to high mountain passes, offering stunning panoramic views every step of the way.

What sets this trek apart is your small group size (maximum 3 participants), ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate connection with your expert guides, who bring the Inca civilization to life with fascinating stories and insights. Enjoy well-prepared, nourishing meals and comfortable camping equipment throughout the journey, allowing you to relax and fully immerse yourself in the experience.

The route challenges and rewards experienced hikers with unforgettable archaeological sites, culminating in a magical sunrise arrival at Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

What's Included

3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners during the trek (nutritious and freshly prepared).
Well supported local porters to carry tents, food, and cooking equipment
Night 3: Camping at Wiñayhuayna
Expedition train ticket (Day 4: Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo)
Official Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
2 hour guided tour of Machu Picchu (main temples, plazas, terraces)
Night 2: Camping at Pacaymayo
Pre departure briefing with your professional guide in Cusco.
Night 1: Camping at Huayllabamba
Professional, bilingual guides with expert knowledge of Inca culture and nature.
Machu Picchu entrance ticket
Sleeping bag (available for rent on site - optional).
Trekking poles or walking sticks (available for rent on site - optional).
Day 1 breakfast and Day 4 lunch and dinner in Aguas Calientes.
Snacks, bottled water, or personal drinks.
Gratuities for guides, cooks, and porters (optional but appreciated).
Personal expenses
Hot springs (Optional)

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

We begin with an early 05:30 AM hotel pickup in Cusco. Please be ready at your hotel 15 minutes before the scheduled pickup time to ensure a timely departure. Our driver will pick you up directly from your accommodation. If you have any special requirements or need assistance with the pickup location, please let us know in advance.

Itinerary

Duration: 4 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Wayllabamba

    3 stops
  • 1
    Cusco

    We start early with a 5:30 AM pickup from your hotel in Cusco. The journey takes us through the Sacred Valley, following the scenic Urubamba River and passing charming Andean villages. Your first stop is Ollantaytambo, where we explore the impressive Inca fortress and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the town.

    3 hours Admission ticket free
  • 2

    From there, we continue to Piscacucho (kilometer 82), where your porter team will be ready to assist. This marks the official beginning of the four-day Inca Trail trek. The initial hike follows the river with gentle slopes and wide-open panoramic views.

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • 3

    Along the way, we’ll see the majestic Wakay Willka or Veronica peak towering at 5682 meters. We’ll visit the archaeological site of Llactapata, famous for its large terraces. Your hike will end at Wayllabamba, situated at 3000 meters altitude. Dinner will be served, and we’ll camp overnight in this beautiful setting.

    8 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 2

    Wayllabamba – Warmiwañuska – Pacaymayo

    1 stop
  • 4

    After an early breakfast at 7:00 AM, we prepare for the most challenging day. The trail climbs steadily through high Andean landscapes and lush green forests.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • Day 3

    Pacaymayo – Puyupatamarca – Wiñay Huayna

    2 stops
  • 5

    We start early at 6:00 AM for a demanding yet fascinating day. Your route climbs to the Runkurakay Pass at 3780 meters, where we’ll visit a circular Inca checkpoint offering panoramic views of the Vilcabamba mountain range.

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • 6

    We continue through cloud forests rich with orchids and moss, following stone stairs guided by trekking poles. We’ll pass through an Inca tunnel carved directly into the rock before reaching the third pass. At 3700 meters, stunning views of the Salkantay (6271 m) and Veronica (5750 m) peaks greet us. We’ll explore Phuyupatamarca, known as the “town above the clouds,” then move on to Intipata before reaching Wiñayhuayna at 2700 meters. This site features well-preserved terraces, temples, and a lush orchid-filled environment.

    9 hours Admission ticket included
  • Day 4

    Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco

    3 stops
  • 7

    We leave early at 4:00 AM after breakfast and say goodbye to your porters. Your trek continues along narrow paths up to Intipunku, the Sun Gate, with a final climb of about 50 stone steps.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 8
    Machu Picchu

    From here, we’ll be greeted by the awe-inspiring view of Machu Picchu at 2719 meters, framed by forested hills and clouds. We’ll take photos before joining your guide for a two-hour exploration of the ancient city, visiting temples, plazas, and terraces of the Lost City of the Incas.

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • 9
    Cusco

    After the tour, we take a bus down to Aguas Calientes, followed by a train ride to Ollantaytambo, and then return to Cusco by night.

    5 hours Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by Go Xplore Peru

Tags

Hiking Tours
Multi-day Tours
Bus Tours
Historical Tours
Rail Tours
Walking Tours
Nature Walks
Adventure Tours
Additional fees
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

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