The Inca Trail 4-day trek is a famous hiking route in Peru that leads to the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. The trail covers approximately 42 kilometers (26 miles) and takes four days to complete. The trek passes through different terrains, including high-altitude mountains, cloud forests, and subtropical jungles.
The journey begins on km 82 and follows an ancient Inca road, passing through several archaeological sites, including the ruins of Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and Wiñaywana. Along the trail, hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains and the surrounding valleys.
During the trek, hikers will climb to the highest point of the trail, known as Dead Woman's Pass, which reaches an altitude of 4,215 meters (13,828 feet). On the final day of the trek, hikers walk to the Sun Gate, the entrance to the Machu Picchu Inca citadel, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the site and surrounding mountains.
Our guide will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning. It is very important to wait inside your hotel or Airbnb. Our guide will contact you a day before the trek for a briefing.
Day 1 of the Inca Trail trek begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco, followed by a scenic drive through the Urubamba Valley to the starting point of the trek at Kilometer 82. After crossing the Vilcanota River, hikers will begin their journey along the ancient trail that winds through the stunning Andean landscape. Along the way, you will pass through Huayllabamba, with the opportunity to interact with local people. The first day's trek covers a distance of approximately 7.5 miles (12 kilometers), with a moderate level of difficulty. The trail follows the banks of the Urubamba River, providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. You will reach the Llactapata archaeological site. After a break to explore the site and enjoy a packed lunch, you will continue uphill to the first night's campsite at Ayapata. Here, you will enjoy a delicious dinner and settle in for a well-deserved rest before continuing the journey the following day.
Day 2 of the Inca Trail trek starts with an early morning wake-up call, followed by a hearty breakfast. The trek continues with a gradual climb to the top of the first pass, Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman's Pass), standing at an altitude of 4,215 meters. This ascent can be challenging, but the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys make it all worthwhile. After a brief rest at the top, the trek descends into the Pacaymayo Valley, where the campsite for the night is located. Along the way, hikers will pass through a variety of landscapes, from high altitude grasslands to cloud forests filled with orchids and bromeliads. The campsite at Pacaymayo is situated in a beautiful location, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. After a hot dinner and some stargazing, hikers can retire to their tents for a well-deserved rest.
On day 3, the Inca Trail continues uphill to the second pass, known as Runkurakay, which sits at an altitude of 3,970 meters (13,022 feet). After reaching the pass, the trail descends through the cloud forest to the ruins of Sayacmarca, an archaeological site located at an elevation of 3,624 meters (11,887 feet). From there, hikers will continue through the forest, passing by several smaller ruins along the way, before reaching the third pass, Phuyupatamarca, at an altitude of 3,670 meters (12,040 feet). The trail then descends down to the impressive ruins of Wiñay Wayna, which feature impressive agricultural terraces and a series of ritual baths. This campsite sits at an elevation of 2,650 meters (8,694 feet) and provides a stunning view of the surrounding mountains.
Day 4 starts early with breakfast and a trek to the checkpoint to enter the final stretch of the Inca Trail. Hikers will visit the Inti Punku or Sun Gate, which offers the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu, a sight that makes the challenging trek worth it. After taking in the breathtaking view, hikers will head to Machu Picchu itself for a guided tour of the ancient ruins, which were rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. At the end of the day, hikers will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for a celebratory lunch before taking the train back to Ollantaytambo and the bus back to Cusco.
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This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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