Inca trail to Machu Picchu 4 days / 3 nights

Inca trail to Machu Picchu 4 days
4 days / 3 nights

Itinerary

Day 01 | Cusco - Piskacucho KM82 - Llactapata - Ayapata

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo. If you’re in Cusco, pick-up will be at 4:30 am; from Urubamba at 5:30 am, and if you’re staying in Ollantaytambo, you can rest a bit longer as we’ll pick you up at 6:30 am.
We will then drive to KM 82, passing through the first checkpoint of the Inca Trail, where the hike begins. Remember to always carry your original passport to access the Inca Trail.

The first 2 hours of the hike are relatively easy as we head to our first Inca site, Patallacta, an ancient Inca checkpoint for approaching Machu Picchu. From there, we’ll hike another 2 hours to reach our lunch spot.

After lunch, we’ll walk for another 2 hours until we arrive at the first-night campsite in Ayapata (3,300 meters). During this final stretch, we will pass through two small communities.

We’ll reach the campsite at approximately 5:00 pm. Here, you can relax, hydrate, and enjoy a hot drink and a snack with the porters, chef, and guide. Dinner will be served at 7:30 pm, after which you can get a well-deserved rest.

Hiking Distance: 8.7 miles/14 km (6-7 hours)

Campsite Elevation: 3300 meters (high) above sea level

Clima: warm

Day 02 | Cusco - Piskacucho KM82 - Llactapata - Ayapata

The day starts very early as this section of the hike is longer. We will walk for approximately 4 hours to reach the highest point of the trek, the Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 meters/13,829 feet). At the pass, we will take a short break to enjoy the views before continuing with a descent into the next valley, the Pacaymayu Valley – Hidden River. It’s another hour and a half down the valley to our lunch spot, where you’ll have the chance to refill your water bottles.

After lunch, we’ll begin another ascent to the second pass of the trek. This section involves a 2-hour climb to the pass, where we will stop at a small Inca site called Runcu Raccay and observe two massive waterfalls on the opposite side of the valley.

From the second pass, we’ll descend for about an hour to reach the magnificent Inca site of Sayacmarca. Here, we’ll take a break and enjoy a quick tour of the area.

Afterward, we will witness the sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range. It’s just a 20-minute walk from here to our second campsite, Chaquicocha (Dry Lake, 3,600 meters).

Hiking Distance: 9.94 miles/16 km (7-8 hours)
Campsite Elevation: 3,600 meters
Region: Andes and Cloud Forest
Weather: Cold and rainy

Day 03 | Chaquicocha - Wiñay Wayna

This day, we will hike for about 2 hours along what we like to call the “Inca flat” (gradual inclines) and start entering the jungle, known as the Cloud Forest.

As we walk, we’ll have the opportunity to see Mount Salkantay, the second-highest snow-capped peak in the Sacred Valley, and enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of the Vilcabamba mountain range.

Toward the end of the Inca flats, we’ll make our way to the last peak at Phuyupatamarka (3,600 meters), where we will be treated to excellent views of the Urubamba River.

As we enter the valley, we’ll catch our first glimpse of Machu Picchu Mountain, though the site itself will still not be fully visible. We will continue from Phuyupatamarka for about 3 more hours along a section of steps, eventually arriving at our final campsite near Wiñay Wayna.

Wiñay Wayna is the most spectacular Inca site along the trail after Machu Picchu and the most popular campsite due to its proximity to the citadel.
During the descent, we will visit two Inca ruins: Phuyupatamarka (“City in the Clouds”) and Intipata (“Sun Terraces”). We’ll arrive at our campsite around 1:00 pm for lunch.

The rest of the day is yours to relax so that you’ll be well-rested for the final day of the trek to Machu Picchu. At approximately 4:30 pm, your guide will provide a brief orientation, followed by a one-and-a-half-hour visit to the Inca ruins of Wiñay Wayna. During this visit, your guide will explain the significance of the site and tie together all the information shared throughout the hike. This will fully prepare you for your visit to Machu Picchu the next day.

Hiking Distance: 6.2 miles/10 km (5 hours)
Campsite Elevation: 2,600 meters (high) above sea level (cold climate)
Region: High Cloud Forest
Weather: Warm and very humid

Day 04 | Sun Gate - Machu Picchu - The Lost City of the Incas

We will have breakfast very early (at 4:00 am) and wait at the checkpoint to be among the first to start the trek to Machu Picchu when the gates open at 5:30 am.
We’ll bid farewell to our team of porters and chef as we head toward the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). From here, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the mountains and Machu Picchu in all its glory.

We’ll arrive at the Sun Gate at 6:30 am, followed by a one-hour walk to the Lost City of the Incas.

At approximately 7:40 am, we’ll reach the final checkpoint and enter Machu Picchu to begin our 2-hour guided tour. After the tour, you will receive your bus tickets to descend to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time to explore the town at your own pace. Alternatively, instead of heading to Aguas Calientes, you may climb Huayna Picchu Mountain if you have made a reservation for this activity.

We will book return tickets on the Expedition class train, departing Aguas Calientes at either 2:55 pm or 3:20 pm (to be confirmed before the trip). The train ride takes approximately 1.5 hours to Ollantaytambo or Poroy (depending on the train schedule). A driver will meet you there and take you back to Cusco in our bus, dropping you off at your hotel.

Region: Subtropical Forest and High Cloud Forest
Weather: Warm and very humid

The Tour Includes

Professional Guides
Permits: Includes entry to the Machu Picchu citadel.
Orientation:
The evening before the trek to Machu Picchu, you must visit our Cusco office for a briefing session. During this meeting, you will receive a bag that will be carried by your porters during the hike. This bag must not exceed 7 kg (including a sleeping bag and mat).
Porters: A dedicated team to assist with carrying equipment and supplies.

Transportation:
- Outbound: Van service from Cusco.
- Return: Includes a bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, a train ride, and van service back to your hotel.
Equipment:
- We use “Eureka” “Timberline® 4-person” tents, with a maximum of two people sharing each tent.
- A spacious dining tent will be provided for meal times.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, except for lunch and dinner on the final day.
Water:
You need to bring your own bottles to refill. We recommend carrying a container with a 3-liter capacity to refill at each meal.