4 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The 4 Day Inca Trail is one of the most famous hikes in the world. It will take you along ancient narrow paths deep into the Peruvian countryside and high into the Andean mountains, where you will see Inca ruins, cloud forests, and majestic valley views. Ultimately leading to perhaps the greatest end-point of any multi-day hike on earth: the iconic Machu Picchu Citadel.
The Classic Inca Trail is a well-established and iconic 4-day, 3-night hike which leads travellers from km.82 (the starting point) all the way to Machu Picchu Citadel via the fabled Sun Gate (also called Inti Punku). Only Inca Trail hikers can access the Sun Gate at sunrise, and this view alone at one of the new seven wonders of the world, is a good enough reason to make this hike.
The total journey is around 42 kms (26 miles) which is a lot less than people typically expect, however, a good portion of this trek includes steep, narrow Andean mountain paths with stone steps– and is at high altitude so it is by no means is it easy, but definitely worth it! There are different versions of the Inca Trail that are less intense (for example a 1 day trek or 2 day trek) if you think you will struggle with the 4 Day Classic Trail.
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Classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu 4 days - Start point

Itinerary

4 Day Inca Trail

DAY 1: CUSCO – KM 82 – WAYLLABAMBA – AYAPATA

Be ready for 4:30 am, and we will begin the drive in our private car towards Ollantaytambo. You can catch up on sleep during the drive or watch the Sacred Valley dart by as the sun fades in through the window. Once we arrive in Ollantaytambo you will have time to grab some breakfast before we head off to KM82: the starting point of the trail.

Once we are all here and ready, we pass our very first checkpoint and before you know it, we’re on the Inca Trail. On day one we follow the Vilcanota river along a flat path. We will pass magnificent views of the Inca Fortress Huillca Raccay and the Inca site of Llactapata.

Llactapata is made up of the several temples, palaces and terraces with a view of a snow capped peak of W´akay Willca. The hike continues towards Wayllabamba (3,000m/9,842ft) before we reach our first campsite, Ayapata.

After settling in, we will share a mug of tea with the views of the mountain peaks in front of us. Before long, our chef will be serving a traditional and delicious meal for us all to share.

  • Meals: Lunch. Afternoon Tea. Snack. Dinner
  • Accommodations: Camping Facilities
  • Distance: 12 KM / 7.5 MILES (approx. 6-7 hour hike)
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

DAY 2: AYAPATA – PAQAYMAYU – CHAQUICOCCHA

Our morning starts at 05:00 AM with a hot breakfast and a selection of teas and coffee served by our chef.

Today demands an early start and a good mindset, as we have a challenge ahead. The day begins with a long slog uphill to the highest point of the trek: Abra de Warrmihuañusca, also known as Dead Woman’s Pass (4,200m/13,799ft).

The hike is undeniably tough, but the views from the top are spectacular. Drink them in as you take a well deserved rest before we start a relaxing hike down to our lunch spot at Pacaymayu (3,550m/ 13,779ft). After lunch, with our strength renewed, we start back up another steep hill towards Runkuraqay (4,00m/13,123ft) reaching our second campsite at 5:00 PM.

  • Meals: Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Snack, Dinner
  • Accommodations: Camping Facilities
  • Distance: 16KM / 10MILES (an approx. 9 hour hike)
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

DAY 3: CH´AQICOCHA – PHUYUPATAMARCA – WIÑAY WAYNA

On day 3, we rise to a delicious hot breakfast, served at 06:00 AM. Our trek today begins with a moderate climb towards Phuyupatamarca, the third highest point of the trek at (3,680m/12,074ft). From this city in the clouds you will see a truly spectacular panoramic view of the mountains and the canyon. Take a beat and enjoy the views until you’ve had your fill.

After you are rested we will trek through cloud forest to the beautiful Inca agricultural site of Wiñay Wayna (2,680m/8,793ft) often referred to as “Forever Young.” 

Wiñay Wayna is also our third campsite of the trek (depending on availability), and we will arrive here just in time for lunch. Our last camp brings our final dinner from our talented chef.

  • Meals: Lunch, Afternoon tea, Snack, Dinner
  • Accommodations: Camping Facilities
  • Distance: 10KM / 6.2 MILES (approx. a 5 hour hike)
  • Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 4: WIÑAY WAYNA – MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO

Finally, the moment you have been waiting for!

Our day begins bright and early with a 4 am breakfast (accompanied by tea and coffee, of course), and we’re on our way to Inti Punku. It’s an hour from the campsite to the Sun Gate, so we should be there just in time for the sunrise peaking over the mountains.

We then begin our casual descent into the citadel along the Inca Staircase before arriving at Machu Picchu itself (2,400m/7872ft). We will quickly drop off our bags at the storage facility before beginning our tour of Machu Picchu on circuit 3, lasting about 2 hours.

For the brave ones, you can add an additional peak onto your tour:

  • Huayna Picchu: Known as the Young mountain, being part of the vast majority of the panoramic photos of Machu Picchu Citadel. Upon climbing Huayna Picchu, you may discover some archaeological sites including Temple of the moon, which is built in a natural cave.
  • Please Note: The Huayna Picchu tour is a 10:00 AM. However, it is based on availability and it can be booked out months in advanced in high season.

By noon we will be taking the bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). There are many good restaurants and there will be time to explore a bit of Aguas Calientes.

We will be boarding the Expedition Train at 2:55 PM or 3:20 PM to Ollantaytambo train station. Upon arrival to Ollantaytambo a private car will be waiting to take you back to Cusco arriving to your hotel at approximately at 7:00 PM.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Distance: 6KM / 3.7 MILES
  • Difficulty: Easy

Inclusions

WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR THE 4 DAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?

  • Briefing the night before the trek at our office
  • A porter for your personal belongings up to 7kg/15lbs
  • Pickup at your hotel
  • Professional English tour guide
  • Meals (Indicated on itinerary only)
  • First aid kits
  • Oxygen tank
  • Hot water for washing at campsite
  • Boiled water at campsite
  • 4 Season Eureka tents
  • Thick foam mattress
  • Expedition Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
  • Transfer back by private van back to your hotel in Cusco
  • Inca Trail permit
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
  • 2.5 hour guided tour
  • Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
  • Chef and cooking equipment
  • Dining tents with tables and chairs
  • Day Pack with a rain cover

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED FOR THE 4 DAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?

  • Huayna Picchu: US $75 per person. Please verify if available prior to booking – needs to be reserved upon booking. (This climb is booked out months in advanced.)
  • First breakfast in Ollantaytambo
  • Last lunch in Aguas Calientes
  • Upgrade to Vistadome Train US $67 per person (return trip only)
  • Tips for guide, cooking crew and porters

Price

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY FOR 4-DAY / 3-NIGHT CLASSIC INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS

The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is available on any date as long as we have a minimum of 2 people and there are permits available. Please Enquire!

No. OF PEOPLEPRICE
2 + persons $ 597 USD per person

We require a minimum of 2 hikers to start this trek.

We operate group tours up to 12 hikers maximum.

DISCOUNTS

  • 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD. Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card at booking is required & government approval for discount.
  • Under 18 years old$30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
  • Under 11 years old$40 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.

EXTRAS

  • Sleeping Bag: $20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
  • Air Mattress: $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking Poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
  • Personal Tent: $30 USD – (For single travelers only)
  • Additional Night in Aguas Calientes: From $60 USD (Depending on availability)
  • Vistadome Train Upgrade: $67 USD per person (For the return to Cusco at 4:43pm)
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)

Packing List

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?

  • Original  Passport: (Must be the same you used for booking your trek)
  • Valid, University Card: (Only if you booked as a student)
  • Good Daypack: One with extra room for a box lunch (the smaller, the better)
  • Water: 2-3L (Camelbak bladders are encouraged)
  • Boots: Comfortable broken in hiking boots or shoes (Boots with ankle support recommended).
  • Sleeping Bag: 4 season bag (can be rented from Short Inca Trail Hike)
  • Headlamp or flashlight: Headlamp frees up hands (Back-up flashlight & batteries are recommended)
  • Toilet paper: Make sure to bring your own.

WHAT TO PUT IN THE DUFFEL BAG FOR THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?

As a Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and  INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 15 lbs. including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.

  • Warm clothes
  • comfortable shoes for camp
  • Quick dry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer your own
  • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
  • Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them
  • Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us for $20USD

TOILETRIES

  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Personal medications
  • First aid kit

WHAT TO PUT IN THE DAY BACKPACK FOR THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 – 40 Litres for hiking. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.

  • Drinking Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal. Please bring your own strong BPA free refillable bottles, (no light plastic bottles used for sodas.)
  • Sun Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Rain gear
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, ice cream, cereal bars, protein bars
  • Coca leaves
  • Rain plastic poncho
  • Gloves
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bags for waste
  • Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips

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