4 Days Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

$597 /per Person Book Now

Overview


The 4 Days 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 perfect Inca ruins, cloud forest, 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 its exclusive 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 newest seven wonders of the world, is a good enough reason to make this hike feature on so many people’s bucket lists. The total journey is around 40 kms (25 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 altitudes, so by no means is it easy, but definitely worth it! However, 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.

About this activity


TYPE SERVICE

Group

ACTIVITIES

Trekking, Adventure and Cultural

GROUP SIZE

Up to 8 people

ACCOMMODATION

Camping

DIFFICULTY

Moderate

Duration

4 days Days

Itinerary

4 Days Inca Trail

DAY 1: CUSCO – KM 82 – WAYLLABAMBA – AYAPATA

The excitement of this famous trail will get you ready by 04:30 AM for pick up and begin our journey to Ollantaytambo, where you can choose to have breakfast. After getting energized we will take our bus to KM 82 in Quechua terms Piskacucho. There you will suit up, boots on and ready to begin the first hike of the Inca Trail. But first, we have to pass through our first checkpoint where passports and student cards are required verify that they match your permit.

After passing through the checkpoint we are ready to start hiking. We will follow and cross over the the Vilcanota river on our way. There are no uphill stretches on the first day. The path is pretty easy along flat terrain. There are some magnificent views of the Inca Fortress Huillca Raccay and also the Inca site of Llactapata. This Inca site is made up of the several temples, palaces and terraces with a view of a snow capped peak of W´akay Willca. We continue our hike towards Wayllabamba (3,000m/9,842ft) where we are almost to our first campsite of Ayapata. After settling in at our campsite, we will have tea with a mountain peak view. Later on we end the day with an Andean dinner prepared by our trek chef.

  • 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, coffee, and teas served by our cook. We are not ready for the challege of today´s trek. It will be a steep uphill hike towards the highest pass of Abra de Warrmihuañusca, in other terms Dead Woman´s Pass! (4,200m/13,799ft) It may be a difficult hike for a couple of hours, however you will be mesmerized by the spectacular views after reaching the top. It will be all worth it.

After a well-deserved rest, we will have a relaxing hike down to Pacaymayu (3,550m/ 13,779ft), where lunch will be served. After lunch, we continue our hike for another 2 hours on a steep path up 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 and shine with a hot breakfast served at 06:00 AM. Our trek today, begins with a moderate climb towards Phuyupatamarca, which means City in the Clouds. There Spectacular view of the mountains, the canyons and the panoramic surroundings.  It is the third highest point of the Inca Trail at (3,680m/12,074ft). We will spend a considerable amount of time at this site, receiving a well deserved rest.

After a rest, we will trek through the Inca cloud forest to the beautiful Inca agricultural site of Intipata. At the ruins of Wiñay Wayna (2,680m/8,793ft) which is also known as “Forever Young.” Wiñay Wayna (depends on availability) is our third campsite of the trek at which we will arrive in time for lunch. At our last camp we get to once again enjoy a delicious Andean dinner with fresh food prepared by our trek 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 has arrived!We get up at 04:00 AM for an early hot breakfast, coffee and tea. Excitement for this very last hike to Inti Punku also known as the Sun gate at 6:00 AM for sunrise and the first view of Machu Picchu Citadel. We will walk leisurely downhill on the Inca stair cases towards Machu Picchu itself at (2,400m/7872ft). Upon arrival, our guide will lead you to where you can store your belonging before beginning your tour of Machu Picchu. Our guide during our tour of Circuit #3 which is about 2 hours. He will guide you through the important sites and educate you about the history of the ruins. You will learn about the temple of the sun, condor, three windows, house of incas and much more.

There is one more peak to possibly climb.

  • 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 tourist season.

By noon we will be taking the bus from Machupicchu to Aguas Calientes for lunch (at your own cost). 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, you will make the 2 hour journey by private van to Cusco, arriving approximately at 7:00 PM and then you will be dropped off at your hotel.

  • 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