4 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

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