Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4D/3N
Classic Inca Trail 4 day hike to Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail 4 day hike to Machu Picchu is famous for being one of the 10 best hikes in the world.
The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu covers 32,952 acres and is home to a network of Inca trails, scores of archaeological sites, 10 ecological zones, over 450 species of birds, 200 species of orchids, as well as the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu!
Hiking the Inca Trail with us means completing it with no stress. You can rely on us take care of everything from nutritious food, top notch hiking and camping equipment, private transportation, accommodation in the best campsites and entrance tickets to the national park and Machu Picchu. Most importantly you will be surrounded at all times by the best team of tour guides, cooks and porters who will accompany you on the adventure of a lifetime.
Book now to hike the most famous trail in all of Peru, to one of the 7 wonders of the world, Machu Picchu!
Route Highlights
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Overview
DAY 1: CUSCO – KM 82 – HUAYLLABAMBA
- Estimated Inca Trail hiking time: 5 to 6 hours.
- Total distance: 12 km.
- Camp altitude: 3,000 m (9,843 ft).
DAY 2: HUAYLLABAMBA – WARMIWAÑUSCA PASS – PACAYMAYO
- Estimated Inca Trail hiking time: 6 to 7 hours.
- Total distance: 11 km.
- Camp altitude: 3,620 m (11,877 ft).
DAY 3: PACAYMAYO – RUNKURAKAY – WIÑAY WAYNA
- Estimated Inca Trail hiking time: 7 to 8 hours.
- Total distance: 16 km.
- Camp altitude: 2,700 m (8,858 ft).
DAY 4: WIÑAY WAYNA – MACHU PICCHU TOUR – CUSCO
- Estimated Inca Trail hiking time: 3 hours.
- Total distance: 5 km.
- Machu Picchu altitude: 2,430 m (7,972 ft).
DAY 1 – CUSCO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – KM 82 – HUAYLLABAMBA – “INCA TRAIL”
We will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning at 6:00 a.m. and transfer by bus to Km 82, the starting point of the Classic Inca Trail. Along the way, we will pass through the towns of Chinchero, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo.
The first section of the 4-day Inca Trail follows the Urubamba River, offering excellent views of the snow-capped Verónica Mountain (5,900 m / 19,357 ft). We then continue toward the archaeological site of Llactapata, traveling through the Cusi Chaca River valley, before arriving near the village of Huayllabamba (3,000 m / 9,843 ft), where we will set up camp.
- Meals included: lunch, afternoon snack, and dinner
- Accommodation: camping facilities
- Difficulty: easy / moderate
- Weather: warm and windy
DAY 2 – HUAYLLABAMBA – WARMIWAÑUSCA PASS – PACAYMAYO – “INCA TRAIL”
After breakfast, we will continue our Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, slowly ascending to the Warmiwañusca Pass (4,200 m / 13,780 ft) through a beautiful Queñua forest. Along the way, we will enjoy excellent views of the Andean landscape and arrive at Llulluchapampa (3,750 m / 12,303 ft), a typical highland plain located at the base of the mountain pass.
After reaching the Warmiwañusca Pass, we will descend into the Pacaymayo Valley (3,620 m / 11,877 ft), where we will set up camp. Here, you can appreciate the extraordinary engineering of the Inca Trail. In the afternoon, there will be time to explore the area and plenty of opportunity to rest and relax.
- Meals included: breakfast, water, lunch, afternoon snack, and dinner
- Accommodation: camping facilities
- Difficulty: moderate / challenging
- Weather: cold and rainy
DAY 3 – PACAYMAYO – RUNKURAKAY – SAYAQMARCA – WIÑAYWAYNA – “INCA TRAIL”
After breakfast, we will begin the hike toward the Inca citadel. This is considered one of the most beautiful days of the Inca Trail, as we will visit several important archaeological sites, including Runkurakay, from where we will enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding area. We will then cross the Runkurakay Pass (3,800 m / 12,467 ft) and continue on to the archaeological sites of Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and Wiñay Wayna, all connected by a remarkable original white granite Inca trail, surrounded by lush forest vegetation.
Along the way, we will observe the impressive balance the Incas achieved between their architecture and the natural environment. We will have lunch halfway at a beautiful campsite known as Chaqui Cocha. Our campsite will be located near the Wiñay Wayna archaeological site (2,700 m / 8,858 ft).
- Meals included: breakfast, water, lunch, afternoon snack, and dinner
- Accommodation: camping facilities
- Difficulty: moderate
- Weather: warm and very humid
DAY 4 – WIÑAYWAYNA – INTI PUNKU – MACHU PICCHU TOUR – CUSCO – “INCA TRAIL”
On this day, we will wake up early at 4:00 a.m. After breakfast, we will begin hiking at 5:00 a.m. We will say goodbye to the porters, as they return to Cusco with all the camping equipment.
We will hike through dense vegetation typical of the tropical jungle toward the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where we will enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Inca Citadel. We will arrive at Machu Picchu at approximately 7:00 a.m. Once there, we will have a guided tour lasting nearly 3 hours, visiting the most important areas of Machu Picchu. After the guided visit, you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu on your own.
At the appropriate time, we will take the bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you may have lunch at one of the many local restaurants. In the afternoon, at 2:55 p.m., we will board the train back to Ollantaytambo, and from there continue by car to Cusco. The estimated arrival time in Cusco is 6:30 p.m., concluding the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with a transfer to your respective hotels.
- Meals included: breakfast
- Distance: 5 km / 3.7 miles
- Difficulty: easy
- Weather: hot and very humid
What does the classic Inca Trail include?
Included
- 6:00pm Briefing at your hotel in Cusco the night before the trek.
- Pick up from your hotel in Cusco.
- Private transport from Cusco to Kilometer 82.
- Professional English/Spanish speaking tour guide.
- Entrance ticket to Inca trail and Machu Picchu.
- Trekking poles – 2 poles per person.
- All camping equipment: 2 person tents (with enough space for belongings).
- Dining and cooking tents with tables and chairs.
- Sleeping bags for entire trek – suitable for -15° C / 5° F.
- Thick Comfortable Foam Mattresses.
- Pillows and Rain Ponchos.
- Duffel bag for your personal belongings.
- Extra porter to carry the duffel bag : 5 kg per person (you only need a day backpack to carry what you will need during the trek).
- Porters to carry all the equipment, tents, food, and cooking equipment.
- Permits and tickets for our porters and cooks.
- 3 breakfasts, 3 appetizers, 3 lunches, 3 dinners (All prepared by our cook & his assistant).
- Vegetarian/vegan and special diets requested.
- Hot coca tea brought to you every morning in your tent.
- Appetizers or snacks each morning.
- 1 litre of boiled water per person – given after breakfast & lunch, to refill water bottles.
- Hot drinks – coca tea, coffee & tea at meal times.
- 2 hour guided tour of Machu Picchu.
- Bus ticket : Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.
- Train ticket : Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
- Private transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
- Oxygen and first aid kit.
Not Included
- First breakfast in Ollantaytambo.
- Optional lunch in Machu Picchu (upon client request).
- Hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain : $ 75 USD (upon client request).
- Gratuities / Tips for the guide, porters and cook.
Recommendations to bring
- Original passport – expiration date no less than 7 months.
- Valid Student ID card (if student booking).
- Good quality walking boots or shoes.
- Sandals for down time (very important).
- Baselayers of varying temperatures, especially for the night.
- Thermals, gloves, scarves, wooly hat.
- Good quality trekking socks to avoid blisters.
- Raincoat or long poncho (for rainy season).
- Waterproof trousers (for rainy season).
- Long sleeve shirts.
- Long trousers.
- Shorts suitable for hiking.
- Wide-brimmed hat – UPV is strong at altitude.
- Canteen water bottle as you should drink plenty of fluid on the trail.
- Headlamp/Torch (very important).
- Insect repellent.
- Sunscreen.
- Sunglasses.
- Medicine/personal effects (eg. contact lense liquid).
- Personal First Aid Kit.
- Camera or phone camera.
- Portable battery charger.
- Toilet paper (not usually found on trail).
- Small travel towel.
- Cash/coins – small denominations – soles & dollars.
- Swimming suit for the thermal baths in Aguas Calientes (optional).
Packing List
ESSENTIAL ITEMS:
- Original Passport.
- VALID STUDENT ID CARD (if booked as a student).
- Immigration card (delivered on the airport upon entering Peru).
- Good quality backpack (medium sized).
- Water storage bottle or canteen: Camelbak bottles are recommended, but all need to be sufficient to hold 1-2 litres.
- Comfortable shoes, preferably light with good soles (waterproof goretex for rainy seasons).
FOR YOUR BAGGAGE:
The train has a luggage limit of 7-8 kilograms per person. We therefore recommend bringing only important and necessary items to Machu Picchu.
- 4 Long sleeve shirts.
- 4 Breathable t-shirts.
- 4 Sets of underwear.
- 4 Pairs of socks.
- 2 Hiking trousers.
- 1 Shorts (suitable for hiking).
- 2 Fleece.
- 1 Waterproof coat and pants (for rainy seasons).
- Sunglasses.
- Sun hat.
- Sandals – In case you want to visit the hot springs in Machu Picchu town.
- Small quick-drying travel towel.
- Portable battery charger for your phone and cameras.
TOILETRIES:
- Sunscreen.
- Facial moisturiser.
- Insect repellent.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Wet wipes.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Toilet paper.
- Personal medication.
- First aid kit: band-aids, moleskin, etc.
ITEMS TO TAKE INSIDE MACHU PICCHU:
We recommend taking a backpack into the citadel, however please be aware that bags of more than 25 liters will not be allowed. Larger backpacks will need be stored outside the gates of the citadel.
- Water canteen.
- Sun hat.
- Rain clothes.
- Camera or phone camera.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Toilet paper and a small plastic bag for waste.
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips.
Additional Information
VISTADOME TRAIN FIRST CLASS OR INCA RAIL 360º TRAIN : For an additional payment of $40 USD per person, you can upgrade your tour package to the Vistadome class train or the Inca Rail 360º train for the return journey from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. The upgrade is subject to the availability of trains on the dates you wish to travel.
VISTADOME TRAIN
EXPEDITION TRAIN
PRIVATE SINGLE TENT:
* For an extra payment of $100 USD, you can get 01 private single tent for all the trip.
DISCOUNTS:
* Foreign tourists with a student card, under 25 years old, current expiration date of the same year, get a discount of $ 40 USD..
For more information write to us by email: machupicchuviajesperu@gmail.com or to WhatsApp +51 995050803
- Extra tickets will need to be purchased to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain
- There are limited number of spaces available per day, so we recommend requesting booking the tickets in advance
- Once the mountain tickets are sold out for that day, there are no options available for extra tickets
- The cost to climb the Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu mountain is $ 75 USD per person. This will be added to the total cost
- Those hiking Inca Trail that wish to do Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, will also be charged an extra $ 75 USD
- IMPORTANT: Before requesting tickets to the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, check availability by contacting us!
Please read carefully the following information as it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and the Classic Inca Trail
THE BRIEFING
The briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6 pm at your hotel “Any location in Cusco City”
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the Classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are free. Please pack what you will need for the trek!
FOR BOOKING THE TOUR
We require a deposit of 30% of the total cost per person, in order, to purchase a permit for the Classic Inca Trail. You can make you deposit by VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS or PAYPAL.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
The balance has to be paid in cash the date and time of the briefing. (we accept US dollars or Peruvian soles). We have many ATMs within the historical center of Cusco.
MAY I CHANGE THE DATE AFTER THE PERMITS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately Once permits have been bought the Peruvian government does not allow any changes so we can’t change any date after the permit has been bought. Permits are also not transferable nor refundable. If you cancel your Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Trek, the deposit is not refundable.
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number, you sent to us to book your Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu permit. Your passport will be checked when you enter Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, and when you board the train. In case, you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permit and we can change it when you get your new passport. If so, please send us a copy of your new passport as soon as possible.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend to always dressing in layers as it is easier to adjust to different climates.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimate normally. It usually take between 24 hours to 2 days. The recommended remedy for altitude sickness is to drink a lot of WATER and COCA TEA.
HOW MANY COOKS/PORTERS FOR THE GROUP?
You will have 1 cook per group. The number of porters will depend on the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, there will have 4 porters, 4 trekkers will have 6 porters, 6 trekkers will have 8 porters, 8 trekkers will have 10 porters.
DUFFEL BAG AND SMALL BACKPACK
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/15lbs. Your team of porters will carry your duffel bag, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you will need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 30 to 50L backpack is sufficient.
IS THE TREK DIFFICULT? DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a 42km (24.4 miles) hike through the Andes within the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is at (4,217m/13,907ft). On the second day of the trek, we will climb two mountains. The trail is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and take regular exercise. In preparation: try walking 15kms/9 miles in a day or working out in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3,350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
ARE THERE TOILETS ALONG THE TRAIL?
Along the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, in all the camping sites and lunch points, you will find our private flushing toilets.
“Machu Picchu Viajes Peru” toilet facilities have an individual tent and a camping toilet with a seat. Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite. At night if you need to use the toilet it is readily accessible and clean, unlike the dirty facilities supplied by the government.
You will also find there sinks and water pipes to wash your hands after you use the facilities.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE TRAIL?
In the scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to health reasons, we will assist you to go to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on our treks for any respiratory problems. (Travel insurance is required and recommended). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Generally, those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly they continue the journey towards Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.
ARE WE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL?
Absolutely!! Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs are included with all of our packages! If you have booked your hotel in Sacred Valley, we will drop you off there and vice versa.
AT WHAT TIME IS THE TRAIN’S DEPARTURE?
It will depend on the train availability but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco while on the train. Therefore, you will take the train at 4:22pm (Expedition or Inca Rail Train).
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you want, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip.
Where does the tour start and end?
- All ours tours begins with the pick up to the tourists at the door of their hotels “We pick up to our clients from any hotel located in the city of Cusco”, We recommend to stay close to the historical center of the city of Cusco, it will make it easier to find your hotel.
- All our tours ends at the door of the hotels, it means the tours will finish with transfer to your respective hotel located in Cusco.
How to prevent altitude sickness?
- The altitude sickness or soroche can cause you some discomfort during your visit such as dizziness, fatigue or nausea. Try to avoid alcoholic beverages and fatty foods before the visit.
- To reduce symptoms, try to acclimatize yourself one day before to the altitude of the city of Cusco. We recommend to drink infusions of coca leaf (natural plant used by the Incas) is an excellent option to avoid the actitude sickness.
How is the accommodation?
- For all the tours which include hotels. We offer hotels of 3* and 4* category, it has spacious and comfortable rooms, bathrooms, hot showers and bueffet breakfast. If the tourist like, you can change the accommodation to a better service. You just have to request it via email for an additional cost.
Which season is the best time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu?
- The dry season months between April to December are the best time to come and visit Cusco. During those days the possibility of rain is very little, so the roads are not swampy and the landscapes can be better to enjoy and takes the best pictures. On the other hand, the months with the most rain are January, February and March.
What are the coldest months in Cusco Peru?
- The coldest season in Cusco are in the months from May to July. During this time the sun is strong in the day, but once it goes down or you spend much time in the shade, it can get very cold. It can go below zero at night, so warm clothes and Jackets are necessary to bring during these months.
How long in advance can I request the tour?
- We recommend to purchase the tours weeks or months in advance, this because the train and Machu Picchu tickets has a limit of spaces, dont wait until the lust minute to book your tour, other ways you will not be able to find spaces.
During the trip to Machu Picchu, where the big luggages will stay?
The train company that operates to Machu Picchu does not allow the traveler to carry a suitcase that weighs more than 7 kilograms. To go up and visit the city of Machu Picchu, it is recommended to carry a light and small backpack for your convenience; the rest of the luggages you can leave them without any problem at the storage of your hotel in Cusco, or you can also leave at our office in Cusco city, we have an storage too.
Very Important in case you want to book the Inca trail to Machu Picchu:
- CLASSIC INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS: If you want to book the Classic Inca Trail 4 days, you must to book early to get your desired date. Depending on the month you prefer to do the hike, you may need to book 6 months or more in advance, the limit of spaces for the inca trail 4 days is 400 people per each day.
- SHORT INCA TRAIL: If you are booking the 1 or 2 day Inca Trail, it is preferred that you also book in advance, however 2 to 4 month in advance would be good, the limit of spaces for the short inca trail is 200 people per each day.
When is the best season to hike the Inca Trail?
- The best time of year to do the inca trail is between May to October, with August and September being the best months of all. The trail is dry and the weather is lovely. During the rainy season between November to April the trail will be wet and can make it more difficult.
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