- Itinerary
Full 4-Day Itinerary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Day 1: Cusco - Piskacucho Km 82 - Llactapata- Ayapata
The Altitude Team will pick you up directly from your accommodation in Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo. (Pick-up times range from 4:00 AM to 7:00 AM depending on your location, and will be confirmed during your pre-trek briefing). After a hearty breakfast in Ollantaytambo, you will meet your dedicated porters and head to Km 82 to begin the legendary Inca Trail. Please remember to bring your original passport for the entrance checkpoint!
The first two hours of the journey offer a gentle, scenic hike to the magnificent Inca site of Patallacta. Following another two hours on the trail, we will stop for a well-deserved lunch. We then continue for two and a half hours to the Ayapata campsite, passing charming Andean communities where you can purchase snacks and last-minute essentials. You will arrive at camp around 5:00 PM to enjoy hot drinks and snacks, followed by a delicious dinner at 7:30 PM before resting up for the exciting days ahead.
- Maximum Altitude Point: 2,800 m (7,692 ft)
- Campsite Altitude: 3,200 m (9,842 ft)
- Total Distance: 10 km (6,500 miles)
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 2: Dead Woman´s Pass - Runcuraccay Pass - Chaquiccocha
Your porters will gently wake you early with a hot cup of traditional coca tea, preparing you for the longest and most rewarding day of the trek. We begin with a challenging four-hour ascent to the trail’s highest peak, Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,828 ft). Here, take a moment to celebrate your achievement and soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of the Andes. Next, we descend for an hour and a half into the lush Pacaymayu Valley to rest and refuel with a freshly prepared lunch.
The afternoon features a two-hour uphill climb to the second mountain pass. Along the way, we will stop to explore the circular Inca ruins of Runcu Raccay and admire two stunning waterfalls. A final one-hour descent brings us to the remarkable Inca site of Sayacmarca for a quick tour, followed by a short 20-minute walk to our spectacular Chaquicocha campsite. After dinner, step outside your tent to marvel at the brilliant Southern Hemisphere stars, completely free from artificial light.
- Maximum Altitude Point: 4,300 m (14,000ft)
- Campsite Altitude: 3,800 m (11,911 ft)
- Total Distance: 12 km (7,876 miles)
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3: Chaquiccocha - Wiñaywayna
Start your morning with a hot tea and breakfast before embarking on a beautiful two-hour hike to the final mountain pass, Phuyupatamarca (3,680 m / 12,073 ft). This incredible vantage point offers spectacular views of the snow-capped Vilcabamba and Salkantay mountain ranges.
As we hike three hours down to our final campsite, we will explore the fascinating Inca sites of Phuyupatamarca and Intipata, surrounded by the cloud forest’s vibrant flora, exotic orchids, and diverse birdlife. After lunch, take a short stroll to Wiñay Wayna, widely considered the most stunning archaeological site on the trail, featuring incredible agricultural terraces and intricate stone buildings. We will return to camp at 5:30 PM for our final happy hour, a celebratory dinner, and a traditional farewell ceremony to express our gratitude to the incredible porters and chefs who made this journey possible.
- Maximum Altitude Point: 4,100 (13,436 ft)
- Campsite Altitude: 3,280 m (11,833 ft)
- Total Distance: 12 km (7,736 miles)
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4: Wiñaywayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco
Today brings the grand finale of your adventure: exploring the iconic Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World!
We wake up bright and early at 3:00 AM at the Wiñay Wayna campsite, enjoy breakfast, and walk to the park ranger checkpoint. When the gates open at 5:30 AM, we begin a thrilling one-hour hike through the high jungle to the famous Sun Gate (Intipunku). Prepare yourself for an unforgettable moment—your very first, breathtaking view of the Machu Picchu citadel bathed in the morning light.
From the Sun Gate, we enjoy a gentle, one-hour descent to the main lookout point, arriving around 7:30 AM for classic photographs and time to absorb the magic of the ruins. Finally, we enter the citadel for a comprehensive two-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu’s most significant temples, palaces, and observatories, leaving you with plenty of time to explore this ancient wonder and capture memories that will last a lifetime.
- Maximum Altitude Point: 2,780 m (11,033 ft)
- Total Distance: 10 km (590miles)
- Meals included: Only Breakfast
- Included
- Professional Guides: Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
- Briefing: We will have an information session and briefing held in our office or hotel at 6:30 PM on the night before your trip starts. Briefings will last 20-30 minutes but we are always available for questions. You will receive a travel bag at this briefing, the contents of the bag must not exceed 13 lbs and must include a sleeping bag and air mattress.
- Permits: All permits are guaranteed according to availability. As soon as we receive your details and deposit, we will purchase your permits.
- Porters: We include a personal porter who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag.
- Hotel to Hotel Service: You will be picked up from your hotel the morning of your trek and driven to KM 82 in our comfortable, Altitude Peru van. After the trek, we will drive you from the train station back to your hotel or Air BNB.
- Return Peru Rail Vistadome train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo on Day 4. If you would like to upgrade to the Vistadome Observatory train, which offers an additional observatory-style carriage with panoramic windows, live traditional music, and a more immersive scenic experience, the upgrade cost is USD 75 per person.
- 2 people per tent in spacious 4-person tent, waterproof and thermal high-mountain tent
- Food: Our meals are traditional and cooked by our staff cook, giving you a taste of typical Peruvian food. We respect all food restrictions, please just let us know ahead of time. All our meals are served in a family style. A snack will be provided each morning for you to enjoy along the hike. Your last meal with your chef will be after breakfast on day four. Lunch the last day is not included.
- Water: From your first day you will be provided with water for your journey. This water is boiled, and it is necessary to bring personal water bottles.
- Travel bags: you will be delivered our travel bags, where you will take your clothes and other personal items, taken out sleeping and mat. With a maximum weight of 7 kilos
- First Aid: Our team is trained in first aid. In case of emergency we follow an emergency plan to provide the fastest possible attention.
- Extras: We believe that personalized attention is a plus for us, so small details are very important. We are committed to creating the most authentic experience towards Machu Picchu.
- Satellite Phones: For us security is very important, and keeping our customers safe is our priority. We have satellite phones for emergencies or any situations that may require them.
- Taxes and Fees: All taxes and permit fees associated with this trek are included in the listed price
- Not Included
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: The mountain that is next to Machu Picchu. This trek has a duration of about 50 minutes and is quite the walk. It has a cost of 75 USD, and for us to be able to get permission for this mountain, you must let us know a month in advance due to its popularity.
- Rentals: Every traveler needs to have their own sleeping bag when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and walking sticks are recommended. These items are not part of the tour package so if you do not wish to bring any of own the above items, you may rent them following these ratest: Inflatable air mattress : $ 15 Walking sticks: $ 10 Sleeping bag: $ 20
- Backpacks for the Day: the agency does not provide backpacks, so you must bring your own. Note; Machu Picchu does not allow backpacks over 25 lb. Flashlights (lamps): it is recommended to bring flashlights for the campsites or headlamps.
- Flights: it is recommended to arrive one day before to Cusco or 2 days before. Flight delays are common in Cusco due to the frequent change of weather, therefore we recommend arrival to be a couple days before. Safe airline: Latam
- Tips: Tips are always welcome, and should be based on your travel satisfaction (not mandatory).
- Travel insurance: Travel insurance is recommended, but not mandatory. Normally many people get sick with altitude sickness, so we recommend adapting 1 day or 2 days before starting a trek
- Prices
Price per person
USD 869
Only Tours
- Student discount
-
The student discount applies only to people who present their valid UNIVERSITY CARD. Children under 17 years of age or younger. To grant the discount we need you to send us a copy of the university card. For children 17 and under, we need a passport copy for booking.
Discount: $ 30 off per person - Additional Items
-
Huayna Picchu Mountain: $ 75 per person
Vistadome Train (one way): $ 75 per person
- Packing List
- Passport
- Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
- Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)
- 2-3 wicking t-shirts
- 2-3 hiking pants
- 4 sets of undergarments.
- 4 sets of hiking socks
- 1 Fleece
- 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
- 1 Rain jacket and pants
- 1 sun hat
- Headlamp: essential
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger.
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean – might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap.
- Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
- Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
- Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Face moisturizer
- Handsanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Toiletpaper
- Personal medication
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Camera
- Music (IPhone)
- Handsanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
- Earplugs
- FAQs
What is the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail is a world-famous trekking route in Peru that leads to the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu. It’s a historic path that was part of the vast network of trails built by the Inca Empire, known as the Qhapaq Ñan. The trail combines stunning natural scenery, diverse ecosystems, and fascinating archaeological sites, making it a bucket-list adventure for many travelers.
The classic Inca Trail is a 4-day, 3-night hike that covers approximately 42 kilometers (26 miles). Along the way, trekkers pass through cloud forests, alpine tundra, and ancient Inca ruins, including sites like Patallacta, Runcu Raccay, and Wiñay Wayna. The trail also includes challenging sections, such as the ascent to Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point at 4,215 meters (13,828 feet).
The journey culminates at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), offering a breathtaking first view of Machu Picchu at sunrise. Due to its popularity and environmental preservation efforts, access to the Inca Trail is limited, requiring permits that must be booked months in advance through licensed tour operators.
How distance is Inca trail 4-day hike?
The classic 4-day Inca Trail hike covers approximately 42 kilometers (26 miles) in total. This distance is spread out over the four days, with varying levels of difficulty due to steep ascents, descents, and uneven terrain. Here’s a rough breakdown of the daily distances:
- Day 1: Around 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) – A relatively moderate start with some gradual inclines.
- Day 2: About 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) – The most challenging day, including the ascent to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 meters/13,828 feet).
- Day 3: Approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) – A mix of “Inca flat” (gentle inclines) and long descents, passing through stunning ruins and the Cloud Forest.
- Day 4: Roughly 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) – A short hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for the iconic view of Machu Picchu.
The trail’s combination of distance, altitude, and terrain makes it a rewarding yet challenging adventure!
How many days in advance do I have to arrive in Cusco before the 4 day Inca Trail?
It’s recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before starting the 4-day Inca Trail. This allows you to properly acclimate to the high altitude (Cusco is at 3,400 meters/11,152 feet above sea level) and reduce the risk of altitude sickness during the trek.
What is the best time of year to hike the Inca Trail 4 days?
The best time to hike the 4-day Inca Trail is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. Here’s why this period is ideal:
- 4-Day Map
4-Day Inca Trail Map
Explore the iconic Inca Trail with our detailed 4-day map. Discover every stretch of this legendary route, from breathtaking Andean landscapes to unique archaeological sites, culminating in the majestic arrival at Machu Picchu. Your adventure starts here!
Inca Trail 4 days Map to Machu Picchu
