Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days
Overview
The classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a unique experience and the most requested, even more so because it is called one of the ten best excursions in the world, there is no similar walk due to its ecological diversity and the wealth of archaeological treasures. The Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary covers 32,952 hectares and houses a network of Inca roads, dozens of archaeological sites, ecological zones (from glacial peaks to tropical forests), more than 450 species of birds and 200 species of orchids, as well as the legendary city of Machu Picchu.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Wayllabamba
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:30 a.m. and head to the town of Ollantaytambo. There, you will enjoy a nutritious breakfast (not included) and have the opportunity to buy some snacks before starting your trekking adventure.
We will then travel to Piscacucho (Km 82), the starting point of the hike, and begin our journey with an approximately two-hour walk to Patallacta (2,750 m / 9,020 ft), an Inca archaeological site featuring a spectacular landscape in the lush Urubamba Valley.
After visiting this fascinating place, we will continue walking for about 45 minutes until we reach our lunch spot, where our cook will prepare a delicious meal, and we will have time to rest.
Afterwards, we will resume our hike for another hour and a half until we reach our campsite at Wayllabamba (3,000 m / 9,800 ft). There, you will enjoy a well-deserved rest, an afternoon snack, and a tasty dinner before going to bed.
Walking distance: 11 km/5 miles
Day 2: Wayllabamba – Dead Woman´s Pass – Pacaymayo
After enjoying a hearty breakfast accompanied by a cup of hot coca tea, we will begin a four-hour hike to reach the highest point of the route: the Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,829 ft).
Upon arrival, we will take a short break to admire the breathtaking views offered by this majestic place. Then, we will begin a two-and-a-half-hour descent toward the Pacaymayo Valley (3,600 m / 11,800 ft).
There, we will enjoy a cup of hot tea, a freshly prepared dinner, and spend the night at our campsite, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the Andes.
Walking distance: 10 km / 7.5 miles
Day 3: Pacaymayo – Runcurraccay Pass – Chaquiccocha – Wiñayhuayna
After enjoying a cup of hot coca tea, we will begin what will be the longest and most challenging day of the trek. Therefore, we will start with a nutritious breakfast to fill ourselves with energy and prepare for the journey ahead.
We will continue our hike surrounded by lush jungle vegetation, passing through a series of impressive Inca archaeological sites. The first one is Runcurakay (3,760 m / 12,300 ft). Unlike other Inca structures, this site stands out for its circular enclosures, an unusual design within traditional Inca architecture.
After a short break, we will walk for approximately one and a half hours until we reach the archaeological site of Sayacmarca, located on a rocky path at 3,600 meters above sea level. These ruins form a labyrinth of houses, plazas with central fountains, and narrow streets, creating a mystical and fascinating atmosphere.
Later, we will arrive at our lunch point in Chaquicocha, where we will have time to rest and relax. After approximately two and a half hours of hiking, we will reach the next archaeological site, Puyupatamarca (3,600 m / 11,810 ft), also known as the “City above the Clouds.” Here, we will find five small stone baths that, during the rainy season, maintain a constant flow of crystal-clear water.
From this point, we will begin a three-hour descent to our camp in Wiñayhuayna, where we will enjoy afternoon tea and a special dinner. This evening will be memorable, as it will be our last one with the team, offering a chance to thank and bid farewell to our porters.
Walking distance: 15 km/10 miles
Day 4: Wiñayhuayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
We will wake up at 3:30 a.m., enjoy an early breakfast, and descend to the checkpoint, where we will wait for approximately one hour until the gates open.
Once past the control point, we will begin a one-and-a-half-hour hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the ceremonial entrance to Machu Picchu. From this spot, we will have our first panoramic view of the majestic Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountains — a truly thrilling and unforgettable moment.
From there, we will descend for about 40 minutes until we reach the citadel of Machu Picchu, known as the “Lost City of the Incas.” This complex is considered a jewel of Inca architecture, featuring neighborhoods, plazas, alleys, temples, astronomical observatories, and agricultural terraces that reflect the greatness and wisdom of the Inca Empire.
The city was rediscovered on July 24, 1911, by the American explorer Hiram Bingham. Our local expert guide will share detailed insights about this sacred site and lead us through its main sectors. Afterwards, you will have free time to continue exploring and enjoy the mystical atmosphere of the sanctuary at your own pace.
For those who have reserved in advance the climb to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, this activity will take place at the assigned time.
In the afternoon, we will take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Then, we will board the train to Ollantaytambo, admiring the breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas along the way. Upon arrival at the station, our private transport will take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Walking distance: 6 km/3.7 miles
Included:
- Comfortable tents with foam mattress.
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (3x breakfast, 3x lunch, 3x snack, 3x dinner).
- Professional cook and kitchen equipment. Dining tent and kitchen tent for the cook to prepare his meals on time.
- Our meals can be adapted to any dietary requirements, such as vegetarian or vegan. Let us know in advance if you have certain preferences, so we can plan ahead.
- A cup of hot coca mate each morning.
- Boiled water provided for coffee and tea to accompany your meals in the camps.
- Transportation from your hotel in Cusco to the starting point at KM82.
- Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo on the 4th.
- Transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco (Regocijo Square).
- Professional English/Spanish speaking guide, plus a guide assistant for groups over 12 years old.
- Porters, who carry camping equipment, food and kitchen utensils.
- All of our trekking guides have a minimum of 3 years of experience as guides and are certified. They carry a first aid kit with them, as well as an extra oxygen bottle in case of emergencies.
- Informative meeting: You will have a meeting with your guide in our office to review all the details about your tour. The orientation will be between 5:00 p.m. m. and 7:30 p.m. m. In our office in Cusco the day before departure.
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and Inca Trail included.
Not included:
- Breakfast on the first day (you can bring your own sandwich or have breakfast for 15.00 soles in Ollantaytambo).
- Lunch and dinner on the last day.
- Does not include water for hiking. Please carry enough water with you. Along the trekking road, you can buy more bottles of water.
- Sleeping bags. Available for rent if you don’t have one with you ($15.00 per person).
- trekking poles. Available for rent for $20.00 per person.
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. You can choose to add one of them to your trekking itinerary for $60.00 per person. Please let us know in advance, so we can check availability.
- Shuttle from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (optional available for $12.00 per person)
- Tips for your guide, cook and porters.
- domestic or international flights.
- travel insurance.
- other activities not mentioned in this itinerary.
Recommendations
- Original passport (the same one used to book your hike)
- Valid College Card (if you have booked as a student)
- Good backpack (the smaller, the better – 30L or 35L)
- Water storage: 2-3 L (Camelbaks are recommended)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support.
- Sleeping bag (can be rented at Sam Travel)
- Headlight: Essential
- toilet paper
- 2 t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants at least
- 4 sets of underwear
- 3 sets of socks
- Thermal jacket
- outerwear, coat jacket
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves)
- Comfortable shoes for the camp.
- Quick dry towel. We offer small ones, maybe you prefer something bigger.
- Small bottle of soap: We provide warm water every day to wash.
- Battery Charger: No electricity along the hike
- Plastic bags will be provided in the office. Please ask for them.
- Sleeping bag: It should be at least -15ºC. It can be rented to us for $20 USD.
- Facial moisturizer
- hand sanitizer
- wet wipes
- toothbrush and toothpaste
- personal medications
- First aid kit: band-aids, etc.
- We highly recommend having a small trekking backpack of 30 to 40 L for the day. in which you can carry the following things
- sunhat
- sunscreen
- Headlight: Essential
- Wool hat
- Rainwear
- Wool
- Snack like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dried fruit.
- coca leaves
- Rain plastic poncho (provided by Sam)
- Gloves
- Camera
- hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste.
