The 4-Day Inca Trail is the classic route to Machu Picchu, leading you through ancient paths, cloud forests, mountain passes, and some of the most impressive Inca archaeological sites in Peru. Over four unforgettable days, you’ll hike the full length of the original Inca Trail, camp under Andean skies, and arrive at Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate at sunrise. This is the most complete and immersive way to experience the Andes and follow in the footsteps of the Inca.
Itinerary – DAY 1: Inca Trail
Difficulty: Easy / 5.5 miles (9 km)
Altitude: 3,300 m (10,800 feet)
- Pickup at your hotel in Cusco
- Transport to Ollantaytambo & breakfast stop
- Transport to Km 82
- Relatively flat hike (3-4 hours)
- Lunch stop
- Slight uphill hike (1.5-2 hours) to Wayllabamba campsite & dinner
Itinerary – DAY 2: Inca Trail
Difficulty: Challenging / 7.5 miles (12 km)
Altitude: 4,200 m (13,800 feet)
- Breakfast before starting hike
- Uphill hike (4-5 hours) to Dead Woman’s Pass (highest point)
- Downhill hike (2 hours) to Pacaymayo & lunch stop
- Uphill hike (2 hours) to Runkurakay Archeological Site
- Downhill hike (1.5 hours) to Sayacmarca Archeological Site
- Mostly downhill/flat hike (0.5-1 hour) to Chaquicocha campsite & dinner
Itinerary – DAY 3: Inca Trail
Difficulty: Moderate / 7 miles (11 km)
Altitude: 4,000 m (13,200 feet)
- Breakfast before starting hike
- Uphill & flat hike (2 hours) to Puyupatamarca (highest point of the day)
- Downhill hike (4 hours), including stopover at Intipata Archeological Site, to Wiñay Wayna campsite
- Lunch & dinner at Wiñay Wayna
Itinerary – DAY 4: Machu Picchu
Difficulty: Moderate / 4 miles (6 km)
Altitude: 2,800 m (9,200 feet)
- Early box breakfast before starting hike
- Varied hike with some uphill portions (1.5 hours) to the Sun Gate
- Relatively downhill hike (1 hour) to the Guardian’s House at Machu Picchu (photo stop)
- Quick walk (15 minutes) to Machu Picchu Archeological Site main entrance
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu (2-3 hours)
- Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Lunch at a restaurant of your choice in Aguas Calientes (not included in price)
- Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
Included in Tour Package:
- Pickup and drop-off at Cusco hotel
- Professional team
- Licensed bilingual tour guide
- Porters
- Chef
- Personalized service in small groups
- Guided tour of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu in English
- Tickets
- Entrance fee to the Inca Trail
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Camping gear
- Sleeping bags
- Sleeping mats
- Tents
- Transportation
- Safe, comfortable roundtrip transport to/from Ollantaytambo
- Safe, comfortable transport from Ollantaytambo-Km 82
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu-Aguas Calientes
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes-Ollantaytambo
- Meals
- Days 1-3: Three meals per day & snacks
- Day 4: Breakfast only
- Duffel bag for your clothes & personal items up to 13 lbs (6 kg)
NOT Included in Tour Package:
- Accommodations in Cusco
- Day 4 Lunch in Aguas Calientes
- Travel/health insurance
- Tip for the tour guide
What to Pack/Bring:
- Passport
- Daypack with rain cover
- Overnight backpack
- Water
- Camera or cell phone to take photos
- Personal medication
- Toiletries
- Trekking shoes or hiking boots
- Trekking poles
- Clothing for hiking in cold weather, such as:
- Thermal(s) or base layer(s)
- Warm layer(s)
- Warm jacket
- Sweater
- Down jacket
- Gloves
- Scarf
- Beanie or toque
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Lip balm
- Sunhat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Cash for snacks/souvenirs/Day 4 lunch/tip
- Insect repellent (November to March)
- Optional:
- Snacks
- Trekking poles
