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4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

4 days

4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
from $1250 USD

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The legendary Inca Trail takes you through the diverse wilderness of the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary, passing numerous Inca ruins on the magnificent stone highway before descending to the famed citadel of Machu Picchu. It starts in Cusco or Ollantaytambo and returns to Cusco. There is no overnight in Aguas Calientes.

    • Set departures are on Wednesdays, Saturdays and some Mondays.
    • Minimum one person.
    • Groups are limited to 12 people, but most groups are smaller than that.

Season: All year, except February, when the Inca Trail is closed; best season for trekking is April through October. Note that you may start your trek on any day of the week for a private trek. Check with us for availability! Now is the time to book your trek to secure your permits!

Groups to Join

If you are a single traveler or a small group that wants to join others, we have a number of groups that you can join. Permits may be sold out for some of departures so it is best to contact us for availability. We can help with an alternative trek, that is just as challenging as the Inca Trail and gets you to Machu Picchu!

Full Itinerary DETAILED ITINERARY >> ITINERARY IN BRIEF >>

Day 1: 4-DAY INCA TRAIL TREK / Private car to trailhead at km 82; hike to Wayllabamba; camp overnight (BLD)

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You will have a briefing for your trek a day or two before you start.

Between 04.00-04.30am our private transport and staff will pick you up from your hotel. We drive to Piskacuchu (2700m/8856ft), a community located on the 82nd kilometer of the Cusco -Machupicchu railroad, which is the starting point of the Inca Trail. We begin our hike by crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River and walking along its left shore as it flows northwest along the Sacred Valley. Following the trail along a flat terrain, we arrive in Miskay (2800m/9184ft), to then ascend and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the impressive Inca city of Llactapata (2650m/8692ft). We continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for about five hours until we reach the community of Wayllabamba (3000m/9840ft), where we set our first camp. All along the way we enjoy spectacular views of the Vilcanota ridge on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, where the impressive Veronica peak reigns at 5832 meters above sea level, not to mention the diversity of wild flora and fauna that can be found all along the valley. Camp overnight.

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping on Trek

Day 2: Hike to Pacaymayo; camp overnight (BLD)

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We wake up at around 6:00 am and after breakfast, we begin the most difficult part of the trek, which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km. Along this climb, the landscape changes from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation). On the way to the first mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuanusca (Dead Woman's Pass - 4200m/13776ft), we may see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at high altitude. We also cross an area of the so called cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows, and the Andean bear, which is also called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus). We advise that on this day specially, your daypack is well stocked with candies, chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high, and help with altitude sickness. Immediately after the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600m/11808ft), where we camp after approximately 7h of hiking. Camp overnight.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping on Trek

Day 3: Hike to Winay Wayna; camp overnight (BLD)

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This day is the longest but also the most impressive and the most interesting, due the number of archaeological sites and the lush cloud forest area that we cross, so rich in Andean flora and fauna. From Pacaymayo we climb to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970m/13022ft). Halfway up, we stop to visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3800m/12464ft, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower. After going over the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3624m/11887ft). This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Continuing up an easy climb, we arrive at the third pass, the Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft). Along this climb we can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas' ancient craft, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain, and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order, saving the trail from the multileveled Andean geography. We go through an Inca tunnel to later arrive at the aforementioned pass and down to the complex of the same name. This is one of the most complete and best-preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machupicchu, and is located on the highest point of a mountain. Curiously, Phuyupatamarca means "town over the clouds". From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River valley. We continue our trek down the long descending stone steps that lead us to Winaywayna (2650m/8692ft), an impressive Inca complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector, close to which our camp is located. This campsite hosts a trekker lodge, a bar and bathrooms with hot shower facilities. After visiting the impressive archaeological site, we enjoy our farewell dinner at our camp. Camp overnight.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping on Trek

Day 4: Hike to Machu Picchu; guided tour of ruins; return by train to Cusco; transfer (B)

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On this fourth and last day we get up at 4.00 am to leave Winaywayna an hour later and climb to the Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we may see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machupicchu. From Intipunku we descend into Machupicchu, and 40 minutes later we enter the citadel from the highest point through the 'House of the Guardians'. We then descend to the control point where we register ourselves and leave our backpacks. We immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around, or climb the Huayna Picchu Mountain (not included), where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machupicchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it (please note that you must order the Huayna Picchu tickets at least 90 days in advance), visit the Temple of the Moon or the impressive Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in its hot springs. From here we take the train back to the city of Cusco, where we arrive after nightfall. Transfer to your hotel.

Hotel accommodations this evening are not included.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Pricing

4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
from $1250 USD
*** Contact Us for other itinerary and lodging options! ***

NOTE: Prices are per person in U.S. dollars based on double/triple occupancy. All quotations are based on the current rates of park fees, VAT, other government taxes, and current exchange rates. Should any of these be increased or a new tax introduced, these increases will be added on even if your trip has already been paid for.

INCLUDES:
  • All accommodations per itinerary
  • All meals per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
  • All tours and entrance fees per itinerary (unless listed as excluded)
  • All transportation and transfers per itinerary
  • Pre-trek briefing with the guide
  • Transportation by vehicle to start of the trek at km 82
  • Bilingual guide, who has the first aid kit and oxygen
  • Porters for group gear and for your personal gear (shared)
  • Cook and kitchen crew
  • Commissary gear and dining tent
  • Meals indicated in the itinerary (B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner)
  • Large two-person tents
  • Foam sleeping pad
  • Portable toilet, where needed
  • Inca Trail permits
  • Entrance and guided tour of Machu Picchu
  • Transportation by Vistadome train from Aguas Calientes back to Cusco
  • Minimum group is one person
EXCLUDES:
  • International and domestic flights
  • Meals not listed
  • Beverages and alcohol
  • Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff
  • Optional tours
  • Single room supplement
  • Personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, Internet, etc.)
  • NOTE: Beginning January 1, 2023, there is a surcharge of US$490 per person, to cover the costs for the new regulations for the "Porter's Law". Trek outfitters are now required to hire porters as employees, rather than contract workers. This entails added benefits, e.g., health insurance, sick leave, vacation and higher wages. We appreciate your understanding for these new policies and accompanying costs.
  • Tips for your guide, porters, cook and crew, driver
  • Meals in the cities (lunches and dinners)
  • Hotel in Aguas Calientes (optional)
  • Hotel accommodation before and upon return to Cusco
  • Ticket to climb Huayna Picchu (add US$130 per person for the ticket)
  • Personal gear (sleeping bag, duffel, day pack, hiking boots, etc)
  • Personal expenses (alcoholic beverages; airport taxes; laundry; internet, insurance
  • Single supplement for personal porter that is not shared

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