Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu - 4 Days – Peru – FlashpackerConnect Adventure Travel

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with our guided 4-day Inca Trail trek, a captivating journey that unveils the wonders of ancient Incan civilization. Over the course of 26 miles, our experienced guides will lead you through lush cloud forests, past ancient Incan ruins, and along the original stone-paved trail, offering insights into the rich history of the region. Each day, immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery, with highlights including the mesmerizing Dead Woman's Pass and the awe-inspiring Inti Punku (Sun Gate) unveiling Machu Picchu at sunrise. Our carefully curated itinerary ensures a comfortable experience with expertly selected campsites, delicious meals, and the camaraderie of fellow adventurers. Allow us to guide you through this iconic trek, where every step is a discovery and every moment is an unforgettable connection to the ancient wonders of Peru.

Private Treks on Request: $1,040usd per person

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Piskacucho – Km 82 – Wayllabamba

Distance: 12 km / 6 miles

Elevation: 3,300m / 10,800ft

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Depart on the Classic Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu with a 4:30 am departure from Cusco. After a brief stop in Ollantaytambo for last-minute supplies and a hearty breakfast, the journey continues to Piskacuchu (Km 82), the starting point of the Inca Trail. Passing through the checkpoint and crossing the Urubamba river, the trek officially begins. The day's hike offers a scenic stroll through Quechua hamlets, providing glimpses into local life. A midday break at Miskay precedes a visit to the impressive archaeological site of Patallacta or Llactapata. The day concludes at Wayllabamba (2,900m / 9,514ft), the first camping spot.

Distance: 12 km / 7 miles
Hiking time: 5–6 hours.
Lowest elevation: 2,695 m / 8,841 ft.
Highest elevation: 3,031 m / 9,944 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Highlights: Inca ruins, Villages, Veronica Glacier.

Hotel Pickup : 4:30am

Meals: B,L,D

Day 2: Wayllabamba - Ayapata – Warmiwañusca – Pacaymayo

Distance: 11km / 7 miles

Elevation: 4,200m / 13,775ft

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

The day begins early, navigating a challenging ascent to Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman's pass at 4,200m), the highest point of the trek. This segment offers diverse ecological zones, allowing hikers to witness changing landscapes and breathtaking panoramic views. After reaching the pass, a descent leads to Pacaymayo Campground (3,600m), where a hearty lunch awaits. The afternoon is free for rest and reflection on the day's accomplishments.

Distance: 11 km / 7 miles.
Hiking time: 6–8 hours.
Lowest elevation: 3,031 m / 9,944 ft.
Highest elevation: 4,217 m / 13,827 ft.
Difficulty: Challenging
Highlights: Dead Woman Pass, Salkantay glacier, Pacaymayo Valley, mountain views.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3: Pacaymayo - Chaquicocha – Inti Pata - Wiñaywayna

Distance: 16km / 10 miles

Elevation: 4,050m / 13,200ft

Hiking Time: 8-9 hours

Today, you ascend once again to reach a second pass, with the Inca ruin of Runkuraqay, a small, round, roofless stone building believed to be an astrological site and a checkpoint for couriers on the trail to Machu Picchu. After a brief exploration, you continue upward to the pass at 4,050m (13,200ft). Descending on the original Inca Trail, you pass a small lake and the initial signs of the cloud forest. The journey leads to the second Inca site, Sayacmarca, meaning "Town in a Steep Place," situated at 3,850m (12,551ft). Perched on a rock overlooking the trail, it is accessible only through a narrow stone staircase, offering breathtaking views of the Aobamba Valley. Continuing along the ridge, you traverse stunning landscapes with views of Mt. Salkantay and Mt. Pumasillo. A lunch stop precedes a walk on a rolling flagstone trail and through a tunnel, leading to another Incan site, Phuyupatamarca, meaning "the village on the edge of the clouds." The flagstone trail descends sharply into the cloud forest, leading to the well-restored Inca Ruin, Wiñay Wayna, translating to "Forever Young." This picturesque site serves as the campsite for the night.

Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
Hiking time: 8–9 hours
Lowest elevation: 2,649 m / 8,689 ft.
Highest elevation: 3,952 m / 12,957 ft.
Difficulty: Difficult
Highlights: Incan ruins, unparalleled views

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4: Wiñaywayna – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes - Cusco

Distance: 5 km / 3 miles

Elevation: 3,680m / 12,070ft

Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

On the concluding day of the trek, an early start leads you along a relatively level path. After approximately an hour's walk through a cloud forest-shrouded Inca Trail, you reach Intipunku, also known as "the sun gate." Take a break to marvel at the splendid citadel of Machu Picchu, your ultimate destination. Continuing the hike for another hour, you arrive at Machu Picchu, retracing the steps of the ancient Incas. Upon arrival, a guided tour awaits, providing insights into the historical site, followed by free time to explore the city independently, capture photos, or opt for additional hikes. In the mid-afternoon, a bus ride takes you down to Aguas Calientes town, where you board the train back to Ollantaytambo. Finally, a transfer brings you to your Cusco hotel, concluding at 7 pm.

Distance: 5 km / 3 miles.
Hiking time: 2–3 hours.
Lowest elevation: 2,401 m / 7,871 ft.
Highest elevation: 2,701 m / 8,857 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlight: Sun gate, and Machu Picchu.

Drop off in Cusco around 7pm

Meals: B

Additional Trip Info

Small Group experience: 2 person Min - 8 Max
Private transportation from your hotel to the start point of the trail
Porters to carry all gear, equipment, you just carry your daypack with essentials (camera, jacket, water).
Entrance fee to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu (Does not include the Huayna Picchu Mountain)
English speaking Tour Guide
Professional chef and superb porters who grew up in the countryside (Andean communities) to carry all the equipment, food, cooking gear, etc.
All camping equipment: including dining tents, cooking tents, cooking equipment, sleeping tents, camping table with chairs
Porters to carry equipment
Sleeping Bag & sleeping pad
Complete meals during the trip (you’ll never be hungry!) 4 breakfasts, snacks, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners
Coca tea served each morning in your tent
Boiled water after meals to refill water bottles
Oxygen tank and first aid kit
Vegetarian food and specialized diets on request
2 people per tent (4 man tents, waterproof)
Bus from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes town
Expedition Train back to Ollantaytambo at the end of your journey Private transportation to your hotel in Cusco
Satellite Phone for communication.
Oxygen tank and first aid kit

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Last day Lunch & Dinner
Trekking poles (Available to rent in Cusco)
Voluntary Tips for Guide, Driver and Cook-(Please keep in mind that tipping is common in Peru and would be greatly appreciated)
Travel Insurance - We recommend World Nomads, or Global Rescue