Departure & Return

Cusco

Departure Time

3:00 am

Group Size

Máx. 10 personas

Language

Español / Inglés

Description of Tour

Daily Statistics:

Distance: 6 km
Lowest Altitude: 2040 meters above sea level (Aguas Calientes)
Highest Altitude: 2719 meters above sea level (Intipunku)
Route: Wiñayhuayna – Inti punku – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco

We will hike the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu over four unforgettable days and three nights. Covering around 40 km, this adventure will lead us through diverse landscapes including lush cloud forests, sweeping high puna grasslands, and ancient Inca terraces. Along the way, we will visit impressive archaeological sites such as Runcuracay, Phuyupatamarka, and Wiñay Wayna, each revealing the ingenuity of Inca engineering and culture.

The highlight will come on the final morning, when we will reach Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, and witness our first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu at 2,430 meters above sea level. After exploring the sacred citadel with a guided tour of temples, plazas, and terraces, we will travel back to Cusco by train from Aguas Calientes.

Itinerary

Day 1Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba

We will start the adventure early in Cusco at 3,400 meters above sea level. A private transfer will take us through the Sacred Valley until we reach Km 82, the starting point of the Inca Trail. From here, we will begin our trek walking along the Urubamba River, enjoying spectacular landscapes.

We will pass small villages, fertile terraces, and viewpoints where the Andes reveal their beauty. Along the route, we will see the ruins of Llactapata, an impressive Inca settlement built to control agricultural production. After exploring, we will continue to our campsite in Wayllabamba, where we will enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by our cooks. Camping will provide the perfect opportunity to rest under a sky full of stars.

Day 2Wayllabamba – Warmiwañusca – Pacaymayo

After breakfast, we will begin the most challenging day of the Inca Trail. We will ascend gradually through a beautiful cloud forest before climbing towards the famous Warmi Wañusqa Pass, also called “Dead Woman’s Pass.” This pass stands at 4,215 meters above sea level, the highest point of the trek.

From the summit, we will admire panoramic views of surrounding valleys and snowcapped peaks. After a short rest, we will descend on stone steps to our campsite in Pacaymayo. The downhill section requires careful attention but offers stunning views of waterfalls and mountain slopes. We will enjoy dinner and recover for the following day.

Day 3Pacaymayo – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna

This day will be filled with culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes. After breakfast, we will climb a second pass at 3,950 meters above sea level, near the ruins of Runkurakay. These circular structures were ancient Inca watchtowers.

We will then descend to explore Sayacmarca, a mysterious archaeological site with narrow passages, water channels, and plazas. Continuing along stone paths, we will reach Phuyupatamarka, known as “the Town Above the Clouds,” offering stunning views of snowcapped peaks and the Urubamba Valley.

In the afternoon, we will hike down long stairways to Wiñay Wayna. This site, with its terraces and temples, is considered one of the most beautiful Inca complexes. We will camp nearby and prepare for the highlight of the journey the next morning.

Day 4Wiñayhuayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco

We will wake up early to reach Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, before sunrise. From here, we will enjoy our first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu at 2,430 meters above sea level. The morning light will reveal the citadel in all its glory.

After entering the site, we will take a guided tour of temples, terraces, and sacred plazas. We will learn about Inca engineering, astronomy, and daily life. After exploring, we will have free time to walk around and take photographs from unique viewpoints.

At the designated time, we will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes. From here, we will board the train to Ollantaytambo and transfer back to Cusco, ending our Inca Trail adventure.

Experiential Tourism Sacred Valley of the Incas

alex P

Experiential Tourism Sacred Valley of the Incas

Ramirez F.

Price

From$685

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Includes

Professional bilingual tour guide (English/Spanish).
Assistant guide for groups larger than 8 people.
Pre-departure briefing in Cusco.
Hotel pickup in Cusco.
Transportation from Cusco to Km 82 (Inca Trail starting point).
Entrance ticket to the Inca Trail.
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Expedition or similar service).
Bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.
Private transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
Porters to carry camping equipment and food.
Camping equipment
Cooking equipment and professional chef.
All meals during the trek (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, and snacks).
Vegetarian or special diets upon request.
First-aid kit and oxygen bottle.
Emergency assistance during the trek.

Excludes

Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Sleeping bag (available for rent).
Trekking poles (available for rent)
Breakfast on Day 1.
Lunch and dinner on Day 4 in Aguas Calientes or Cusco.
Personal travel insurance.
Tips for guides, porters, and cook.
Personal expenses (drinks, snacks, souvenirs, etc.).

Complementaries

Umbrella
Sunscreen
T-Shirt
Entrance Fees

Gallery

Woman viewing the citadel of Machu Picchu.

View of the Machu Picchu citadel from the inside.

Vicuña eating grass at the citadel of Machu Picchu.

Faq’s

Do we need a permit to hike the Inca Trail?

Yes, permits are mandatory. They are limited to 500 people per day and must be booked months in advance.

How difficult is the Inca Trail 4D?

The trail is moderate to challenging. We will hike up to 13 kilometers daily with steep ascents and descents

What is the highest altitude on this trek?

The highest point is Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215 meters above sea level. Proper acclimatization in Cusco is strongly recommended.

Do we need prior trekking experience?

No prior experience is required, but good physical condition will make the journey more enjoyable. Training hikes are advised.

What kind of food will we eat on the trek?

We will enjoy freshly prepared meals daily, including Peruvian and international dishes. Vegetarian or special diets can be arranged.

Where will we sleep during the trek?

We will sleep in high-quality camping tents provided by the operator. Sleeping bags can be rented in Cusco.

Will porters carry our belongings?

Yes, porters will carry camping gear and part of personal belongings. We should carry a daypack with essentials.

What should we carry in our daypack?

We should carry water, snacks, sunscreen, camera, rain gear, passport, and personal items for the day.

When is the best time to hike the Inca Trail?

The dry season, from April to October, is the best time. May and September are ideal with fewer crowds.

Inca Trail

Description of Tour