4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Trip Description
Live an unforgettable adventure with Suyarq Peru and discover the magic of the Inca Trail like never before.
The classic 4-day, 3-night Inca Trail is the most iconic trekking route to Machu Picchu, a unique experience that combines adventure, ancient history, and breathtaking landscapes in the heart of the Andes. Along the way, you will pass through several complexes that showcase the engineering, spirituality, and organization of the Inca Empire:
- Patallacta (Llactapata)
The first major site on the trail. It was an agricultural and administrative center with well-organized terraces and structures. - Runkurakay
A small circular complex that likely functioned as a tambo (resting place) for Inca travelers. - Sayacmarca
Located on a mountain peak, it is one of the most impressive sites. Its name means “inaccessible town.” - Phuyupatamarca
“City above the clouds.” It offers spectacular views and features water fountains, terraces, and channels. - Intipata
Famous for its extensive agricultural terraces perfectly adapted to the mountain. - Wiñay Wayna
One of the most beautiful and best-preserved sites. It combines agriculture, housing, and ceremonial spaces. - Intipunku (Sun Gate)
The final point of the Inca Trail. From here you get the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu at sunrise.
Suyarq Peru is an ideal option if you want to experience the Inca Trail and other destinations in an organized, safe, and enriching way.
Tour Itinerary
Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba
The tour begins with pick-up from your hotel between 04:00 a.m. and 04:30 a.m. We will then travel by bus to kilometer 82 in Piskacucho, the starting point of the hike. Along the way, we will stop in Ollantaytambo for about 30 minutes, where you can have breakfast, use the restrooms, and make last-minute purchases.
Upon arriving at kilometer 82 (2,720 m / 8,923 ft), you will need to present your original passport. If you have a student rate, you must also show your valid ID card.
To start the hike, we will cross the Urubamba River and follow the trail. The first day is relatively easy, ideal for acclimatization. During the hike, you will be able to appreciate a great variety of flora and fauna, as well as important archaeological sites like Huillca Raccay and Llactapata. You will also see the Urubamba Mountain Range, which marks the transition between the jungle and the Andes, as well as the imposing snow-capped Wakay Willka mountain (5,860 m / 19,225 ft), also known as Veronica.
The first campsite will be set up near the village of Wayllabamba (3,000 m / 9,842 ft), in the valley of the same name. Nighttime temperatures usually drop to approximately 10 °C (50 °F).
Meals: Lunch, tea, and dinner.
Accommodation: Campsite
Distance: 8 km
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.
Wayllabamba – Pacaymayo
We will wake up early (06:00 a.m.) and, after breakfast, begin a steep climb towards the highest point of the entire route: the Warmihuañusca Pass (Dead Woman’s Pass), located at 4,200 m.a.s.l. (13,779 ft). During this day we will ascend approximately 1,200 m (3,936 ft), making it a true challenge.
After a well-deserved rest at the summit, we will begin the descent to our campsite in Pacaymayo, situated at 3,550 m.a.s.l. (11,646 ft).
On the way to the pass, we will be able to observe a great variety of hummingbirds and other birds. In addition, we will have time to appreciate various endemic plants and trees such as the Queuña (Polylepis), which grow in the impressive cloud forest around 3,650 m (11,972 ft).
The temperature at the campsite can drop to approximately 6 °C (43 °F) during the night.
Meals: Breakfast, water, lunch, snack, tea, and dinner
Accommodation: Campsite
Distance: 12 km
Difficulty: Moderate / Challenging
Pacaymayo – Wiñay Wayna
This is one of the most impressive days of the trek. We will wake up early (06:00 a.m.) to enjoy breakfast and start the day with an ascent to the Runcuracay archaeological site. We will continue until reaching the second highest point of the trail, the Runcuracay Pass (4,000 m.a.s.l. / 13,123 ft), from where we will have beautiful views of the mountains and surroundings.
We will then begin the descent towards the Inca archaeological site of Sayacmarca. After visiting it, the route continues through a stunning cloud forest, followed by a new ascent to the third highest point of the day (3,680 m.a.s.l. / 12,073 ft).
In this section of the trail, the scenery is especially enchanting. We will visit the Phuyupatamarca archaeological site, whose name means “City in the clouds,” located just minutes from the third pass. Following the visit, we will continue with a steep descent through the cloud forest to Intipata, an important Inca agricultural site.
Finally, we will arrive at our campsite in Wiñay Wayna (2,680 m.a.s.l. / 8,792 ft). Nearby is the archaeological site of the same name, which means “Forever young.” Even if you feel tired, it is worth visiting after a brief rest, as it is a place of great beauty and spectacular views.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, tea, and dinner
Accommodation: Campsite
Distance: 16 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Machu Picchu – Cusco
We will start this last day very early with breakfast at 04:00 a.m. Afterwards, we will head to the checkpoint, which opens at 05:30 a.m.
From there we will begin an approximately 1.5-hour hike towards Inti Punku (Sun Gate), located at 2,730 m.a.s.l. (8,792 ft). From this point, you will be able to enjoy the first panoramic views of Machu Picchu (2,400 m / 7,873 ft), including the spectacular sunrise over the citadel.
After some time at this spot, we will continue walking the last stretch to the viewpoint where you get the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu.
Finally, we will take a guided tour inside the citadel, lasting approximately 2 hours, where the guide will explain the most important aspects of the site.
Upon completion, we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch. Then, you will receive your train ticket to return to the city of Cusco.
Day Details
- Meals: Breakfast + drinking water
- Distance: 6 km
- Difficulty: Easy
Included
- Briefing (the day before)
- Professional English-Spanish speaking guide
- Hotel pick-up
- Entrance to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
- Professional chef
- Meals:
- 3 breakfasts
- 3 lunches
- 3 dinners
- Camping equipment:
- Dining tent
- Kitchen tent
- Tables and chairs
- Igloo-style tents (2 people) + sleeping pad
- Porters (for equipment and food)
- Bus down: Machu Picchu → Aguas Calientes
- Return train: Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo
- Bus: Ollantaytambo → Cusco (hotel)
Not Included
- Sleeping bag rental: $25 USD
- First breakfast and last lunch
- Extra porter (up to 12 kg): $150 USD
- Trekking poles: $15 USD
- Travel insurance
- Services or activities not specified in the program.
Recommendations
- Backpack (60 liters recommended)
- Original ID / student card
- Sleeping bag (rental optional)
- Trekking shoes
- Raincoat or rain poncho
- Warm clothing (hat and gloves)
- Comfortable clothing (t-shirts and pants)
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen (SPF 70 recommended)
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottles
- Personal hygiene items
- Personal medication
- Flashlight + spare batteries
- At the passenger’s expense
- Personal backpack
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad / mat
Tour Rates
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