Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure along the Inca Trail, where you’ll experience breathtaking landscapes, ancient Inca sites, and the unmatched beauty of Machu Picchu. This 4-day trek offers a mix of challenging hikes, cultural exploration, and stunning views of the Sacred Valley. From the first steps at Km 82 to the awe-inspiring sunrise over Machu Picchu, every day brings new discoveries and experiences, guided by knowledgeable experts who ensure your journey is both safe and enriching.
The trek is designed for travelers who seek adventure and culture, with comfortable campsites and delicious meals provided by a skilled team. Along the way, you’ll pass through iconic sites like Patallacta, Dead Woman’s Pass, and Wiñay Wayna, while taking in panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, lush jungles, and ancient ruins. Get ready to walk in the footsteps of the Incas and immerse yourself in one of the most famous hikes in the world.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Cusco – Piskacucho Km 82 – Llactapata – Ayapata
- Day 2: Dead Woman’s Pass – Runcuraccay Pass – Chaquiccocha
- Day 3: Chaquiccocha – Wiñaywayna
- Day 4: Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – The Lost City of the Incas
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Piskacucho Km 82 – Llactapata – Ayapata
Andean Routes will collect you at your hotel in Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo. Pickup times are approximately 4:00–4:30 AM from Cusco, 5:30–6:00 AM from Urubamba, and 6:30–7:00 AM from Ollantaytambo (final times confirmed at your briefing). After a hearty breakfast prepared by your cook, your guide will introduce you to the team at the Porter House in Ollantaytambo.
We then drive to Km 82 to pass through the first Inca Trail checkpoint. Please have your original passport ready for inspection. The first two hours follow a gentle uphill path to Patallacta, an ancient Inca checkpoint overseeing the approach to Machu Picchu.
From Patallacta, it’s another two-hour trek to our lunch spot beside a rushing mountain stream. After refueling, we hike 2½ hours through two small Andean hamlets—where you can pick up any last-minute snacks or batteries—to arrive at the Ayapata campsite (3,300 m) by 5:00 PM. Enjoy a hot drink and snack with the porters before a delicious dinner served at 7:30 PM, then rest up for tomorrow’s adventure.
Day 2: Dead Woman’s Pass – Runcu Raccay Pass – Chaquicocha
Your porters will wake you with coca tea before dawn. Today is the longest day, with a steep 4-hour climb to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m/13,829 ft). Pause at the summit to admire the panoramic views of the Vilcabamba range, then descend into the lush Pacaymayu Valley (“Hidden River”).
After a 1½-hour descent to lunch, we refill water bottles and begin a two-hour ascent to the second pass, stopping at the small Inca site of Runcu Raccay to marvel at twin waterfalls. From there, it’s a one-hour downhill to Sayacmarca, an “inaccessible” Inca settlement perched on a cliff. Explore its terraces before continuing 20 minutes to our campsite at Chaquicocha (3,600 m), where dinner awaits. If you’re up for it, stargaze under Southern Hemisphere skies and learn about Inca constellations.
Day 3: Chaquicocha – Wiñay Wayna
Today is often called the most spectacular section of the trail. After breakfast at 6:30 AM, we traverse “Inca Flat”—a gentle, two-hour stretch—entering the Cloud Forest. Enjoy views of Salkantay, the Sacred Valley’s second-highest peak, and the winding Urubamba River below.
We then climb to Phuyupatamarka (“Town in the Clouds”, 3,600 m) for sweeping vistas before descending through stone stairways to lunch at Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young”). This site is the trail’s most impressive Inca ruin, with expansive terraces and water channels. Arrive around 1:00 PM to rest, then at 4:30 PM your guide will lead you on a 90-minute tour of Wiñay Wayna, tying together all the historical insights you’ve gathered. In the evening, partake in the traditional Inca Trail ceremony to honor the porters and chefs—tips may be given at this time. Get a good night’s sleep for the final push to Machu Picchu.
Day 4: Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – The Lost City Of The Incas
Rise at 3:30 AM and enjoy a quick breakfast at 4:00 AM. We’ll wave farewell to our support team and head to the checkpoint to be among the first through at 5:30 AM. From there, trek to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for breathtaking dawn views of Machu Picchu.
By 6:30 AM, arrive at Inti Punku, then descend one hour into the Lost City of the Incas. At about 7:40 AM we enter for a two-hour private guided exploration of temples, terraces, and plazas. After your tour, you’ll receive your bus tickets down to Aguas Calientes, where optional lunch in a local restaurant can be arranged.
Your guide will distribute train tickets for the Expedition class departure at 3:20 PM or 4:22 PM. Please arrive on the platform 30 minutes early. Enjoy the two-hour scenic ride back to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, where our driver will be waiting to return you to your hotel in Cusco.
Inclusions
Included
- Professional Guides
- Permits to Machu Picchu
- Briefing
- A Porter for your Personal Belongings
- Sleeping Bag
- Trekking Chef and Food
- Water
- Equipment
- Hotel to Hotel Service
- Transportation and Train Service
- First Aid
Not Included
- Inflatable Air Mattress: $15
- Walking Sticks (Pair): $15
Before You Go
Data about Peru
Peru is a country of great cultural and geographic diversity, located on the western coast of South America. The official language is Spanish, spoken by the majority of the population.
Peru’s official currency is the sol (PEN), which is accepted throughout the country. Additionally, there are many currency exchange houses in the main cities and tourist areas, where travelers can exchange currencies such as the U.S. dollar, the euro, the Japanese yen, among others.
Peru is world-renowned for its rich cultural heritage, spanning from ancient Andean civilizations like the Incas to the Spanish influence that left its mark on the country’s architecture, cuisine, and traditions. Its economy is one of the most dynamic in Latin America, and Peruvian fashion, influenced by its textile traditions, has gained international recognition, especially for its alpaca and innovative designs using natural and sustainable materials.
The climate in Peru varies greatly by region: the coast has a desert climate, the Andean areas are cold, while the Amazon rainforest enjoys a warm and humid climate year-round. Each region has its own charm and is an invitation to explore not only the landscapes but also the cuisine, history, and traditions that make this country a unique destination.
Arriving in Cusco
The Cusco airport is exclusively equipped for domestic flights. Therefore, all international travelers must land in Lima and go through Customs. Although your flight to Cusco may be operated by the same airline and on the same day, you will need to collect your luggage in Lima and recheck it for the flight to Cusco.
Flying is the quickest and most comfortable option to reach Cusco, with several airlines operating this route. While LAN is usually the most expensive, it offers many alternatives and schedules to fit your planning.
Weather in Cusco
The weather in Cusco is primarily temperate and dry, with a rainy season from November to March. During the dry season, from April to October, daytime temperatures are more pleasant, but nights can be cold due to the altitude. Daytime temperatures typically range between 15°C and 20°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop to 0°C or below.
Altitude
When booking a trip to Cusco, it is natural to have concerns about altitude sickness. Cusco’s altitude means that the air contains less oxygen, which forces your body to work harder to obtain the necessary oxygen.
It is recommended that you spend at least two days in Cusco before starting any treks in the Andes to allow your body to acclimate. Cusco is a fascinating city, full of activities, so you won’t be bored during your acclimatization period.
Altitude sickness can initially present with symptoms similar to those of a cold or hangover. Symptoms include headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, dizziness, sleep problems, and difficulty breathing during exercise. If symptoms worsen, it is important to contact our office so that we can assist you and arrange for a medical consultation.
Generally, the symptoms are mild, so it is recommended to take things slowly to allow your body to adjust. Stay well hydrated by drinking water or coca tea, which has been used for centuries to prevent the effects of altitude sickness. Coca leaves contain alkaloids that help oxygen circulate in the blood. Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and coffee, as they dehydrate the body. It is also important to avoid smoking and taking sleeping pills, as these hinder oxygen absorption.
Remember that the trek to Machu Picchu is not a race. Even the fittest individuals can experience altitude sickness if they rush too much. Go slowly and allow your body to adjust to the altitude.
Your doctor may recommend medications such as acetazolamide to prevent altitude sickness, which you should begin taking two days before reaching high altitude.
Group Tours
Group tours may include people with varying hiking abilities and ages. When joining one of these tours, be prepared for the group’s pace to vary, as some participants may move faster or slower than you. Everyone can walk at their own pace, and the guide will work to ensure that everyone enjoys the experience. The groups may request some modifications to the itinerary, and the guide will make the best decisions to ensure everyone’s comfort.
Strikes and Protests
Unfortunately, strikes are common in Peru and can disrupt tour itineraries. Protests may block roads or halt trains. In the event that these issues arise, we will ensure that your itinerary continues as planned, even if this means departing earlier than expected. If it becomes necessary to cancel any tour, our operations team will contact you to coordinate the best possible solutions. The safety of our clients is always our priority.
Lost Items
You are responsible for your belongings throughout the journey. We recommend that you pay attention to where you leave your items and make sure to collect everything from our vans, camps, or restaurants. Do not leave your belongings unattended, as it is possible that other travelers may pick them up without knowing who they belong to.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is an affordable and highly recommended option. Although trips are planned months in advance, there is always the possibility of unforeseen events.
Adventure travel carries a higher risk, so having adequate insurance will protect your investment. If you wish, we can help you contact an insurance agent who can advise you on the proper coverage.
First Aid
Every guide from Travels to Machu Picchu has been trained in first aid by medical professionals. We conduct annual training sessions to stay updated and prepared for any emergency. During the tour, each guide carries a first aid kit with basic medications, such as those for traveler’s diarrhea, as well as oxygen.
If you ever feel that you cannot continue the trek, our guides will know the safest and quickest way to get you to a place where you can receive medical attention. We will never leave you alone; there will always be a team member who will accompany you until you are in the hands of a doctor. If necessary, we will ensure that you can visit Machu Picchu at a later time and rejoin your group.
Environmental Impact
At Travels to Machu Picchu, we are committed to respecting the environment. We use biodegradable soap and take care of transporting all our trash back to Cusco. Our porters are trained to take care of the trails and collect any waste they may find from other groups. Additionally, we use eco-friendly portable toilets, which allow us to pack up waste and leave no trace in the natural surroundings. We believe in the importance of practicing responsible and sustainable tourism.
Packing List
Recommendations
- Umbrella: A compact, wind-resistant umbrella to shield you from unpredictable mountain showers.
- Sunscreen: Broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen to protect against intense high-altitude UV rays.
- Trekking Boots: Waterproof, well-broken-in boots for stability on rocky Inca Trail paths.
- Rain Jacket: Lightweight, breathable shell to keep you dry during sudden downpours.
- Hydration System: A 2-liter water bladder or durable water bottle to refill at clean fountain stops.
- Insect Repellent: DEET-based repellent to ward off jungle insects in the Cloud Forest.
- Layered Clothing: Moisture-wicking base layers and insulating mid-layers for changing temperatures.
- Wide-Brim Hat: Sun-protective hat to shield face and neck from strong Andean sun.
- Sunglasses: UV-protected eyewear to reduce glare and protect your eyes.
- Snacks & Energy Bars: High-calorie trail mix or protein bars for quick energy boosts between meals.
- Cash (Soles): Local currency for small purchases—batteries, snacks, or tips; no need to carry large sums.
- First Aid Kit: Bandages, blister pads, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
- Headlamp with Extra Batteries: Hands-free lighting for pre-dawn starts and nighttime reading.
- Quick-Dry Towel: Compact microfiber towel for campsite comfort and hygiene.
- Camera or Smartphone: For capturing the breathtaking landscapes—bring extra memory cards.
Price
Join us on this unforgettable 4-day adventure along the Inca Trail for USD 620 per person. This price includes everything you need for a seamless and memorable experience: transportation, professional guides, permits, food, and more.
Please note that this tour requires a minimum of two participants. Gather your friends or family and embark on this incredible journey together!
Enquire Now
Thank you for considering Travels to Machu Picchu for your next adventure in Peru. To provide you with a tailored experience, we invite you to fill out our short form. One of our travel advisors will provide you with all the information you need to enjoy an unforgettable journey.
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