Inca Trail To Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights

After waking up at 5:30am (or 5:00 depending on your guide) and having breakfast, we will start a steep ascent towards the highest pass (Dead Woman’s Pass at 4200m/13779ft). On this day, a real sense of achievement is felt upon reaching the top! After a rest here, we begin the descent to our lunch stop, which is located at Pacaymayu (3550m/11646ft). On the way up to the pass, we will be able to see lots of hummingbirds and other birds. We will have the time to appreciate an incredible variety of native plants and trees; such as the ´Polylepis´ or Q’ueuña trees, which grow in the astonishing cloud forest located at 3650/11972m!!

After lunch, begins the second two-hour steep climb to Runkuraqay pass (almost 4000 meters). We arrive at our campsite around 5 pm. Temperatures at this campsite are around 4ºC/39ºF during the nights.

This is the most impressive day, so just keep thinking about that on the ascent on day 2! We wake up for breakfast at 6am and start the day with a gentle climb to visit the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca (Town in the Clouds), and reach the third highest point on the trail (3680m). The views of the mountains, canyons and surrounding areas are spectacular!

The Incan site of ‘Phuyupatamarca’, is located a few minutes’ walk from the third pass and after visiting this, we continue walking (3000 steps) through the cloud forest and the impressive agricultural Incan site of ‘Intipata’ until we arrive at our third campsite Wiñay Wayna (2680m/8792ft). Today, we will only walk about 4 to 5 hours and arrive to camp by lunchtime! A short distance from this campsite, is located the Incan site of the same name, Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young). Even if you are tired after your day’s trek, don’t miss out on visiting the most impressive site on the trail.

Temperatures during the night are about 12ºC/54ºF.

We leave the last campsite at about 5:30am on the final day (breakfast is around 3:30-4:00am). It is an early start in order to get to ‘Inti Punku’ (‘Sun gate’) (2730m/8792ft) before sunrise. This is the place where you will have your first stunning view of Machu Picchu (2400m/7873ft), with the sun rising over it! After some time there, we will walk down the last part of the trail to a spot where you can take the classic picture postcard shot of this ancient city. Finally, we visit Machu Picchu itself!

After the tour you have time to explore Machu Picchu at your own leisure before returning to Aguas Calientes by bus. From here you will take the train to Ollantaytambo where a bus to Cusco will be waiting for you.

All locations or itineraries are subject to change depending on time of bookings, and campsites provided by INC (institution that runs the Inca Trail).

The classic route of the Inca Trail stretches approximately 26 miles (42 kilometers)and is typically completed over a period of four days, allowing trekkers to explore the magnificent scenery and historical elements along the way.

Absolutely! To hike the Inca Trail, you must obtain a permit. These permits are limited to about 500 per day (including guides and porters), making early booking essential—ideally several months in advance.

The prime hiking season for the Inca Trail falls between April and October, coinciding with Peru’s dry season. June through August is the peak season, attracting more trekkers due to favorable weather conditions.

A moderate level of fitness is recommended for the Inca Trail. While you don’t need to be an expert hiker, some sections can be challenging due to significant altitude changes and varying terrain

When preparing for your trek, essential items to include are:

• Sturdy hiking boots
• Daypack
• Layers of clothing for diverse weather
• Rain gear for unexpected showers
• Water purification tablets
• Nutritious snacks
• Sleeping bag for comfortable camping

There are no established age limits for the Inca Trail. However, children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult, and some tour operators may enforce their own age restrictions.

A typical Inca Trail tour package includes:

• Permits and entry fees
• Guided tours
• Meals throughout the trek
• Camping equipment and gear
• Porter support
• Transportation to the trailhead 

Our organized tours provide well-prepared meals by a designated cook accompanying the group. Be sure to communicate any dietary restrictions upon booking to ensure your needs are accommodated.

With peaks reaching 13,828 feet (4,215 meters), altitude can be challenging on the Inca Trail. It’s crucial to acclimatize by spending a few days in Cusco before your trek to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.

If permits for the Inca Trail sell out, consider alternative routes like the Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, or Inca Jungle Trek, all of which offer stunning views and lead to Machu Picchu.