Inca Trail 4 days 3 nights
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is much more than a hike: it is a journey into the heart of the Inca Empire. For four days, travelers will walk ancient trails through mountains, valleys, and jungles, following the footsteps of one of the most remarkable civilizations in the world. Along the way, they will discover hidden temples, sacred terraces, and ancient ceremonial sites such as Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and Wiñaywayna, until reaching the legendary Intipunku, the Sun Gate, where the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu is revealed before their eyes.
A transformative experience that Travel in Peru turns into a safe, magical, and unforgettable adventure.
The most important part
- Hike the legendary Inca Trail, one of the most famous trekking routes in the world.
- Begin the journey at Km 82 (Piscacucho), the official entry point to the Inca Trail network.
- Discover ancient archaeological sites such as Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and Wiñaywayna.
- Conquer the legendary Warmiwañusca Pass (4,250 m), the highest point of the trek with spectacular views.
- Cross diverse ecosystems, from cold Andean valleys to the warm tropical jungle.
- Experience a unique connection with nature and Inca history.
- Arrive at dawn at Intipunku (Sun Gate) and admire the majestic Machu Picchu for the first time.
- Finish with a full guided tour of the Inca Citadel, exploring its temples, terraces, and viewpoints.
- Enjoy the professional organization of Travel in Peru, which guarantees safety, comfort, and an unforgettable experience.
Travel itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Llactapata – Huayllabamba
TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARD MACHU PICCHU AND THE GREAT ANDES ADVENTURE!
Early in the morning, you’ll depart for Km 82, the starting point of the Inca Trail. There, you’ll go through the entrance control and meet the team that will accompany you on the expedition. The hike begins with an easy section surrounded by Andean vegetation, cacti, and small farms. Then, you’ll visit the archaeological site of Llactapata, an ancient Inca agricultural settlement built on terraces.
After lunch at Tayaroc, you’ll continue for about three more hours until Huayllabamba, a small village surrounded by mountains, where you’ll camp and enjoy dinner under a starry sky.
- Tourist bus for the entire tour route
- Professional bilingual tour guide
- Breakfast and lunch during the tour
- 5 to 6 hours
- Huayllabamba (3,000 m / 9,842 ft)
Day 2: Huayllabamba – Warmiwañusca – Pacaymayo
THE TOUGHEST DAY, BUT ALSO THE MOST INSPIRING ON THE INCA TRAIL!
After breakfast, you will begin the most challenging ascent of the trek. The trail rises through a beautiful Andean forest until reaching Warmiwañusca Pass (4,250 m / 13,944 ft), known as the “Dead Woman’s Pass.” From this point, you will enjoy spectacular views of the valley and surrounding snow-capped mountains. You may spot birds such as hummingbirds or hawks along the way.
After a well-deserved rest at the top, you will descend to the Pacaymayo Valley, where you will set up camp, have dinner, and rest after a day of effort and reward.
- Tour bus for the entire tour route
- Professional bilingual tour guide
- Breakfast and lunch during the tour
- 6 to 7 hours
- Warmiwañusca Pass (4,250 m / 13,943 ft)
Day 3: Pacaymayo – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna
THE TRAIL TURNS MAGICAL: FROM THE ANDES TO THE JUNGLE!
The day begins with a climb to the ruins of Runkurakay, an ancient Inca checkpoint. Then you will continue to Sayacmarca, a settlement with walls, stairways, and panoramic views of the valley. After lunch at Chaquicocha, the landscape transitions from a dry climate to a high jungle environment, covered in lush vegetation. Later, you will visit Phuyupatamarca, “the town above the clouds,” one of the most impressive sites on the trail.
Finally, you will hike to Wiñaywayna, where you will camp and enjoy your last dinner on the route.
- Tour bus for the entire tour route
- Professional bilingual tour guide
- Buffet breakfast and lunch during the tour
- 7 to 8 hours
- Runkurakay Pass (3,800 m / 12,467 ft)
Day 4: Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
MACHU PICCHU’S SUNRISE AWAITS YOU – EXPERIENCE THE MOST ANTICIPATED MOMENT!
The day starts very early, walking from Wiñaywayna to Intipunku (Sun Gate) to witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu, a moment full of excitement and reward. From this viewpoint, you will enjoy the first panoramic view of the citadel before descending for your guided tour of approximately two hours, exploring temples, plazas, terraces, and agricultural sectors that reveal the grandeur of the Inca Empire.
After the tour, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time to have lunch or rest. In the afternoon, you will board the train to Ollantaytambo and continue by bus to Cusco, concluding an unforgettable journey along the legendary Inca Trail.
- Train and tourist bus
- Professional bilingual tour guide
- Entrance fees to the sites visited
- Breakfast during the tour
- 4 to 5 hours
- Intipunku (2,720 m / 8,923 ft)
Price and inclusions
Each 4-day / 3-night Inca Trail program is created exclusively and personally, taking into account the number of participants, the accommodation category, and the activities you wish to include. Therefore, the final cost may vary depending on your preferences and the level of service requested.
Our team of travel and Andean operations experts will design a tailored experience, attending to every detail to ensure comfort, safety, and authenticity throughout the entire journey. If you have a set budget, please let us know, and we will develop a proposal adapted to your needs, guaranteeing the best possible experience on the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
The price includes
- Pre-trek briefing session.
- Private transportation from Cusco to the starting point (Km 82).
- Accredited professional guide (in Spanish or English).
- Official entrance tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
- Porters for camping equipment and food.
- Cook and full kitchen team.
- Full meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- Camping equipment: dining tent, kitchen tent, tables, chairs, and utensils.
- Personal tent for two people and basic sleeping mat.
- Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes bus ticket (descent).
- Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Bus transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
- Continuous assistance throughout the entire tour.
Not included
- Sleeping bag (can be rented in advance).
- Trekking poles (optional, available for rent).
- First breakfast and last lunch (in Aguas Calientes).
- Bottled drinks and personal snacks.
- Tips for guides, cooks, and porters.
- Travel insurance or personal expenses.
- Optional ascent to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu.