INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS

Your adventure on the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel between 6:00 – 6:30 AM. After an optional breakfast, you'll embark on a scenic 2 to 2.5-hour drive through the breathtaking Sacred Valley to reach Km 82, the official starting point of the Inca Trail. Upon arrival, you'll need to present your Inca Trail permit, original passport, and ISIC card (if applicable) before beginning the trek.

From Km 82, we start our first 2-hour hike to Miskay, where we’ll take a break and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our experienced trekking team. This section of the trail is relatively flat, allowing you to appreciate the stunning Andean landscapes and diverse flora along the way.

After lunch, we continue hiking for another two hours towards Wayllabamba (3,000 m / 9,842 ft), our first campsite. Arriving around 5:00 PM, you’ll have time to relax before savoring a nutritious dinner at 6:30 PM, expertly prepared by our professional chef. Afterward, you can unwind and rest in your comfortable tent, preparing for the exciting trek ahead.

Your second day on the Classic Inca Trail begins with an early wake-up call at 5:30 AM, accompanied by a warm cup of traditional coca tea to help you acclimate to the altitude. After a nourishing breakfast at 6:00 AM, we set off on the most challenging yet rewarding section of the trek.

At 6:30 AM, we begin our 7-kilometer ascent, which takes approximately 5 hours, leading us to the highest point of the trail: Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca) at 4,600 m (15,092 ft). This breathtaking vantage point offers panoramic views of the surrounding Andean peaks. It is also a spiritually significant location, as legend speaks of a female presence guarding the mountain.

After taking in the spectacular scenery, we start our 2-hour descent toward Pacaymayo (3,600 m / 11,811 ft), our second campsite. Upon arrival, we will finally enjoy a well-deserved lunch after an intense yet fulfilling 7-hour trekking day. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax and recover before gathering for a hearty dinner at 6:30 PM. As the night falls over the Andean highlands, we settle into our tents, keeping warm under cozy blankets in preparation for the next day’s adventure.

Your third day on the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu begins at 6:00 AM with a refreshing wake-up call, followed by a nutritious breakfast at 6:30 AM. By 7:00 AM, we set off on what is considered the most scenic and culturally enriching day of the trek, as we will visit three remarkable Inca archaeological sites along the route.

The first challenge of the day is a 1-hour ascent to the Runkurakay ruins (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), an ancient Inca watchtower with breathtaking views. We continue hiking for another hour, reaching the Runkurakay Pass (4,000 m / 13,123 ft)—the second-highest point of the Inca Trail. From here, the terrain becomes easier as we descend 45 minutes to Sayacmarca (3,580 m / 11,745 ft), an impressive fortress overlooking the cloud forest.

After exploring Sayacmarca, we continue trekking for 25 minutes to Chaq’icocha (3,600 m / 11,811 ft), where we enjoy a well-deserved lunch surrounded by stunning Andean landscapes. The adventure continues with a 1-hour trek to Phuyupatamarca (3,600 m / 11,811 ft), known as the “Town Above the Clouds.” This is the last major Inca ruin of the day before we descend toward our final campsite.

A 2-hour descent brings us to Wiñay Wayna (2,600 m / 8,530 ft), our last campsite. Here, our talented chef will prepare a special buffet dinner at 6:30 PM as we celebrate with our porters and cooking team. If you still have energy, you can explore the nearby Wiñay Wayna archaeological site, a stunning complex of terraces, temples, and water fountains just 5 minutes from the campsite—a magical experience before your final day’s trek to Machu Picchu!

On the final day of your Inca Trail adventure, we wake up very early at 3:30 AM to prepare for the most anticipated part of the trek—arriving at Machu Picchu! After a quick breakfast at 4:00 AM, we start hiking towards the first checkpoint, which opens at 5:30 AM.

Once we clear the checkpoint, we continue hiking for one hour to reach the legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku). From this vantage point, you’ll witness your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu, with the majestic Andes Mountains and lush cloud forests framing the scene. We take 20 minutes to soak in the magical sunrise before descending 10 minutes to enter the Lost City of the Incas – Machu Picchu.

Exploring Machu Picchu

From 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, your expert tour guide will lead you through the most significant areas of Machu Picchu, exploring its sacred temples, terraces, royal quarters, and ceremonial sites. After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to wander through the ancient citadel, capture stunning photos, and absorb the mystical energy of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After your exploration, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you can relax and enjoy the town before boarding the Expedition Train at 6:30 PM. The scenic train ride to Ollantaytambo takes approximately 2 hours, followed by a comfortable bus transfer back to Cusco, arriving at 10:30 PM.