- HOME
- AUSANGATE TREKS
- INCA TRAILS
- MACHU PICCHU
- ALTERNATIVE HIKES
- CUSCO DAY TOURS
- ABOUT US
Tour Map
The great adventure of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is for those who live with passion, always looking for a new experience! This is a fascinating dream to fulfill and is the most famous hike in all of South America. The beauty of the views and archaeological sites surrounding our classic Inca Trail 4 days to Machu Picchu are unsurpassed. This tour is ideal for those who are full of energy to hike to Machu Picchu on the trip of a lifetime!
As you set out on your 4-day adventure through the mountains and lush jungle, you will feel the thrill of knowing that you will witness incredible views. Your hike will start in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, in the picturesque community of Piscacucho, about two and a half hours from Cusco. You will witness some interesting archeological sites like Llactapata. You’ll head to the highest part of the hike, Dead Woman’s Pass, before descending into the rainforest where the wonder of Machu Picchu lies.
Along the rest of the route you’ll see some truly impressive local flora and fauna, including over 250 types of orchids, 450 species of birds and perhaps the spectacled bear, on which Paddington was based. You will also make a stop at other fascinating archaeological sites, such as Runkurakay, Sayaqmarka, Phuyupatamarka, Intipata, Wiñay Wayna and Inti Punku.
Classic Inca Trail 4 days, begins with pickup at your Cusco hotel early in the morning by private transportation. You should have breakfast at your hotel or bring some snacks. Our first stop will be the “living Inca village” of Ollantaytambo after approximately 1.5 hours of travel, where you will have time for last minute shopping or a quick breakfast if you missed it in Cusco. Then we will continue to Piscacucho (also known as Kilometer 82) where the Classic Inca Trail begins.
Upon arrival at KM 82 (2700m/8858m), it is necessary to present entrance tickets, original passports and student card (if applicable). Crossing the Urubamba River, we begin our Inca Trail hike up from the beautiful Sacred Valley, watching as the river grows smaller beneath us.
We walk through the typical dry forest where prickly pears and other cacti grow, as well as the tara tree. We will walk about 3 hours (6 km / 3.7 miles) to Llactapata, the first archaeological site of our trip. From there, another 4 km (2.5 miles) of gentle uphill through farmland takes us to Huayllabamba (also spelled Wayllabamba, 3000 m / 9842 ft) and our camp for the night.
On the second day we will begin what is generally considered the most challenging day of the Classic Inca Trail 4 days to Machu Picchu. We got up early so we could get a good start to the day, but we generally left later than other groups to make sure we were warmed up and ready to tackle the highest point of the trail.
Leaving behind shepherd villages and farmland, we enter the subtropical forest and stop for an early lunch around Llulluchapampa (3,780 m / 12,402 ft). It is 3.5 km (2.2 miles) from the camp in Wayllabamba to Llulluchapampa, or approximately 2 hours of walking.
From here we will begin a steep climb towards the highest pass of the classic 4-day Inca Trail: the Abra de Warmihuañusca, or “Dead Woman’s Pass”, reaching an impressive 4,220 m (13,845 ft). Although the pass is only 1.5 km (0.9 mi), it takes us 2 hours to climb steeply. Yes it’s hard! One of the advantages of our slower day is that the porters should not rush past you as you pass the pass. You will feel an incredible sense of accomplishment when you reach the top!
After a short rest, we continue descending 600 m (1,968 ft) for 3 km (1.8 mi) through a very humid forest to the Pacaymayo overnight camp (3,620 m / 11,876 ft).
After another early breakfast, we walk to the beautiful Inca site of Runkurakay (3960 m / 12,992 ft), one of the checkpoints and the beginning of the original Royal Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, known as Qhapaq Ñan.
From here we continue towards Sayakmarka, one of the most beautiful Inca ruins on the Classic Inca Trail. From last night’s camp to Sayacmarca (3,620 m /11,877 ft) is about 3.5 km (2.2 miles), but there are a lot of ups and downs. After our tour of these ruins, we will continue to Chaquicocha (“dry lake” in Quechua) where we will have lunch.
After lunch, you will have a great time walking through the best section, in our humble opinion! – from the Inca trail to Machu Picchu 4 days. The hike from Chaquicocha to Phuyupatamarca takes approximately 1.5 hours, where you stop to take photographs, discover beautiful orchids, see hummingbirds and again have a view of the Sacred River, the Willka Mayu or the Urubamba River (also known as Vilcanota). We can also see caves and a tunnel near the trail.
An hour later we arrive at Phuyupatamarca (“town in the clouds”), the third highest point on the trail (3,680 m / 12,073 ft) where, if you are lucky, you can see stunning views of Salkantay Mountain.
After feasting our eyes for a moment, we continued downhill through the cloud forest. After the first 20 minutes, we will see one of the steepest stairs of the entire Inca Trail, carved into the rock. In total we descend for about 3 hours until we reach Wiñay Wayna (‘forever young’), our camp to spend the night.
Near the camp is the truly impressive Winay Wayna ruins, possibly the most beautiful ruins on the trail and certainly with spectacular views. No matter how tired you are, don’t miss out on seeing this marvel!
We will get up very early to reach Inti Punku (the Gate of the Sun; 2730 m/8,956 ft) early in the morning. This morning hike is the final part of the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and from Puerta del Sol you will have your first view of the enigmatic Machu Picchu. If we’re lucky, we’ll be able to see the sun rising over Machu Picchu from where we are!
After some time there, we will walk the last part of the trail to the place where you can take the classic photo of this ancient city (yes, you can meet others walking to this place from the ruins below!) From Inti Punku, we descend to Machu Picchu through the checkpoint where we registered and left our backpacks and then entered this famous city. We finally visited Machu Picchu! Your guide will give you a 2-hour walking tour of the historic citadel.
At this point you will return to Aguas Calientes, either on foot or by bus (the bus price is included in the price of your hike). Here you may want to explore the extensive markets of Aguas Calientes, but be aware that some prices may be double what you would find in Cusco for the same thing.
Sadly, your 4-day Inca Trail trip comes to an end, but not before enjoying spectacular views of the river and surrounding mountains as you travel from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo by train. The train ride takes approximately 2 hours, and upon arriving in Ollantaytambo, our private car will meet you to take you the rest of the way back to Cusco, where we will drop you off at your hotel.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and easy as possible. In this section you will find quick answers to all those questions you had about classic inca trail 4 days in one place. Please read the following information carefully; will help you with any questions about our services.
All briefings take place at your hotel at 6:30 p.m., one night before the tour begins. If you cannot attend, you must coordinate another schedule at the (Peru Travel Luxury) offices. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes and there they will give you a small canvas bag, in which you will store all the belongings that you intend to take on the walk and that will not be in your backpack.
You will receive a canvas case or duffle bag during the briefing. The muleteers will carry them along the road and deliver them to you when you arrive at each camp. They measure 66 cm / 2 feet long x 36 cm / 1 foot wide.
A maximum of 8 kg is allowed per canvas bag, in which you can put your clothes or personal items that you need to do this hike.
The trek has to be paid for in full by at least 7.30 pm two days before departure. For example, if your tour departs on a Wednesday, then you must come to our office before 7.30 pm on Monday.
It would be much appreciated if you pay the trek balance in cash US dollars or local currency. You can withdraw some money from several ATMs along Avenida Sol (either in US dollars or local Peruvian Soles). You can pay by credit card or PAYPAL online, but you will have to pay an 8% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. We do not accept bank checks or payment of the balance by traveler’s checks.
Of course! During the travel, your main luggage can be stored at our office(you can organize briefing day or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you are not going to need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags, put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (In the unlikely case of theft many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing all the items). Best put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Peru Travel Luxury company can pick you up from your hotel, as long as it’s in the Historic Center of Cusco. The pickup time will be coordinated with your guide in the briefing. The pickup time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to traffic. Cusco is a very old city, therefore, it has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs may be located on streets without access to cars or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. We strongly recommend that you book accommodation with good access.
Group tours are made up of different types of people. Physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route. It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, it will be the guide who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if said modifications can be made.
Strikes and demonstrations are usually frequent in Peru and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your excursion as planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date. Under these circumstances, tours may also be cancelled. In case of changes or cancellations, all situations will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority and our decisions will be made to protect it.
You’re responsible for your objects during the tour. Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our trucks, tents, or restaurants.
Walking the Inka Trail with our amazing guides Alex and Samuel, along with our amazing chefs and porters, was one of the best experiences of my life. Our guides were very knowledgeable, organized, accommodation, everything you could ask for. His passion for making this experience the best it could be was obvious. The meals were delicious, never served the same thing twice, lots of traditional dishes. Our porters made such hard work look easy and always had a friendly word for us when they passed us along the way. Our group had a wide range of experience and ability, yet our every need was not only met but well anticipated in advance. They all went above and beyond for us. Thanks to the Peru Travel Luxury Team for making this adventure a reality.
