CLASSIC INCA TRAIL (4 Dias)

PACKAGE DETAILS | Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Day 01-  Cusco | Piscacucho (KM 82) – Canabamba – Llactapata – Huayllabamba – Ayapata

Early Morning Pick-Up

Your incredible journey begins early as your guide and driver pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. If you’re in Urubamba, pick-up is between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m., and for Ollantaytambo, it’s between 6:30 and 7:00 a.m.

Breakfast and Trek Starting Point

From Cusco, you’ll travel for an hour and a half to Ollantaytambo for a scrumptious breakfast before heading to Piscacucho – KM 82, the starting point of the hike. Here, you’ll meet your trekking team of cooks and porters, who will accompany you throughout the adventure.

Initial Trek and Archaeological Sites

Your trek begins with a relatively easy walk to ease you into the journey. First, you’ll stop at Canabamba, where you’ll learn about the water canals and admire the La Veronica glacier. Next, visit Wilkarakay and the archaeological site of Llactapata, where you’ll see stone walls peeking through lush vegetation. Afterward, continue to Tarayoc for a delicious lunch.

Afternoon Hike and First Campsite

In the afternoon, hike for another three and a half hours to your first campsite at Ayapata (3,300 meters / 10,827 feet). Along the way, you’ll pass through small communities where you can stock up on any last-minute supplies.

Arrive at the campsite around 5:00 p.m. to rest, relax with a hot drink and snacks, and reflect on your day’s hike. Enjoy dinner around 7:30 p.m. before heading to bed for a good night’s rest, ready for the next day’s adventure.

Day 02 – Ayapata | Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayu – Runkurakay Pass – Sayaqmarka – Chaquiqocha

Early Morning Start

Wake up early with a hot cup of coca tea in your tent, an ancient remedy used since Inca times to combat altitude tiredness. Today’s trek is challenging and the toughest on the route, so enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel your journey.

Ascend to Dead Woman’s Pass

Begin your four-hour uphill hike to the highest point of the trek, Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 meters / 13,829 feet). From here, soak in the breathtaking views of the immense mountains and feel the spirit of the ancient Incas. Then, descend for one and a half hours to Pacaymayu, our lunch spot, where you can refill your water bottles.

Explore Runkurakay and Sayaqmarka

After lunch, ascend for about 45 minutes to the Inca site of Runkurakay, exploring the complex and observing waterfalls. Continue uphill for another 45 minutes to Runkurakay Pass, where you can rest and enjoy the stunning Andes views. Perform a small ceremony for Mother Earth before descending for about an hour to the archaeological site of Sayaqmarka, nearly inaccessible but worth the visit.

Reach Chaquiqocha Campsite

From Sayaqmarka, walk 25 more minutes to our campsite at Chaquiqocha (3,600 meters / 11,811 feet). After a delicious meal, take time to stargaze and learn about the Inca constellations under the clear Andean sky.

Day 03 – Chaquiqocha | Phuyupatamarka – Intipata – Wiñay Wayna

Morning Relaxation and Scenic Hike

After a good night’s rest, wake up at 6:30 a.m. and enjoy a hearty breakfast. Begin your day with an hour-and-a-half walk through the thickening jungle, marveling at the stunning contrast of the Salkantay glacier on one side and the lush jungle on the other. Take in the panoramic views of the Vilcabamba mountain range.

Ascend to Phuyupatamarka

Ascend to the final summit at Phuyupatamarka (3,650 meters / 11,975 feet), a mystical place above the clouds. Descend for two and a half hours to Intipata, a significant agricultural site with an impressive panoramic lookout over the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with the Urubamba River winding through it like a serpent.

Arrive at Wiñay Wayna Campsite

After another 30 minutes of walking, arrive at your campsite near the Wiñay Wayna archaeological site. Enjoy a well-deserved lunch before exploring the site, named “forever young,” one of the most impressive stops on the route. Your guide will bring the site to life, helping you imagine what it was like hundreds of years ago.

Evening Celebration and Farewell

Back at camp, enjoy a small celebration with your trekking team of guides, porters, and cooks. Reflect on their hard work and dedication throughout the trek, and take this opportunity to thank them with a tip. Say goodbye to your porters and prepare for an early bedtime, as you’ll be up at dawn the next day to visit Machu Picchu.

Day 04 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco

Early Morning Ascent

Rise and shine at 3:30 a.m. to ensure an early arrival at the Sun Gate to witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu. At 4:00 a.m., we’ll provide water and a boxed breakfast before setting off. We’ll be among the first groups to cross the control point and hike for about an hour to the Sun Gate.

Arrive at Machu Picchu

Congratulations, you’ve made it to Machu Picchu! Take in the breathtaking views of the incredible Inca architecture and engineering marvel. Join a two-hour guided tour to explore the most remarkable points and learn about the fascinating history and mysteries of the Incas.

Explore Machu Picchu

As you wander through this sacred site, feel the intimate connection between humans and nature. Marvel at the immense stones forming temples, alleys, houses, and aqueducts that have withstood the test of time. Machu Picchu’s strategic location serves as a reminder of the Inca’s unity with Mother Earth, Pachamama.

Optional Mountain Hike and Return to Cusco

After the tour, you can climb Huayna Picchu or Huchuy Picchu Mountain with pre-booked tickets. Then, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch at a restaurant of your choice. Board the train to Ollantaytambo, usually booked for 14:55 hours, and ensure you arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure. Our transport will be waiting at the final train stop to take you back to your accommodation in Cusco.

What Is Included?

Permits and Ticket for Inca Trail

Entry to Machu Picchu Archaeological Site

High Quality Service & Safety

Pre-departure Briefing

Experienced Tour Guide

• Our official tour guides are fluent in both English and Spanish and hold professional training and certification. Selected for their expertise, reliability, and enthusiastic passion for exploration, they take pride in sharing the rich culture and history of our region. Throughout your journey, they will ensure your safety and comfort, allowing you to fully enjoy your experience without any worries.

Medical Kit or First AID Kit

• All our trekking guides are extensively trained in first aid. Every February, we conduct mandatory training sessions to ensure their skills are up-to-date. Our guides are always equipped with a first aid kit to handle basic emergencies, such as altitude sickness, travelers’ diarrhea, cuts, and scrapes. Additionally, they carry oxygen for more serious situations. In case of an emergency, we will evacuate you from the path promptly and ensure you receive the necessary treatment at a clinic.

24/7 Customer Service

• We offer 24-hour telephone service to ensure easy communication with our office leading up to your trek.

Accommodation

• 3 Nights Accommodation in Tents

Meals

• 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, and 3 Dinners
• Water
• Wake up tea

Transportation

Transfers

• Day 1: You’ll be picked up from your hotel in the morning and travel in our transportation to Piscacucho (KM 82), the starting point of the trek.
• Day 4: Bus Ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
• Day 4: Transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
• Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Day 4)

What Is Not Included?

• Sleeping Bag
• Trekking Poles
• Lunch in Aguas Calientes and Dinner in Cusco (Day 4)
• Travel Insurance

WHAT TO BRING

• Original passport
• Comfortable and resistant walking shoe, hiking boots are recommended
• Sweater and a thick jacket
• Sun and winter hat
• A bottle for water (plastic is not allowed)
• Good raincoat
• T-Shirts
• Pants and shorts
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen with UV forty degrees
• Lip Balm
• Toilet paper
• Personal snacks
• Binoculars
• Headlamp / flashlight
• Sunglasses
• Plastic bags
• Personal medications
• Towel
• Sandal/flip flop
• Small backpack per person
• Extra money in Soles

What is the total distance and maximum altitude reached on the trail?

The total distance covered over the 4 days is about 26 mi, and the highest point reached during this hike is 13828 ft above sea level. 

Do I have to carry all my luggage during the hike?

No. Our team of experienced porters will be in charge of carrying the backpacks and all the bulky luggage during the hike. Travelers will carry only their small backpack with personal items during the hike. 

Can I do the hike without previous experience and good physical condition?

As it is a demanding hike at high altitude, we recommend that you be in good physical condition and have experience with long hikes before taking on this challenge. For those who are inexperienced or not in good physical condition, we recommend the short, 2-day Inca Trail

When is the best season for this hike?

The best months to do the Inca Trail are between May and October, thus avoiding the rainy season in Cusco that goes from November to April. 

How far in advance do I need to book this experience?

As this is an activity with extremely limited tickets and high demand, especially in the months between May and August, we recommend that reservations are made at least 6 months in advance. 

Can i hike the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?

Yes but you’ll need to check the availability in advance with our team and pay the extra fee of U$75 per person for the mountain you choose to hike at the moment of your reservation. 

Flexible cancellation/ change

• Due to the strict controls and limitations of the Inca Trail permits, this reservation is NOT refundable.
• Any changes must be previously informed and are subject to availability and extra charges