4 Days Inca Trail Trekking to Machu Picchu

Day 1: Cusco – Piscacucho KM 82 – Ayapata

1. Cusco
   2h
   At 4:30 am, we’ll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and begin a 2.5-hour scenic drive to KM 82, the starting point of the trek. As we travel through the Sacred Valley, enjoy views of the lush landscape and towering mountains.
2. Ollantaytambo
   2h
   Upon arrival, we’ll have a light breakfast to fuel our adventure ahead. After breakfast, we will start hiking along the ancient Inca Trail. This first segment is relatively gentle, offering an opportunity to ease into the trek while taking in breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley.
3. Inca Trail
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Along the trail, we’ll visit two important Inca archaeological sites, each one rich in history and mystery. Your guide will share fascinating stories about these sites and their significance to Inca culture. After approximately five hours of hiking, we’ll stop for a refreshing lunch. Our chef will prepare a nutritious meal to help you recharge for the next leg of the hike.
4. 2h · Admission ticket included
   After lunch, we’ll tackle a steep ascent, hiking for another two hours to our first campsite at Ayapata (3,300 meters / 10,826 feet). Upon arrival, the camp will be set up, and you’ll have time to relax, enjoy some snacks, and prepare for a restful night. After dinner, you'll enjoy a cozy night in your Eureka tents, complete with sleeping bags, liners, and heating bags to ensure comfort at high altitude.

Day 2: Ayapata – Dead Woman Pass – Pacaymayo – Chaquicocha

1. 2h · Admission ticket included
   The day begins early at 4:30 am with coca tea to help with acclimatization. We’ll have a hearty breakfast before setting off at 6:00 am for what will be a challenging day.
2. 4h
   ur first major goal is to reach Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 meters / 13,828 feet), the highest point of the trek. We’ll climb for approximately four hours, navigating steep Inca steps. Along the way, the surrounding views of the mountains and valleys are nothing short of spectacular.
3. 2h · Admission ticket included
   At Dead Woman’s Pass, we’ll take a well-earned break and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The area offers a great opportunity for photos and rest before continuing. We’ll then descend for about two hours into the valley below, reaching Pacaymayo (3,600 meters / 11,811 feet), where we’ll stop for lunch. During lunch, relax and refuel as we prepare for the second half of the day.
4. 2m · Admission ticket included
   After lunch, we’ll hike for 45 minutes to the ancient Inca site of Runquraqay. This site, nestled high in the mountains, offers a glimpse into Inca life and their impressive stone structures.
5. Sayacmarca
   2h · Admission ticket included
   After the pass, we’ll descend into the jungle, passing the Sayacmarca archaeological site before arriving at our next campsite, Chaquicocha. This camp is situated in a beautiful setting with lush vegetation and a peaceful ambiance, perfect for a good night’s rest.
6. 2h · Admission ticket included
   After a fulfilling dinner and some relaxation, enjoy the sounds of the jungle as you fall asleep in your cozy campsite.

Day 3: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna

1. 4h · Admission ticket included
   After a 5:30 am wake-up and breakfast, we’ll begin our trek at 7:00 am. Today will be a bit easier, with shorter hiking hours allowing for more exploration.
2. 4h · Admission ticket included
   Our first stop is Phuyupatamarca (3,680 meters / 12,073 feet), known as the “Town in the Clouds.” This site offers sweeping views of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Mountain. Spend some time exploring the ruins and learning about the Inca’s advanced agricultural and urban planning. After leaving Phuyupatamarca, we’ll descend for three hours to Intipata, another fascinating archaeological site. These terraced ruins were likely used for agricultural purposes, and the views here are simply stunning.
3. 4h · Admission ticket included
   We will then continue for another hour to Wiñay Wayna (2,600 meters / 8,530 feet), one of the most impressive and well-preserved archaeological sites along the trail. After arriving, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch and take a tour of the site. Spend the afternoon relaxing at camp, soaking in the natural beauty, and getting ready for the final day of hiking to Machu Picchu.

Day 4: Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

1. Winay Wayna
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Wake up at 3:00 am, and after a quick breakfast, we’ll head to the checkpoint by 3:30 am. Our goal is to reach the Sun Gate by sunrise, where we’ll witness the first light hitting Machu Picchu an unforgettable sight. After taking in the views, we’ll descend for 45 minutes to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The early morning light provides perfect photo opportunities of the ancient ruins as they are bathed in the soft glow of sunrise.
2. 2h
   Guided Tour of Machu Picchu: Once inside, we’ll enjoy a three-hour guided tour of the Machu Picchu complex, exploring the agricultural, religious, and urban sectors. Your guide will provide fascinating insights into the site’s history and significance.
3. Aguas Calientes
   2h
   After the tour, we’ll head to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Enjoy a relaxing break and a chance to reflect on your incredible journey
4. Ollantaytambo
   3h
   After lunch, we’ll take the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, a private bus will transfer you back to Cusco, where we will arrive around 7:30 pm, marking the end of your adventure.

Pickup details

Complimentary pickup is included from hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs located in Cusco's Historic Center. Please wait in your lobby or at the main entrance 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. Due to narrow or pedestrian-only streets in the historic center, our guide may walk to meet you and escort you to the vehicle. If your accommodation is outside our pickup zone, we will coordinate a nearby central meeting point

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness