4 Day Inca Trail To Machu Picchu

Day 1: CUSCO – PISKACUCHO KM 82 – LLACTAPATA – WAYLLABAMBA

1. Inca Trail
   5h · Admission ticket included
   Your Classic Inca Trail journey begins with an early pick-up from your hotel in Cusco (between 4:00–5:00 AM), or from Urubamba or Ollantaytambo at a time confirmed during your briefing. We’ll then drive about 1.5 hours through the Sacred Valley to Km 82, the official starting point of the Inca Trail. After meeting your crew and crossing the Urubamba River, the trek begins.
   
   Today’s hike is relatively gentle, passing through beautiful Andean scenery and important archaeological sites. We’ll visit Patallacta, a significant Inca complex with administrative, economic, and religious functions, and the nearby military outpost of Willkarakay. The trail then leads us into the lush Wayllabamba Valley, following the Cusichaca River, and continues through dense forest until we reach your first campsite in Wayllabamba.
   
   Distance: 12 km / 7.45 mi
   Starting Elevation: 2,720 m / 8,923 ft
   Campsite Elevation: 3,000 m / 9,842 ft
   Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: WAYLLABAMBA – DEAD WOMENS PASS – PACAYMAYU

1. Inca Trail
   5h · Admission ticket included
   We will start your day early to reach the highest point of the Inca Trail: Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass). The morning hike is intense due to the altitude, but also one of the most scenic. We begin with a 1.5-hour hike through dense vegetation until we reach Tres Piedras camp for a short break. As we ascend, the landscape transitions into the inter-Andean forest, home to native Unca trees. Two hours later, we reach Llulluchapampa, where we rest with snacks and hot drinks.
   
   From there, the final ascent to Warmihuañusca begins—offering stunning views of the surrounding valleys. We then descend for a few hours to your campsite at Pacaymayu.
   
   Walking Distance: 11 km / 6.83 miles
   Starting Elevation: 3,000 m / 9,842 ft
   Highest Elevation: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft
   Campsite Elevation: 3,580 m / 11,700 ft
   Difficulty: Challenging

Day 3: PACAYMAYU – CHAQUIKOCHA – WIÑAYHUAYNA

1. Winay Wayna
   8h · Admission ticket included
   We begin with a 45-minute uphill hike to the Runkurakay archaeological site, once a rest lodge for Inca pilgrims. After another 45-minute ascent, we reach the second highest pass, Runkurakay. We then descend to Sayacmarca, built in a strategic location.
   
   After a visit, we continue to Chaquicocha for lunch. From here, we enter the high Andean cloud forest, showcasing nature’s beauty. The trail follows a ridge to the Phuyupatamarca pass, offering views of the Sacred Valley and surrounding peaks.
   
   Finally, we descend past an important archaeological site and a temple for sacred offerings, reaching your last campsite at Wiñayhuayna.
   
   Walking Distance: 16 km / 9.94 miles
   Starting Elevation: 3,580 m / 11,700 ft
   Highest Elevation: 4,000 m / 13,123 ft
   Campsite Elevation: 2,680 m / 8,792 ft
   Difficulty: Formidable

Day 4: WIÑAY WAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

1. Machu Picchu
   5h
   We rise early to complete the final stretch of the Inca Trail, reaching “Inti Punku” (Sun Gate), the main entrance to Machu Picchu. The walk up is easy and offers incredible views of the site.
   
   Afterward, we descend for 45 minutes to the upper area of Machu Picchu, where you can take the famous photo and a group picture. Then, we enter for registration and begin the two-hour guided tour of the site.
   
   The optional hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain is available (additional cost and advance booking). In the afternoon, we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and receive return train tickets to Cusco. The staff will pick you up in Ollantaytambo to return to your hotel.
   
   Walking Distance: 5 km / 3.10 miles
   Starting Elevation: 2,680 m / 8,792 ft
   Highest Elevation: 2,730 m / 8,956 ft
   Difficulty: Easy

Pickup details

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco about 30 minutes before the tour starts. Please make sure your hotel is within the city limits, as this service does not include accommodations outside the urban area. If needed, we’ll arrange an alternative 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 at least a moderate level of physical fitness