4 Day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu

Llama at Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu in the background.

Traveler admiring the breathtaking views of Machu Picchu.

Ancient Machu Picchu ruins under cloudy skies.

Tourist train passing through lush green landscapes

River flowing through Aguas Calientes town.

Duration4 days

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish, Spanish

Group sizeUp to 16 travelers

Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Experience the iconic 4-Day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu, a journey that combines breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and ancient Incan history. This trek covers 42 kilometers through diverse landscapes, from lush cloud forests to high mountain passes, offering stunning panoramic views every step of the way.

What sets this trek apart is your small group size (maximum 3 participants), ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate connection with your expert guides, who bring the Inca civilization to life with fascinating stories and insights. Enjoy well-prepared, nourishing meals and comfortable camping equipment throughout the journey, allowing you to relax and fully immerse yourself in the experience.

The route challenges and rewards experienced hikers with unforgettable archaeological sites, culminating in a magical sunrise arrival at Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Options

4 Day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu

Pickup included

4 Day Inca Trail+Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike: Includes Day 4 entry to Huayna Picchu for a scenic hike with panoramic views of Machu Picchu.
Duration: 1 hour: Approximate duration of the Huayna Picchu hike, following your Machu Picchu visit.
Huayna Picchu Trail: Start from Machu Picchu main site and follow the Huayna Picchu trail for panoramic views and a thrilling climb.
Pickup included

What's included

3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners during the trek (nutritious and freshly prepared).
Well supported local porters to carry tents, food, and cooking equipment
Night 3: Camping at Wiñayhuayna
Expedition train ticket (Day 4: Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo)
Official Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
2 hour guided tour of Machu Picchu (main temples, plazas, terraces)
Night 2: Camping at Pacaymayo
Pre departure briefing with your professional guide in Cusco.
Night 1: Camping at Huayllabamba
Professional, bilingual guides with expert knowledge of Inca culture and nature.
Machu Picchu entrance ticket

Sleeping bag (available for rent on site - optional).
Trekking poles or walking sticks (available for rent on site - optional).
Day 1 breakfast and Day 4 lunch and dinner in Aguas Calientes.
Snacks, bottled water, or personal drinks.
Gratuities for guides, cooks, and porters (optional but appreciated).
Personal expenses
Hot springs (Optional)

What to expect

Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Wayllabamba

Cusco
3h

We start early with a 5:30 AM pickup from your hotel in Cusco. The journey takes us through the Sacred Valley, following the scenic Urubamba River and passing charming Andean villages. Your first stop is Ollantaytambo, where we explore the impressive Inca fortress and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the town.
2h · Admission ticket included

From there, we continue to Piscacucho (kilometer 82), where your porter team will be ready to assist. This marks the official beginning of the four-day Inca Trail trek. The initial hike follows the river with gentle slopes and wide-open panoramic views.
8h

Along the way, we’ll see the majestic Wakay Willka or Veronica peak towering at 5682 meters. We’ll visit the archaeological site of Llactapata, famous for its large terraces. Your hike will end at Wayllabamba, situated at 3000 meters altitude. Dinner will be served, and we’ll camp overnight in this beautiful setting.

Day 2: Wayllabamba – Warmiwañuska – Pacaymayo

1h

After an early breakfast at 7:00 AM, we prepare for the most challenging day. The trail climbs steadily through high Andean landscapes and lush green forests.

Day 3: Pacaymayo – Puyupatamarca – Wiñay Huayna

2h · Admission ticket included

We start early at 6:00 AM for a demanding yet fascinating day. Your route climbs to the Runkurakay Pass at 3780 meters, where we’ll visit a circular Inca checkpoint offering panoramic views of the Vilcabamba mountain range.
9h · Admission ticket included

We continue through cloud forests rich with orchids and moss, following stone stairs guided by trekking poles. We’ll pass through an Inca tunnel carved directly into the rock before reaching the third pass.

At 3700 meters, stunning views of the Salkantay (6271 m) and Veronica (5750 m) peaks greet us. We’ll explore Phuyupatamarca, known as the “town above the clouds,” then move on to Intipata before reaching Wiñayhuayna at 2700 meters. This site features well-preserved terraces, temples, and a lush orchid-filled environment.

Day 4: Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco

2h

We leave early at 4:00 AM after breakfast and say goodbye to your porters. Your trek continues along narrow paths up to Intipunku, the Sun Gate, with a final climb of about 50 stone steps.
Machupicchu
2h · Admission ticket included

From here, we’ll be greeted by the awe-inspiring view of Machu Picchu at 2719 meters, framed by forested hills and clouds. We’ll take photos before joining your guide for a two-hour exploration of the ancient city, visiting temples, plazas, and terraces of the Lost City of the Incas.
Cusco
5h

After the tour, we take a bus down to Aguas Calientes, followed by a train ride to Ollantaytambo, and then return to Cusco by night.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

We begin with an early 05:30 AM hotel pickup in Cusco. Please be ready at your hotel 15 minutes before the scheduled pickup time to ensure a timely departure. Our driver will pick you up directly from your accommodation. If you have any special requirements or need assistance with the pickup location, please let us know in advance.

Additional information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.