The 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu itinerary is a world famous trek that is sure to impress any hiker. Along the 42-kilometer or 26-mile trail, walk along the same path as ancient Incan Kings had nearly 500 years ago, experiencing altitudes up to 4,200 meters, various landscapes, original cobbled trails, and staircases built by the Incans, and the infamous constructions of Runcuracay, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Wayna, and Machu Picchu itself, located on top of the mountains.
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Classic 4 days Inca Trail to Machu Picchu ITINERARY
Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba – Ayapata
Today, begin your adventure of a lifetime with the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. We will pick you up from your hotel in our private van at 4:30 am. From there, travel to Piskacucho, which is known as Kilometer 82, where the Classic Inca Trail begins. Along the way, we stop for breakfast in Ollantaytambo at 6:30-7 am to load up on energy for our start of the trail.
Upon arrival at kilometer 82 (8:30 am), we will have some time to organize ourselves by using the restrooms, applying sunscreen, insect repellent, etc. Once at the Inca Trail checkpoint, be ready to show your entrance tickets & passports (a passport copy will not be accepted), and (if paying a student rate) your student card.
At the start of the trail (2,720m/8,923 ft) cross the Vilcanota River and follow its route. The first day is relatively easy, a warm-up along the Inca flat terrain. There are great views of the Inca Fortress (Huillca Raccay), the vast and incredible Inca site of Llactapata, (Officially Called Patallacta), the Urubamba Mountain Range (Cordillera Urubamba) that divides the jungle, the Andes Mountains, and the beautiful snow-capped peak of W’akay Willca (5,860m/19,225ft) known as Veronica.
Our first campsite is in Ayapata, an hour and a half up towards the small village of Wayllabamba (3,000m/9,842ft) located in the temperate green valley of the same name. Temperatures at night are around 5ºC it depending on the month.
During the day, enjoy spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains Veronica, (5,860m/19,337ft), the lush green valley around us, and a myriad of flora and fauna.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, Afternoon Tea and Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping Facilities
- Distance: 12kms/7.5mls (6 hours more or less of hiking)
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Day 2: Ayapata – Pass – Paqaymanu – Chaquiccocha
After waking up at 5 to 5:30 am and enjoying a hot breakfast, we start a steep ascent towards the highest pass, Abra de Warrmihuañusca, or Dead Woman’s Pass at (4,200m/13,779ft). A challenging hike but worth the effort on reaching the top! After a well-deserved rest, we begin the descent towards our lunch spot, which is located at Pacaymayu (3,550m/11,646ft).
On our way up toward the pass, we will be able to see an array of Hummingbirds and a combination of other species of birds. There will be plenty of time to appreciate the incredible variety of native plants and the Polylepis or Q’ueuña trees, which grow in the astonishing cloud forest located at (3,650m/11,972ft)!
After the lunch, begins the second two-hour steep climb towards Runkuraqay pass (almost 4,000m/13,123ft). We arrive at our campsite by 5 pm. Temperatures at this campsite are around 4ºC during the night.
- Meals: Breakfast, Water, Lunch, Snacks, Afternoon Tea and Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping Facilities
- Distance: 16kms/10mls (9 hours more or less of hiking time)
- Difficulty: Moderate/Challenge
Day 3: Ch’aquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna
Considered the most impressive day on the Inca Trail, keep this in mind as you ascend on day three! We wake up for breakfast at 6am and start the day with a gentle climb towards the archaeological site of ‘Phuyupatamarca’ (meaning ‘Town in the Clouds’). Reach the third highest point along the Inca trail (3,680m/12,073ft). The views of the mountains, canyons and surrounding areas are spectacular!
The Inca site of Phuyupatamarca, is located a few minutes’ walk from the third pass. After visiting this site, we continue walking down 3,000 stairs through the cloud forest to the impressive agricultural Incan site of Intipata. After taking some time to visit this site, we continue until we arrive at our third campsite Wiñay Wayna (2,680m/8,792ft). Today, we will only walk about 4 to 5 hours. We arrive at camp by lunchtime! Temperatures during the night are about 12º C.
A short walk from our campsite is the famous Inca site of ‘Wiñay Wayna’ (‘Forever Young’). Even if you are feeling tired after your day’s trek, it is a moment you cannot miss!
- Meals: Breakfast, Water, Lunch, Snacks, Afternoon Tea and Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping Facilities and Hot Showers
- Distance: 10kms/6.2mls (5 hours more or less of hiking)
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 4: Wiñay Huayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
At around 4:00 am, it is time to wake up, have breakfast and start day 4 on the Inca trail to get to Machu Picchu on time. This is the final part of your journey, arriving by 6:00 am to reach the Sun Gate (also known as Inti Punku). From here, the majestic Machu Picchu Citadel will be in front of us with its intense beauty – an amazing sight for all to see. After you are finished admiring the view we walk downhill towards Machu Picchu Citadel (2,400m/7,872 ft.).
After walking 40 minutes, enter the citadel from the top through the “House of the Guardians”. From there, proceed towards the control point, where we record and leave our belongings. Your professional guide will direct you through the astounding ruins and its main streets. You can wander around the town squares as well as climb the intricately carved stone stairways. Machu Picchu is considered the world’s spiritual center by esoteric wisdom.
Extra Activities to Consider while at Machu Picchu
- Climb up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain and enjoy the beauty and amazing Machu Picchu from there.
- Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the local museum or bathing in the hot springs.
You will descend to Aguas Calientes by bus (included) and board the Expedition train by 4:22 pm to head towards the Ollantaytambo Train Station. This is where you will meet our private van and be transferred to your hotel in Cusco arriving around 8:30 pm.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Distance: 6kms/3.7mls
- Difficulty: Easy
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountains hike depends on availability, please let us know if you want to add one of these extra hikes at the time of your booking.
What time of year is the best time to do the Inca trail?
The best season to hike the Inca trail is the dry season, which is from April to August every year. During Cusco’s dry season, it’s less likely to rain and daily sunshine with beautiful weather is the standard. The peak tourism season in Cusco is between the months of May and July, which is due to the weather.
What is the Process for getting Inca Trail Permits?
Inca Trail permits are regulated by the local government and can only be purchased by a licensed Peru tour operator. The process to get a permit starts with you contacting a licensed tour operator, in this case, Sam Travel Peru, and checking the Inca Trail availability for your desired hiking date. The operator then checks if there is availability to hike the Inca trail for those dates.
In order to book, the client sends a $200 USD deposit and the operator purchases an Inca Trail Permit on your behalf. The permit is non-refundable.
The information has been provided by Orange Nation Peru.
Most Asking Questions . FAQ
- Is the Inca Trail difficult? Inca Trail has a Easy/moderate difficulty.
- Is the Inca Trail worth it? Of course! The Classic Inca Trail Route to Machu Picchu is definitely worth it. There are very few trails where you pass 500 year old archeological treasures while also hiking among some of the most beautiful mountains on earth.
- Is the Inca Trail dangerous? The Inca Trail is not dangerous
- Why is it called Dead Woman’s Pass? Dead Woman’s Pass is the highest point on the route at 13,828 feet (4,215 meters). It is called the Dead Woman’s Pass because when viewed from the valley below it looks like a woman’s body.
- Can you walk the Inca Trail without a guide? No, you can not walk the Inca Trail without a guide. The government of Peru requires all participants on the Classic Inca Trail Route to utilize a guiding service to make the journey.
- Can I fly drone while Inca Trail: Not allowed. You need to get a special permit before flying your drone.
- Are there restrooms in Machu Picchu? There Are No Bathrooms Beyond the Main Entrance.
- Where does Inca Trail end? In Machu Picchu.
- What do i need to pack to trek / hike the Inca trail? CLOTHING: ,Comfortable hiking shoes/boots ,Moisture-wicking hiking socks ,Quick-drying pants , Lightweight t-shirts , Long-sleeved shirt , Fleece jacket or sweater ,Rain jacket and pants ,Hat or cap ,Gloves . Other Equipment; Sleeping Bag (Rated for cold weather , if you do not have you can rent from the company) , Pillow (optional) , Lightweight towel, Small backpack of 25 to 30 liters, Sunscreen , Water bottle or hydration system, Snacks (energy bars, trail mix, etc.), Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, etc.), Portable charger for electronic devices (powerbank etc).
