Inca Trail 4 Days – 3 Nights

4 Days / 3 Nights

5 Stars

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Tour Overview

The Trail to Machu Picchu – Inca Trail Tours 4D/3N offers one of the most iconic hiking experiences in Peru. Travelers follow ancient stone paths built by the Incas, passing through cloud forests, mountain valleys, and snow-covered peaks. Each stage of the journey leads closer to the historic Inca city of Machu Picchu, combining adventure, culture, and stunning natural beauty.

The Inca Trail Peru begins in the Sacred Valley and passes through traditional Andean communities and scenic landscapes. Along the route, hikers visit archaeological sites that reflect the ingenuity and legacy of the Inca civilization. Experienced guides provide insights into local traditions, legends, and history, creating a meaningful connection with the Andean world.

The trail ascends to its highest point at 4,215 meters above sea level before descending through diverse ecosystems. Campsites are set in beautiful natural surroundings, and meals are freshly prepared by the trekking team. The path includes both challenging climbs and gentle stretches, offering continuous changes in scenery with abundant flora and fauna.

On the final morning, the hike reaches Inti Punku, or the Sun Gate, where Machu Picchu appears under the first light of day. From this viewpoint, visitors can appreciate why the Inca Trail Peru is considered one of the most remarkable treks in the world. A guided visit to the citadel completes the journey, revealing its temples, terraces, and architectural wonders. The experience provides lasting memories and a profound appreciation for Andean history and nature.

4 Days / 3 Nights

PRICE FROM $789,00 per person

Places to visit: Machu Picchu

Trip starts in: Hotel, Airbnb, or specific location in Cusco.

Physical Level: Moderate

Travel Style: Mixed

Group Size: 5 to 12 People

Total Distance: 43 km

Meals Included: 3 Breakfast(s), 3 Lunch(es), 3 Dinner(s)

Departures: Daily Departures

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – KM 82 – Ayapata

The most exciting spiritual adventure that can only be experienced with our classic 4 days/3 nights INCA TRAIL begins.

Our private transportation will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco, Urubamba or Ollantaytambo. In the case of Cusco we pick you up at 4:30 a.m. and from Urubamba at 5.30 a.m., in order to take you to the beginning of the trek, Ollantaytambo will be our first stop and we will have some time to have breakfast, once we have had breakfast, have acquired our first energy drinks, visit the hygienic services or some snacks for our trek, we will go to our starting point which is KM 82 height 2,706 meters above sea level).

We prepare our income, passports and pass the control of the INCA TRAIL, on this day at the beginning of the walk we will walk along the slopes or edge of the beautiful Vilcanota river, this day is relatively simple and we head towards the first INCA site known as Inca Fortress or Huillca Raccay, as we continue with our journey on the walk we can observe the villagers offering their exquisite (Chicha) which is a rehydrating drink, After talking a little with them we will visit the archaeological site known as PATALLACTA, formerly it was an INCA checkpoint for the approach to MACHUPICCHU

From this point we will be able to observe the Andean Cordillera that divides the Amazon and the Mountains from this same site we can observe the highest peak of the Sacred Valley W’akaywuillca (altitude 5860 masl) covered with snow and glacier and is better known as Veronica after a brief stop in this place we will continue ascending until we arrive to our lunch point hatun chaca.

After tasting the lunch you will continue with our INCA TRAIL, until we arrive to the camp in our first night known as AYAPATA (3300 masl), before arriving to this place you can buy some energetic drinks, snacks or other things that you forgot to buy before starting our route and that you can find in the small communities that we will pass, we will arrive to our camp at 5.00 pm so you can settle in and have some hot drink to relax, have dinner and rest to continue in our route.

Distance: 14kms.
Difficulty: Easy / Moderate.

Day 2

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

On this day, the porters will have the task of waking you up very early with a hot coca tea that will help you get ready to continue on our second day, as the hike on this day is longer and more challenging, our first stop the DEAD WOMAN’S PASS known as WARMI WAÑUSQA (4215masl), in this place we will have a brief stop to enjoy and observe this beautiful place, we will continue with our Inca Trail to reach the beautiful valley of PACAYMAYO- called RIO OCULTO (3600 M. S.N.M) in this journey we will be able to observe beautiful varieties of birds of Colibries among others, likewise we will be able to observe a variety of native plants, trees like Polylepis and Queuña that grow in the amazing cloud forest, place where we will have lunch.Acortar con IA

After an exquisite lunch prepared by our Inca Trail chef, we will continue with our hike until we arrive to the next pass called RUNCCURACCAY in this place we will appreciate beautiful waterfalls, continuing with our Inca Trail we will arrive to the Inca site called SAYACMARCA (one of the most beautiful archaeological centers of Inca Trail designated for Inca army), after having traveled in this beautiful Inca site we will continue with our journey until we arrive to the camp of CHAQUICOCHA (3600 masl) place of our overnight in our second night.

Distance: 12kms.
Difficulty: moderate / challenge.

Day 3

Day 3: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna

This day will be really beautiful of all the Inca Trail, we will walk for 2 hours along what we like to call INCA PLANE which are Gradual inclines and we will begin to enter the jungle known as Cloud Forest, in this place our first sight will be to see the Salkantay Mountain, the second highest mountain of the Sacred Valley and the second highest snowy of our Cusco Region, Following our hike we will arrive to the archaeological site known as Phuyupatmarca place where we will have beautiful views of the Urubamba Valley and from where we will also have our first view of Machupicchu Mountain, once enjoyed this beautiful place we will continue our Inca Trail a stretch full of steps until we arrive to our third and last camp near the Inca archaeological center of Wiñaywayna, in this place we will be for the whole afternoon to enjoy the beautiful places around this Inca site with your guide.Acortar con IA

Then we return to our camp to take our tea to relax and then have dinner and rest so that the next day we do not miss a single second to enjoy the world wonder that is Machupicchu.

Distance: 10kms (7 hours more or less of trekking).
Difficulty: Moderate.

Day 4

Day 4: Wiñaywayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Cusco

This day is the last and most important day of this 4Days/3Nights Inca Trail tour that starts at 3.30 am and our last breakfast at 4.00 A.M., we get ready to be one of the first to arrive to the entrance control to Machu Picchu. M, we get ready to be one of the first to arrive at the entrance control to Machupicchu, on this day we say goodbye to our team of porters and Inca Trail chef who accompanied us during our journey and made our meals different and special, after this farewell we continue with our Inca Trail to THE GATE OF THE SUN known as INTI PINKU, from this place we will have excellent views of Machupicchu and the mountains that surround it.Acortar con IA

Enjoyed this beautiful place we continue our walk to the lost city of the Incas, every time we approach we see perfect views that only shows us this beautiful citadel, we enter the citadel from the top through the “House of the Guardians”, from there we went to the checkpoint where we register and leave our belongings, once in Machupicchu will have a guided for about 2 hours where you will visit every corner of this place, after the tour you will have time to continue enjoying this place

After the tour you will have time to continue to enjoy this place, likewise you will be given your bus tickets (if you made the reservation) that will take you to the town of Aguas Calientes or continue walking for a period of 1 hour and a half to reach the town of Aguas Calientes and enjoy this beautiful place and if you have income to climb one of the neighboring mountains of our Machupicchu that are Machupicchu Mountain or Huaynapicchu (both must be booked 4 months in advance) will have to go until the time that your guide tells you the meeting in Aguas Calientes to meet you, In this town you will enjoy the last lunch of this 4 days/3 nights Inca Trail in a local restaurant, in this lunch the guide will give you your train tickets to return to Ollantaytambo (4. 22 pm) where our transportation will be waiting for you to drive you to Cusco and then to your hotel in Cusco city.Acortar con IA

Distance: 6kms
Difficulty: Easy

Inclusions & Exclusions

Included

Pre-Trek Briefing: The night before the trek, our guide will provide detailed trip information and deliver your travel bag. The bag will remain with the porters and must not exceed 5 kg, including your sleeping bag and air mattress.
Hotel Pickup: We will pick you up directly from your hotel in Cusco and drive you to KM 82, the official starting point of the trek.
Private Transportation: Comfortable and safe transport from Cusco to the trailhead and back from Ollantaytambo after the tour.
Professional Bilingual Guide: A licensed guide trained in Inca history and culture will accompany us throughout the entire Trail to Machu Picchu. Our guide will assist us 24 hours a day and share deep insights about Andean traditions.
Entrance Fees: Admission tickets to both the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Citadel are included.
Camping Equipment: High-quality camping gear, including spacious tents (four-person capacity used for two people) for extra comfort.
Meals: We will enjoy three breakfasts, three lunches, and three dinners, prepared with local ingredients. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available upon request.
Water Supply: The kitchen staff will provide boiled, cooled water daily to refill our bottles or hydration packs.
Machu Picchu Guided Tour: A two-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu exploring temples, terraces, and sacred enclosures.
Bus Tickets: Bus transfer from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes after the guided visit.
Train Ticket: Expedition train service from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo at the end of the trek.
Return Transport: Private transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco in a comfortable company minivan.
First Aid Kit: A complete first aid kit and oxygen bottle available for any emergency along the trail.
Duffle Bag: A duffle bag (5 kg) for personal items, including clothing and sandals for camping comfort.

Not Included

First Breakfast and Last Lunch: The first day’s breakfast and the final lunch after visiting Machu Picchu are not included.
Personal Expenses: Any personal purchases, souvenirs, or additional snacks during the trek are not covered.
Bottled Water: We suggest bringing reusable bottles. Our team will provide boiled and cooled water daily for refills.
Walking Sticks: These are not included but can be rented from Guiding Cusco Expeditions before the trek.
Sleeping Bag: A sleeping bag is essential for camping. If needed, we offer rental options at an additional cost.
Air Mattress: Comfortable air mattresses are available for rent to enhance your camping rest.
Tips for the Trekking Team: Gratuities for guides, cooks, and porters are not mandatory but are always appreciated. Tipping reflects your satisfaction with their service and dedication during the Trail to Machu Picchu.
Huayna Picchu Mountain Entry: Optional hike available for US$75 per person. This famous mountain near Machu Picchu allows only 400 visitors per day and must be booked at least 4 months in advance.

Packing List

To make your trip as comfortable as possible, we recommend bringing the following items:

Essentials & Documents

Local money

Medical kit

Passport

Sunscreen

Water

Clothing & Footwear

Cap and hat

Tennis and boots

Waterproof

Waterproof jacket

Equipment & Gear

Camera and cell phone

Portable charger

Small backpack

Sunglasses

Recommended Extras

Gel alcohol

Lanches snacks

Lip balm

Tour Map

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Travel Tips & Recommendations

Essential Travel Info

Please read these recommendations carefully to prepare for your trip.

Travel Documents:
Original passport (copies are not accepted); it must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates to Peru.
Footwear and Clothing
Comfortable hiking boots suitable for the 4-day Inca Trail Tours.
Four T-shirts and one pair of hiking pants or trousers.
A change of clothes for exploring Machu Picchu.
Rain gear such as a poncho or waterproof jacket.
Warm layers for cold nights in the Andes.
Hat, bandana, and sunglasses for sun protection.
Four pairs of socks for comfort and hygiene.
Swimsuit for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes (optional).
Backpack and Storage
A lightweight daypack, comfortable and spacious enough for daily essentials.
Water storage for at least 2 liters—use a camel bag or two reusable 1-liter bottles. Plastic disposable bottles are prohibited in Machu Picchu.
Personal Care Items
Toiletries, toothbrush, and toothpaste.
Sunscreen, lip balm, and bug spray.
Hand sanitizer and toilet paper.
Personal medications, band-aids, and moleskin for blisters.
Food and Accessories
Additional snacks such as power bars, chocolates, or nuts.
Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips along the route.
Electronics
Camera with extra batteries to capture your Machu Picchu experience.

Optional Upgrades

Customize Your Experience

Enhance your trip with these optional upgrades available upon request.

Availability:
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu will depart any day of the week from March to January.
The trail remains closed in February due to the rainy season, route maintenance, and campsite restoration.
Price 2025:
Group Price: USD 715.00 per person
Required Prepayment: USD 350.00 per person
Balance (Cusco): USD 365.00, payable 2–3 days before the trek begins
This small-group adventure will operate with a minimum of two travelers.
Payment Options:
Payments can be made through Openpay with an additional 5% charge for online deposits.
The remaining balance can be paid directly at our office or to Guiding Cusco staff at your hotel without extra fees.
Extra Hikes Around Machu Picchu:
Upgrade your Inca Trail Tour with these optional hikes:
Huayna Picchu Mountain (highly recommended): USD 70.00
Huchuy Picchu Mountain: USD 50.00
Single Tent Supplement: USD 100.00
Vistadome Train (Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo): USD 70.00
Extra Porter (10 kg): USD 60.00
Extra Equipment for the Trek:
Sleeping Bag: USD 20.00
Trekking Poles (1 pair): USD 20.00
Inflatable Mattress: USD 20.00
Price Guarantee
Once your booking is confirmed, your price will not increase under any circumstance.
Please ensure you have read all our important tour details before booking.
Student Discount
A USD 20.00 discount applies to students aged 17 or younger.
To qualify, send a clear copy or photo of your passport at the time of booking.
The passport must be valid throughout your travel dates.
Extensions and Deals
Extend your adventure after the Trail to Machu Picchu with these optional day trips:
Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain: USD 50.00
Ausangate 7 Lakes: USD 50.00
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain: USD 50.00

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Inca Trail operate?

We operate the Inca Trail from March through January. The trail closes in February for maintenance and safety during the rainy season.

How far in advance should we book the Inca Trail?

We recommend booking at least 4 to 6 months in advance, as permits are limited and sell out quickly, especially during high season (May–September).

How difficult is the Inca Trail?

We consider the trek moderate to challenging. The trail covers about 42 kilometers over four days, with changing altitudes and steep ascents. Regular exercise before the trek will help improve endurance.

What is the highest altitude on the trek?

The highest point is Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca) at 4,215 meters above sea level. Our guides will help you adjust gradually to the altitude.

Can we store extra luggage in Cusco?

Yes, we will store your extra belongings safely at our office or your hotel free of charge during the trek.

Are vegetarian or vegan meals available?

Yes, we will accommodate any dietary preference, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Please let us know your needs during booking.

Is drinking water provided during the trek?

Yes, we will supply boiled and filtered water each morning and evening. We recommend bringing reusable bottles or a hydration bladder (2 liters minimum).

Do we need travel insurance?

Yes, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers cancellations, accidents, and medical emergencies during your trip to Peru.

Can we hike Huayna Picchu or Huchuy Picchu?

Yes, you can add Huayna Picchu or Huchuy Picchu to your Machu Picchu visit. These hikes have limited availability, so we advise booking early.

What happens if we can’t complete the trek?

If you cannot continue due to illness or injury, our guide will assist you in returning safely to the nearest point and coordinate any necessary arrangements.

Do we need a permit for the Inca Trail?

Yes, every hiker needs a personal, non-transferable permit issued by the Peruvian government. We will handle the permit process once your booking is confirmed.

Can we charge our devices during the trek?

Electricity is not available along the trail. We suggest bringing a portable power bank to charge your camera or phone.

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