Classic Inca Trail 4 Days Classic Inca Trail 4 Days Classic Inca Trail 4 Days Classic Inca Trail 4 Days Classic Inca Trail 4 Days Classic Inca Trail 4 Days Classic Inca Trail 4 Days Classic Inca Trail 4 Days Classic Inca Trail 4 Days Classic Inca Trail 4 Days Classic Inca Trail 4 Days Classic Inca Trail 4 Days Classic Inca Trail 4 Days

Classic Inca Trail 4 Days

inca trail Machu Picchu
(526)
Physical Level
Trip Style
Hike
Max Altitude
3300msnm
Group Size
Min 2 Persons
Trip Length
4 Days
Starting from
$ 720.00
per person

4-Day Classic Inca Trail Trek

The entire network of the classic Inca Trail linking the citadel of Machu Picchu was built in strict harmony with the natural environment and landscape. Crosses several ecological levels, from high Andean areas, inter-Andean valleys and subtropical, with lush flora and varied fauna, the traveler goes through many archaeological sites.

It is very dynamic, admirable and pleasant trail, because it combines history, archeology and nature. To access this circuit very much appreciated, you need to make a reservation many months in advance, and is subject to confirmation of the reservation.

Travel map of: Classic Inca Trail 4 Days
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Classic Inca Trail 4 Days

4 Days from US $ 720.00

Trip Details

  • Route Value: The classic Inca Trail is by far the most famous trek in South America.
  • Difficulty level: Moderate to Difficult.
  • Minimum height: 2,000 m.a.s.l. (Aguas Calientes village).
  • Maximum Height: 4,200 m.a.s.l. or 13,776 feet (Warmy Wanuska Pass).
  • Distance to travel: 45 km. or 28 miles.
  • Departure Dates: Daily Departures throughout the year (Except February when it is closed due to rainy season).
  • Accommodation: 3 Nights in Campsite (Very comfortable, safe Tents)

Trip Summary

DAY 1: CUSCO – CHILCA – HUAYLLABAMBA

Pick up from hotels, bus ride to Inca Trail start (Chillca – 82 KM), easy hike to Patallacta with scenic views, camp in Wayllabamba.

DAY 2: HUAYLLABAMBA – WARMIWAÑUSKA MOUNTAIN PASS – PACAYMAYO

Ascend to Warmiwañusca pass (highest point), stunning Andean views, descend to Pacaymayo Valley, camp in Pacaymayo.

DAY 3: PACAYMAYO – SAYAQMARCA – PHUYUPATAMARCA – WIÑAYWAYNA

Trek to Runkuracay Pass, visit Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca ruins, descend to Winay Wayna campsite.

DAY 4: WIÑAYWAYNA – INTIPUNKU – MACHU PICCHU – RETURN TO CUSCO

Early start, walk to Inti Punku for panoramic view of Machu Picchu, guided tour, free time, return to Cusco.

Itinerary

DAY 1:

CUSCO - CHILCA - HUAYLLABAMBA

The classic Inca Trail will start at 6:00 am with the pick-up of passengers from their hotels. They will be transported by bus to the beginning of the Inca Trail, Chillca – 82 KM. The bus ride offers a tour of approximately 3 and a half hours with spectacular views of the Sacred Valley and the snowy Veronica (5900 m) along the Urubamba River.

 

The first day of the Inca Trail is easy and serves as preparation for the upcoming journey. The hike begins with a slight ascent, and we continue for about two hours on relatively flat terrain, following the course of the Urubamba River, until we reach the place called Miskay, where we will arrive around 1:00 pm. At Miskay, we will have our first lunch, which will be prepared by our cook and served by the staff.

After lunch, we will continue the trek to the first Inca Site, called Patallacta, which is an ancient Inca ruin featuring an impressive group of agricultural terraces. From Patallacta, we will continue for 2 hours along the left bank of the Urubamba River. During this part of the trek, you will have views of snow-capped peaks such as Wakay Willka, currently known as Veronica, which stands at 5,900 meters above sea level (19,000 feet). You will also be able to see the Urubamba Mountain Range, which divides the Andes and the Jungle. Finally, we will arrive at the small village of Wayllabamba (3,000 m.a.s.l./ 9,840 feet) around 5:00 pm, where we will set up our camp.

Upon arrival in Wayllabamba and after settling into the camp, we will have a tea time to relax and enjoy a hot beverage and some snacks. Dinner will be served by our staff around 7:30 pm. After dinner, you can enjoy a well-deserved night of rest in a comfortable sleeping tent.

  • Walking time: Approximately 5 hours.
  • Distance to travel: 10 km / 6.50 miles.
  • Trek Difficulty: Moderate.
  • Climate: Warm with occasional presence of wind.

After breakfast we start our walk, we ascend slowly toward the passage of Warmiwañusca (4200 m.s.n.m.) the highest of all trek point, through a beautiful forest of Queñua.

We will have attractive views of the Andean landscape, we will reach Llulluchapampa (3,750 m.s.n.m.) at the foot of typical open pampas. After arriving at Warmiwañusca pass, Dead Woman Pass, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Andes, there we stop for a break enjoying the sights and have time to take unforgettable pictures of the place. Remember this is the highest point of the Inca Trail, where you will feel a great sense of achievement after having conquered this peak. Have a warm coat and a woolen headpiece on hand when you arrive at this place, due to high altitude temperatures can drop very quickly.
From the Dead Woman Pass, the route descends towards the Pacaymayo valley, we continue along the slopes on the left side for two hours of pure descent, until the Pacaymayo (Pacaymayo Valley – hidden river) arriving around the 2:00 p.m., where our lunch place and Campsite is located, at 3,600 m.a.s.l. / 11,811 ft.
Once we arrive at Pacaymayo we have lunch. Afterwards there is time for a long and welldeserved rest. In the afternoon, around 5:00 pm. you will enjoy tea time with a hot beverage and some snacks.

At night we will have dinner and spend the night in our comfortable tents.

  • Walking time: Approximately 7 hours.
  • Distance to travel: 16 km / 10 miles.
  • Hike Difficulty: Difficult.

Most beautiful days of the Classic Inca trail.

This great day we will have a group breakfast and then begin ascending for about 2 hours to the second Pass of the trek called the Runkuracay Pass, located at 4,000 meters above sea level/13,100 feet. During the ascent we will stop to tour the small circular Inca Site known as Runkuracay. Following the route we will see two small lagoons and then reach the second high point of the classic inca Trail.

In this second Pass, we will rest and take the chance for the traditional pictures of the whole group. From there we will walk down for 1 hour to reach the magnificent Inca site known as Sayacmarca, located at 3,497 meters above sea level. / 11,472 feet, the name means Inaccessible Town and clearly describes the location of the place, perfectly surrounded by rocky precipices.
In Sayacmarca you will have a tour of the place, where our guide will explain everything about this incredible spot. From there we continue for about 30 minutes to the place called Chaquicocha (3,600 masl/11,800 feet), where we will have our delicious lunch and a good rest and also you can use the toilets.

After lunch, we will continue for 1 hour and 30 minutes through the changing cloud forest, full of rare orchids, hanging mosses, bromeliads and ferns. Continuing with our route, we will go through a tunnel carved into the mountain, then a gentle climb will take us to the third Pass, located at 3,700 meters above sea level. / 12,139 feet, offering us fascinating views of several snow-capped peaks and sights of the Urubamba River.

After this third Pass we continue along a splendid stone-paved path made by Inca masons, during the descent we will find the ruins of Phuyupatamarca (Village Above the Clouds). There our guide will elaborate about the magnificent Inca architecture.

From Phuyupatamarca it will be 2 more hours going down to another Inca site known as Intipata (Sun Terraces) located at 2,800 meters above sea level/9,200 feet, a very interesting place with many terraces for agricultural purposes. Then, we continue descending towards our last campsite called Winay Wayna (Forever Young) located at 2,680 meters above sea level. /8,792 feet, this place is the last official campsite and the most popular, due to its proximity to Machu Picchu. We will arrive there around 5:00 pm. and after settling in you can relax, have a
beverage and snacks: hot drinks such as tea, milk chocolate, coffee with some biscuits and popcorn, all served by our staff.

At the campsite, our guide will brief you with valuable and important information about the next day – the most important journey of the trek because there is the tour to our “Wonder” – so that you will be completely ready and prepared for the unforgettable Machu Picchu experience.

We love having very special moments with our visitors, so enjoying our last dinner with the porters and cooks will be very interesting. It is a tradition on the Inca Trail to organize a small ceremony during this last dinner and once again introduce the whole team of porters to the tourists and thank them for the work done (if you want to say a few words of thanks or give them some advice, then you can use this moment to do it). Afterwards, it is convenient going to sleep at a reasonable hour, to wake up in the early hours of the morning and arrive at Machu Picchu ahead of time.

  • Walking time: Approximately 7 hours.
  • Distance to travel: 14 km / 8.30 miles.
  • Trek Difficulty: Moderate.
  • Weather: Warm

This day we got up early at 4:00 AM. We will have breakfast and start walking at 5:00 AM. We said goodbye to the porters because they return to Cusco with all the camping equipment.

We will make our walk in the middle of a dense vegetation typical rainforest heading to the Puerta del Sol or Inti Punku, where we will have a formidable panoramic view of the Inka Citadel. Machu Picchu we are coming at 7:00 am, Once we will have a guided tour of 2 hours to visit the most important places of Machu Picchu.

Then have free time to visit Machu Picchu on your own.
In the afternoon we will go to Aguas Calientes where we take the train to return to Ollantaytambo then by transportation to Cusco.

Trek Time: Approximately 2 hours to Machu Picchu + 2 hours with the group visiting Machu Picchu + 1 hour exploring on your own.

Distance to travel: 5 km / 3.20 miles to Machu Picchu, + In Machu Picchu the tour is variable, depending on the area you want to explore.

  • Walking Distance: Easy.
  • Weather: Warm

Availability: They allowed only 500 people per day to the classic Inca Trail. This figure includes tourists, guides, porters .Space is for all people who want to do the Inca Trail. So to make the Inca Trail is essential to book months in advance. The availability of quotas for the Inca Trail is the same for all agencies. Therefore, if there are no spaces available, no agency can make room for the Inca Trail

Inclusions

Included

  • Pick up from hotel 30 minutes before the departure of Cusco.
  • Transfer to KM 82, starting point of the tour.
  • Spanish and English Professional Tour guide.
  • Entrance ticket to the Inca Trail.
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
  • Porters to carry all the equipment, tents, food, cooking equipment, restaurants and tents.
  • Permits and tickets for our porters and cooks.
  • Food: 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches,03 tea times and 3 dinners.
  • All these meals are prepared by our chef and his assistant.
  • Coca tea is served every morning in your tent.
  • Boiled water after breakfast to refill their water bottles (1 liter per person).
  • Lunch with hot drinks like coca, tea and coffee
  • Oxygen and first aid kit.
  • Vegetarian and special diets on request.
  • All equipment, including tents for personnel.
  • 2 hours Guided tour of Machu Picchu.
  • Bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
  • Expedition train to return to Ollantaytambo and then by transportation to Cusco.

No Included

  • Sleeping bag, you can rent at our office ($ 20.00 for the entire trip).
  • breakfast the first day.
  • Entrance to Huaynapicchu mountain ($60 usd per person)
  • up grade to Vistadome Class Train ($50 usd per person)

What to Bring

What to bring

  • Original passport (the same used for booking your trek)
  • Valid University card (if you booked as a student)
  • Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
  • Water storage:  2-3 L (Camelbaks are encouraged)
  • Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented from SAM Travel)
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Toilet paper
  • Good rain gear.

WHAT TO PUT IN THE DUFFEL BAG

As a direct local tour operator, we provide a duffel bag during your briefing, and include an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kilograms (15lbs), including your sleeping bag, mattress, and extra clothing.

Peruvian law mandates that a duffel bag must not exceed 7 kilograms (15lbs) to protect the health of our porters or horses. Therefore, all bags will be weighed before acceptance.

Should you require more than 7 kilograms, it becomes your responsibility to carry the additional weight with your day pack. Please note that within this 7-kilogram limit, 2 kilos are allocated for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad, leaving approximately 4 kilos for your personal gear.

  • 2 t-shirts
  • 2 hiking pants at least
  • 4 sets of undergarments
  • 3 sets of hiking socks
  • Fleece/ Thermals
  • Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
  • Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
  • Comfortable shoes for camp
  • Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger
  • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
  • Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
  • Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to line your duffel
  • Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us for $20 USD

TOILETRIES

  • Face moisturizer
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Personal medications
  • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

WHAT TO PUT IN THE DAY BACKPACK

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day.

  • Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water  at every meal time. Please bring your canteens.
  • Sun hat and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Headlamp
  • Wool hat and gloves
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece or warm layer
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
  • Personal First Aid kit and personal medications
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Valuables

Why choose “MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL”?

“MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL” is a 100% Peruvian local company and tour operator in Cusco, with many years of experience in hikes, adventure tours, and travel packages. We are a 100% local company.

Our dream as a local company is to offer personalized travel and hiking experiences, operated solely by local professional staff, focusing on a PERSONALIZED and HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE.

We are proud of our reputation as a travel operating agency, in addition to practicing RESPONSIBLE and SUSTAINABLE actions with the environment and local people.

We consider our staff as family and guarantee them a fair salary. We are very proud of our team! Without their support, we could not offer the quality of service that hundreds of our travelers have enjoyed.

At “MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL,” we are aware that our reputation and what our passengers say are crucial for our travelers to trust their next vacations; you can check the reviews our travelers leave on TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Google; in an honest and reliable operator to create your adventure in Peru.

We offer small groups of travelers.

To offer a more personalized service at “MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL,” we maintain a limit of 8 people for each of our groups. This distinguishes us from other companies that operate with larger groups.

About our tour guides

We are very proud of our guides. They are experts and professionals, fluent in English. They are experts and knowledgeable about the routes, and they are passionate about Inca heritage and history. Our guides are dedicated to their continuous personal and professional development, researching to offer you accurate and recognized theories about Inca and Andean culture. They are friendly, athletic, and well-educated, with degrees in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.

About our treatment of Inca Trail porters

Hiking with “MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL” is an uplifting experience, we prioritize your comfort and enjoyment throughout the hike, and you will have the assistance of our porters. You will interact with local people, explore incredible sites, and rediscover ancient Inca ancestral towns. Our porters carry your gear, prepare your meals, set up our camp tents, and take care of you while you relax.

We provide our porters for free with: jackets, sun hats, warm hats, shirts, pants, hiking boots, comfortable travel bags, canteens, back support belts, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. All are hired from isolated communities, improving their economic circumstances and supporting the education of their children. We treat all our porters like family!

Our team

Our team (guides, cooks, porters, muleteers) and our equipment make “MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL” stand out among our competitors. On our adventure hikes, we include:

  • Our tents: Enjoy a good rest in our 4-season EUREKA Timberline tents. Our tents are for 4 people, but only 2 sleep in each, providing space for greater comfort and storage. They have a small vestibule for boots and poles.
  • Our foam mats: Separate and insulate from the ground.
  • Air mattresses: Available for rent for $20 USD.
  • Kitchen and dining tents: Used as a meeting room during meals, ideal for relaxing and chatting.
  • Tables and chairs: In the dining area, adapted to the day’s weather.
  • Travel bags: Provided the night before the trek.
  • Others: Pillows, rain covers for backpacks, survival shirts, and chemical toilets are provided during the trek.

Our commitment to social projection

At “MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL,” we have always believed in giving back to isolated local communities. As part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we carry out various social projects and always hire local people.

We are very proud to support our local people. We not only employ them but also support their families, contributing to a holistic approach with our employees from the Peruvian Andes and their loved ones.

OPTION 1
SHARE SERVICE

$ 720.00 USD

(Enjoy this service with a group, people from different countries, minimun 8 people – maximun 16 people)

OPTION 2
PRIVATE SERVICE

$ 995.00 USD

(Minimun 2 people to make reservation)

Excellent
Based on 252 reviews
Patrick W
Patrick W
2024-06-02
Best Day Ever What an incredible experience! The whole day was carefully planned out for us and it all was well above anything we could have imagined! Our driver was amazing, very professional and helpful, the train provided views that were breathtaking and our Guide “Willie” was the best! Willie took us on the most incredible tour, he knew all the right places for pictures, his knowledge was amazing and he answered all of our questions and more. He provided a full day experience that was nothing short of perfection. This is the only way to go and see this; we’re definitely coming back!
Orlando A
Orlando A
2024-06-02
The excellent coordination, the attention Liz, our guide, very knowledgeable and attentive to our impressions Unique Experience, The best way to Visit this Wonder. Highly recommended. From reservation with Tania, guide Liz, to the driver. To play it safe.
Mary C
Mary C
2024-05-09
A perfect tour The tour was very good, Tania's attention was to detail, everything we needed for the tour was provided on time. I thank you very much because we took with us a very nice memory of Cusco.
Nikos S
Nikos S
2024-05-07
BEST EXPERIENCE IN PERU We made the Secret Valley, Machu Picchu and the rainbow mountain tours. Everything were excellent and very organised. Tania is very professional and any time available for information or questions. Also the prices are the best. I recommend for anyone who visit Peru to arrange the tours with this office.
ilias p
ilias p
2024-05-06
Amazing experience, amazing tour guide It was one of the best experiences in our lives. We strongly recommend that anyone of moderate fitness and above to try it. It is good to have a pair of hiking shoes to make the experience better. Our guide (Willy) was amazing, he helped us a lot with the trail, he was well prepared and we didn't feel any risk at any moment. Also, he was very explanatory about inkas history and the monuments we saw during the trail. The quality of this experience is very related to the tour guide you will select. This guy was one of the best tour guides we had so far. There is no comparison to the other guides we had. We strongly recommend this experience with this guide. PS#1: bring a second t-shirt with you to change before you take the traditional photos of Machupicchu. Ps#2: Willy is a very good photographer, and gave guidance about the best place to take photos.
Cesar V
Cesar V
2024-04-22
The tour revived history for us as we experienced the amazing locations we visited. I couldn’t have asked for a better tour. Gary Neslon is a positive and well educated local that has so much knowledge to share. We didn’t feel rushed or pressured at any time and the whole experience was one of a kind.
Nathan R
Nathan R
2024-04-15
Unforgettable experience in Machu Picchu. Willy is amazing. Willy is a great tour guide who is knowledgeable and very good at giving detailed explanations and excellent photo opportunities. He never rushed us and gave us the appropriate times needed to have a wonderful experience in Machu Picchu. Would recommend him to anyone.
Emanuele
Emanuele
2024-04-10
Something unique that is difficult to describe with words, the emotions I felt It was an organization predicted down to the smallest detail. The guides were fantastic for explanations and patience. The hotels chosen were perfect but above all the places visited were truly well preserved and above all magical
Jorge A
Jorge A
2024-04-07
A first class ride. Very nice, we enjoyed it, the excellent treatment, I recommend it. It is recommended to enjoy with the family. Very good vacation

Travel Guide

Make your booking in advance

The Inca Trail is a popular trek, and permits are limited to protect the trail and preserve the experience. Make sure to book your trek well in advance to secure your spot.

Acclimatize to the altitude

Cusco is situated at high altitude, and the Inca Trail reaches even higher points. It’s essential to spend a few days in Cusco or other high-altitude locations to acclimatize before starting the trek. This will help prevent altitude sickness and ensure a more enjoyable experience.

Pack light

You will be carrying your backpack throughout the trek, so pack only the essentials. Pack comfortable and lightweight clothing, toiletries, a good pair of hiking shoes, a rain jacket, a hat, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle. Keep in mind that the porters will carry the camping equipment and food.

Stay hydrated

Proper hydration is crucial during the trek. Drink plenty of water and avoid excessive alcohol consumption. There are water refill stations along the trail, so bring a reusable water bottle to minimize plastic waste.

Take it slow

The Inca Trail is a challenging trek, especially due to the altitude. Take your time and enjoy the journey. Pace yourself, take breaks when needed, and listen to your body.

Weather on the Inca Trail

The weather on the Inca Trail can vary significantly throughout the day and at different altitudes. During the day, it can be warm and sunny, but temperatures drop significantly at night. It’s recommended to dress in layers to accommodate these changes. Additionally, be prepared for rain, as showers can occur even during the dry season. It’s essential to bring a waterproof jacket and consider packing a poncho or rain cover for your backpack.

Aditional Tips for the Inca Trail:

  • Train and prepare physically: The Inca Trail involves several days of hiking, including uphill and downhill sections. Prioritize your physical fitness by engaging in regular exercise, including cardiovascular activities and strength training. Walking or hiking on uneven terrain can also help prepare your muscles and joints.
  • Bring snacks: While meals are provided during the trek, it’s a good idea to pack some energy-boosting snacks such as trail mix, granola bars, or dried fruit. These can provide a quick and convenient source of energy during the trek.
  • Use trekking poles: Trekking poles can provide stability and reduce the strain on your knees and joints, especially during steep uphill and downhill sections. Consider bringing a pair to make the trek more comfortable.

Restrictions on Machu Picchu and the Inca trail

To protect the environment and the trail, there are some restrictions and regulations to be aware of:

  • Only authorized tour operators can access the Inca Trail, so make sure to book your trek with a licensed operator.
  • The Inca Trail has a maximum capacity of 500 people per day, including guides, porters, and trekkers. Permits are required for all participants.
  • Respect the rules and guidelines provided by your tour operator and the local authorities. These may include restrictions on littering, camping in designated areas, and respecting the cultural sites along the trail.

Dressing:

  • Layered clothing: Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep you dry, add a mid-layer for insulation, and top it off with a waterproof and breathable outer layer.
  • Comfortable hiking pants or shorts: Choose lightweight and quick-drying options.
  • Long-sleeved shirts: Protect yourself from the sun and insects.
  • Insulating layers: Pack a fleece or down jacket for colder temperatures.
  • Hiking socks: Invest in moisture-wicking and cushioned socks to keep your feet comfortable during the trek.
  • Hiking shoes: Wear well-fitting, sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good traction to navigate the varied terrain.

Inquiry now

Get Ready to Explore? With your booking confirmed, all thats left to do is pack your bags and get ready to explore. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first journey, well be with you every step of the way. At Machu Picchu Peru Travel, we believe that every journey begins with a single step. So why wait? Start your adventure today and let the world be your guide.

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