Classic Inca Trail Trek 4 Days / 3 Nights to Machu Picchu

We begin the day with a 4:30 am pick-up from your hotel to head towards Ollantaytambo. There you will have time for breakfast between 6:30 and 7:00 am (not included). Afterward, we continue to Piskacucho (Km 82), the starting point of the Inca Trail.

Upon arrival, we will prepare to begin the hike: use the restrooms, apply sunscreen and insect repellent, and present your passport and entrance ticket at the Inca Trail checkpoint.

The trail begins at 2,720 m, crossing the Urubamba River and continuing along a path with breathtaking views of the Llactapata complex, the Huillca Raccay fortress, and the snow-capped Veronica mountain. This first section is moderate, ideal for acclimatizing to the pace of the trail.

After about 3 hours of hiking, we will arrive at the village of Hatunchaca, where our chef will have a hot and nutritious lunch ready. After a short break, we'll continue for about an hour and a half until we reach our campsite in Ayapata (3,300 m), located in a peaceful valley surrounded by nature.

Upon arrival, you can settle into your tent while our team prepares a delicious dinner. Your guide will give you instructions for the following day. Weather permitting, you'll be able to enjoy a night sky full of stars, one of the most special moments on the Inca Trail.

Maximum height: 3,300m / 10,826 ft

Minimum height: 2,720m / 8,924 ft

Climate: Cold - Sunny

Difficulty: Moderate

Approximate walk: 5 - 6 hrs

This is considered the most challenging day of the Inca Trail, so we'll start early, between 5:00 and 5:30 am, to begin the hike with energy.

We'll gradually ascend to the highest point of the trek: Abra Warmiwañuska, known as Dead Woman's Pass, located at 4,200 m. The climb is demanding, but the views and the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit make it totally worthwhile. We'll have time to rest, take photos, and enjoy the Andean landscape.

Then we'll begin the descent to Pacaymayo (3,550 m), where a delicious lunch prepared by our team will be waiting for us. This valley is a perfect place to relax before continuing.

During the day's hike, you'll be able to observe a wide variety of birds, including hummingbirds, as well as the characteristic Queuña trees, which grow in the high-altitude cloud forests. The scenery along this section is some of the most special on the Inca Trail.

After lunch, we'll continue our hike for approximately four hours, with breaks in between, towards the Chaquicocha campsite. Along the way, we'll visit two important archaeological sites: Runkuracay and Sayacmarka, both surrounded by spectacular landscapes.

Upon arrival at the campsite, you can settle in, rest, and enjoy a hearty dinner before going to sleep.

Maximum height: 4,200m / 13,779 ft

Minimum height: 3,300m / 10,826 ft

Climate: Cold - Sunny

Difficulty: Moderate

Approximate walk: 3 - 4 hrs

We start the day early again. Our team will wake you up with a cup of hot tea, and then we'll enjoy a hearty breakfast before beginning our hike to the final pass of the Inca Trail: Phuyupatamarca, known as the City in the Clouds.

This point, located at 3,680 m (12,300 ft), offers spectacular views of mountains, canyons, and the surrounding landscape. A few minutes from the pass, we'll visit the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca, one of the most impressive for its engineering and location. Afterward, we'll begin the descent down the famous section of nearly 3,000 Inca steps, which will take us through the cloud forest to the Intipata agricultural complex, where we'll have time to explore and take photos.

We'll continue hiking until we reach our final campsite: Wiñay Wayna (2,680 m/8,000 ft), a beautiful spot surrounded by nature. This day's hike is easier, taking between 4 and 5 hours, so we'll arrive around lunchtime. In the afternoon, we'll take a short 5-minute walk to visit the Wiñay Wayna archaeological site, considered by many to be the most beautiful on the Inca Trail due to its endless terraces, unique structures, and breathtaking views.

Upon returning to camp around 5:30 pm, we'll enjoy our last happy hour with hot drinks and a delicious dinner. Afterward, we'll have a brief farewell to thank the porter team for their incredible work. If you wish, you can leave them a voluntary tip.

Maximum height: 3,680m / 12,073 ft

Minimum height: 2,680m / 8,792ft

Climate: Cold - Sunny

Difficulty: Moderate

Approximate walk: 3 - 4 hrs

The most anticipated day of the Inca Trail has arrived. Today we'll wake up very early, around 4:00 am, to begin the final hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Our goal is to arrive at approximately 6:00 am, just in time to enjoy the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu illuminated by the first rays of the sun.
It's a magical moment and one of the most memorable of the entire trip.

From the Sun Gate, we'll descend for about 40 minutes to the upper entrance of Machu Picchu, passing by the Guardhouse, one of the best spots for photos. Then we'll enter the citadel and leave our backpacks at the checkpoint before starting the guided tour.

Your professional guide will take you through the most important areas of Machu Picchu, exploring temples, plazas, streets, and staircases while you discover the history and mystery behind this wonder of the world.

Afterward, you'll have free time to take photos and soak up the energy of the place. After your visit, we'll take the bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Later, we'll board the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transportation will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco. We'll arrive at approximately 8:30 pm, concluding this incredible adventure on the Inca Trail.

Maximum height: 2,720m / 8,924 ft

Minimum height: 2,430m / 7,972ft

Climate: Cold - Sunny

Difficulty: Moderate

Approximate walk: 3 - 4 hrs