Classic Inca Trail 4 Days to Machu Picchu

Let the adventure begin!

The first day, your expert guide will pick you up from your Cusco hotel at 4:30 am, marking the start of your unforgettable journey along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. We’ll begin with a scenic 2-hour drive to Ollantaytambo, where a hearty breakfast awaits to fuel you for the day ahead. Afterward, we’ll continue with a 40-minute drive to Kilometer 82, the official starting point of the Inca Trail.

Before the trek begins, your guide will introduce you to our dedicated team, including our talented chef and porters. Together, we’ll function as a close-knit group throughout this incredible expedition. At this point, you’ll hand over your duffle bag to the team, carrying only a daypack for the hike.

Upon arrival at the checkpoint, please have your original passport ready for verification by the park rangers.  Once the formalities are complete, we’ll step onto the historic Royal Path of the Inca Trail. Along the way, you’ll experience breathtaking scenery, diverse flora and fauna and ancient Inca sites, with your knowledgeable guide sharing fascinating insights at each stop

We’ll maintain a leisurely pace, with frequent breaks for snacks, photos, and simply taking in the stunning surroundings. Lunch will be served around 1:30 p.m., providing nourishment for the next stage of the journey. Afterward, we’ll refill your water bottles with fresh, clean water.

As we approach our final campsite for the day, Huayllabamba, located at an elevation of 3,350 meters (similar to Cusco’s elevation), our support team will have your tents ready for a well-deserved rest. They’ll also provide warm water, small towels and soap for freshening up. Later, you’ll have some free time to enjoy tea before dinner, which is typically served around 7:30 p.m.

This is just the beginningof your Inca Trail adventure, where each step takes you closer to the wonders of Machu Picchu.

• Accommodation: Camping
• Tickets: Included
• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Your second day on the Inca Trail begins with a gentle wake-up call at 5:30 a.m., when our team delivers a steaming cup of revitalizing coca tea to your tent. Known for helping alleviate altitude discomfort, this invigorating beverage prepares you for the day ahead.

You’ll have plenty of time to organize your daypack and duffle bag before breakfast is served. We also provide snacks and water to ensure you’re fully fueled for the journey. At 7:30 a.m., we set off on a gradual ascent, starting the hike on an easy stretch without any strenuous climbing. This portion of the trail takes you through a captivating valley, where you can admire ancient trees such as Queñas and Uncas, native to this unique ecosystem.

Our trek then continues into the Highland forest, famed for its distinctive vegetation, making this area truly remarkable. After approximately four hours of hiking, we’ll arrive at Llulluchapampa, where our talented chef will have prepared a delectable lunch, giving you a well-deserved rest.

Following lunch, we tackle an exhilarating two-hour uphill stretch to reach the trail’s highest point, Dead Woman’s Pass, standing at an impressive altitude of 4,200 meters. From this vantage point, you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramic views, the perfect opportunity for some of your most memorable photos.

After soaking in the scenery, we’ll descend to our campsite at Pacaymayu Alto, situated at an altitude of 3,650 meters. Your tent will be ready for you to relax and unwind. A delightful “happy hour” with hot beverages will precede dinner, which is typically served around 7:00 p.m. After a physically demanding day, it’s common to retire early, often falling asleep by 8:30 p.m.

• Accommodation: Camping
• Tickets: Include
• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – dinner

The third day of our Inca Trail adventure highlights the incredible diversity of ecosystems along the route. Many travelers consider this day unforgettable, as nature unveils a spectacular display of flora, particularly orchids. In this region alone, there are around 135 distinct species of orchids, and you’ll have the privilege of seeing many of them during your trek. Where there are blossoms, you’ll also spot hummingbirds and other bird species, adding to the vibrant natural beauty that surrounds us.

Our day begins with an early breakfast, providing the energy needed for the day ahead. We then set off on a challenging two-hour ascent. Halfway up, we’ll arrive at Runcuracay, a small but historically significant Inca site. Here, we’ll pause to explore while our guide shares fascinating insights into its rich history.

From Runcuracay, we continue for another hour until we reach the second highest point of the trek, the summit. From here, you’ll be treated to sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. After taking in the scenery, we begin our descent, which takes roughly an hour and a half, leading us to the captivating Inca site of Sayacmarka. Often considered the most beautiful site of the day, it’s a perfect place to pause and explore its fascinating features.

As we move deeper into the lush jungle, the climate becomes warmer, and the surroundings take on a new character. You may encounter a few mosquitoes in this section, so be prepared. We’ll stop for a nourishing lunch to recharge before continuing.

The trek then resumes with a two-hour hike to Phuyupatamarca, where stunning views of Machu Picchu Mountain and the town of Aguas Calientes come into sight, a clear reminder that we are nearing the famous “Lost City of the Incas.” The final stretch involves numerous stairs, which can be challenging, making trekking poles especially useful for support. We’ll descend toward our final campsite at Wiñayhuayna, situated at at an altitude of 2,650 meters. The descent takes about three and a half hours, and here we’ll spend our last night camping before our grand arrival at Machu Picchu.

• Accommodation: Camping
• Tickets: Include
• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – dinner

The fourth day is the highlight of our adventure, as the legendary Machu Picchu lies ahead, waiting to be discovered. We start with an early wake-up at 3:30 a.m., a tradition shared by all Inca Trail trekkers. Breakfast is served promptly at 4:00 a.m., and by 5:30 a.m., we’ll arrive at the checkpoint, ready for our momentous entry into one of the Seven New Wonders of the World.

Our trek begins with a one-hour walk to the famed Sun Gate (Inti Punku), an exclusive privilege for Inca Trail trekkers. By 6:30 a.m., we’ll witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu, a breathtaking sight that is truly unforgettable. Be sure to capture these precious moments on camera as you take in the magic of the first glimpse of the citadel.

From the Sun Gate, we descend for approximately 40 minutes to reach the magnificent Machu Picchu citadel. Here, you’ll have the chance to take iconic, postcard-worthy photographs. Accompanied by our expert guide, we’ll dive into a detailed two-hour tour of the site following the Circuit N 3, exploring its most important structures and uncovering the history, significance, and mysteries of this ancient Inca city.

After the guided tour, you may choose to conclude your visit or, if you have booked tickets in advance, journey into the Huayna Picchu hike. This challenging but rewarding ascent takes around two hours (including the return), offering spectacular views and a unique perspective of the citadel. Please note that Huayna Picchu tickets are limited and must be secured at the time of reservation.

Following your Machu Picchu adventure, we’ll take a bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy your final group lunch (lunch not included). In the afternoon, we’ll board the train, usually departing around 3:00 p.m., back to Ollantaytambo, where our driver will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco. We expect to arrive at your hotel around 7:30 p.m., concluding an unforgettable journey along the Inca Trail.

• Accommodation: Book on your own
• Tickets: Includes
• Meals: Only breakfast