Inca Trail / Cusco 4D Tour

🧭 Description

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most famous hiking route in South America and one of the most dreamed-of experiences for travelers from around the world. Over four days, you’ll walk along ancient trails built by the Incas, crossing valleys, mountains, and cloud forests, until you reach the imposing citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

🧭 Itinerary

📍Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba

• 5:00 am – Pickup from your hotel in Cusco

Departure by tourist transport to Ollantaytambo, where you will enjoy a short rest and a light breakfast.

• Start the trek at Km 82

This is where the adventure along the classic Inca Trail begins. The first section is moderate and crosses Andean landscapes with views of the Urubamba River.

• Break in Miskay and visit Llaqtapata

Explore this first Inca archaeological site, with agricultural terraces and buildings that served as an administrative center.

• Picnic lunch en route

The cooks prepare fresh food with local ingredients.

• Ascent to Wayllabamba (3,000 m.a.s.l.)

Arrival at the camp surrounded by nature and mountains.

• Dinner and overnight in tents.

📍Day 2: Wayllabamba – Warmiwañusca – Pacaymayo

• Energizing breakfast

Start of the most demanding section of the trek.

• 7:00 am – Ascent to Warmiwañusca (4,215 m)

Known as the “Dead Woman’s Pass,” it is the highest point on the Inca Trail.

• Lunch after the summit.

After the tough climb, enjoy a well-deserved rest with spectacular views.

• Descent to Pacaymayo (3,600 m)

A valley surrounded by mountains where the second camp is located.

• Dinner under the starry sky.

📍Day 3: Pacaymayo – Runkurakay – Wiñay Wayna

• Andean breakfast

A day full of archaeological sites and unique landscapes.

• Ascent to the Runkurakay Pass (3,900 m)

Visit to the circular archaeological complex that served as an Inca checkpoint.

• Explore Sayacmarca

A complex of terraces and mysterious buildings surrounded by cloud forests.

• Lunch in Chaquicocha

Rest in a place surrounded by mountains.

• Passage through Phuyupatamarca, “the city above the clouds.”

It is one of the best-preserved Inca complexes, with terraces, plazas, and ritual fountains.

• Arrival at Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m)

This archaeological site is one of the most beautiful on the Inca Trail, with cascading agricultural terraces.

• Dinner and last night in camp.

📍Day 4: Wiñay Wayna – Inti Punku – Machu Picchu – Cusco

• Breakfast and early departure

Walk toward the Sun Gate to arrive at sunrise.

• 6:00 am – Inti Punku (Sun Gate)

First panoramic view of Machu Picchu, one of the most anticipated moments of the trip.

• Entrance to Machu Picchu

Guided tour of the main areas: Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, Temple of the Three Windows, agricultural and urban areas.

• Free time to explore.

Optional: climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (with additional ticket).

• Bus to Aguas Calientes and return by train to Cusco.
• Arrive in Cusco and transfer to the hotel.

✅ What’s included in the Tour?

Includes in the 4 Days / 3 Nights Inca Trail Tour:

✅Informational briefing in Cusco: Meeting prior to the start of the tour where the guide explains details of the route, recommendations, and answers any questions.

✅Complete ground transportation: Tourist transportation from the hotel in Cusco to Km 82 (trekking starting point) and return by tourist train + bus from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.

✅Official entrance ticket to the Inca Trail and the citadel of Machu Picchu.

✅Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English) specialized in history, archaeology, and mountain trekking.

✅Authorized porters: Responsible for transporting camping equipment, food, and assigned traveler’s belongings (according to the permitted weight).

✅Full meals during the trek: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared en route by a camp chef, plus energy snacks and hot drinks.

✅Cooking equipment: Specialized cooks, utensils, a kitchen tent, and a dining tent.

✅Purified drinking water starting on the second day of the trek.

✅First aid kit and oxygen tank for emergencies.

✅Personalized assistance throughout the trek to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

❌ What’s not included?

Not included in the 4 Days / 3 Nights Inca Trail Tour:

❌Sleeping bag: Not included, but can be rented in Cusco, with varying temperatures depending on the season.

❌Trekking poles: These are optional and can be rented. It is recommended that they have rubber protectors to avoid damaging the trail.

❌Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day in Cusco or Aguas Calientes.

❌Optional entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: Both require an additional ticket and must be reserved in advance.

❌Additional drinks: Sodas, beers, liquors, or other beverages not included in the tour meal plan.

❌Voluntary tips: A monetary thank you to the guide, porters, and cooks (common practice on the Inca Trail).

❌Personal travel insurance: Each traveler must have medical or travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking activities.

❌Extra personal expenses: Souvenir purchases, additional snacks, use of restrooms at specific locations, or any other expenses not mentioned in the program.

🌟 Recommendations

Recommendations for the 4-Day / 3-Night Inca Trail:

• Book in advance: Permits to enter the classic Inca Trail are limited and usually sell out 4 to 6 months in advance. It is recommended to secure your reservation early.
• Acclimatization in Cusco: Spending at least two days in the city before starting the trek helps you adapt to the altitude (3,300 m) and avoid altitude sickness.
• Physical fitness and preparation: Although you don’t need to be a professional athlete, it is advisable to be in good physical condition and to hike beforehand to improve your endurance.
• Appropriate clothing: Bring light, breathable clothing for the day, but also warm clothing for cold nights at altitude. A waterproof jacket or rain poncho is essential.
• Trekking Footwear: Comfortable, water-resistant, and well-worn hiking boots to avoid blisters during the hike.
• Sun and weather protection: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent. During the rainy season (November to March), a raincoat is also essential.
• Personal Equipment: Small backpack for everyday items (water, snacks, camera), headlamp, portable battery, and reusable canteen.
• Hydration: Always carry water and purification tablets, as natural springs are found along the trail.
• Health and Safety: It is recommended to carry a personal first-aid kit with basic medicines. The guide team carries a general first-aid kit and oxygen, but travel insurance is highly recommended.
• Respect for the Environment: The Inca Trail is a Cultural and Natural Heritage Site, so avoid leaving trash, respect the flora and fauna, and do not damage the archaeological remains.
• Cash: Bring Peruvian soles in small bills for extra expenses such as bathrooms, tips, or handicraft purchases along the way.
• Extra porter option: If you don’t want to carry all your luggage, you can arrange an additional porter in advance.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many kilometers are covered on the classic Inca Trail?

The 4D/3N Inca Trail is approximately 42 kilometers long, from Km 82 to the citadel of Machu Picchu.

2. What is the best time to hike the Inca Trail?

The recommended season is from April to October, when the weather is dry and sunny. November to March is the rainy season, which makes the trek more challenging.

3. What is the difficulty level of the Inca Trail?

The trek is moderate to challenging due to the altitude and long climbs, such as the Warmiwañusca Pass (4,215 m), the highest point on the trail.

4. Can I hike the Inca Trail on my own without a guide?

No. Access to the Inca Trail is only permitted through authorized agencies with official guides, so booking a tour is mandatory.

5. Do I need to acclimatize before starting the hike?

Yes. It is recommended to stay in Cusco at least two days beforehand to avoid altitude sickness and adapt to the 3,300 meters of altitude.

6. What is the minimum and maximum age recommendation for the Inca Trail?

It is recommended for people 8 years and older in good physical condition. Older adults may also participate as long as they are in good health and have medical clearance.

7. How quickly do the Inca Trail sell out?

Permits are limited to 500 people per day (including tourists, guides, and porters). They sell out 4 to 6 months in advance, especially during peak season (May to August).

8. Can I visit Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain at the end of the tour?

Yes, but they require an additional ticket that must be booked in advance. They are short, steep hikes that offer unique panoramic views of the citadel.