Treks and routes to Machu Picchu
Inca Trail 4 Days / 3 Nights
The classic 4-day trek on the Inca Trail: the Warmi Wañusqa Pass at 4,200 m (13,780 ft), Llactapata, Runkuracay, Sayacmarca and Wiñay Wayna. Three nights in a fully equipped camp, a porter for 7 kg and your Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
- We assist you in English on WhatsApp
- English-speaking guides
- Local agency in Cusco since 2003, registered with MINCETUR
Pickup at your lodging in Cusco at the time given, based on the confirmed departure time
Explanations in English or Spanish along the entire route
Llactapata, Warmi Wañusqa, Runkuracay, Sayacmarca, Wiñay Huayna and Machu Picchu
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Four days on the original Inca Trail, from the Warmi Wañusqa Pass to Machu Picchu
The classic 4-day Inca Trail is Peru’s most iconic trek: 45 kilometers along the stone path the Incas built to reach Machu Picchu, with a string of archaeological sites you can only see on foot. We set out from Piscacucho, at kilometer 82, and hike through high mountains, puna grasslands and cloud forest.
The four days of hiking take in Llactapata, the Warmi Wañusqa pass at 4,200 m, the circular buildings of Runkuracay, the fortifications of Sayacmarca and Puyupatamarca, the Wiñay Wayna complex and the final arrival through Intipunku at dawn on day four. The sanctuary’s circuits and schedules are published by the Ministry of Culture on its official website.
The program costs US$ 925 per person and includes your Inca Trail permits, entrance and a guided tour at Machu Picchu, three nights in an equipped camp, all meals, a personal porter who carries 7 kg and the train back. Permits are issued in your name and sell out months in advance. If you can’t get a spot or want a shorter option, there’s the 2-day Short Inca Trail and the 4-day Salkantay Trek, which needs no named permit.
Warmi Wañusqa, the highest pass
The high point of the trail, at 4,200 m, with a panoramic view of the mountain range that makes the climb worth it.
A string of archaeological sites
Llactapata, above the Vilcanota River, the circular buildings of Runkuracay, the fortifications of Sayacmarca and Puyupatamarca and the Wiñay Huayna complex, “forever young” in Quechua.
A demanding 4-day trek
12 km on day one, the high pass on day two, 16 km on day three and the arrival at Machu Picchu on day four. It requires good fitness and prior acclimatization.
Full camp and porter
Three nights of camping with comfortable gear, all meals, drinking water every day and a personal porter who carries 7 kg of your belongings.
Itinerary
Your 4-day program, step by step: from Piscacucho to Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail
Day 1 · Cusco – Llactapata – Wayllabamba (12 km)
- Pickup at your lodging in CuscoWe set off for the village of Piscacucho, the starting point of the trail.
- Start of Pachacútec's Inca TrailThe hike begins through the mountain landscapes of the Andes, with views of La Verónica peak, the highest in the Urubamba range.
- LlactapataFollowing the Vilcanota River, we reach the archaeological site of Llactapata.
- Wayllabamba campsite (3,300 m / 10,830 ft)We continue to the campsite, where we have dinner and spend the night after 12 kilometers of hiking.
Day 2 · Warmi Wañusqa – Pacaymayo (9 km)
- Breakfast and early startWe get up early and have breakfast to take on the most demanding day of climbing.
- Warmi Wañusqa (4,200 m)The climb to the highest point of the Inca Trail, with a panoramic view of the mountain range from the top.
- Descent to PacaymayoDescent to the campsite, dinner and rest after 9 kilometers of hiking.
Day 3 · Runkuracay – Sayacmarca – Puyupatamarca – Wiñay Huayna (16 km)
- RunkuracayAfter breakfast, we begin the longest stage of the trip with a guided visit to these mysterious circular buildings.
- Sayacmarca and PuyupatamarcaA route past the fortifications along the trail, with a stop for lunch and a rest.
- Wiñay HuaynaArrival at the archaeological site whose name means “forever young” in Quechua. Dinner and rest at the campsite.
Day 4 · Inti Punku – Machu Picchu – Cusco
- Breakfast and departure for Machu PicchuThe last day of hiking, toward one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
- Inti Punku · Sun GateWe pass through Inti Punku, which offers the most spectacular view of the complex.
- 3-hour guided tour of Machu PicchuA tour of the sanctuary's rooms, fountains and sacred temples.
- Free time and returnTime for photos, the bus down to Aguas Calientes and the train back to your lodging in Cusco.
What's included in your Inca Trail 4 Days / 3 Nights?
No surprises and no fine print: this is exactly what the service covers and what you will pay separately during the program.
4 days / 3 nights
4,215 m (13,830 ft) above sea level
Several departure times, depending on the schedule; confirmed at the time of booking
English or Spanish
Included
- Private transport from your lodging to the trailhead and from Ollantaytambo to your lodging in Cusco
- Inca Trail and Machu Picchu tickets, a guided tour of the sanctuary and a professional bilingual guide throughout the route (we have English-speaking guides)
- All meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, daily snacks and drinking water
- 3 nights of camping with comfortable gear (foam sleeping pad, pillows and duffel bag) and 1 personal porter who carries 7 kg of your belongings
- Panoramic train ticket (PeruRail Vistadome or Inca Rail 360º) Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes, round-trip bus to the sanctuary and first aid kit
Not included
- Inflatable mattress, sleeping bag and trekking poles
- Meals not listed in the program
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets (optional add-on hike)
- Travel insurance (recommended), personal expenses and tips
Note: sleeping bags, inflatable mattresses and trekking poles are not included, but they can be rented; let us know when you book. Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain tickets are optional and booked separately. Before buying this tour, please contact us so we can check permit availability.
Frequently asked questions
Here are the answers to the most common questions, so you can book with complete peace of mind.
Do I need to acclimatize before the 4-day Inca Trail?
Yes, it’s essential. On day two you cross the Warmi Wañusqa pass, at 4,200 m. We recommend spending at least three days in Cusco before departure and doing a shorter high-altitude tour first.
How difficult is the trail?
High. It’s four consecutive days of hiking: 12 km on day one, a 4,200 m pass on day two, 16 km on day three and the final stage to Machu Picchu. It doesn’t require mountaineering skills, but it does require good fitness and previous experience on multi-day hikes.
Which tickets do I need to buy separately?
The Inca Trail and Machu Picchu tickets are already included. You only pay separately for the optional Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets.
What time does it start and how long does it last?
The program lasts 4 days and 3 nights. We have several departure times, depending on the schedule, which are confirmed at the time of booking. We pick you up at your lodging in Cusco at the time given.
What should I bring?
A daypack, a sleeping bag and trekking poles (not included, but available for rent), broken-in hiking boots, layers, a windbreaker and a rain poncho, warm clothes for the nights at camp, a headlamp, insect repellent, sunscreen, toiletries and, without exception, your original passport.
How do booking and payment work?
Inca Trail permits are issued in your name and are very limited, so it’s best to book several months ahead. Contact us before you buy so we can check availability for your date; then we arrange each traveler’s passport details and all the logistics.
What happens if the weather affects the departure?
The Inca Trail runs all year except in February, when the trail network closes for maintenance. In the rainy season, the path gets more slippery and a rain poncho is essential. In case of unexpected weather or operational issues, we agree with you on the best possible alternative.
How much does the 4-day Inca Trail cost?
The price is US$ 925 per person. It includes the Inca Trail permits, the entrance ticket and guided tour at Machu Picchu, three nights of camping with full gear, 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners and daily snacks, drinking water, a personal porter who carries 7 kg of your belongings, the panoramic train back and transfers. Not included are the sleeping bag, trekking poles and the optional Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets.
How far in advance do I need to book the Inca Trail?
The sooner, the better. Permits are issued in your name, limited per day and sell out several months in advance, especially between May and September. Also, the trail network closes every February for maintenance. Send us your dates and we’ll check real availability before you pay anything.
How much luggage can I bring, and who carries it?
The program includes a personal porter who carries 7 kg of your belongings, plus the shared camping gear (tents, dining tent, kitchen, foam sleeping pad and pillow). You hike with just a daypack for water, a warm layer, a rain poncho and your camera. Sleeping bags and trekking poles are not included, but you can rent them.
Ready to book or have a question?
Talk to one of our travel advisors in English. We reply Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Peru time, GMT-5).