4-Day Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu

The 4-Day Inca Trail is the most iconic trekking route to Machu Picchu. Over 43 km of ancient and timeless Inca Trail, you’ll journey through remarkable archaeological sites such as Patallacta, Runkuracay, Sayacmarca, and Wiñay Wayna, while crossing two high mountain passes above 4,000 meters (13,123 ft). The trek culminates with your arrival at the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.

Please make sure to check Inca Trail availability in advance, as permits are limited and sell out quickly.

4-Day Inca Trail Tour Itinerary

The Inca Trail has limited spaces that sell out months in advance. Book today with CuscoPeru.com and secure your spot on this 4-day hike to Machu Picchu

INCLUDED:

• Informational briefing about the trek with our official guide the day before departure.
• Assisted transfer from your hotel in Cusco to Km 82 (starting point of the trek to Machu Picchu).
• Three nights in double-occupancy igloo-style tents.
• Permit for the Traditional Inca Trail.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu citadel, Circuits 1 and 3.
• Cook for meal preparation.
• Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, and daily tea time.
• Boiled water for refilling bottles on days 3 and 4.
• Porters to carry food and camping equipment.
• Camping equipment, including tents, tables, and chairs.
• Inflatable sleeping pad for the three camping nights.
• Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
• Guided tour in Machu Picchu and throughout the entire trek.
• Return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Expedition or Voyager service).
• Transfer from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
• First aid kit and oxygen tank during the Classic Inca Trail trek.
• 24-hour assistance from our team of guides and porters.

NOT INCLUDED:

• First breakfast (Day 1) and lunch on Day 4.
• Trekking poles (rental: US$15).
• Access to showers at campsites.
• Sleeping bag rental (US$20).
• Additional personal porter (US$150) – maximum load 7 kg.
• Tips for guide, cook, and porters (optional).
• Meals and beverages not specified above.

DAY 1: INCA TRAIL – WAYLLABAMBA

(Lunch and dinner)

IMPORTANT: A meeting with the official guide is mandatory one day prior to departure. The guide who will accompany you throughout the 4-day Inca Trail will provide detailed information about the trek, distances, what to pack, and how to prepare properly.

This Inca Trail adventure to Machu Picchu begins at 5:00 a.m. with pickup from your hotel to travel to Piskakucho (Km 82) at 2,700 m (8,858 ft), passing through the towns of Chinchero, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, we will go through the control checkpoints where we will present our documents.

Along the route, we will observe several archaeological sites, including the Patallacta viewpoint, an important Inca settlement. We will continue hiking until reaching Miskay, where we will have lunch and take a short break. Continuing the adventure, we will arrive at our first campsite in Wayllabamba, located at 3,000 m (9,842 ft). We will enjoy dinner and tea before resting after our first day on the 4-day Inca Trail.

Overnight camping in Wayllabamba.

DAY 2: WAYLLABAMBA – WARMIWAÑUSKA – PACAYMAYO

(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 2 of the 4-day Inca Trail begins with breakfast at approximately 6:00 a.m. followed by our journey toward Pacaymayo. The most challenging section will be the first 3 hours of uphill hiking until we reach Warmiwañuska Pass (The Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,200 m (13,779 ft). At this point, we will have reached the highest elevation of the Inca Trail and will be able to admire the breathtaking landscape and mountain views. After a rest, we will continue descending to Pacaymayo at 3,600 m (11,811 ft), where we will have lunch. Everything will be ready for us to settle into our tents and later enjoy a delicious dinner.

Overnight camping in Pacaymayo.

DAY 3: PACAYMAYO – PUYUPATAMARCA – WIÑAYHUAYNA

(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

After breakfast at 6:00 a.m., we will prepare to climb to the second pass known as Runkurakay Pass at 4,000 m (13,123 ft), where we will visit its archaeological center. After approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes of hiking, we will arrive at Sayacmarca at 3,600 m (11,811 ft), an important archaeological site known for its remarkable Inca structure.

We will then continue walking toward Puyupatamarca “or city above the clouds” as its quechua name refers to, at 3,650 m (11,975 ft), a site often surrounded by mist and mystery and misty fog forest settings. Finally, we will descend into the spectacular mountain forest ecosystem of Wiñayhuayna at 2,700 m (8,858 ft), where you will admire its impressive agricultural terraces along with its religious and urban sectors.

Overnight camping in Wiñayhuayna.

DAY 4: WIÑAYHUAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

(Breakfast)

Very early in the morning, we will begin the final stage of the magical journey to Machu Picchu. We will continue hiking until reaching Inti Punku (Sun Gate) at 2,720 m (8,924 ft), where we will witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu. From this point, we will enjoy our first panoramic view of the citadel.

Entry is permitted only through Circuit 1 (Panoramic Route). Later, we will re-enter via Circuit 3 (Royal Route), where we will explore the temples and Inca structures of Machu Picchu at 2,430 (7,972 ft). Our team will always be available to provide additional information during the guided tour.

After the tour, you will return to the train station in Ollantaytambo, where our staff will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Cusco. This concludes the 4-day Inca Trail journey to Machu Picchu.

End of services with CuscoPeru.com

INCLUDED:

• Informational briefing with our official guide the day before departure.
• Assisted transfer from your hotel in Cusco to Km 82 (starting point of the trek to Machu Picchu).
• Three nights in double-occupancy tents.
• Entrance to the Traditional Inca Trail.
• Entry to Machu Picchu citadel, Circuits 1 and 3.
• Cook for meal preparation.
• Meals: 3 lunches, 3 dinners, and 3 breakfasts.
• Cold water for bottles on Days 3 and 4.
• Porters to carry food and adventure equipment.
• Camping equipment, including tents, tables, and chairs.
• Sleeping pad for the three camping nights.
• Tourist bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
• Guided tour in Machu Picchu and throughout the entire trek.
• Return tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Expedition or Voyager service).
• Assisted transfer from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
• First aid kit and oxygen tank during the Classic Inca Trail trek.
• 24-hour assistance from our team of guides and porters.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Meals and beverages not mentioned above.
• Tips (optional gratuities for the guide and staff).
• First breakfast and lunch on Day 4.
• Access to showers.
• Sleeping bag rental (US$20).
• Extra porter (US$150).
• Trekking poles (US$15).

WHAT TO BRING:

Essentials (Daypack – what you carry daily)

• Passport (must match permit)
• Inca Trail permit / booking confirmation (copy or digital backup)
• Good daypack (20–30L)
• Water bottle or hydration bladder (2–3L capacity)
• Snacks (energy bars, nuts, chocolate, dried fruit)
• Sunscreen (high SPF)
• Sunglasses (UV protection)
• Hat or cap for sun
• Rain jacket / poncho
• Light warm layer (fleece or thermal)
• Camera / phone + power bank
• Toilet paper + small plastic bag (for waste)
• Hand sanitizer
• Basic first aid (blister plasters, painkillers, altitude meds if needed)

Clothing (layering is key)

• Moisture-wicking t-shirts (2–3)
• Hiking pants (1–2 pairs)
• Warm fleece or insulated jacket
• Waterproof jacket and pants
• Thermal base layers (top + bottom)
• Comfortable camp clothes (for evenings)
• Underwear + hiking socks (3–5 pairs)
• Warm hat (for cold nights)
• Sun hat (for daytime)
• Gloves (light + warm pair if possible)

Footwear

• Broken-in hiking boots (VERY important)
• Comfortable sandals or camp shoes
• Optional: trekking gaiters (for rain/mud)

Sleeping & Camping Gear (usually provided by tour operator, but check)

• Sleeping bag (rated -10°C or lower recommended)
• Sleeping bag liner (extra warmth + hygiene)
• Inflatable pillow (optional but nice)

Hygiene & Personal Care

• Wet wipes / biodegradable wipes
• Toothbrush + toothpaste
• Small quick-dry towel
• Lip balm (with SPF)
• Small toilet kit (soap, etc.)
• Feminine hygiene products if needed

Optional but useful

• Trekking poles (very helpful for knees) - Also available for renting.
• Small flashlight or headlamp
• Extra batteries
• Light book or journal
• Lightweight ziplock bags (for organization)
• Earplugs (camp noise)

What NOT to overpack

• Heavy jeans or cotton clothes (they don’t dry well)
• Too many outfits
• Hard-shell luggage (not useful on trail)
• Unnecessary electronics

To start your reservation process please send us the following information:

• Name and surname:
• Passport No.:
• Nationality:
• Date of birth:
• Sex:
• Phone:
• It is very important your information about your hotel in the city of Cusco, so we can pick you up there at the beginning of the tour..

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