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Classic Inca Trail To Machu Picchu – 3N / 4D

Experience the classic four-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu through ancient ruins and high passes.

  • 3 Nights / 4 Days
  • Max 16 People
DURATION

3 Nights / 4 Days

LOCATION

Machu Picchu

MAX ALTITUDE

4,215 m.s.n.m.

DIFFICULTY

Moderate

Classic Inca Trail To Machu Picchu

Discover the Classic Inca Trail To Machu Picchu on an unforgettable four-day trek along ancient stone paths—one of the most popular hiking routes for adventure seekers in Peru. The journey covers a total distance of approximately 45 km (26 miles) and takes four days to complete, including a day dedicated to visiting the Machu Picchu Archaeological Park.

The Classic Inca Trail is considered one of the world’s top ten hikes, unrivaled in its ecological diversity and the richness of its archaeological treasures. The Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary spans 32,952 acres and encompasses a network of Inca trails, dozens of archaeological sites, ten ecological zones (ranging from glacial peaks to tropical forests), and a vast array of flora and fauna.

Experience the thrill of arriving at Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate, where your first breathtaking view of the ancient citadel will become a memory to cherish forever. Enjoy an exclusive, authentic camping experience featuring high-quality gear, private portable toilets, and a personal porter.

Wake up in the Andes to a hot cup of coffee and savor delicious Peruvian meals prepared by our expert trekking chefs using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco - Piscacucho ( Km 82) - Wayllabamba

Early in the morning, after breakfast at the hotel, we will pick you up at 5:00 a.m. from your hotel. We will travel for an average of 2 and a half hours to the famous Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Our first stop will be in the town of Ollantaytambo, where you can make the necessary purchases. Then, we will continue until we reach the starting point of the Inca Trail, called Kilometer 82, or Piscacucho, reaching a height of 2,673 masl (8,770 feet). On the first day, we will walk 11 km (6.8 miles).

The first part of the walk is relatively flat, and we will walk for an average of 2 hours and 30 minutes to the lunch spot. Along the way, we will visit our first archaeological center called Patallaqta. The name of the Inca city means “City on top of the Terraces” in Quechua. Here, you will be able to explore archaeological remains and also see more remains in the distance.

After visiting Patallaqta, we will walk for another 20 minutes until we reach the lunch site called Tarachayuc. After enjoying lunch, we will start walking for an average of 2 hours until we reach our camp.

This part of the trail is relatively flat, with ups and downs, until we reach our camp, Wayllabamba, which is at an elevation of 3,000 masl or 9,842 feet.

Overnight in Wayllabamba
  • Hiking Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
  • Duration: 5 Hours
  • Campsite Altitude: 3,000 m / 9,842 ft
  • Highest Altitude: 3,000 m / 9,842 ft
  • Meals: Snacks, lunch, tea time, dinner
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Breakfast at the Campsite

After breakfast, this will be the most difficult day because we will ascend 1,200 meters until we reach the highest pass of the Inca Trail, and we will walk 12 km (7.4 miles).

After enjoying breakfast, we will start our hike, and the climb up to the pass will take an average of 5 hours. On the way up, we will be able to see different ecological zones, starting from a humid forest and ending in the puna zone, where there are no trees, only wild grass.

Once we reach the highest point, called Warmiwañusca, which means “Pass of the Dead Woman” and is located at 4,215 masl (13,828 feet), we will take some time to rest and enjoy the panoramic view.

Then, we will begin to descend to our camp for an average of 2 hours. We will descend by stone steps to the Pacaymayo camp, which is at an altitude of 3,630 masl or 11,910 feet.

Here, we will have lunch, and afterwards, you will have some time to rest and explore the camp. In the evening, we will have dinner.

Overnight in Pacaymayo
  • Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
  • Duration: 7 Hours
  • Campsite Altitude: 3,630 m / 11,910 ft
  • Highest Altitude: 4,215 m / 13,828 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea time, dinner
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Breakfast at the Campsite

After breakfast, we will walk 16 km (9.9 miles). It is the longest day of the Inca Trail, but also one of the most beautiful and interesting because we will see more archaeological centers and different ecosystems.

After getting up and having breakfast, we will begin to ascend to the next pass, which will take us 2 hours. On the way up, we will visit an archaeological center called Runkuracay, which is very interesting due to its circular shape and location. It is said that this place was a refuge for walkers and a control point along the way.

After touring this archaeological center, we will continue climbing to the second pass, called Runkuracay, which is at 3,941 masl or 12,800 feet.

Then, we will descend for 2 hours to the lunch spot. On the way down, we will visit an archaeological site called Sayaqmarka, which means “Site in a Steep Place.” Here, we can see an important temple dedicated to Salkantay Mountain, which is the highest in this area.

Then, we will arrive at Chaquiccocha for lunch, and afterwards, we will continue walking for 4 more hours until we reach our next camp. The first part of this road will be relatively flat, with ups and downs, until we reach our next archaeological site called Phuyupatamarka, which means “City above the Clouds.”

Here, we will see water sources where the Incas took special baths to purify themselves before visiting the Inca city of Machu Picchu. Here, we also have the Phuyupatamarka camp, which is the second option for camping on the third day.

After the tour, we will go down until we reach the agricultural terraces of Intipata. Then, we will continue descending to our Wiñaywayna camp, which means “Forever Young,” at 2,650 masl or 8,694 feet.

This is our last night at the camp, and after dinner, we will thank our support staff (porters) for their work.

Overnight in Wiñayhuayna
  • Hiking Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles
  • Duration: 8 Hours
  • Campsite Altitude: 3,941 m / 12,800 ft
  • Highest Altitude: 4,215 m / 13,828 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea time, dinner
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Breakfast at the Campsite

On the last day, we will wake up very early (around 3:30 a.m.), and after breakfast, we will walk to the Control, where we will wait until 5:30 a.m.

Once we pass the Control, we will walk 6 km (3.7 miles) to Machu Picchu for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. The first part will be relatively flat until we reach Intipunku, which is the famous Sun Gate and the first place where you will see Machu Picchu.

After Intipunku, we will begin to descend to Machu Picchu, which is located at 2,400 masl or 7,874 feet. There, we will pass the Control and will be able to store our large backpacks in the warehouse.

Your guide will accompany you on a 2- to 3-hour tour of the most important areas included in your assigned circuit. You will explore terraces, viewpoints, temples, royal quarters, sacred areas, and the central part of the citadel while learning about the history, architecture, and daily life of the Incas.

We always request Circuit 3, as it includes access to the Inca Trail route and offers one of the most comprehensive guided tours.

After exploring the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, you will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch on your own. In the afternoon, you will board the Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo and continue by private transport to Cusco.

The suggested time to descend from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes town is 12:00 p.m., depending on the departure time of the train. It is recommended to arrive 30 minutes before the train’s departure.

2:00 p.m. Be ready at the train station for check-in.

2:30 p.m. Train Expeditions from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.

Upon arrival at the station, a member of the company staff will be waiting to transfer you to your respective hotel in Cusco.

Overnight in Cusco
  • Activity: Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
  • Hiking Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
  • Tour Duration: 2 -3 Hours
  • Max Altitude: 2,430m / 7,972 ft (Machu Picchu)
  • Train Departure: 02:00 p.m. (to Ollantaytambo)
  • Cusco Arrival: Approx. 07:30 p.m.
  • Meals: Breakfast at the hotel
  • Essentials: Original Passport, Daypack, Camera

Trip Details

Duration 3N / 4D
Activities Hiking – Adventure
Difficulty Moderate to challenging
Hiking distance 45KM / 27.5 miles
Minimum height 2000 m.s.n.m. or 6,560 ft (Aguas Calientes Town)
Maximum height 4215 m.s.n.m. or 13,821 ft (Dead woman Pass)
Destinations Machu Picchu
Tour language English, Spanish
Accommodation 03 nights Camping
Meals 03 Breakfast, 3 Lunch, 03 Tea time and 03 Dinners
Starts / Ends Cusco – Cusco

IMPORTANT: Please Allow 2 - 3 Days for Acclimatization

Services Included

The Trekking Included

  • Spanish and English speaking professional guide and assistant guides.
  • Private transport from your hotel in Cusco to KM 82.
  • Porters to take camping equipment.
  • Chef and assistant chef's.
  • Dinning Tent, kitchen tents, tables and chairs.
  • All meals - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Tents and mattress.
  • Accommodation for our guides, cooks and porters.
  • Entrance fee to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
  • Expedition train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
  • Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
  • Bus ticket from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
  • First aid kit.
  • Oxygen​​​.
  • Please let us know of any dietary requirements when booking.

Not Included

  • Sleeping bags ($25.00).
  • Tips for the guides and porters.
  • Breakfast on the first day and the last lunch in Aguas Calientes.
  • Trekking poles ($15.00).

Group Service

USD $848.00 per person

Private Service
Number of people
Price per person USD
1 - people
USD $2390.00 per person
2 - people
USD $1480.00 per person
3 - 5 people
USD $1255.00 per person
6 - 8 people
USD $895.00 per person
9 + people
USD $848.00 per person

Discount

Children 17 years old and under – $30 USD off.

* To receive the child discount you must send us a copy of the child’s passport.

Discount

Huaynapicchu Mountain: USD$70.00

Machu Picchu Mountain: USD$70.00

Vistadome Observatory Train round Trip: USD$90.00

Sleeping Bags: USD$25.00

Trekking Poles: USD$15.00 (1 pair)

Prívate Tent: USD$40.00

Extra Porter (To carry your personal bag) for 7 kg or 15 pounds: USD$120.00

Document
Small backpack
Large backpack
Warm clothes - Including jacket, fleece, thermal clothes for sleeping, gloves, scarf
Rain clothes - Jacket and trousers, poncho, hat
Swimsuit
Small towel
Strong, waterproof trekking boots
Walking poles
Sandals
Flashlight
Camera - Extra batteries as they run out faster under cold conditions
Suncream, moisturiser
Insect repellant - Min 20% DEET
Toilet paper
Personal first aid kit
Snacks - Biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc
Water bottle
Cash in Soles/$USD
YOU MUST BRING YOUR ORIGINAL PASSPORT

How to book

To book the tour, please send us an email with the information of each person in your group:

Full name, nationality, date of birth and gender
Copy of your passport
The tour you want to do, the start date
How many people are in your group
info@peruvianpathsandadventures.com

Tour Map: Classic Inca Trail To Machu Picchu - 3N/4D

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