Classic Inca Trail 4 Days Trek to Machu Picchu 2024

The Classic Inca Trail is one of our most stunning hike to Machu Picchu, and is ideal for travelers eager to combine the cultural highlights one of the world’s best-known hikes. This part of the trail is a challenging 4 days trek to Machu Picchu from the floor of the Sacred Valley up high mountain passes and through cloud forests and Jungle, which tests the limits of mind, body, and spirit. While it is physically demanding. The end is appropriately nicknamed the “Sun Gate,” where mist-shrouded views of Machu Picchu prove to all who make it that the climb was undeniably worth it.

Highlights
Duration:  4 Days
Departure point: Cuzco, Peru
Departure time:   4:00am
Accommodation: 3 nights Camping tents
Type of Trek: Hiking, Camping, Adventure, History, Culture
Elevation:   Maximum (4,200m – 13779,53 ft)   Lowest  (2400 m -7874,016 ft)
Group Size:  Min 02 – Max 12
Transportation: Private vehicle & train.
  • Multi-Day Trip
  • Once-in-a-Lifetime spiritual adventure that offers breathtaking
  • Book this tour month in advance! Government-issued permits are required, which sell out quickly.
  • Guided 4 day trek to Machu Picchu
  • Hike the famous Inca Trail
  • Pass Inca ruins and cities and catch breathtaking views of the Andean mountain range
  • Pre-briefing before to start the trek
  1. Day 1. Inca Trail – Km 82 to Huayllabamba. (Meals: L, D) Camping

    Between 04.00-04.30 am our private transport and staff will pick you up from your hotel. We drive to Piscacucho (2700m – 8856 ft), a community located on the 82nd kilometer of the Cusco Machu Picchu railroad, which is the starting point of the Inca Trail. We begin our hike by crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River and walking along its left shore as it flows northwest along the Sacred Valley. Following the trail along a flat terrain, we arrive in Miskay (2800m – 9184 ft), to then ascend and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the impressive Inca city of Llactapata (2650m/8692 ft). We continue trekking along the valley created by the Cusichaca River, gradually climbing for about five hours until we reach the community of Wayllabamba (3000 m – 9840 ft), where we set our first camp. All along the way we enjoy spectacular views of the Vilcanota ridge on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, where the impressive Veronica peak reigns at 5832 meters above sea level. Not to mention the diversity of wild flora and fauna that can be found all along the valley.
    • Total distance: 12 km (7,47 miles) estimated time 5-6 hours
    • Max. elevation: 3000 m (9,840 ft)
    • Campsite altitude: 3,000 m (9,840 ft)
  2. Day 2. Inca Trail – Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo. (Meals: B, L, D) Camping.

    We wake up at around 6:00 am and after breakfast, we begin the most difficult part of the trek, which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km. along this climb, the landscape changes from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation). On the way to the first mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass – (4200m – 13779.35 ft), we may see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at high altitude. We also cross an area of the so called cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows, and the Andean bear, which is also called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus). We advise that on this day specially, your daypack is well stocked with candies, chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high, and help with altitude sickness. Immediately after the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600m -11808 ft), where we camp after approximately 7 hrs of hiking.
    • Total distance: 11 km (6,84 miles) Estimated time 6-7 hours
    • Max.elevation: 4,200 m (13,776 ft.)
    • Campsite altitude: 3,500 m (11,480 ft)
  3. Day 3. Inca Trail – Pacaymayo to Wiñay Wayna. (Meals:B, L, D) Camping.

    This day is the longest but also the most impressive and the most interesting, due the number of archaeological sites and the lush cloud forest area that we cross, so rich in Andean flora and fauna. From Pacaymayo we climb to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970 m – 13022 ft). Halfway up, we stop to visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3800 m – 12464 ft, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower. After going over the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3624 m – 11887 ft). This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Continuing up an easy climb, we arrive at the third pass, the Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700 m – 12136 ft). Along this climb we can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient craft, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain, and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order, saving the trail from the multi-leveled Andean geography. We go through an Inca tunnel to later arrive at the aforementioned pass and down to the complex of the same name. This is one of the most complete and best-preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and is located on the highest point of a mountain. Curiously, Phuyupatamarca means ¨town over the clouds¨. From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River valley. We continue our trek down the long descending stone steps that lead us to Wiñaywayna (2650m – 8692ft), an impressive Inca complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector, close to which our camp is located. After visiting the impressive archaeological site, we enjoy our farewell dinner at our camp.
    • Total distance: 16 km (9,94 miles) Estimated time 8 hours
    • Max. elevation: 3900 m (12,792 ft)
    • Campsite altitude: 2,650 m (8,692 ft)
  4. Day 4. Inca Trail – Wiñay Wayna to Machu Picchu – Cusco (Meals: B)

    On this fourth and last day we get up at 3.30 am to leave Wiñaywayna an hour later and climb to the Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we may see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machupicchu. From Intipunku we descend into Machupicchu, and 40 minutes later we enter the citadel from the highest point through the House of the Guardians. We then descend to the control point where we register ourselves and leave our backpacks. We immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around, after the citadel tour, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, for lunch we recommend Indio Feliz restaurant (own cost). Following, you will take the Vistadome train at (6:10pm) back to Ollantaytambo, where our private bus will be waiting to take you back to Cusco ends 10:00pm at your hotel. Note: bring essential items for this trek, original passport is very important along the Inca trail without it, NO Inca trail and Machu Picchu.
    • Total distance: 4 km (2, 49 miles) estimated time 2 hours
    • Max. elevation 2,700 m (8,829 ft)

    How many days ahead to arrive in Cusco?

    Our company recommend to arrive at least 3 day ahead to get used to the altitude while aclimataciĂłn you can arrange few tours like City tour Cusco, Sacred Valley tour, Rainbow Mountain hike

    Very Important:

    The following client information is requested for any Inca Trail booking:
    • Complete names and surnames
    • Nationality
    • Passport number
    • Date of Birth
    • Gender
    • Date of trip
    • Hotel in Cuzco

    PACKING LIST FOR THE INCA TRAIL?

    Passport Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru) Good daypack (the smaller, the better) Water storage: Water reservoir like Camel baks are encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters. Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles) FOR YOUR DUFFEL: Porters will carry up to 6 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag. 2-3 wicking t-shirts-2-3 hiking pants-1 nice outfit for Machu Picchu day-5 sets of undergarments-4 sets of hiking socks-1 Fleece-1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night 1 Rain jacket and pants-1 sun hat-1 wool hat-Headlamp: essential-Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)-Comfortable shoes for camp-Walking boots-Waterproof- jacket/rain poncho-Quick dry towel.-Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean - might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap.-Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!-Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.-Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least TOILETRIES: Sunscreen Face moisturizer Bug spray Hand sanitizer Wet wipes Toothbrush and paste Toiletpaper Personal medication First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc. INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS: Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, no bag larger than 25L will be allowed in. If larger, you will need to store outside citadel gates. Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won't have time to filter water until your first lunch. Sunhat Rain gear Fleece Camera Music (iPhone) Hand sanitizer Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips Earplugs Classic Inca trail Frequently Asked Questions
ITS INCLUDED: NOT INCLUDED:
Hotel pickup first day / Drop off Walking sticks & Sleeping bag -15° degrees (rent we us $50 for whole trek
Inca trail tour Guide For the Inca trail: first day breakfast, last day lunch and dinner
Entrance fees to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Huayna Picchu Mountain tickets $.96
Private transportation to the  trailhead km 82, Last day Expedition train tickets from Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo Bus trip from Machupicchu down Aguas Calientes town
Meals. 3 Breakfast, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinnes  Vegan food optional Porters for your extra belongings
All camping gear and  mountain chef Vistadome train service $.80 addtional
Comfortable double tent and foam sleeping mattress
 Strong porters they carry cooking and camping equipment
Tourist  transportation Ollantaytambo - Cusco

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