Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 4 Days / 3 Nights

🚐 Hotel pickup and transfer to the Inca Trail starting point

The first day of the 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu begins very early. We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco between 5:00 and 5:30 a.m. and travel toward the Sacred Valley.

We arrive in Ollantaytambo around 6:30 a.m., where you will have approximately 25 minutes to have breakfast or make last-minute purchases. Please note that breakfast is not included.

🥾 Start of the hike at Km 82

We then continue to Piscacucho, also known as Kilometer 82, the official starting point of the Inca Trail. Upon arrival, around 10:00 a.m., you will present your passport and entrance permits at the first control checkpoint.

From the trailhead at 2,720 m.a.s.l, you cross the Vilcanota River and begin the hike along mostly gentle terrain. This first section helps your body acclimatize for the days ahead.

🏛️ Archaeological sites and landscapes of the first day

During the hike, you will pass important archaeological sites such as Huillca Raccay and Llactapata. Along the way, you will also enjoy impressive views of Mount Verónica, one of the most iconic peaks visible during this stage.

🏕️ Arrival at Wayllabamba campsite

Finally, you reach the Wayllabamba campsite, a green valley located at 3,000 m.a.s.l, where you will enjoy dinner and rest before the next day’s hike.

At night, temperatures may drop to around 5°C, depending on the season.

ℹ️ Day summary

• 🏕️ Campsite: Wayllabamba (3,000 m / 9,842 ft)
• 📈 Maximum altitude: 3,000 m / 9,842 ft
• 🥾 Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
• ⏱️ Duration: Approximately 6 hours
• 🍽️ Meals: Lunch, snacks and dinner
• 🛏️ Accommodation: Campsite
• ⚡ Difficulty: Easy to moderate

🌄 Start of the day and breakfast at camp

The second day of the 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu begins early. You wake up around 5:30 a.m. and enjoy a nutritious breakfast at camp to start the day with energy.

🥾 Ascent to Dead Woman’s Pass

After breakfast, you begin a demanding hike toward the highest point of the route: Warmiwañusca Pass, also known as Dead Woman’s Pass. Located at 4,215 m.a.s.l (13,828 ft), this mountain pass is one of the most challenging and memorable sections of the Inca Trail.

Upon reaching the summit, you enjoy a well-earned rest and a true sense of achievement. This moment marks one of the most special highlights of the trek.

⬇️ Descent and lunch at Pacaymayo

After the break, you begin the descent toward the Pacaymayo Valley, where you stop for lunch at 3,600 m.a.s.l. This section helps you regain energy before continuing the journey.

🌿 Nature and wildlife along the trail

During the hike, you may spot hummingbirds and other Andean bird species. The surroundings also feature a rich variety of native plants and trees that enhance the landscape throughout the route.

🏕️ Arrival at Pacaymayo Camp

In the afternoon, you continue with a second ascent of approximately two hours toward the Runkurakay sector. Finally, you reach Pacaymayo Camp around 5:00 p.m., where you rest and prepare for the next day’s adventure.

At night, temperatures may drop to around 4°C. Some campsites offer hot showers for an additional fee.

ℹ️ Day summary

• 🏕️ Camp: Pacaymayo (3,650 m / 11,975 ft)
• 📈 Highest altitude: Warmiwañusca Pass – Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,829 ft)
• 🥾 Hiking distance: Wayllabamba – Pacaymayo (16 km / 10 miles)
• ⏱️ Duration: Approximately 9 hours
• 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
• 🏕️ Accommodation: Camping at Pacaymayo
• 🔥 Difficulty: Challenging

🌅 Early start and breakfast at camp

The third day of the 4-day / 3-night Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is considered one of the most impressive of the journey. You wake early for breakfast around 6:00 a.m. and prepare for a day rich in history and spectacular scenery.

🥾 Ascent to Runkurakay and the third pass of the Inca Trail

You begin the morning with a gentle climb toward the archaeological site of Runkurakay, whose name means “oval-shaped structure.” Here you reach the third highest pass on the Inca Trail, located at 3,750 m.a.s.l.

🏛️ Sayacmarca and panoramic views

Afterwards, the route continues toward Sayacmarca, known as the “dominant town.” This ancient Inca complex offers sweeping views of mountains, deep valleys and the surrounding Andean landscape, making it one of the most photogenic highlights of the day.

☁️ Phuyupatamarca, the city in the clouds

From Sayacmarca, you continue toward Phuyupatamarca, the famous “city in the clouds.” Located just a short distance from the pass, this remarkable site stands out for its high-altitude setting and ceremonial significance.

🌿 Descent through the cloud forest and visit to Intipata

After exploring the site, you begin a long descent down more than 3,000 stone steps that wind through the cloud forest. Along the way, you visit Intipata, an impressive complex of Inca agricultural terraces carved into the mountainside.

🏕️ Arrival at the Wiñay Wayna campsite

Finally, you reach the Wiñay Wayna campsite, located at 2,680 m.a.s.l. Today’s hike typically lasts 7 to 8 hours and usually finishes before lunchtime.

In the afternoon, you have time to explore the Wiñay Wayna archaeological site, regarded by many as one of the most impressive highlights of the entire Inca Trail. At night, temperatures typically hover around 12 °C.

🌄 Day summary

• 🏕️ Campsite: Wiñay Wayna (2,680 m.a.s.l)
• ⛰️ Highest point: Runkurakay Pass (3,750 m.a.s.l)
• 🥾 Total hiking distance: 10 km
• ⏱️ Approximate duration: 7–8 hours
• 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• 🚿 Accommodation: Campsite (cold-water showers available)
• ⚡ Effort level: Moderate

🌌 Early start and final section of the Inca Trail

The final day of the 4-day / 3-night Inca Trail to Machu Picchu begins very early, typically between 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., depending on the campsite location. You wake up, get ready, and receive a boxed breakfast before setting off on the last stretch of the hike.

🌄 Arrival at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)

Around 6:30 a.m., you reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the traditional entrance to Machu Picchu along the Inca Trail. From here, you enjoy your first panoramic view of the Inca citadel — an emotional and unforgettable moment after days on the trail.

🏛️ First entry to Machu Picchu and upper terraces

From the Sun Gate, you descend toward the Machu Picchu citadel. The first area you visit corresponds to Circuit 1B (upper terraces), where your guide provides an initial introduction and you’ll have the chance to capture the classic panoramic photo of the sanctuary.

🧭 Guided tour inside the citadel

Next, you continue down to the control point for the required registration. Optionally, you may store your belongings in lockers (additional cost). Afterwards, you re-enter the citadel with a new ticket to explore the interior of Machu Picchu.

Accompanied by your professional guide, you visit the main sectors of the archaeological site, walking through ancient paths, plazas, and stone stairways. Along the route, you discover iconic landmarks such as the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Royal Tomb, and the Main Plaza.

📸 Free time and farewell to Machu Picchu

After the guided visit, you’ll have free time to explore Machu Picchu at your own pace and take additional photographs before beginning the return journey.

🚆 Return to Cusco

Following the visit, you descend to Aguas Calientes and board the tourist train bound for Ollantaytambo or Poroy. The service may be Expedition or Vistadome, depending on the option booked and availability. Upon arrival, our transport will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

🌄 Day summary

• 📍 Highest point: Sun Gate – Inti Punku (2,720 m.a.s.l / 8,923 ft)
• 🥾 Hiking distance: Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu (8.9 km / 5.5 miles)
• ⏱️ Estimated hiking time: 2 to 3 hours
• 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast
• ⚡ Effort level: Easy

Note: The availability of entry circuits within the Machu Picchu citadel depends on the travel date and official permit quotas. We recommend confirming this information with your sales advisor before finalizing your reservation.

🔍 Service differences

Next, we present the differences between the Standard, Comfort, and Premium services for the 4-day / 3-night Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. All options maintain the same operational standards and safety level; what varies is the degree of comfort.

🟢 Standard Service

• ⛺ Shared standard tents (2 people per tent).
• 🛏️ Basic sleeping mats for resting.
• 🚆 Tourist train Expedition (one way).

🔵 Comfort Service

• ⛺ Larger, better-equipped tents.
• 🛏️ More comfortable sleeping mats.
• 🚆 Panoramic Vistadome train experience (one way)

🟣 Premium Service

• ⛺ Premium campsite / Glamping with spacious tents
• 🛏️ Upgraded sleeping mats and more personal space.
• 🎒 Additional porter (5 kg) for personal belongings.
• 🚆 Panoramic Vistadome train experience (one way)

🍽️ Meals during the Inca Trail

On all services, meals throughout the trek are prepared by a professional chef. Special options for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diets are available upon prior request.