Overview
Inca Trail 4 Days to Machu Picchu. Our journey begins at the Piscacucho train station, at kilometer 82 of the Cusco-Machu Picchu train line. Here, the four-day trek to the Inca city of Machu Picchu begins (approximately 40 kilometers). The trail starts and ends at the same altitude, 2,400 meters, but reaches elevations close to 4,300 meters. This well-maintained and restored 4-day Inca Trail is the most famous of the entire system of trails built by the Incas.
This 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous and incredible hiking routes in the world. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu boasts a variety of microclimates, diverse flora and fauna, and the archaeological sites along the way make this adventure a truly unique experience. Embarking on this journey is an opportunity to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience and live alongside the Incas for four spectacular days.
Overview – Inca Trail 4 Days
- Starting Altitude – 2720m / 8920ft.
- Highest Altitude – 4217m / 13,780ft.
- Hiking Distance – 45 km / 26 miles
- Longest Day – Day 3, approx 16 km / 9.9 miles
- Coldest Night – Day 2 around 0º Celsius
- Meals – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Acomodation – Camping
- Overall Difficulty – Moderate
We offer daily departures: Check The Inca Trail Availability Here.
It is strongly recommended to book your Inca Trail 04 Days at least 3 months in advance as permits can quickly sell out
Inca Trail 4 Days – Day to Day.
- Day 01 – Cusco – Km 82 to Wayllabamba.
- Day 02 – Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo.
- Day 03 – Pacaymayo to Wiñaywayna.
- Day 04 – Machu Picchu to Cusco.
Booking the inca trail 4 Days to Machu Picchu with Pacha Expeditions, you are choosing the best (We are Inca Trail oficial Operator, we don have intermediaries). Don’t believe us? Check out our reviews on TripAdvisor!
Our Inca Trail service is perfect for families, groups of friends and honeymoon couples. In smaller groups, you will receive the full attention of our expert guides, we recommend hiring an extra porter to carry your personal belongings (12 kg of your equipment), and you will be able to enjoy the hike to the fullest.
*Please Note: Physical level depends very much on your fitness and acclimatization
Respect for Local Culture on the Inca Trail.
1. Respect for Communities and Customs
- Always greet locals politely (“Good morning,” “Allin punchay” in Quechua).
- Ask permission before taking photos or videos of people, homes, or animals.
- Avoid gestures or comments that could be considered offensive to Andean beliefs or lifestyles.
- Responsible Party: All visitors, guides, and support staff.
2. Language Use and Cultural Appreciation
- Learn and use basic Quechua words (hello, thank you, goodbye) as a sign of respect.
- Listen to the stories and legends that local guides share.
- Recognize the value of local crafts and products by purchasing directly from artisans.
- Responsible Party: Visitors and tour guides.
Itinerary – Inca Trail 4 Days.
Day 01 – Cusco – Km 82 to Wayllabamba.
We will meet you at your hotel at 4:30 a.m. and join the rest of the group to begin our bus journey through the picturesque villages of the area, arriving in the town of Ollantaytambo. Here we will take a short break to use the restrooms and have coffee. Our chef will do some last-minute shopping before we begin the Inca Trail. We will continue by bus for another hour until we reach kilometer 82, a community also called Piskacucho.
Your guide will give you a brief introduction to the staff who will accompany you on this classic 4-day Inca Trail trek. Here, you will find the official checkpoint (government office) for the trek. You will need to present your original passport and trek ticket. Here we begin our adventure at 2,720 meters above sea level. We will cross the Vilcanota River and take the trail to the right, following its course.
This is the first day of the Inca Trail (to warm up). It’s an easy trail with magnificent views of the valley, snow-capped mountains, and the incredible Inca ruins of Llactapata. The view is beautiful, featuring the snow-capped peak of W’akay Willca, also known as Veronica. Continuing the hike, we’ll reach our lunch spot and enjoy a short break. We’ll then continue hiking to our first campsite in the small village of Wayllabamba (3000 m above sea level). Here, we’ll have tents with double occupancy, dinner, and overnight accommodation. The temperature is 10°C at night.
- Meals: Lunch, snacks, tea time & Dinner.
- Accommodation: Camping.
- Distance: 12km
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.
Day 02 – Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo.
This day will be the most demanding of the entire trip. We get up very early, at 5:00 am, have breakfast, and start running. It will be a steep climb through a forest with typical vegetation of the area. We can observe a wide variety of flora and fauna. Each step becomes more difficult, as we have to climb many stairs until we reach the highest point of the entire route (4,200 m). There are places to rest and buy snacks on the way.
From the camp we will climb approximately (1,200 m / 3,936 feet) to the top, and when you reach the highest point, it will be a real achievement. Here we will have a time to rest, take photos, and observe the people who make an effort to arrive. After resting, we will begin the descent along a tiered path and through beautiful scenery towards our second camp located in Pacamayu (3,550 m / 11,646 feet).
Here we will have our lunch, with spectacular views of the landscape, in the afternoon it will be free, to be able to rest and recharge energy for the next day. The temperature during the night will be approximately 05 °C.
- Meals: Breakfast, water, lunch, snacks, tea time & Dinner.
- Accommodation: Camping.
- Distance: 11km
- Physical Level: Moderate/challenge.
Day 03 – Pacaymayo to Wiñaywayna
This day will be the most impressive; you’ll see breathtaking landscapes. We’ll wake up for breakfast at 6:00 a.m. and begin the day by climbing some steep stairs to visit the Runcuracay archaeological site. Following the trail, we’ll reach the second-highest point of the trek (Runcuracay Pass, 4,000 m / 13,123 ft).
From here, we can admire the spectacular mountains and scenery. Then, we’ll descend a perfectly constructed stepped path back up the mountain to reach the Sayacmarca archaeological complex. Here, the guide will give a brief explanation of the site, and then we’ll continue through a stunning cloud forest, along a trail with a great variety of flora, until we reach Chaquicocha, our lunch spot. After a short break, we’ll continue the trek to the third-highest point of the Inca Trail (3,680 m / 12,073 ft). The scenery along this part of the trek is exceptional.
We’ll arrive at the archaeological complex of Phuyupatamarca (meaning “Village Among the Clouds”), located just a few minutes from the third pass. After visiting it, we’ll continue our trek along a stunning trail surrounded by diverse flora until we reach the impressive Inca agricultural site of Intipata, where we’ll arrive at our third campsite, Wiñay Wayna (2,680 m / 8,792 ft). If you have the energy, you can visit the Inca site of the same name, a short distance from the Wiñay Wayna campsite (“Forever Young”). Many travelers consider this the highlight of the classic 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
- Meals: Breakfast, water, lunch, snacks, tea time & Dinner.
- Accommodation: Camping.
- Distance: 15km
- Difficulty: Moderate.
Day 04 – Machu Picchu to Cusco.
Today we will wake up very early (3:30 a.m.). We will have breakfast (from 4:00 a.m. to 4:30 a.m.), and then we will head to the Wiñaywayna checkpoint, which opens at 5:30 a.m. From there, we will begin our hike along a narrow path until we reach the Sun Gate (“Inti Punku”) (2730 m / 8792 ft). From here, we will have our first views of the impressive city of Machu Picchu. We will descend the last part of our hike along a beautiful path until we reach the spot where you can take the classic photo of the Inca city.
Afterward, we will arrive at the checkpoint, where we will show our passports, leave our backpacks in the cloakroom, and enjoy a guided tour of approximately two hours through the main sites of the city. At the end of the tour, we will return to the checkpoint and collect our backpacks. From this point, we will board the bus to reach the town of Aguas Calientes. Lunch here is optional. You will receive your train ticket for the return trip to Cusco. The train service included in all our tours is the Expedition train (to Ollantaytambo), followed by a bus ride back to Cusco.
- Meals: Breakfast and water for drinking.
- Distance: 6km
- Difficulty: Easy
* Inca Trail 04 Days to Machu Picchu. Our itinerary is subject to change according to the time of the reservation and the camps assigned by government offices, and according to the availability of spaces on the day.
*If you wish to book an additional night in Aguas Calientes, please notify us in advance so we can adjust your return train. This option is very popular, as it allows you to spend more time at Machu Picchu and also enjoy the town’s hot springs, which are perfect for relaxing after the exertion of this journey.
Includes
WHAT IS INCLUDED (Inca Trail 4 Days)
- Briefing at your Hotel; It will be done the night before at 6.00pm
- Pick up: at your hotel to begin your trek
- Private transport: from Cusco to Piscacucho (starting the trek)
- 4 season Kayla Tents, (Large & Comfortable)
- Mattresses: Thick Comfortable Foam
- Professional English-speaking guides: experienced in the mountains & knowledgeable of Inca History
- Dining and cooking tents with tables and chairs
- Meals: as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian diets or other dietary needs upon prior request)
- Chef: and Cooking equipment
- Afternoon Tea time
- First-aid kit: including emergency oxygen tank
- Porter: to carry tents, food, and cooking equipment
- Hot water: for washing purposes
- Boiled water: to fill in your bottles
- Tourist Train Service: from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and private transport to Cusco
- Admission Ticket Classic Inca trail & Machu Picchu – (Circuit 01 Panoramic and Circuit 03 Royalty Designed)
- 02 Hour: Guided tour in Machu Picchu
- Bus ticket: from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Train Service: to Ollantaytambo
- Bus Service to Cusco (Hotel)
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- Machu picchu and Huayna Picchu Mountain US.60 – will need to be booked way in advance, if you would like to add an extra hike. Please let us know at the time of booking.
- First breakfast and Last lunch – We will stop at Ollantaytambo for the first breakfast and have the last lunch at Aguas Calientes after the tour of Machu Picchu.
- VISTADOME Train to Cusco instead of Expedition Train -This train runs from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (Poroy) and it will cost you US.90 per person extra.
- Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters.
More Information
WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE.
- Original passport (Student ID valid according to the regulations of the Peruvian government and the Ministry of Culture)
- Travel Insurance is essential.
- Sleeping bag (not included but can be hired from us).
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
- Warm jacket.
- Hat and gloves.
- T-shirts
- Comfortable trousers
- Sun hat
- Sun protection cream (factor 70 recommended)
- Insect repellent
- Re-usable plastic or metal water container or camel bags.
- Water (only for first day of trek, then we will provide you with drinking -previously boiled- water).
- Toiletries
- Personal medication
- Camera, pocket rechargeable battery.
- Torch with spare batteries (headlamps are useful)
* To qualify as a student, it is necessary to have a university card, with current and updated date
* If desired train back to Cusco can be upgraded to Vistadome (+U$.90)
OPTIONAL ITEMS TO TAKE:
- Shorts
- Walking stick (with rubber tip)
- Plasters and bandages
- Sandals
- Extra money
- Bathing suit (for hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
OPTIONAL SERVICES (NOT INCLUDED):
- Sleeping bag: U$.20
- Walking sticks: U$.15
- Extra Porter: 12kg – U$.170 dólares
Price & Add – ons – Inca Trail 4 Days
Group: U$: 775
Private: U$: 990
Group versus Private Treks: What’s the difference?
- Depending on the number of people in your booking, additional people may join the trek to make a full group.
- If you choose “private”, no additional people will be joining your group, no matter the size.
- Minimum booking size is 02 people: The minimum booking size is 2 people: one person can book a group hike. Pacha Expeditions can combine that person with additional groups.
Required Prepayment: U$: 400.00
- With this payment you secure your spot on the Inca Trail
- Balance Cusco ( U$: 400 Commonly paid in Cusco after the briefing)
- This trip is guaranteed to be 100% operated by us.
Discounts:
- Under 18 years Discount: U$: 20
- Under 07 years Discount: U$: 35
- Students: must be at least 25 years old and have a valid student card to access discounted rates. The student card must have: A current photograph, first and last name, expiration date, and the name of the university. Any document without this information is invalid (according to the regulations of the Peruvian government and the Ministry of Culture).
Inca Trail 4 Days – Valid Student Card for Discounts
Rentals:
- Hiking Poles – U$: 15 (pair)
- Sleeping Bag suitable for this trip – U$: 20
- Private Personal Tent – U$: 35
Upgrades:
- Return Hiram Bingham Train– U$: 580 per person
- Return Vistadome Train – U$: 90 per person
- Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel (5-star hotel) – U$: 345 Per person
- Tierra viva Machu Picchu (3+ star hotel) – U$: 90 Per person
PLEASE SEE: OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND F.A.Qs
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Acomodation – Inca Trail 4 Days
Our camping equipment is of proven quality and designed for the conditions you will experience in peru. We provide tents on a twin share basis with plenty of personal space and storage for your luggage. A number of these tents are available as single tents at a supplementary charge.
Map (Inca Trail 4 Days)
Reviews
Fuimos bien asistidos en todos los tours. Personal muy serio y confiable. Recomendamos Pacha Espeditions a todos los que quieran ver todos los lugares de interés de la región de... read more
January 1, 1970
Machu Picchu es asombro, su historia, los lugares que debes pasar previo a su llegada, las vistas y la guía de Javier como parte de Pacha Expeditions, excelente. Si desean... read more
January 1, 1970
Javier fue extremadamente atento, nos consiguió el paquete completo a pesar de haber buscado entradas a destiempo, logró conseguirnos los tickets a Machu Picchu y sobre todo al área de... read more
August 6, 2022
Positive Impact Travel
By joining these trips, you are directly supporting a project with a positive impact, with the Sustainable Development Goal and responsible for future generations. The profits that Pacha Expeditions receives, for each of our tours, a percentage is destined to support Andean communities. Pacha Expeditions organizes activities for the benefit of the local community, for children and adults, throughout the year. Our projects are supported by local authorities, with recognized standards and are audited by third parties. This implies positive impacts on the beneficiaries and the local community.
