Classic Inca Trail 4-Day Itinerary
Classic 4-day / 3-night Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - an unforgettable Peru highlight.
Departures every Wed, Fri & Sun in Small Group, with English-speaking guide & full support crew.
Overview
South America’s most famous and popular trek, the Inca Trail passes stunning archaeological sites, winds through exuberant cloud forest, and ascends steep passes, below the snow-capped Vilcabamba mountain range, to reach Machu Picchu.
Although just 43 km (27 miles) long, the constant elevation changes and steepness require four days, camping in designated sites. A hardy, well-drilled crew of locals erect the tents, cook the meals, carry the equipment ... and generally assist in every way possible to enable trekkers to enjoy the physical challenge and amazing scenery to the fullest.
NB. Admission to the Inca Trail is limited to 500 people daily, including guides and porters, so permits sell out several months in advance. The trail is closed in February for maintenance.
In the event of the Inca Trail permits being sold out, PeruNorth can arrange alternative trails to Machu Picchu, such as the Salkantay Trek or Lares Trek.
And for those short on time, there is a two-day Inca Trail, beginning at Km. 104, that we can also organise.
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: 4-Day Itinerary Outline:
Day 1: Bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo; Begin hiking; Overnight at Huayllabamba Campsite.
Day 2: Hike over Dead Woman’s Pass. Overnight at Pacaymayo Campsite.
Day 3: Hike over Runcuracay & Phuyupatamarca passes. Overnight at Wiñay Wayna Campsite.
Day 4: Hike to Machu Picchu; Guided tour of ruins; Bus to Aguas Calientes; Train & bus to Cusco.
NB. Most place names have alternative spellings, reflecting the influence of both Spanish & Quechua linguistic norms.
Prices
Prices below are per person, based on sharing a two-person tent, in a ‘group’ Inca Trail service, with all meals, entrance fees & sleeping bag.
You have the choice of taking the Expedition, or slightly more luxurious Vistadome train back from Machu Picchu on the last day.
| Itinerary | Length | Prices From |
|---|---|---|
| 4 Days | £590 / $753 | |
Inca Trail Expedition | 4 Days | £622 / $794 |
Inca Trail Vistadome | 7 Days | £818 / $1,044 |
Itinerary
4-day Classic inca Trail to Machu Picchu Itinerary:
Day 1: Cusco – KM82 – Patallaqta – Huayllabamba
We pick you up from your Cusco accommodation early in the morning, and then we drive in private transport into the Sacred Valley, past Urubamba and Ollantaytambo to Km. 82 (NB. Cusco is Km. 0, while Machu Picchu is Km. 112).
Here, we begin hiking, beside the Urubamba River, before heading up a side valley to the first archaeological site, Patallaqta. This is a beautiful spot at which to enjoy your first lunch prepared by the trek crew.
After lunch, we begin to gain altitude up to the village of Huayllabamba, where the camp is set up.
Soon after arrival, the crew lay on a very welcome afternoon tea in the mess tent, consisting of a hot beverage and snacks. And once the sun goes down, it is time for a hot, three-course dinner to restore energy!
Overnight in Tent Camp.
Campsite near Huayllabamba.
Meals included: lunch & dinner
Maximum Altitude: 2,954 m / 9,694 ft
Minimum Altitude: 2,670 m / 8,761 ft
Campsite Altitude: 2,954 m/ 9,694 ft
Distance Travelled: 12.00 km / 7.47 miles
Approximate Walking Time: 5 -6 hours
Day 2: Huayllabamba – Dead Woman's Pass – Pacaymayo
After a hearty breakfast, we start climbing up to the first pass, Warmiwañusca (4,200 m / 14,200 ft), the famous 'Dead Woman's Pass'. The climb will take most of the morning, but the view and the feelings on reaching the top are well worth it.
From here, we descend for about two hours into the valley, to our next campsite at Pacaymayo.
Overnight in Tent Camp.
The view from Warmiwañusca.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Maximum Altitude: 4,226 m / 13,866 ft
Minimum Altitude: 2,954 m / 9,694 ft
Campsite Altitude: 3500 m / 11480 ft
Distance Travelled: 11.00 km / 6.84 miles
Approximate Walking Time: 6 - 7 hours
Day 3: Pacaymayo – Runcuracay – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna
We start the day with the ascent to the second pass, Runcuracay (3,900 m / 13,800 ft), passing the ruins of the same name, and then descend on the other side for about two hours, to the beautiful archaeological site of Sayacmarca.
We continue along the original stone path of the Incas, through semi-tropical, cloud forest, up to the third pass, Phuyupatamarca (3,800 m / 13,600 ft), meaning 'place in the clouds', from where there are stunning views of Salkantay Mountain.
From here, we go downhill to our campsite near the spectacular ruins of Wiñay Wayna, meaning 'forever young', and one of the most beautiful sites on the Inca Trail, on account of its steep construction and setting.
Overnight in Tent Camp.
Inca site of Sayacmarca.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Maximum Altitude: 3,974 m / 13,039 ft
Minimum Altitude: 2,729 m / 8,954 ft
Campsite Altitude: 2,650 m / 8,692 ft
Distance Travelled: 16.00 km / 9.94 ml
Approximate Walking Time: 8 hours
Day 4: Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Early this morning, after a tasty breakfast, we hike another two hours through cloud forest to Intipunku - the famous Sun Gate from where, weather permitting, you will have the first breathtaking, panoramic view of mysterious Machu Picchu, as the sun rises over the mountain tops.
A short walk brings us down to the site. After relaxing a little, we have a guided visit of the 'Lost City of the Incas', lasting roughly two hours.
After that, we have free time to explore the ruins at our own pace, before descending by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes.
After lunch (not included), we take the Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by transfer by bus to Cusco.
NB. Upgrade to Vistadome train service is available.
Tired, but happy trekkers at Intipunku.
Meals included: breakfast
Maximum Altitude: 2,732 m / 8,964 ft
Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,400 m / 7,872 ft
Distance Travelled: 4.00 km / 2.49 ml
Approximate Walking Time: 2 hours
Inclusions
Included in the programme:
Tickets and guided tours in English.
Entrance permits to the Inca Trail.
All meals during the trek: (3 Breakfasts, 3 Wake-up teas, 4 snacks, 3 Lunches, 3 Afternoon Teas, 3 Dinners)
Chef & supporting cooking staff.
Dining tent & cooking tent
Kitchenware
Porters for passenger’s luggage and camping equipment.
Camping equipment:
North Face Four-Season Mountain 25 tent
Inflatable mattress: Therm-a-rest
Sleeping bag: suitable up to -15 Cº
Personal duffle bag: 5 kg / 11 lbs
Bathroom tent.
First aid kit & Oxygen bottle.
Map
Reviews
What our clients say about the Classic Inca Trail:
“We really enjoyed the Machu Picchu trail. We would strongly recommend [it].
Paul [the Machu Picchu guide] was excellent. ”
“We only have great words for the people who took care of us.”
“Honestly an absolutely fantastic trip. Thanks so much for organising such a good experience for us both, i really can’t fault a thing.
The level of service was WAY above what we were expecting, the food was incredible and every single thing was perfectly organised.
It was genuinely the most fluid trip i’ve ever had, didn’t have to do a thing. Local staff were excellent, and our guide was extremely professional. ”