4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Overview

1. Day 1:

   Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba – Ayapata

   • •Hotel pickup in Cusco
   • •Scenic drive through the Sacred Valley
   • •Start of the Classic Inca Trail at Km 82
   • •Views of Llactapata archaeological site
   • •Overnight at Ayapata campsite
   • •Hiking distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
   • •Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
   • •Highest altitude: 3,300 m / 10,826 ft
   • •Difficulty: Moderate
   • •Meals included: Lunch and dinner
2. Day 2:

   Ayapata – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayu – Runkurakay – Chaquicocha

   • •Most challenging day of the Inca Trail
   • •Hike to Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point of the route
   • •Mountain views and high-altitude landscapes
   • •Visit to Runkurakay archaeological site
   • •Overnight at Chaquicocha campsite
   • •Hiking distance: 16 km / 10 miles
   • •Hiking time: 8 to 9 hours
   • •Highest altitude: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
   • •Difficulty: Challenging
   • •Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
3. Day 3:

   Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna

   • •Scenic trail through cloud forest
   • •Visit to Phuyupatamarca, “Town Above the Clouds”
   • •Ancient Inca stone paths and tunnels
   • •Visit to Wiñay Wayna archaeological site
   • •Overnight at Wiñay Wayna campsite
   • •Hiking distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
   • •Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
   • •Highest altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
   • •Difficulty: Moderate
   • •Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
4. Day 4:

   Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Cusco

   • •Early hike to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate
   • •First panoramic view of Machu Picchu
   • •Guided tour of Machu Picchu citadel
   • •Return by bus, train and transport to Cusco
   • •Hiking distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
   • •Hiking time: 2 to 3 hours
   • •Altitude at Machu Picchu: 2,400 m / 7,874 ft
   • •Difficulty: Easy to moderate
   • •Meals included: Breakfast

Itinerary

• DAY 01Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba – Ayapata

  Start of the Classic Inca Trail from Cusco

  Your Inca Trail 4 Days to Machu Picchu begins early in the morning with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. From the city, you will travel toward the Sacred Valley of the Incas, passing through beautiful Andean scenery before reaching Ollantaytambo, where there will be time for breakfast and any last-minute essentials.

  The journey continues to Km 82, Piscacucho, the official starting point of the Classic Inca Trail. At the checkpoint, your passport and official Inca Trail permit will be verified before crossing the Urubamba River and beginning the trek.

  The first day is a steady and enjoyable introduction to the route. The trail follows open Andean landscapes, traditional farming areas and mountain views, allowing you to ease into the rhythm of the hike. Along the way, you will see Llactapata, one of the first important archaeological sites on the trail.

  After lunch near Miskay, the route continues toward Wayllabamba and then gradually ascends to Ayapata, your first campsite. The evening is spent in a peaceful mountain setting, with dinner prepared by the trekking team and time to rest before the more demanding day ahead.

  Places visited on Day 1

  • Sacred Valley of the Incas
  • Ollantaytambo
  • Km 82, Piscacucho
  • Urubamba River
  • Miskay
  • Llactapata
  • Wayllabamba
  • Ayapata

  Day 1 key details

  • Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
  • Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
  • Maximum altitude: 3,300 m / 10,826 ft
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Meals included: Lunch and dinner
• DAY 02Day 2: Ayapata – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayu – Runkurakay – Chaquicocha

  The Most Challenging Day of the Inca Trail

  Day 2 is the most demanding stage of the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and for many travelers, it becomes one of the most rewarding memories of the journey. After an early breakfast, the hike begins with a steady ascent toward Llulluchapampa, passing through high Andean vegetation and mountain scenery.

  From there, the trail continues toward Warmiwañusca, better known as Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point of the Inca Trail. This section requires patience and steady pacing, especially because of the altitude, but reaching the pass offers a powerful sense of achievement and wide views of the surrounding Andes.

  After time to rest and take in the scenery, the route descends toward the Pacaymayu Valley, where lunch will be served. Later, the hike continues with a second ascent toward Runkurakay Pass, passing the archaeological site of Runkurakay before arriving at Chaquicocha.

  This night is spent surrounded by the quiet atmosphere of the mountains, a welcome reward after the most physically demanding day of the trek.

  Places visited on Day 2

  • Llulluchapampa
  • Dead Woman’s Pass, Warmiwañusca
  • Pacaymayu Valley
  • Runkurakay archaeological site
  • Runkurakay Pass
  • Chaquicocha

  Day 2 key details

  • Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
  • Hiking time: 8 to 9 hours
  • Maximum altitude: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
  • Difficulty: Challenging
  • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• DAY 03Day 3: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna

  The Most Scenic Day of the Classic Inca Trail

  The third day is often considered the most beautiful part of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The landscape changes noticeably as the route moves from high mountain terrain into lush Andean cloud forest, where the air feels warmer and the trail becomes richer in vegetation, orchids, birds and ancient Inca remains.

  After breakfast, you will continue toward Phuyupatamarca, known as the “Town Above the Clouds.” This archaeological site is one of the most impressive along the Inca Trail, with terraces, ceremonial fountains and remarkable views over the surrounding mountains.

  From Phuyupatamarca, the trail descends along original Inca stone paths, passing through a tunnel carved into the rock and continuing toward Wiñay Wayna, one of the most beautiful and important archaeological sites before Machu Picchu.

  This final campsite is located close to the last stretch of the route, making it the perfect place to rest before the early hike to the Sun Gate the following morning.

  Places visited on Day 3

  • Phuyupatamarca
  • Inca stone paths
  • Rock-carved tunnel
  • Cloud forest
  • Wiñay Wayna archaeological site
  • Wiñay Wayna campsite

  Day 3 key details

  • Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
  • Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
  • Maximum altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
  • Final altitude: 2,650 m / 8,694 ft
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• DAY 04Day 4: Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Cusco

  Arrival at Machu Picchu Through Inti Punku

  The final day begins before sunrise with an early breakfast. From Wiñay Wayna, you will walk the last section of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, heading toward Inti Punku, the famous Sun Gate.

  This is the moment that makes the Classic Inca Trail so special. From the Sun Gate, Machu Picchu appears from above, framed by mountains and morning light. It is a completely different arrival experience from those who enter by bus from Aguas Calientes.

  After descending toward the citadel, your guide will lead a complete tour of Machu Picchu, explaining its most important temples, terraces, ceremonial spaces and architectural features. After the guided visit, there may be time to explore further depending on the official entry schedule and current site regulations.

  Travelers who reserve in advance may also add Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, both subject to availability and additional entrance tickets.

  At the end of the visit, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, then board the train to Ollantaytambo and continue by transport back to Cusco, bringing your 4-Day Inca Trail trek to a memorable close.

  Places visited on Day 4

  • Inti Punku, the Sun Gate
  • Machu Picchu citadel
  • Aguas Calientes
  • Ollantaytambo
  • Cusco

  Day 4 key details

  • Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
  • Hiking time: 2 to 3 hours
  • Altitude at Machu Picchu: 2,400 m / 7,874 ft
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate
  • Meals included: Breakfast

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