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Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days – 2024

The classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu of 4 Days is one of the most world-renowned trekking trails, and that is for very good reasons. You will be challenged during this trek, but you will get to see some of the most exquisite and astonishing views that Peru has to offer.

You will walk in the footsteps of the ancient Inca nobility, you will discover exceptional archeological ruins that you can only access through this very trail, you will pass through impressive mountain cliffs with dazzling panoramic views, and finally end the hike by entering the majestic UNESCO World Heritage of Machu Picchu from high above, through the famous Sungate called “Intipunku“.

Our Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is an incommensurable hiking experience that will challenge you but reward you with an exponential multifold of unforgettable memories and unique experiences.

Prepare yourself for something extraordinary!

icon clock Duration: 4 Daysicon altitude Max. Altitude: 4200 m / 13,779.5 fticon sleep Accommodation: Camping
icon mountain Difficulty: Moderate to Challengingicon calendar Season: March to January
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Overview

DAY 1: CUSCO – KM 82 – WAYLLABAMBA – AYAPATA

  • 5:30 AM Pickup at your Hotel
  • Meals: (optional Breakfast) 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner & Snacks
  • Approximate hiking distance: 13 km / 8 mi ~6-7 hrs.
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
  • Climate: Temperate to Cold
  • Highest elevation: 3300 m / 10,826.8 ft
  • Sleepover in Ayapata

DAY 2: AYAPATA – LLULLUCHAPAMPA – ABRA WARMIHUA-USKA – PACAYMAYU – ABRA RUNCURACAY – CHAQUICOCHA

  • Meals: 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner & Snacks
  • Approximate hiking distance: 11 km / 6.8 mi ~8-9 hrs.
  • Difficulty: Challenging
  • Climate: Cold
  • Highest elevation: 4200 m / 11,378 ft
  • Sleepover in Chaquicocha

DAY 3: CHAQUICOCHA – PHUYUPATAMARCA – WIÑAYHUAYNA

  • Meals: 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner & Snacks
  • Approximate hiking distance: 16 km / 9.9 mi ~5-6 hrs.
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Climate: Temperate to Cold
  • Highest elevation: 3950 m / 12,959 ft
  • Sleepover in Wiñayhuayna

DAY 4: WIÑAYHUAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

  • Meals: 1 Breakfast (optional Lunch in Aguas Calientes)
  • Approximate hiking distance: 3 km / 1.9 mi + Visiting Machu Picchu Sanctuary
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
  • Climate: Warm to Temperate, but humid with mosquitoes
  • Highest elevation: 2720 m / 8,924 ft
  • Transportation back to Cusco

Itinerary

DAY 1: CUSCO – KM 82 – WAYLLABAMBA – AYAPATA

We will begin the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu by picking you up from your respective hotel at 5:30 AM. You can sleep in the car while we will drive to Ollantaytambo where you will have the option to have breakfast. Thereafter we will continue our journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas until we reach Piscacucho – KM 82 where we will start the Inca Trail hike.

Please remember to bring your original Passport and documents! Entering the Inca Trail we will have to pass through a control station and each trekker must prove their identity before accessing the trek.

Hereafter we will start the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu by hiking through the Urubamba River Valley. The first day’s hike is relatively easy so you can get accustomed to the trek while we will pass by some ancient Inca ruins such as the Llactapata archeological complex.

In Miskay (2800 m / 9,186.4 ft) we will take a break and have a delicious lunch right next to the river bank. Our guides will explain to you the historical importance of the various archeological ruins and this break is the perfect time to get all your curious questions answered.

Then we will continue the hike until we reach Wayllabamba (3100 m / 10,170 ft) and ascend from there to our first campsite in Ayapata (3300 m / 10,826 ft). Here our cook will prepare you a tasty dinner that will strengthen you for the next day and get you ready for a good night’s sleep.

  • Lunch, Dinner & Snacks

DAY 2: AYAPATA – LLULLUCHAPAMPA – ABRA WARMIHUA-USKA – PACAYMAYU – ABRA RUNCURACAY – CHAQUICOCHA

On the second day, our cooks will wake you up with some hot tea or coffee and an energizing breakfast, so that you will get through this most challenging day of the trek. We will leave everyone to hike freely at their own pace, thus take the time you need to enjoy the hike and the beautiful views while you will find various small stops along the way.

The first 3km will lead you through the Llulluchapampa Valley (3850 m / 12,631 ft). You will be able to appreciate the lush rainforest until we slowly start to ascend to the Warmihuañusca (4200m/11,378 ft). This climb will be challenging, as the translation of the name Warmihuañusca means Death Pass, so prepare yourself and take it easy!

At the summit, we will take a moment to admire the astounding views, recuperate from the effort, and take some deep conscious breaths to appreciate this special moment fully.

Thereafter we will descend along a steep cliff next to the Pacaymayu river until we hike through the Runkurakay pass (3050 m / 10,007 ft) in order to reach our campsite in Chaquicocha (3650 m / 11,975 ft). Here we will relax, relish some exquisite panoramic views of the mountains and have a delicious dinner to end the day.

  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Snacks

DAY 3: CHAQUICOCHA – PHUYUPATAMARCA – WIÑAYHUAYNA

On the third day, you may relish the last views of this fascinating place while our cooks will prepare you a tasty breakfast and some hot tea or coffee. Then we will start to hike through some of the most gorgeous landscapes, you will notice how the terrain slowly changes into lush jungle vegetation with some amazing views of the snow-capped Salkantay mountain (6,271 m / 20,574 ft).

Firstly, we will visit the impressive Phuyupatamarca (3,600 m / 11,811 ft) ruins, whose name means “the city above the clouds”, a truly fascinating heaven of ancient Inca engineering. Then we will pass by some high-altitude lakes, some astonishing mountain cliff views and walk through an old Inca tunnel until we reach the mind-blowing Wiñayhuayna (2,700 m / 8858.3 ft) ruins, whose name means “Forever Young” and will leave you mesmerized by the architectural expertise of the Incas.

Close to here we will camp for the night. As our cooks prepare you a delicious dinner, you can relax while catching some first sights of the Machu Picchu mountain and enjoying this amazing landscape. Off to sleep, prepare yourself to visit the mystical “lost Inca CityMachu Picchu.

  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Snacks

DAY 4: WIÑAYHUAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

We will start the fourth day with an early breakfast at 4:30 AM. Then we will swiftly hike to the famous “Intipunku” or Sungate to catch the first views of the sun rising above the mystical Machu Picchu Sanctuary. This mesmerizing spectacle will set the tone for this special day as we make our way down to the world-renowned Machu Picchu Citadel (2400 m / 7874 ft) where we will arrive at approximately 8:00 AM.

You will visit Circuit 3 inside the Machu Picchu Sanctuary for approximately 2 hours, during which our specialized guide will explain to you the historical importance of this magical place. Let yourself be mesmerized by this astonishing architectural wonder, absorb the archeological data, and feel free to ask all the questions your curiosity desires.

After the guided tour you will have enough time to continue exploring the site by either going to the Inca Bridge, Machu Picchu mountain or climbing Huyana Picchu for a dazzling beautiful panoramic overview. Please note that these places require additional tickets which you have to purchase beforehand, thus let us know when making your reservation whether you would like to visit these amazing places and we will get you the tickets according to their availability.

Hereafter there will be buses waiting for you to drive you down to Aguas Calientes where you will have until 4:20 PM to wander around the tiny streets, have lunch in a local restaurant, check out the plenty of shops, or even visit the hot springs for an additional cost of 10$. At the coordinated time we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo train station and from there back to Cusco, where we will leave you at your hotel and so ending an unforgettable experience.

  • Breakfast

IMPORTANT:

Huayna Picchu: to visit Huayna Picchu, reservations must be made in advance, places are limited and there is an additional payment of $75.00.

Additional porter:

In accordance with the law (26702) and supervised by the Ministry of Labor, they provide the collaboration of an additional porter under the conditions required by the client. However, the client’s luggage must not exceed 12 kg, as porters are only allowed to carry 20 kg. The service costs an additional $160 and includes the services of the porter, the price to enter the Inca Trail, food, and camping equipment.

Included

TOUR INCLUDES

  • High-quality service
    • Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English; other languages on request)
    • Guided visit to Machu Picchu Sanctuary (Day 4)
    • Cook, Porters, and Assistants
    • First aid kit and oxygen bottle
  • Transportation
    • Transportation Cusco to KM 82 (Day 1)
    • Tourist bus Consettur: Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (Day 4)
    • Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo Trainstation (Day 4)
    • Transportation Ollantaytambo Trainstation to Cusco (Day 4)
  • Accommodation
    • Camping equipment: tents, mat, dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen equipment
  • Entrance Tickets
    • Entrance Fee to the Inca Trail
    • Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu Sanctuary
  • Meals: 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners & 3 Snacks
    • coca tea, coffee, popcorn, and biscuits are provided each day
    • The food consists of flakes, tortillas, soups, fresh fruits and spaghetti, chicken, fish, meat, and rice, all high in carbohydrates and very convenient for trekking
    • If you are vegetarian, please notify us in advance

TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE

  • Breakfast in Ollantaytambo on Day 1
  • Lunch in Aguas Calientes on Day 4
  • Sleeping bag
  • Extra porter
  • Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (-> only on request and for an additional cost)
  • Services that are not stated in the program
  • National or international plane tickets
  • Life insurance
  • Additional nights due to bad weather
  • Personal care items

Contact Us

More Information

What is the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trails constitute an ancient road network that the Incas built for merchandise, messaging purposes, and transportation of their armies during the Tawantinsuyu or the Incan Empire. The network covered all of the Incan Empire’s territory which at its largest reached from what is nowadays the southern borders of Colombia, to western EcuadorBoliviaPeruArgentina, and large portions of Chile. These ancient pathways connected all the important Inca sites and thus are nowadays some of the most outstanding trekking trails in the world.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu of 4 days is one of the most well-preserved trekking trails that run along steep cliffs, and ancient archeological ruins leading you through the famous “Intipunku” or Sungate to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. This means you get some of the most exquisite and astonishing views, walk in the footsteps of the ancient Inca nobility and enter Machu Picchu from high above, which makes this trail so appealing.

When is the best time to hike the Inca Trail?

In Cusco we have two seasons:

  • The dry season (from April to October)
  • The rainy season (from November to March)

The best time to do the classic Inca Trail of 4 days is during the dry season, from April to October as there is a lower chance of rain and generally more sunlight.

Dry Season

In April the season is still changing from rainy season to dry season which means the rain progressively reduces and the days are getting warmer and sunnier.

The months from May to September are undoubtedly the best time to hike the Inca Trail, as the days are sunny with clear skies. Even though the nights are much colder, you will have a higher chance of taking amazing photos of the landscapes during the day. However, during the peak months of June, July, and August, the trail is extremely popular and permits sell out quickly. Thus beware to book your Inca Trail Tour well in advance during these months!

In October the dry season is slowly changing to the rainy season which can increase the risk of rainy days progressively.

Rainy Season

From November to March there is a higher chance of rain and the rain can be very strong.

In November and December, the rainy season is starting, which means that the rain progressively gets stronger. Yet, there are sunny and bright days, but it can rain at any time and cloudy days get more common.

The rainy season is the strongest from January to March which means that the rain is rather persistent and days are often cloudy, but with some luck, you can still find some sunny days.

However, during its peak month in February, there can be extreme rainfalls triggering landslides and avalanches, causing roads to be blocked and trekking can become very dangerous, which is why the Inca Trail is closed during February.

How long is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu of 4 Days covers approximately a total distance of 42 km or 26 miles. As the Peruvian Ministry of Culture and the Sernap control the campsites and assign permission to a campsite, it is difficult to estimate the hiking distance that one will do in a day.

Generally, you will hike for about 6 to 7 hours per day for the first 3 days. On the fourth day, you will visit the Machu Picchu Citadel, and depending on the ticket that you reserved, the hiking distance may vary. Circuit 3 is the shortest hiking distance, while the additional visits to the Inca Bridge, Machu Picchu mountain or Huayna Picchu increase the hiking distance.

How difficult is the Inca Trail hike? Acclimate and altitude sickness

The Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu in 4 days is considered to be a moderate to challenging trek. Depending on the day the hiking distance may vary but generally speaking, is the second day the hardest as you will climb an elevation of 4200m or 11,378 ft.

In any case, it is advisable to acclimatize to the altitudes the days before the hike. We recommend acclimatizing for two or more days in the city of Cusco. For this purpose, we can offer you various city tours in Cusco out of which we especially recommend the easier ones such as the Cusco City TourMaras and Moray Tour, and the Sacred Valley Tour.

Furthermore, we recommend eating healthy, avoiding fatty foods, and drinking a lot of water or Coca-tea. Please avoid drinking alcohol or smoking, especially on the days before the hike.

Nonetheless, altitude sickness can happen even to the fittest, thus here are the most common symptoms so that you can recognize it: headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, shortened breath, and difficulty with coordination. As long as the symptoms are relatively mild, we recommend using Coca leaves as a way to treat the symptoms. You can chew them or drink them as tea.

In any case, acclimatize your body and take it easy!

What to pack for the Inca Trail?

The maximum weight of luggage allowed on the Inca Trail is 5 kilos per person.

These items are recommended:

  • Good trekking backpack
  • rain poncho or waterproof jacket and pants
  • Trekking shoes
  • Sufficient clothing for cold weather and warm weather (if your clothes get wet, it could be hard to dry them overnight due to the wet climate, so take that into consideration)
  • Sandals and swimming clothes in case you want to bathe in the hot springs in Aguas Calientes
  • Sunscreen, insect repellent, alcohol gel, toiletries, and toilet paper
  • Fully charged Flashlight
  • If required additional Snacks: e.g. chocolates, cereal bars, fruits of the forest, and nuts
  • Water bottle or water purifier (We provide you each meal with boiled water, so take a water container to be filled up. Remember to take enough water to drink during the first part of the hike on Day 1)
  • Original passport, and original student card in case you have been admitted access with it.
  • Extra money in soles.

Can you hike the Inca Trail without a guide?

No, since June 2002 the Peruvian Ministry of Culture prohibited trekking independently on the Inca Trail in order to protect this ancient pathway by controlling its access. Since then each trekker must be accompanied by a professional, qualified, and licensed guide that was authorized by the Ministry of Culture. There is a list of basic criteria that a travel agency must meet in order to be able to guide the Inca Trail.

This is why we prioritize high-quality service and work each year diligently to renew our authorization by complying with all the necessary official criteria.

How far in advance to book the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail can be sold out months in advance depending on the month. This is because the Peruvian Ministry of Culture only grants 500 permits a day, which includes permits for support staff such as guides, porters, and cooks. Thus, there are in reality only about 200 to 300 permits for touristic hikers each day.

This means that during the touristic peak months of June, July, and August the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu can be booked out for 8 months in advance. However, during the low season, you might have luck and can book the Inca Trail 2 or 3 months in advance.

Generally, we recommend booking your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for 4 days as soon as you know the dates you will be able to do the hike and procure to fix your travel dates as quickly as possible.

Is the Inca Trail open all year round?

No. The Inca Trail closed in February. This is due to the heavy rains and maintenance work carried out in that month.

How many people participate in a trekking group?

Each group of tourists on the Inca Trail does not exceed 16 people. Tour guides are responsible for each group.

Can I book the Inca Trail in a private group?

Yes. Tourists traveling together can book the Inca Trail in a private group. The cost is higher than the normal ticket. However, the price decreases according to the number of tourists in the group.

How long does it take to visit Machu Picchu Sanctuary?

The visit to Machu Picchu on Day 4 is during the morning shift from 6 AM to 12 PM. Unlike other visitors, you will enter the mystical place of Machu Picchu through the Sungate or Intipunku, the ancient entrance that was used by the Incas themselves.

What alternative treks are there if the Inca Trail is not available?

If you weren’t able to book the Inca Trail on time for your desired date, you can still visit Machu Picchu by hiking. We recommend you the following tours:

  • Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2 Days
  • Salkantay Treks to Machu Picchu
  • Lares Treks to Machu Picchu
  • Inca Jungle Treks

Price

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HIKE THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU IN 4 DAYS?

We have price alternatives that accommodate all budgets, prices per person, expressed in US Dollars.

Make your quotes and reservations by email [email protected], you can also communicate with one of our sales executives at the telephones detailed below, we will be happy to assist you.

Phone – WhatsApp: +51 969 787 221
Phone – WhatsApp: +51 986 994 218

HOW TO BOOK THE TOUR?

To start the reservation process, please send us the following information:

  • Name and surname:
  • Passport number:
  • Nationality:
  • Date of Birth:
  • Phone:
  • Very important – We need the address and information about the hotel that you are staying at, in the city of Cusco, to be able to pick you up at the time when the tour starts.

To confirm reservations it is required to pay 50% in advance and the other 50% can be paid upon arrival at your destination.

PAYMENT METHODS

  • IZIPAY
  • PAYPAL
  • WESTER UNION
  • MONEYGRAM
  • TRANSFER TO OUR BANK ACCOUNT PERU

GENERAL CONDITIONS

  • All rates for our Peru Packages are expressed in US dollars (subject to currency exchange rates) and are priced per person
  • The rates for Peruvians only include VAT
  • All our rates are subject to availability and circumstances
  • Children under 2 years and 11 months are considered INF (babies) and are not permitted on this tour
  • Children from 3 to 10 years and 11 months are considered DCC (child) and thus eligible for special rates and obliged to share the room with their parents
  • Children over 11 years old are considered adults
  • Minors must travel with an identity document
  • Rates do not apply to holidays, Easter, long weekends, national holidays, Christmas, or New Year

Map

What Our Clients Says

Lynn
2023-12-15
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Experiencia inolvidable por Machu Picchu Dreamy Tours, una empresa muy seria, comprometida con lo que ofrece, no tuve ningún problema, el guía super experimentado y conocedor del lugar, además de darnos una buena atención, y lo excelente es que están todo el tiempo en contacto para todo lo que necesitemos, llegando a la cima del mismo Machu Picchu nos tomaron bonitas fotos, una hermosa experiencia caminando y admirando la belleza del lugar. Muy satisfechos con el tour muy recomendados!! Gracias
Lucas A
2023-11-26
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Organização e acompanhamento exemplar! A agência é super organizada e responsável. Montaram um roteiro excelente com tudo que pedimos! Os tours foram maravilhosos e a viagem foi incrível! Fernando foi responsável por nos dar assistência desde antes da viagem até a chegada ao aeroporto no voo de volta. Estava sempre disponível para esclarecer qualquer dúvida e nos dar todo suporte e as informações necessárias de cada dia e cada passeio. Muito atencioso e muito cuidadoso, fez a diferença para que a viagem acontecesse sem problemas, passando segurança e tornando a viagem mais fácil e proveitosa para nós. Só temos a agradecer por toda a atenção e cuidado que tiveram conosco todo o tempo! A viagem foi melhor por causa de vocês. Indico fortemente a ag Dreamy Tours para todos que queiram conhecer o Peru!
Mery Yaneth H
2023-11-13
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Experimentamos unas vacaciones extraordinarias gracias a DREAMY TOURS, quienes organizaron un viaje que sobrepasó todas Recomiendo fervientemente esta agencia a aquellos que buscan una fusión única de historia, cultura y naturaleza en un solo destino.
Norma H
2023-11-13
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VIAJE EN PAREJA Hicimos el viaje con DREAMY TOURS, y su servicio fue excepcional. El guía nos proporcionó información detallada sobre la historia y la cultura de Machu Picchu, haciendo que la visita fuera educativa y emocionante al mismo tiempo. Recomiendo a 100% Dreamy Tours, Gracias
Excursion55379096004
2023-11-02
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¡Experiencia inolvidable con Dreamy Tours en el Trek Camino Inca! Mi viaje con Dreamy Tours en el Trek Camino Inca fue simplemente increíble. Desde el momento en que nos inscribimos para el tour, el equipo de Dreamy Tours demostró un profesionalismo excepcional y una gran atención al detalle. Nuestro guía, Juan, fue una fuente inagotable de conocimientos sobre la historia y la cultura local, lo que enriqueció enormemente nuestra experiencia. Recomendado 😀
Gabriel A
2023-10-24
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Conocimiento de la cultura INCA, usos y costumbre de diferentes regiones del Perú Las experiencia en cada uno de los lugares visitados fueron increíbles, maravillosos lugares en cada región del país, amplio conocimiento sobre la cultura INCA, puedo decir con todo certeza que este viaje me inspiró para continuar viajando y conocer diferentes culturas, usos y costumbres de las diferentes naciones en el mundo.
Wander46693517172
2023-10-19
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VIAJE A PERU VIAJE A PERU: "Mi reciente aventura en Perú, un recorrido de 14 días que incluyó visitas a Lima, Arequipa, Puno y Cusco, fue inolvidable gracias a la meticulosa planificación y atención al detalle de la agencia DREAMY TOURS. Desde Lima hasta la mística ciudad de Cusco, cada destino fue cuidadosamente seleccionado y presentado de manera excepcional. Los guías locales demostraron un profundo conocimiento de la historia y la cultura de cada lugar, lo que enriqueció enormemente mi experiencia. Además, la organización impecable de los traslados y la comodidad de los alojamientos hicieron que el viaje transcurriera sin contratiempos. Sin duda, recomendaría el servicio de DREAMY TOURS a cualquiera que desee explorar lo mejor de Perú con comodidad y sin preocupaciones."
Sara S
2023-10-18
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Profissionalismo e confiança Eu e meu marido passamos 16 dias no Peru (Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Puno e Águas Caliente). Fizemos diversos passeios com a Dreamy Tours e estou extremamente satisfeita. No dia em que pareceu que teríamos um problema, conversei na agência e foi tudo resolvido imediamente. O atendimento é muito pessoal. Estou totalmente satisfeita com a agência que inclusive, foi indicada por uma colega que também deu nota 10.
Anderson S
2023-10-16
Verified
Excelente passeio para seu roteiro. A viagem à Montanha Colorida foi excelente. Apesar do esforço físico requisitado, fomos muito bem orientados pelo André. A paisagem é linda e recompensa todo o esforço. Recomendo

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