Inca Trail 4 days: The Most popular trek in South America

There are set times for entering the Inca Trail 4 days; therefore, it is recommended to leave Cusco early, between 4 and 5 a.m., to avoid any issues. The Inca Trail 4 days begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. We then head to the Sacred Valley of the Incas (Ollantaytambo), where you will have breakfast (not included) and continue the journey to kilometer 82 (where the Inca Trail begins). Our first hike is approximately 2 hours to reach the archaeological complex of Llaqtapata. There, the guide will explain the site, and you will also have a beautiful view of the snow-capped Veronica Mountain. Afterward, the hike along the trail is always a hit with hikers seeking the thrill of traversing the mountain path and enjoying nature in its purest form. A hike along the trail will keep you alert and energized to enjoy the views, especially for those undertaking the classic Inca Trail 4 days, one of the most memorable trekking experiences leading to Machu Picchu.

You will continue your trek to the high Andean community of Huayllabamba, where you will have lunch. After lunch, you will continue your ascent to the Ayapata campsite. In the afternoon, you will camp for the first night of your expedition. Upon arrival at the campsite, you will be served a delicious meal and enjoy panoramic views of the valleys and mountains.

• Hiking Distance: 13 km/6.2 miles
• Approx. Hike Time: 6 hours
• Cusco’s Altitude:  3, 350 m/11,988 ft.
• Ayapata camp Alt: 3,400 m/9.840 ft

Our morning in the Inca Trail 4 days begins with a nutritious breakfast prepared by our expert chef, giving you the energy needed for the journey ahead. Afterward, we continue our expedition along the famous classic Inca Trail 4 days route, one of the most iconic trekking experiences in Peru.

During this part of the trek in the Inca Trail 4 days , we’ll ascend (approximately 4 hours) to the highest point of our trek, Warmiwañusca. On the Inca Trail 4 days, you’ll only need to carry a small backpack; the rest of your luggage will be carried by the porters, so you can simply enjoy the journey. Here, you’ll appreciate your effort and enjoy the excellent panoramic views of the valleys. The mountain peaks are filled with natural beauty, and you’ll feel a true sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit. After a short break, we’ll descend into the high jungle where we’ll have lunch (around 12:00 or 1:00 pm). This all depends on the pace of the hikers. Your trek will be filled with diverse flora and fauna, so there will be plenty of interesting sights to see.

We will continue our downhill hike towards the Pacaymayo Valley (2 hours maximum), crossing small streams and brooks until we reach our lunch spot, Pacaymayo. After lunch, we will continue to the next mountain pass, but first, we will visit the Inca site of Runkurakay. Afterward, we will continue to the second high point of the trail, also called Runkurakay. From there, you will descend for 1 hour to the other Inca site, Sayaqmarca. You will have time to take photos and fully enjoy the site. After exploring Sayaqmarca, you will continue hiking for about 35 minutes to reach the Chaquicocha campsite. Along the way, you’ll experience more of the breathtaking scenery that makes the Inca Trail 4 days so unforgettable. At the campsite, you will relax with a warm tea and enjoy a well-deserved dinner while surrounded by the beauty of the Andes.

• Hiking Distance: 12 kms/4  miles
• Approx. Hike Time: 6  hours
• Highest Altitude: 4, 200 m/ 1,776 ft.
• Lowest altitude: 3,600 m/ 11,808 ft.

Of course, a good breakfast will help us recover from yesterday’s hike. We’ll then continue along the Inca Trail 4 days route and head to Phuyupatamarca, another Inca archaeological site. After a short break, we’ll continue our hike for two hours until we reach the Wiñaywayna archaeological complex, where our camp and lunch will be ready. Wiñaywayna is a ruin built on the steep mountain slopes and sits directly above the Urubamba River. From this point, you will be able to enjoy beautiful views of the river flowing through the valley. Along the route, you will also visit impressive archaeological sites such as Wiñaywayna and Chachabamba, which highlight the cultural richness of the Inca civilization. The terraces, ceremonial spaces, agricultural areas, and well-preserved structures offer a fascinating glimpse into how this ancient society lived and thrived. These remarkable sites are some of the most memorable highlights of the classic Inca Trail 4 days experience. In the evening, you’ll have tea and dinner, followed by a small tipping ceremony for the porters. The amount will depend on how well they provide their service.

• Hiking Distance: 10kms/7.8 miles
• Approx. Hike Time: 6 hours
• Highest Altitude: 3,800 m/12,460 ft. (Runkuracay)
• Lowest Altitude: 2,700 m/8,856 ft. (Wiñaywayna)

This fourth day is the main reason you came to Peru. You’ll start off well with a packed breakfast (3:30 a.m.). Afterward, we’ll head to the tourist checkpoint; once there, you’ll have time for breakfast until 5:30 a.m. Then, we’ll hike for approximately one hour through the high jungle to reach “Inti Punku” (Sun Gate), where you’ll have a breathtaking panoramic view of the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu. This unforgettable moment is one of the highlights of the classic Inca Trail 4 days journey. We’ll then descend to reach your final destination, Machu Picchu, where we’ll take the classic photos of Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu mountain in the background. After the photos, we’ll leave Machu Picchu to use the restrooms. After that, we’ll enter Machu Picchu for the Circuit 3 tour, which lasts approximately two hours. You’ll have a two-hour guided tour.

Please always carry your passport with you, as there may be some checkpoints where you will only be allowed entry with it. Make sure to bring your original passport to show to the park rangers (you can get a Machu Picchu stamp in your passport).

• If you have reserved a visit to “HUAYNAPICHHU” (tickets $60.00 per person/limited to 400 per day – not included), you’ll begin your hike at 7 10:00 a.m. Please coordinate with the Trek Leader for your visit, depending on the Municipality’s programmed time.

In the afternoon, you’ll catch the train to reach the City of Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, we will have transportation waiting to drive you back to your hotel in Cusco. You will have the opportunity to appreciate the beauty around you with all of the beautiful landscapes, even when leaving the area. The Vistadome train allows you to see the views of the jungle from inside after completing the Inca Trail 4 days experience.

• Meals:                              Breakfast
• Hiking Distance:            6 Km / 6.9 miles
• Approx. Hike Time:      2 hrs.
• Lowest Altitude:           2,040 m / 6.691 ft.
• Highest Altitude:          2,440 m / 8,052 ft.

Note:  If you want to stay an extra night in the Inca Trail 4 days , just let us know, and we can help book a hotel in Aguas Calientes, as well as your train ticket for the next day

Rangers don’t allow people to carry bags bigger than 25 liters when entering Machu Picchu

No trekking poles are allowed in Machu Picchu. The guides will help give you all the details of things needed during your travel.

Snacks and water are allowed – in bags