4 Day Classic Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu

Highlight of the day Begin the historic route at Kilometer 82 and see Llactapata and Veronica Mountain.

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 4:30 a.m. and travel through the Sacred Valley toward Ollantaytambo. After stopping for breakfast, we will continue by road to Piscacucho, better known as Kilometer 82 and the official starting point of the hike.

At the trailhead, you will meet the guides, chefs, and porters who will support the group during the next four days. Your original passport will be checked against the information registered on your permit before we cross the Urubamba River and begin walking.

The first section follows relatively gradual terrain beside the river. Along the way, your guide will explain the history of the route and point out the snowcapped Veronica Mountain. We will also stop above Llactapata, the first major archaeological site of the trek.

After a freshly prepared lunch, we will continue through the Wayllabamba Valley. The trail becomes steeper during the afternoon as we approach Ayapata, our first campsite. Your tent will be ready when you arrive, giving you time to rest before dinner and prepare for the more demanding second day.

Highlight of the day Reach Warmi Wañusqa, the highest point of the route at 4,215 meters.

We will begin the day with a hot drink and an early breakfast at camp. The first section is a sustained uphill climb toward Warmi Wañusqa, commonly known as Dead Woman’s Pass. The guide will maintain a steady pace and make several stops so the group can rest and adjust to the increasing elevation.

The landscape changes as we climb from the valley into exposed high-mountain terrain. After approximately four hours of hiking, we will reach the pass at 4,215 meters (13,829 feet). When conditions are clear, the summit offers wide views of the surrounding mountains and the trail below.

From the pass, we will descend along stone steps toward Pacaymayu, where the team will serve lunch. After resting, we will begin a second climb toward Runkurakay, a circular archaeological site built above the valley, and continue toward the second mountain pass.

The afternoon route passes Sayacmarca, a hillside complex connected by narrow stone paths and stairways. Your guide will explain the purpose of the site before we continue through cloud forest and high-altitude terrain toward Chaquicocha.

At the campsite, you will have time to change, rest, and enjoy a hot drink before dinner. This is generally the coldest night of the trek, so keep your warm layers accessible.

Highlight of the day Walk through the cloud forest and visit Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, and Wiñay Wayna.

After breakfast, we will leave Chaquicocha and continue along one of the most scenic sections of the route. The morning begins with a gradual climb through cloud forest, where changing vegetation surrounds the original stone pathway.

We will reach Phuyupatamarca, a Quechua name commonly translated as “Town Above the Clouds.” The archaeological complex contains terraces, ceremonial structures, and water channels overlooking the surrounding mountains and valleys.

From Phuyupatamarca, the route begins a long descent along original Inca stairways. This section includes thousands of stone steps, so trekking poles can provide additional stability and reduce pressure on the knees.

As the trail enters warmer and denser vegetation, we will stop at Intipata. Its extensive agricultural terraces were built into the mountainside and offer open views over the Urubamba Valley.

We will then continue toward our planned campsite near Wiñay Wayna. After lunch and some time to rest, your guide will take you through the nearby archaeological site, known for its terraces, residential structures, and flowing water channels.

In the evening, we will share our final dinner with the trekking team. This is the traditional opportunity to thank the chefs and porters before preparing for the early departure to Machu Picchu.

Highlight of the day Enter Machu Picchu through Inti Punku and complete a guided visit to the citadel.

We will wake before dawn, have an early breakfast, and prepare for the final section of the hike. The group will wait at the checkpoint until the protected trail opens and then continue toward Inti Punku, the Sun Gate.

This section includes narrow paths and a short but steep set of stone steps. Upon reaching the Sun Gate, you will receive your first elevated view of Machu Picchu, weather permitting. We will pause here before following the path down toward the archaeological complex.

The descent from Inti Punku takes approximately 40 minutes and leads to the upper terraces, where the classic panoramic view of the citadel can be seen. We will then continue to the main checkpoint and prepare for the guided visit.

Your guide will lead an approximately two-hour tour along the route assigned to your entrance ticket. During the visit, you will learn about the agricultural terraces, residential areas, temples, and ceremonial spaces included within that circuit.

Optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain require separate admission tickets. They must be requested when booking and need to be compatible with your assigned entrance time and return train.

After completing the visit, we will take the bus to Aguas Calientes. Lunch is not included, but you will have time to eat at a local restaurant before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo.

A driver will be waiting at the train station for the final transfer to your hotel in Cusco. Arrival is generally expected at approximately 7:00 p.m., although the exact time depends on the confirmed train schedule and road conditions.