Name: Classic Inca Trail Trek 4 Days – 4 Day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu
Brand: Machu Picchu Tours
SKU: 1
Price: 715 USD
Availability: InStock

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Classic Inca trail trek 4 days Details

4 Day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu

This 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu popularly known as Classic Inca trail trek 4 days is truly a journey to one of the world’s most ancient civilizations.

Accompanied by a local English-speaking trail expert, whilst hiking the Classic Inca Trail, you will discover and immerse yourself in the history, the mountains, the vegetation, and wildlife. You will get a closer insight into the Andean way of life.

Explore these Inca ruins that rest along the last known Inca Trail. Classic Inca trail trek 4 days is a popular trail in South America.

About Machu Picchu:

Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas, is a wonder that shouldn’t be missed. Over half of the adventure reaches there by hiking the Inca Trail. Learn how these ancient people lived and worked on this authentic and memorable trek and experience 4 days of adventure, and most of all, a cultural experience.

Though Machu Picchu is the final destination for everyone, the experience there is half the adventure. With this trek to Machu Picchu, you can get a feel for the architectural skill and prowess of this legendary civilization.

Though the Inca citadel is a wonder to behold, its location and the trek there only add to its mystery and magic. As it sits like royalty upon the top of a mountain, you’ll be able to appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds it as equally as you’ll love the site itself.

This Classic 4 day Inca trail trekking experience is an opportunity of a lifetime. If you have time to spare and want to immerse yourself in the journey to Machu Picchu fully, then this hike is made for you.

With cloud-covered peaks offering an abundance of mystery to the site, you’ll feel the ever-present call of Machu Picchu with every step you take.

This is a high-altitude experience. We highly recommend you to spend 3-4 days in Cusco before the trial to avoid altitude sickness.

Wondering why the Inca Trail is so popular? Our local experts have compiled an article on this. Check out our insider’s tips on hiking Inca Trail. We have also outlined the difference between Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail.

If this high altitude hike is not your thing but you still want to experience the emblematic trail to Machu Picchu then check out our exclusive 2 Day 1 Night Inca Trail itinerary.

Why Machu Picchu Tours?

Machu Picchu Tours is a licensed Inca Trail operator based in Cusco. Our guides are passionate about the history and culture of Peru. They have years of experience hiking to Machu Picchu.

We offer Classic Inca trail trek 4 days both in private and as a small group tour.

Do take a moment to check our reviews on Trip Advisor.

Departure & Return Location

Cusco Hotel Transfer

Departure Time

0430 AM

Price Includes

Pick up and drop off in your hotel.
Entrance tickets for the 4 day Inca Trail and Machu Picchu site
Professional Tour Leader
Professional Chef
Personal porter to carry 6 kilos / 13.2 Pound of your equipment
Private transportation by bus to Km 82
Bus ticket from Machu Picchu site to Aguas Calientes town (Machu Picchu pueblo).
Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu
Drinkable Water
3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 afternoon snacks, 3 dinners and various snacks to be eaten throughout the day (breakfast on day 1 + lunch in Aguas Calientes are not included).
2 man tent for every 2 trekkers
Return transportation by train and bus to Cusco
Duffel Bag
Sleeping mattress
Oxygen bottle
First aid kit

Price Excludes

Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu
Sleeping Bag USD 30
Walking Stick USD 8
Additional extra porter 6 kg USD 80
Lunch and Dinner on the last day
Travel Insurance

4 day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu - Packing list

Essential: Original Passport ( Same as used at time of booking for permits)
Student Card (if you are a student and have booked in advance to qualify for the discount)
Backpack / Daypack (With a supportive hip belt)
Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
Supportive footwear (Trekking footwear, recommend waterproof)
Water storage for at least 2 litres; either a camel bag or water bottle
Headlamp / flashlight
Sun hat/ Sunglasses
Cash ( snacks, tipping )
Protect & hydrate sunscreen lotion (factor 60 or 70+ is recommendable )
Insect repellent
Personal medication
Toiletries and hand-sanitizer
Camera fully charged & extra batteries (batteries drain quicker in the cold)

Useful Info

4 Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu

Level of difficulty: Moderately difficult to Challenging
Accommodation: Camping
Walking Distance – 45 km / 26 miles
Consideration: Entrance fee required
Tour availability: Daily departures min 2 people
Weather: dry from May to October, wet from November to April
To climb Huayna Picchu mountain you need to book in advance
2 or 3 days Acclimatization is Recommended
Service offered: Group service, Private Service and Luxury Service
Tour Operator: Machu Picchu Tours & Treks

Itinerary

Day 1Cusco – Km 82 – Ayapata Campsite

Our adventure starts with a bright and early pick up at 4:30 from your hotel in Cusco. We will make our first stop at the town of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley of Incas. Here we’ll have breakfast.

We will then board an Aguas Calientes bound train from Ollantaytambo train station to KM 82 (45 mins trip) and start our adventure!

This will be our starting point of the Inca Trail trek which is considered one of the easiest days.

After trekking for 4 hours we will make our way to an exquisite buffet lunch setting organised and prepared by our Machu Picchu Tours team. After lunch, we will continue our journey of 3 hours ascending through the valleys of the Inca Trail.

Ayapata (1,0826 ft/3,300 m) is the first campsite and the first day is basically a training day for the following days to come. We will meet our friendly team who will be in charge of the equipment and the entire trek! A time to socialise and make new friends too!

Dinner is normally ready by 7pm served by one of our top chefs! Camping under the stars is a moment to remember whilst at the same time you appreciate the natural beauty and tranquility this place offers.

Day 2Ayapata – Chaquicocha campsite

This is the longest day and by far the most challenging! We will begin the day with an uphill climb of 4 hours (approx.) Warmi Wañusk’a (the dead woman’s pass) is known to have the furthest altitude on the Inca trail (13,829 ft/4,215).

So be prepared to have your cameras ready for some beautiful scenery. We will continue on the trail descending to Pacaymayu (2 hrs approx) and take a break to enjoy a variety of meals offered for lunch.

After enjoying a wholesome lunch, we will be continuing the trek for another 3 hours through the cloud forest. Then we will hike down the hill for 2 hours to our final campsite of the day at Chaquicocha (11811 ft/3600m).

Treat yourself to a traditional Peruvian hot ‘mate’ tea whilst glancing at the sunset and ending the day with a great hearty dinner!

Day 3Chaquicocha – Wiñay Wayna campsite

Today we’re on our own in the morning! This will be more of a relaxed climb with 2 hours of beautiful landscape and gain more insight into Peru’s history and culture.

We will make a stop at Phuyupatamarca (11811 ft/3600m) and take a minute to enjoy the panoramic view. From there, we will descend for 3 hours to reach our final campsite, Wiñay Wayna (8530 ft/2600m).

We will have the rest of the afternoon to recover all of our energy and visit one of the great archaeological sites along the Inca Trail known as Wiñay Wayna (forever young).

This will be our last dinner with our team where we say our goodbyes and thank the porters who have gone above and beyond to make this trek amazing!

Day 4Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu tour & back to Cusco

Last day of the trek! We will start super early, 4 am! After breakfast, we will pack our gear, get ready and make our way to Inti punku.

We will be one of the first groups to enter the Sun gate or Inti punku and be ready for a glorious sunrise surrounded by superb views.

Today will be a grand and rewarding day as we make our way to Machu Picchu trekking for 2 hours to the Sun Gate and a further 30 minutes to the entrance of Machu Picchu.

Capturing first-hand views of this magnificent citadel. After visiting Machu Picchu with a 2 hour guided tour, you will have free time to explore a little more of Machu Picchu.

After the tour, if you have booked to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, our guide will be directing you to the respective trailhead. Once we finish exploring, we will take the bus to Aguas Calientes. We do recommend you have lunch in the town before you leave for Cusco.

The return trip to Cusco is approximately 4 hours, 2 hours by train and 2 hours by bus. We will be reaching Cusco by 07:00 pm.

Photos

Classic Inca trail trek 4 days

FAQs

Classic Inca trail trek 4 days

How far in advance to book Inca Trail?

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most popular treks in the world. Infact, National Geographic Travel Magazine recognises this as one of the best 25 treks in the world. Due to its popularity, you will need a permit to hike the trail.

This permit gets sold some six months in advance. Moreover, local authorities restrict the access to just 500 people a day. This includes guides, porters and chefs so barely 200 people get to experience this in a day.

We highly recommend you to book your Inca trail at-least six months in advance.

How long is the Inca Trail?

The four days Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu begins at Km.82 near Ollantaytambo. The trail head is named after its distance while travelling from Cusco to Machu Picchu. The whole stretch is 25 miles (40 Kilometres).

It takes four days primarily because the trail involves many uphill hike.

Is the Inca Trail worth it?

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most popular trails in the world. The cobble stoned trail was built by Incas some 500 years ago. Through this, they used to hike from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Inca Trail offers an introduction to the civilization, you will be passing through many Inca ruins.

Moreover, the trail is also dotted with lush vegetation including some distinct plants. So yes, it is totally worth hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

How many days in Cusco before Inca Trail?

We recommend spending at-least four days in Cusco before hiking the Inca Trail. The highest point of the Inca Trail is the Dead Woman’s pass at 13,829 ft/4,215 metres. Many people who are not acclimated find this stretch extremely challenging. So a minimum of four days in Cusco will allow you to acclimate to the high altitude.

How many miles is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

It takes four days primarily because the trail involves many uphill hike.

How to prepare for hiking the Inca Trail?

The main reason why some people find the Inca Trail challenging is because of its altitude. We highly recommend you to spend a few days in Cusco and acclimatise before the trail. Also it is important that you do some short hikes whilst acclimatising as it will prepare your body for the long trail.

When are Inca Trail permits released?

Inca Trail permits are released every year on the 5th of October. However, we strongly recommend you to book the permit at-least six months in advance.

Can you do inca trail without guide?

No, local authorities require that every individual who hike the Trail in group or in private is accompanied by a locally licensed Inca Trail tour guide. The guide will be assigned to you by the tour operator.

3 Reviews

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Laura

Family Traveller

I travelled to Peru in October and had an amazing time. John is a great tour guide, he is very informative, helpful and a lovely guy. He did all he could to make sure we all had everything we needed. During the 4 days trekking the Inca Trail he kept us motivated and made the experience fun. Also excellent at taking photos for you to remember the experience long after you have left and your muscles no longer ache. Me and my friend were at the back as our group was faster than us and he never made us feel like we were slow. If anyone is thinking of doing a tour I highly recommend John as he is somebody who looks after his guests well!

February 12, 2020

Jeff

Solo Traveller

I decided to take my first solo trip, not knowing what to expect. So, I decided to travel with John from the company to Peru, a country and continent I hadn’t been to before. From the get-go, John was friendly and welcoming and made me, and the rest of the group, feel right at home.

Throughout the entire busy schedule, John kept us motivated and excited as we weaved our way through the magical sights of Peru, Cusco, the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. He is incredibly informative, knowledgeable and kind. He definitely made the Peru experience worthwhile, and I’d highly recommend travelling with him!

January 15, 2020

Norah

Couple Traveller

This was a dream come true. The booking process was very easy. We just gave our passport number and sent a copy of our passports and did a 50% payment and John took care of everything. He was quick to reply to my mails. The experience in itself was second to none.

December 17, 2019