Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days

ITINERARY

DAY 1 – CUSCO – KM 82 – LLACTAPATA – WAYLLABAMBA – AYAPATA

Very early in the morning, your adventure begins as your guide picks you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 a.m. in our private van. We’ll drive through the Sacred Valley to Piskacucho, better known as Kilometer 82, the official starting point of the Classic Inca Trail.

On the way, we’ll stop for breakfast in Ollantaytambo around 6:30 to 7:00 a.m. where you’ll have the chance to enjoy a hearty meal before the trek begins. (Please note: breakfast is not included.)

We’ll arrive at KM 82 around 8:30 a.m. Here, you’ll have some time to get organized use the restrooms, apply sunscreen and insect repellent, and prepare your gear. At this point, you’ll hand over your duffel bag to the porters, carrying only a small daypack with the essentials for the day’s hike. (Refer to our packing list for suggestions.)

At the Inca Trail checkpoint, you’ll need to present your passport, and your student ID if you booked with a student discount.

The hike begins at an elevation of 2,720 meters (8,923 feet). You’ll cross the Vilcanota River and follow its scenic course. The first day’s trek is considered relatively moderate a perfect warm-up along the gently undulating terrain often referred to as «Inca flat.»

As the trail unfolds, you’ll visit the archaeological site of Llactapata (also known as Patallacta), an impressive Inca settlement nestled in a river valley. You’ll also enjoy panoramic views of the Urubamba mountain range, where the Andes begin to blend with the cloud forest, and catch sight of the majestic snow-capped Mount Veronica (5,860 m / 19,225 ft), also known as W’akay Willca.

We’ll stop for a delicious lunch in Tarayoc, then continue hiking for about three more hours toward your first campsite.

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with afternoon tea and snacks, a perfect moment to relax with a warm drink. Your tent will already be set up for you simply settle in and enjoy the peace and beauty of your surroundings as you prepare for the days ahead.

Meals included: Lunch, Snacks, Afternoon Tea and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Distance: 12kms/7.5mi
Walking Time: 6 to 7 hours
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

DAY 2 – WAYLLABAMBA – DEAD WOMAN’S PASS – PACAYMAYU – CHAQUI QOCHA

At 5:00 a.m., you’ll receive an early wake-up call to continue your journey along the Sacred Inca Trail. Enjoy a hot drink served in your tent, giving you a cozy start to the day before getting up for a nutritious and hearty breakfast.

With your daypack as light as possible, you’ll begin the most challenging but also the most rewarding section of the trail. Today’s highlight is the ascent to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,200 m / 13,779 ft), the highest point of the entire trek. Reaching the summit offers a profound sense of achievement and unforgettable panoramic views of the surrounding Andean peaks.

After a well-earned break and time for photos at the top, you’ll begin the descent to Pacaymayu (3,550 m / 11,646 ft), where a delicious lunch awaits.

As you climb toward the pass, you’ll pass through breathtaking landscapes rich in wildlife, including hummingbirds and other native bird species. There will be ample time to admire the diversity of Andean flora, including the Polylepis trees (Q’ueuña) that thrive in the mystical cloud forest.

Following lunch, you’ll tackle a second ascent a two-hour uphill climb to the Runkuraqay Pass (4,000 m / 13,123 ft). This section of the trail is steep, but the views and natural surroundings make it truly rewarding.

You’ll arrive at your campsite by around 5:00 p.m., where afternoon tea and appetizers will be waiting to help you relax and unwind. As night falls, prepare for cooler temperaturas around 4ºC (39ºF) so be sure to dress warmly for the evening ahead.

Meals included: Lunch, Snacks, Afternoon Tea and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Distance: 16kms/10 mls
Walking Time: 8 to 9 hours
Difficulty: Moderate/challenging

DAY 3 – CHAQUI QOCHA – PHUYUPATAMARCA – WIÑAY WAYNA

Today is arguably the most scenic and memorable day of the trek, so keep that in mind as you set out!

Your guide will wake you early with a hot mug of tea or coffee served right in your tent, helping you ease into the day before enjoying a hearty breakfast.

The morning begins with a gentle ascent toward the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca, which means “Village in the Clouds” in Quechua. Here, you’ll reach the third-highest point of the Inca Trail at 3,680 meters (12,073 feet). The views from this point are truly breathtaking—offering sweeping vistas of mountain peaks, deep canyons, and the misty landscapes that give this area its name.

From the Phuyupatamarca Pass (3,650 m / 11,975 ft), one of the most beautiful sections of the trail begins. As you walk, you’ll catch glimpses of Machu Picchu Mountain, the Vilcabamba mountain range, and the winding Urubamba River far below.

After soaking in the views, the trail continues with a three-hour descent toward your final campsite at Wiñay Wayna (2,700 m / 8,858 ft). As you make your way down, you’ll notice the temperature rising, signaling your approach not only to Machu Picchu, but also to the edge of the Amazon rainforest.

Along the way, you’ll take time to visit the terraced archaeological site of Intipata, known for its stunning panoramic views and agricultural significance.

You’ll arrive at camp by lunchtime, with plenty of time to rest and explore. Just a short walk from the campsite lies the spectacular Inca site of Wiñay Wayna, meaning “Forever Young” in Quechua. The site is named after a vibrant orchid native to the area, which grows abundantly in this lush, cloud-forest setting.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, snacks and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Distance: 10kms/6.2mls
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 4 – WIÑAY WAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Today begins very early, with a wake-up call at 3:30 a.m. After a light breakfast, we’ll head to the checkpoint that leads to Machu Picchu, aiming to be among the first to enter when the gates open at 5:30 a.m.

This is the final and most anticipated stretch of your journey. After approximately an hour of hiking, you’ll reach the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at around 6:30 a.m. From here, you’ll be rewarded with your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu, bathed in the soft glow of the morning sun. Watching the sunlight slowly illuminate the ancient citadel is an unforgettable and deeply moving momento one of the true highlights of the Inca Trail.

From the Sun Gate, we’ll descend gradually toward the Machu Picchu Citadel (2,400 m / 7,872 ft), taking in spectacular views along the way.

After about 40 minutes, we’ll enter the citadel through the “House of the Guardians”, where you’ll have the opportunity to take the iconic postcard photos of Machu Picchu from its most famous viewpoint.

We’ll then proceed to the main entrance, where you’ll register and store large backpacks or trekking poles, as only small bags (such as camera bags or daypacks) are permitted inside the site.

Your guide will then lead a comprehensive 2-hour tour of the citadel, explaining the rich history, architecture, and cultural significance of this wonder of the world. You’ll visit the most important sectors of Machu Picchu, including the Temple of the Sun, the Main Plaza, and the Intihuatana stone.

After the guided tour, those who have pre-booked the optional hike to Huayna Picchu will have time to enjoy that spectacular climb on their own.

Once you’ve fully taken in the beauty of Machu Picchu, you’ll take the shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy lunch at your leisure (not included).

In the afternoon, you’ll board the Expedition Train at 2:55 p.m. or 3:20 p.m., which follows the scenic Urubamba River, passing through dramatic canyons and lush landscapes dotted with whitewater rapids.

Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo, your driver will be waiting at the train station exit to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle.

You can expect to arrive around 7:00 p.m., bringing your unforgettable Inca Trail journey to a close.

Meals included: Breakfast
Distance: 6kms/3.7mls
Walking Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Important Note: Campsite locations may change due to availability as well as the final camping assignment by Sernanp!