Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights (Hike to Machupicchu)

Summary of the Inca Trail to Machupicchu

DAY 1: CUSCO-OLLANTAYTAMBO- PISCACUCHO- WAYLLABAMBA.

We pick up our passengers early in the morning and head towards Ollantaytambo where those who wish can have breakfast or buy some bamboo canes that help for the hike on the Inca Trail to Machupicchu. Then, we will continue until Km. 82 Piscacucho (2,800 masl) where the first control is located. From there, we will begin the hike on the Inca Trail to Machupicchu. After about 2 hours, we will arrive at Patallacta (2,750 masl), an Inca archaeological site that will be explained by our guide. Our next place to visit is an interesting place where we will have lunch prepared by our experienced cook and his team.

Their food will no doubt leave you astonished. After lunch, we will continue with our walk on the Inca Trail to Machupicchu towards our camp Wayllabamba (3,000 masl). After a well-deserved break, we will have tea followed by dinner before we spend the night.

DAY 2: WAYLLABAMBA-WARMIWAÑUSCA PASS –PACAYMAYO.

In the morning after breakfast, we will continue our trek on the Inca Trail to Machupicchu. This time, we will begin to ascend slightly by 9 km towards the steps of Warmiwañusca, the highest point of the Inca Trail to Machupicchu (4,200 masl). This section of stairs is hard on the legs. It is recommended to do it without haste at your own pace because no one will have to worry about being left behind. At this point, you will be able to admire the variety of flora and sights that make this Inca Trail to Machupicchu unique. We will then arrive at our campsite Pacaymayo (3,600 masl) where we’ll have dinner and rest for the night.

DAY 3: PACAYMAYO – PHUYUPATAMARCA – WIÑAYHUAYNA.

After breakfast, we will continue our hike on the Inca Trail to Machupicchu for a stretch of 15 km. This area is full of vegetation and a number of Inca archeological sites of different functions. The first archaeological site we will visit is Runcurakay Pass (3,970 masl) which is another Inca archaeological complex consisting of a turret that was strategically used for surveillance of the East Valley. Then, we will continue to Chaquicocha where we will have lunch before moving on until Phuyupatamarka (whose name means place above the clouds). Along the route, we will pass through a tunnel carved in the rock and continue on the Inca Trail to Machupicchu towards Wiñayhuayna— another wonderful complex.

The total trek on this day takes 6 hours and features beautiful scenery and vegetation. (The third camp, Phuyupatamarca, may vary depending on its availability.)

DAY 4 WIÑAYHUAYNA – MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO.

We will continue hiking earlier than usual after breakfast on the Inca Trail to Machupicchu. We will pass by the last control to reach Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), and then on to Machupicchu. Here is where you will have your first view of the majestic city of the Incas. The consequential guided tour is full of fascinating history.

With the guide, we will explore the most important and prominent sites of the ancient city of Machupicchu. After this, you will have free time to take pictures and to explore the archaeological site of Machupicchu before traveling to the town of Aguas Calientes where you can buy lunch. Finally, we will go to the train station to return to Ollantaytambo where we will take our tour bus back to the city of Cusco.

Itinerary Inca Trail to Machupicchu

Day 01: Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba

• 06:00 Pick up and start the tour from your hotel in Cusco.
• Travel in private transport to the starting point making a series of stops at viewpoints and interesting points to take advantage of the beautiful landscape and control of the Inca Trail at km 82.
• Lunch at Miskay.
• Beginning of the walk passing through the archaeological group of Patallacta and finally, arrive at Wayllabamba (campsite).
• Total Walking Time 5 – 6 hours (12 km.)
• Initial Altitude 2,750m – Final 2,954m.
• Overnight at the camp in Wayllabamba (Altitude: 2,954 m)

Day 02: Wayllabamba – Pacaymayo

• Breakfast at the camp.
• Start of the walk passing through the Warmiwañusca pass.
• Lunch and establishment of camps in Pacaymayo.
• Total Walking Time 8 hrs (16 km.)
• Initial Altitude 3000m – Final 3,800 m.
• Overnight at the camp in Pacaymayo (Altitude: 2,650 m)

Day 03: Pacaymayo – Wiñaywayna

• Breakfast at the camp.
• Start of the walk through the archaeological site of Runkurakay (resting place).
• Visit the archaeological complex of Sayacmarca (archaeological complex).
• Lunch instead of rest.
• Hike to reach the Wiñaywayna campsite.
• Total Walking Time 8 hrs (16 km.)
• Initial Altitude 3,800 m – Final 2,650 m.
• Overnight at the camp in Wiñaywayna. (Altitude: 2,650 m)

Day 04: Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco

• Breakfast at the camp.
• Start the walk until you reach the Puerta del Sol or Inti Punku.
• Guided tour of the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu.
• The descent towards the town of Aguas Calientes.
• Lunch and free time in Aguas Calientes.
• 16:22 Return by train to Ollantaytambo.
• Transfer from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco.
• Total Walking Time 2 hrs (4 km) – Initial Altitude 2,650 m – Final 2,400 m.
• Approximate arrival time to Cusco 20:00.

Includes:

• Transportation to Km. 82 (where the Inca Trail starts)
• Entrance to the Classic Inca Trail
• Professional tour guide
• Blankets and large tents that sleep 2
• A cook and kitchen equipment
• Table and chairs
• Meals ( 3 breakfasts, lunches, and dinners)
• Porters to carry the camping equipment and food. DOES NOT INCLUDE PERSONAL LUGGAGE
• First-aid equipment
• Oxygen
• Bus from Machupicchu to Aguas Calientes
• Tickets for the return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo at 18:45 or 21:30 pm depending on availability
• Tour bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
  

Not included:

• Breakfast on the first day nor lunch on the last day
• Sleeping bag
• An extra porter
• Entrance fee to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes
• Tips
• Visit to Huaynapicchu

Recommendations:

• Backpack
• Warm clothes for the night
• Water/rain-proof clothes
• Flashlight
• Cap
• Several shirts
• Insect repellent
• Rain poncho
• Water purification tablets
• Personal medication
• A water bottle
• Original passport
• Student ID (if this is the case)
• Extra cash: soles and dollars
• Hiking poles

Prices updated 2024