Classic Inca Trail 4 Days – Machu Picchu Trek
4 days - 3 nights
Difficult / Challenging
4250m / 13,943 ft
Hiking
The Inca Trail is a series of trails created by the Inca Empire. A breathtaking but arduous and rewarding journey, it is one of the most famous hikes in the world. Along the trail experience some of the most important archaeological sites of the Ancient Inca civilization. These include Runkuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñayhuayna. The last day pass Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, before exploring the ancient city of Machu Picchu.
Useful information:
- Starting altitude – 2720m / 8.857ft.
- Highest altitude – 4250m / 13,943 feet
- Walking distance – 42 km / 26 miles
- Longest day – Day 2, approximately 16 km / 10 miles
- General difficulty: Difficult, Challenging (depending on your physical condition).
Wayna Trekkers provide genuine culturally immersive journeys. Private tours by local guides built by our tour experts.
Our team of experts find the perfect tour to make your Peruvian experience unique.
We offer personalized trip of small groups of up to 8 travelers only.
Inca Trail 4 Days Overview
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 4 Days is the most legendary trek in South America and one of the world’s greatest hiking experiences. This ancient path follows the footsteps of the Incas through stunning mountain landscapes, mysterious cloud forests, and a series of impressive archaeological sites that once connected the Sacred Valley with the Lost City of Machu Picchu.
Over four unforgettable days, you’ll walk along stone-paved trails built more than 500 years ago, crossing high mountain passes like Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,215 meters and exploring remarkable ruins such as Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and Wiñay Wayna. Every step offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and history, with breathtaking panoramic views of the Andes and the Urubamba River valley below.
The journey culminates with an early-morning arrival at Inti Punku – the Sun Gate, where you’ll witness the first magical view of Machu Picchu as the sun rises over its stone temples and terraces. It’s a moment that rewards every effort of the hike and stays engraved in your memory forever.
This trek is perfect for adventure lovers who want to connect deeply with Inca heritage, challenge themselves physically, and experience the authentic spirit of the Andes. With professional guides, expert porters, and carefully prepared meals, the Inca Trail 4 Days offers not just a hike, but a life-changing journey to one of the most sacred places on Earth.
Inca Trail 4 Days Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – KM 82 – Ayapata
Our adventure will begin when your guide picks you up from your hotel in Cusco or Ollantaytambo. Pick up will be at around 4:00 AM from Cusco or 7:00 AM from Ollantaytambo. Here we will have time for a quick breakfast in Ollantaytambo.
After filling ourselves with an energetic breakfast we will head up to km 82 which is the Inca Trail checkpoint, you will be introduced to your team of porters. It’s compulsory to have your original passports to enter the Inca Trail and your valid student ID card, if you booked the tour as a student.
We will cross the bridge over the Vilcanota River. The first day is relatively easy, we will see Huillca Raccay fortress, the outstanding Inca site of Llactapata (Patallacta) and the Urubamba Mountain range. Discover the Andes mountains and the beauty of the snow-capped mountain “La Verónica”. After 4 hours hiking, enjoy our first buffet lunch. Our hike resumes for another 2 hours to the first night’s campsite (Ayapata) Arrive at around 5:00 PM, enjoy hot drinks that provided by your porters and dinner will be at 7:30 PM. Get a good night’s sleep to recover for the next days adventure.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Accommodations: Camping
- Maximum altitude: 3300 m/10,824 ft
- Minimum altitude: 2,750 m/9,020 ft
- Distance to walk: 14 km/8.7 miles
- Approximate walking time: 7 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Ayapata – Pacaymayu – Chaqui-cocha
Our porters will wake us up early with a hot cup of tea or coffee, you can enjoy it inside your tent before getting ready for a hearty breakfast. This is the longest day of the hike so we will have an early start. We will hike for approximately 4 hours to the highest point of the trek known as the Dead Woman’s pass (4,215m/13828ft). Feel a real sense of achievement upon reaching the top of the summit where we will stop and be amazed at the astonishing views of the mountain range. Descend towards the next valley and Pacaymayu for lunch. After lunch we start out towards the second pass. Be delighted with the variety of plants in the Polylepis Forest, an incredible cloud forest located at (3640m/11942ft). This afternoon, we will visit two Inca sites. The first one is Runku Raccay, an interesting site with an interesting history. Another hour on, reach the gorgeous Inca site of Sayacmarca, rest for a moment, then we hike for another 20 minutes to our 2nd campsite in Chaquicocha at around 5 PM, some appetizers and drinks will be served. Later a delicious dinner and off to bed for a well deserved rest.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Accommodations: Camping
- Maximum altitude: 4215 m/13,825 ft
- Minimum altitude: 3,300 m/10,824 ft
- Distance to walk: 16 km/ 10 miles
- Approximate walking time: 8-9 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
Day 3: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna
We start this morning early, your porters will serve you a hot mug of tea as they did the previous day. The hike itself will be a little easier. We start off with a gentle climb up toward Phuyupatamarca Incan site, which is the third highest mountain pass.
This is by far the most exciting day of trekking. Once we reach the pass, we walk a few minutes to Phuyupatamarca Inca site, and we descend down the uneven Inca stone steps through the cloud forest breathing a subtle aroma of jungle. You will visit another Inca settlement (Intipata). It’s about three hours to reach our last campsite and we will be able to see it from the last highest point. We arrive at Wiñay Wayna at lunch time. total walking time (5-6 Hours.)
Arrive at our last campsite, leave your gear and walk to Wiñay Wayna which is known as the young Mountain or translated “FOREVER YOUNG”. This site is one of the most beloved and amazing Inca sites on the trek before reaching Machu Picchu.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Accommodations: Camping
- Maximum altitude: 3600 m/11,808 ft
- Minimum altitude: 2,680 m/8,792 ft
- Distance to walk: 10 km/6.2 miles
- Approximate walking time: 6 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
Day 4: Winay Wayna – Sungate – Machu Picchu – Cusco
This is the last day of our spectacular journey. Wake up will be at at around 3:30 AM. Breakfast, will happen at 4:00 AM. Say goodbye and thank you to your porters, before setting off to the checkpoint gates. Reach the Sun Gate “Intipunku” around 6:30 am, this is our first view of Machu Picchu. Views from here are outstanding. Hike down (40 minutes) to Machu Picchu to the viewpoint where we can enjoy views from above the citadel. Leave our packs and enter Machu Picchu for a wonderful, guided tour.
Our walking tour with the guide lasts 2 hours roughly, on your incredible guided tour of Machu Picchu visit all the most important sites, hear the stories of the Inca past and learn the history. From the viewpoints have time to take all the postcard pictures. Feel the spirit of the Inca at every site you visit. After your guided tour (if booked in advance) you will have time hike Huayna Picchu Mountain on your own, don’t forget to ask for your bus ticket to go to Aguas Calientes. After your amazing Machu Picchu tour, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, here you can choose any restaurant to have lunch, and your guide will give you the train tickets to go back to Ollantaytambo or Poroy train station. Remember to be at the train station half an hour prior your train departure (14:55PM or 15:20PM).
The train ride is 2 hours, and as soon as you get out of the train station at Ollantaytambo, a Wayna Trekkers representative will be waiting for you with a banner of the company with your name on it, we will drive you Cusco and leave you at your hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Maximum altitude: 2700 m/8,856 ft
- Minimum altitude: 2,430 m/7,972 ft
- Distance to walk: 6 km/3.73 miles
- Approximate walking time: 2 hours
Campsites tend to change slightly because of availability, being our second options Wayllabamba, Pacaymayo, and Wiñayhuayna (being the latter the most important Campsite).
If you don’t have much time, we offer a 2-day hike on the Inca Trail.
What’s Included?
IT INCLUDES
- Shuttle from the airport to your Cusco Hotel.
- Briefing at Wayna Trekkers office or at your hotel. It happens at 5:30 PM the night before.
- Hotel Pick-up the first morning of the trek.
- Private shuttle From Cusco to KM 82
- Duffle bag up to 7 kg.
- Extra porter who carries 7kg (You must carry a small daypack)
- Plastic rain poncho and day pack rain cover.
- 4 Season Tents (two person per tent).
- Foam mattresses and pillows.
- English-speaking guide (Professional)
- 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 snacks, and 3 dinners (Optional: dietary restrictions, vegetarian or vegan notify us in advance)
- First-aid kit, thus oxygen tank.
- Boiled purified water, (our chef will fill up your bottles, camelback, or any container – after every meal)
- Warm water for ablution purposes.
- Tourist train ride from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (Expedition)
- Inca trail permits and Machupicchu entrance ticket.
- Dining tents with tables and chairs.
- Chef and cooking equipment.
- Guided tour in Machupicchu (two hours)
- One way bus ticket From Machupicchu to Aguas Calientes.
- 18% tax.
NOT INCLUDED
- Wayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain: Both at cost $70USD. Must be booked and confirmed in advance (at the time of booking), permits sell out quickly.
- First breakfast and Last lunch.
- Tips for Wayna Trekkers’ crew
EXTRAS
- Single Tent Supplement – $ 30 USD (Preferably notice us at the time of booking)
- Sleeping bag – $20 USD
- Air Mattress – $15 USD
- Walking sticks – $15 USD
- Extra night in Aguas Calientes (Book in advance)
- Vistadome Train – $57 USD
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – $70 USD (Book in advance)
- Machu Picchu Mountain – $70 USD (Book in advance)
Prices
Group service:
$790 USD Per person.
***For groups of 4+ travelers, $30 USD discount each.
Private services:
2 – 3 Trekkers: $1350 USD – Per person
4 – 6 trekkers: $1450 USD – Per person
7+ Trekkers: $950 USD – Per person
Student Discount
$30 USD off per person Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD (with a barcode, name of university, student name, photo of student and expiration date) at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. For those using a University Student Card our under 17-years-old, we need to see a copy of their card or passport at the time of booking to receive the discount.
$40 USD off per person
For kids under 11 years old, this discount will be applied by default. Send passport copy at the booking time.
Please send all information to info@waynatrekkers.com
Add on’s:
- Single Tent Supplement – $ 30 USD (Preferably notice us at the time of booking)
- Sleeping bag – $20 USD
- Air Mattress – $15 USD
- Walking sticks – $15 USD
- Extra night in Aguas Calientes (Book in advance)
- Vistadome Train – $57 USD
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – $70 USD (Book in advance)
- Machupicchu Mountain – $70 USD (Book in advance)
Please read the following information.
Booking
Arrival to Cusco.
You will be picked up by one of our team members and be driven to your hotel. This is a complimentary service so please ensure you send your flight details at least two weeks before your arrival date. On exit of the airport or bus terminal, your driver will be waiting outside.
Acclimatization to the altitude:
High altitude starts to have an effect on our bodies from between 1,500m – 2,000m (4921ft – 6561ft) when our bodies start to react differently to make up for the changes in oxygen levels. As you get higher, the air gets thinner, so with every breath there is less oxygen for your body. Your body gradually adapts to getting less oxygen – you breathe faster and deeper and the body produces more red blood cells. This takes time so this is why if you go from low to high altitude too quickly, you may feel symptoms of altitude sickness until your body acclimatizes.
The Cusco region is set at very high elevations. The city of Cusco stands at a staggering 3 399m/ 11 152ft. On the other hand, the classic Inca Trial has varying degrees of elevations, lowest is starting point (trailhead:km82) at 2 729m/8 923 and gets as high as 4 200m/13 779ft (Dead Women´s Pass). So, altitudes sickness is to be expected when hiking the classic Inca Trail. However, people react differently to altitude sickness and it can present itself in a variety of symptoms. Common symptoms include: headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, poor appetite, dizziness and disturbed sleep and in extreme cases, loss of oxygen.
There are number of ways to deal with altitude sickness. Firstly, you need to acclimate, by spending a few days in the Sacred Valley or Cusco. The body does adjust to the thin air, it just needs time. There are a number of day tours you can participate in before your hike, that don’t require much exertion. Secondly, get lots of sleep, relax and take it easy. Another option is to watch what you consume, try to avoid alcohol and drugs and also drink lots of water and coca tea. Keep your meals light, high in calories with lots of carbs. Lastly, we recommend visiting your doctor before traveling to Peru and ask for recommendations for medication that can help with altitude sickness.
These are the recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN, IF NEEDED.
How do you prepare for the Inca trail?
The biggest challenge with Classic Inca trail is the steps. You will be climbing and descending over 10 000 steps. Climbing steps puts a lot of pressure on your legs and going down puts even more pressure on the knees. Here we will explore the different challenges you will encounter and the best way to get ahead of those challenges.
Get in Shape!
The Classic Inca Trail is not easy. It has over 10 000 steps and a few sharp inclines. Being physically fit will certainly help you to enjoy everything this famous trail has to offer. You do not have to be an athlete, but we do recommend that you are active and build endurance. There are a few ways to achieve this. You could join a health club a couple of months leading to the trek. Another option is to participate in an aerobic group activity, Aerobics are known for increasing endurance. If you prefer the outdoors, walking or running for 15kms/9 miles day would suffice.
Briefing.
We have set your pre-trek talk the night before your trek at 5:00 PM at your hotel or at our office.
Luggage.
If you decide to change hotels after hiking, we offer a free secure luggage store while trekking. If you are returning to the same hotel most offer storage. Tell us what you prefer at the briefing.
How do I pay my remaining balance?
You can pay the rest of your bill upon arrival to Cusco at our office with a card or cash if you want to avoid any extra credit card fees. Our representative will show you the invoice which was confirmed at the booking time. Alternatively, you can pay through PayPal or Visa but you have to pay 5% service fee charged by VISA and PayPal.
Packing Checklist for the Inca Trail 4 Days
WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU
- Original passport (the same used for booking your trek)
- Valid University card (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2-3 L (Camelbaks are encouraged)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from Wayna Trekkers)
- Headlamp: essential
- Toilet paper
- Good rain coat and pants, (especially in the rainy season).
THE DUFFEL BAG
We provide a duffel bag at the briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter, who will carry up to 7 kgs/15lbs including sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters or horses. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. In this 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad. This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear.
WHAT TO PUT IN THE BAG
- 2 T-Shirts
- 2 hiking pants
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 3 sets of hiking socks
- Fleece/ Thermals
- Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
- Waterproof gloves
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quickdry towel. We provide a small one, you might prefer something larger
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
- Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
- Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to line your duffel
- Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us for $20 USD
TOILETRIES
- Face cleanser, moisturizer & after sun cream
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
WHAT TO PUT IN THE DAY BACKPACK
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu.
Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, we will then provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring your canteens.
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Headlamp
- Wool hat and gloves
- Rain gear
- Fleece or warm layer
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
- Personal First Aid kit, personal medications and items of person nature.
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Valuables (passport, money etc)
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