Embark on an epic 4-Day Inca Trail journey to Machu Picchu, where adventure amid breathtaking Andean landscapes combine the magic of ancient ruins. Enjoy the comfortable amenities, including delicious meals, private porters and luxury camping. Explore mystical ruins of Runkuracay, Sayacmarca, the unforgettable Phuyupatamarca and the last before Machu Picchu, Winay Wayna. Hike to the Sungate before exploring the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu.
Useful information:
- Start 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: Moderate Difficult (depends on your level of physical condition).
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – KM 82 – Ayapata
Your private Inca Trail adventure begins with an early departure form Cusco, Urubamba or Ollantaytambo at the indicated time agreed at the breifing. 4:30 AM (Cusco), 5:30-6:00 AM(Urubamba), 6:30-7:00 AM (Ollantaytambo), A wonderful energetic breakfast will be in Ollantaytambo, the fuel we need to start the day.
After traveling through the Sacred Valley, we arrive at KM 82 the start of the trail. Before we start we meet our wonderful trekking team. It’s vital importance to have your original passports on you to enter the Inca Trail and your valid student ID card, if you are booked as a student.
We will cross the Vilcanota River, our first day is relatively easy, a previous warm-up, you will begin your trek along a picturesque path that follows the Urubamba River, offering stunning views of snow-capped mountains and Inca archaeological sites. Experience Huillca Raccay fortress, the outstanding Inca site of Llactapata(Patallacta). After 4 hours hiking, lunch is served along the trail, prepared by our private chef. As you ascend gradually through diverse landscapes, you will arrive at the serene Ayapata campsite nestled among the Andean Mountains arrive there by 5:00 PM, Upon arrival your tent will ready to make for a pleasant night’s sleep, settle yourselves and have some snacks or hot drink, dinner will be at 7:30 PM before your retire for a comfortable first night on the Inca Trail.
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, Day 2 of the Inca Trail is considered the most challenging, but also one of the most rewarding. The trek begins as the trail climbs steadily through lush cloud forest and alpine terrain. We will approximately hike for 4 hours to the highest point of the trek. Dead Woman’s pass at it summit is at (4,215m/13828ft), this is the highest point of the trek, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Feel a real sense of goal achievement upon reaching the top. After a steep descent into the Pacaymayu Valley we stop for a well-deserved chef prepared lunch. The trail continues with a second pass. On our way to Runkurakay Pass we will witness the variety of plant and life in the polylepsis forest, an astonishing cloud forest located at (3640m/11942ft).
It’s an extra hour hike down to reach the gorgeous Inca site Sayacmarca we can rest at for a moment, hike for another 20 minutes to our second campsite named Chaquicocha around 5 PM. Nestled near a quiet lake and surrounded by high Andean peaks, it is the perfect spot to rest and take in the incredible scenery. The porters will be waiting with some drinks before another wonderful dinner to finish a wonderful day of adventure.
Day 3: Chaquicocha – Wiñaywayna
We start early this morning (6:00 AM), your porter will give you with a hot mug of tea, before your breakfast is ready. Day 3 of the Inca Trail, the journey begins with a breathtaking blend of natural beauty and ancient wonders. This stretch is often described as the most scenic part of the trek, as the trail winds through lush cloud forests, dramatic ridgelines and well preserved Inca ruins.
Once reached the pass, we walk a few minutes to Phuyupatamarca Inca site, The City Above the Clouds enjoying the panoramic views. After a few minutes to take it all in, we descend walking down stairs through the cloud forest and breathing a subtle aroma of nature. Visit a second Inca site (Intipata). From here it is about three hours to reach our last campsite at Winay Wayna, arriving in time for lunch, total walking time (4-5 Hours.)
Settle into your tent and at 4:30 PM take a tour of Wiñay Wayna, translated meaning Forever Young, is a stunning archaeological site perched on the mountainside, this is a magical Inca Trail moment, it is also the perfect prelude to the breathtaking Machu Picchu.
Day 4: Winay Wayna – Machu Picchu
We wake up at around 3:30 AM. Our breakfast, in contrast to earlier days will happen at 4:00 AM. You will thank and say goodbye to your porters, our journey begins as we depart from Winay Wayna in the pre dawn stillness, guided by lantern light and mounting anticipation. After a short hike you will reach Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. Witness the first golden rays of sunlight illumintating the majestic citadel below.
From there, descend gradually inot the heart of the Lost City, where your expert guide leads a private, indepth tour of the site’s most iconic structures and hidden corners.
Our walking tour will last 2 hours, having enough time at each important point to take photos. The guided tour will provide much information about the Inca Empire and the history of the site. See all the important parts of Machu Picchu. Your guide will give you a description of each temple and Inca house. Explore the agricultural terraces, the life blood of the citadel. Marvel over the genius of the Inca and the perfect location of Machu Picchu hidden deep in the Andes. Don’t forget to ask for your bus ticket to go to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival pick a restaurant to have a lunch and explore this wonderful little town. Your guide will give you train tickets to go back to Ollantaytambo, be sure to arrive at the train station half an hour prior your train departure (2:55 PM or 4:22 PM).
The train travels through the lush valley for about 2 hours, where you will leave the train at Ollantaytambo Station, a Wayna Trekkers driver will be expecting for you with a banner with your name, we will drive you Cusco and leave you as close as we can to your hotel.
If the cost seems too high, we also offer the 4-Day Inca Trail as a group tour.
What Is Included in the 4-Day Private Inca Trail Tour?
INCLUDED
- Shuttle from the airport to your Cusco Hotel.
- Briefing at Wayna Trekkers office or at your hotel. The briefing will be at 5:30 PM the night before your trek.
- Hotel Pick-up the first morning of the trek.
- Private shuttle From Cusco to KM 82
- Duffle bag up to 7 kgs.
- 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 washing 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 $70 USD. Must be booked and confirmed in advance (at the time of booking), permits sell out quickly.
- Upgrade train: Vistadome train – $57 USD per person. (Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo)
- Last lunch.
- Tips for Wayna Trekkers’ crew (Porters and Guides)
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)
- Machupicchu Mountain – $70 USD (Book in advance)
Private services cost:
2 – 3 Trekkers: $1150 USD – Per person
4 – 6 trekkers: $950 USD – Per person
7+ Trekkers: $850 USD – Per person
Student Discount
$30 USD off per person Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD 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
- Sleeping bag – $20 USD
- Air Mattress – $15 USD
- Walking sticks – $15 USD
- Extra night in Aguas Calientes – 100 USD at 3* Hotel
- Vistadome Train – $60 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. For this complimentary service please ensure you send your flight details at least two weeks in advance. You have to exit the airport or bus terminal, your driver cannot enter inside.
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 generally 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 your starting point (thrailhead: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. Below we look at all 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.
Some people change hotels after hiking, therefore we offer a free secure luggage store while trekking. Some people stay at the same hotel, most offer free luggage storage. Tell us at the briefing if you would like us to store your luggage.
How do I pay my remaining balance?
The balance of your bill can be settled on 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 final invoice confirmed at the booking time. Otherwise, you can pay through PayPal or Visa but you have to pay 5% service fee charged by VISA and PayPal.
Packing Checklist for the Private Inca Trail Trek 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)
