Embark on a luxurious 4-Day journey along the iconic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, where adventure meets indulgence. This premium trekking experience combines the awe-inspiring beauty of the Andes with the comfort of high-end service. Every day our expert guides lead you through breathtaking landscapes and ancient Inca ruins. At the end of each day, unwind in deluxe campsites with spacious tents, gourmet meals prepared by a private chef, and everything you need for the perfect luxury experience.
Useful information:
- Start altitude—2720 m / 8.857ft.
- Highest altitude—4250 m / 13,943 feet
- Walking distance—42 km / 26 miles
- Longest day—Day 3, approximately 15 km
- General difficulty: difficult, challenging (depending on the level of your physical condition).
Itinerary
DAY 1: Cusco – KM 82 – Wayllabamba
Pickup will be at 5AM from your hotel in Cusco. In our private van we will drive for approximately 2 hours to Ollantaytambo. Breakfast will be prepared with the finest ingredients and will be enjoyed in the company of your guide and crew. It will be an additional 30 minutes from our breakfast spot to the Inca Trail trailhead at KM 82.
Before entering the Inca Trail at KM 82, your crew will collect all of your personal duffle bags with your packed belongings. This way, you will only hike with your personal backpack carrying only your essentials.
The first section of the Inca Trail hike will be along a gradual downhill from KM 82 to Misccay Village. During this section of the trail, you will see native plants, a few Inca sites, enjoy wonderful views and see the spectacular Veronica snowcapped mountain in the distance. From Misccay, it will be approximately 30 minutes to the archeological site of Llactapata, the largest of the Inca sites today. At Llactapata, your guide will take time to explain the possible uses and importance of this site during the Inca empire. This stop will be a short break before continuing along the trail to our lunch spot in Tarayoc.
Lunch will be enjoyed in the surroundings of the Inca trail valley and will be prepared by our chef with the freshest of local ingredients. The remaining hiking after lunch will be to the campsite at Wayllabamba. This hike will take approximately 2 hours and will have you relaxing at the evening’s campsite between 4PM to 5PM. Enjoy the first evening under the stars with a wonderful gourmet meal before retiring to your tent for the evening.
- Total walking distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
- Wayllabamba campsite elevation: 3,000 m.a.s.l. (9,842 ft.a.s.l.)
- Weather: Warm & sunny during dry season
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and dinner
- Accommodation: Luxurious camping facilities, massage sessions, and showers.
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
DAY 2: Wayllabamba – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayu
Today will begin with a hot cup of coffee or tea served to you in your tent. Before heading off on today’s hike, enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by your crew.
The hike to Pacaymayu is considered to be the most challenging along the Inca Trail due to the changes in altitude. The first section of today’s hike will be to Llulluchapata located at 3,800 m.a.s.l / 12,460 ft.a.s.l. This hike will take approximately 3 to 4 hours and will take us to our lunch spot.
Lunch will be served and complemented with local drinks and time for a siesta before hitting the trail again. From the lunch camp it will be 2 hours of hiking along steep, uphill switchbacks until the highest point of the trail at Dead Woman’s Pass (4,200 m.a.s.l. / 13,779 ft.a.s.l.). This section of the trail is one of the most difficult along the Inca Trail, but the reward will be the unbeatable views of the surrounding landscapes once at the pass. Take the time to enjoy a short break and the views at Dead Womans Pass.
Another 2 hours of downhill trekking arrive at our evening campsite, Pacaymayu, located at 3,600 m.a.s.l / 11,700 ft.a.s.l. your crew will have hot showers ready for you at the campsite along with a personal massage session to relieve you of any aches and pains. An unforgettable dinner will be served, where you can catch up with your fellow hikers under the stars.
- Total walking distance: 12 km/ 9.94 mi
- Pacaymayu campsite elevation: 3,600 m.a.s.l / 11,700 ft.a.s.l.
- Weather: warm at lower elevations & chilly and windy at Dead Woman’s Pass
- Meals included: Breakfast, water, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and dinner
- Accommodation: Luxurious camping facilities and showers
- Difficulty: Moderate/challenging
DAY 3: Pacaymayu — Phuyupatamarca — Wiñay Wayna
Today is considered the most impressive day on the trail. Your guide will wake you up at 6am with a warming mug of tea or coffee in your tent. After you have dresses, join the group for an energizing hearty breakfast. Set off with a gentle climb towards the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca, translated meaning ‘Village in the Clouds’. This is the third highest point along the Inca trail (3,680m/12,073ft). The views of the mountains, canyons and surrounding areas are spectacular!
Tour the extensive Inca site of Phuyupatamarca with your guide, which is a short walk from the third pass. After visiting this site, continue down the 3,000 stairs through the cloud forest to the impressive Inca site of Intipata. As you descend from the mountains, you will feel the temperature rise as you enter the beginning of the Amazon jungle! After a visit to Intipata, continue to your third campsite Wiñay Wayna (2,680m/8,792ft). Today, you will only walk about 4 to 5 hours. You will arrive at camp by lunchtime! Temperatures during the night are about 12º C.
A short walk from your campsite is the famous Inca site of Wiñay Wayna which means “Forever Young” in Quechua. It is named after a special orchid which grows abundantly in the area. Your guide will explain the site and it history, be impressed by the beauty of the site and its surroundings.
Camp under the stars, your guide will impress with stories of how the Inca used the stars in their everyday life. After a wonderful dinner rest and relax on the last night of the Inca Trail.
- Total walking distance: 10kms/6.2mls (7 hours more or less of hiking)
- Wiñay Waynacampsite elevation: 2,680 m.a.s.l / 8,792ft.a.s.l.
- Weather: warm & humid
- Additionals: Personal duffle bag | camping equipment
- Meals included: Breakfast, water, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and dinner
- Accommodation: Luxurious camping facilities and showers
- Difficulty: Difficult, mostly downhill
DAY 4: Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
This is our final spectacular day, wake up at 4:00am, have breakfast and start our hike towards Machu Picchu. At around 6:00am arrive at Inti Punku, otherwise known as the Sun Gate. Once you have climbed the famous Gringo Killer steps, be impressed by your very first postcard view of Machu Picchu Citadel. Hopefully taking in the sunrise. Have time to take in the views before continuing down towards the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu (2,400m/7,872 ft). After walking for about 40 minutes, we enter the citadel from the top viewing platforms before making our way to the gate.
The guided tour will have a duration of approximately 2 hours and will take you to the site’s most iconic landmarks. See finely crafted stone structures, including temples, terraces and royal residences, all built without the use of mortar. See the icon Intihuatanta stone, believed to be a solar clock. Explore the Temple of the Sun which gives glimpses into the Inca spiritual life. Be amazed by the brilliance of the Inca. Take in the views from Machu Picchu of the surrounding Andes Mountains.
Once your tour is completed, head to the bus terminal and take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch. After lunch, explore this quaint little town before heading to the train station, the start of your journey back to Cusco.
Your train from Aguas Calientes town to Cusco will be the Vistadome Train. Once in Cusco, you will be privately escorted to your hotel.
- Total walking distance: 6kms/3.7mls
- Machu Picchu Citadel elevation: 2,400 m.a.s.l / 7,873 ft.a.s.l.
- Weather: Warm & humid
- tickets to Machupicchu Circuit 2 | Private pick-up & transfer to hotel in Cusco
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Difficulty: Easy
Take an optional tour up to Huayna Picchu and appreciate the magnificence of Machu Picchu from another perspective.
- Optional Hiram Bingham Train $550 USD pp, ask for availability at the booking time
Inclusions
Included
Staff
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Private chef & chef assistant
- Fully trained porter crew to carry personal luggage & camping equipment
- Certified massage therapist at each campsite
Meals
- All meals cooked on site with fresh, local produce while on the trail.
- 01 breakfast at a Local Restaurant in Ollantaytambo.
- 01 lunch at Aguas Calientes
- Daily snacks & water
- Open bar at each campsite
Equipment
- 03 nights of luxury camping
- Private bedroom tent.
- Air mattress & camping cot
- Walking Poles
- Bed feather duvets, cotton sheets, blankets, pillows & silk robes
- Lanterns inside bedroom tent
- Dining tent & chairs
- Ceramic crockery & glassware
- Portable chemical toilets & toiletries
- Hot shower tent including cotton towels for face, hands & body
Tickets
- Inca Trail permits
- Entry ticket to Machu Picchu
- Bus Machu Picchu Citadel – Aguas Calientes
- Vistadome train Aguas Calientes – Cusco
Others
- Welcome gift
- Private pre-trek briefing session
- Personal duffle bag for packing personal belongings
- Private pick-up & drop off from hotel in Cusco
- Private overland transport from Cusco to trailhead
- Separated private transportation for our porter crew & camping equipment
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu Citadel
- First aid kit & oxygen bottle
NOT INCLUDED
Equipment
-
- Personal hiking backpack
- Hotel accommodations not listed
- Extra transportation required & resulting from unforeseen and force majeure circumstances
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance – highly recommended
- Gratuities
- Wayna Picchu: $70 USD – will need to be booked in advance.
- Tips for the guide, cook and porters.
Price:
$3200 USD Per person.
Add On’s:
- Extra night in Aguas Calientes (Book in advance)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – $70 USD (Book in advance)
- Machupicchu Mountain – $70 USD (Book in advance)
Optional Hiram Bingham Train $550 USD pp, ask for availability at the booking time
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).
What is the duffle bag?
We provide a duffel bag at the briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter, who will carry up to 8 kgs/17lbs of your clothing. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 8 kilograms (17lbs). All bags will be weighed before being accepted.
What to put in the duffle bag?
- 3 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
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 your daypack?
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)
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 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 varied 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; WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN, IF NEEDED.
How do you prepare for the Inca Trail?
The biggest challenge with Classic Inca trail are 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.
Most people change hotels after hiking, therefore we offer a free secure luggage store while trekking.
How do I pay my remaining balance?
Upon arrival into Cusco you can settle the balance at our office with a card, or cash if you want to avoid any extra high credit card fees. Our representative will show you the updated invoice which was confirmed at the booking time. Otherwise, you can pay on Card by Visa, AMEX, Mastercard but you have to pay 5.5% service fee charged by the payment gateways.
