Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

A Spectacularly Rich Experience in the Andean Mountains Awaits You!

This four-day trek is the only one to take you along the original Inca Trail, an authentic hand-built stone footpath where you can walk in the footsteps of ancient Inca royalty. Climb from 2,380 meters to 4,210 meters at Dead Woman’s Pass, then pass through unforgettably beautiful jungle scenery and hidden labyrinth-style ruins, until you reach the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) in the early morning light. Get ready for awe-inspiring views over Machu Picchu, the most spectacular Inca archaeological site in South America!

Basic Package: The basic package offers a basic foam sleeping mat only.

Complete Package: We also offer a complete package that includes a thermal sleeping bag, foam sleeping mat, duffel bag, and porter. Upgrade your package at checkout!

Itinerary

Trek Briefings: All travelers are required to visit the Cuzco office for a mandatory briefing on your trek one day prior to departure. At this meeting, you will receive detailed information on the route, a list of what to bring, confirm your pick-up for the morning of the trek, and be able to ask questions.

Please note: You will have a guide during the trek and on the Machu Picchu tour. However, during your bus and train transfers, you will not be accompanied by a guide.

*Please note that Inca Trail Trek permits (INCLUDED in your booking) sell fast, so we recommend booking in advance. If there are no more permits at the time you book the trip, we will suggest you an alternative hike to Machu Picchu, or you can get a full refund.*

Day 1: Cuzco – Wayllabamba Camp, Peru

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with an early pick-up between 5:00-6:00 am from your accommodation. After thorough preparations, board a comfortable bus to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll enjoy a leisurely breakfast and gather any last-minute essentials. The journey continues to Piscacucho, the starting point of the Inca Trail. Your guide will handle the necessary tickets as you explore hidden archaeological gems along the Vilcanota River Valley. A delightful lunch awaits, and the day concludes at the tranquil Wayllabamba camp (2,980m) amid nature’s embrace.

Trekking: 10 kilometers / 6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate trek, gradually ascending from Piscacucho 82 KM (2,570m) to Wayllabamba Camp (2,980m).

Day 2: Wayllabamba Camp – Pacaymayo Camp, Peru

Rise early for a 6:00 am breakfast before conquering the trail’s most challenging day. A 6 km vertical hike leads to the breathtaking Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215m. Enjoy panoramic views before descending stone steps to Pacaymayo camp at 3,600m. Take breaks during the 1,200-meter morning ascent. After lunch, explore the camp, appreciating the day’s physical challenges and scenic rewards.

Trekking: 10 kilometers / 7 hours
Difficulty: Difficult trek starting at Wayllabamba Camp (2,980m) to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215m), descending to Pacaymayo Camp (3,600m).

Day 3: Pacaymayo Camp – Wiñayhuayna Camp, Peru

Ascend for one hour to discover the mystical Pacaymayo archaeological site. Continue to Runquracay Pass at 3,950m for awe-inspiring views. Explore archaeological wonders like Sayacmarca & Phuyupatamarca before lunch. Reach the enchanting Wiñayhuayna High Jungle camp (2,650m) by late afternoon, perched above a river valley. Relish dinner in the jungle ambiance.

Trekking: 15 kilometers / 9 hours
Difficulty: Moderate ups and downs along ancient Inca stairways from Pacaymayo Camp (3,600m) to Wiñayhuayna High Jungle Camp (2,650m).

Day 4: Wiñayhuayna Camp – Machu Picchu – Cuzco, Peru

Prepare for an extraordinary day, starting between 3:30 and 4:30 am. Hike to the Sun Gate for the first rays on Machu Picchu. Descend to explore the site during a 2-hour guided tour. Enjoy free time and consider an optional trek to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Return to Aguas Calientes, then to Ollantaytambo by train and bus to Cuzco, concluding at Plaza San Francisco.

Trekking: 7 kilometers / 2 hours
Difficulty: Follow an easy, flat, and narrow 7 KM path from Wiñayhuayna High Jungle Camp (2,650m) to the Sun Gate (2,720m) and descend to Machu Picchu (2,400m).

Important Information: Inca Trail Trek permits are included but sell fast, so book in advance. If permits are unavailable, alternatives will be suggested or a full refund provided.

-Included-

Activities:

• 2 4-day trek to Machu Picchu
• Inca Trail Trek
• Machu Picchu Visit

Transport:

• 3 Mixed transport
• Accommodation pick-up
• Roundtrip bus to/from the start and end point of the tour
• Train Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo

Accommodation:

• 3N Camping during the trek (including a tent for 2 people and a basic sleeping pad)

Meals:

• 3B / 3L / 3D /3 snacks with typical menus (veggie option available)

Guide:

• Professional bilingual guide on the trek and Machu Picchu tour

Extras:

• 7 Fees and extra support
• Pre-departure briefing
• Inca Trail permits
• Machu Picchu entrance fees
• Porters and cook to carry all shared camping equipment
• Snacks
• Emergency oxygen bottle
• First Aid Kit
• The COMPLETE service INCLUDES a thermal sleeping bag, foam sleeping mat, duffel bag & porter to carry a total of 7kgs of personal gear for each trekker (3kgs sleeping bag & mat + 4kgs personal items).
• The reduced BASIC (LIGHT) service ONLY INCLUDES a basic foam sleeping mat and EXCLUDES the thermal sleeping bag, duffel bag, and porter to carry personal gear. You will carry your own backpack, sleeping bag, mattress, and personal gear.

  -Not Included-

• *Airport pick-up/drop-off
• *Accommodation in Cuzco
• *Day 1 breakfast, Day 4 lunch and dinner, bottled water
• *Guide for bus and train transfers
• *Travel insurance
• *Tips
• *Personal expenses

On all of our treks to Machu Picchu, we search for great cooks who provide you with the best tasting meals on the mountain, with specialty menus and the freshest local ingredients available. Here is an idea of what you will be eating during your trek. A vegetarian option is available upon request (please advise at least two days in advance).

• Breakfast: Hot porridge, quinoa or oats, fried eggs, omelet or pancakes with fresh bread, fried bananas, and boiled water for hot tea, coca tea, coffee, chocolate, and milk
• Lunch & Dinner:
  • First Course: Quinoa, corn, noodle, asparagus, mushroom or vegetable soup, stuffed avocado or potatoes
  • Second Course: Chicken breast, beef stew, quinoa, fried rice, hamburgers, fried chicken, spaghetti bolognese, typical dishes: aji de gallina (chili pepper chicken), escabeche de pollo (marinated chicken) or ajiaco de olluco (spicy potato stew)
• Desserts: Fried plantains, chocolate pudding, chocolate or vanilla cake, and boiled water for hot tea, coca tea, coffee, chocolate, and milk
• Snacks: Boiled water for hot tea, coca tea, coffee, chocolate, and milk along with popcorn, cookies, crackers

Additional Information

• Complete Service Includes: Thermal sleeping bag, foam sleeping mat, duffel bag, and porter to carry a total of 7 kgs of personal gear for each trekker (3 kgs sleeping bag and mat + 4 kgs personal items)
• Reduced Basic (Light) Service Includes: Basic foam sleeping mat — EXCLUDES the thermal sleeping bag, duffel bag, and porter to carry personal gear. You will carry your own backpack, sleeping bag, mattress, and personal gear.
• Extra Items for Rent in Cuzco: Inflatable sleeping mattress, professional trekking poles
• Accommodation Options: During the trek, single travelers will share a tent with another traveler of the same sex, and couples will have a tent to themselves.
• Physical Requirements: This hike is demanding; it’s important to be in good physical condition. The Inca Trail elevation changes make the hike strenuous as there are three passes during the hike and you will have 1950 meters of uphill and 2250 meters of descent.
• Suggested Packing List – Bring or Rent in Cuzco: Hiking poles, rain pants, rain poncho, trekking boots, sandals, warm socks, sweater, thermals, hat, gloves, sun hat, sunblock, sunglasses, flashlight/torch, camera, extra batteries and memory card (there is limited to no electricity available during the trek), waterproof bags for your camera, hand sanitizer, personal first aid kit, water bottle. Bring extra cash for snacks, water, and Gatorade, which doubles or triples in price along the trail.
• Essentials to Bring: Original passport, visa (if applicable), insurance card, personal medications. Travelers who booked their trip using one passport, then renewed or replaced it afterward, must carry their old passport or a photocopy with them on the trip.