Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 4D/3N

Cusco, Perú

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4-Day Inca Trail: Trek 26km through Andes passes, incl. Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215m). Camp near ruins like Llactapata and Wiñay Wayna. Enter Machu Picchu at dawn via the Sun Gate. Permits essential; strenuous hike.

Duration

4 days

Max People

Min Age

10+

Pickup

Airpot

Overview

Embark on our once-in-a-lifetime 4-day Classic Inca Trail Peru Trek to Machu Picchu. Discover ancient ruins, lush landscapes, and cultural wonders. Book now!

Are you ready to push your limits and experience the magic of Machu Picchu in the most authentic way?

Look no further than our Classic Inca Trail trek.

This 4-day, 3-night adventure is designed to challenge your mind, body and spirit while rewarding you with unparalleled views and unforgettable memories.Classic Inca Trail

INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU – ITINERARY 4D/3N

Pre-Trek Briefing
Day 1: Cusco – Trailhead at KM 82 – Ayapata
Day 2: Ayapata – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayu – Chaquicocha
Day 3: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna
Day 4: Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Cusco
What’s Included?
FAQs
About our Classic Inca Trail tour
Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Conquer the legendary Classic Inca Trail and stand in awe of Machu Picchu – all in just four unforgettable days!

Our 4-day Inca Trail isn’t just about the destination (although Machu Picchu is pretty darn spectacular). It’s about the entire adventure! For four days, you’ll step back in time as you follow the ancient paths carved by the Inca Empire itself.

Each day brings a new challenge and a new wonder. You’ll conquer the legendary Dead Woman’s Pass, explore the fascinating ruins of Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna, and stand in awe at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) – your first glimpse of the majestic Machu Picchu rising above the clouds.

This isn’t just a trek; it’s a chance to truly connect with the history and spirit of the Inca people. Our expert guides will bring the ancient world to life, sharing stories and help you to immerse yourself in the magic of Peru’s most iconic wonder “Machu Picchu“.

Looking for an elevated experience? Check out our Premium Inca Trail 5-day trek to Machu Picchu here.

Detailed Itinerary – Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 4D/3N

Pre-Trek Briefing (required):

Before we set off, we’ll need to discuss what you can expect, cover some ground rules, and, of course, give you an opportunity to ask any questions you have about the itinerary or otherwise.

You can either choose to visit us at our office for this briefing, or we’ll come to you at your hotel.

Note: Your briefing must happen the day before the Inca Trail trek begins, so make sure you give yourself enough time when booking travel over to us!

Included/Excluded

Expertly trained and licensed guide fluent in English, Spanish, and Quechua.
A personal porter dedicated to this iconic Inca Trail trek, with a capacity of carrying 6 kg (13 pounds) of your personal belongings.
Comprehensive pre-trek briefing conducted 1 to 2 days before embarking on the journey.
A proficient support team, including professional cooks and porters, responsible for carrying all group equipment and ensuring each hiker’s load does not exceed 6 kg (13 pounds).
Three wholesome breakfasts, three satisfying lunches, and three delightful dinners to keep you energized throughout the adventure.
Ample drinking water and snacks to keep you hydrated and fuelled.
A well-equipped dining tent complete with tables, stools, and all necessary dining utensils.
A portable Eco-friendly toilet set up at each camp (based on campground capacity).
A private toilet tent for your convenience.
A dedicated kitchen tent to prepare delicious meals.
Entrance and Transportation:

Sleeping Bag: Available for rent at USD $30 per person.
Hiking Poles: Can be rented at USD $25 per pair and per person.
Huayna Picchu MountainTicket: An optional excursion at USD $75 per person.
Meals: Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 4 are not covered.
Gratuity: Tips for porters, chef, and guide are not included (see our tipping guidelines)
Safety Net: We highly recommend obtaining travel insurance.

Tour Plan

Day 1: Cusco – Trailhead at KM 82 – Ayapata

Adventure calls bright and early! Your guide will pick you up from your Cusco hotel at 4:30 am for a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley as the sun rises.

We’ll pause in the bustling market town of Ollantaytambo – a great spot for photos and a delicious breakfast (not included, but plenty of local spots to choose from).

Then, it’s time for the moment you’ve been waiting for: Kilometer 82, where the Classic Inca Trail begins! Here, you’ll meet your dedicated porters, pass through the checkpoint, and embark on your journey.

The first 2.5 hours of trekking will bring you to the Wilkaraqay Inca site, which has breathtaking views of the Llactapata ruins. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the site’s history and the significance of the Inca Trail itself.

Afterwards, we’ll continue for another 2.5 hours to reach the Ayapata campsite, which is widely known for its incredible stargazing opportunities!

Meals: 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 02 Ayapata – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayu – Chaquicocha

Day 2 is all about conquering challenges and soaking up incredible landscapes!

We’ll share breakfast before readying ourselves to trek towards the legendary Dead Woman’s Pass.

The first two hours of this walk will take you through the lush cloud forest – keep an eye out for unique plants, colorful birds, and maybe even a White-Tailed Deer if you’re lucky!

We’ll take a quick break at Lluchapampa (the last spot to stock up on supplies), before it’s time to tackle Warmiwañusca, or Dead Woman’s Pass.

This two-hour climb rewards you with breathtaking mountain views. The Quechua word “Warmi Wañusqa” means “dead woman”, and they say the mountains ahead look like a woman lying down, gazing up at the sky. Hence the name!

After kicking that challenge’s butt, we’ll press on over Runcuraccay Pass. And the reward?

Lunch at Pacaymayu camp before we get ready for the next ascent!

It’s about 45 minutes to the Inca site of Runcuraccay, and another hour uphill to the Runcuraccay pass. It’s an easy, flat-out gorgeous hike surrounded by towering, snow-capped peaks that’ll take your breath away.

After a well-deserved 90-minute descent, you’ll reach the Inca site of Sayacamarca – the perfect place to catch a stunning Aobamba Valley sunset.

The day ends at the Chaquicocha campsite, a peaceful place to rest your legs and prepare for another day of adventure!

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
Area: Andes and Cloud Forest
Difficulty: Challenging

Day 03 Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna

Day 3 starts with a journey back in time and breathtaking landscapes.

Today, we’re going for a 2-hour hike to the Inca ruins of Phuyupatamarca. Catch your breath and get ready for a view you won’t forget: you’ll lay your eyes on all three – Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Mountain, and Huayna Picchu Mountain today!

Your guide will talk to you a little about the secrets of these ruins, before it’s time to descend into the lush rainforest.

It’s a 2.5-hour trek downhill that brings you to Inti Pata, a spot many consider the most beautiful on the entire Inca Trail. Just 40 minutes ahead lies your haven: the Wiñay Wayna campsite.

After a well-deserved lunch and some rest, you’ll explore the incredible ruins that give the campsite its name.

Wiñay Wayna, which means “forever young” in Quechua, is the largest and most impressive archaeological site along the Inca Trail. Prepare to be amazed!

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
Area: High Cloud Forest
Difficulty: Easy

Day 04 Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Cusco

We’ll rise and shine extra early to tackle those last few kilometers of the epic Inca Trail.

After fueling up with breakfast, it’s an easy hour of trekking that leads straight to the legendary Inti Punku – the Sun Gate! This ancient entrance gives you your first jaw-dropping view of Machu Picchu, and if the weather’s in your favor, a spectacular Andean sunrise.

One last 45-minute downhill hike brings you to the city gates, and you’ve made it!

First things first: pictures! We’ll take time to strike a pose at the classic photo spot, then enjoy a well-earned break before the magic starts.

This will be followed by a 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu, led by an expert ready to spill all its secrets and legends—a place where history truly comes alive!

Afterwards, it’s time to head back down to Aguas Calientes by bus, then catch the train to Poroy or Ollantaytambo. Don’t worry; private transport will be waiting to whisk you back to your hotel in Cusco.

You’ll arrive sometime around 8 pm, marking the end of your incredible 4-day Classic Inca Trail journey!

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

Note: This itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather conditions, strikes, roadblocks, or other events which are beyond our control. At Action Treks Peru we will always do our best to follow the itinerary as closely as possible of the Classic Inca Trail route.