CLASSIC INCA TRAIL 4 DAY/3 NIGHTS
Visit the 4-day Inca Trail and explore the citadel of Machu Picchu. This Inca attraction is an impressive cultural spectacle where you can observe Inca ruins, exotic mountains, lush vegetation and extraordinary ecological varieties. The trail crosses... read complete
Itinerary
Day 1 — Cusco / Ollantaytambo / KM 82 / Patallacta / Wayllabamba / Ayapata
- 4:30 am: Time to begin the Classic Inca Trail! Early pick-up from your hotel in Cusco for the drive toward the Sacred Valley and Kilometer 82.
- 6:30 am: Stop in Ollantaytambo for breakfast before continuing toward the trailhead.
- 8:30 am: Arrive at KM 82 (2,720 m / 8,923 ft), complete the Inca Trail checkpoint, present your entrance ticket and passport, and prepare for the hike.
- 9:00 am: Cross the Vilcanota River and begin hiking along the original Inca Trail, following the valley with views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
- 11:30 am: Continue toward Patallacta, passing Huillca Raccay and enjoying views of the Urubamba mountain range and the snow-capped Veronica Mountain (5,860 m / 19,225 ft).
- 1:00 pm: Stop for lunch along the trail before continuing toward Wayllabamba.
- 3:00 pm: Pass through Wayllabamba (3,000 m / 9,842 ft), the last major settlement on this section of the trail, and begin the ascent toward Ayapata.
- 5:00 pm: Arrive at the Ayapata campsite, settle in, enjoy dinner and rest for the night.
Distance: approx. 14 km / 8.7 mi | Difficulty: Moderate | Highest point: 3,000 m / 9,842 ft | Meals: Breakfast, Box lunch, Dinner
Day 2 — Ayapata / Dead Woman’s Pass / Pacaymayu / Runkuraqay Pass / Chaquiccocha
- 5:00 am: Wake up early, have breakfast and prepare for the most challenging day of the Classic Inca Trail.
- 6:00 am: Begin the steep ascent from Ayapata toward Warmi Wañuska, also known as Dead Woman’s Pass.
- 9:00 am: Reach Dead Woman’s Pass (4,200 m / 13,779 ft), the highest point of the trek. Take some time to rest and enjoy the surrounding mountain scenery.
- 10:00 am: Begin the long descent toward the Pacaymayu Valley, passing through high-altitude cloud forest with native plants, Polylepis trees and opportunities to spot hummingbirds and other bird species.
- 12:30 pm: Arrive at Pacaymayu (3,550 m / 11,646 ft) for lunch and a well-deserved break.
- 1:30 pm: Begin the second major ascent of the day toward Runkuraqay Pass.
- 3:30 pm: Reach Runkuraqay Pass (4,000 m / 13,123 ft) and continue along the ancient Inca Trail toward the next campsite.
- 5:00 pm: Arrive at Chaquiccocha campsite, where you will have dinner and rest after the longest day of the trek.
Distance: approx. 16 km / 10 mi | Difficulty: Challenging | Highest point: Dead Woman’s Pass, 4,200 m / 13,779 ft | Meals: Breakfast, Box lunch, Dinner
Day 3 — Chaquiccocha / Phuyupatamarca / Intipata / Wiñay Wayna
- 6:00 am: Wake up for breakfast and begin the third day of the Classic Inca Trail.
- 7:00 am: Start with a gentle ascent toward Phuyupatamarca, walking through a dramatic section of the trail surrounded by mountains, valleys and cloud forest.
- 9:00 am: Arrive at Phuyupatamarca (3,680 m / 12,073 ft), known as the “City in the Clouds,” and explore this impressive Inca archaeological site.
- 10:00 am: Continue along the original stone trail and begin the descent through the cloud forest, including a long section of ancient Inca steps.
- 12:00 pm: Reach Intipata, an impressive Inca agricultural site built into the mountainside, and take time to explore the terraces and enjoy the views.
- 1:00 pm: Continue hiking toward Wiñay Wayna, with the trail becoming increasingly lush as you descend into the cloud forest.
- 1:30 pm: Arrive at the Wiñay Wayna campsite (2,680 m / 8,792 ft), have lunch and take some time to rest.
- 3:00 pm: Visit the nearby archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna, one of the most spectacular Inca sites on the entire trail, before returning to camp for the evening.
Distance: approx. 10 km / 6.2 mi | Difficulty: Moderate | Highest point: Phuyupatamarca, 3,680 m / 12,073 ft | Meals: Breakfast, Box lunch, Dinner
Day 4 — Wiñay Wayna / Sun Gate / Machu Picchu / Aguas Calientes / Ollantaytambo / Cusco
- 4:00 am: Wake up early, have breakfast and begin the final section of the Classic Inca Trail toward Machu Picchu.
- 5:00 am: Start hiking from Wiñay Wayna, following the ancient stone path through the cloud forest toward the Sun Gate.
- 6:00 am: Arrive at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku, 2,730 m / 9,007 ft), the original Inca entrance to Machu Picchu, and enjoy your first spectacular view of the citadel.
- 7:00 am: Continue downhill for approximately 40 minutes toward Machu Picchu (2,400 m / 7,872 ft), entering the citadel through the House of the Guardians.
- 8:00 am: Begin your guided tour of Machu Picchu with your professional guide, exploring the main streets, plazas, terraces and important sectors of the ancient Inca citadel.
- 11:00 am: After the guided tour, enjoy free time to explore the site on your own and take photos.
- 12:30 pm: Take the bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes for some free time before your train.
- 2:55 pm / 3:20 pm / 4:22 pm: Board the Expedition train from Aguas Calientes toward Ollantaytambo.
- 7:00 pm: Arrive in Ollantaytambo and meet your private transportation for the return journey to Cusco.
- 8:30 pm (approx.): Arrive at your hotel in Cusco, marking the end of your Classic Inca Trail adventure.
Distance: approx. 6 km / 3.7 mi | Difficulty: Moderate | Highest point: Sun Gate, 2,730 m / 9,007 ft | Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions
What’s Included
Transportation
- Hotel pick-up in Cusco and private transportation to KM 82, the starting point of the Inca Trail.
- Return train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
- Private transfer from Ollantaytambo back to your hotel in Cusco.
Accommodation
- 3 nights of camping along the Inca Trail.
- Camping tents, dining tent and kitchen tent.
- Sleeping mattress for the trek.
Meals
- Breakfast, box lunch and dinner on Days 1, 2 and 3.
- Breakfast on Day 4.
- Meals prepared by a professional trekking chef.
- Vegetarian and special dietary options available upon request.
Permits & Entrance Fees
- Inca Trail permit.
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
- Entrance fees to the archaeological sites along the Inca Trail.
Guiding
- Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish) throughout the trek.
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Porters & Support Staff
- Porters to carry camping equipment, food and group supplies.
- Personal porter service for up to 7 kg of your personal belongings.
- Professional cook and trekking support staff.
Equipment
- Camping equipment and tents.
- Sleeping mattress.
- Dining and cooking equipment.
- First aid kit carried by the guide.
What’s Not Included
- Breakfast in Ollantaytambo on Day 1 — available at your own expense before heading to KM 82.
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes on Day 4 — left open so you can choose your own restaurant after visiting Machu Picchu.
- Sleeping bag — available to rent if you do not want to bring your own.
- Walking poles — available to rent if needed.
- Huayna Picchu / Machu Picchu Mountain tickets — bookable as an optional add-on, subject to availability, at an extra cost.
- Vistadome train upgrade — available for the return journey at an added cost if you prefer an upgraded train experience.
- Extra porter service — available if you need to carry more than the included 7 kg personal allowance, subject to availability and weight limits.
- Tips for your guide, chef, porters and support staff — always appreciated and entirely at your discretion.
- Travel insurance — recommended, but arranged independently.
- Personal expenses — bottled water, snacks, souvenirs, and other purchases.
What to Bring
How difficult is the 4-day Classic Inca Trail?
It’s a challenging trek with several steep ascents and descents, especially on Day 2 when you cross Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,200 m / 13,779 ft. A good level of fitness and proper acclimatization are recommended.
Do I need a permit for the 4-day Classic Inca Trail?
Yes. An official Inca Trail permit is required, and permits are limited. We take care of the permit, entrance fees and arrangements for you.
Where does the 4-day Inca Trail start?
The trek begins at KM 82, which you reach by private transportation from Cusco. From there, you’ll follow the original Inca Trail through the Sacred Valley, high mountain passes and cloud forest toward Machu Picchu.
What is the highest point on the Classic Inca Trail?
The highest point is Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmi Wañuska), at 4,200 m / 13,779 ft. You reach the pass on Day 2 before descending into the Pacaymayu Valley.
Will I enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate?
Yes. On the morning of Day 4, you’ll hike from Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll get your first views of Machu Picchu before continuing down to the citadel.
Where do I sleep during the 4-day Inca Trail?
You’ll spend three nights camping along the Inca Trail. The campsites are located at Ayapata on Day 1, Chaquiccocha on Day 2 and Wiñay Wayna on Day 3.
Are meals included during the Classic Inca Trail?
Yes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on the first three days, with breakfast provided on Day 4. A professional trekking cook prepares the meals, and vegetarian and special dietary options can be arranged in advance.
Do I have to carry all my belongings during the trek?
No. Porters carry the camping equipment, food and group supplies. A personal porter allowance is also included for up to 7 kg of your belongings, so you can hike with a lighter daypack.
Can I do the 4-day Inca Trail if I’m not an experienced trekker?
Yes, you don’t need previous trekking experience, but you should be comfortable hiking for several hours a day. Good physical preparation and spending a few days acclimatizing in Cusco before the trek will make the experience much easier.
What should I bring on the hike?
- Original passport (it has to be the same one you used to book your trip)
- A good backpack
- Personal medication
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Rain jacket or waterproof clothing
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Warm layers for the cold nights
- Water bottle or reusable hydration system
- Sleeping bag
Can I hike the 4-day Inca Trail without a guide?
No. A registered guide is required on the Inca Trail. Your professional guide will accompany you throughout the trek and lead the guided tour of Machu Picchu on Day 4.
Why Choose Us Velflor Travel
All of our English speaking local guides are passionate about their country and will accompany you from the moment you arrive in your destination, throughout your escorted tour and right until your departing flight home.
Go off the beaten track. Our award-winning, licensed local guides provide incredible insights and insider tips, passionately bringing alive unique and exclusive experiences for you.
Discover our enchanting world your way. Our experts completely customize your private tour to match your interests and preferences through their comprehensive knowledge of each destination.
All our accommodations and services are personally tested by our team. Tell us your travel dream and we will create an itinerary packed with the best experiences your destination has to offer.
Your dedicated and personal trip coordinator is available around-the-clock throughout your trip to accommodate requests, take care of the details, and handle any unforeseen situations.
We believe in complete transparency. We are bonded members and license holders of all leading travel organizations. Your booking is flexible and completely secure with us.
Similar Camino Inca ENG tours that you may like
Short Inca Trail 2 Days /1 Night
from $495Visit the 2-day Short Inca Trail and explore the citadel of Machu Picchu. This Inca attraction is an impressive cultural spectacle where you can observe Inca ruins, exotic mountains, lush vegetation and extraordinary ecological varieties. The Short I
SHORT INCA TRAIL — 1 DAY
from $425Get to know the Short Inca Trail 1 day and explore the citadel of Machu Picchu in a single day. This Inca attraction is an impressive cultural spectacle where you can observe Inca ruins, exotic mountains, lush vegetation and extraordinary ecological
Our Certifications
For our team it is important to offer our travelers the guarantee and security of a certified agency, here are some of our certifications
