Machu Picchu Inca Trail Tours – 4 Day Inca Trail

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Machu Picchu Inca Trail Tours Details

4 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with Trails to Machu Picchu. We will guide you through the captivating 4 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. 

Nestled in the heart of South America, this renowned trail offers breathtaking landscapes. It also provides a glimpse into ancient Inca ruins. It provides a deep connection to the past. 

Throughout this journey, we will traverse a bit through the ancient valley. We will ascend to impressive heights, and immerse ourselves in the rich history of the Inca civilization. Prepare your hiking boots; the Inca Trail is calling.

Discovering the Rich Heritage on the Inca Trail

As we hike the Inca Trail, a myriad of archaeological sites will line our path. Each will tell us a unique story of the Inca Empire. From the cloud-kissed mountains to the verdant forests, we will witness the extraordinary engineering feats of the Incas. 

Alongside these marvels, we’ll explore ancient Inca ruins. It provides an insight into a civilization that once thrived in these lands. Our guided tour ensures that we don’t miss any historical gems as we trek to Machu Picchu.

Navigating the Challenges: High Altitude and Dead Woman’s Pass

The 4 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is not just a walk in the park. We will encounter challenges, notably the high altitude and the infamous Dead Woman’s Pass. Standing at the highest point on the trail at 4,215 meters (13,828 feet), Dead Woman’s Pass presents a formidable challenge. Conquering this pass will be a testament to our endurance and spirit.

However, with adequate preparation and a supportive team, we will overcome these obstacles together. This will make our eventual arrival at Machu Picchu even more rewarding.

Planning and Permits: Essential Steps for the Inca Trail

To hike the Inca Trail, planning is crucial. The Peruvian government regulates the trail, issuing a limited number of Inca Trail permits each year. Therefore, we must secure our permits months in advance to ensure our place on this iconic trek. 

Trails to Machu Picchu will handle these logistics, allowing us to focus on preparing for the journey ahead. As we look forward to the time to hike the Inca Trail, anticipation builds. An extraordinary experience awaits us.

The Culmination: Reaching Machu Picchu

After days of hiking through diverse landscapes and exploring ancient sites, we will reach Machu Picchu. The Inca citadel is the crown jewel of our journey. The first glimpse of this majestic citadel, shrouded in morning mist, will be unforgettable. This will be a moment etched in our memories forever.

As we visit Machu Picchu, the culmination of our 4-day trek, we will have traversed physical distances. We will also have journeyed through time, connecting with a past that continues to awe and inspire.

Embarking on the 4 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu will be an expedition filled with awe. The hike to Machu Picchu will present challenges and showcase unparalleled beauty. As we trek, each step will bring us closer to understanding the grandeur of the Inca civilization. 

Simultaneously, it draws us nearer to the timeless allure of Machu Picchu

If embarking on this 4 day Trail doesn’t appeal to you, consider opting for the more manageable two-day trail instead.

Departure & Return Location

Cusco Hotel Transfer

Departure Time

0600 AM

Machu Picchu Inca Trail Tours Includes

  • Permits: Entry permits to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
  • Transportation:Pick-up from your accommodation in Cusco
    Transport to the start of the trail (Km 82 or other starting points)
    Bus ticket from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes
    Return train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco or Ollantaytambo
    Transport from the train station back to your accommodation in Cusco
  • Tour Guide: English-speaking professional guides for the duration of the trek.
  • Camping Equipment:Tents (sleeping tents and dining tents)
    Sleeping mats or pads
    Kitchen equipment and utensils
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch, and dinner during trekking days
    Boiled water for drinking and refilling bottles.
  • Porters or Mules: To carry camping equipment, food, and sometimes the personal belongings of trekkers (limits apply).
  • Entrance: Ticket to Machu Picchu archaeological site.
  • First Aid: Basic first aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle.
  • Camping Fees: Fees associated with camping at designated sites along the trail.
  • Briefing: A pre-trek briefing, usually the night before the trek starts.
  • Accommodation: A night's stay in Aguas Calientes.
  • Fees: Service fees and taxes associated with the trek.

Machu Picchu Inca Trail Tour Excludes

  • Travel Insurance: Most tour operators will advise you to secure comprehensive travel insurance independently.
  • Personal Equipment: Items like hiking boots, clothing, backpacks, and other personal trekking gear are often not provided.
  • Unspecified Meals: Only meals mentioned in the itinerary are usually included. Any other meals or snacks will be your responsibility.
  • Tips and Gratuities: These are discretionary and usually not covered in the package price. It's customary to tip guides, porters, and kitchen staff.
  • Additional Activities: Side trips, spa treatments in Aguas Calientes, or other activities that are not part of the main itinerary.
  • Other Entrance Fees: Admission to sites or attractions outside of the specific trek itinerary.
  • Alcoholic Beverages and Bottled Drinks: While some meals might be included, alcoholic beverages or special drinks typically are not.
  • Personal Porter Services: Some packages might include porters for communal gear, but if you want a personal porter to carry your belongings, that might cost extra.
  • Souvenirs and Personal Purchases: Any shopping you do during the trek.

Inca Trail Packing List

  • Clothings
      Base layers: Moisture-wicking long-sleeve shirts and leggings/long underwear.
      T-shirts: Both short-sleeved and long-sleeved, preferably moisture-wicking
      Trousers: Lightweight, quick-dry trekking pants that can be converted to shorts are a good choice.
      Fleece or down jacket: For the cold evenings.
      Waterproof and windproof jacket: Lightweight and breathable.
      Waterproof pants: To wear over your trousers in case of rain.
      Underwear: Quick-drying and moisture-wicking.
      Socks: Wool or synthetic hiking socks.
      Hiking boots: Make sure they're broken in before the trek.
      Sandals or camp shoes: For resting at camp in the evening.
      Hat or cap: For sun protection.
      Warm hat or beanie: For cold nights.
      Gloves: Lightweight and preferably water-resistant.
      Swimsuit: If you plan to visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
  • Gear:Backpack: Around 50-65 liters for a 4-day trek, with rain cover.
    Daypack: If porters are carrying your main bag.
    Sleeping bag: Rated for low temperatures (sometimes as low as -10°C/14°F at higher campsites).
    Sleeping pad: If not provided by the trekking company.
    Trekking poles: With rubber tips (metal tips are not allowed on the Inca Trail).
    Water bottle or hydration bladder: At least 2-liter capacity
    Headlamp or flashlight: With extra batteries.
    Dry bags or plastic bags: For keeping your gear dry
  • Personal Items:Sunglasses and sunscreen: SPF 30 or higher.
    Lip balm: With sun protection
    Personal medications
    First-aid kit: Including blister treatments
    Insect repellent
    Toilet paper
    Hand sanitizer
    Wet wipes
    Toothbrush and toothpaste
    Quick-dry towel
  • Miscellaneous:Camera with extra batteries and memory card
    Portable charger or power bank
    Earplugs: Helpful if camping close to others
    Snacks: Like energy bars, nuts, and dried fruits
    Cash: In small denominations, for tipping porters, buying snacks, etc.
    Passport: Needed for entrance to Machu Picchu
    Copies of important documents: Just in case
    Water purification tablets or a portable water filter

What to Expect on your Machu Picchu Inca Trail Hike?

Embarking on the Inca Trail, you dive deep into a realm of historical resonance and unparalleled beauty. The trail itself unfolds a dynamic terrain, starting from the Sacred Valley. It winds through lush Cloud Forests teeming with diverse flora and fauna. 

‘Dead Woman’s Pass’ presents the pinnacle of the challenge, marking the zenith of the expedition. It stands at approximately 4,215 meters (around 13,828 feet). We seamlessly manage your trail hikes and inform you throughout the journey.

The Inca Trail is not just a physical journey but a voyage through time. While hiking the Inca Trail, every footstep brings you closer to the remnants of the once-mighty Inca Empire. The ruins speak of its grandeur. As your Inca Trail tours progress, the anticipation builds. 

On the fourth day, with the break of dawn, we will reach the esteemed site of Machu Picchu. Witnessing the majestic citadel in the early morning light is a sight to behold. After days of trekking the Machu Picchu Inca Trail, it offers an unparalleled, emotive experience. Every challenge faced along the way becomes entirely worth it.

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu highlights

  • The trail spans 42 kilometers (about 26 miles), offering a diverse terrain.
  • You will reach 'Dead Woman's Pass', the journey's highest point. It sits at 4,215 meters (13,828 feet).
  • Lush cloud forests provide captivating scenery and host varied flora and fauna.
  • Ancient Inca ruins punctuate the route, revealing stories of a bygone empire.
  • As a reputable tour operator, we ensure guidance, safety, and historical insights.
  • On the fourth day, the majestic Machu Picchu welcomes travelers with its unparalleled beauty.
4 Day Inca Trail Itinerary

Day 1Cusco - Km.82 - Huayllabamba

Your 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu adventure begins in the city of Cusco. At 6:00 AM, we will start our journey with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We will be setting the course to Km.82, the official commencement point of the Inca Trail. 

The drive to the starting point is itself a captivating experience. Winding through the Sacred Valley, it offers glimpses of local communities and vast landscapes.

By 9:00 AM, as the sun casts a golden hue over the trail, we will lace up our boots. We will then start hiking the Inca Trail. The first stretch of the journey remains relatively even and manageable, allowing you to gradually acclimatize. 

Along the way, the mighty Urubamba River keeps you company, its waters resonating with age-old tales. By early afternoon, the trail gradually ascends, introducing the first challenges of this expedition.

Our destination for the day is Huayllabamba. As the evening approaches, around 5:00 PM, we will be setting up camp here. This will mark the completion of our first day on the Machu Picchu Inca Trail. As night descends, the serene ambiance, punctuated by distant sounds of nature, prepares you for the adventures of the days ahead.

Machu Picchu Inca Trail Tours First-Day Statistics:

  • Distance covered: Approximately 11 kilometers (around 7 miles).
  • Highest altitude: 3,000 meters above sea level (about 9,840 feet).
  • Lowest altitude: 2,600 meters above sea level (around 8,530 feet).
  • Level of difficulty: Moderate.

Day 2Huayllabamba - Pacaymayo

The second day of your 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu promises both challenges and exhilaration. As you awaken in Huayllabamba, the crisp mountain air greets you at the break of dawn. After a hearty breakfast at 6:00 AM, we’ll set out. Many consider this the most demanding segment of the Inca Trail.

As the morning progresses, the trail steepens. The ascent to the renowned Dead Woman’s Pass becomes the focal point of the day. By noon, standing at 4,215 meters (about 13,828 feet), we’ll reach this highest point on the Inca Trail. The panoramic views from this vantage point are truly unmatched, offering a majestic spectacle of the surrounding Andean peaks.

The descent begins post-lunch, leading you towards Pacaymayo. This stretch of the journey is kinder on the legs but offers equally rewarding views.

By 5:00 PM, we will find ourselves setting up camp in Pacaymayo. We will be reflecting on the day’s accomplishments. We’ll rejuvenate for the adventures the next day on the Machu Picchu Inca Trail promises.

Machu Picchu Inca Trail Tours Second-Day Statistics:

  • Distance covered: Approximately 12 kilometers (around 7.5 miles).
  • Highest altitude: Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215 meters (about 13,828 feet).
  • Lowest altitude: 3,300 meters (around 10,827 feet).
  • Level of difficulty: Challenging.

Day 3Pacaymayo - Runkurakay - Sayacmarca - Wiñay Wayna

Your third day on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu starts early. By 6:00 am, you’ll leave Pacaymayo and head towards Runkurakay. This segment of the Inca Trail takes approximately two hours and offers breathtaking views. 

Runkurakay, a beautiful Inca ruin, is the perfect place for a short break. You will also have a chance to immerse yourself in history.

By 10:00 am, after soaking in the sights, you’ll continue the journey towards Sayacmarca. Hiking the Inca Trail, you’ll feel the changing environment around you. Sayacmarca, an impressive archaeological site perched on a rocky outcrop, welcomes you by noon.

Lunch gives you a moment to rest and fuel up for the next leg. At 1:00 pm, you’ll depart Sayacmarca, and the trail winds its way to Wiñay Wayna. This stretch is a little less strenuous and is popular for its lush vegetation. 

By 4:00 pm, you’ll reach Wiñay Wayna, another stunning Inca site. Wiñay Wayna is popular for its terraced fields and location overlooking the Urubamba River.

The evening at Wiñay Wayna provides a chance to relax. You can share stories with fellow hikers. It’s also a time to mentally prepare for the final day of the Inca Trail tours. With Machu Picchu as the finale, there’s a palpable excitement in the air.

Statistics for the Third Day of the 4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu:

  • Distance Covered: Approximately 16 km (10 miles).
  • Highest Altitude: 3,680 meters (12,073 feet) at Runkurakay.
  • Lowest Altitude: 2,650 meters (8,694 feet) at Wiñay Wayna.
  • Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging.

Day 4Wiñay Wayna - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - Cusco

The final day on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu commences with an early start. By 4:00 am, you’ll begin your trek from Wiñay Wayna. Anticipation fills the air as Machu Picchu, the crown jewel of the Inca Trail, awaits. As you hike this final stretch, the first rays of dawn slowly illuminate the trail ahead.

Around 6:00 am, the Sun Gate, or Inti Punku, emerges on the horizon. From here, you’ll get your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. The sight of the ancient city, bathed in the soft morning light, is unforgettable.

By 7:00 am, we’ll descend into Machu Picchu itself. Spend the morning exploring the iconic ruins, learning about its history, and immersing yourself in its mystique. After several hours, by midday, a bus takes you down to Aguas Calientes. Here, you’ll have time for lunch, perhaps visit the local hot springs, and soak in the atmosphere of this vibrant town.

By late afternoon, we’ll board the train to Cusco. As you reflect on your Inca Trail journey, the landscapes shift. We’ll move from lush cloud forests to the high Andes during the ride. By evening, you’ll arrive in Cusco, marking the end of your memorable 4-day Inca Trail tour.

Statistics for the Fourth Day of the 4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu:

  • Distance Covered: Approximately 5 km (3.1 miles).
  • Highest Altitude: 2,700 meters (8,860 feet) at the Sun Gate.
  • Lowest Altitude: 2,040 meters (6,690 feet) at Aguas Calientes.
  • Level of Difficulty: Moderate.
Machu Picchu Inca Trail Tours FAQs

How physically challenging is the 4-day Inca Trail?

The trail is moderate to challenging, with steep ascents and descents. Prior hiking experience and good physical condition are recommended.

Do I need a permit to hike the Inca Trail?

Yes, permits are required and are limited each day. It’s crucial to book well in advance, especially during the peak season.

What's the best time of year to hike the trail?

May to September is the dry season and is considered the best time. However, this is also the busiest period. The trail is closed in February for maintenance.

What should I pack for the trek?

Essentials include hiking boots, rain gear, layers for varying temperatures, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a refillable water bottle.

Will I experience altitude sickness?

It’s possible, as elevations reach over 13,000 feet. It’s advisable to spend a few days in Cusco before the hike to acclimatize.

How are the camping facilities on the trail?

There are designated camping areas with basic facilities. On our locally guided tour, tents and other camping gear are provided.

Is there a shorter version of the Inca Trail?

Yes, there’s a 2-day version that covers a shorter distance but still offers a taste of the trail and ends at Machu Picchu.

Do I need travel insurance?

It’s highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers trekking at high altitudes.

What's the food situation on the trail?

If you’re on a guided tour, meals are typically provided. Otherwise, trekkers should pack enough food for four days. Remember to carry all waste out with you.

6 Reviews
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Elin Larsson

Solo Traveller

The experience with Trails to Machu Picchu was an extraordinary adventure as a solo traveler! The guides were incredibly supportive and knowledgeable, making me feel safe and engaged throughout the trek. The journey was challenging but rewarding, with breathtaking scenery at every turn. Reaching Machu Picchu was a dream come true. Highly recommend this experience for solo travelers seeking adventure and unforgettable memories!

July 31, 2024

Sarah Mitchell

Family Traveller

Our family had an incredible experience on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with Trails to Machu Picchu! The tour guide was knowledgeable and attentive, ensuring we were well-prepared and managing any altitude sickness. The camping equipment provided was top-notch, making our journey comfortable. Exploring Machu Picchu at the end of the trek was an unforgettable highlight. Highly recommend this adventure for families!

July 30, 2024

August Pedersen

Solo Traveller

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with Trails to Machu Picchu was an unforgettable journey as a solo traveler! The guides were fantastic, and the trek was well-organized. Reaching Machu Picchu Mountain was the highlight, offering stunning views. I felt safe and supported throughout the hike. Highly recommend this trek for solo adventurers!

July 30, 2024

Natalia Rossi

Solo Traveller

was an incredible journey as a solo traveler! The guides were outstanding, providing support and fascinating insights throughout the trek. The scenery was breathtaking, and the experience of reaching Machu Picchu was unforgettable. I felt safe and well-cared for the entire time. Highly recommend for any solo adventurer!

July 19, 2024

Keith

Solo Traveller

Five Stars! The trek with Trails to Machu Picchu was amazing. Perfectly organized, wonderful guides, and the beauty of the trail is unmatched. A must-do for adventure lovers

October 3, 2023
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