Classic Inca Trail 4D/3N
Inca Trail 4 Days: The Classic Trek to the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail 4 days route follows original Inca paths for four days. Along the way you cross mountain passes over 4,000 meters and discover archaeological sites hidden in the cloud forest. Finally, you arrive at Machu Picchu through the Inti Punku, the gate used by the Incas.
Arrive at Machu Picchu as the Incas did
Summary
Trip overview
The Classic Inca Trail is one of the most renowned hikes in the world. Over about 42 kilometers, you walk an original section of the Inca road network that connected the Sacred Valley with the citadel of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
During the Inca Trail 4 days itinerary, the landscape changes from Andean valleys to cloud forest. On the way, you climb the Warmiwañusca pass at 4,215 meters, and then you visit archaeological sites such as Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna, which can only be reached on foot.
Finally, on the last day you reach Machu Picchu through the Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, and enjoy a guided tour of the citadel. Meanwhile, a team of guides, cooks and porters takes care of the camp and meals, so you can simply enjoy the trail. If you have less time, the Short Inca Trail offers a two-day alternative; however, if permits are sold out, the Salkantay Trek is the classic option without a trail permit.
The best of this journey
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1
Cusco, Km 82 and Wayllabamba
Start of the Inca Trail, then a first day along the Urubamba Valley.
We pick you up very early at your hotel and drive to kilometer 82 (Piscacucho), the starting point of the Inca Trail. After the permit and passport check, we begin hiking along the Urubamba River valley. Then we visit the archaeological complex of Llactapata and continue to the Wayllabamba campsite (3,000 m a.s.l.). Overall, it is a day of about 12 kilometers with moderate slopes, so it is ideal for getting used to the pace of the trail.
Day 2
Warmiwañusca pass and Pacaymayo
The most demanding day, because it includes the highest pass on the route.
After breakfast, we begin the climb to the Warmiwañusca pass (4,215 m a.s.l.), the highest point of the Inca Trail. The ascent crosses native forests and the Andean puna, while the views of the mountains become increasingly wide. Then, after celebrating at the top, we descend along stone steps to the Pacaymayo campsite (3,600 m a.s.l.). In total, it is about 11 kilometers and 6 to 7 hours of hiking.
Day 3
Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna
The most beautiful day of the trail, especially for its archaeological sites and cloud forest.
In the morning, we climb to the Runkurakay pass and visit the site of the same name. Then we continue along a very well-preserved section of Inca trail to Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca, the city above the clouds, with views of snow-capped peaks and the Urubamba Valley. Later, in the afternoon, we descend through the cloud forest to Wiñay Wayna, one of the most impressive archaeological complexes on the route, near our last campsite. It is the longest day, with about 16 kilometers.
Day 4
Inti Punku and Machu Picchu
Arrival through the Sun Gate, then a guided tour of the citadel.
We wake up before dawn to hike to the Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, where you get your first view of Machu Picchu. From there, we descend to the citadel for a guided tour of its main sectors. Afterwards, you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch on your own. Finally, you board the return train to Ollantaytambo, where our transportation takes you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Include
Included and not included
The trip includes
- Pre-trek briefing
- Hotel pickup and transfer to Km 82
- Inca Trail permit and entrance to Machu Picchu
- Professional guide in English or Spanish
- Cook and porters for the camping equipment
- Double tents, sleeping mats, dining tent and kitchen tent
- 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners
- Boiled water to refill bottles from the first lunch
- Bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Return train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen
What's not included?
- Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
- Trekking poles (available for rent)
- Personal porter for your belongings
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
- Tips for guides, cooks and porters
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Important information
What to bring
- 25 to 35 liter daypack
- Sleeping bag for sub-zero temperatures
- Waterproof, broken-in hiking boots
- Thermal clothing, warm jacket and gloves
- Rain jacket or waterproof poncho
- Trekking poles with rubber tips
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
- Reusable water bottle and water purification tablets
- Original passport
Weather
The route crosses several ecological zones. In the higher areas, nights are very cold and can drop below freezing, while in the cloud forest the climate is mild and humid. Therefore, be prepared for rain at any time of year.
Best season
May to September is the driest and most popular season. However, the trail closes for the entire month of February for maintenance. Also, permits are limited and usually sell out months in advance.
Acclimatization
We recommend spending at least two days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before starting the trek. Also, stay well hydrated, walk at your own pace and tell your guide if you experience symptoms of altitude sickness.
Recommendations
The permit is personal and non-transferable because it is issued with your passport details, so you must bring the original. We also recommend travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking.
Accommodations
Accommodations and services
Campsites
Three nights at official Inca Trail campsites, with double mountain tents and sleeping mats.
Transportation
Transfer to Km 82, then the bus down from Machu Picchu and, finally, the return from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco.
Return train
Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo when the visit to Machu Picchu ends.
Meals
Meals prepared by our cook during the trek, with vegetarian options on request.
Support team
Guide, cook and porters who carry the camping equipment and assist you throughout the route.
Gallery
Photo gallery
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I book?
Inca Trail permits are limited and sell out quickly. Therefore, we recommend booking the Inca Trail 4 days trek four to six months in advance, especially for travel between May and September.
How difficult is the Inca Trail?
It is a demanding hike because of the altitude and the stone steps, especially on the second day. No technical experience is required; however, good physical condition and proper acclimatization are.
Do I have to carry my luggage?
The porters carry the tents, food and camping equipment. You carry a backpack with your personal belongings, unless you hire an additional personal porter.
Can I change the date or name on the permit?
No. Permits are issued in the traveler’s name and cannot be changed once issued. That is why it is important to send your passport details correctly when booking.
Are there toilets at the campsites?
The official campsites have basic toilet facilities. Even so, we recommend bringing toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
What is the difference with the 5-day version?
Compared with the Inca Trail 4 days route, the 5-day version follows the same path with shorter days and less crowded campsites. In addition, it includes a night in Aguas Calientes to visit Machu Picchu more calmly.
Can I customize this itinerary?
Yes. We can operate the trek as a private service, add nights in Aguas Calientes or include Huayna Picchu, although this is subject to permit availability.
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