Clasic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Day 1: Cusco to Wayllabamba. (12 kilometers)

The first day of trekking is relatively easy and serves as training for the following days. Your expert guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 am. We will take you in our private transport to Km 82. The early and bright start is rewarded with the most beautiful views passing through the picturesque towns of Chinchero, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo, with a stop in Ollantaytambo for a hearty breakfast and any last-minute essentials. Upon arriving at Km 82, Piscacucho (2675 mt.), we will meet our friendly porters and support team who will ensure your Inca Trail journey is nothing short of magical. We cross the Vilcanota River and follow the trail to the right, which climbs steeply from the river. After passing through a small village, the ruins of the Inca Fortress of Huillca Raccay come into view high above the mouth of the Cusichaca River (Happy Bridge). From this point, we will have spectacular views of the ruins of Llactapata, which was a checkpoint for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

For another 7 km, the trail follows the left bank of the river to the small village of Wayllabamba (3000 masl). The Quechua name means grassy plain. This is the last place along the trek where you can buy snacks and drinks. We will spend the night in this village. However, this is an agricultural community, so if you are a light sleeper and perhaps kept awake by the noise of donkeys or morning roosters, we suggest bringing earplugs!

Day 2: Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo. (10 kilometers)

Recharge with a hearty breakfast before tackling the most challenging part of the Inca Trail. Begin the day’s trek by ascending to Dead Woman’s Pass. Following the left bank of the Llulluchayoc River for about 1 hour, you will reach Tres Piedras and a small bridge over the Huayruro River. The stream is named after the Huayruro, an ornamental tree. A little further on, you will enter a beautiful cloud forest, passing through several biozones, including the low sierra and high puna. There are many opportunities to see a variety of plants. A further three-hour hike through increasingly steep forests and increasingly spectacular terrain will take you to Llulluchapampa. (3800 m / 12,460 ft), where we will stop for a short break and have some tea or coffee. It takes another hour and a half to climb to the first and highest pass of the trail (Warmihuañusca Pass or Dead Woman’s Pass) 4215 m/13825 ft. At the top of the pass, you will have the most beautiful mountain scenery. The descent from the pass is steep, though not difficult. Follow the trail for 1 hour to reach the Pacaymayo camp for our lunch and second night.

Day 3: Pacaymayo to Wiñaywayna. (15 kilometers)

After a hearty and delicious breakfast, undoubtedly the most rewarding day of the entire journey. From Pacaymayo, it takes about an hour to climb to the Inca site of Runcuracay. Your guide will provide a tour of the site before continuing uphill for an additional hour to the Runcuracay Pass (3950m/12,959ft). Then, there is a one-hour descent, which is steep, so be careful. We will walk to reach the magnificent Inca site of Sayacmarca (a village otherwise inaccessible). This section of the trail, up to the third pass, Puyupatamarca, offers stunning views. We will walk for 2 hours through a magnificent cloud forest filled with orchids, hanging mosses, tree ferns, and flowers, passing through an impressive Inca tunnel carved into the rock. Along the way, you can see the snow-capped peaks of Salcantay (6200m) and Machu Picchu Mountain. A few minutes after the pass, we will reach the most impressive Inca site, Puyupatamarca (“village in the clouds”).

Now it’s time to enter the rainforest! We will walk downhill for 2 and a half hours to reach our camp. During this section of the trail, we will visit Inti Pata, from where you can take the most beautiful photos of the entire Inca Trail. From Inti Pata, it’s only 40 minutes to our camp at Wiñay Wayna (2680m/8,792ft), the last official camp before Machu Picchu. A short trail will take us to the archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna, whose name means “forever young.”

Day 4: Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco

We will wake up very early on our last day to complete the final kilometers of the Inca Trail. We will have breakfast at 4:00 a.m. and wait at the checkpoint. As soon as the sky begins to lighten, around 5:30 a.m., we will continue on the trail (regulations prevent us from starting earlier). The trail skirts the mountainside and descends into the cloud forest before reaching an almost vertical stretch of 50 steps leading to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). This is the ancient entrance to the sacred city and provides our first incredible views of the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu. It will then take us another 30 minutes to walk to Machu Picchu itself. From the Guardian’s House, we will be able to appreciate this Inca site in all its splendor. This is the classic postcard view. After a break to soak in the atmosphere, we must descend to the main entrance to leave our backpacks in the storage area.

Then, we will re-enter the Inca site for a guided tour of the main sectors with our guide. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, after which we will have free time to explore. For those who still have energy, you can climb Huayna Picchu, the steep mountain that dominates the background of the ruins. The round-trip hike takes about 2 hours. From the summit, you can enjoy a stunning view of Machu Picchu and, on a clear day, see the snow-capped peak of Salcantay.

Peru Classic Trek recommends that the second group start at 10:00 a.m. After enjoying Machu Picchu, we will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes. Buses leave once they are full (the bus ticket is included in the tour). The guide will arrange a schedule and meeting point in Aguas Calientes for lunch and to hand out our train tickets back to Ollantaytambo station. There, our Inka Trail Peru Trek representative will take us back to our hotel in Cusco.

The 4-day itinerary mentioned is for reference only. Campsites and the itinerary may change depending on the group’s physical condition, weather, and unforeseen circumstances.

Includes:

INTRODUCTION OR ORIENTATION.

02 or 01 days before the trek, you will have an information meeting at your hotel, where you will meet your guide and receive all the details about the 4-day Inca Trail trek.

PROFESSIONAL AND TRAINED STAFF.

• Experienced bilingual tour guide.
• Assistant guide (for groups of more than 9 people).
• Professional chefs.
• Porters (will carry camping equipment and kitchen).
• Personal porters for your belongings: they will carry your duffel bag at no extra cost, but you will not have access to it until you reach the campsite. The bag should not exceed 6 kg, including 3 kg of clothes, 3 kg for your sleeping bag, and sleeping pad.

EQUIPMENT.

• Eureka and Doite tents for 4 people, shared between only 2.
• Well-equipped dining tent.
• Duffel bag (for your belongings).
• Sleeping pads or inflatable mats.
• Trekking poles.
• Sleeping bag.

EMERGENCY KIT.

• First aid kit.
• Oxygen bottles.

PERMITS AND ENTRANCE.

• Entrance tickets and permits for the Inca Trail.
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.

ACCOMMODATION.

• 3 nights in comfortable and spacious tents.

FOOD AND DRINKS.

• 03 lunches.
• 03 breakfasts.
• 03 happy hours.
• 03 dinners.
• Water for trekking (the first day is at your own expense).
• If you have any food preferences, let us know!

TRANSPORTATION.

• Transfer from the hotel to Km 82.
• Return train Aguas Calientes-Ollantaytambo (Expedition service).
• Consettur bus (Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes).
• Return transportation to Cusco.

Not included:

• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75.00 USD.
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu Mountain: $75.00 USD.
• Entrance fee to Huchuy Picchu: $50.00 USD.
• Breakfast on the first day.
• Lunch and dinner on the fourth day.
• Travel insurance.
• Vistadome Train (Peru Rail): $50.00 USD per person.

Price per person:
• From US$ 770 – Adults
• From US$ 735 – Children and students
• Number of people: 03

Inka Trail Peru Treks offers DAILY DEPARTURES. As long as we have a minimum of 3 hikers, we can depart any day of the week, provided permits are available from the government.

To book the Classic Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu, you need to make an initial payment of US$ 200 per person. The remaining balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco. You can pay with any credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer. Contact us for alternative payment options.

Student Discount:
• US$ 35 off per person

All travelers under 17 years old will receive a US$ 35 discount. If you are 25 years old or younger at the time of travel, you can get the discount by presenting your student ID. Email us to receive a discount code.

Valid Student ID for the Classic Inca Trail and Machu Picchu

To receive the student discount for Inca Trail permits, travelers must present a valid student ID with the following requirements:
• Be 25 years old or younger at the time of entering the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. Those older than 25 cannot access the student discount.
• The ID must show the name of the university, the student’s name, and their photo.
• The ID must have a valid expiration date.

Invalid Student IDs for the Inca Trail Discount

Not eligible for the discount on Inca Trail permits if:
• The traveler is over 25 years old.
• The ID is expired.
• The ID does not have an expiration date.
• ISIC cards are not valid.

Packing List for the 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu

What should I pack for the Classic 4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu? This is one of the most common questions among travelers. When traveling to a distant destination like South America, it is essential to prepare well in advance, especially if you plan to trek in remote areas like the Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, or other trekking routes.

For your trip to Peru, you will likely bring one or two large pieces of luggage, depending on the length of your stay. However, for the 4-day trek to Machu Picchu, you will only need to carry the essentials. The rest of your luggage can remain stored at your hotel in Cusco.

Below, you will find the complete packing list for the Classic 4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Essential items you must bring:

During the Inca Trail trek, you will be in the mountains with no cell phone signal and far from shops or stores. Having the right equipment is crucial to enjoying the experience. The following items are indispensable, and it is recommended to buy or rent high-quality gear:

• Original passport – Copies are not accepted; it must be valid for at least six months to enter and exit Peru. Additionally, it must have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
• Valid student ID – Only necessary if you booked as a student. The card must be issued by a university (up to 25 years old) and include the university name, personal details, student photo, and an expiration date no later than December 31 of the travel year.
• Trekking boots – Light, comfortable, and broken in to avoid blisters. They should provide enough room for your toes without being too tight.
• High-quality daypack – Small, comfortable, and lightweight to carry essentials.
• Hydration bladder or water bottle – Capacity of at least 2 liters. A bottle that keeps water cold is recommended.
• Trekking poles – Highly recommended for the Inca Trail. Trekking poles will be provided.
• Sleeping bag – A sleeping bag rated to -10°C will be provided.
• Headlamp – Essential gear for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. You can also bring a handheld flashlight.
• Hat and sunglasses – The sun is intense on the Inca Trail, Salkantay, and other treks; bring a hat with neck protection and UV-protection sunglasses.
• Buff or bandana – These multifunctional scarves are very useful for trekking.
• Wool hat or chullo – Necessary for cold mountain passes or during nights and early mornings at the campsite.
• Trekking gloves – Lightweight, breathable, and waterproof. They should keep you warm in cold weather and be suitable for trekking.
• Rain jacket – Bring a rain jacket regardless of the season; a rain poncho will be provided. Materials like Gore-Tex or eVent are recommended.
• Rain pants – Not frequently used or comfortable for the Inca Trail, but if you have them, you can bring them.
• Gaiters (optional) – Not commonly used on the Inca Trail, but if you have a pair, you can bring them; there’s no need to buy new ones.
• Warm layers – A base layer, a mid-layer of fleece or down, and a waterproof outer layer.
• Sunscreen – High SPF.
• Lip balm – With SPF protection.
• Insect repellent – Containing DEET or picaridin.
• Hand sanitizer – Carry a small bottle with you during the day.
• Toilet paper – There are bathrooms along the Inca Trail; carry toilet paper in a plastic bag.
• Personal first aid kit – For headaches, stomachaches, and colds. Also include band-aids and blister pads.
• Camera and extra batteries – Battery life for electronic devices may be shorter at high altitudes, so bring spare batteries or a power bank.
• Snacks – Energy bars or trail mix that provide fuel without weighing you down.
• Extra money – For souvenirs, drinks, and tips (having small change makes it easier to pay for using villagers’ toilets on the first day).
• Camp shoes – After many hours of hiking in boots, it’s nice to have lightweight shoes for the campsite.
• Warm jacket – Temperatures drop sharply at night, so bring warm layers for when the sun goes down. Don’t forget gloves and a hat!
• Wicking T-shirts (preferably quick-drying) – Synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon are good options as they wick moisture and dry quickly. Avoid cotton, as it retains moisture. Bring around 5 T-shirts.
• 2-3 trekking pants – There are two main types: cargo pants, which have large pockets, and convertible pants, which can turn into shorts.
• Leggings – Work very well for women on the Inca Trail.
• 4 sets of underwear – A sports bra and compression shorts will help with comfort and prevent chafing.
• 4 pairs of trekking socks – Make sure they are made of breathable material like wool or synthetic fibers.
• 1 fleece jacket – A fleece jacket or pullover is a good option; it can be layered with other clothing if needed.
• 1 warm down jacket – For the coldest nights. The best jackets are made of down or synthetic insulation, which keeps you warm even when wet.
• Quick-dry towel – A must-have for anyone planning to hike the Inca Trail.
• Biodegradable soap – To avoid polluting water and the environment.
• Wet wipes – Bring plenty of wet wipes; the trail can be dusty, and keeping your skin clean is essential.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste – Bring small, compact versions for camping.
• Facial moisturizer – Altitude and sun can affect your skin.
• Power bank / portable charger – Keep your phone in airplane mode and carry a power bank with at least 20,000 mAh.
• Plastic bags – To separate wet or dirty clothes from the rest of your gear.

These are the essential items you must bring for any trek you undertake.