4 days Inca trail Trek to Machu Picchu The 4-Day Inca Trail Trek is one of the most famous hiking in the world, fuses amazing nature, ancient Inca sites, and a destination that is not to be missed as well — Machu Picchu (7972ft / 2430 m), UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. On 26 miles (42 km)—cloud forests, high passes, subtropical jungles interspersed in the ruins of Runkurakay, Sayacmarca and Rilligualtle to name but a few. We end the journey at Inti Punku (The Sun Gate), Machu Picchu viewed from sunrise to the exhilarating peaks.
The adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco between 5:30 and 6:00 AM. From there, a two-hour drive takes you to Piscacucho (KM 82), the official starting point of the trail. Crossing the Urubamba River, you enter the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas, surrounded by stunning Andean landscapes with snow-capped peaks and lush greenery.
After passing the checkpoint, the trail leads through gentle terrain, offering a great start to the journey. Along the way, you’ll encounter Llactapata, a small Inca ruin that gives a glimpse of the incredible history you’ll experience throughout the trek. The day concludes as you reach Wayllabamba Camp, located at 10,830 feet (3,000 meters) above sea level. Covering a distance of 8.7 miles (14 km) over 6–7 hours, this day is considered moderate and allows you to adjust to the trail. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the weather is typically warm and windy.
The second day is the toughest but most rewarding. The trail ascends steeply to Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca), the highest point of the Inca Trail at 13,780 feet (4,215 meters). The climb is physically demanding, but frequent breaks and the incredible views of the Andean mountains and valleys make it worthwhile.
Once you conquer the pass, the descent into the Pacaymayo Valley begins, offering a mix of challenging terrain and mesmerizing landscapes, including cloud forests. You’ll set up camp at Pacaymayo, situated at 12,139 feet (3,700 meters) above sea level. Covering 6.2 miles (10 km) over 6–7 hours, this day is often remembered as the most challenging but also the most satisfying. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with cold and rainy weather expected at this altitude.
Day three brings some relief with a mostly downhill trail that is less physically intense. Along the way, you’ll explore fascinating Inca ruins such as Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, and Phuyupatamarca, known as the “Town in the Clouds.” This section of the trail is rich with history and offers opportunities to admire waterfalls and streams amidst the lush cloud forest.
As you continue, the trail descends further, eventually leading to Wiñay Wayna, the final campsite, located at 8,530 feet (2,600 meters). The hike covers 9.94 miles (16 km) over 7–8 hours. This day is considered moderate, with short climbs followed by long descents. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and you’ll experience warm, humid weather with occasional chilly breezes.
The final day starts early as you set out for the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Reaching this iconic spot at sunrise offers your first view of Machu Picchu, bathed in golden light and surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Andes. After taking in the breathtaking views, you’ll descend to the citadel itself for a guided tour, exploring the intricate architecture and rich history of this world-famous site.
Once the tour concludes, you’ll have free time to wander around Machu Picchu at your own pace. In the afternoon, a bus takes you to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll enjoy lunch before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, a car transfer returns you to Cusco, arriving around 6:30 PM. This day is the highlight of the trek, combining excitement, history, and stunning natural beauty. Meals include breakfast and lunch, and all transportation, including bus and train tickets, is included.
Tips to Hike the Inca Trail 4 Days:
If you’re planning on doing the Inca Trail, you’ll need to pack accordingly for the 4-day trek. Here are some essential items to consider bringing
CLOTHING:
SLEEPING GEAR:
TREKKING GEAR:
MISCELLANEOUS:
It’s important to note that there are strict regulations on what you can bring on the Inca Trail, so be sure to check with your tour operator or guide to ensure that you are not bringing any prohibited items. You’ll likely have porters carrying most of your gear, so pack everything in a durable and waterproof bag or duffel.
We provide you with a duffle bag to pack 7 kilos of your personal stuff. The porter will carry the duffle bags during the whole trek
The group service for the Inca Trail 4 days offers a shared experience in small groups, typically up to 16 people, ensuring a personalized and intimate adventure. It includes a professional guide, porters for group equipment, camping setups, all meals prepared by a chef, entrance fees to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, and transportation such as the return train. This format allows for social interactions with fellow hikers while following a structured itinerary, making it ideal for solo travelers or those seeking an affordable way to explore the trail’s historical sites, diverse landscapes, and the iconic arrival at Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate.
| Group Service Price |
|---|
| $800 USD per person |
The private service for the Inca Trail 4 days provides an exclusive, all-inclusive experience tailored to your group’s preferences, with a dedicated guide and porters handling all logistics. Advantages include flexible pacing to suit your fitness level, customized meal options, and the ability to focus on specific interests like archaeology or photography without group constraints. This option is perfect for families, couples, or larger parties seeking privacy and a more immersive journey, with enhanced comfort and attention to detail throughout the 4-day trek.
| Number of People | Price per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1500 |
| 2 | $1450 |
| 3-4 | $1250 |
| 5+ | $1150 |
| 6-8 | $1100 |
Many agencies offer discounts to make the Inca Trail 4 days more accessible. A student discount of $30 USD applies to those under 25 with a valid university ID, including name, photo, and expiration date. Children under 17 receive a $30 USD discount automatically, while those under 12 may get up to $60 USD off. These reductions help families and young travelers afford the experience without compromising inclusions.
For the Inca Trail 4 days, the return journey from Aguas Calientes to Cusco or Ollantaytambo typically uses the Expedition train, a budget option with comfortable seats and basic amenities, costing around $60-70 USD one way. Upgrading to the Vistadome train, at an additional $40-50 USD, offers panoramic windows, snacks, and cultural entertainment, enhancing the scenic ride through the Sacred Valley.
According to Gercetur regulations, Machu Picchu is divided into circuits to manage visitor flow and preserve the site. For Inca Trail hikers, access usually aligns with Circuit 2 (Classic Route), which includes the iconic upper viewpoint, main structures like the Temple of the Sun, and a comprehensive guided tour. Other options include Circuit 1 (Panoramic Route) for broader overviews from terraces or the Sun Gate, and Circuit 3 (Royalty Route) focusing on lower sectors. Circuits ensure organized exploration, with each lasting 2-3 hours depending on the path.
Upgrades allow access to additional hikes within Machu Picchu. The Machu Picchu Mountain upgrade, at $75 USD extra, involves a 2-3 hour steep climb to 3,082 meters for panoramic views of the citadel and surrounding peaks, ideal for those seeking a less crowded alternative with stunning vistas. The Huayna Picchu upgrade, priced at $80 USD, offers a challenging 1-2 hour ascent to 2,693 meters, providing bird’s-eye perspectives and access to the Temple of the Moon, but with limited daily spots requiring advance booking due to its popularity and narrow paths. Both require good fitness and are not included in standard tickets.
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