4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu Through the Inca Trail

4 days
About this activity
Itinerary

Day 1: Cuzco - Ollantaytambo - KM 82 (2,570m) - Trek to Wayllabamba Camp (2,980m) (L/D)

Stop At: Inca Trail, Cusco 08000 Peru
Accommodation pick-up is between 5:45-6:00 am. Please make all of the necessary preparations one day prior to the trek. You will be taken by bus to the town of Ollantaytambo, where you will have an hour to eat breakfast on your own and purchase last-minute snacks, water and walking sticks. Then you will hop back on the bus to Piscacucho (KM 82) where the famous Inca Trail journey will begin. Bring your original passport, student card (if applicable) for the first Inca Trail checkpoint. Your guide will have your tickets for you. Hike along rolling hills in the Vilcanota River Valley passing by several small archaeological sites along the way. Lunch will be prepared half-way and you will have time to relax before reaching Wayllabamba camp (2,980m).

Inclusions: Cuzco Accommodation Pick-Up, Bus Cuzco – KM 82 (starting point of trek), 1 Night Camping

Meals: 1 Lunch / 1 Dinner

Trekking: 10 kilometers / 6 hours

Difficulty: Moderate trek along a rolling path gradually ascending from Piscacucho KM 82 (2,570m) through the Urubamba river valley for 10 KM to reach Wayllabamba Camp (2,980m).
Duration: 18 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight camping at Wayllabamba camp

Day 2: Trek to Pacaymayo Camp (3,600m) via Dead Woman's Pass (4,215m) (B/L/D)

Stop At: Inca Trail, Machu Picchu Peru
After an early breakfast around 6:00 am you will start off on the most challenging day along the trail, with a vertical hike of 6 km (approx. 5 hours) to reach Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215m followed by a 3 km hike down stone steps to reach Pacaymayo camp at 3,600m (approx. 2 hours). Take your time and rest as much as you need, as you will ascend more than 1,200 meters over the course of the morning. Just after you cross Dead Woman's Pass you will be rewarded with spectacular views of nearby snow-capped mountain peaks and roaring waterfalls. Stroll slowly down to Pacaymayo Camp (3,600m) to enjoy the scenery. Arrive in time for lunch and a well-deserved nap. Then you will have the rest of the afternoon to enjoy the camp before dinner and an early bedtime.

Inclusions: 1 Night Camping

Meals: 1 Breakfast / 1 Lunch / 1 Dinner

Trekking: 10 kilometers / 7 hours

Difficulty: Difficult trekking day starting at Wayllabamba Camp (2,980m) with a constant and demanding ascent of 6.4 KM to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215m), an elevation gain of 1,200 vertical meters. Descend another 2.4 KM along a stone staircase to reach Pacaymayo Camp (3,600m), a decrease in elevation of 800 vertical meters.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Pacaymayo Camp

Day 3: Trek to Wiñayhuayna Camp (2,650m) via Runquracay Pass (3,950m) (B/L/D)

Stop At: Inca Trail, Machu Picchu Peru
Start with a one-hour hike uphill to visit the Pacaymayo archaeological site. Continue one hour to Runquracay Pass (3,950m) where you can summit the mountain for incredible views of surrounding peaks. Visit 2 more archaeological sites called Sayacmarca & Phuyupatamarca with your guide and have lunch along the way. By late afternoon you will reach Wiñayhuayna High Jungle camp (2,650m) set above a river valley in a high jungle climate. After dinner, say a big THANK YOU to your porters and guides.

Inclusions: 1 Night Camping

Meals: 1 Breakfast / 1 Lunch / 1 Dinner

Trekking: 15 kilometers / 9 hours

Difficulty: Moderate ups and downs along ancient Inca stairways for 15 KM from Pacaymayo Camp (3,600m) crossing over Runquracay Pass (3,950m) ending at Wiñayhuayna High Jungle Camp (2,650m) with breaks at scenic archaeological sites along the way.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Wiñayhuayna High Jungle camp (2,650m)

Day 4: Trek to Sun Gate (2,720m) - Explore Machu Picchu (2,400m) - Return to Cuzco (B)

Stop At: Machu Picchu, 08680, Peru
Wake up between 3:30 and 4:30 am and have breakfast. Get on the trail early and head to the Wiñaywayna checkpoint, joining the lineup to wait for the gate to open at 5:30 am. Once the gate opens, hike about an hour to reach the Sun Gate. We'll keep our fingers crossed for a clear day! Catch the first glimpses of light over the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu, a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Then continue down the final length of the trail for 40 minutes to reach the Machu Picchu archaeological complex.

Visit this magical site on a 2-hour guided tour and learn about the history of this incredible Inca citadel. Afterwards, you will have free time to explore on your own and take pictures at your leisure. If you're feeling adventurous, take an optional trek to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (must be booked in advance). Return to Aguas Calientes from where you will catch a train to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, you will take a bus back to Cuzco, arriving back by 8:30pm. You will be dropped off late in the day at the Plaza San Francisco. Please make your own way back to the accommodation of your choice.

Inclusions: 2-Hour Machu Picchu Guided Visit, Bus Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes, Train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo, Bus Ollantaytambo - Cuzco

Meals: 1 Breakfast

Trekking: 7 kilometers / 2 hours

Difficulty: Follow an easy, flat and narrow 7 KM path from Wiñayhuayna High Jungle Camp (2,650m) to the Sun Gate (2,720m) and finally descend into the archaeological site of Machu Picchu (2,400m)
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
Included
  • 3x Breakfast
  • 3x Dinner
  • 3x Lunch
  • Accommodation included: 3 nights
  • Pre-departure briefing
  • Accommodation Pick-Up on Day 1
  • Bus Cuzco - KM 82 Piscacucho (starting point of trek)
  • Tourist Bus Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes
  • Tourist Train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo (2 hours)
  • Bus Ollantaytambo to Cuzco (1.5 hours)
  • Professional Bilingual Guide on trek & Machu Picchu tour
  • Camping Accommodation during trek (including tent for 2 people & Basic sleeping pad)
  • Porters and cook to carry all shared camping equipment
  • First aid kit
  • Emergency oxygen bottle
  • Small group experience; Max 15, Avg 6
  • The COMPLETE option INCLUDES a Thermal Sleeping Bag, Porter & Duffel Bag to carry a total of 7kgs of personal gear for each trekker (3kgs for your sleeping bag & mattress plus 4kgs of personal items)
  • The BASIC option EXCLUDES a Thermal Sleeping Bag, Porter & Duffel Bag for personal gear.
  • Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner) and three snacks (veggie option available)
  • Entry/Admission - Inca Trail
  • Entry/Admission - Machu Picchu
Not included
  • Airport Pick-Up (please make your own way)
  • Sleeping Bag for BASIC package (Rental $15 USD for the trek)
  • Day 1 Breakfast, Day 4 Lunch, Bottled Water
  • Guide for bus and train transfers (these portions are on your own)
  • Optional Extras - Inflatable Sleeping Mattress ($15 USD for the trek) - Professional Trekking Poles ($15 USD for the trek) - Huayna Picchu Trek (200 Soles) - Machu Picchu Mountain Hike (200 Soles) Optional Huayna Picchu Trek (at an extra cost) must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance.
  • Accommodation in Cuzco
  • Tips (Tipping is 100% optional depending on the service you received. Although tipping is customary in Latin America, it is NOT mandatory. If you do wish to give a tip, we recommend $40-50 USD per trekker for the entire team of porters, cooks and guides.
  • Prices for optional activities are subject to change at any time without prior notice. Please confirm these prices before departing on the trek.
Additional
  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
  • Minimum age is 7 years
  • Note: There is a mandatory pre-departure briefing at our Cusco office the evening before your trek. You will receive detailed information on your excursion, a list of what to bring and confirm your departure details
  • Typical Meals on the Trek: On all of our Treks to Machu Picchu we search for great cooks who provide you with the best tasting meals on the mountain, with specialty menus and the freshest local ingredients available. Here is an idea of what you will be eating during your trek. *Vegetarian Option Available Upon Request (please advise at least 2 days in advance). BREAKFASTS: Hot porridge, quinoa or oats, fried eggs, omelet or pancakes with fresh bread, fried bananas and boiled water for hot tea, coca tea, coffee, chocolate and milk. LUNCH & DINNER: First Course: Quinoa, corn, noodle, asparagus, mushroom or vegetable soup, stuffed avocado or potatoes. Second Course: Chicken breast, beef stew, quinoa, fried rice, hamburgers, fried chicken, spaghetti bolognese, typical dishes: aji de gallina (chilli pepper chicken), escabeche de pollo (marinated chicken) or ajiaco de olluco (spicy potato stew). Desserts: Fried plantains, chocolate pudding, chocolate or vanilla cake and boiled water for hot tea, coca tea, coffee, chocolate and milk. SNACKS: Boiled water for hot tea, coca tea, coffee, chocolate and milk with popcorn, cookies, crackers.
  • Important: No more than 500 people per day are allowed to start the Inca Trail trek at km. 82; This number includes all support staff (ie. porters, cooks and guides) and is very tightly controlled; Once this limit of 500 people is reached, the Trail is effectively closed off for the day and no further bookings can be made; Reservations are not held on the Trail and all permits to trek must be bought as far as possible in advance with complete and correct passport information, to which no modifications can be made; Any attempts at modifications will result in a loss of the permit and any money paid
  • Accommodation options: During the trek single travelers will share a tent with another traveler of the same sex and couples will have a tent to themselves
  • Physical Requirements: This hike is demanding, it’s important to be in good physical condition; The Inca Trail elevation changes make the hike strenuous as there are three passes during the hike and you will have 1.2 miles (1,950 meters) of uphill and 1.4-miles (2,250 meters) of descent
  • Important: You must provide the following information upon booking: Full name (exactly as it appears on the passport), date of birth, nationality, passport number, date of passport expiration, which must be valid for at least 6 months past the date of travel; Without this information, the local tour operator will be unable to make the booking
  • You will have a guide during the trek and on the Machu Picchu tour. However, during your bus and train transfers you will not be accompanied by a guide.
  • Daily departures with a group of 4 or more
  • No departures in February due to unfavorable climatic conditions
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • The COMPLETE service INCLUDES a thermal sleeping bag, foam sleeping mat, duffel bag & porter to carry a total of 7kgs of personal gear for each trekker (3kgs sleeping bag & mat + 4kgs personal items). The reduced BASIC (LIGHT) service ONLY INCLUDES a basic foam sleeping mat and EXCLUDES the thermal sleeping bag, duffel bag & porter to carry personal gear. You will carry your own backpack, sleeping bag, mattress & personal gear. EXTRA ITEMS FOR RENT IN CUZCO: Inflatable Sleeping Mattress, Professional Trekking Poles.
  • SUGGESTED PACKING LIST: Bring or Rent in Cuzco: hiking poles, rain pants, rain poncho, trekking boots, sandals, warm socks, sweater, thermals, hat, gloves, sun hat, sun block, sun glasses, flashlight/torch, camera, extra batteries and memory card (there is limited to no electricity available during the trek), waterproof bags for your camera, hand sanitizer, personal first aid kit, water bottle. Bring extra cash for snacks, water, gatorade which doubles or triples in price along the trail.
  • DON'T FORGET THE ESSENTIALS: Original passport, visa (if applicable), insurance card, personal medications.
  • Travellers who booked their trip using one passport, then renewed or replaced it afterward, must carry their old passport or a photocopy with them on the trip.
  • PRE-DEPARTURE BRIEFING: There is a mandatory pre-departure briefing at our Cuzco Headquarters one day prior to departure at 5pm, 6pm or 7pm depending on your trek. You will receive detailed information on your excursion, a list of what to bring and confirm your departure details. PRE-DEPARTURE CHECK-IN: Please make sure to check-in with your passport before your pre-departure briefing. We encourage our travellers to check-in at our offices a couple of hours before or any day prior to the briefing , that way we can give everybody personal attention and information regarding booking extras, rental equipment or questions in general. Time schedule for meetings will be: - Inca Trail and Lares 6pm - Salkantay, Inca Quarry, Machu Picchu Jungle, Ausangate, Choquequirao 7pm - Inca Trail Express, Rainbow Mountain, Machu Picchu by Train, Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu Full Day 5pm Bamba Experience is located at: Calle Matara 242, Second Floor. Cuzco, Peru Hours of Operation: 10:00-14:00 and 16:00-20:00 hrs Daily Tel: +51 84 205234 Emergency Tels: Darwin +51 9984 44933 - +51 9842 85801, Anderson +51 9231 25342
Features
Tourism
95% Cultural
65% Sport
35% Aquatic
30%
Collections This experience is part of these collections