The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days 3 Nights is renowned as one of the top 5 hikes in the world, offering an unforgettable adventure. Over four days and three nights, embark on a journey through stunning ecological diversity and discover incredible Inca archaeological treasures.
The Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary spans an impressive 32,952 acres and is home to an intricate network of ancient Inca trails. Along the way, explore a variety of archaeological sites and witness 10 distinct ecological zones, from towering glacial peaks to lush tropical forests. The region is also rich in biodiversity, featuring over 450 species of birds, 200 species of orchids, and, of course, the iconic Machu Picchu citadel.
Whether you’re an avid hiker or a history enthusiast, the Inca Trail offers an unparalleled opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the Inca civilization, surrounded by some of the world’s most breathtaking natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Throughout the trek, travelers often feel a deep connection with nature and history. Passing through ancient sites like Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, and Wiñay Wayna, you can almost hear the whisper of a lost civilization carried by the wind.
On the last morning, arriving at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at dawn, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Machu Picchu.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of Peru’s most famous treks and one of the most iconic hiking trails in South America. Every year, thousands of travelers take on this incredible journey, following the original paved Inca pathways through the stunning Andes Mountains.
This Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days 3 Nights is the highlight of any trip to Peru, offering spectacular views and a unique opportunity to experience ancient archaeological sites and breathtaking landscapes.
Along the trail, you’ll visit a range of incredible Inca ruins and encounter diverse ecosystems, making this trek a true blend of adventure, culture, and nature.
This moderate-level trek provides a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, where you can immerse yourself in the rich history of the Inca civilization while being surrounded by some of the world’s most stunning natural beauty.
This isn’t just a hike; it’s a breathtaking journey. When you finally reach the Sun Gate and see Machu Picchu for the first time, you’ll realize you’ve arrived at more than just a destination; you’ve also embarked on a personal adventure.
You will have an in-depth briefing with your guide 1 or 2 days before your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days 3 Nights. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and you can take this opportunity to ask questions and make any final preparations.
We will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco at 5:30am! The ride to the trailhead at Kilometer 82 is beautiful! Along the way we will stop at the Raqchi look out to take photos (If we have time). This gorgeous location overlooks the valley of Urubamba with the Chicon glacier in the background. From this position you can also see Mount Veronica (5,682 m/ 18,637 ft) and the Urubamba River.
After driving an additional 45 minutes we will reach the town of Ollantaytambo. This town is an excellent spot to get breakfast and buy any last minute supplies prior to arriving at the trailhead. You will also have the opportunity to see the Ollantaytambo Inca site while you are here.
We will then get back in the van to travel the final 50 minutes to reach the trail head at Kilometer 82. At this point we will go through the Inca trail checkpoint and begin our Classic Inca Trail.
The hike begins with 2 ½ hours of relatively flat terrain until we reach the Wilkaraqay Inca site. From this location we will have gorgeous views of the Llactapata (2,750 m/ 9,020 ft) archeological site, which was a check point on the Inca trail approach to Machu Picchu. At this point we will go over the history of this site as well as have an overview of the history of the Inca trail.
Back on the trail we will hike for 2 hours until we reach Hatunchaca (2,598 m/8,525 ft) where we will have lunch. This will be your first meal from our incredible chef and will give you an idea of the fantastic food you can look forward to the remainder of the trek!
After lunch we will hike for 2 ½ hours until we reach our camp at Ayapata (3,300 m / 10,829 ft). This camp is a little further along the Inca trail than the traditional night one camp site of Wayllabamba. This is nice because it is quieter. We will take advantage of this feature of the camp in order to enjoy the stars and beauty of the evening on the Inca trail in serenity.
After a delicious breakfast we will begin our hike to the famous Dead Woman’s Pass! For the first two hours we will be in the cloud forest. We will pass through various biozones including the low sierra and the high puna. There are many opportunities to see a variety of plant and birdlife and if we are lucky we may also spot White Tailed Deer.
After this two hour hike we reach Llulluchapampa (3,800 m / 12,460 ft). This is a small camp and it is the absolute last location on the trail to buy supplies. After a 15 minute break we will continue on the trail.
The portion of the trail leading to Dead Woman’s Pass at Warmiwañusca (4,215 m/ 13,825 ft) lasts two hours and takes you through beautiful mountains and the grasslands of the high Andes. We will pause at the top of this pass to admire the majesty of the highest point of the Inca trail.
We will then descend to the Pacaymayu camp for lunch. After lunch we will ascend 45 minutes to the Inca site of Runcuraccay. We will tour this ruin and then continue uphill for an additional hour to the Runcuraccay pass (3,950 m/ 12,959 ft).
After a descent of 90 minutes we will arrive at the Inca site of Sayacmarca (3,657 m /12,000 ft). At this location we will have the chance to see one of the most amazing sunsets of the Aobamba valley!
From here it is 25 minutes to our campsite for the night at Chaquicocha (3,600 m/11,800 ft). We have chosen this camp for the night instead of the traditional night 2 campsites at Pacaymayu for reasons similar to why we choose Ayapata on night 1. It is less crowded and will allow us a more peaceful encounter with nature!
After another fantastic breakfast we will hike for two hours until we reach Phuyupatamarca (3,680 m/ 12,073 ft). From this location we will have astonishing views of Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Mountain, and Huayna Picchu mountain. We will also have a guided tour of the Phuyupatamarca Inca site.
Now it is time to head into the rain forest! We will walk downhill for 2 ½ hours until we reach our camp. During this stretch of the trail we will visit Inti Pata. Many people feel that the most beautiful pictures of the entire Inca trail can be taken from this location!
After Inti Pata it is a further 30 minutes to our campsite at Wiñay Wayna (2,680 m /8,792 ft). When we arrive at the camp we will have lunch. After relaxing for a short time we will visit the archeological site that bears the same name as the camp.
Wiñay Wayna is the largest and most beautiful archeological site on the Inca trail and means forever young in Quechua. We are one of the few companies that provide a guided tour of Wiñay Wayna.
We will rise very early to complete the final stretch of the Inca Trail, which brings us to Inti Punku or the Sun Gate, the principal entrance of the crystal city of Machu Picchu. The trail here is fairly easy going and after about an hour we will arrive to Inti Punku (2,400 m/ 7,875 ft), an awesome location to observe the citadel of Machu Picchu and sunrise in the Andes.
From Inti Punku it is a further 40 minute downhill hike to the citadel of Machu Picchu. We will go to the classic “photo” spot and take pictures once we arrive. Then there will be a short break prior to starting our tour of Machu Picchu. The tour will last two hours. If you have elected to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain you should select the 10 AM time spot.
When you are finished exploring the extraordinary city of Machu Picchu you will travel to Aguas Calientes by bus. You will then take the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo where our private van will be waiting to transport you back to your hotel in Cusco. Arrival time in Cusco depends on the time of your train ticket.
The Inca Trail to Machu picchu 4 Days 3 Nights is like any other high altitude trek, so it is essential to be well prepared. As it begins in the dead of night morning, consider to pack the following Items:
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days 3 Nights runs daily from March to January. It’s closed in February due to the rainy season and trail maintenance.
A minimum of 2 hikers is required to start the 4-Day Classic Inca Trail to ensure the tour can operate as planned.
18 to 25 years old: $25 USD Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for discount.
Under 18 years old: $25 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Under 11 years old: $30USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
5 Days 4 Nights
Inca ruins & dense cloud-forest
Three high passes & mountain views
Descent to Yanatile & hot springs
Guided tour of Machu Picchu
3 Days 2 Nights
Uros Floating Reed Islands
Amantani Island: Homestay & hike to Pachatata/Pachamama
Taquile Island: Local culture & weaving traditions
Sillustani Archaeological Tombs (optional/add-on)
4 Days 3 Nights
Beautiful view of Jungfrau
Alpine Resort by Lake Thun
Hiking at Engadin
Zygtlogge Tower