Inca Trail / Cusco Tour 4 Days – 3 Nights
DESCRIPTION
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most famous hiking route in South America and one of the most dreamed-of experiences for travelers from all over the world. For four days, you will hike along ancient trails built by the Incas, crossing valleys, mountains, and cloud forests, until you reach the imposing citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the 7 wonders of the modern world.
ITINERARY
Itinerary
📍Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba
5:00 am – Pick-up at your Cusco hotel
Departure by tourist transport to Ollantaytambo, where you will enjoy a short rest and a light breakfast.
Start of the trek at Km 82
Here begins the adventure along the classic Inca Trail. The first section is moderate and crosses Andean landscapes with views of the Urubamba River.
Stop at Miskay and visit to Llaqtapata
Explore this first Inca archaeological site, with agricultural terraces and buildings that served as an administrative center.
Breaded lunch en route
The cooks prepare fresh food with local ingredients.
Ascent to Wayllabamba (3,000 m.a.s.l.)
Arrival at the campsite surrounded by nature and mountains.
Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
📍Day 2: Wayllabamba – Warmiwañusca – Pacaymayo
Energy breakfast
Start of the most demanding section of the trek.
7:00 am – Ascent to Warmiwañusca (4,215 m.a.s.l.)
Known as the “Dead Woman’s Pass,” it is the highest point on the Inca Trail.
Lunch after reaching the summit
After the challenging climb, enjoy a well-deserved rest with spectacular views.
Descent to Pacaymayo (3,600 m.a.s.l.)
A valley surrounded by mountains where the second campsite is located.
Dinner under the stars.
📍Day 3: Pacaymayo – Runkurakay – Wiñay Wayna
Andean breakfast
A day filled with archaeological sites and unique landscapes.
Ascent to the Abra de Runkurakay pass (3,900 m.a.s.l.)
Visit to the circular archaeological complex that served as an Inca checkpoint.
Exploration of Sayacmarca
A complex of terraces and mysterious structures surrounded by cloud forests.
Lunch at Chaquicocha
Rest in a spot surrounded by mountains.
Passage through Phuyupatamarca, “the city above the clouds”
It is one of the best-preserved Inca complexes, with terraces, plazas, and ritual fountains.
Arrival at Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m.a.s.l.)
This archaeological site is one of the most beautiful on the Inca Trail, with cascading agricultural terraces.
Dinner and last night at the campsite.
📍Day 4: Wiñay Wayna – Inti Punku – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Breakfast and early departure
Hike to the Sun Gate to arrive at sunrise.
6:00 am – Inti Punku (Sun Gate)
First panoramic view of Machu Picchu, one of the most anticipated moments of the trip.
Entrance to Machu Picchu
Guided tour of the main sectors: Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, Temple of the Three Windows, agricultural and urban areas.
Free time to explore
Optional: climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (additional ticket required).
Bus to Aguas Calientes and return train to Cusco.
Arrival in Cusco and transfer to the hotel.
INCLUDES
✅ What’s Included in the Tour?
The 4-Day/3-Night Inca Trail Tour includes:
✅Informative Briefing in Cusco
A pre-tour meeting where the guide explains details of the route, provides recommendations, and answers questions.
✅All-inclusive ground transportation
Tourist transportation from your hotel in Cusco to Km 82 (the starting point of the trek) and return by tourist train and bus from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
✅Official entrance ticket to the Inca Trail and the Machu Picchu citadel.
✅Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English) specializing in history, archaeology, and mountain trekking.
✅Authorized porters
Responsible for carrying camping equipment, food, and the traveler’s assigned belongings (according to weight limits).
✅Full board during the trek
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared en route by a camp chef, plus energy snacks and hot drinks.
✅Kitchen equipment
Specialized cooks, utensils, kitchen tent, and dining tent.
✅Purified drinking water starting on the second day of trekking.
✅First-aid kit and oxygen tank for emergencies.
✅Personalized assistance throughout the trek to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
NOT INCLUDED
❌ What’s not included?
Not Included in the 4-Day/3-Night Inca Trail Tour:
❌Sleeping bag
Not included, but can be rented in Cusco with different temperature ratings depending on the season.
❌Trekking poles
Optional and can be rented. It is recommended that they have rubber tips to avoid damaging the trail.
❌Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day in Cusco or Aguas Calientes.
❌Optional entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
Both require an additional ticket and must be booked in advance.
❌Additional beverages
Soft drinks, beer, liquor, or other beverages not included in the tour’s meal plan.
❌Voluntary tips
A small donation to thank the guide, porters, and cooks (customary on the Inca Trail).
❌Personal travel insurance
Each traveler must have medical or travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking.
❌Extra personal expenses
Purchases of souvenirs, additional snacks, use of restrooms at specific points, or any other expenses not mentioned in the program.
RECOMMENDATIONS
🌟 Recommendations
Recommendations for the 4-Day/3-Night Inca Trail:
Book in advance: Permits to enter the classic Inca Trail are limited and usually sell out 4 to 6 months in advance. It is recommended to secure your reservation well in advance.
Acclimatization in Cusco: Spending at least 2 days in the city before starting the trek helps you adapt to the altitude (3,300 m.a.s.l.) and avoids altitude sickness.
Physical condition and preparation: Although you don’t need to be a professional athlete, it is advisable to be in good physical condition and do some hiking beforehand to improve your stamina.
Appropriate clothing: Bring light and breathable clothing for the day, but also warm clothing for the cold nights at high altitude. A waterproof jacket or rain poncho is essential.
Trekking footwear: Comfortable, waterproof hiking boots that have been broken in beforehand to avoid blisters during the hike.
Sun and weather protection: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent. During the rainy season (November to March), a raincoat is also essential.
Personal equipment: Small backpack for everyday items (water, snacks, camera), headlamp, portable battery, and reusable water bottle.
Hydration: Always carry water and water purification tablets, as there are natural springs along the trail.
Health and safety: It is recommended to carry a personal first-aid kit with basic medications. The guides carry a general first-aid kit and oxygen, but travel insurance is highly advisable.
Respect for the environment: The Inca Trail is a Cultural and Natural Heritage site, so please avoid littering, respect the flora and fauna, and do not damage the archaeological remains.
Cash: Carry Peruvian soles in small bills for extra expenses such as restrooms, tips, or purchasing handicrafts along the trail.
Additional porter option: If you don’t want to carry all your luggage, you can hire an additional porter in advance.
FAQs
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many kilometers is covered on the classic Inca Trail?
The 4D/3N Inca Trail is approximately 42 kilometers long, from Km 82 to the citadel of Machu Picchu.
2. What is the best time to hike the Inca Trail?
The most recommended season is from April to October, when the weather is dry and sunny. From November to March is the rainy season, which makes the trek more challenging.
3. What is the difficulty level of the Inca Trail?
The trek is moderate to challenging due to the altitude and long ascents, such as the Warmiwañusca Pass (4,215 m.a.s.l.), the highest point on the trail.
4. Can I hike the Inca Trail on my own without a guide?
No. Access to the Inca Trail is only permitted through authorized agencies with official guides, so booking a tour is mandatory.
5. Do I need to acclimatize before starting the hike?
Yes. It is recommended to stay in Cusco for at least two days beforehand to avoid altitude sickness and acclimatize to the 3,300 meters (10,000 feet) altitude.
6. What is the minimum and maximum recommended age for the Inca Trail?
It is recommended for people 8 years and older in good physical condition. Seniors can also hike it provided they are in good health and have medical clearance.
7. How quickly do Inca Trail permits sell out?
Permits are limited to 500 people per day (including tourists, guides, and porters). They sell out 4 to 6 months in advance, especially during peak season (May to August).
8. Can I visit Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain at the end of the tour?
Yes, but they require an additional ticket that must be booked in advance. They are short, steep hikes that offer unique panoramic views of the citadel.