Overview
Classic Inca trail in 4 days – Overview
- First day: Cusco – Piskacucho Km82 – Ayapata
- Second day: Ayapata – Chaquicocha
- Third day: Chaquicocha – Wiñaywayna.
- Fourth day: Wiñaywayna – MachuPicchu
Useful Information
- Starting Altitude: 2,720m / 89,20ft.
- Highest Altitude: 4,215m / 13,780ft.
- Walking Distance: 45 km / 26 miles
- Overall Difficulty: Moderate.
Itinerary
Classic 4 day Inca Trail – Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Piskacucho Km82 – Ayapata
We will begin our Machu Picchu 4 day hike early in the morning. We will pick you up by private transport at your hotel in Cusco. Today will be an easy going day to help settle into the trekking adventure. Covering 14 km. of the trail we begin a gentle climb up the Cusicahca Valley. We will first reach the Inca site of Llactapata.
Here we will tour this fascinating site and enjoy the incredible view of the snow-capped peak of Mount Verconica (5,900 m/ 19,000 ft). We will be surrounded by a variety of native plant life and birds as we make our way to our first campsite at Ayapata (3300m / 10,829,ft).
Ayapata is slightly further along the trail than the typical campsite than most trekkers stay at, this allows us to have more tranquility and a shorter hike the following day. Here we settle in and enjoy a nourishing dinner all while surrounded by the beautiful of the Andean Mountains.
- Meals: Lunch/Afternoon Snacks/Dinner
- Accommodations: Camping
- Maximum altitude: 3,300 m/ 10,824 ft
- Minimum altitude: 2,720 m/ 89,20 ft
- Walking Distance: 14 km/ 8.7 miles
- Approximate walking time: 7 hours
Day 2: Ayapata – Chaquicocha
We wake early again with a hot cup of tea and a warm breakfast. Today is considered by many the hardest day of the 4 day Inca Trail. We will cross 2 passes and walk nearly 16km to reach Dead Woman’s Pass, which is the highest part of the Inca trail at 4,215m / 13,825 ft. Today really tests your spirit, however there’s no need to worry, thanks to our enthusiastic guides and team of porters helping you along, you will have all the morale and physical support you need to make it.
Along the way, we are surrounded by fantastic views of towering snowcapped mountains. We will also have the chance to visit 2 Inca sites, Runkuracay and Sayacmarca, where we will tour and learn about the historical significance each site holds. We will also cross through the Polylepsis forest that covers the entire area with lush and vibrant native plant life. Inmediatly We will hopefully be able to spot a White Tailed Deer as we approach Dead Woman’s Pass.
After we enjoy lunch we will journey on to our campsite for the night at Chaquicocha (3600m/ 11800 ft). We will approach our camp just in time to see the sunset over the mountains. Chaquicocha is a peaceful place with not many tourist, where we will here will enjoy a lovely dinner and relax under the stars.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Afternoon Snacks/Dinner
- Accommodations: Camping
- Maximum altitude: 4,215 m/ 13,825 ft
- Minimum altitude: 3,300 m/ 10,824 ft
- Walking Distance: 16 km/ 10 miles
- Approximate walking time: 8-9 hours
Day 3: Chaquicocha – Wiñay Wayna
After a challenging day yesterday, today we enjoy a relatively easy day trekking through some of the most breathtaking scenery of the Classic Inca Trail. We have only a short distance to cover with gentle ascents and descents through what is known and as the Inca Flat. We will be having lunch amongst the lush and green cloud forest and all around spectacular views of the Andes.
The ruin sites we visit today are by far some of the best of the Classic inca trail Peru. Phuyupatamarca and Winay Wayna are sites with exquisite architecture and fascinating history, which we will be learning all about!
In the early afternoon we will make our camp for the night at Wiñay Wayna (2,680,m / 8,792,ft). Once we are settled in, we will enjoy an extensive guided tour of Winay Wayna by our expert guide.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Afternoon Snacks/Dinner
- Accommodations: Camping
- Maximum altitude: 3,600 m/ 11,808 ft
- Minimum altitude: 2,680 m/ 8,792 ft
- Walking Distance: 10 km/ 6.2 miles
- Approximate walking time: 5-6 hours
Day 4: Winay Wayna – Machu Picchu
Today is the day we all have been trekking for! We wake up early and head straight to the checkpoint of Wñay Wayna, just in time to see the sunrise at Intipunku (the Sun Gate).
At Intipunku you will get to see the first glorious views of Machu Picchu.
Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, you will have a 2 hour guided tour from one of our expert guides. Throughout the tour you will learn about the incredible history and ingenuity of the Incas, while visiting numerous sacred sites. You will learn of the mysterious ways in which this ancient city was built thousands of years ago.
After, you will have time to explore on your own and if you have elected you can climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. If you choose to hike Huayna Picchu, you will journey up originally carved Inca paths and stairs to pristine ruins, where you will find breathtaking views of Machu Picchu.
In the afternoon, you will take the train back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo through beautiful scenery of cloud forest, high jungle, and of course, towering mountains.
When you arrive at the beautiful town of Ollantaytambo you will then take a private van back to Cusco through the Sacred Valley of the Incas back to your hotel in Cusco.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Maximum altitude: 2,700 m/ 8,856 ft
- Minimum altitude: 2,430 m/ 7,972 ft
- Walking Distance: 6 km/ 3.73 miles
- Approximate walking time: 2 hours
Inclusions
Includes in the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu:
- Transfer upon arrival from airport or bus station in Cusco to your hotel
- Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
- Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+
- Pre trek briefing 1 or 2 days before your 4 day Classic inca trail trek
- Chef
- Porters to carry cooking and camping equipment
- Pick-up from your Hotel.
- Transportation by bus to Km82
- Return transportation by train and bus to Cusco
- Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own)
- 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Afternoon Snacks and 3 Dinners. If you have a dietary such as vegetarian food please let us know and request with no cost at all.
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- a 4-men tent for every 2 trekkers
- Sleeping mattress.
- Oxygen bottle
- First aid kit
- Entrance
- Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
Does Not Include
- Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us)
- Lunch and dinner on Day 4
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain US $70
- Tips
- Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your Machu Picchu Inca trail tour.
What you need to take
- Original Passport
- Valid STUDENT CARD (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
- Warm jacket
- Hat and gloves
- T-shirts
- Comfortable Trousers
- Sun hat
- Sun cream
- Insect repellant
- Toiletries and hand sanitiser
- Personal medication
- Camera and film
- Torch
- Spare batteries
ADDED VALUES FOR FREE
- Inflatable Mattress (Included)
- Pillow (Included)
- Blanket (Included)
- Extra 7kg of personal items (Included). All of our treks include porters, who are responsible for carrying and setting up all equipment. They will also carry your personal duffel, which you will receive at your briefing the night before your Inca Trail to Machu Pichu in 4 days. This duffel can not exceed 7 kg/14 lbs, and must include your sleeping bag and an air mattress.
Price
4-day Inca Trail – Price
Group Service:
- US$700 per person
Private Service:
- US$760 per person
Discounts
- Student Discount: US$20 (Requires Valid STUDENT CARD to qualify)
- Under 15 years Discount: US$30 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Optional Extras:
- Hiking Poles US$15
- Sleeping Bag US$25
- Single Tent Supplement US$25
- Additional Night in Aguas Calientes US$90
- Vistadome Train Upgrade US$57
- Huayna Picchu Mountain US$70
- Machu Picchu Mountain US$70
FAQs
How difficult is the Classic Inca Trail in 4 days?
If you are used to multi-day hiking with ascents and descents each day then the Inca trail is well within your ability. You need to bear in mind that even though the paths are generally good there are a huge number of steps to tackle. And you will be trekking at altitude which in itself is a challenge.
Most Inca trail treks begin at Cusco, which, at 3,400 meters, is already considerably higher than Machu Picchu. By staying there prior to your trek, you will give your body time to acclimatize to the Inca trail altitude. The Inca trail trek altitude varies greatly throughout the trek and your body will notice the differences, especially at the higher points.
The second day is the toughest on the 4-day Inca trail as it is spent hiking up and over Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215m / 13,780ft. Your body will almost certainly feel the effects of the altitude here as the air is providing less oxygen than your body is used to. You do not spend long at this altitude
The Classic Inca trail is a four day trek including a day visiting Machu Picchu. Each day involves about 6-9 hours of walking but although this doesn’t sound like a lot remember the highest pass goes over 4000m and at this altitude every step can be hard work.
How far in advance should I reserve my space on the Inca Trail?
- We recommend that you make a reservation for the Inca Trail as far in advance as possible.
- For trips from November to March, we suggest booking 3 months in advance.
- In the high season from May to October tickets should be bought 6 months in advance.
- Inca Trail regulations are designed to protect the route, limit the number of trekkers to 500 per day, including guides, porters, and cooks. As such, the trail usually gets fully booked far in advance.
How long does it take to walk the inca trail to Machu Picchu 4 days?
The Inca trail is by far the most famous. The 45 km / 26 miles trek combines beautiful vistas of mountains, lush cloud-forests, some jarring jungles, incredible inca remains, stones, and tunnels. The Inca path, having so much to offer, make it being the most famous not a surprise at all.
- Day 1: 14 km/ 8.7 miles
- Day 2: 16 km/ 10 miles
- Day 3: 10 km/ 6.2 miles
- Day 4: 6 km/ 3.73 miles
Why is the Inca Trail famous?
The Inca Trail is without a doubt one of the most famous places in Peru. You will often hear the Inca Trail described as the “world’s greatest hike” because it combines the best of both worlds: a four-to-five day walk to the spectacular lost city of Machu Picchu that winds through the zone where the snow-capped Andes Mountains crash into the lush high jungle of the Amazon basin. Combine the incredible natural scenery with the historical power of hiking along an ancient trail, and visiting a number of incomparable Incan ruins along the way. All up, this is without a doubt what makes the Inca Trail one of the world’s best hikes!
How high does the Inca Trail reach?
Trekkers reach the highest point at Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215 meters (13,780 feet) For those that do the Inca Trail they can be very proud of summiting such a high altitude pass!
Why is it called Dead Woman’s Pass?
The Quechua name for the highest point on the Inca Trail is Abra Warmiwanusca– literally Dead Woman’s Pass It is called the Dead Woman’s Pass because when viewed from the valley below it looks like a woman’s supine body.
What sort of food can I expect on the trail?
Each tour is accompanied by a chef who will prepare all your meals for you. The food is hearty, plentiful, and filling to keep you energized for the journey. Please notify us if you have any special requirements or diet restrictions, such as requiring vegetarian,vegan,gluten free meals. You will enjoy breakfast, as well as a hot lunch and dinner every day. You will also be served snacks in the morning and afternoon, including hot drinks in the afternoon.
Will my guide speak English?
Your guide will be fluent in English,Spanish and Quechua(inca language) have several years of experience as a trekking professional, and is trained in first aid and rescue. They will meet you in Cusco and accompany you step by step along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
What documentation do we need?
You’ll need to present your original passport and permit/ticket at both the start of the trek and the entrance of Machu Picchu
How cold can it get on the Inca Trail?
As high altitude temperatures can change quickly and radically. It can get pretty cold during the nights during the Inca trail trek. In winter (May-September) temperature may drop below 0°C/32°F, while it’s slightly warmer (and wetter) during the rest of the year.
What is the history of the Inca Trail?
If you are looking for Inca trail facts, then the history of the Inca trail is fascinating. The story of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu begins more than 500 years ago, during the height of the Incan Empire. During that time, the Incas built an enormous network of trails that connected their entire empire, from Ecuador and Colombia through Peru and down into Chile, even crossing parts of Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil. We’re talking an incredible feat of engineering: the roads covered an estimated distance of between 23,000 km and 45,000 km! The entire Qhapaq Ñan is referred to Royal Road – and that includes the famous 43km referred to today as “The Inca Trail.”
The Inca Trail is the only way to walk through the Sun gate
Another interesting Inca trail fact is that the pilgrimage route – the classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu is the only way that you can pass through the Sun Gate, which is known as Inti Punku in Quechua. It is located a significant distance from the Machu Picchu site itself, leading researchers to think it was a strategic entry point. Its name comes from the fact that the sun’s rays pass there during the summer solstices.
On the last day of the 4-day trek, your weary body is rewarded with the incredible sight of Machu Picchu as you walk through Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, at sunrise. This is the ONLY trek that allows you to do this. On other routes, like the Short Inca trail and the 5 day Inca trail you can pass through the Sun Gate at other times of the day – still special, but not a dawn.
Why did Incas leave Machu Picchu?
As mentioned above there are various theories as to what the purpose of Machu Picchu was, though there is less conjecture that the Inca Trail route was a ceremonial pilgrimage for the Incas. It’s believed that Machu Picchu was abandoned or had fallen out of use just before or around 1531 when the Spanish explorer Francisco Pizarro and his brothers arrived in what is now Peru for their conquest.
One of the reasons the Spanish were able to decisively and quickly conquer the Inca Empire was that they were already sufficiently weakened by smallpox, brought by earlier Spanish forays into the Incan empire – it is known that the Inca ruler Huayna Capac lost his life to smallpox, leaving his succession in disarray. This caused a civil war between two half-brothers – one based in Quito, the other in Cusco. It is quite possible that Machu Picchu was abandoned quite simply because as a place of leisure it could not be maintained while the state was in crisis. The upshot was that the Spanish never found out about Machu Picchu.
