Inca Trail, Machu Picchu Guided Trek
Uncover the Secrets of Machu Picchu on this 4-Day Guided Trek on the Iconic Inca Trail. Immerse yourself in ancient wonders and breathtaking landscapes on a 4-day guided trek along the legendary Inca Trail, the only land route to Machu Picchu, Peru's crown jewel.
Group
Andes
4 Days
Jan, Mar - Dec
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Spend 4 days hiking along the incredible Inca Trail.
- Spend hours exploring the glorious ruins of Machu Picchu.
- Enjoy a number of amazing views in the Peruvian Andes.
Description
One of the most famous ruins in the world, Machu Picchu is an absolute wonder. And the route to get there, the famed Inca Trail, is just as impressive as the ruins themselves.
On these 4 exciting days, we would like to guide you along the Inca Trail to the ruins of Machu Picchu. With your comfort, enjoyment, and wonder in mind, we will make sure your trip is absolutely unforgettable.
Due to the limited number of permits per day, the trail will not be very congested. As a result, you will get to enjoy the amazing views and environment without feeling stressed or pressured.
Throughout the trip, you will get to explore a variety of different areas, from the rain forest to a variety of high altitude passes, to several incredible archaeological sites.
The hiking will be strenuous at times. This is mainly due to the altitude. However, we will give you all the time you need to acclimatize. Furthermore, we will provide you with many tips to better deal with the altitude, including the suggestion to have chocolates and coca leaves with you.
Every night of this trip, you will get to rest in a scenic and comfortable camp site. At the sites, you can discuss the day’s events, while enjoying a delicious meal.
Finally, when we reach Machu Picchu, hoping with the weather cooperating so you can enjoy a glorious sun rise, you will get to enjoy hours exploring the legendary ruins before returning to Cuzco.
Walking the Inca Trail is a mesmerizing experience. If you would like to do it, all you have to do is send us a request.
If the Inca Trail is full, we can also take you to Machu Picchu along an alternative path on this 4 day trek.
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Permit and entrance fees
- Porters
Price details
- Please contact us for a price quote.
- The cost includes your train tickets to Cuzco or Ollantaytambo from Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu, your bus to Km 82 (the start of the trail), entrance fee to the ruins, porters, cooking service, transfer to and from your hotel, camping equipment, meals, and bus ticket to Aguas Calientes.
- The price does not include breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day, any extra nights accommodation, sleeping bag (20 USD for the 4 days), extra weight carried by porters (95 USD for 6 KG and 190 USD for 12 KG for the 4 day trek), walking sticks (can be rented for 20 USD for the 4 days).
- NOTE: Your reservation is fixed and unchangeable! Please check your name and passport number!
- After reservation the Inca Trail Peru, it’s impossible to change the date of departure, Name or Passport number; there are no refunds for permits!
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Wayllabamba (4h)
On the first day of the trip, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cuzco at 5:30 am. From there, you will be transferred to Ollantaytambo, where you can enjoy some breakfast. Afterwards, you will take a bus to Piskacucho, where we will start hiking for approximately 12 kilometers along the Urubamba river. After having lunch in a beautiful spot, we will continue on for another 2 hours to our campsite, where we will spend the night.
Day 2: Wayllabamba - Warmiwanusca - Pacaymayo (7h)
Today’s trek will begin with a 9 kilometer trek up a narrow ravine to Lluluchapampa. Afterwards, we will start climbing the famous Abra Warmihuañusca mountain pass (4,200m). Once we reach the top, we will take a break. From there, we will make our way down to the Pacaymayo valley (3,650m), where we will have dinner and spend the night in a campsite.
Day 3: Pacaymayo - Puya Patamarka - Wiñay Huayna (8-9h)
On the third day of the trek, we will eat breakfast and start trekking for 15 kilometers. Our hike will include a steep trek up to the Runkurakay pass (3,970m) where you can see the Runkurakay ruins (3,800m). Afterwards, we will make our way down to the rain forest. In the forest, we will climb to the Abra de Phuyupatamarca pass (3,650m). Finally, from there, we will continue on to Winay Huayna, where you can enjoy hot showers, great food, and maybe even a party before going to sleep in the camp site.
Day 4: Wiñay Huayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
On the final day of the trip, we will wake up at 4:00 am. After breakfast, at about 4:30 am, we will hike to Inti Punko (the sun gate). From there, we will go to Machu Picchu, which you will get ample time to explore as the sun rises. After Machu Picchu, you will take a bus to Aguas Calientes and then a train back to Cuzco.
Details
More info
Meeting point
Equipment you will need to bring
Participants should bring the following items with them: Your passport and student card if you have one, personal sleeping bag (can be rented if you don't own one), backpack, trekking shoes, water bottle, flash light, sun hat, water purifying tablets, personal clothing, insect repellent, snacks and emergency money.
FAQs
What is the average distance and altitude gain that we will hike each day?
The first day is the simplest since it is the flattest. The highest point of the Inca Trail rises to 13,828 feet (4200 m) above sea level. The elevation of the trail varies. The second day, which begins at 10,000 feet (3,000 m), is the most difficult one. The Inca Trail's altitude difference on the third 16 KM and fourth day 6 KM is a relative drop to Machu Picchu. The height of Machu Picchu is 2,430 meters.
What experience do I need to have? How fit do I need to be? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
Everyone can walk the Inca trail, but only if you have already practiced and hiked beforehand, and are especially acclimatized. We recommend it for children from 10 years old.
How can I get to the trailhead/meeting point?
We will pick you up from your hotel or any hotel in the Sacred Valley between Urubamba and Salkantay.
How will accommodation and meals be handled during the trek?
You sleep 3 nights in double tents, and you have 3 lunches, 3 dinners and 3 breakfasts included. The porters carry the food.
Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that I need to consider before the tour?
Yes, there is a limit of 500 permits a day. We recommend good travel insurance!
What is the best time of the year for this hike?
The best time is from March till November. July and August are the coldest months. At the end of November the rain season starts. In February, the Inca trail is always closed.
Can I join a group?
Yes, we often have groups.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
The Inca trail always departs (not in February only) so have clothes ready for all seasons.
Where can we see if there are any available permits left for the Inca Trail?
You always have to ask us.
How far in advance do we need to book an Inca Trail adventure?
In high season, you need to book up to 6 months in advance for the 4-day Inca Trail. We also offer a 2-day option that always has available permits. Additionally, when the 4-day Inca Trail is sold out, we have an excellent 4-day Salkantay alternative that covers a part of the Inca Trail. This hike has departures every day!
What is the best season for the Inca Trail?
Dry season is from the end of March till the end of November. In July and August, it can be really cold at night, and reach minus 10 degrees Celcius.
The best time to visit is April - May - June - Sept - Oct - Nov.
What will we have to carry during the trek?
All your personal stuff (take as less as possible): your sleeping bag (not included), and your sleeping mattress (we provide one but you have to carry it). The porters carry the tents, camping materials, and food. You can also hire an extra porter who can carry up to a max of 12kg.
From what age is the Inca Trail recommended?
You know your child, but we recommend from 9 to 10 years old.
How long do I need to acclimatize?
If you come from Arequipa, Colca, or Puno, you can start directly on the Inca trail. If you come from sea level or lower places, we recommend at least 3 days in and around Cusco before you start on the hike: you can also carry out a few day hikes to acclimatize.
What is NOT included in the 4 days Inca trail tour?
Almost everything is included. The only things not included are a personal porter, sleeping bag, the first-day breakfast, the last-day lunch, and tips for the guide, porter, and cook.
How big is the group?
We always use small groups. The maximum size is 16 people, and if you are more than 10, then you will go with 2 guides.
Will we pass through the sun gate?
Yes, the only hikes passing through the sun gate, from where you can catch the first view of Machu Picchu are the 2 and 4 days Inca trail tours.
Will we see the sunrise in Machu Picchu?
A lot depends on the weather. We cannot guarantee this. An orange glow in Machu Picchu does not exist. Once the sun hits Machu Picchu, it is already too strong.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Southamericaplanet
5.0
(14)
Tour Operator
We “Southamerica planet” are a Belgian / Peruvian travel agency. Our main offices are located in the INCA capital “Cusco”+ Lima
Vicky (Peruvian who work many years for tourists in Cusco and Arequipa) and Dirk (Belgian who traveled many years around South America as tourist and tour leader) are the owners.
Southamerica planet have already 18 years experience in the travel industry. We started 18 years ago in cusco. We like to show you this amazing different continent. With our professional team we show you this adventure in individual tours or in a tour group with professional tour leader.Read our clients travel reports, all happy with our service!
Also this year 2021-2022 we are official Inca trail operator. With all good tents and material, good cooks and good English speaking guides.
Your good holiday is our best promotion!
Languages
English | Dutch
What people are saying about this trip
Daniel
Matthew
I booked the 4 day Inca trail trek with this company. All round it was a pretty great experience. Food on the trip was simply amazing and our guide did everything he could to make our trip comfortable and enjoyable. Our group was 5, smaller than other companies, which was great on the trail. There were a couple of miscommunications between the office, but these were solved in the end and didn't create any major issues. I would book again with this company.
Kylie
We had a lovely time in Peru and we enjoyed every moment of it! Everything was organised perfectly and we did not have to worry about anything! the Machu Picchu Inca trail was amazing and we are very happy and proud that we have done it. We would like to thank you all, especially Dirk. He has informed us well and was always available for our questions :) We also want to mention that Francesco, our trekking guide, was really good. He guided us well and provided with detailed information about Peru and machu picchu. The food on the trail was amazing, even better than any restaurant in our Peru trip. If everyone wants to travel to Peru, we would definitely recommend SAP :)
helga
The experience exceeded our expectations. The trail and its historical importance in addition to the ruins through the trail provided a rich background for our final destination. The crown of the jewel, Machu Picchu was magnificent and it's importance and beauty enhanced by our guide's knowledge of the Incas and their customs and beliefs. It was an unforgettable journey filled with physical and mental challenges but most rewarding on so many other levels beyond this famous trail. It was an unforgettable experience.
Daniel
You may also like
Join our newsletter!
Stay up-to-date on the best adventures.