4 day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu

Overview

Following the footprints of an ancient civilization to an astonishing citadel in the heart of the Andes is not something you can do anywhere but in Peru. Discover the breathtaking classic Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu on a 4-day expedition through ever-changing ecosystems and stunning landscapes. This top-rated trekking route will lead you from the high Andean plains to the lush green cloud forest and let you find enigmatic archaeological sites hidden under the vegetation along your way. The journey finishes with an awe-inspiring encounter with the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu.

Why we love this trip!

Explore the most famous sites in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Discover the traditional and tasty Andean meal, Pachamanca.
Hike the World top-rated Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Itinerary day-by-day

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Day 1: Welcome to Cusco & the Sacred Valley

Welcome to Peru! Upon arriving at Cusco, our local staff will greet you and drive you towards the Sacred Valley Incas. Because of its lower elevation (2,870 m or 9,415 ft) and its peaceful atmosphere, the Sacred Valley is the perfect place to enjoy your first days in Cusco as you get used to the altitude. If you wish, we can stop at Pisac village on route, a delightful little Andean town that has an interesting street market.

Day 2: Maras Salt Mines & Circular Terraces of Moray

Set off on tour to visit some of the Sacred Valley’s most impressive sites. First, we reach Moray, a unique Inca site consisting of circular terraces built upon a natural depression. Afterward, visit Maras, an impressive salt-extraction complex composed of hundreds of small ponds from where locals have been collecting and selling the salt since before the Inca times. Finally, we’ll drive to a nearby countryside restaurant for a delicious meal. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon free to relax and appreciate the peaceful atmosphere of the Sacred Valley.

Day 3: Ollantaytambo Fortress & Andean Pachamanca

Start your day visiting Ollantaytambo, a charming village that has not changed much since Inca times. This town is famous due to the Ollantantaytambo archaeological site, a place with impressive Inca stonework only seconded by Machu Picchu. For lunch, enjoy a traditional Peruvian food called Pachamanca. Pachamanca, which in Quechua means Earth Pot, is a traditional cooking technique that has the food prepared underground using preheated stones and leaves to separate ingredients from the soil. Finally, we’ll return to our charming hotel in Urubamba to spend the night.

Day 4: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Piscacucho Km 82 to Huayllabamba

Join one of the most amazing experiences in Peru, the 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu! The trail starts in Piscacucho, at kilometer 82 of the railway from Cusco to Quillabamba, where you’ll meet the team that will help you during the whole trek. After passing the registration checkpoint at Piscacucho, we cross the Urubamba River and start a gentle climb alongside the river until reaching Llactapata Archaeological Site. After lunch, leave the Urubamba Valley and set off up the Kusichaca River uphill through the trail to our first camp in the community of Huayllabamba, where we’ll spend the night.

Day 5: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Huayllabamba to Pacaymayo

For many travelers, the second day of the trek is the hardest because we have to climb from 3000m (9842 ft) to 4200m (13776 ft) and then walk back down to 3590m (11788ft). Still, the impressive views along the route are well worth the effort! Leave the camp in Huayllabamba and start a climb to Ayapata to then continue alongside the Llullucha river in a zone full of vegetation with humid woodlands, bromeliads, and quenelles.

Continue through the left side of the valley up to Wamiwañusca pass, the highest point of the Inca Trail at 4,200m (13,776ft). Take a breath at this marvelous spot on the top of the mountain, before starting your steep way down to Pacaymayo campsite.

Day 6: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Pacaymayo to Wiñaywayna

Early this morning, we leave our campsite and start a steep ascent towards Runcurakay, an archeological site surrounded by astonishing mountains. Enjoy the incredible views of the Vilcabamba range with the Pumasillo peak and the snow-capped Veronica behind, before descending to the archeological site of Sayaqmarka. Pass through stairs and an Inca tunnel carved from rock until reaching the Puyupata pass (3660m/12007ft) and the Phuyupatamarca site, or Town above the clouds. The descent from Phuyupatamarca into the cloud forest is a perfect example of the exceptional engineering the Incas achieved. Finally, reach Wiñaywayna at 2700m/8858ft, one of the most beautiful Inca sites on the route.

Day 7: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Wiñaywayna to Machu Picchu

The big day is finally here! After an early breakfast, the final descent from Wiñaywayna to Intipunkuis is waiting for you. Finally, after passing the last control, the first views of Machu Picchu come to us. We’ll visit the citadel with a professional guide to have a better understanding of Machu Picchu. Your guide will be happy to answer all the questions you may have. Afterward, return to Aguas Calientes to enjoy a last walk around the town and have lunch before boarding your return train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arriving, we will take you to your hotel in Cusco city.

Day 8: Cusco Walking City Tour

Strap on your walking shoes and prepare for a soft stroll around Cusco’s historic center. Our walking city tour will take us not only through the most touristic sites in Cusco, such as the Main Square, Cathedral, and Koricancha, also known as Temple of the Sun. You will walk along ancient streets, local markets, and old neighborhoods where you will discover the magic of Cusco. This hike is the perfect way to get a more authentic feel of this fantastic city and its people.

Day 9: Farewell Peru

You will have some free time to take a last walk around Cusco’s shops and markets as you say goodby to this beautiful city. At the coordinated time, we’ll drive you to Cusco’s airport to board your flight to Lima and international connecting flights to your next destination.