Classic Inca Trail 4 Days to Machu Picchu

The departure from the hotel will be approximately at 06:00 a.m. towards Piscaccucho (2.650 masl), known as Kilometer 82. From this point we start our hike from the checkpoint.

After passing through some flat terraces, we will arrive to Miskay (2.800 masl). Then we will continue the trail until we reach Huayllabamba, where our first campsite will be (3000 m.a.s.l.) and where we can enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the Vilcanota River and the diversity of flora and fauna found in this place.

On the opposite side of the Urubamba River you can see the impressive snow-capped Veronica (5832 m.a.s.l.).

Overnight: Camping in Huayllabamba

Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner on the tour prepared by the porters (the cook and his assistants).

Schedule

• 4:10 – 4:40 am – Pick-up time
• 6:30 am – Breakfast in Ollantaytambo (not included)
• 8:00 am – Check-in at Km 82
• 1:00 – 2:00 pm – Lunch at Hatunchaka
• 5:00 pm – Arrival at camp
• 6:00 pm – Tea time
• 7:00 pm – Dinner
• 8:00 pm – Bedtime

After a good breakfast, we will continue our hike (this is considered the day with the highest degree of difficulty).

We will walk on narrow and steep trails (9 km) uphill. Along the way, the landscape changes as we go up (high and dry land, with little vegetation).

We will reach the top of the mountain known as Warmihuañuska (pass of the dead woman), we will pass through a forest inhabited by various kinds of animals such as sparrows, finches (local birds), and find the numerous species of the Andes).

It is recommended to consume sweets, chocolates and chew coca leaves to maintain your sugar level and control your glucose level at altitude. Immediately after the pass of the dead woman, we will descend to the valley of Pacaymayo (3600 m.a.s.l.) where we will camp after 6 hours of trekking.

Overnight: Camping in Pacaymayo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on the tour prepared by the porters (the cook and his assistants)

Schedule

• 5:00 am – Wake-up call
• 5:30 am – Breakfast
• 6:00 am – Start of the hike
• 12:00 – 1:00 pm – Lunch at Pacaymayu
• 5:00 pm – Arrival at Chaquiqocha campsite
• 6:00 pm – Tea time
• 7:00 pm – Dinner
• 8:00 pm – Bedtime

This day will be unforgettable for the large number of archaeological sites that we will visit.

Accompanied by our guide we will continue our hike until we reach the Abra de Runkuracay, in the morning we will visit the archaeological complex of the same name, which consists of a small structure that resembles a watchtower (watchtower). Then, we will descend until we reach Yanacocha (Black Lagoon).

We will also enter the cloud forest and arrive to Sayacmarca, this is a beautiful complex that consists of a semicircular building with different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals.

Then we will continue by an easy climb to reach the Abra de Phuyupatamarka. During our hike we will be able to appreciate the great work that the ancient Incas did, we will also pass through an Inca tunnel and we will arrive to the pass mentioned before, this is one of the most complete and conserved archaeological complexes, which is located in the highest point of the mountain.

Phuyupatamarca means “The cloud over the city”. Finally we will arrive to Wiñayhuayna, where our camp will be.

Overnight: Camping in Wiñaywayna or Phuyupatamarka.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on the prepared tour. by the porters (the cook and his assistants)

Schedule

• 5:30 am – Wake-up call
• 6:00 am – Breakfast
• 7:00 am – Start of the hike
• 12:00 – 1:00 pm – Lunch at Wiñay Wayna
• 3:00 pm – Start of the tour in Wiñay Wayna
• 5:00 pm – Tea time
• 6:00 pm – Dinner
• 7:00 pm – Bedtime

We get up at 04:00 am from Wiñayhuayna to descend and reach Inti Punku (Sun Gate).

It will take us approximately 1 hour, until we reach the point where we can enjoy the sunrise over the city of Machu Picchu. From Inti Punku we will descend to Machu Picchu, the hike will last approximately 40 min.

Arriving at Machu Picchu we will have a guided tour of approximately 2 hours and a half. After the visit we will have free time to walk around the citadel of Machu Picchu or climb the mountain Huaynapicchu, where we can enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the valleys and mountains surrounding the city and also visit the famous Temple of the Moon and the Inca Bridge.

In the afternoon you will return to the town of Aguas Calientes on a last hike, in Aguas Calientes you will have free time to enjoy your lunch (lunch is on your own). After lunch, we will take a train back to Cusco (depending on the departure time of the train). End of our services

Overnight: Hotel in Cusco (at client’s expense)

Meals Included: Breakfast on the tour prepared by the porters (the cook and his assistants).

Schedule

• 3:30 am – Wake-up call
• Breakfast: this day includes a boxed breakfast.
• 5:30 am – Start of the hike
• 7:00 am – Arrival at the Sun Gate (Intipunku)
• 8:00 am – Arrival at Machu Picchu
• 9:00 am – Start of the guided tour in Machu Picchu
• 12:00 – 1:00 pm – Lunch in Aguas Calientes (not included)
• 2:55 pm – Train departure
• 7:00 pm – Arrival in Cusco

The Classic Inca Trail is a challenging high-altitude trek with steep ascents, stone steps and long hiking days. Day 2 is generally the most demanding because the trail reaches Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point of the route.

The Classic Inca Trail takes four days and three nights. The total trekking distance is approximately 42–43 km, depending on the campsite assignment and route measurements.

Yes. An official Inca Trail permit is required for every traveler. Your permit is included in the tour and is issued using your personal passport information.

Book as early as possible, especially if you plan to travel during the popular May–September period. Inca Trail permits are limited and can sell out months in advance. PGT's own Inca Trail guide also recommends advance planning because permits are limited.

Yes. The 4-day itinerary includes three nights of camping along the trail. Camping equipment and support services are included according to the tour itinerary.

The tour currently includes three breakfasts, three lunches and three dinners, as well as snacks and hot drinks during the trek. Breakfast on the first morning and lunch after Machu Picchu are not included.

Yes, arriving in Cusco before the trek is strongly recommended so your body has time to adjust to the altitude before undertaking several days of high-altitude hiking.

The trail normally operates throughout the year except February, when it closes for annual maintenance. PGT's existing Inca Trail FAQ also states the February closure.