Inca Trail 4 Days / 3 Nights to Machu Picchu

Inca Trail Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Canabamba – Llactapata – Huayllabamba – Ayapata

Your adventure begins early in the morning with pick-up from your accommodation in Cusco. After the transfer, you will have breakfast in Ollantaytambo before continuing to Piscacucho (2700 m), also known as Kilometer 82, the official starting point of the Inca Trail. You can also explore this area with the Sacred Valley Full Day Tour.

After a short introduction to the route and equipment, the hike begins with approximately two hours of moderate trekking. This section is ideal for acclimatizing while enjoying the Andean scenery and the surrounding flora and fauna.

Later, you will stop for lunch prepared by the trekking team. In the afternoon, continue hiking for around four hours to Ayapata (3300 m), where the first campsite is located.

• Distance: 14 km
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Camp altitude: 3300 m
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 2: Ayapata – Warmi Wañuska – Pacaymayu – Runkurakay – Sayaqmarka – Chaquiqocha

Day 2 is the most demanding part of the trek. After breakfast, begin the ascent of approximately four hours to Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmi Wañuska, 4215 m), the highest point on the Inca Trail.

From the summit, enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Then descend and continue along the route, visiting important archaeological sites such as Runkurakay and Sayaqmarka before reaching Chaquiqocha campsite.

• Distance: 16 km (10 miles)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Camp altitude: 3600 m (11,811 ft)
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner

Day 3: Chaquiqocha – Phuyupatamarka – Intipata – Wiñay Wayna

The third day offers some of the most scenic sections of the Inca Trail. After breakfast, continue along panoramic trails surrounded by the Vilcabamba mountain range and views toward the Sacred Valley.

Along the route, there will be opportunities to stop at viewpoints and admire the landscape. After lunch, explore the archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna, one of the most remarkable Inca sites on the trail.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at camp and rest before the final day to Machu Picchu.

• Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Camp altitude: 2650 m (8,694 ft)
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4: Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco

The final day begins very early. After breakfast, start the hike toward the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you will enjoy your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu at sunrise.

Then continue descending to the citadel for a guided tour of approximately one and a half to two hours, where you will learn more about the history and significance of this world-famous Inca site.

After the visit, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. Later, return by train to Ollantaytambo, where transportation will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.

• Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
• Meals included: Breakfast