The Classic Inca Trail 4 Days

Cusco, Peru Hiking & Trekking

Active Adventure

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most famous Hikes. Essentially the Inca Trail is a mountainous jungle hike leading to the sacred Inca city of Machu Picchu. The 45km trek is usually covered in 4 days, arriving at Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail is Peru's best known hike, combining a stunning mix of Inca ruins, mountain scenery, lush cloud-forest and rich sub-tropical jungle. Over 250 species of orchid have been counted in the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary.

Typical Day

Day 1 - Cusco / Km 82 / Wayllabamba
Pick up from the Hotel at 6:00am and drive to Km 82 the head of the Inca Trail. We begin our hike by crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River and walking along its left shore as it flows northwest. Following the trail along a flat terrain, we arrive in Miskay (2800m/9184 ft) to then ascend and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the impressive Inca city of Llactapata (2650m/8692 ft). We continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for about five hours until we reach the community of Wayllabamba , our first camping.
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Total distance: 12 km (7, 47 miles)
Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3000m (9840 ft)

Day 2 - Wayllabamba / Pacaymayo
Breakfast; we begin the most difficult part of the trek, which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km along this climb. The first pass Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman´s 4200m/13776 ft) we may see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at high altitude. Walking down and cross an area of the so called cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows, and the Andean bear. We advise that on this day specially, your daypack is well stocked with candies, chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high, and help with altitude sickness. We descend into the Pacaymayo (3600m/11808 ft), where we camp.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Total distance: 11 km (6, 84 miles)
Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours
Maximum altitude point: 4200m (13776 ft)

Day 3 - Pacaymayo / Wiñay Wayna
Breakfast; we ascend again past the Inca site of Runkuracay (3970m/13022 ft). As we reach the second pass, the landscape opens onto spectacular new views to the snow peaks of the Pumasillo range. Then we descend towards Yanacocha and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca. This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Continuing up an easy climb to the third pass Phuyupatamarca, continue our trek down the long descending stone steps that lead us to Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692 ft) where we spend our last camping.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Total distance: 16 km (9, 94 miles)
Estimated walking time: 8 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3900m (12792 ft)

Day 4 - Wiñay wayna / Machu Picchu
Breakfast; we wake up at 4:00am an hour later and climb to the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) from this fabulous spot, we may see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu (2400m/7872 ft). From here we descend into Machu Picchu, 40 minutes later we enter the citadel from the highest point through the “House of the Guardians”. We then descend to the control point where we register ourselves and leave our backpacks. We immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around, climb the Wayna Picchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machu Picchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or visit the Temple of the Moon or the impressive Inca Bridge. In the afternoon take bus to Aguas Calientes town where we take the train back to Poroy train station and transfer to your Cusco hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Total distance: 4 km (2, 49 miles)
Estimated walking time: 2 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2700m (8829 ft)

OUR SERVICE INCLUDES
Taking the trek with Sun Gate Tours you are guaranteed the best in customer service from a Cusco-based service team. With the four day tour you will receive:

- Sun Gate Tours services begin with the arrival transfer to your hotel
- Our service end with transfer to Cusco Airport; when you leave Cusco
- Private transport from your Cusco hotel to km 82 (head of the trail)
- Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Return Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Poroy (Vistadome upon request)
- Transfer from Poroy train station back to your Cusco hotel
- 4 season tents, 2 people in each 3-people-capacity tent
- Therma-Rest self-inflating mattress
- A table and seat for each tent
- Food and drink utensils
- Dinner tent and Kitchen Tent for the group
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle
- Professional, knowledgeable bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
- A cook to prepare your meals
- Porters to carry provided equipment and food (additional porters are available for rent to carry your personal belongings)
- High quality meals to provide the necessary energy for this challenging trek
- In addition to three meals daily, you will be given revitalizing snacks
- Hot drinks such as Tea and Coffee as well as enough water for your canteens (taken from local streams and boiled while on the trek)
- Entrance fee to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
- Chocolates and candy. Sugar boosts are great for keeping you going
- Coca leaves and tea for relieving altitude sickness" can be purchased in Cusco
- Wooden walking sticks to help you climb the trail. Trekking poles with metal tips are not permitted as they can ruin the trail

Age range, type of group

25 to 45 years old

Sleeping and meals

- Sleeping bag is not included in the price
- All mentioned meals in the itinerary are included in the price

Restrictions

No restrictions

Rates

- Adult price: US$ 480 per person
- Student price: US$ 440 per person

Discounts Offered

- Students: US$ 40 (students require a valid International Student Identity Card)
- Teenagers: US$ 40 (up to 15 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)

Cusco, Peru Hiking & Trekking

Cusco, Peru Hiking & Trekking

David Quispe (View My Profile)
Sun Gate Tours is a Peruvian leading sightseeing company; since 2004 involved in Ecotourism, we are a local expert offering challenging small group adventure and cultural tours through Peru´s attractions.

We are an innovative tour operator with Professional experienced staff assistants and guides; offering customize tours for individuals, groups, travel agencies, institutions, students, Luxury vacations and family packages in Peru, as well as special interest tours ranging from archaeological trips to bird watching tours.

Taylor made itineraries; all our tours can be fully customized, we are experts in designing vacation packages combining all the benefits of group travel with the flexibility of independent free time to create a balanced experience for each and every traveler.

We want you to enjoy your trip! That's why we will create a high quality itinerary for you based on your preferences, ideas and goals to ensure an enriching and authentic experience.