4day Traditional Inca Trail

4 Day

It is perhaps the best known and most common travel on the Inca Trail, it is also known as the classic Inca Trail and has a duration of 4 days full of adventure and beautiful scenery.

Most tourists buy this trip, as it is the most recommended for inexperienced travelers regarding long walks, the physical demand of the trip is minimal and you have more days to travel quietly all the way from its inception to end in hot water (Machu Picchu town).

The Inca Trail starts at the place called “kilometer 82”, is a community that is 30 minutes away from Ollantaytambo. For the trip from Cusco to “kilometer 82”, if you travel through tourist agencies, it is the company who will take care of the mobility and the trip lasts 2 hours 30 minutes.

Before buying a ticket for this adventure, it is highly recommended to investigate and ask enough information to the tourist agency that believes convenient, the information will give you with total friendliness, even if you do not buy the services, because in Cusco travel agencies provide high quality services to all visitors.

The most important information to ask for would be: about your safety, duration times, food and necessary documents for the trip. Also, the information on the Internet will help you plan less your adventure on the Inca Trail.

The Inca Trail” was recognized as one of the 5 best hiking trails on the planet. One of the most beautiful adventures that not only show you the majestic Machu Picchu, but also, to know the traditional life of the current inhabitants who are during the walk. During the tour you can enjoy beautiful landscapes and several Inca constructions.

Overview

Inca Trail 4 days to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous and iconic trekking routes in the world. This four-day trek takes you through the Andes Mountains, through stunning landscapes, and past ancient Incan ruins before reaching the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. The journey is not only physically demanding but also culturally enlightening, allowing you to explore the history and heritage of the Inca civilization.

Machu Picchu reservations offer you the best deal to experience the amazing Inca trail, and for this coming TREKKING SEASON, 2023, we got all-inclusive package. We know that there are many tour operators of the Inca trail, but we are different in managing all the logistics of the Inca trail operations led by professional tour guides. Book now your Machu Picchu adventure and enjoy our door-to-door service. With Machu Reservations tour company you get clear deals for fair prices.

INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS HIGHLIGHTS

  • Scenic Beauty: The trail offers breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains, lush forests, and the Urubamba River.
  • Inca Ruins: Along the way, hikers can explore various Inca ruins, including the impressive site of Wiñay Wayna.
  • Inti Punku: Also known as the Sun Gate, this viewpoint offers the first glimpse of Machu Picchu at sunrise.
  • Machu Picchu: The Inca Trail culminates in the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
  • Cultural Experience: The trail provides an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the Incas and the Andean people.
  • Challenging Hike: The Inca Trail is a physically demanding trek that requires stamina, endurance, and preparation. The challenge of completing the trail is part of what makes it so rewarding.
  • Wildlife: The trail is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including Andean spectacled bears, llamas, and a variety of bird species.

Itinerary

The first day of the Inca Trail is relatively easy, providing a gentle introduction to the trek. The trek starts early in the morning, with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco from 5:30 to 6:00 am The drive to the starting point of the trek, Piscacucho, takes about two hours. From there, you will cross the Urubamba River and enter the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

After passing through the checkpoint, the trail will take you through beautiful Andean scenery, with snow-capped peaks and lush vegetation. You’ll also pass by some small Inca ruins, including Llactapata, which is a good warm-up for the ruins you’ll encounter later on in the trek.

The trail will continue through the valley until you reach Wayllabamba, where you’ll set up camp for the night. This is a good time to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings before continuing the trek the next day.

Early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco 5:30 to 6:00 am and drive to the starting point of the trek, km 82.
Begin the hike with a gentle walk along the Urubamba River, passing small villages and archaeological sites along the way.
Hike through lush vegetation and up to the first campsite at Wayllabamba, which is located at 10,830 feet above sea level.

- Total hiking distance: 8.7 miles / 14 km (6-7 hours).
- Campsite altitude: 3000 meters (high) above sea level
- Considered: Moderate day (getting used to the Inca Trail)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
- Accommodation: Camping in tents
- Weather: Warm and windy

Day two of the Inca Trail is the most challenging, with a steep ascent to Dead Woman’s Pass, which sits at an elevation of 4,215 meters. The trail is quite steep and can be a bit of a challenge for some, but the views from the top are absolutely stunning.

After reaching the pass, you’ll begin the descent to Pacaymayo, passing through beautiful landscapes and cloud forests. This part of the trail is particularly interesting, as it passes by several Inca ruins, including Runkurakay and Sayacmarca.

You’ll arrive at Pacaymayo in the late afternoon, where you’ll set up camp for the night. This is a good time to rest and recover before continuing the trek the next day.

Today is considered the most challenging day of the trek, as you will climb up to the highest point of the trail, Warmiwañusca Pass, which stands at 13,780 feet above sea level.

- Take breaks along the way to rest and enjoy the stunning views of the Andean mountains and valleys.
- Descend into the Pacaymayo valley and set up camp for the night.
- Total hiking distance: 6.2 miles/10km (6-7 hours).
- Campsite altitude: 3700 meters (high) above sea level
- Considered: Top day (you will have survived the two highest passes)
- Area: Andes and Cloud Forest
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
- Accommodation: Camping in tents.
- Weather: Cold and rainy

Day three of the Inca Trail is a bit easier than day two, with a mostly downhill trek to Wiñay Wayna. This part of the trail is particularly interesting, as it passes by several Inca ruins, including Phuyupatamarca, which is known as the “Town in the Clouds.”

You’ll also pass by some beautiful waterfalls and streams, providing plenty of opportunities to rest and take in the scenery. You’ll arrive at Wiñay Wayna in the late afternoon, where you’ll set up camp for the night.

Today’s hike is a mix of steep climbs and descents, passing through several Inca sites along the way, including Runkuracay and Sayacmarca.
Reach the second highest point of the trail at 12,630 feet above sea level before descending into the cloud forest and arriving at the final campsite of Wiñay Wayna.

- Walking distance: 9.94 miles/16 km (7-8 hours)
- Campsite altitude: 2.600 meters (high) above sea level
- Considered: Moderate day, short uphill, then – all downhill!
- Area: High Cloud Forest
- Weather: Warm and very humid (chilly weather)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
- Accommodation: Camping in tents

The final day of the Inca Trail is the most exciting, as you’ll finally reach Machu Picchu. You’ll start the day early, with a short trek to the Sun Gate, which provides stunning views of Machu Picchu from above. From there, you’ll descend to the ruins themselves, where you’ll have a guided tour.

Machu Picchu is truly awe-inspiring, with its stunning architecture and breathtaking views. After the tour, you’ll have some free time to explore the ruins on your own before taking the train back to Cusco.

Wake up early to arrive at the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) in time for sunrise over Machu Picchu.
Descend into the citadel and enjoy a guided tour of the ancient Inca city.
In the afternoon, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and a train ride back to Cusco.

- Considered: The most exciting and magical day
- Area: High Cloud and Subtropical Forest
- Weather: Hot and very humid (bring lots of water)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, included
- Bus: Tickets for the bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes included
- Train: Train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo included; train at 14:30 or 14:55
- Transfer: From Ollantaytambo to Cusco included 1.5-2 hour’s car ride
- Back in Cusco: You will be back in Cusco around 6:30 pm

The Trip Cost Includes

  • The Inca Trail is a popular multi-day trek that leads to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. In our 4-day/3-night Inca trail trekking package includes the following: ALL INCLUSIVE SERVICE
  • - Transportation: Include transportation from Cusco to the trailhead and back again after the trek is complete.
  • - Permits: A permit is required to hike the Inca Trail, and this is included by Machu Picchu Reservations as part of the package.
  • - Entrance fees: The cost of the Inca Trail trek includes entrance fees to Machu Picchu and other archaeological sites along the way.
  • - Briefing – to get all the trek details, duffle bags, printed tickets, etc. Presented by the tour guide in our office in Cusco located downtown at 6:00 pm a day before the trek. Briefing provided by the tour guide to give you with all the necessary information about the hike, the route, and safety.
  • - Porters: A team of porters will carry the bulk of your gear, leaving you with only a day pack to carry. They will carry the duffle bags with 7 kilos of each hiker and set up your tents, cook your meals, and carry all camping equipment.
  • - Professional guide: A licensed and experienced guide will accompany you throughout the trek, providing information about the history and culture of the Inca civilization. Our guias are fluent in English, Spanish and Quechua
  • - Meals: All meals are included in the trek, from breakfast on the first day to lunch on the final day. The food is typically enough and nourishing, with plenty of carbohydrates to sustain you during the long hikes.
  • 04 breakfasts
  • 04 lunches
  • 03 dinners
  • - Camping equipment: For 03 nights You will have a tent and sleeping mat. 01 Tent for every 02 people (Eureka Timberline 4-person tents shared by only 2. + 01 Sleeping Mat for each participant: We provide you with inflatable Thermarest mattresses which guarantee a warm, comfortable night’s sleep on camps of the trail.
  • - Machu Picchu guided tour.
  • - Bus ticket: From Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes town
  • - Train tickets: Expedition or Voyager Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo at 14:30 or 14:55 to be back In cusco around 7:00
  • - Transfer service: From Ollantaytam to Cusco back to the hotel
  • - Safety equipment: Oxygen and first-aid kits are provided in case of emergencies.
  • - Private portable toilets
  • - Vegetarian food: Available on request with no extra charge.

The Trip Cost Excludes

  • Sleeping Bags, If you do not have one, You can rent from The company.
  • Trekking poles, If you do not have one, You can rent from The company.
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips:
  • Tipping is a way to show appreciation for the services provided by the staff, and it is considered an important part of the trekking experience on the Inca Trail. The amount of the tip varies depending on the level of service provided and the size of the trekking group, but a typical tip for a porter is around 20-30 soles per day, and for a guide is around 50-100 soles per day.
  • Tipping also encourages good service and can help to build positive relationships between trekkers and the staff who support them on the Inca Trail.
  • It’s important to note that tipping is voluntary and not mandatory, but it’s a common practice and an excellent way to recognize and thank the hard-working staff who make the Inca Trail experience possible.

Frequently asked Questions

How many kilometers is the Inca Trail?

The total length of the Inca Trail is approximately 43 kilometers. This route has stretches where you must climb extensive staircases, as well as descend steep hills, so the route is not linear or straight at almost any point.

How many hours do you walk per day?

Hiking time during the Inca Trail depends on the distance between the assigned camping sites.
Normally there is between five to eight hours of walking on the first three days and two to three hours of walking on the fourth day.

Are there restrooms on the Inca Trail?

Along the route toilets have been installed and many of them have water facilities, however, most of them are ‘silo’ type toilets which is basically a hole ni the ground over which a small room has been installed for bathing.

Is it possible to do the Inca Trail without a travel agency?

The Inca Trail must be done in the company of a group of travelers in charge of an official tour guide, who in turn is controlled by the agency or tour operator.

Can I do the Inca Trail with children?

There are no minimum age restrictions for hiking the Inca Trail; if the child is used to walking, he/she can do this trekking route, however, it would be prudent to communicate and coordinate his/her entrance with the tourism agency.

Can I give up finishing the Inca Trail and go back?

The official tour guides are trained to handle all kinds of situations, from altitude sickness to fatigue, falls, bumps and sprains. They will do everything possible so that you can finish your trip without any problems, but if necessary, they will be responsible for coordinating your return.

Where do I leave my bags while doing the Inca Trail?

Most of the hotels and hostels in Cusco have places set up specifically for travelers to leave their luggage while on tour.

How many kilos are allowed to carry on the Inca Trail?

You can carry up to five kilos of luggage and a small backpack to carry your camera and other personal belongings.

Can I climb Huayna Picchu mountain at the end of the Inca Trail?

It is possible to climb to the top of the Huayna Picchu mountain at the end of the Inca Trail, but you must keep in mind that the entrance tickets to this mountain must be booked three or four months in advance.

How far in advance should I book the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail is one of the most famous trekking routes in the world and tickets to enter are sold out many months in advance, and there are only 200 tickets available per day. It is recommended to make your reservation as far in advance as possible, normally this time should be more than six months.

What is the best time to do the Inca Trail?

It is recommended to do the route in May, June, July, August, September and October, due to the good weather with very little chance of rain, the hike is carried out under a splendid sun.

What clothes should I wear to do the Inca Trail?

You should bring clothes for the cold as well as for the heat and trekking shoes. The section will be done in cold climates at high altitudes, while at the end of the journey we will find ourselves in the middle of a hot sub-tropical jungle, full of vegetation, humidity and a lot of heat.

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4day Traditional Inca Trail