4 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu from Cusco Tour

Duration:
4 Days
Max People:
15
Min Age:
8+
Inca Trail, Machu Picchu
Peru » Cusco
English
Overview

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the best hikes in the world because of the exquisite beauty of its natural surroundings. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu path takes us through different ecosystems…From high Andean plains to the cloud forest this adventure allows us to explore mysterious archeological sites, half covered with jungle overgrowth as if we were discovering them for the first time. The trek highlights with the inspiring sight of the sunrise from the peaks of the majestic Machu Picchu.

Attractions You’ll See

Inca Trail

Machu Picchu

Whats Included

Transportation

  • Pick up from your accommodation
  • Bus Down Ticket 4th Day
  • Transfer from Cusco to Km. 82 (the beginning of the trek)
  • Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
  • Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco

Meels

  • Meals as indicated in the program: 3 lunches, 3 dinners, 3 breakfasts (vegetarian options available)
  • Vegetarian options available. (it’s important mention any dietary restrictions)

Entrances Fees

  • Entrance ticket to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu

Services

  • Service of porters to carry our camping equipment
  • Dining tent, chairs and tables
  • Tents for 2 and mattresses
  • Private cook and assistants
  • First aid kit
  • A professional bilingual guide specialized in the Inca Trail
Does not include
  • Personal care ítems
  • Sleeping Bags
  • Services no mentioned before
  • Breakfast on the first day, lunch and dinner on the last day
  • Tips for the porters and guide
  • Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu, only if booked at least three months prior (USD $70)

Packing List

Trekking Accessories

Strong walking shoes for trekking
Lightweight backpack of 20 liters
Some cash in small bills

Clothing

Hat or cap
Long sleeve shirt
Long and short pants
Rain coat
Sweater and thick jacket

Biodegradable Plastics

Plastic bags
Optional plastic raincoat (poncho)

Personal Care

Eco-friendly Tomatodo (canteen)
Lantern
Sunglasses
Camera with extra batteries and memory
Toilet paper
Itinerary
Day 1 CUSCO – LLAQTAPATA – HUAYLLABAMBA

We’ll pick you up from your hotel around 5:00am to head towards km 82 where we’ll begin our trek, ascending for 3 hours, or 10km until arriving at the archeological site of Llactapata.

We’ll enjoy lunch, and trek for 30 minutes or 1km approximately to Huayllabamba, an isolated Andean community. In the afternoon we’ll get ready for camping and around 7:00pm dinner will be made, vegetarian options are available.

Day 2 HUAYLLABAMBA – WARMIWAÑUSCA - PACAYMAYO

Early in the morning we’ll have breakfast and get ready to continue along the trail, ascending for approx. 4 hours (10km), to the peak of Warmiwañusca (4200mt).

From here we’ll observe a variety of ecosystems ranging from dry puna (mountain grasslands) to the high jungle.

After lunch, around 2:00pm, we’ll descend 3 hours (9km) into the Pacaymayo Valley. We’ll go over wooden bridges, through tunnels making our way up and down rocky steps. We’ll set up camp near the river and have our dinner.

Day 3 PACAYMAYO – PUYUPATAMARKA – WIÑAYHUAYNA

Early in the morning we’ll have our breakfast and then descend for 45 minutes exploring the archeological complex of Runkurakay and the Inca citadel Sayacmarca.

We then head towards Puya Patamarka where we’ll have lunch and continue walking for 2 hours until arriving at the archeological site Wiñay Huayna.

If booked a minimum 6 months prior, we will have a chance to set up our camp there and afterwards our dinner will be served around 7:00pm. If there is no possibility to stay in Wiñayhuayna, we will camp in Puyapatamarka.

Day 4 WIÑAYHUAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES – CUSCO

We get ready around 5:00am and after breakfast we’ll hike for 1 hour ascending through the high jungle to Inti Punku, “The Gate of the Sun”.

This is an alternative access to Machu Picchu, and you’ll have impressive views of the entire archeological marvel. After the arrival to Machu Picchu, we have a 2 hour guided tour, visiting the main sites and afterwards you will have some free time to explore.

Late in the afternoon we’ll walk down to Aguas Calientes where we all meet at the train station 30 minutes before departure to Ollantaytambo where our private bus will take us back to Cusco. Our journey ends in the Plaza de Armas.

Note:If you want to climb Huayna Picchu or Montaña Machu Picchu, you need to book at least three months prior, due to limited availability. This activity is optional (price: USD 70)

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What is Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is an archeological center that preserves the remains of an Inca city, built in a green environment of mountains and rivers, a mystical and mysterious place; in addition, it is a patrimony of humanity and one of the most desired destinations in the world.

It is located at 2,400 m. a. s. l. in a cloud forest between the Andes Mountains and the Amazon rainforest of Peru.

How to get to Machu Picchu from Lima?

To get from Lima to Machu Picchu you must travel to the city of Cusco by plane or bus.

When to go to Machu Picchu?

It is possible to go all the year, the minimum temperatures vary between 8 ºC and the maximum around 20 ºC.

There are 2 seasons in Machu Picchu: the dry season and the rainy season. The first one takes place between April and October, it is characterized by little rain and a sunny climate. The rainy season runs from November to March and is characterized by constant rains.

How much luggage can I take on the train?

On trains to Machu Picchu you can only take hand luggage that should not exceed 5 kilos (11 pounds).

Can Machu Picchu be visited by people of any age?

Yes, it can be visited by people of all ages. However, in order to ascend Huayna Picchu mountain, it can only be visited by people older than 12 years old.

From what time can I enter Machu Picchu?

Public access is from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What to see in Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is home to almost 150 amazing constructions, these are some of the places that stand out:

  • The Temple of the Sun.
  • The Intihuatana.
  • The Temple of the 3 Windows.
  • The Temple of the Condor.
  • The Hall of Mirrors.
  • The Ladder of the Fountains.
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain.
  • The Temple of the Moon.
  • The Door of the Sun (Intipunku).
  • The Main Square.
  • The Royal Tomb.
  • The Sacred Rock.
  • Ask a Question