Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 4D/3N

Complete Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba Camp

5:30 a.m. – Pick-Up from Hotel and Transfer to Km 82
Your adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. You’ll take a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley, passing picturesque villages and stunning mountain views on your way to Km 82, the official starting point of the Inca Trail.
Starting Point: Km 82 at an elevation of 8,923 feet (2,720 meters).

After meeting your trekking team, guides, and porters, cross the Urubamba River and begin your trek on the first leg of the Inca Trail. The trail starts with a gentle ascent, passing through beautiful farmland and stunning views of the Vilcanota mountain range. Along the way, you’ll visit Llactapata, an ancient Inca agricultural site that gives a glimpse of the sophisticated farming techniques of the past.

Enjoy your first trail-side lunch, prepared by the trekking chefs. After lunch, continue hiking through rolling hills until you reach Wayllabamba, your campsite for the night. Upon arrival, the trekking team will have your tent ready, and you’ll be served a hearty dinner to end the day.

• Elevation: 9,842 feet (3,000 meters)
• Hiking Distance: 7.5 miles (12 kilometers)
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Overnight: Wayllabamba Camp

Day 2: Wayllabamba – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayo Camp

Fuel up with an energizing breakfast as you prepare for the toughest day of the trek. Today, you’ll ascend to the highest point of the trail, Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca).
After a few hours of steep climbing, you’ll reach the summit at 13,780 feet (4,200 meters). Celebrate your achievement at the top with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. After catching your breath, descend into the Pacaymayo Valley.
Enjoy a well-deserved lunch in the Pacaymayo Valley. The descent can be steep, so take your time to reach the next campsite.
Continue hiking down the valley until you reach Pacaymayo Camp, where you’ll spend the night. Relax and refuel with dinner as you enjoy the views of the valley.

• Elevation: 11,811 feet (3,600 meters)
• Hiking Distance: 7.5 miles (12 kilometers)
• Difficulty Level: Challenging
• Overnight: Pacaymayo Camp

Day 3: Pacaymayo – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna

Today’s hike is the most scenic, with several impressive Inca ruins along the way. After breakfast, begin with a climb to Runkurakay Pass. Visit the ruins of Runkurakay, an ancient Incan watchtower, and continue to the site of Sayacmarca, a beautiful stone structure perched on a mountainside.
After crossing the Phuyupatamarca Pass at 12,073 feet (3,680 meters), you’ll enjoy lunch near the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, also known as “The Town Above the Clouds.” This is one of the most well-preserved Incan sites, offering stunning views.
From Phuyupatamarca, begin a long descent down stone steps through lush cloud forests until you reach Wiñay Wayna, one of the most impressive Inca ruins on the trail. The name means “Forever Young,” and the site features terraces that stretch down the mountainside. After exploring Wiñay Wayna, settle into your final campsite.
Enjoy your last night on the trail with a celebratory dinner and rest up for the exciting day ahead.

• Elevation: 8,694 feet (2,650 meters)
• Hiking Distance: 9 miles (15 kilometers)
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Overnight: Wiñay Wayna Camp

Day 4: Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco

4:30 a.m. Wake up early to enjoy breakfast and start the final part of your trek toward Machu Picchu. After hiking for about an hour, you’ll reach Inti Punku (The Sun Gate), where you’ll get your first magical glimpse of Machu Picchu at sunrise.
Once you’ve taken in the views from the Sun Gate, descend into the citadel of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, your guide will take you on a 2-hour tour of the most important sites within Machu Picchu, including the temples, terraces, and plazas. Learn about the history, culture, and architecture of this ancient wonder.
After the guided tour, enjoy some free time to explore Machu Picchu at your own pace. For those who booked in advance, there is an option to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for panoramic views of the ruins and surrounding landscape.

Take the shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch (not Included) and explore the town before catching the train back to Cusco.
Board the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, enjoying the scenic ride through the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo, a private transfer will take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Arrive back in Cusco, marking the end of your unforgettable 4-day Inca Trail adventure.

• Elevation at Machu Picchu: 7,972 feet (2,430 meters)
• Hiking Distance: 3 miles (5 kilometers)
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Overnight: Cusco