Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days 3 Nights Trek with Camping and Guide
by Salkantay Trekking
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This four-day trek follows the original Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, covering about 4 days and 3 nights on foot. Hikers cross archaeological sites such as Runkurakay and Wiñay Wayna, passing through diverse Andean landscapes and high jungle valleys. The route includes the challenging Dead Woman Pass and ends at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where hikers get their first view of Machu Picchu. The trip is led by a licensed bilingual guide in a small group of up to 10 people. Accommodation is in campsites set among mountains and green hills, with high-quality two-person tents provided. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with water, tea breaks, and snacks served daily on the trail. Porters carry camping equipment and personal duffle bags up to 5 kg. Communication devices and safety gear such as first aid kits and oxygen supplies are included. The package covers all necessary permits and entrance tickets for Machu Picchu (Circuit 1C on day 3 and Circuit 3B on day 4). Transport includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco, bus transfer from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, and a tourist-class return train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. A pre-departure briefing is provided before the trek. Certain items like sleeping bags, trekking poles, and some meals on day 4 are not included. Participants must be physically fit due to the trek's difficulty.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Your great adventure on the Inca Trail begins with pick-up at your accommodation at 4:30 a.m. to transport you to Ollantaytambo, the last living Inca city
120 min
Once here, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast before heading to the starting point of the hike, Piscacucho (KM 82).
90 min
The hike begins with a gentle stretch that will allow you to acclimatize while enjoying beautiful Andean landscapes.
120 min
We continue visiting archaeological sites such as Canabamba, Wilkarakay, and Llactapata, surrounded by the majestic mountain range and the Urubamba River.
240 min
After lunch in Tarayoc, you will continue along trails surrounded by nature until you reach the first camp in Ayapata, where a warm dinner and a night of rest under the stars await you.
600 min
The day begins with a cup of hot coca tea and a nutritious breakfast to prepare you for the most challenging day of the trek, the hike to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,829 ft).
60 min
At 4,215 m (13,829 ft), Dead Woman’s Pass offers stunning views and a brief ceremony honoring the sacred Apus, followed by a descent to Pacaymayo.
240 min
After a well-deserved rest, you will descend to Pacaymayu to enjoy a delicious lunch and recharge your batteries.
60 min
Then you will continue to the archaeological site of Runkurakay, followed by the Runkurakay Pass, where you can make a brief offering to the Pachamama.
120 min
The route continues with a visit to the Sayaqmarka complex, an Inca enclave nestled in the mountains with spectacular views of the sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range.
120 min
Finally, you will arrive at your camp in Chaquiqocha, where a comforting dinner awaits you under a starry sky.
600 min
Today will be the most relaxed and awe-inspiring day of the trek. At 6:30 a.m., you will enjoy a delicious breakfast before setting off on a 1.5-hour hike to Phuyupatamarka (3,650 m / 11,975 ft), a mystical place “above the clouds” that offers a spiritual atmosphere and unforgettable views.
300 min
From there, you will descend along ancient trails for two and a half hours to Intipata, an ancient agricultural area with terraces overlooking the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the winding Urubamba River.
240 min
You will then continue to the camp, located near the archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna, “forever young,” one of the most impressive sites along the way. After lunch, you will explore this fascinating complex with your guide, and in the afternoon, you will enjoy a small celebration with the team of porters and cooks to thank them for their support during the trip. The day ends early so you can rest well before the exciting entrance to Machu Picchu at dawn.
720 min
Very early, at 3:30 a.m., after receiving your breakfast, you will begin your approximately one-hour hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
60 min
From this sacred spot, you will watch the first rays of dawn illuminate Machu Picchu, a mystical and powerful scene that marks the culmination of this unique journey. After descending to the citadel, you will enjoy an amazing view of the citadel and be able to take a postcard photo of this marvel. If you booked in advance, you can climb Huayna Picchu or Huchuy Picchu for spectacular views.
240 min
Then, you will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo.
120 min
Where our private transportation will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.
120 min
We’ll arrive back in Cusco around 7:30 p.m.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Additional info
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