day 1
Cusco - Patallaqta - Willkarakay - Wayllabamba
- Hiking Distance: 8.7 miles / 14 km (6-7 hours)
- Campsite Altitude: 3300 meters (high) above sea level
- Difficulty Level: Moderate (Getting accustomed to the Inca Trail)
- Climate: Warm with a presence of wind
We begin very early in the morning, our expedition to the classic Inca Trail. Therefore, we will pick you up early at your hotel in Cusco 4:30 TO 5:00 AM, and we will depart towards kilometer 82. Main checkpoint to enter the 4-day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, we will start with the hike, along the Inca Trail that will become easy and pleasant in the first kilometers. The walking trails are comfortable, and the landscapes are charming, so you can admire and look at the beauty around you. Starting with an incredible view of the snow-capped La Verónica, as well as the Urubamba River, which is located nearby.
After a few hours of walking, we will arrive at the archaeological complex of Patallaqta as well as Willkaraka, and after these visits we will stop for lunch, and then continue to our first camp Wayllabamba. In Wayllabamba, surrounded by a typically Andean climate, we will share a delicious dinner and spend the first night of this Inka Trail route to recover energy.
What is this day like? check our photos
day 2
Wayllabamba - Paso de la Mujer Muerta - Pacaymayo
- Hiking Distance: 16 kilometers (approximately 9.94 miles).
- Campsite Altitude: 3600 meters (high) above sea level.
- Area: Andes and Cloud Forest.
- Climate: Cold and rainy.
We will start early after breakfast, on our significant second day of the classic Inca Trail. Undoubtedly, this is the most challenging day of the entire 4-day hike. However, it doesn’t mean it’s impossible; it just requires respect and consideration, both emotionally and physically prepared.
We begin at Wayllabamba, located at 2995 meters (approximately 9800 feet) above sea level. Our ascent takes us to 4216 meters (around 13,800 feet), which is the highest point of the Inca Trail—the Dead Woman’s Pass. From there, we start descending to Pacaymayo at 3610 meters (about 11,800 feet). Although the Inca Trail covers a relatively short distance—just over 9 kilometers (approximately 5.6 miles)—what makes it challenging is the altitude and the steep ascent.
Upon reaching Pacaymayo, we’ll have lunch and then enjoy a well-deserved rest. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the camp surroundings, observe birds, and settle in for the night.
day 3
Pacaymayo - Phuyupatamarca- Wiñaywayna
- Hiking Distance: 6.2 miles / 10 km (approximately 5 hours).
- Campsite Altitude: 2600 meters (high) above sea level (cold climate).
- Difficulty Level: Easy day—entire descent.
- Area: High cloud forest.
- Climate: Warm and very humid.
This is the most beautiful day of the entire hike, but also the day with the longest distance to cover.
Breathtaking panoramic views and the transition into the jungle or the Amazon, combined with Inca citadels nestled in the mountains, make this day truly fascinating. We’ll start early with our hike, and along the way, we’ll visit Inca cities guided by our experts. We’ll delve deep into the lives of the ancient inhabitants of these magical mountain cities.
Our journey will take us to Runkuraqay, Sayaqmarka, Phuyupatamarka, Intipata, and Wiñaywayn – Inca citie – as well as agricultural terraces scattered along the Inca Trail toward Machu Picchu. Abundant wild orchids line the path, and you’ll encounter various birds, hummingbirds, spectacled bears, condors, pumas, and other wild animals.
day 4
Wiñaywayna - Sun gate - Machu Picchu - Cusco
- Walking distance: 5 km.
- Elevation in Machu Picchu: 2,400 meters.
This is the most anticipated section of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for all visitors. After breakfast, we resume our hike to take advantage of the fresh morning and hurry a bit to arrive in time for one of the greatest pleasures of this route: witnessing the sunrise at Machu Picchu. After an hour of walking, we will pass through the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu (Inti Punku), where you can appreciate the most impressive panoramic view. We continue along the Inca trail until we reach the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu and take the iconic postcard photo. Then, we’ll visit the main sites such as the enclosures, plazas, sacred fountains, Temple of the Sun, the Inca’s house, the agricultural and urban sectors, and more. Accompanied by your guide, you’ll have a guided tour of approximately 3 hours to learn historical details about the Inca culture. Alternatively, you can take photos and experience the special atmosphere that surrounds this ancient place.
Later, we’ll take the bus to the town of Aguas Calientes. In the evening or at dusk, we’ll return to Cuzco by train. By this point, you’ll have enjoyed one of the classic routes of the Inca Trail in Peru, which continues to amaze and bring together people from all cultures. The experience of exploring ancestral monuments can only be fully appreciated by taking the Inca Trail Tour.
What is this day like? check our photos
WHAT INCLUDED?
- High-Quality Service
- Pre-departure Briefing
- Professional Guide in English and Spanish
- First Aid Kit and Oxygen
- Camping Equipment
- Consettur Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Inflatable Mattress
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
- Coca Tea to Wake Up
- Boiled Water: You can refill your bottles
- Tea Time: Every afternoon before dinner
- Daily Snacks on the Trail
- Private Transportation
- Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo: Service by Peru Rail Vistadome or 360 Inca Rail
- Porters and Cook
- Permits and Entrance Tickets for the Inca Trail
- Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu
NOT INCLUDED
- Hiking poles (15 dollars)
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes
- Travel insurance.
- Sleeping bag (20$).
- Entrance fee to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
- 01 extra porter (up to 14 kg) to help with personal belongings including sleeping bag/matra – $160. (The extra porter can be shared between 2 people).
- Tipping our staff: Tipping is customary on any excursion to Machu Picchu.
- Additional costs or delays beyond our control
PACKING LIST
Many people assume that the weather is hot in South America, but in the zone of the higher altitude of the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. So we provide you the full list to organize your backpack from now, if you don’t have one of them, so you can buy it with some time in advance but if you cannot do it, don’t worry there are many camping stores in Cusco City where you can hire or buy what you need.
Please, check this INCA TRAIL Packing List and remember that everything is very important for the success of your trek.
Documents:
- Original Passport
- Student Card, if you are student
- Travel Insurance (some copies)
- A printed voucher issued for us.
Essential:
- Day pack.
- Sleeping bag.
- Water bottle.
- Purifying tablets or filter
- Some snacks such as cookies, candies, chocolates, energy bars.
- Money belt and some cash, if you want to buy some souvenirs of your visit
Clothes:
- Hiking Shoes and Sandals.
- Warm clothes: especially for the night as thermal jacket, glove, scarf, wool socks, wool hat for cold nights.
- Waterproof clothing (rain jacket and poncho)
- Synthetic or cotton clothing (hiking pants, socks, trousers, short pants, 4 t-shirts)
- Swimsuit
- Sun Hat
Pharmaceutical items:
- Personal medical kit with bandages and anti-inflammatory tablets
- Insect repellent.
- Sun block
- Lipstick
Toiletries:
- Small towel.
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Soap / body wash
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Hairbrush /comb
- Deodorant / body spray
- Toilet paper
Other items:
- Flashlight (head lamp recommended)
- Sunglasses
- Photo Camera with extra memory cards and batteries.
- Walking poles with rubber-tipped (Optional).
- Pocket knife
- Some plastic bags.
- A sense of humor.
- We recommend a previous acclimatization in Cuzco City, for at least 2 days and general good health
RECOMENDATIONS
- Campsite allocations are subject to change depending on availability provided by the Minitery of Culture. (government office in charge of the Inca Trail).
- This itinerary is for reference because the time of departure and arrival to Cusco City may vary according to availability and train schedules.
- After you make the reservation and payment of this tour, we will send you a confirmation e-mail stating the hotel name in Aguas Calientes Town, and the time of your trip by train.
- The 5th day after your visit of Machu Picchu, there is the possibility to climb the Huayna Picchu Mountain + USD $. 15.oo per person. This hike lasts about 2 hours round trip. (Book it, when you reserve this tour).
- You can also climb the mountain Machu Picchu, instead of the Huayna Picchu Mountain + USD $ 10.oo per person. This hike lasts about 3 hours round trip. (Book it, when you reserve this tour)..
- You always have the opportunity to climb to the Sun Gate for free and this is a much easier walk for about 1 and half hour round trip, or if you want to have a very short and easy hike you can walk for free to Inca bridge during 1 hour round trip.
F.A.Qs
How to get to Cusco?
Most people will arrive in Cusco by air. Please remember that Cusco airport is only for domestic travel. If you are coming directly from overseas through Lima, you must retrieve your luggage in Lima and check it in again for your flight to Cusco. Four airlines fly roundtrip between Lima and Cusco, including LATAM Airlines, Jet Smart, and Sky Airlines. They all offer similar schedules, but we usually recommend the airlines that tend to be more accommodating in case of unexpected flight cancellations or delays.
How to know if the Inca Trail tour is for me?
The 4-day Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu is one of the original preserved Inca paths from ancient times, and not everyone can secure a spot. It is designed for passengers who can walk without the need for extensive training, but who can move independently. However, we always recommend spending some time in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude before starting the Inca Trail.
What is the best time to do the Inca Trail tour?
The Andean region has two main seasons: the dry season (from April to October) and the rainy season (from November to March). Keep in mind that even during the rainy season, a single day can have rain, sunshine, cloudy skies, or even plenty of sun. The Inca Trail is open from the first day of March each year until the end of January. Nowadays, tourists from all over the world visit Machu Picchu all year round, with the highest influx of tourists being from April to September. Machu Picchu is located in the cloud forest, so the climate is warm and humid. Temperatures vary between 8ºC and 20ºC. It is advisable to bring both warm and light clothing.
Is the Inca Trail tour closed in February?
Yes, the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance during February due to the rainy season.
How many days in advance do I need to be in Cusco to acclimatize?
It is very important to be well acclimatized to the altitude before exerting yourself on a hike. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the Inca Trail tour begins so you can acclimate and avoid potential altitude sickness during the trek. We can help you organize day hikes and other tours around Cusco for acclimatization purposes.
What is the difference between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain?
Both Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are hikes with restricted permits that must be done within specified time slots. These permits/tickets will be arranged by Alpaca Expeditions, but they need to be secured a few months before your trip. Both hikes offer incredible views of Machu Picchu from viewpoints directly above. Machu Picchu Mountain takes about 3 hours to reach the summit and offers spectacular views on clear days, but the views are often restricted by clouds. Huayna Picchu takes 45 minutes to reach the top and is definitely the most popular of the two options. All views are amazing.
What is the difference between the short Inca Trail treks and the classic Inca Trail treks?
The short 2-day Inca Trail treks are very different from the 4-day trips, which we consider our classic full treks. On the 2-day trip, you will have one day of hiking and one day at Machu Picchu. For your overnight stay, you can choose between comfortable hotel accommodations. Porters are not included, so you will carry all of your own belongings for this trip. This option is ideal for those who want to witness stunning views from the Sun Gate, Machu Picchu, and the Inca Trail but may not have enough time for the classic trek. It is also a great choice for beginner hikers or families with young children. Our 4-day Inca Trail tours cover much more ground and expose you to more experiences on the Inca Trail. As you trek and camp, you will pass multiple archaeological sites and enjoy unforgettable mountain views as you make your way to the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu. Our longer tours include several gourmet meals on the trail, porters to help carry bags, and comfortable private campsites. This tour is perfect for visitors seeking a challenge and a deeper experience in the Andes.
How is the reservation process?
FIRST: To make a reservation, send us an email to reservas@sakuraexpedition.com to check availability and receive personalized reservation forms: All customers must complete a Passenger Details form when proceeding with the reservation. This form is prepared with the following information (FOR EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase any permits without the following information: *Personal information (full name, exactly as in your passport): *Gender *Passport number *Date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) *Nationality. Once you make your reservation, we will book it as quickly as possible due to the high demand for permits throughout the year.
SECOND: Sakura Expedition will request completion of a reservation form with all the details and then a $200 deposit per person. Once we have all the deposits and details, we will reserve your permits. When the permits are in our hands, we will send you a confirmation invoice indicating that everything is 100% confirmed and guaranteed.
Will I receive travel information before the trip?
One day before your trip departure, you will receive detailed information from your Guide, either in a group or personal briefing, at your hotel.
Passport Number Updates The government will only allow us to change passport numbers if we have a copy of the new passport and the previous passport. If you no longer have your previous passport, any government-issued identification will be accepted as long as the name matches. Also, make sure your passport does not expire within six months from the start of your trip.
Can I spend an additional night in Aguas Calientes?
Of course, if you are okay with taking the same train from Aguas Calientes that is part of your original itinerary, which is usually at 6:20 PM, then there is no additional charge to move the train back a day. If you need us to secure your hotel or another visit to Machu Picchu, this will be an additional cost. If you choose to spend one more night in Aguas Calientes (the town at the entrance of Machu Picchu), make sure you inform the Sakura Expeditions office at least one month in advance, so your train ticket is purchased for the right day.
Do I need hiking boots?
We always recommend mountain boots. Those with ankle support are particularly helpful, especially for inexperienced hikers. Since you will be descending many steps created by the Incas, now uneven and at different heights, the additional support helps protect the ankle.
Should I use hiking poles?
Hiking poles are always useful for hikers and are recommended for this trek. There are so many stairs you will be descending, all made by the Incas. They vary in height and are not all straight. Using hiking poles can help alleviate the pressure on your knees during this part of the trail. They will also assist you in climbing the mountain. For those bringing their own, make sure to have rubber tips, or the rangers will not allow you to use them. Rubber tips can be purchased in Cusco if you forget them before departing.
What about the remaining balance?
It would be much appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many ATMs in the historic center to withdraw money.
What size backpack is recommended for hiking?
Generally, a 30 to 60-liter backpack is sufficient.
Can I leave my luggage at your office?
Absolutely! During the trip, your main luggage can be stored at our office or your hotel, both free of charge.
Are tips given?
Giving tips is part of the tradition for any trek to Machu Picchu. While we do pay good wages to all our staff, any extra gesture is always appreciated. Please note that this is not obligatory, and you should never feel pressured to d
Map Private Inca Trail 4 days
