Classic Inca Trail & Machu Picchu 4 Days – 3 Nights

Duration

2D – 1N

Max People

40

Min Age

3+

Pickup

Bus - Train

Moderate

Culture

Adventure

Immersion

Embark on an epic 4 day, 3 night adventure on the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Explore stunning landscapes and discover Incan history.

Four days, 45 km, and a gold mine of Inca archaeological sites. Discover Cusco, along the Inca Trail and visit Machu Picchu experiencing the local life that contemplates nature, the traces of Peruvian history and culture.

This trek will awaken you with the imposing history of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Citadel of Machu Picchu. Whimsical trails will lead you to enjoy breathtaking landscapes and witness the changing ecosystem from the high Andean mountains to the heart of the Machu Picchu Amazon Rainforest Park. You will go from high altitudes with cold temperatures to warmer ones in the dense cloud forest, accompanied by beautiful rainbows. On the 4th day, you’ll visit Machu Picchu with a guide who will reveal all the secrets of the Inca culture and this mythical place ranked among the 7 World Wonders.

Tour highlights!

  • Embark on an unforgettable hike through the Sacred Valley and the Inca Trail.
  • Explore ancient archaeological sites and unlock the secrets of the remarkable Inca civilization.
  • Enjoy the camaraderie of small group travel, fostering memorable moments and lasting friendships.
  • Push your boundaries and surpass your physical limits on this extraordinary journey.

We leave Cusco (3350masl) at about 5.30 am. Along the way, you’ll be able to see extensive farming land and villages, which still keep their ancient traditions and customs. Km 82 is the meeting point with the rest of our team: porters and cooks, and the beginning of our trek. After a short hike, we get to the Llactapata site: old Inca terraces. Soon after this, we get to Wayllabamba (3100masl), and we gradually ascend to our first campsite: Yuncachimpa (3300masl).

  • Transportation time: 3h.
  • Walking time: 7h.
  • Distance: 12 km
  • Difficulty live: moderate
  • Meals: L = lunch, D = dinner
  • Overnight: tent
  • Climate: warm during the day and cold at night.
  • Elevation: Cusco (3,400m) – km 82 (2,600m) – Llactapata (2,650m) – Wayllabamba (3,000m) – Yuncachimpa (3,350m).

Dawn at the Inca Trail offers a pleasant atmosphere, which will allow us to discover the natural habitat of the Yuncachimpa forest, where you can observe and photograph its flora and variety of birds. Next, the trail takes you to Lulluchapampa (3,850 m) and then to the “Warmihuañusca” pass (4,200 m). Here, you’ll be able to admire the imposing mountain scenery of Machu Picchu Park and Nevado Veronica. Further on, we’ll find ourselves on a deep descent into the valley of Pacaymayu (3,500m). Next, the Runcuracay pass (3,950m) will allow us to discover impressive Andean forest mountains and the high mountainous jungle in the Yunga region of the Peruvian Andes. Later, you visit Sayacmarca (3,600 m): a small town made up of a labyrinth of narrow streets, squares, houses, terraces, fountains, etc. You spend the night at the Chaquicocha camp.(3,650 m).

  • Walking time: 8h.
  • Distance: 15 km
  • Difficulty level: challenging 
  • Meals: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner
  • Overnight: tent
  • Climate: mild during the day and cold at night.
  • Elevation: Yuncachimpa (3,350m) – Warmihuañusca pass (4,200m) – Pacaymayu (3,500m) – Runkurakay pass (3,950m) – Chaquicocha (3,650m)

This will possibly be the most beautiful day of the Inca Trail. You’ll notice a constant change in the ecosystem along the hike. As we advance, we will be able to see and visit the site of Phuyupatamarca, known as the city above the clouds (3,600m), impressive for its circular walls and its ingenious system of aqueducts that still feed the liturgical fountains. Our path leads us to Wiñayhuayna (2650m), dominated by a vast complex of Inca terraces and urban housing constructions separated by a large staircase leading to a ceremonial site. We are spending the night at Wiñayhuayna campsite.

  • Walking time: 5h.
  • Distance: 9 km aprox.
  • Difficulty level: moderate
  • Meals: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner
  • Overnight: tent
  • Climate: warm during the day and moderate cold at night.
  • Elevation: Chaquicocha (3,650m) – Phuyupatamarca (3,600m) – Wiñayhuayna (2,700m)

After our breakfast (4:30 am) and with torches in hand, we head to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at 2,780m, where the sunrise appears by surprise over Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. The sunset and the company of our bilingual guide will allow you to discover the Inca culture in the territory of the Tahuantinsuyo (4 regions of the Inca Empire), as well as the cults and ceremonies that took place in the numerous temples and sacred places present in the citadel. After the guided tour, you will have time to enjoy the magic of the historic sanctuary and to take some photos. Then, we return to Aguas Calientes to have lunch (not included).
Afterwards, you board the train to Ollantaytambo, and from there our driver takes you back to your hotel in Cusco.

  • Transportation time: 3h 30
  • Walking time: 2h-3h.
  • Visiting time: 2h-3h.
  • Distance: 6 km aprox.
  • Difficulty level: moderate
  • Meals: B = breakfast
  • Overnight: on your own
  • Climate: warm during the day with mosquitoes.
  • Elevation: WiñayWayna (2,700m) – Machu Picchu (2,400m) – Cusco (3,350m).
  1. Train services included
  • If you are looking for an adventure on your way to Machu Picchu at an unbeatable price, the Peru Rail Expedition train has just what you need, with all the on-board services you could wish for.
  • (*) The carriages of the Peru Rail Expedition train are infused with the designs of the Inca culture, making them the perfect way to begin your journey to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Peru Rail Expedition gives you the opportunity to enjoy the incredible scenery and take amazing panoramic photographs of a journey like no other. 
  1. Recommendations
  • The hike previously described may vary due to weather conditions, landslides, participants walking pace or other factors. Our professional guide will make the right and best decisions along the way for the benefit and safety of the group.
  • We advise you to stay overnight in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo on the first day (not included) to avoid waking up too early before the hike. This way, we’ll pick you up at about 8 am instead. The agency can help you with the necessary bookings. It is still possible to leave from Cusco, but you’ll need to get up at about 4am.
  • The Andean climate is quite unpredictable. Therefore, we suggest bringing warm clothing, a hat/cap, sunglasses, scarf, gloves, jacket, high-protection sunscreen, and mosquito repellent spray – minimum recommended 20% DEET (non-toxic – we recommend environmentally-friendly repellents). There has been no reported risk of malaria.
  • During this trek we’ll reach 4200 masl. This combined with the weather conditions can make the daily hiking even harder. As to enjoy the trek better, we recommend you to be healthy and in good physical condition and to acclimatize in Cusco for at least 2 days before the trek.
  • Campsites: Campsites on the Inca Trail may vary from those described in our itinerary (Yuncachimpa, Chaquicocha and Wiñaywayna). This is a consequence of a limited number of campsites (Wiñaywayna is almost always full). The camping sites, especially the Wiñaywayna site, are known to the general public. That is why we book the sites well in advance (if you want to trek during high season, i.e. from May to September, it is important to book a few months in advance). If there is no more space, the Ministry of Culture (state entity that observes and controls the availability of tickets to the Inka Trail) will grant other camping sites (Wayllabamba, Pacaymayo and Phuyupatamarka).
  1.  Optional services to be hired
  • To make the most of Machu Picchu, we suggest taking the buffet lunch at the Tinkuy, Sanctuary Lodge restaurant, located right next to the archaeological site.We also recommend the buffet lunch option at El Mapi hotel Machu Picchu by Inkaterra in Aguas Calientes.
  • Extra Porter / Horseman: In accordance with the law (31614) of the Ministry of Labour, the collaboration of an extra porter will be granted at the request of the client. However, the customer’s luggage must not exceed 12 kilograms. The service of an extra porter / horseman has a cost of 140 USD, which includes transportation, entrance to the Inca Trail, food and camping equipment.

Note: The group of Porters are only present in the trekking part.

  • Optional train services: It is possible to travel in a superior luxury category on the Vistadome or Hiram Bingham trains; contact us for more information.
  • On Demand – Vistadome Train: The “Vistadome” train offers you breathtaking views during your journey to Cusco, offers fashion shows, dinners, a refined service and premium travel conditions. In addition, the carriage is built with large windows that offer unparalleled panoramic views and the possibility to take beautiful photographs. The Vistadome also has air-conditioning and heating, and ergonomic leather seats that are very comfortable after so many hours of walking. The Vistadome offers you a first class service, which will allow you to immerse yourself in the Andean culture, through the landscapes, the music, the dance and even the food carefully prepared with local ingredients.
  • On Demand – Hiram Bingham Train: The Hiram Bingham Train category is optional and it is a luxury service of the Orient Express, operated by the company “Peru Rail”. You will experience an exceptional journey. The Hiram Bingham carriages are distinguished by their blue and gold colour, their warm and cosy interior and their elegant upholstery. The service includes 4 carriages, 2 restaurant carriages, as well as a panoramic view carriage with bar. Brunch and dinner on board are also included.

For the optional services, contact our staff to check availability.

  • An ergonomic day backpack for hiking with waterproof cover (30 or 40 liters).
  • A waterproof backpack otherwise requests a duffel bag at your agency for carrying your personal belongings on the back of an extra porter (optional service if you have hired it).
  • Sleeping bag (-10º degrees).
  • Clothing for cold and hot weather.
  • Waterproof jacket, rain pants and light pants, rain poncho, hat or cap.
  • Hiking shoes.
  • Flip flops or sandals (for showers and hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
  • Wool or cotton socks.
  • T-shirts with short and long sleeves.
  • Towel easy dry and swimsuit (in case you want to relax in the hot mineral spring).
  • Sun block.
  • Anti-mosquito spray – minimum recommended 20% DEET (non-toxic – we suggest nature-friendly repellents). No malaria risk has been reported.
  • Anti-itch cream.
  • Disinfectant hand gel.
  • Toilet paper.
  • Plastic water or metal containers are recommended and water for the first morning. Important notice: plastic water bottles are no longer allowed into the Inca Trail.
  • Optionally: water-sterilizing tablets are recommended in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink.
  •  
  • Camera (wrapped in a plastic pouch).
  • Flashlight and spare batteries.
  • Snacks, like chocolate bars and dried fruits.
  • Original passport.
  • Original ISIC Student Card (in case you have applied for a student discount).
  • Extra money in soles.
  • Optional: walking sticks or poles with rubber covers required in order not to damage the Inca Trail.
  1.  During high season (May to September), it is difficult to ensure the exact date of entry, due to the restrictions set by the Ministry of Culture to limit the number of entries to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu; therefore, the date of entry to the Inca Trail could vary for one or two days; then we will adapt the program so you can make the most of it.
  2. Entrance tickets to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain: To hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, it is required to book well in advance, because the entrance tickets are limited to a certain number of people daily. Therefore, we’ll take care of the reservation and confirm your entrance with an additional charge of 75 USD for adults and 55 USD for students.
  • Note: If you wish to visit any of the extra mountains, please inform us in due time before purchasing the entrance tickets to the Inca Trail / Machu Picchu citadel.
  1. Student card: To qualify for the 20 USD student discount, you must have a valid ISIC student card when you book, ¡not just when you arrive in Cusco! It must be valid for the current year. When booking, we need a picture of the card sent to the contact email. The Ministry of Culture is strict when verifying student cards. If you do not have a valid ISIC student card, you will be charged the regular price.
  2. Tips: for porters, cooks and guides tips are always welcome. Porters are also very grateful for a small donation, such as school clothes or supplies for their children.
  3. Cancellation policy: For any cancellation; the costs already incurred by the travel agency will be at your expense. For more details on the cost of cancellations by certain participants, please refer to articles 6, 6.4 and our cancellation policies in the sales terms and conditions.

For more information, you may wish to check or consult our FAQ, Safe and Healthy Travel, and Flexible Booking with Explorandino.

  • In December 2021, Explorandino obtained the TourCert certification for its “Sustainable Management System for Tour Operators” guided by the criteria and guidelines of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).   
  • Our approach highlights the richness of culture and natural beauty. Each tourist experience is a chance to preserve and showcase cultural heritage while promoting practices that regenerate the natural environment. 
  • We collaborate closely with diverse stakeholders to develop a model that benefits all. From respecting local communities to conserving biodiversity, each action represents a stride toward more responsible tourism.

Why Book Early?

Spots for the best Inca Trail & Machu Picchu experiences fill up fast! Secure your visit to the essential Inca Trail campsites perfect for better enjoying nature, visiting less crowded historical monuments, and capturing stunning photos and videos.

 To protect the Inca Trail, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 21, 2014, the Peruvian government has set strict visitor limits. These restrictions ensure the preservation of this iconic destination for future generations, making early booking essential to secure your spot. Don’t miss out—book now to guarantee your adventure.

Updated Machu Picchu Circuits for Better Visitor Management

The Ministry of Culture of Peru has revised the circuits in the Inca city of Machu Picchu to enhance visitor capacity management. Effective from June 1st to October 15th, and on December 30th and 31st, 2024, three new circuits comprising 10 different routes will be in place to explore Machu Picchu. These new routes aim to streamline visits and offer a better experience while preserving the integrity of this ancient site.

Current Visitor Capacity and Booking Information:

  • 4-Day Inca Trail Permits: Permits for the Inca Trail are highly limited, with only 500 people, including guides and porters, allowed each day. This restricts the number of tourist spots available, so permits tend to sell out quickly.
  • 2-Day Inca Trail Permits: Only 250 people (including guides and porters) are allowed on the Inca Trail each day. This means actual tourist spots are very limited, and permits sell out quickly.
  • Machu Picchu Citadel: The Inca Trail entrance fee includes access to Machu Picchu.However, please note that this ticket specifically grants access to Circuit 3 of the Machu Picchu citadel.
  • Circuit 3: Ideal for a shorter visit, focusing on the lower part of the citadel and main archaeological sites.

For Better Orientation, Explore Our Circuit Map: To enhance your visit, we provide a detailed map of the circuit at Machu Picchu. This map will help you navigate the site and make the most of your experience. Explore the circuit of your visit to Machu Picchu here.

Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain:

  • Additional Hiking Options: For those seeking an extra adventure, climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain offers stunning panoramic views.
  • Limited Tickets: To preserve these trails, daily entrance is limited. Advance booking is essential.
    • Huayna Picchu Mountain: Limited to 200 people per day.
    • Machu Picchu Mountain: Limited to 400 people per day.
  • Cost: We can handle your reservation with an additional charge of $75 USD for adults and $55 USD for students.

Booking Tips:

  • High Season (May to September): To secure your spot on the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, it’s crucial to book at least 5 months in advance due to high demand.
  • Low Season (October to April): While there may be more availability, it’s still wise to book early to ensure your preferred dates.
  • Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain entrance: Admission options to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are in high demand and tend to sell out quickly. To ensure your visit, especially during the high season (May to September), we recommend booking at least 3 months in advance.

Why Choose Us?

At Explorandino, we make your booking process easy and worry-free. We offer customized tours to suit your style of adventure, whether you are trekking the Inca Trail, or exploring Machu Picchu Circuit 3. Our expert guides and seamless logistics guarantee a memorable and hassle-free experience.

Ready to Start Your Journey? Click here to book your adventure today and secure your place amongst the wonders of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu!

Don’t Miss Out! Act now to experience the awe-inspiring beauty and rich history of the Inca Trail & Machu Picchu. Book with Explorandino and travel with confidence

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