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- Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days
Inca Trail 4 days details
Overview
The Inca Trail is a renowned trekking route in Peru that spans four days, leading hikers through diverse landscapes, ancient Inca ruins, and stunning mountain scenery to the famed Machu Picchu. Starting in the town of Ollantaytambo, the trail ascends through cloud forests, valleys, and high-altitude plains, crossing iconic archaeological sites such as Wiñay Wayna and Intipata, with impressive views of the surrounding peaks. Each day presents a challenging yet rewarding adventure, culminating in a sunrise arrival at Machu Picchu on the fourth day. The journey provides a unique combination of natural beauty, history, and cultural significance, making it a sought-after experience for trekkers.
Inca Trail 4 days highlights
- This 4-Day trek to Machu Picchu offers an incredible opportunity for tourists to experience the Salkantay Trek and the Inca Trail combined. Both of these treks are highly regarded and have been recognized as two of the top 25 treks in the world by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine. This adventure is truly one of the finest trekking experiences not only in Peru but also across all of South America.
- Throughout the trek, you will have the chance to witness a variety of breathtaking natural wonders, including rustic bridges, cascades, streams, glaciers, colorful valleys, waterfalls, and an abundance of wildlife and unique plants. The journey will also take you through the intriguing cloud forest, adding to the enchantment of the experience.
- With a smaller camping group, you have greater control over your trip and can enjoy the best views of the majestic mountains that surround you. The Inca Trail, in particular, has consistently been recognized as one of the top 5 hikes in the world by various magazines, further attesting to its extraordinary nature.
- As you embark on this trek, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the ancient culture of the Incas and gain insights into their way of life high up in the mountains centuries ago. The journey culminates with a visit to the world-famous Machu Picchu, a remarkable site that never fails to leave visitors breathless.
- Overall, this 5-Day trek to Machu Picchu promises an unforgettable adventure filled with natural wonders, cultural discoveries, and awe-inspiring experiences.
Inca Trail 4 days Itinerary
Day 01: Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Km 82 - Hatunchaca - Wayllabamba - Ayapata
We will pick you up at 4 AM from your hotel in Cusco, 5:30 AM from Urubamba, and 6 AM from Ollantaytambo. From Cusco, we will drive to Ollantaytambo for breakfast at a local house, then continue for 45 minutes to km 82, the checkpoint where we will show our passports and Inca Trail tickets, which our guide will hold.
Around 9 AM, we begin the Inca Trail hike, crossing a bridge over the Urubamba River. After crossing, there’s a small uphill, followed by a flat section to Kanabamba viewpoint. Our guide will explain the first Inca Trail ruins here. We’ll continue to Mesqay, hiking for about 2 hours, passing villages with animals like donkeys, chickens, and sheep.
At Mesqay, we encounter a gradual uphill, with local vendors selling food and drinks for the porters. From there, we hike to Willkarakay, with a short uphill before arriving around 11 AM. Our guide will explain the site, and you will also see Llactapata from Willkarakay. We’ll descend for about 7 minutes before heading to our lunch stop at Hatunchaca, arriving around 1 PM.
After lunch, we hike toward Wayllabamba, the last village on the Inca Trail. The trail is mostly flat with some gradual uphills until Wayllabamba. From there, the trail is all uphill to our campsite at Ayapata, where we will arrive around 5 PM for dinner.
Day 02: Ayapata – Dead woman pass – Palcaymayo - Runkuracay Pass – Chakicocha.
The second day is the hardest because you will cross two passes. We will wake up at 4:30 AM and start hiking at 5:30 AM after having breakfast. We will hike for approximately four hours until we reach Dead Woman’s Pass. Along the way, we will take a break at Llulluchapampa. The trail leading to the pass is entirely uphill.
Once at the top, we will admire the breathtaking views of two valleys. Then, we will begin our descent to Paqaymayo, which will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes. At Paqaymayo, we will stop for lunch before starting another uphill hike to the second pass, Runkurakay, which will take about one hour.
From the Runkurakay Pass, we will enjoy views of the other side of the mountain, which marks the beginning of the rainforest. From there, we will hike downhill for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the Sayacmarca Inca site. If time permits, we will explore this fascinating archaeological site.
After visiting Sayacmarca, we will continue our journey to the campsite at Llulluchapampa, arriving at roughly 5:30 PM. We will have dinner and spend the night there.
Day 03: Chakicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Intipata – Wiñaywayna
Today, we will wake up a bit late because the previous day involved hiking a long distance. After having breakfast, we will start our hike to the Puyupatamarca Pass. The trail involves a series of ascents and descents and will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Next, we will hike down to the Puyupatamarca Inca site, where we will explore the area with our guide. Following that, we will descend further to the Intipata Inca site. Along the way, we will begin to hear the sounds of the train and catch our first glimpses of the Urubamba River. At Intipata, our guide will provide an explanation of the site’s history and significance.
Afterward, we will continue hiking to our lunch stop and campsite at Wiñaywayna, where we will arrive at approximately 1:00 PM. Upon arrival, we will have time to shower and enjoy lunch. The afternoon will be free for us to explore the famous Wiñaywayna site with our guide.
In the evening, we will return to the campsite for dinner. After our meal, we will participate in a farewell ceremony to thank our amazing porters for their hard work. We will then spend the night at the campsite.
Day 04: Wiñaywayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Today, we will wake up at 3:00 AM. The early start is necessary because the porters need to catch the only available train. We will begin our hike in the dark, walking for approximately 5 minutes before stopping to wait for 1 hour and 30 minutes until the gate opens.
At 5:30 AM, when the gate opens, we will hike for about 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach the Sun Gate. The trail involves both uphill and downhill sections, including some steep ascents. Upon arriving at the Sun Gate, we will admire our ultimate destination, Machu Picchu, from a distance. After taking in the view, we will continue hiking for 45 minutes to reach the upper part of Machu Picchu.
Once there, we will follow Circuit 01, where we will take the classic picture of Machu Picchu before descending to the exit. At this point, we will have an opportunity to use the restroom and then re-enter Machu Picchu through the lower section.
Our guide will lead us on a two-hour tour of the most significant sites within Machu Picchu, starting at 9:00 AM and finishing at 11:00 AM. During this tour, we will visit the Temple of the Sun, the Inca Houses, Sacred Rocks, Callancas, and the Temple of the Condors.
After the guided tour, we will take a bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included in the package). Following lunch, we will board a train to Ollantaytambo, where a van will be waiting to transport us back to Cusco. We are expected to arrive in Cusco at approximately 7:00 PM.
Included
- Transportation
- To the Starting Point: Our tour includes transportation from Cusco or the Sacred Valley to the trailhead, typically located at Kilometer 82 near Ollantaytambo.
- Return from Machu Picchu: After visiting Machu Picchu on the final day, we will provide a transfer back to Cusco.
- Permits and Entrance Fees
- Inca Trail Permit: Access to the Inca Trail is regulated, and the permit is included in our package.
- Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket: Our package includes entry to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu, covering Circuits 01 and 03 on the final day¿
- Guides and Support Staff
- Professional Guides: Licensed and knowledgeable guides lead the group, providing valuable insights into the history, culture, and natural environment.
- Porters: Teams of porters are responsible for carrying camping equipment, food supplies, and, if needed, personal belongings (up to a specified weight limit).
- Cook: A professional chef will be provided to prepare high-quality meals throughout the journey
- Safety Equipment
- Oxygen Tank: Our guide will always have an oxygen tank available for any emergency.
- First Aid Kit: Our guide will carry a first aid kit to address any needs that may arise
- Camping Equipment
- Tents: We will provide a Eureka Timberline tent designed for 4 people, but it will be shared by only 2 individuals for added comfort.
- Sleeping Mats: Our Inca Trail tour includes foam mattresses for sleeping.
- Dining Tent: During lunch and dinner, we will set up spacious dining tents for you to enjoy your meals comfortably indoors.
- Chairs: At lunch and dinner, you will have chairs available to sit comfortably.
- Meals: Enjoy freshly prepared, nutritious meals throughout the trek. 04 breakfasts – 03 lunches – 03 dinners Nutritious meals are prepared by a chef or cooking team. Dietary restrictions are typically accommodated, let us know in advance.
- Machu Picchu Visit: A guided tour of Machu Picchu is included, typically lasting 2 to 3 hours and covering Circuit 01 and Circuit 03.
- Satellite Phone: Our guides always carry a satellite phone with them while on the Inca Trail.
- Train Ticket: It includes the train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo at 2:55 PM or 3:30 PM, arriving in Cusco at 7:00 PM.
- Bus Ticket: A one-way bus ticket is included from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
- Briefing : The evening prior to your trek, at 18:00, you will participate in a briefing where you will learn about your 4-day trek at our office, alongside our guide and fellow trekkers.
- Portable Toilet: We will provide portable toilets and set up toilet tents conveniently near our camping area, eliminating the need for long walks during the night.
- Additional Services
- Storage: Facilities are provided for storing belongings that are not needed during the trek.
- Rain cover: A rain cover will be provided for your backpack.
- Rain poncho: Even during the dry season, it can sometimes rain, so a rain poncho is recommended.
- T-shirt: At the end of the trek, you will receive a beautiful t-shirt as a souvenir.
- Hot water bowl: Every morning, hot water will be provided for your personal hygiene.
- Duffle bag: Your personal belongings (up to 7 kilograms) should be packed in the duffle bag.
- Pick-up and drop-off: We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and drop you off at the same location after the trek.
- Water: We will provide boiled and filtered water three times a day.
- Radio communication: Communication between the cook and guide will be maintained via radio.
- 7 kilograms of your personal belongings: You will only need to carry a daypack for your personal items, with the rest stored in the duffle bag.
Not Included
- Sleeping bags
- trekking poles, and other personal gear (available for rent).
- Travel insurance.
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks.
- Meals in Aguas Calientes (the town near Machu Picchu) not specified in the itinerary.
- Vistadome train.
MPORTANT INFORMATION about 4 days Inca Trail
Access to the Inca Trail at kilometer 82 is limited to a maximum of 500 individuals per day over a 4-day period. This figure encompasses all support personnel, including authorized porters, cooks, and tour guides, and is rigorously monitored. Once the daily limit of 500 visitors is reached, the Trail is closed for the day, and no additional reservations can be made. Reservations are not accepted on-site, emphasizing the importance of securing permits well in advance—ideally, a year ahead, if feasible.
THINGS TO BE AWARE OF:
- This 4 day hike Machu Picchu is not recommended for individuals with back problems.
- A knowledgeable tour guide will accompany you on both the short Inca trail and the Machu Picchu tour.
- Daily departures are available for groups of 2 or more.
ESSENTIALS TO REMEMBER: Don’t forget to bring the following:
- Original passport
- Insurance card
- Personal medications
HOW TO BOOK THE 4 days INCA TRAIL HIKE TO MACHU PICCHU TREK?
FIRST, to secure your reservation for the Machu Picchu short Inca Trail.
Please have the following information ready for EACH PARTICIPANT in your group, as we cannot proceed without it:
- Personal information (full name, exactly as on the passport)
- Gender
- Passport number
- Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy)
- Nationality
***Copies of everyone’s passport are essential, as they are required during the permit purchase process.
4 days Inca Trail hike - Recomendations
Enhancing Your 4 day Inca Trail hike: Crucial Tips for a Memorable Experience.
- Acclimatization: Adjusting to Cusco’s high altitude is crucial. Arrive a few days in advance and use this initial period to acclimate and rest.
- Packing Strategy: As you’ll be carrying your backpack, pack efficiently and keep it light. Include necessary warm clothing without excess. Each item should be essential.
- Footwear: The trail includes steep and rocky sections. Choose hiking shoes that are both comfortable and durable, providing a strong grip for safety.
- Hydration: Carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated. Refill stations are available at campsites and along the trail.
- Cash on Hand: For small expenses like restroom fees or snacks, have Peruvian Soles in cash. Ensure you have enough for these essentials.
- Sun Protection: At higher altitudes, the sun’s rays are more intense. Protect yourself with sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Rain Gear: Weather on the trail can change rapidly. Pack a rain jacket or poncho to stay dry during unexpected showers.
- Warm Clothing: Evenings can be chilly. Equip yourself with warm layers, a hat, gloves, and thermal underwear for comfort.
- Pace Yourself: The trek is physically demanding but incredibly rewarding. Take time to absorb the breathtaking views, capture photos, and rest as needed.
- Environmental Respect: The Inca Trail is a cherished and protected area. Preserve its beauty by sticking to designated paths, avoiding littering, and respecting local wildlife and plants.
FAQs
What is the best time of year to hike the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail is a renowned hiking route in Peru that leads to the ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu. It spans 26 miles and typically takes several days to complete.
Where does the Inca Trail tour 4 days begin?
The Inca Trail 4 days begins at Km 82 – Piscacucho, a small village in the Ollantaytambo district. The primary control point is situated at Km 88 – Coriwayrachina.
What should I bring on the Inca Trail?
You should bring comfortable hiking shoes, warm clothing for the evenings, sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water. You may also want to bring a camera and a flashlight.
Can I hike the Inca Trail on my own?
No, hiking the Inca Trail without a licensed guide is not allowed. You must book a tour with a licensed tour operator in order to hike the trail.
When is the best time to hike the Inca Trail?
The best time to hike the Inca Trail is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. The trail is often closed on february.
Price for group service: $750 per person.
Special Offers for the five day Inca Trail:
- Students (up to 25 years old) can avail themselves of a US$25.00 discount by presenting a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD during the hike.
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