Summary trek 4 days
This route of the Inca Trail 4 days, has a total walking distance of 43 Km, although you can also do it in our Inca Trail 5 Days option, and if you don’t have much time you can opt for the short Inca Trail 2 Days, and as always you will have to buy your Inca Trail permit up to 6 months in advance.
Doing this trek through the Andes and living the experiences of the Peruvian Andes is an unparalleled experience. Cusco is the ideal place in the Andes for outdoor adventure trekking.
HIGHLIGHTS
Walk a sacred path that is packed with history, flora, and fauna; furthermore, this 26-mile path is the only way to access Machu Picchu more especially and significantly, yet more rewarding on foot through the sun gate as the Incas did back in the day.
Why should you hike Inca trail 4 days with us?
- Our porters are treated with respect. They receive all their equipment for free from our Company Inca trail. We provide them a fair salary, a decent tent with a pad, proper meals, trekking shoes, hiking pants, and a Winter hut. We care for their health, well-being, and the health of their families, also we are committed to social projects to improve their lives.
- We are a practical, punctual, reliable Travel company, welcoming individuals or groups. Check out our reviews on trip advisor.
- At Inca trail, our porters, guides, driver, and Cooks receive their salaries as soon as they finish their job.
- We don’t share our group of Inca trail 4 days with other companies.
- Small groups of 02 to 08 people maximum. This fact sets us apart from other travel companies that take bigger groups.
- Inca trail is A 100% locally owned Travel Company and fully licensed Inca Trail operator.
- Our Tour Guides pride themselves on being up-to-date and have a comprehensive program of continual professional development. We love showing what a fascinating and amazing Inca trail is.
- Your return train ticket on day 4 is at 02:55 pm from Aguas Calientes. Therefore you arrive in Cusco early so you will sleep enough to do any tour the next day.
- Our Inca trail porters got their vaccine against covid-19. they are ready to work!!!
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Day 1 Classic Inca Trail: Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Km 82 - Llactapata - Ayapana
Inca trail 4 days first day
The first thing we do on the 4-Day Inca Trail group tour is to pick you up directly from your hotel in Cusco, Urubamba or Ollantaytambo.
We will pick you up at 4:30 am, in Urubamba at 5:30 am, and if you are staying in Ollantaytambo you will be able to rest a little longer since we will pick you up at 6:30am.
We will go in our private transportation until we reach km 82, where we pass the first checkpoint of the Inca Trail and begin our hike. Don’t forget to bring your original passport, it is necessary for the entrance to the Inca Trail 4 days.
The first 2 hours of the hike until we reach the first Inca site Patallacta. This is an ancient Inca checkpoint on the road to Machu Picchu. From here we begin another 2 hour hike to our lunch spot.
We will have lunch and hike for another 2 hours until we reach our first night camp in the Ayapata area (3300 meters). In this sector, we will visit two small communities. We will be able to buy some snacks and energy drinks, as well as any additional things we may have forgotten.
When we arrive at our camp at 17:00, we will be able to relax and have hot drinks and a snack to share with our friends the porters, cooks, and guides. We will be able to have dinner at 19:30 and then rest.
- Walking distance: 8.7 miles/12 km (6-7 hours)
- Camp altitude: 3,300 meters (high) above sea level.
- Grade: Moderate (getting used to the Inca Trail)
- Climate: Hot with wind
L , D Meals
6 – 7 hours. Walking Time
11 km / 6.83 miles. Walking Distance
moderate Level of Difficulty
2,700 m / 8,856 ft. Starting Altitude
3,400 m / 9,840 ft. Highest Altitude -
Day 2 Classic Inca Trail: Dead Woman's Pass (Warmiwañuska) - Runccuracay Pass - Chaquiccocha
At the beginning of the second day of the 4 Day Inca Trail, the porters will wake you up with a cup of coca tea to prepare you for the impressive day ahead.
The day will start very early as the hike is of longer distance. We will ascend in about 4 hours to the highest pass of the hike, Dead Woman’s Pass (4215m). Once we reach the pass, we will take a short break to enjoy the view, then we will start again and descend to the next valley – the Packaimayu Valley – Rio Escondido.
We will then make another hour and a half descent to the lunch spot, where you will have the opportunity to refill your water bottles.
After lunch, we begin another ascent to the second pass of the trek. We walk 2 hours through the pass, where we stop at a small Inca site called Runcu Raccay and see two huge waterfalls on the other side of the valley.
After the second pass we will make another descent to reach the Inca site of Sayakmarca (an inaccessible village). Here we will take a short rest.
We will enjoy the sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range. Our second stop for the night – Chakicocha (Lago Seco, 3600 m) – only 20 minutes away.
After enjoying dinner if you are not too tired we will be able to appreciate the sky completely full of stars and learn about the fascinating Andean constellations. All this away from any artificial light, a reward for the hikes we have already done.
- Walking distance: 9.94 miles/16 km (7-8 hours)
- Camp altitude: 3600 meters (high)
- Considerations: Base day (you will have climbed the two Inca passes).
- Climate: cold and rainy
B , L , D Meals
7 – 8 hours Walking Time
12 km / 7.45 miles. Walking Distance
difficult Level of Difficulty
3,000 m / 9,840 ft. Starting Altitude
4,215 m / 13,825 ft. Highest Altitude -
Dia 3 Classic Inca Trail: CHAQUICOCHA – PHUYUPATAMARCA – WIÑAYHUAYNA
The end of day 2 and the beginning of day 3 deserve a pat on the back. Once again, we started early, at 6:30 sharp.
This will be the most beautiful day of the entire Inca Trail. We will walk for 2 hours through the “Inca plains” (gradual ascents), then we will begin to enter the jungle, the “cloud forest”.
On our Inca Trail 4 Days route we will be able to appreciate the snow-capped Salkantay, the second highest snow-capped mountain in the Sacred Valley, we will appreciate this fantastic panoramic view of the Vilcabamba Mountains.
We will ascend to the last peak, in the area of Phuyupatamarka (3600 m), from where we will appreciate an excellent view of the Urubamba River.
The Inca site of Wiñay Wayna after Machu Picchu is the most spectacular on the 4-Day Inca Trail, and the most popular campsite due to its proximity to Machu Picchu. On the Descent we will visit two beautiful Inca sites: Phuyupatamarka (City in the Clouds) and Intipata (Terraces of the Sun).
We will rest the rest of the day to prepare to visit Machu Picchu the next day, our professional guide will give you a brief talk about Machu Picchu. We will visit the Inca ruins of Wiñay Wayna for an hour and a half. Our professional guide will give you a talk about the importance of this Inca site, with this we will be properly prepared to know everything about the Inca city of Machu Picchu in our Inca Trail 4 Days.
Our service is different from the competition, we will give you a special treatment with a final banquet accompanied by our porters and chefs, all with the objective of thanking our porters for their work. If you wish, you can give them a tip, with which they can give something extra to their families.
We recommend going to bed early to arrive early to Machu Picchu with lots of energy and appreciate the beauty of Machu Picchu.
- Walking distance: 6.2 miles/10km (5 hours)
- Camp elevation: 2600 meters (altitude) (cold weather)
- Difficulty of the hike: easy day – only downhill!
- Zone: Forest with high clouds
- Climate: hot and very humid.
B , L , D Meals
5 hours Walking Time
15 km / 9.32 miles. Walking Distance
diffcult Level of Difficulty
3600 masl / 12653 feets Starting Altitude
3600 masl / 12653 feets Highest Altitude -
Day 4 Classic Inca Trail: Sun Gate - Machu Picchu - The Lost City of the Incas
This last day of the 4-Day Inca Trail starts at 3:30am. We will have our breakfast at 4am and wait at the checkpoint to be among the first to start the trek when the gates open at 5:30am.
We will say goodbye to our porters and cooks until we reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), from where we have a spectacular view of the mountains and Machu Picchu in all its splendor.
We will arrive at the Sun Gate at 6:30 in the morning and it will take us about half an hour to get to Machu Picchu. As we get closer and closer to Machu Picchu, the view of the city becomes more and more beautiful.
At 7:40 a.m. we will arrive at the last checkpoint and enter Machu Picchu to begin our two-hour private service tour, the highlight of the Inca Trail 4 Days. After the excursion, we will receive our bus tickets that will take us to Machu Picchu Pueblo or you can also make the ascent to Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu Mountains (you must book in advance).
In Machu Picchu village we will enjoy our meals in a local restaurant. This activity is optional and is not included in the price. During lunch, your guide will provide you with train tickets. If you choose not to do so, arrange with the guide to receive these tickets before leaving Machu Picchu.
We will return on the previously selected train at the previously arranged time. Be sure to arrive at the train platform at least 30 minutes before departure time.
The return trip takes about 2 hours to Ollantaytambo or Poroy (depending on the train schedule), here is where our private driver will be waiting to take us to the city of Cusco in a journey of 1 hour and a half.
- Considerations: the most impressive and exciting day (early departure at 3:30 am).
- Zone: subtropical rainforests and beautiful forests.
- Climate: hot and very humid (bring plenty of water).
B Meals
2 – 3 hours Walking Time
5 km / 3.11 miles. Walking Distance
moderate Level of Difficulty
2,400 m / 7,872 ft. Starting Altitude
2700 m / 8,856 ft. Highest Altitude
Included Inca Trail 4 days
We show you what is included and what is not included in this 4 day Inca Trail tour.
What’s Included 4 day Inca trail?
- A personal porter to carry your 7 kg of your personal belongings
- Pick up and drop off at your hotel.
- Private tourist transport Cusco – Km 82 (the starting point of the walk).
- English-speaking guide with conduct radio communication.
- Foam mattresses.
- Professional chef
- Kitchen equipment.
- Dining tent with chairs and tables.
- Portable environmental biodegradable toilet (The Pett).
- Meal service at the campsites (4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, 3 snacks). With options for vegetarians, gluten-free, lactose Intolerance, and any food allergy.
- 4 season Tents for two people (tent with capacity for 3 people used as doubles – Kayla Doite).
- Porter service. As detailed in the table authorized by the Ministry of Culture. (To carry our camping equipment and food) we never overload our porters and they have the proper equipment.
- Inca Trail Permits and Machu Picchu ticket.
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes after the guided tour in Machu Picchu.
- Expeditions train ticket back (14:55 Hrs.) To Ollantaytambo.
- Private transportation from Ollantaytambo train station to Cusco.
- Emergency oxygen bottle and first aid kit.
- Pre-departure Inca Trail briefing, presented by the tour guides at 6:00 pm at the office a day before.
- Wake-up tea. Hot herbal tea is brought to your tent, each morning before breakfast.
- A duffle bag, where you put your 7 kg / 14 pounds of personal items per person (personal cares, personal items, and sleeping bag are within this 7 kg / 14 pounds).
- We provide hot water bins each day to help our clients clean and feel good at night.
- Rain Poncho to cover you from the rain.
- Two-hour guided tour in Machu Picchu
- Boiled water to fill in your water bottles or Camelback (your chef will provide clean water after each meal)
- Day pack covers to keep you dry your belongings.
What s not included Inca Trail 4 days?
- Huayna Picchu Moutain: It is $65USD
- Machu Picchu Mountain:It is $65 USD
- Vistadome: It is $50
- Sleeping Bag: It is $20
- Walking Sticks: It is $20
- Lunch – Day 4.
- Entrance to the hot springs in the town of Aguas Calientes (US $ 5).
- Tips (optional).
Price of the tour of Classic Inca Trail 4 Days trek to Machu Picchu
| 1 | $650.00 | Inquire Now |
Permits are needed for your chosen start date. Tour prices are based on the number of people in a group. Prices are valid from March 2023 through January 2024. All prices quoted are $USD
- group service: $650 per person
Discounts:
- Student Discount 20$ dollars
- Under 15 years will pay as a student: US$20.00
- Under 7 years Discount: US$35.00
Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):
- Machu Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance)
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTION
What is the Inca Trail 4 Days to Machu Picchu?
The Inca Trail 4 Days is a route that has been used for more than 500 years to link the towns of the Tawantisuyo empire.
A hike in the middle of the Andes, without access to electricity, drinking water or cellular network, which makes it completely natural.
How difficult is the Inca Trail 4 Days?
The Inca Trail 4 Days is not difficult, but you have to be in good health, we recommend doing sports regularly, not only for the Inca Trail, but also for your health.
Are there toilet facilities on the 4-Days Inca Trail?
Toilets on the route are very basic, so bring your own personal hygiene implements.
How should I prepare for the Inca Trail 4 Days?
You should practice long walks a few months before arriving in Cusco, at least 5 hours a day, if you do cardiovascular activity is much better.
What is altitude sickness like in the Inca Trail 4 Days?
Due to the physical effort on the Inca Trail 4 Days it is normal to suffer from loss of oxygen, suffer dizziness, so it is essential to acclimatize in the city of Cusco doing a few tours (which we also offer) for at least 2 days. Coca tea helps a lot.
How much acclimatization is necessary for the 4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
We advise you to spend at least 2 days in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude before starting the Inca Trail 4 days as the highest point of the trek is 4,200 meters above sea level.
How old do I have to be to do the Inca Trail 4 Days?
People of all ages do the Inca Trail (although we do not recommend doing the trek with babies) are able to complete this trek as age is not a barrier if you have a positive mind and an active lifestyle.
But for people between 60 and 70 years of age, we recommend that you consult with your family doctor, and bring an authorization from your doctor to guarantee that you have the physical conditions to do the Inca Trail 4 Days.
How far in advance should I book the Inca Trail 4 Days tour?
It is recommended to book at least 6 months in advance. There are only 500 spaces available per day: 200 are assigned to tourists and 300 to porters, cooks, tour guides. In case you do not find spaces, we will look for another date, the spaces are updated in October each year.
Can I travel alone on the Inca Trail 4 Days?
No. Access to the Inca Trail is only allowed to hikers accompanied by an authorized travel agency.
Why is the deposit important for the 4 Day Inca Trail?
Your deposit will be used to purchase your Inca Trail entrance, Machu Picchu tickets, your return train tickets and to reserve a space within the group.
Is my deposit refundable?
We cannot refund or transfer your entrance fee to Machu Picchu, all due to Peruvian state security restrictions. However, if we fail to complete your reservation for the 4 Day Inca Trail your deposit payment will be refunded 100%.
