Itinerary
Inca Trail 4 days – Itinerary
DAY 1: Piscacucho (Km.82)–Ayapata
We will pick you up from your hotel in our private van to take you the starting point (km 82) of the 4-day classic Inca Trail. The first day of the hike is relatively easy and is going to help you settle in to the trek. While trekking 14km of the trail up the Miskay and Cusichaca valley, we will pass by an astonishing cluster of Inca ruins accompanied by the impressive views of the mountain ranges and an eclectic mix of local trees and animals. Afterward, we will camp for the night at Ayapata (3,350m/10,850ft). Since it is further along the Classic Inca Trail than most groups go, we can enjoy quite a bit of peace and tranquility, and the trek up to the pass the following day will be shorter for us.
DAY 2 Ayapata – Chaquicocha
At 6am after a healthy breakfast, you will start climbing up to the top of Dead Woman’s Pass (4,200m/13,768ft) which is aptly named due to it being the highest point of the trek. During this part of the stretch, you will pass an alluring native forest featuring trees that are over few hundred years old before continuing up the steep stairs for about 2,700ft (823m) more. We recommend that you take all the time that you may need to stop for breaks because this part of the classic Inca Trail is considered the hardest and the most challenging. Upon reaching the pass, you’ll stop for a short time to enjoy the scenery, but afterwards, we will descend for two hours to the other side of the valley where we will have lunch.
Following lunch, you will begin ascending again for about 2 hours to the second pass of the trek. Once you are about half way up, you’ll pause for a moment at a small Inca site in Runcu Raqay, before you continue climbing to the second pass (4,000m/13,040ft). After having survived 2 passes in one day, you will go downhill to the other side of the mountain until you reach the amazing ruins of Sayacmarca where you’ll have a quick guided tour. Most notably, you will have the incredible opportunity to enjoy the fiery sun set over the Vilcabamba mountain range. Once we make camp and eat dinner at Chaquicocha (3,600m/11,736ft), if you are interested in the magnificent southern hemispheric sky, you can revel in some stargazing. Our passionate guide would be delighted to point out the fascinating Incan constellations.
DAY 3 Chaquiqocha – Wiñaywayna
Following the completion of day 2, you must certainly be proud of yourself! On day 3, you will again start the day early at 6am. This day has unanimously been said to be the most beautiful day out of the whole Inca trail trek. you will commence the hike on the beautiful, gentle gradual inclines colloquially dubbed the «Inca flats». Then, you will enter a jungle cloud forest where we’ll have the chance to experience the majesty of Salkantay—the tallest snowcapped mountain and the most stunning view of the Vilcabamba mountain range.
Phuyupatamarca (3,650m /11,899ft) is the last pass of the trek. It features spectacular views overlooking the Urubamba River, and it is here where you’ll get your first glances of Machu Picchu Mountain. As you descend, the landscape will start to change dramatically. You will enter another jungle that contains to enchanting Inca sites called Phuyupatamarca (town in the clouds) and Intipata (terraces of the sun). After approximately 3 to 4 hours, you will arrive to the camp just in time for lunch. Then, as a way to relax, you can take a leisurious walk to Wiñaywayna which is notably the most beautiful Inca ruin along the 4 days Inca Trail. You can take this opportunity to relax and take in the beauty of this ancient site.
DAY 4 Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Today, you will walk the last stretch of your trek. If you want to arrive to the Sun Gate early enough to watch the sun rise over the Machu Picchu, you will need to wake up at 3:30 in the morning. After reaching the last check point of the 4 days Inca trail, you’ll pass the control gate which leads to an hour-long gentle path to the Sun Gate. This is where you’ll witness the first dramatic revealing of the Machu Picchu Inca ruins. After taking in the jaw-dropping sights, you will keep hiking down until you reach your destination.
After 4 days of hiking the Classic Inca Trail, you will have finally arrived to Machu Picchu—the most sought after place in Peru and arguably one of the world’s greatest treasures. Along with your professional guide, we are going to visit the most impressive temples and palaces of this magnificent site. After the tour, you will have free time to explore the city on your own in order to discover the other magical places that speak to you. Once you have finished wandering through the ruins, you can catch a bus down to Aguas Calientes. After spending so much time with your group, you may want to share your last lunch together before you catch the train from Aguas Calientes back to Ollantaytambo which will be subsequently followed by the bus ride to Cusco. Your transportation will be at the train station awaiting your arrival at the previously scheduled time.
Inclusions
What is Included in the 4 days Inca Trail?
- Pick up from the Airport/Hotel
- English Spanish speaking tour guide
- Professional cook
- Entrance Fee to the trail and Machu Picchu
- Briefing the night before the trek
- Duffel bag, if you are hiring an extra porter
- Porters to transport the camping equipment and food supplies
- Pick up from your hotel and transfer to the trailhead
- 4-man tent for every 2 people
- Dinning tent
- Kitchen tent
- Train ticket, expedition class at 16:22 hours
- Pick up from the train station and drop off into your hotel – Cusco
- Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Meal: 3 breakfast, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
- Water: we will provide you water every day at breakfast time, at lunch time and at dinner time
What is not Included in the 4 days Inca Trail?
- Sleeping bag
- Hiking poles
- Air mattresses
- Extra porter
- Huayna Picchu mountain
- Machu Picchu Mountain
- First day morning breakfast
- Last day lunch
- Extra expenses
- Tips
Prices
Classic Inca Trail 4 days – Prices
We warmly welcome you, and we really want to make sure that you have the best possible experience on the Classic Inca Trail. Our treks can be during any date of the year as long as there are available governmental permits for that day. Permits are only needed for your start date.
Group Service Price: $750 USD Per Person
A group service means that other hikers are able to join you. Your group will have varying hiking and fitness abilities. Our Professional Tour Guides are experts on how to keep the group moving and happy no matter how fast you go.
Private Tour Service is also available and is priced by party size.
The Classic Inca Trail is one of the best treks in Peru , but it’s even better if you share this amazing experience privately amongst your friends or loved ones. This option is highly recommended for families with children or for people who don’t have much hiking experience because you can set your own pace without having to worry about waiting for the others or trying to keep up with them. Our private tours can start at any size, and we all will do our best to make this the most positively unforgettable experience of a lifetime.
- 2 Hikers: $850 per person
- 3 Hikers: $750 per person
- 4 Hikers: $700 per person
- 5 Hikers: $675 per person
- 6 Hikers: $650 per person
- 7 Hikers: $625 per person
- 8 or more Trekkers: $600 per person
Student discount: $20 per student. To aply to student discount you shoud follow the below govenment requirements
Students from 18 to 25 years old get discount of $20
Students from 12 to 17 years old, they get discount of $20.
Children from under 11 years all they get discount of $20.
The Ministry of Culture has changed its regulations regarding student discounts for entrances to Machu Picchu and Inca Trail permits. For anyone wishing to obtain a student discount, the following requirements must be met: (1.- Must be under 25 years of age 2.- Must have a valid institutional student card with A.- Photograph B.- Student´s full name C.- Expiry date in 2019 that includes the date of reservation and the date of visit to Machu Picchu). Please note ISIC cards or any alternative documents proving student status will not be accepted. Unfortunately, if you fail to meet any of the above criteria we will not be able to offer the student discount.
Some considerations
For example, if you book your trek at the age of 17 but, you turn 18 before you start your trek, you do not qualify for a student discount.
Please send all documents to info@inkatrailexplorer.com
Trek Info
Important Information
We know planning an adventure vacation is no small decision, so we’re here to make the process as easy as possible for you. We’ve been doing this for quite a while, so we’ve got the answers to everything you need to know!
Upon your arrival in Cusco City
You will be welcomed by one of our transfers at Cusco airport and then you will be transferred into your hotel. Find out your transfer in Cusco airport holding our Inka Trail Explorer logo. Please you should provide us your flight schedule before you leave home.
The briefing
Your guide will meet you in your hotel 1 or 2 days prior you start the 4 day Inca trail trek. your guide will explain everything concerning the Inca trail tours in detail. This includes the 4-days Inca trail schedule and a few tips on how to make the Inca trail easier. You also will receive a duffel bag which is meant to contain all of your personal belongings and it will be carried by our porters.
Do I need to hire an extra porter? and how much it cost?
The Inca trail is quite challenging and even more if you decide to carry all your belonging by yourself. In order to have fun and enjoy better this trip, we highly recommend you to hire an extra porter who can carry part of your hiking gear up to 8kl or 15lib. The night before the trek we will provide you a duffel bag where you can pack your sleeping bag, air mat and some extra clothes for the trip. The extra porter cost $70 per 4-days trek.
How big needs to be my daypack?
If you hired your extra porter, then you only need to bring a small daypack (25 to 30 Lts max). Big enough to pack you rain gear, snack, water, camera, fleece jacket and some small items that you might need for the day trek. Remember, you will have access to your duffel bag every day at the camping place and sometimes at the lunch place.
Can I leave my Suitcase in your storage?
Usually most of the hotels in Cusco city offers a free storage but, definitely you can leave your suitcase in our storage while you go on trek or tour, we offer a free storage.
How do I Pay my final Balance?
Your final balance should be paid in cash and it can be done in American dollars or in the local currency (Peruvian soles). We kindly request pay your final balance at least 24 hours prior you start the trek. You also can pay your balance via PayPal 10 days prior you start the trek. To pay your final balance via PayPal, you need to log into your PayPal account using our e-mail address – peruinkatrailtours@gmail.com
Can I cancel my trip or change my departure date?
As soon as you make your confirmation by paying your deposit we proceed to purchase the Inca trail permits, Machu Picchu tickets and train tickets. According the government regulations, the Inca trail and Machu Picchu permits or tickets cannot be canceled, changed of date or transferred into other traveler and unfortunately there is not a refund.
Do I need my Original passport when I travel into Peru?
Very important to bring the original passport with you. If you are a foreigner, you need a passport to enter Machu Picchu. Not just any passport. It has to be the passport you used to book your trip in Peru or buy your entry tickets to different attractions in Cusco – Peru.
If you renew your passport after you booked your trip in Peru, you must travel with both the old and the new passports. You also can send us via e-mail a copy of your new and old passports and we will be able to upgrade your new passport information.
How fit do I need to be to hike these trails?
As long as you enjoy hiking, you’ll love these trails – you’ll be hiking about eight miles a day, but there’s no rush, you can take it at your own pace. In fact, the slower the better I say, as that way you get plenty of time not only to enjoy your surroundings, but let your body acclimatize to the altitude as well.
We recommend doing plenty of exercise before you start the Inca trail tour, as the fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy your hike. We suggest you try to go for a short walks or running 2-3 times a week. If you have access to some walking trails that go over hills then go and explore, Hit the gym if you can’t do outdoor activities.
That said our trips are designed for regular active people, so you don’t need to be a triathlete or anything – though if you are you won’t be bored!
What if I need a special diet?
We cater all the food restrictions you might have; we work with responsable retaurants and cooks who will take care of you. You also can specify your particular requirements when you fill up our booking form.
- Vegan (no meat or animal products)
- Vegetarian (no meat products)
- Fishatarian (vegetarian, and eat fish)
- No red meat (eat chicken & fish)
- Gluten intolerant (no wheat, rye, barley or oats)
- Lactose intolerant (no dairy products)
Do you recommend buying travel insurance?
You should have full travel insurance cover – please be aware that some insurance companies require insurance to be purchased within 7 days of deposit payment. It is imperative for you to have medical cover and emergency repatriation and we strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that also includes trip cancellation and other travel mishaps (e.g. flight cancellations or delays, trip interruption, theft or loss of luggage and personal effects).
Upgrades
Inca Trail Tours – Upgrades
Optional Rentals
- Sleeping Bag $25 USD
- Walking Pole $8 USD each
- Inflatable Mattress $25 USD
- Single Tent Supplement $30 USD
Optional Upgrades
- Huayna Picchu: $70 USD per person
- Vistadome train (One-Way): $35 USD per person
Huayna Picchu Mountain
Huayna Picchu, is a stunning mountain that sits directly behind Machu Picchu, this is the infamous sugar-loaf mountain which sits at an elevation of 2,720m and 300m above the Machu Picchu Inca Citadel. For the 4 days inca trail hikers we highly remmend climb the Huayna Picchu Mt in the Second session from 10am to 11am.
There are some archaeological remains as the Moon Temple and other precincts that are interconnected with authentic trails, steps, tunnels and natural formatted caves which made the view more interesting, without any doubt, Huayna Picchu mountain can be the highlight of your trip to Machu Picchu.
The last stretch to get the summit is very steep, narrow, and in some parts, you are required to use your hands for balance. There are some stone ladders to climb up the cliff face along the way. if you have problems with the heights this may not be the hike for you. The summit itself is not flat but is instead rocky, therefore when the crowd picks up it can be a bit difficult to move around.
- Difficulty – Due to the complexity and gradient of the trail, the hike is rather challenging.
- Duration – The round trip can take between 1.5 to 2 hours in average.
- Elevation – The mountain’s summit sits at 2,693masl, while the climb itself is 353m.
Additional Free Tours
If you are traveling in Peru with your family or friends and there are 4 or more people in your group and by booking our inca trail tours you automatically get one of our additional tours for free. You may pick whichever one you like from the list below. Please note that we do not include the entrance fees for these, but we do include the transportation and a professional tour guide.
Do not worry single travelers! If you join us in our Inca trail tours, you will also get an special discounts on any of our additional tours.
- South Valley Tour
- Sacred Valley Tour
- Cusco City Tour
Packing List
Inca Trail Tours – Packing List
Essential Items
- Original Passport
- White Imigration card that you received on the plane as you entered Peru
- Green Isic Card, if you booked as student
- Hiking Poles with rubber tips
- Hiking boots with ankle support
- Head lamp
In your Duffle Bag
Remember you are packing for 3 nights of camping and porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air mattress.
- 3 wicking t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants
- 3 sets of undergarments
- 3 sets of hiking socks
- 1 Fleece jacket
- Warm, down jacket: this trek includes 2 cold nights of camping
- Quick-dry towel. We provide small ones.
- Battery Charger: There is no place to plug-in on the trek
- Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10°C at least
Toiletries
- Face moisturizer
- Hand-sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
In your Daypacks
Small daypacks are always recommended. Inside Machu Picchu, only bags no bigger than 25L will be allowed in. If it is larger, you will need to store it outside the citadel gate.
- Water: We supply clean water at each meal.
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Sunhat
- Woolhat
- Rain gear
- Fleece jacket
- Camera
- Hand-sanitizer
- First-aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
- Toilet paper and small plastic bags for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
Booking
Inca Trail – Booking
How to Book your Inca trail tour?
Before you make your booking of your Inca trail trek to Machu Picchu you have to fill up our booking form with all of your personal information.
We cannot start the booking process without the following information: Full Name, Passport Number, Nationality, D.O.B, Gender and Age, it has to be as the same as is written on passport
We require a deposit of USD $ 200 per person via PayPal + 6% of PayPal transaction in order to purchase all the entrance fee to Inca trail 4 days and train tickets. The deposit can be done via PAYPAL or Wester Union.