4 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

We’ll start early with hotel pickup in Cusco and a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll have time to pick up any last-minute gear. From there, the group continued to Piskacucho (known as Km 82), the official starting point of the Inca Trail.

The first stretch is a 3-hour hike to Patallaqta (9,022 ft / 2,750 m), an impressive Inca site overlooking the valley. After a short walk, we’ll stop for lunch at Tarayoc. In the afternoon, we begin a steady 2-hour climb through Andean landscapes, eventually reaching Huayllabamba village (9,842 ft / 3,000 m), where we set up our first campsite.

• Total distance: 7 miles (11 km)
• Estimated hiking time: ~6 hours
• Starting elevation: 8,530 ft (2,600 m) at Piskacucho
• Campsite elevation: 9,842 ft (3,000 m) at Huayllabamba

After a hearty breakfast, we begin the most challenging yet rewarding day of the Classic Inca Trail. The morning starts with a steady ascent lasting about 5 hours, taking us up to Warmiwañusca Pass, or “Dead Woman’s Pass,” at 13,828 ft (4,215 m) — the highest point of the trek. Here you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Andean peaks, a perfect spot for photos and a well-deserved break.

From the pass, we descend for about 1.5 hours into the valley until we reach Paqaymayu campsite (11,811 ft / 3,600 m). After a full day of hiking, you’ll enjoy a warm dinner and a restful night surrounded by the serenity of the mountains.

• Total distance: 5.5 miles (9 km)
• Estimated hiking time: ~7 hours
• Highest point: Warmiwañusca Pass at 13,828 ft (4,215 m)
• Campsite elevation: 11,811 ft (3,600 m)

After breakfast, the trail leads us on a one-hour climb to the Runkuraqay ruins, followed by another hour to reach Runkuraqay Pass at 12,336 ft (3,760 m). From here, we descend about an hour to visit Sayaqmarka, an impressive archaeological site perched on a cliff with spectacular views.

A short 30-minute walk brings us to Chaquiqocha campsite (11,482 ft / 3,500 m), where we’ll stop for lunch. In the afternoon, we continue hiking about 1.5 hours to Phuyupatamarka, “the place above the clouds” (11,975 ft / 3,650 m), home to terraced ruins and ritual baths near the third mountain pass.

Finally, the trail descends about 3 hours through stone stairways and lush vegetation until reaching Wiñay Wayna (8,694 ft / 2,650 m), one of the most remarkable Inca sites on the route. Surrounded by orchids and waterfalls, this is where we’ll spend our last night on the trail.

• Total distance: 10 miles (16 km)
• Estimated hiking time: ~7 hours
• Campsite elevation: 8,694 ft (2,650 m) at Wiñay Wayna

On the final morning, the group rises early for breakfast before starting the last stretch of the Inca Trail. After a 2-hour hike, we reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku, 7,874 ft / 2,400 m)—the dramatic first viewpoint of Machu Picchu. From here, a short descent brings us to the entrance of the citadel, where we’ll register and begin a 2.5-hour guided tour.

Explore the temples, terraces, and hidden corners of this Incan masterpiece as your guide reveals its history and mysteries. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore on your own or, for those seeking extra adventure, optional hikes are available:

• Huayna Picchu Mountain (8,858 ft / 2,700 m) – ~2 hours round trip
• Machu Picchu Mountain (10,335 ft / 3,150 m) – ~3 hours round trip

By midday, we take the shuttle down to Aguas Calientes (6,693 ft / 2,040 m), where you’ll have time to relax before boarding the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, a private transfer returns you to Cusco, arriving around 9:00 p.m.

• Total distance: 3.7 miles (6 km)
• Estimated hiking time: ~2.5 hours