Starting the 4 Inca Trail Trek: We pick you up from your hotel and transport you by bus to the trailhead at km 82. There a briefing takes place at 2,350 metres. them we pass a checkpoint and hike along the Urubamba river visiting the collection of archeological sites of Wilkarakay and the marvelous Inca ruins of Patallacta. We later continue up the Cusichaka River Canyon offering some magnificent views of the Cordillera Oriental, particularly, Veronica Mountain (5,850 m). We have lunch in Chamana, to continue afterwards following the trail and the Cusichaka river observing several Inca agricultural terraces and irrigation channels. Then, we visit the picturesque village of Huayllabamba. From this point, we start ascending while appreciating different eco-systems along the way. In Ayapata, we set up the first campsite (3,700 m) and have afternoon tea and finally dinner before we go to sleep.

Estimated trekking time: 7 hours
Trekking distance: 14 km
Max. elevation: 3,250 m
Min. elevation: 2,600 m
Difficulty: Moderate

After wake-up and breakfast, we start hiking up the trail toward the first pass Warmiwañusca (4,200 m) passing through the cloud forest of Yunkachimpa and Corralpunku enjoying excellent views of snowcapped peaks. From the pass, we descend to the Pacasmayo Valley (3,300 m) to have lunch there. We continue hiking through the valley to reach the Inca ruins of Runkuracay where we have another guided visit. Afterwards, we climb up to get over the second pass (3,860 m) and follow the "Royal Inca Highway" down to see the Inca site of Sayacmarca. Then, we pass the Yanacocha lake and camp in Chaquicocha.

Estimated trekking time: 8 - 10 hours
Trekking distance: 16 km
Max. elevation: 4,200 m
Min. elevation: 3,300 m
Difficulty: Strenuous

We start climbing up the trail and pass through beautiful subtropical vegetation on the route to the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca. There we have lunch at an altitude of 3,600 metres to later steeply descent through a cloud forest having opportunities to see stunning orchids and different varieties of birds before we reach the wonderful Inca remains of Wiñay wayna (2,700 m) where our guide shows us around. We spend the third night near the ruins.

Estimated trekking time: 5 hours
Trekking distance: 10 km
Max. elevation: 3,680 m
Min. elevation: 2,700 m
Difficulty: Easy

In the early morning, we begin our hike to Machu Picchu, overlooking the Urubamba River on the way to the Sun Gate or Inti Punku for a sunrise view of Machu Picchu. We enter the site early in the morning for the best photo opportunities and then spend the rest of the morning visiting the Inca citadel via the Circuit 3 of Machu Picchu and exploring the lower part of the citadel. Once the guided tour is finished, we descend by tourist bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch, a town located below the Inca citadel. In the afternoon, we return to Cusco by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, and then continue by private vehicle to Cusco

Inca Trail 4 Days to Machu Picchu:

Included in the Inca Trail 4 Days is a circuit 3 of Machu Picchu ticket. This ticket allows you to explore the lower part of the Inca citadel. According to the new regulations, you can stay for only 2 hours and 30 minutes, and this Inca Trail ticket does not have an exact entry time.

Machu Picchu 2 Circuits:

If you want to explore the entire Inca citadel, we recommend getting the additional Machu Picchu Circuit 2 ticket. With this ticket, you can have a traditional guided tour of the Inca citadel. If you want to get this ticket, please let us know. The extra cost is $62.

Huayna Picchu or Mount Machu Picchu:

For a more comprehensive experience visiting Machu Picchu, we recommend getting the Huayna Picchu or Mount Machu Picchu ticket. These tickets cover different circuits, and you can only get one ticket per visit. If you want to visit both mountains, we recommend staying an extra day to explore these circuits. The extra cost for each ticket is $80.

Huayna Picchu is located on a high mountain overlooking the citadel, offering a different perspective of the Inca citadel.

Mount Machu Picchu is an alternative to Huayna Picchu. From this mountain, you can view Huayna Picchu, Putucusi mountain, and the winding Vilcanota river.

Pre-Departure Briefing
Our guide will be meeting in your hotel for an orientation talk prior to the trek. You are provided there with a duffle bag too.

Transport

We picked up from your hotel/Airbnb in the morning and transferred by private vehicle to Km 82 (head trail of the 4 Day Inca Trail).

On the last day of the Inca Trail 4 days, you take a train to Ollantaytambo. There, our driver picks you up taking you to your hotel in Cusco.

Experienced Tour Guides
We keep our groups as small as 2-8 participants. Every group gets a tour guide, who is English speaking, with a university background, and is officially licensed. Your guide explains to you the culture and surroundings along the entire route. He/She keeps you safe following the government health and safety protocols, so you can enjoy the trekking without any worries and just focus on the beauty of the trail!

Super Porters
A personal Super Porter is included in the tour and is responsible for carrying a duffel bag filled with your personal belongings (up to 7 kg/11 lbs). There is no additional fee for this. There are also other super porters to carry all the camping equipment and tents.

Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Ticket
In the Inca Trail 4 Days, there are Inca Trail Permits and entrance fee to Machu Picchu citadel already included. 

Eureka Double Personal Tents:
2 people occupy each 4-person tent which allows higher comfort and luggage security. Our tents are of 4 seasons and are always disinfected and highly maintained to ensure excellent performance during the treks. They are of the brand Eureka Mountain.

Camping Equipment for the Hike
All camping equipment during the Inca Trail. Dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs, a toilet tent, and all cooking equipment (carried by porters) are included.

Air Sleeping Roll Mattress
We use air mattresses of the top-quality brand Therm-a-Rest.

Sleeping Bag
All our sleeping bags are of feathers and suitable for up to -16°C! It means you do not need to worry about cold as the temperature at night does not fall below 0°C!

A Duffel Bag for 2 Persons (7 kg per person)
You receive a duffel bag at your briefing (1-2 days prior to the trek) to fill your things in. These bags are carried by our porters during the Inca Trail. But you receive them at each campsite. Every duffel has a maximum weight of 7kg! 5kg of it should be for your personal belongings and the other 2kg are meant for your sleeping bag and pad.

Please note: You do not have access to your duffel bag until you arrive at the evening campsite!

Trekking chef during the hike to Inca Trail
A trekking chef specialized in cooking on the trail along with his/her Assistant prepare all of your delicious meals along the track to replenish your energy. You never go hungry!

Meals
3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, snacks, and 3x afternoon tea. A vegetarian, vegan, or special diet is available at NO extra cost! Every afternoon before dinner, the trekking chef will provide popcorn, biscuits, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you do not have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up, and enjoy a bite!

Wake-Up Coca Leaf Herbal Tea
Every morning at the campsite, you are wakened up with a cup of coca leaf herbal tea! Our staff brings the tea to your tent so that you can warm up from inside before you start the day. The herbal tea helps to breathe in this high mountain altitude of the Andes.

Water During the Hike
Beginning from your first lunch until your last breakfast, Inca Trail Machu will supply all the water needed. This water will be boiled, and then cooled, before distributing. You must supply your own water bottles or camel back. We recommend carrying about 3 Liters worth. We will refill our waters at each meal.

Tourist Train Ticket
From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, there are two railway companies (Inca Rail and PeruRail), in the Inca Trail 4 days is included the train ticket to Ollantaytambo

Machu Picchu Bus Ticket
A shuttle bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes Town.

Hiking Sticks or Hiking Poles
On the trailhead, our porters provide you with a pair of hiking sticks for your use during the trek.

A Blanket per Person
We provide you a thermal blanket to warm you up every night!

Air Pillow
At every campsite, you find inside your tent your sleeping bag and inflatable pillow.

Rain Ponchos
Usually, it is raining on the Inca Trail. Our porters provide a rain-poncho in case you need it.

A Hot-Water Bottle
A hot-water bottle is a rubber container that you fill with hot water and put in a sleeping bag to keep it warm.

A Machu Picchu T-shirt of the
It is a special t-shirt to remember your experience and survival of the hike.

Medical Kit & Oxygen Bottle
Our crew brings a first-aid kit and an oxygen bottle to be ready in case of an emergency.

Native Tree Planting Project

Inca Trail Machu is a responsible travel company and tour operator. Every trek and tour includes a project to plant native trees in communities throughout Cusco, Peru. More information, click on Responsible Travel

During the Inca Trail Tours, our staff will provided the following:

• Personal wash clothes;
• Our staff will provided the Biodegradable soap;
• Every morning our cook will provide the hot water for personal cleaning;
• Small towels for your clean your hands

• Last lunch in Machupicchu Town;
• Travel insurance;
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu (USD 80);
• Tips to local staff (please note that although it is not obligatory, it is a custom to give tips in Peru);
• Local flights: No local flights are included in the trek´s price!

Solo Traveler: Please note that if you have booked the "Solo Traveler" option for this trek, you receive your own single tent for all nights.

Inca Trail Machu Guides

All Inca Trail Machu travel groups are accompanied by an Inca Trail Machu tour guide, a representative, or our staff. The aim of our tour guides is to take the hassle out of traditional trips and ensure you have the best experience possible. The tour guides provide information on the places visited, offer suggestions on what to see and do, recommend good places to eat, and introduce you to their colleagues. They have broad general knowledge of each country visited during a tour, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. We also work with local tour guides on tours where more specific knowledge could enhance the enjoyment of the visited places.

Meeting with Your Guide

Our guide will visit your hotel 1 or 2 days before the trek. It is very important that you check your email or WhatsApp, as our staff will contact you to coordinate your meeting with your guide and a Inca Trail Machu representative.

All briefings are done at your hotel according to your schedule with our operations manager. Briefings are approximately 30-45 minutes long. This is where you will receive your duffel bags.

Trekking Chef and Porters on the Inca Trail 4 Days

Our trekking chefs receive training in food handling and cooking with natural products. Every year, our trekking chefs have a meeting where they share their experiences cooking on the Inca Trail. They also receive training in emergency health and first aid. Our chefs are prepared to make the best food on the Inca Trail, ensuring you have a great culinary experience.

Super Porters receive annual training in first aid and customer support. In case of an emergency, our trekking staff is prepared to help you. Trust them for your hike on the Inca Trail, and they will provide you with excellent service.

More information about the Trekking chef and porters

Inca Trail Machu Tour operator will provide the double tent. Our tents are of the brand TIMBERLINE 4XTE SQ OUTFILTTER and EUREKA MOUNTAIN PASS 3XTE designated for 4 seasons. We provide 4 person capacity tents; however, just 2 trek participants use them! In this way, we provide you with more space and comfort. In case of a single traveler, we provide a 2 person capacity tent. After each trek, we carefully check our tents and fix them if necessary. 

Doble Tents on the Inca Trail

Single Tents on the Inca Trail

Sleep equipment on the Inca Trail

Inca Trail Machu will provide a clean sleeping bag, Inflatable pillow and blanket for 4-Day Inca Trail Trek. Our porters will leave inside your tent. Once arrived to the camping, you will find inside your all camping equipment.

INCA TRAIL MACHU  is one of the only companies to pick you up directly from your hotel. Pick-up times may vary 30 - 45 minutes based on traffic conditions and previous pick-ups.

If your hotel is outside Cusco City centre, we can arrange a pick-up depending on where your hotel is located. Your guide will inform you about the pick-up time during the briefing.

Please check the below table to find a starting point & pick-up place:

The Most Important:

• Original Passport!!!
• ISIC card (if you booked as a student).

Suggested Items:

• Daypack (12-litre capacity);
• High-quality trekking shoes (comfortable and useable for every terrain);
• Rain jacket/rain poncho;
• Waterproof gear is highly recommended, especially in the rainy season;
• Hat or cap; 
• Cash in soles (local currency);
• Warm clothes such as a jacket, sweater, or fleece;
• 3x T-shirt;
• 2x hiking pants;
• 1x sports shorts,
• 1x a pair of gloves (you can buy cheap and warm alpaca gloves in Cusco);
• Sandals (when in a campsite);
• Water bottle (2 or 3 litres);
• Extra battery (You will connect only with the natural and you)
• Camera or smartphone with a good camera (remember, it is the first time on the 4 day Inca Trail and the landscapes is astonishing!);
• Large plastic bag (you can protect your clothes like this);
• Toilet paper;
• Paper issues;
• Sunscreen to avoid ultraviolet rays;
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream;
• Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET (for the last day);
• Small towel;
• Swimsuit (if you like to visit the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes);
• Coca natural leaf tea;
• Snacks such as chocolate, biscuits, energy bars, raw fruits, and others.

The best time to hike the Inca Trail 4 days to Machu Picchu is generally from April to October.

Even though it can't rain all year round, the probability of rain is the lowest at around 20% during this period and the temperatures are the highest.

The rainy season runs from November to March, during which temperatures are slightly lower than in the other months.

Nevertheless, the average daily temperatures range from 18 to 22 degrees all year round.

January and February are the two months with the most precipitation.

The probability of rain can rise to 90% during this period and rain can be expected almost every day.

"All Inca Trail treks are closed in February for maintenance"

Here is everything you need to know about the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, one of our most impressive routes.

Where Is the Inca Trail Located?

The Inca Trail is situated in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, between Cusco (the capital of the ancient Inca Empire) and the citadel of Machu Picchu. The alternation of mountains and valleys along the walk offers incredible and diversified landscapes.

Inca Trail 4 Days Altitudes 

During the 4 day hike to Machu Picchu, there are the following altitudes:

• "Llulluchapampa" at 3,850 m.a.s.l.
• "Chaquicocha" at 4,200 m.a.s.l.
• "Wiñay Wayna" at 3,670 m.a.s.l.
• "Machu Picchu" at 2,700 m.a.s.l.

How Long Is the Inca Trail 4 days 3 nights and How Many Hours a Day Do We Hike?

The 4 day hike Machu Picchu measures 43 kilometers or 26.12 miles. There are camping sites assigned by the Ministry of Culture that are between 10 and 13 kilometers away from each other, so the daily hiking time can vary between 5 to 8 hours per day for the first three days and approximately 2 hours for the last day. The hours of daily hiking and the distance covered may vary according to the physical condition of each participant.

What Does "Machu Picchu" Mean?

"Machu Picchu" means 'Old Mountain' in the indigenous Quechua language. "Machu Picchu", the Lost City of the Incas, is an unprecedented historical, natural and architectural complex, a tourist destination that has earned the category "A Must-See".

What Is the Weather on the Inca Trail?

Mid-December - early March: This is the peak of the rainy season, so it is better to not climb it at this time.

Daily average temperature: 18-19°C

Night average temperature: 7-8°C

Mid-March - May: It is the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the dry season, so it is partly cloudy and it rains a little bit sometimes. It is ok to hike the Inca Trail 4 days.

Daily average temperature: 19°C
Night average temperature: 8-4°C

June - September: This is the dry season and so the best months to trek!
Daily average temperature: 19-20°C
Night average temperature: 0-6°C

October - mid-December: It is the beginning of the rainy season, it rains sometimes, but it is still possible to hike the Classic Inca Trail.
Daily average temperature: 19-20°C
Night average temperature: 5-7°C

How Difficult Is the Inca Trail 4 Days?

The Inca Trail is considered an intermediate difficulty level trek. Since it does not include rock climbing or hiking on snow, a previous experience is not required. The most difficult part comes the second day when a number of steps are climbed and moreover, the start point lies at 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) while the highest climbing point is at 4,200 meters (13,123 feet). There also is only a small space to climb; however, the hike becomes later easier as the road continues downhill. Keep in mind that you will carry your personal items, which may include clothing, camera, water, and others which may add difficulty to the trek because of the weight. 

Is It Possible to Do the Inca Trail on My Own?

If you are an experienced trekker, you may want to go hiking on the Classic Inca Trail on your own, without a tour operator, without a guide, without a porter, just you and the way. However, that is NOT possible!

The Peruvian government regulations do not allow it! It has been prohibited since 2001! The regulations state that each hiker must be accompanied by a qualified professional guide. The UGM (Management Unit of Machu Picchu) is the regulatory entity that controls tour companies to fulfill certain requirements to operate this route and they need to obtain a license to be allowed to do so. A licence must be renewed annually. The list of all authorized guides and agencies is published on the official website: www.machupicchu.gob.pe.

Is It Possible to hike to Huayna Picchu mountain?

Yes, it is possible to add in your 4 day hike to Machu Picchu the Huayna Picchu tickets. Usually you will be arriving at Inca citadel at 08:00 am. After the guided tour, you can climb up to the mountain.

FIRSTLY, contact by WhatsApp +51 997434941 or email to info@incatrailmachu.com. Our staff will reply ASAP. You can check the availability or confirm your book it.

SECONDLY, Once decided your hike to Machu Picchu. Click on the button BOOK NOW! Please complete the form so that we will be able to make your bookings.

To obtain your permits, we will require your full name, passport number, nationality, date of birthday. Once you arrive at the trailhead of the Inca Trail, our guide will present your original passport and permits in the control of the Ministry of Culture.  In case you will send wrong information, you should pay extra for a new permit.

THIRDLY, we require a deposit of 50% of the total amount. This payment is used for your Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu Tickets. Once sent your information, our sales department will send an email with the link payment.

LASTLY, Once paid, You completed your booking! Great!!

We recommend preparing for your Machu Picchu hike. Everyday you can make the exercises cardio or you can walk 10 or 20 min approx. It is very important that you are in good health.

DON'T SCARED, The Inca Trail is not a difficult trail, but we recommend to be prepared.

During the hike you will view the most scenic trail and Sacred Valley of the Incas and it will be worth it to have done it with Inca Trail Machu Tour Operator

DON´T FORGET, In the 4 day hike to Machu Picchu, you don't need to bring the camping equipment, only we recommend to bring the suitable clothing for your hike.

The others Inca Trail Treks

Inca Trail Machu offers other Inca Trail routes to Machu Picchu. You can choose the best option to trek for you. Contact us, if you want more information:

• Short Inca Trail: This trail is part of the 4 day Inca Trail, if you don´t have a long to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to choose the Short Inca Trail
• Inca Trail Challenge: Inca Trail Machu offer the best option for your life, this trail is the classic Inca Trail, but in the short time to hike. The name is Machu Picchu hike 3 days. Accept this challenge trail
• Inca Trail Backpacking: If you want the best price for the Inca Trail tour, choose the Cheap Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu Tour. Usually the all tour operator offer this service, but the price is more. We offers the best service for the trail.

Inca Trail Machu is a tour operator and our trips are departure 100% guaranteed and has 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor. At Inca Trail Machu, we are creating the best experience for all of our trekkers and that is to be remembered for a lifetime.

Check our Inca Trail tripadvisor reviews below

Experience of a lifetime -- Thank you, Gary!!!

4-Day Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu

Josh P wrote a review Mar 2024: "We had the most incredible experience with Inca Trail Machu. The coordination and communication from start to finish was excellent, and the transportation from Cusco was seamless. Our guide, Herbert, was hilarious, kind and very knowledgeable. He shared with us his deep understanding of the trail, the Andean people that built it, and the Incan Empire throughout our trek. The food, breakfast, lunch and dinner, cooked by Leon and his team was incredible! Lastly, the team of porters that supported our trip were amazing - making sure everything was setup perfectly for our arrival at each campsite. Their kindness and hospitality really added to our experience on the trail."

Great way to experience the Inca Trail

4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu

Christine M wrote a review Mar 2022: "Our guide Efrain was great and easy-going. He shared some wonderful insights into the spiritual aspects of Machu Picchu and let us see this beautiful place with great insights into the historical and current Incan Culture. Plus the view from the sun gate of Machu Pichu were incredible!

The rest of the team, Mauro and Francisco, took great care of us.

One comment is that the trip description on the website is a little misleading - if you chose the 2 day trek you don't actually camp on the trail but go down to the town of Aguas Caliente to camp, I'd recommend just doing the hotel option."

Experience of a lifetime

4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu

Lars H wrote a review Mar 2022: "We took the 4 day inca trail, and it was experience to never forget. Efrain was our guide and he had a lot of knowledge about the nature in the mountains and the high jungle. He also had a lot of knowledge about the inca sights, and the Quechua culture, which was really interesting. The food was also really good, the cook, Andres, made super delicious and nutritious meals, and he even made artwork of the food in the form of a humming bird and a duck. And he achieved all this in the middle of the mountains and the jungle while cooking in a tent! Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail was an experience to never forget!."

4 Day Inca Trail

4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu

Tom wrote a review Mar 2022: "Reaching dead woman's pass, and exploring Wiñaywayna during the trip were some of my favourites. Our guide, Efrain, cooks Andres and Mauro, and porters Miguel, Francisco, Nicholas, Carlos and Leoncio were very helpful and funny, making for a really nice atmosphere during at the campsite."

Interesting Information

• Snowy Mountain
• Golden Cradle tour
• Lares Trek to the lost citadel
• Inca Quarry excursion

Inca Trail Machu Porters

Inca Trail Machu DOES NOT permit any exploitation of Porters! We guarantee that our porters carry only an amount given by the Peruvian law!! We provide them with adequate meals, backpacks and warm dry sleeping accommodation. Please check this during our tours!