Four Day Inca Trail Detailed

You will be picked up from your hotel and will take a two-hour drive through the scenic Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo, where you can enjoy an optional breakfast.

Once in Ollantaytambo, you will pick up equipment and food as well as meet the rest of the trek team. Afterwards, you will continue on to Piscacucho (km 82) by bus where the trail starts.

Once you cross the Piscacucho Bridge over the Urubamba River, you will start the trek. You will walk on flat terrain along the shore of the river, until you take a break at the small community of Miskay. Continuing on a steeper path towards a high plateau, your efforts will be rewarded by the spectacular view of the Inca ruins of Patallacta.

Patallacta, "Village in the Heights" is an archaeological complex situated at the foot of a mountain on the left bank of the river Cusicancha, tributary of the river Urubamba. There are many terraced fields here that probably served to feed other settlements and tambos (travelers’ rest stations) along the Inca Trail. The urban sector has more than a hundred structures, as well as an Inca altar, the "Pulpituyoc".

After your lunch you will continue the trek for another two hours, until you reach the first campsite of Wayllabamba. This highlight of the day includes the breathtaking view of the Vilcanota ridge on the other side of the Urumbamba River and the snow-covered Mount Veronica.

• Hike Distance: 12km (7.5 miles)
• Minimum altitude: 2700 meters
• Maximum altitude: 3000 meters
• Approximate time: five to six hours
• Gradient: Moderate

The second day is the most rigorous and highest part of the Inca Trail. The walk is arduous, with a long steep climb to the high Abra de Warmiwañusca known as “Dead Woman's Pass” at 4,200 meters (16,000 feet approximately).

When starting you can see the trail ahead of you, zigzagging up the mountain. On the trail you will be able to appreciate the change in the surroundings as you pass from the moderate temperatures of the valleys to the arid and cold high plains. As this is by far the most challenging part of the trails, it is encouraged that you take your time.

Right before the pass in a small plain there is a campsite called “Llulluchapampa”, bordered by two streams of crystal clear water. There is a public bathroom here, and this is also a great resting place before the last stretch over the pass at Warmiwañusca. The pass is cold and very windy. Beyond the pass we descend a winding path of steps that crosses a natural valley to our next campsite.

Keep your eyes open, as there are varieties of birds, like sparrows and humming birds, as well as the Andean Bear that can be seen. Known as the Spectacled Bear for its golden circular fur around its eyes, this solitary creature calls the Andean cloud forest home.

The day finishes at the Pacaymayo Valley campsite. Here you will have dinner and take a well-deserved rest after a strenuous day on the trail.

• Hike Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
• Minimum altitude: 3000 meters
• Maximum altitude: 4200 meters
• Approximate time: 6 to 7 hours
• Gradient: Challenging

After breakfast, you will start a trek along an impressive and archeologically-rich path. A steep hike will lead you to the Runkurakay Pass. Halfway along the trail, you will encounter the ruins of Runkurakay, an Inca tambo, or lodge, of semi-circular design with a view of the valley of Pacaymayo “Hidden River” below.

Another steep climb up Incan steps leads to the next pass, which offers spectacular views of the mountain ranges of Vilcabamba and Pumasillo. You will continue on to the lakes of Yanacocha and Sayacmarca.

Aptly dubbed the "Inaccessible Town", Sayacmarca is an interesting set of ruins located on a cliff with a panoramic view of the Aobamba valley and the snow-covered peak of Pumasillo. This construction comprises a labyrinth of very narrow corridors, some with exits and others without. The only access to the ruins is by a steep, but solid, stone staircase carved into the side of the mountain. The abyss on one side is carpeted with exotic plants such as orchids and lichens.

Continuing on, you pass Conchamarca, a small, flat recently-discovered archaeological complex. Then the trail ascends again and you come to a tunnel 20 meters long and with steps carved out of the rock.

Continuing our ascent we reach the third and final mountain pass of the trek at Abra de Phuyupatamarca. Afterwards, the trail is downhill leading to the archeological site of Phuyupatamarca, "The Town in the Clouds". This is undoubtedly one of the most unique towns on the Inca Trail. It is almost always covered in the mist rising from the cloud forest and is located on the side of a ravine looking down into the Urubamba Valley. The site is surrounded by terraced fields and offers beautiful landscape views of the Urubamba Valley as well as the adjacent snow peaks.

As the day ends, you will head towards the ruins of Wiñaywayna or “Forever Young”, where you will camp for your final night. The ruins consist of Incan agricultural terraces and are believed to have been a center where water was worshipped. Flower enthusiasts will be pleased to see the area’s fabulous pink orchids.

The campsite on the final night has a simple restaurant and hot showers. Cold beers and a party in the evening are the norm, allowing you to say good bye to your cook and porters who will leave early the next morning on the train to Cusco. Try not to party too much as you must wake at 4am the next morning to get to Machu Picchu for the spectacular sunrise. Remember it is customary to make a tip pool, which will then be distributed to the team (guide, cook and porters). A good tip amount ranges $10-$40 per hiker. Remember that these tips are voluntary, so feel free to tip according to the service you have received.

• Hike Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles)
• Minimum altitude: 2700 meters
• Maximum altitude: 3950 meters
• Approximate time: 8 to 9 hours
• Gradient: Moderate

After an early start with breakfast at 4:30am, you will be on the final leg of the trail by 5am in order to reach Inti Punko, the “Sun Gate” entrance to Machu Picchu by 6am.

The short hour walk will take you up through a narrow trail. As you reach the Sun Gate, just before sunrise, the morning fog will clear and Machu Picchu will be lit with sunlight. The view is awe-inspiring and you can only imagine what the Incas must have felt after their grueling journey to this sprawling temple.

From here you will descend to the citadel for a two hour guided tour. You will be able to appreciate the intricate stonework carved into the fantastic Andean scenery. The giant mortarless stones were hauled by hand to the top of the mountain centuries ago, and yet their foundations still remain. You will have the chance to explore the three zones of this centuries-old city: the urban, agricultural, and adjacent zones. The Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, and the Principal Bath are only a few of the impressive sights that you will see.

After your tour, you have the option to explore more of the site and capture some final photos. Some take advantage of Machu Picchu’s spiritual setting to meditate and whisper a thank you to Pachamama, the Inca’s Mother Nature, for the incredible experience of trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. But if the trek through the Inca Trail got you yearning for more, you can take a 90 minute climb up the lush peak of Huayna Picchu.

An additional trek to Huayna Picchu, or the Temple of the Moon, is included in your Machu Picchu entrance ticket and lasts about four hours. The extra trek is not for the faint of heart and must be done with extreme caution. But the opportunity to see Machu Picchu from another angle often beckons the more adventurous visitor. Numbers are limited to 400 visitors per day. See our FAQs below for information.

In the afternoon, you will take a comfortable train back to Cusco. You also have the option to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu – see information on Machu Picchu Hotels.

See our Machu Picchu Guide for more information on what see and do, as well as Machu Picchu Restaurants that we recommend for tasty dining.

• Hike Distance: 3km (1.9 miles)
• Minimum altitude: 2400 meters
• Maximum altitude: 2700 meters
• Approximate time: About 1 hour of hiking
• Gradient: moderate

** Detailed Information about the Inca Trail
** Our Fully Customizable Cuzco Tours

By taking the trek with Peru For Less you are guaranteed the best in customer service from a Peru-based service team.

With the four day tour you will receive:

• Private transport from your Cusco hotel to the start of the trek
• Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
• Return train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco
• Transfer from Cusco train station back to your Cusco hotel

• We use four-season, four-person Eureka tents with two entrances. For comfort, only two people per tent
• 2 foam mattresses, a table, and seat for each tent
• Food and drink utensils
• Dinner tent and Kitchen Tent for the group
• First aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle

• Professional, knowledgeable bilingual guide
• A cook to prepare your meals
• Porters to carry provided equipment and food (additional porters are available for rent to carry your personal belongings)

• High quality meals to provide the necessary energy for this challenging trek
• In addition to three meals daily, you will be given revitalizing snacks
• Hot drinks such as Tea and Coffee as well as enough water for your canteens (taken from local streams and boiled while on the trek)
• A one day entrance ticket to Machu Picchu

• A hat, sunglasses and sun block to protect you from the strong sun
• Insect repellant
• Sleeping bag – can be rented in Cusco
• Hiking backpack – can be rented in Cusco
• A canteen or similar container, as disposable plastic water bottles are prohibited
• Comfortable hiking shoes / boots
• Enough clothes for four days (see FAQs below for more detail)
• A small flashlight for the early mornings and late night toilet trips
• Your camera with extra memory and batteries!

• Chocolates and candy. Sugar boosts are great for keeping you going
• Coca leaves and tea for relieving altitude sickness – can be purchased in Cusco
• Wooden walking sticks to help you climb the trail. Trekking poles with metal tips are not permitted as they can ruin the trail

Here you will find the answers to the questions our travelers most frequently ask. If you do not find the answer to your specific question, please contact one of our Travel Advisors directly.

Trekkers of all ages complete the trek every day but we recommend that trekkers have good physical health and a taste for adventure. The level of enjoyment that clients get out of these treks depends on numerous factors, such as the amount of time you have had to properly acclimatize to high altitude before departing; your age; your general fitness level; and your previous trekking experience.

Trekkers should be prepared for about 39 km (25 miles) total walking over four days, with about seven hours of walking a day including camping. If you are in any doubt of your ability to complete the two day Inca Trail do not hesitate to consult your travel advisor, who will be more than happy to advise you on the details of difficulty required.

We recommend that you make a reservation for the Inca Trail as far in advance as possible. From trips from October to March, we suggest booking six weeks in advance and from May to September, eight weeks. In the high-season (July to August) we advise a minimum of eight to ten weeks. Government restrictions designed to protect the route limits the number of trekkers to 500 per day, including guides, porters and cooks.

If the trail is fully booked there are many alternative Inca trails that follow other Inca roads systems which can include an optional visit to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes.

Yes, the documents which you used to book the trail will be requested at the entrance to the Inca Trail. Reservations can be made with personal IDs such as passports (preferred) and drivers’ licenses. A $12 fee will be charged at the entrance if you change your passport number before entering, this applies if you have renewed your passport since booking.

The water is collected from local streams and is boiled throughout the trip. You can also buy water purification tablets. Another option would be to buy mineral water for the Inca Trail in Cusco and bring it with you (but that will add kilos to your luggage) or buy mineral water on the Inca Trail that will be a little more expensive, but may be worth the extra cents.

No, there is no toilet tent, but at all campsites there are public toilets that you can use. All campsites have cold shower with only the last campsite at Wiñaywayna having warm showers for a small additional cost.

For the Inca Trail you should only take the items you are willing to carry during the hike. Other belongings can be left in storage in your hotel in Cusco. The porters will carry provided equipment, such as the tent, while you are responsible for your sleep bag, clothing and other personal items. You are able to rent a personal porter to carry your belongings up to the weight of 15kg.

The maximum number of people in a group on the Inca Trail is 16. There is one guide for every 8 people and 1 cook. Each person can have a personal porter. The majority of the people on the trail are not trekkers, but the support teams of guides, porters and cooks.

Again, it depends on the number of people that are going to be on the Inca Trail and it is also very hard to estimate the proper tip that you could give. On the last night of your trek, there is a tipping custom: all the hikers put their tips together and give them to the guide. The guide will then distribute that money between all the Inca Trail personnel. We advise anything from $10 to $40 per hiker but you should only tip according to the level of service you believe you have received.

You are able to leave the majority of your personal belongings in storage at your Cusco hotel, so you only need to carry what you need for the trail. If you only have a suitcase you can rent a backpack for the trail.

List of recommended Inca Trail clothing items:

• Head: a hat to protect you from the sun, a knitted hat for the cold nights and mornings, sunglasses, sun block, lip cream (Chap Stick).
• Upper Body: 3-4 T-shirts (1 for hiking, 1 for sleeping, 1 for emergency), 1 good warm all terrain sweater/jacket for cold moments, 1 thick sweater for sleeping, insect repellant, gloves/mittens for your hands.
• Lower Body: 1 pair of hiking pants (old comfortable jeans are fine, the lighter the better, 1 pair of shorts (not necessary, but comfortable), 1 pair of sweat pants for sleeping, socks (important, 4 pairs of socks, always try to keep dry, clean socks for sleeping), band-aids (or specialist blister aids) for your feet (better safe than sorry), comfortable sneakers or hiking boots.

• A feathered type costing $20.00 for the duration of the tour.
• A synthetic type costing $15.00 for the duration of the tour.

There are two types of backpacks available for rent, a 35 liter and a 40 liter available for $4.00 per day.

You can also rent a personal porter for the duration of the trek for $180 to carry your bag up to the weight of 15kg.

Rentals can be arranged by your travel advisor. Other equipment you might want to rent such as boots, flashlights and coats can be arranged in Cusco.

Yes it's possible: you can follow the same road as the bus and it will take you about 40 minutes to go down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.

Only 400 people a day are allowed on the short trail, with access from inside Machu Picchu itself. From 7am to 9am 200 people can enter and then another 200 at 10am. Entrance is on a first come first serve basis.

Yes. It is best to get money you want from Cusco and you'll find them around Plaza de Armas inside some stores & shops. ATMs are widely available in Peru and most hotels and restaurants accept payment by credit card as long as you can also show your passport ID.

Each tour is accompanied by a chef who will prepare all your meals for you. The food is hearty, plentiful and filling, to keep you energized for the journey. Please notify us if you have any special requirements. Below find an example menu for the trek:

• Breakfast: Fruit salad, bread, yogurt and hot drinks.
• Snack: Banana, cookies and biscuits.
• Lunch: Asparagus soup with bread, Spaghetti with a mushroom or tomato sauce with cheese and avocado.
• Snack: Popcorn, crackers and hot drinks.
• Dinner: Vegetable soup with bread, Fish roll with vegetables, rice, French fries and sauce, Porridge and hot drinks.

• Breakfast: Toasted bread, pancakes, porridge and hot drinks.
• Snack: Apples, cereal and biscuits
• Lunch: Corn soup and garlic bread, Yucca (a type of potato) with mixed vegetables, chopped beef and fried rice
• Snack: Fried wanton with or without banana, pop corn, biscuits, sweets and hot drinks
• Dinner: Tomato soup with garlic bread, Fried chicken with noodles or pasta, peppers and mashed potato, Warm wine, chocolate pudding and hot drinks

• Breakfast: Omelet, fried banana, toasted bread and chocolates
• Snack: Oranges, chocolate and biscuits
• Lunch: Noodle soup with garlic bread, Chicken burger, steak and onions, tortilla, and fried rice
• Snack: Fried sweet potato, wanton stuffed with cheese, pop corn and hot drinks
• Dinner: Vegetable soup and garlic bread, Lasagna, beans, fried beef with mixed vegetables and rice, Jelly with or without peaches

• Breakfast: Cake, toasted bread and creamed beans
• Snack: Fruit juice, sandwich and biscuits