General Description

Tour Highlights:

• 🌄 Hike the legendary Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu over 4 unforgettable days
• ⛰ Cross the famous Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215 m / 13,828 ft
• ☀ Enter Machu Picchu through the sacred Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at sunrise
• 🎒 Personal porter included for up to 7 kg (15 lb) of your belongings
• 🍽 Freshly prepared meals by professional trekking chefs on the trail
• 🇵🇪 Travel with a responsible local operator committed to ethical porter welfare

4 Day Classic Hiking Tour at a Glance

Day 1: Km 82 — Patallacta — Ayapata

• Pick up from yout hotel in Cusco
• Drive to Km 82, the starting point
• Visit the Llactapata site
• Lunch in the afternoon
• Camping at Ayapata

Day 2: Warmiwañusca — Chaquicocha

• Wake up early in the morning
• 4 hour ascend trekking
• Climb to Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass)
• Reach the Runkurakay Pass
• Campsite at Chaquicocha

Day 3: Phuyupatamarca — Wiñaywayna

• Experience a day of stunning scenery
• Walk through the cloud forest
• Visit Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, and Wiñay Wayna
• Tea time before dinner
• Campsite at Wiñay Wayna

Day 4: Machu Picchu — Cusco

• Early morning start
• Reach the Sun Gate
• Guided exploration of Machu Picchu
• Descend to Aguas Calientes
• Return to Cusco

***Please note that specific campsite locations are subject to change based on official government assignments.

Why Book This Tour?

• Complete the Legendary Classic Inca Trail in 4 Days
• Enter Machu Picchu Through the Sun Gate at Sunrise
• Camping Comfort on the Trail
• Personal Porter Included for a Lighter Trek
• Small Groups for a Better Experience
• Travel with a 100% Local Peruvian Operator

Complete Itinerary: 4-Day Inca Trail Trek

Day 1: Cusco — Km 82 — Llactapata — Ayapata

🚐 Early Morning Pickup from Cusco (04:30 AM)

Your 4 Day Trek from Cusco begins when our team picks you up directly from your hotel in Cusco’s historic center. We travel toward the famous Km 82 (Piscacucho), with a short stop in Ollantaytambo for breakfast and any last-minute supplies.

🥾 Start the Legendary Inca Trail

Around 8:00 AM, we arrive at the trailhead where you will meet our professional trekking team—guides, chefs, and porters. You will meet with the beauty of the Andean landscapes, and the sacred energy of the trail.

🏛 Explore Llactapata & Hatunchaca

After approximately 3 hours of hiking, we reach the archaeological site of Llactapata. You will also enjoy views of Patallacta and the nearby Willkaraqay ruins, hidden among the green valley slopes.

From here, we continue for about one more hour to Hatunchaca, where our trekking chefs prepare a fresh and delicious lunch surrounded by nature.

⛺ Arrival at Ayapata Camp

The final 2-hour hike takes us to Ayapata Camp, our first campsite on the Classic Inca Trail. Upon arrival, your tents will already be prepared. In the afternoon, we’ll have the tea time before a nutritious dinner under the stars.

 Day 1 Summary

• Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
• Hiking Time: Approximately 6 hours
• Maximum Altitude: 3,300 m / 10,826 ft
• Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, tea time, dinner
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Ayapata — Dead Woman’s Pass — Chaquicocha

⛰ The Challenge of Dead Woman’s Pass

After breakfast, we begin the challenging 4-hour ascent toward the famous Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca) at 4,215 m / 13,829 ft, the highest point of the trek. Every step here feels meaningful.

🍽 Lunch in Pacaymayo Valley

We descend for approximately 2 hours into the beautiful Pacaymayo Alto Valley, where a freshly prepared lunch awaits.

🏛 Second Pass & Inca Ruins

We continue with a 2-hour climb to the second mountain pass, Runkuraqay Pass (4,000 m / 13,123 ft). We visit the fascinating ruins of Runkuraqay and later the archaeological site of Sayacmarca,.

⛺ Camp at Chaquicocha

We finish the day at Chaquicocha Camp, a spectacular campsite surrounded by mountain views and incredible night skies.

 Day 2 Summary

• Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
• Hiking Time: Approximately 10 hours
• Maximum Altitude: 4,215 m / 13,829 ft
• Meals Included: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea time, dinner
• Difficulty: Challenging

Day 3: Chaquicocha — Intipata — Wiñaywayna

🌿 The Most Scenic Day of the Trail

This section of the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu passes through beautiful cloud forests, lush vegetation, and panoramic viewpoints with views of the majestic Salkantay Mountain in the distance.

🏛 Visit Phuyupatamarca – The City Above the Clouds

Our first major stop is Phuyupatamarca, known as the “City in the Clouds.” Your guide will explain its ceremonial importance and the extraordinary Inca engineering behind its design.

☀ Discover Intipata & Wiñay Wayna

We pass through the impressive agricultural terraces of Intipata, also called the “Terraces of the Sun,” before arriving at the iconic ruins of Wiñay Wayna.

⛺ Final Camp & Celebration Dinner

Later, we visit Wiñay Wayna with your guide for a deeper historical explanation before returning for a special farewell dinner with the trekking team—a memorable celebration before reaching Machu Picchu.

 Day 3 Summary

• Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
• Hiking Time: Approximately 5 hours
• Maximum Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
• Meals Included: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea time, dinner
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4: Sun Gate — Machu Picchu — Cusco

☀ Sunrise Arrival at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)

After the checkpoint opens at 5:30 AM, we hike for about one hour until the clouds slowly reveal the ancient citadel below. This first panoramic view of Machu Picchu is the reason thousands dream of walking this trail.

📸 First Views & Guided Tour of Machu Picchu

We descend through Circuit 1, offering the best panoramic photography spots of the sanctuary. Later your professional guide will then lead a complete exploration of Circuit 3.

 Optional Hike (Pre-booking Required – ask to our team)

For a more adventurous experience, you may choose to hike:

• Huayna Picchu Mountain
• Machu Picchu Mountain

(Optional and subject to availability)

🚆 Train Return to Cusco

We take the shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and some free time before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo. Our private transportation returns you safely to your hotel in Cusco, with arrival around 7:30 PM.

 Day 4 Summary

• Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
• Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
• Maximum Altitude: 2,720 m / 8,923 ft
• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Included Services

• Pre-trip briefing (held the day before)
• Hotel pickups and drop-offs
• Professional tour guide
• Touristic train to Ollantayatmbo
• Shuttle bus from the citadel to Aguas Calientes
• Permits for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
• High-quality camping equipment (transported by porters)
• A personal duffel bag for up to 5 kg (11 lb) of your gear
• Porter service included for the 5 kg personal allowance
• Specialized mountain chefs and porters
• Spacious 4-person tents shared by only 2 hikers
• Fresh local meals throughout the trek
• Medical kit, and oxygen

Not Included

• Sleeping bags
• Air mattresses
• Trekking poles
• Lunch on Day 4
• Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets
• Travel insurance coverage
• Tips
• Hotel in Cusco

Rentals & Upgrades for an extra cost

• Option to upgrade to Panoramic train (only one way – return train).
• Huayna Picchu Mountain (2‑hour and half round‑trip hike).
• Machu Picchu Mountain (3‑hour round‑trip hike).
• Sleeping bag
• Trekking poles
• Air mattresses

Suggested Packing List – for the 4-Day Trek inca trail

This is not just a regular hike—it is four unforgettable days walking ancient stone paths, crossing high mountain passes, sleeping under the stars, and finally arriving at Machu Picchu through the legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku).

Packing smart means hiking lighter, feeling stronger, and enjoying every step of the journey. Extra luggage for your Peru trip can be safely stored at your hotel or at our office in Cusco.

 The Andean Way Provides

To make your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu experience more comfortable, we include:

• 1 Duffel Bag for up to 7 kg (15 lb) of personal belongings
• Backpack Rain Cover

Your duffel bag will be carried by our professional porters and will only be accessible at the campsites, so your daily essentials must stay in your daypack.

Essential Items You Must Bring

These are the most important items for your Classic Inca Trail 4 Days adventure.

• Original Passport
• Peruvian Soles (Cash)
• Good Quality Daypack
• Reusable Water Bottle or Hydration Pack
• Portable Charger (Power Bank)
• Lip Balm + Sunscreen
• Hand Sanitizer + Wet Wipes

Clothing Recommendations

The weather changes constantly—from sunny valleys to cold mountain passes and humid cloud forests. The best strategy is dressing in layers.

• Sturdy Hiking Boots
• Moisture-Wicking T-Shirts
• Quick-Dry Trekking Pants
• Thermal Base Layers
• Warm Fleece or Down Jacket
• Hiking Socks + Comfortable Underwear
• Warm Hat + Gloves

 What to Carry in Your Daypack

Choose a backpack between 25 to 35 liters with a rain cover. Remember: very large backpacks are restricted inside Machu Picchu.

• Waterproof / Windproof Jacket
• Sun Hat + Sunglasses
• Warm Beanie + Gloves
• Headlamp + Extra Batteries
• Insect Repellent
• Trekking Poles
• Camera
• Personal Medication
• Snacks

🧳 What to Pack in Your Duffel Bag

Your porter will carry your duffel bag (up to 5 kg / 11 lb). Please note: your sleeping bag + mattress usually use around 3 kg of that limit.

• Camp Sandals or Lightweight Shoes
• Extra Hiking Clothes
• Warm Jacket for Camp
• Personal Toiletries
• Sleeping Bag
• Sleeping Mattress

Your duffel will be available each afternoon when you arrive at camp.

 Pro Travel Tip

The lighter your backpack, the easier it becomes to fully appreciate the mountains, the ancient ruins, and that unforgettable sunrise arrival at Machu Picchu. Pack less. Walk better. Enjoy more.

Practical Information: 4-Day classic inca trail

Here you will find everything you need to know about altitude, permits, passports, weather, camping, and Machu Picchu entrance rules before starting your unforgettable 4 day Inca Trail trek.

1. How difficult is the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

The Classic Inca Trail 4 Days is considered moderate to challenging. You will hike 42 km (26 miles) with steep ascents, stone steps, and high-altitude passes like Dead Woman’s Pass.

2. How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking at least 4 to 6 months in advance, especially for the high season (May to September), since permits sell out quickly.

3. Can solo travelers join?

Yes. Many individual travelers join our shared groups. It is a fantastic way to meet people from around the world. The Andean Way specializes in welcoming solo hikers into our small, friendly groups.

4. Is altitude sickness common?

It can happen, especially if you arrive in Cusco shortly before the trek. We recommend at least 2 days of acclimatization before starting.

5. Are there showers during the trek?

Showers are very limited and usually cold. Most travelers use wet wipes and basic toiletries during the camping days.

6. What if I am slower than others?

It is perfectly normal to have different paces. You should walk at a speed that feels comfortable for you. Our guides are trained to support all hikers and will ensure the group regroups at specific points.

7. What about emergencies?

The trail is safe when managed by professionals. Our guides are trained in first aid and carry oxygen and satellite phones to coordinate any necessary responses. Travel insurance is highly recommended.

8. Can you handle dietary restrictions?

Yes. We can provide vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-friendly meals if you inform us at the time of your reservation.

9. How much cash should I carry?

We suggest bringing between 400 and 600 Peruvian Soles for personal expenses, tips, and the final lunch in Aguas Calientes. Small denominations are more useful.