Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days
4 Days
Challenging
4250 msnm
Trekking
780 USD
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days Summary
The Classic 4 Day Inca Trail is, the hike is 43km or 26 miles that starts in the highlands of Peru and ends in the cloud forest of Aguas Calientes, the trail leads you to the Iconic 15th century Inca archaeological site Machu Picchu. During the 4-Day trek you will receive constant support of your tour guide, porters and chefs. The 4-Day Inca Trail get the hiker to experience a mixture of Inca history and exotic scenery passing through Inca ancient structures and three Andean passes en route. The Inca Trail permit is strictly limited and are highly sought after; therefore, we strongly recommend booking at least six to eight months in advance to avoid disappointment.
BEFORE YOU GO
IMPORTANT TO MENTION
The Peruvian Government is in charge of issuing the Inca Trail tickets, to all the travel agencies and travelers – Resolution #002-2004-UGM-CD. An Inca Trail permit to Inca will be issued by the governmental institutions when providing full names, nationalities, and passport numbers of passengers, and when having paid the full amount of Inca Trail ticket.
The Inca Trail has a maximum allowance of 500 people per day (including passengers and agency staff), when the Inca trail reaches its limit of 500 visitors, the Trail is closed off for a determined date and no further reservations could be made; So, if you wish to travel note that reservation of the Inca Trail tickets must be done at least 4 months in advance.
The following client information is requested for any Inca Trail booking, this information is to be included in the official Inca Trail ticket
- Complete names and surnames
- Nationality
- Passport number
- Date of Birth
- Gender
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR THE INCA TRAIL
- Acclimate before starting the Inca Trail, Spend at least 2 days in Cusco before your Inca Trail
- June, July and August are the busiest season for the Inca Trail
- This 4-day trek to Machu Picchu is not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Our Inca Trail prices are based on an occupancy of 2 people
- The Inca Trail closes February
- There is no access to a wheelchair to the Inca Trail
- If you do not show your Passport at the Inca Trail check-in point you will be denied access
- The Inca Trail permit is non-refundable, or transferable
INCA TRAIL WEATHER
Cusco’s climate is divided into two differentiated seasons: the rainy season, from November to April (the heaviest rainfalls occurring usually between January – March); and the dry season, from May to October. The dry season is colder, so temperatures can drop to below 0 degrees at night. Along the Inca Trail, temperatures range from 15-20ºC during the day if it’s sunny, to 05-10ºC during the day if not sunny or 0-05ºC at night in the first 2 campsites. At Wiñaywayna and Machupicchu, at lower altitude, temperatures are usually warmer though warm clothes are still recommended at night.
PORTER
Inca Trail porters quite literally take the load off your back during the 4-day, 27-mile journey to the Sun Gate entrance of Machu Picchu Pack animals are not allowed on this iconic trail, so porters carry all the essential food and camping equipment your group needs. You can also hire a porter to help carry your personal belongings.
ACCOMMODATION DURING THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL
Our accommodation is based on 2 people per tent, in case there is a solo traveler, we accommodate the solo traveler to share a tent with another traveler of the same sex
INCA TRAIL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Adaptation to the high altitude
- No heart or ling issues
- Be in good shape
DIETARY NEEDS
We are able to cater any food restrictions, we work with different dietary requirement; Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and more Options are Available Upon Request (please let us know at the time of booking). Here is an idea of what you will be eating during your trek.
DUFFLE BAG
A duffel bag is provided a day before during your briefing session briefing. The traveler can stuff this duffel with only 7kg, this is divided in 4 Kg of your stuff and 3kg for Sleeping bag and pad. Remember porters will carry only 7kg, this is a regulation by the Government if by any chance a traveler exceeds it, the travel operator will be fined.
INCA TRAIL BRIEFING
One day before we start the Inca Trail hike, you meet your tour guide and receive a detailed briefing of the Inca Trail, briefing last 30 -45 minutes.
INCA TRAIL GROUP SERVICE
Please take into account that during this trek you will meet different individuals, people with trekking skills and ages. Once the traveler books the Inca Trail in group service, agrees that some people may be slower or faster than you. Each of you will go at your own pace for the trek, always under the supervision of you tour guide.
DEMONSTRATION
Demonstration in Peru, can interfere with our Inca Trail groups. When this happens, people block the main roads for a period of 24 hrs. or more. If this happens during your trek. We will let you know in advance and do our best to change the Itinerary. This may entail extra expenses on the Traveler’s side, and modifying the original itinerary.
If a strike is confirmed on the first day of your 4-day trek to Machu Picchu. We will overnight in night before in Ollantaytambo to be as near possible to the starting point of the Inca Trail. If the strike happens during your Inca Trail 4-day hike. We drive to Hidrolectrica, this is the nearest spot we can get to Machu Picchu by car. Implies a hike of 2 hours to reach this point from Aguas Calientes in Machu Picchu. We pick you up from Hidrolectrica and drive you back to Cusco city.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We strongly recommend to travel with an insurance, this can help you claim any refund from the insurance company in case you have to cancel your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu due to manifestations or any critical health issue.
INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS ITINERARY
DAY 1 – CUSCO – INCA TRAIL – WAYLLABAMBA
Inca Trail 4 Days start with a pick up 06:00 am from your hotel in Cusco city. You and the Inca Trail staff drive to Ollantaytambo Inca village, we make a stop around Ollantaytambo to additional supplies for the Classic Inca Trail. Breakfast is provided by our agency at no extra charge in Ollantaytambo. We then continue to the Four Day Inca Trail checkpoint, to the community of Piskacuchu (2700m/8856ft), located on kilometer 82nd of the Cusco –Machupicchu railroad. Piskacuchu is the starting point of our trek to Machu Picchu. Right after our check in at the Inca Trail checkpoint, we pass by a bridge over the Urubamba River. We follow the Inca Trail by the left side of the river that crosses the Sacred Valley of the Incas, most of the hike in this part is on a flat terrain our next stop is at Miskay, and this is the lunch spot. Miskay is at (2800m/9184ft). After a proper time to eat and rest, we ascend gradually to the top where we can see the stunning Inca citadel of Llactapata (2650m/8692ft). You will explore Llactapata with your tour guide. We continue the Inca Trail hike uphill for around 5 hours to our first campsite Wayllabamba (3000m/9840ft), you will be happy to see the Tents and the logistic already settle by time you reach this point. This part of the Inca Trail offers spectacular views of the Vilcanota ridge on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, where the impressive Veronica peak reigns at 5832 meters above sea level.
- Total distance: 12 km (7,47 miles)
- Walking Time: 7-8 hours
- Highest Elevation: 3,031m (9,944ft)
- Campsite altitude: 3,000m (9,840ft)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Inca settlements, Glacier, local wildlife
DAY 2 – INCA TRAIL 4D/3N (WAYLLABAMBA – PACAYMAYO)
Today our Inca Trail 4 Day trek starts very early after breakfast, this is the most challenging part of the Inca Trail, we will hike for around 9 km, the terrain changes to an abrupt steep ascent, the landscape turns into an arid dry Paramo with little bushes. We continue our hike using the shade of the mountains to Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman´s Pass (4200m/13776ft), this is the highest point of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the view from the Dead Woman’s Pass is just breathtaking. Explore part of the cloud forest, habitat of different micro species, and birds like hummingbirds, cloud forest is home to the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus). After 7 hours of hiking the Inca Trail we descend to our next campsite Pacayamayo (3600m/11808ft). Our staff provide lunch. The rest of the afternoon will be for free to rest and recuperate from the hike.
- Total distance: 11 km (6,84 miles)
- Walking Time: 7-8 hours
- Highest Elevation: 4,200m (13,776ft)
- Campsite altitude: 3,500m (11,480ft)
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Highlights: Cloud forest, Glaciers, Dead woman pass
DAY 3 – INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS – (PACAYMAYO – WIÑAYWUAYNA)
Inca Trail Day 3 to Machu Picchu, today we will hike by the most important archeological Inca settlements. After breakfast we start the day from Pacaymayo crossing the cloud forest of Machu Picchu, climb to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970m/13022ft). Abra Runkurakay is the second highest point of the Inca Trail 4 days, we make a stop to behold archaeological complex of Abra Runkurakay that consists of a small oval structure that served as a Viewpoint. Continue to Sayacmarca (3624m/11887ft), walk by the Sayascmarca complex with your tour guide, this Inca site is made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. This is the longest day of the 4 Day hike, climb on a moderate pace to the next pass Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft), as we make our way, we can apricate the Incas´ ancient craft, by walking along paths semi- detached from the mountain, and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order. Phuyupatamarca is our next stop to have lunch, before getting there, your tour guide walks you by the Phuyupatamarca or town of over the clouds archeological Inca complex, this is located on the highest point of a mountain, from this mountain, you can observe sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations. Our next campsite is Wiñaywayna 2650m/8692ft), we descend in a zigzagging trail to Wiñaywayna impressive Inca complex made of an agricultural center with numerous terraces. After dinner we enjoy the farewell dinner at the campsite.
- Total distance: 16 km (9,94 miles)
- Walking Time: 9-10 hours
- Highest Elevation: 3,952m (12,957ft)
- Campsite altitude: 2,650m (8,692ft)
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Highlights: Cloud Forest, Inca Ruins, gorgeous views
DAY 4 – INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS – (MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO)
Machu Picchu waits for you ahead. On this fourth day of The Inca Trail, get up at around 04:00 am, to have breakfast. Our next spot is the Intipunku, or The Sun Gate, after 2 hours of hiking on a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle we get to the check in point stall, pass this to Gate of the Inca Trail, from this gate you can behold the world’s ancient wonder Machu Picchu. From the Sungate, we descend into Machu Picchu to have a guided tour of 2 hours. We enter the citadel from the highest point through the ¨House of the Guardians¨. After the guided tour you can climb the Huayna Picchu Mountain, or board the bus down to Aguasca Calientes to have lunch, and in the afternoon take your train to Ollantaytambo station, in this train station you will be meet by our transportation to drive you to your hotel.
- Total distance: 5 km (3,12 miles)
- Estimated walking time: 2- 3 hours Maximum
- Highest elevation: 2,701 m (8,857 ft)
- Machupicchu altitude:2,400 m (7,872 ft)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Sungate and Machu Picchu
INCLUSIONS
INCLUDED
- Small Group Inca Trail group: 2 people Min – 8 Max
- Pre-departure briefing
- A personal porter to carry your 7 kg of your personal stuff
- Collection from your hotel and drop back to your hotel
- Inca Trail ticket
- Machu Picchu ticket
- English-speaking guide
- Foam mattresses
- All camping equipment: including dining tents, cooking tents, cooking equipment, sleeping tents, camping table with chairs
- Portable environmental biodegradable toilet.
- Meal service at the campsites (4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, 3 snacks). With options for vegetarians, gluten-free, lactose Intolerance, and any food allergy.
- 2 people per tent
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes and vice versa
- Expeditions train ticket
- Private transportation from Ollantaytambo train station to Cusco.
- Emergency oxygen bottle and first aid kit.
- A duffle bag, where you put your 7 kg / 14 pounds of personal items per person (personal cares, personal items, and sleeping bag are within this 7 kg / 14 pounds).
- We provide hot water bins each night
- Rain plastic Poncho
- Two-hour guided tour in Machu Picchu
- Boiled water to fill in your water bottles or Camelback (your chef will provide clean water after each meal)
- Day pack covers to keep you dry your belongings.
- 24-h guest service: please ask for the emergency number available during your time of visit
EXCLUDED
- Huayna Pichu Mountain
- Machu Picchu Mountain
- Vistadome train service
- Inflatable Sleeping pad
- Sleeping bag
- Walking stick
- Tip
- Entrance to the hot springs
PACKING LIST FOR INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS
- A Backpack 20- 24 liter, with a change of clothes for the 4 Day Inca Trail
- Head lamp with enough batteries
- Rain gear
- Waterproof footwear, make sure to try this in advance before using then at the trail
- Sandals
- Water Reservoirs, not plastic type, metal ones are recommended or camelbacks type. Capacity of 1.5-2 liters
- Warm clothes including jacket, fleeces
- Sleeping bag, if you haven’t booked from us
- Hat or cap
- Sun block
- Hydrating cream for face
- Insect repellent – strong Deet
- Tissues or toilet paper
- Towel
- Snacks, energy snack bars, candies, dried fruit
- Cash Soles or USD$
- Original passport
- Student ID, in case you have a student discount
- Walking sticks rubber tip, if you haven’t booked from us
- Water proof backpack cover
- Inflatable Pillow
- Large plastic bag, to help you organize stuff and keep things clean from dirt
WHAT TO BRING IN THE DUFFEL BAG
Bigfoot Machu Picchu Travel provides a duffel bag at your briefing session. The Duffel bag is carried by the porter, Inca Trail porter carry up to 7 kgs or 15lbs including your sleeping bag, mattress, and extra clothing. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters. Each duffel bag is weighed before at the Inca Trail checkpoint. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. 7 kilos, in a duffel bag should be divided the following way; 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad, and only 4 kilos for your personal stuff.
Clothing
- 1 Pair of waterproof gloves
- 2-3 Hiking pants
- 4 sets of underwear
- 2-4 Short Sleeve t-shirt and 2 long sleeves
- 4 Pairs of hiking wool socks
- 1 Pullover
- 1 War, down jacket, to use it at night when gets colder
- 1 Sun hat and 1 wool hat
- Leggings
Toiletries
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen resistant to sweat
- Cotton wet wipes
- Lip balm
- Bug spray, strong deet
- Towel
- Hand Sanitizer
- Chapstick
- Comb
First aid kit
- Skin Blister pad
- Medication for altitude sickness
- Anti-Diarrhea tablets
- Ibuprofen/Aspirin
- 1 pack – rehydration sachet
Electronic
- Power bank, there is not electricity during the hike
- Outlet adapter, 3 prongs
WHAT TO PUT IN THE DAY BACKPACK
- Water:
- Sun Hat
- Sunscreen
- Strong Deet
- Headlamp: essential
- Wool Hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars, dry fruits or candies
- Rain plastic poncho
- Gloves
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
INFORMATION ABOUT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS
Why go?
For many visitors to Peru and even South America, a visit to the Inca city of Machu Picchu is the long-anticipated highpoint of their trip. In a spectacular location, it’s the best-known archeological site on the continent. The Ina city remained forgotten for almost four centuries after the Spaniards arrived in Cusco in the 16th century. Machu Picchu is also a niche of astounding biodiversity with hundreds of birds, exotic flowers, and dense tropical nature.
When to go?
The best months to visit Cuzco are from March to December, although Machu Picchu is available all year long. Just make sure to reserve the Machu Picchu tickets and Train tickets in advance
Getting here.
All the international flights get to Lima Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chavez, and from Lima airport, you have to catch another plane all the way to Cusco. Get to Machu Picchu there are only three ways, by train, by bus, and by train through Santa Teresa or by the Inca Trail.
Departure Dates.
Daily departures are available through the year, although this activity is subject to the Machu Picchu tickets and Train tickets, the sooner you book the better is for your travel agency in Cusco to book all the tickets required.
Price information.
The price of this tour is based on two people, if you are a solo traveler you will need to contact our sales department so they can quote a price for a solo traveler.
Group size.
Group size is decided by the client, to reserve this tour we require at least 2 travelers. If you on a small group of 2 people, you will be able to hear the guide better, explanations can be geared toward your particular interest, you can decide which sites you want to see, and you can stay as long as it’s permitted rather than being herded back on to the bus before you are ready.
Huayna Picchu.
Limited to 400 visitors daily, to climb this mountain a permit is required and this is subject to availability, there are only 2 entrance times 7 am to 8 am, and 9 to 11 am, the hike takes around 2 to 3 hours back and forth. At the top of the Huayna Picchu,you will find the temple of the moon. The craggy 8,924-foot mountain of Huayna Picchu that looms behind the citadel is a recognizable and stunning backdrop to Machu Picchu. However, only two kilometers long, the trail to the summit is a challenging climb. The steep and exposed route ascends a stone paved trail that has stair steps and steel cables in sections.
Machu Picchu Mountain.
Hiking Machu Picchu Mountain, the hike is longer than the Huayna Picchu but less steep. The last time to enter Machu Picchu Mountain is 9 am.
INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS PRICING
Group service is only USD $698 per person, you can book your spot with a pre-payment of USD $150, and pay the remaining balance once a day before your hike starts
ADDITIONAL EXTRAS TO INCLUDE
- Upgrade to Vistadome Train: USD $35, per person
- Huayna Picchu: USD $70, per person
- Machu Picchu Mountain: USD $70, per person
- Sleeping Bag – Additional $20 USD per person
- Air Mattress –$20 USD per person
- Walking Poles –$15 USD per pair
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS
DO WE NEED TO BRING MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?
Yes, to get the Inca Trail you must show your passport at the checkpoint of the Inca trail Passport information must match your Inca Trail ticket.
CAN WE BOOK THE INCA TRAIL WITH AN EXPIRED PASSPORT
Yes, the Inca Trail can be booked with your current passport and update the information in your ticket when you get your new passport.
HOW MANY KINDS OF INCA TRAIL THERE ARE?
There are only two types of Inca Trail treks. The 2 Days Inca Trail, that includes a hotel night or camping or camping option, and the 4-Day Inca Trail or the so-called Classic Inca Trail.
CAN WE CANCEL THE INCA TRAIL TICKET?
Not, the Inca Trail permit is not subject to a cancellation of the ticket, if you decide not to show up to the Inca Trail, your spot remains valid and no one is able to claim your spot.
WHAT IS THE ALTITUDE OF THE INCA TRAIL?
Highest point of the Inca Trail is at 4,200 m, campsites are located at 3.600 m.
HOW MANY KILOS CAN A PERSON TAKE TO THE INCA TRAIL?
There is no weight limit per person; you can carry a big backpack or only a 25 liters Backpack. The weight limitation works for the staff and porters – Each porter carries 20 kilograms.
HOW LONG IS THE DAY-BY-DAY HIKE
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a hike of 42 kilometers (26 miles)
- Day 1 – 12 km (7,47 miles), 7-8 hours
- Day 2 – 11 km (6,84 miles), 7-8 hours
- Day 3 – 16 km (9,94 miles), 9-10 hours
- Day 4 – 5 km (3,12 miles), 2- 3 hours
IS IT POSSIBLE TO CHANGE DEPARTURE OF THE INCA TRAIL TICKTES?
No, once the Inca Trail is issued under the name of a traveler, we cannot modify the Inca Trail departure date.
WHEN AND AT WHAT TIME DO WE REACH MACHU PICCHU?
You get to Machu Picchu through the Inca Trail on Day 4th, at around 08:00 am.
IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT FOR THE INCA TRAIL
No, there is not any age limit for the Inca Trail 4-day hike.
WHO WILL CARRY ALL THE LOGISTIC AND SUPLLIES DURING THE HIKE?
The traveler carries only their personal backpack; all the logistic and our team of porters will carry all supplies such as food, tents, etc.
WHERE DO WE OVERNIGHT?
During the Inca Trail hike, we will overnight at campsites in tents; the Government for the Inca Trail hikers facilitates campgrounds
IS WATER INCLUDED DURING THE INCA TRAIL HIKE?
Our staff will provide boiled water to the travelers during the 4-Day trek
IS THERE ANY DISCOUNT IF WE ARE STUDENTS?
Yes, the discount is USD $30, and you need to present a valid student card, that show the participant picture photo, full name and surname, name of university, and a date of expiration. If the date of expiration is not the same year that you are hiking the Inca Trail, the discount will not proceed.
CAN WE SHOWER DURING THE INCA TRAIL?
Yes, it’s possible to take a shower along the way, although the water is at freezing temperature, you can shower on the third day at extra cost using the facilities of the local people, coordinate this with your tour guide.
IS THERE ELECTRICITY AT THE INCA TRAIL?
No, there is no electricity along the Inca Trail.
WHERE DO WE LEAVE OUR SUITCASES
You can store your luggage in our storage and we will return it when to you when we meet you after the Inca Trail.
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu video
Here is a complete video of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, with unpublished images!
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