INCA TRAIL TREK
Hike in 4 days and 3 nights
Inca Trail Trek 4 days / 3 nights
The Inca Trail is the most famous hike in South America and a must-do and one of the biggest highlights of your trip to Peru. Best known as it treks through a range of spectacular Inca ruins along its path. Visited by hundreds of tourists every year, the Inca Trail follows the original paths of the Incas built with stone and is one of the highlights of your trip to Peru.
The stunning scenery stretching through the high altitudes of the valley from 2600m to the mountain passes of 4200m is breathtaking, with views of the snow-capped mountains. Finally passing through the cloud forest to reach the majestic Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. The walk will be unforgettable not only for the breathtaking views but also for the experience of being accompanied by the warmth, knowledge, and experience of Apu Ausangate Trek, the Peruvian tour operator who supports you on this hike.
Summary
Day 1
Pick up from your hotel at 5:30, Transfer to km 82 (Piscacucho 2,680 masl). Hiking the Inca Trail ascending gradually to Willkaraccay. Lunch site at Tayaroc at 1.30 pm, after lunch, another 2-3 hours will bring us to Hatun Chaka Camp (3,000 m).
Day 2
Pick up from your hotel at 5:30, Transfer to km 82 (Piscacucho 2,680 masl). Hiking the Inca Trail ascending gradually to Willkaraccay. Lunch site at Tayaroc at 1.30 pm, after lunch, another 2-3 hours will bring us to Hatun Chaka Camp (3,000 m).
Day 3
The path climbs very steeply from Pacaymayo camp and takes 1 hour to reach Runcuracay. The second pass Runcuracay Mt at (3,950 m), then descending to Sayacmarca Inca town, the path brings us to Chakicocha (3,400 m). We will pass the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, then we descend to Wiñay Wayna and Intipata and enjoy dramatic vistas of the Aobamba Valley.
Day 4
From Inti Punku a final easy 50-minute walk downhill steps will bring us first to the upper south sector of Machupicchu. The trail ends at a series of terraces, which present classic views of the overall city, after enjoying a panoramic view we must walk straight down to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
Day 1
Cusco- Piskacucho Km 82- Patallaqta- Cusichaka- Hatun Chaka
Day 2
Wayllabamba- Ayapata- Llulluchayoq- Dead Woman's Pass- Pacaymayo
Day 3
Runkurakay- Sayaqmarka- Chakicocha- Aobamba- Phuyupatamarka- Intipata- Wiñaywayna
Day 4
Wiñaywayna- Intupinku– Machu Picchu- Cusco.
Inca Trail Trek 4 days / 3 nights
- Book in advance, few spaces - Small groups
Details about the trip
- Higlights
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Additionals
- Packing List
- Please note
- Price
The famous Classic Inca Trail 4 days & 3 nights
The Inca Trek 4D/3N to Machu Picchu or Classic Inca Trail 4 days is an unforgettable experience combining beautiful high mountain landscapes, cloud forests and subtropical forests along a stone path that takes you to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
Inca Trail Trek 4D/3N is available on september to december 2021 and the whole year 2022. Permits are already on sale. Limited spots. Book with a highly recommended and reliable trek operator. Book now!
Overview of the Trek
Trip type
Hiking, camping & adventure.
Distance
26 miles / 43 km.
Maximum altitude
4,200 m / 13,818 ft.
Minimum altitude
2,680 m / 8,817 ft.
Temperatures
From minus 4 °C to 29 °C
Difficulty
The trek is rated challenging, any reasonably fit person should be able to cover the route.
When to go
The best time to trip is from March through December.
Tour guides
1 English-speak tour guide.
Extra considerations
At least 2 days acclimatization recommended in Cusco prior to the trip.
Places you will visit
Why book with Apu Ausangate Trek?
100% peruvian local tour operator
All our Services, Travel and Treks are provided only by the staff of Apu Ausangate Trek and professional guides of Cusco. What that means to you is that We - Apu Ausangate Trek - will never pass it to another company.
Small groups for a comfortable trip
At Apu Ausangate Trek we have a policy that our groups will not exceed 8 people per departure, and are typically a mixture of solo travelers, friends traveling together, and couples, all of varying ages, origins and nationalities.
Expert and professional guides
Our highly recommended top guides, with fluency and clear experienced English and very well informed, passionate about the Inca heritage and history, dedicated to continuous personal development and learning to ensure that you receive the accurate recognized theories about the Andean Inca culture.
Responsible & sustainable tourism
We do a lot of work to ensure that we do not damage the areas we go through. We make a lot of effort to inform our participants, both before and during their trip, about the impact they can have on a community and the environment.
Local chef & Andean nutrition expert
Fabulous cooks. Delicious and abundant buffet style meals, Peruvian and International cuisine are prepared by our professional chefs, from a mixture of local and exotic products.
Camping equipment
To continue offering a service of quality, that it does not have to be necessarily expensive, with a great human trained group and using a high standard and comfortable camping equipment,dinning & Cooking tent.
Day 1: Cusco- Piskacucho Km 82- Patallaqta- Cusichaka- Hatunchaka
Pick-up from your hotel since 05:40 am (meeting point at: San Fracisco Square) by 5:45 we board our Bus. Bring your original passport. Our journey from Cusco to Piscacucho takes approximately 3 hours, beautiful views of the Sacred Valley, the Urubamba River, Andean towns, and the Inca town of Ollantaytambo. After 1 hour ride, we will stop in Urubamba to stretch our legs, use the bathroom, and enjoy a small breakfast, then we continue to Km 82 (Piscacucho 2,670 masl) start of the trek. We clear the official Inca Trail checkpoint, cross a hanging walkway across the Urubamba River, and begin our hike with a gentle climb. The easy walk passes through a forest of giant cactus and native bushes. At Miskay we take the trail to the left, ascending gradually to Willkaraccay high above the mouth of the Cusichaka stream and across from the Inca town of Llactapata. After a short rest, we continue another 15 minutes down to our lunch site at Tayaroc. After lunch, another 2-3 hours will bring us to Hatun Chaka Camp (3,000 m) You will be rewarded with a Macho Tea hot drink and a buffet dinner will be offered. Guides will present our plans for the next great day.
Accommodation
Camping in Tents for 2 and 3 people
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Camping site
Hatunchaka
Minimum altitude
2,670 m / 8,780 ft.
Maximum altitude
3,000 m / 10,824 ft.
Distance
11 km approximately
Duration
5 - 6 hours
Ascent up
630 m
Transportation
Bus from Cusco to km 82
Day 2: Wayllabamba- Ayapata- Llulluchayoq- Dead Woman's pass- Pacaymayo
After breakfast, around 7:00 am we re-start our walk for 45 minutes to Wayllabamba, then climb to Ayapata it takes around 1 hour followed by a soft uphill climb through woods and along a stream (3,300 m). You will take 2-3 hour hike with several stops to catch your breath to reach the lunch place at Llulluchapampa Valley with expectacular views around. We will soon enter into a beautiful cloud forest, or polylepis woodland and the treeless grasslands of the Puna región, from here, you can see the highest mountain ahead called Warmiwañusca (Dead woman's pass 4,200 m.). At Llulluchapampa our camp crew will be have a delicious Peruvian gourmet lunch. After lunch there is a time to rest maybe a short nap. Then we continue our hike for another 2-3 hours -600 meter ascent up to the top of the mountain. The path still climbs along a large number of steps, some of them newly laid to protect from erosion. You can walk at your own pace, stopping to catching your breath. Once the entire group reaches this pass, time for a great group picture then we take a short rest, before beginning a steep descent into the Pacaymayo Valley for 2-3 hrs approx to reach our camp for tonight. Camping set, Tea time and Buffet Dinner. This campsite is popular with tour groups and although facilities here are reasonable good, with two toilets blocks.
Accommodation
Camping in Tents for 2 and 3 people
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Camping site
Pacaymayo
Minimum altitude
3,000 m / 9,840 ft.
Maximum altitude
4,200 m / 13,776 ft.
Distance
12 km approximately
Duration
7 - 8 hours
Ascent up
900 m
Day 3: Runkurakay- Sayaqmarka- Chakicocha- Aobamba- Phuyupatamarka- Intipata- Wiñaywayna
After breakfast, around 7:00 am. The path climbs very steeply from Pacaymayo camp takes 1 hour to reach Runcuracay, a circular structure ruins with a rectangular outbuildings perched on the edge of the valley, an old Inca -tambo where chaskis rested, guard post, lookout point or a ritual building, the site is best viewed from higher up the path. The second pass Runcuracay Mt at (3,950 m), is another hour up, beyond a series of false summits and at the top of a series of steep staircases. The second pass is another broad saddle, boasting exceptional views, in clear weather. These include the 6,000-m Pumasillo Mt (Puma’s Claw). From here, most of the trail is downhill. Having descended through a short tunnel the trail begins a series of tight switchbacks, dropping height quickly until it reaches a small viewpoint atop a promontory. Beyond here descend is more gradual and the path curls and coils across the slopes. We continue descending and the path bring us to Chakicocha (3,400 m) a nice camp where we stop to rest and lunch. After lunch the hike is exceptionally beautiful because the stone paved highway, we will pass the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, then we descend to Wiñaywayna and Intipata, and enjoy dramatic vistas of the Aobamba Valley. In getting to Phuyupatamarca (the Town of the Clouds), we will pass through the first of two short, natural tunnels. After visiting this ruins, we will descend about 2,000 stone steps to Wiñaywayna camp. There is an additional short hike to Intipata another impressive Inca site with farm terraces before we get to our camp. Around 5 pm, we will arrive at Wiñaywayna (2,700 m) once set in our tents and before it get dark we walk for 5 minutes to have an spectacular views and a tour around this impressive Inca citadel. The porters very early tomorrow will take a train return home so tonight they will appreciate a tip as appreciation and nice gesture of their work.
Accommodation
Camping in Tents for 2 and 3 people
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Camping site
Wiñaywayna
Minimum altitude
2,700 m / 8,856 ft.
Maximum altitude
3,750 m / 12,300 ft.
Distance
16 km approximately
Duration
7 - 8 hours
Descent
700 m
Day 4: Wiñaywayna- Intupinku - Machupicchu -Cusco.
We will get up very early -around 4:00 am -to get to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), overlooking Machu Picchu for the first rays of the sunrise. This will be a hike of 1-2 hours. From Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), a final easy 50-minutes walk downhill steps will bring us first to the upper south sector of Machupicchu. The trail ends at a series of terraces, which present classic views of the overall city, after enjoying a panoramic view we must walk straight down to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Few minutes later we will continue on to explore the site, with explanations provided by the trek guide(s). The formal tour visiting the most remarkable temples and neighborhoods. Once we have finished the road coming from the Inti Punku -the Gate of the Sun, you will have a perfect point for great panoramic picture of MachuPicchu, few steps up where the house of guardians is located is a great spot to see most of the citadel, here your guide will talk about the distribution of the neighborhood, you can see temples, residences and remarkable areas in this beautiful citadel, after this we need to walk down to the check point -main Machu Picchu control. Our guided tour will end by 10:30 to 11:00 am. By 12:30 pm bus to Aguas Calientes town and lunch. By 14:45 pm Train return to Cusco. Arrival to Cusco is generally around 7.30 pm.
Meals
Breakfast and Lunch
Minimum altitude
2,700 m / 8,856 ft.
Maximum altitude
3,750 m / 12,300 ft.
Distance
8 km approximately
Duration
6 - 7 hours
Descent
300 m
Transportation
Train from Aguas Calientes to Poroy and Private bus to Cusco
Please note the details that include and do not include in your tour, each tour is difirente and we provide you with the details below
What is included
Briefing
Pre-Departure meeting the night before of your trek at 7:00 pm in our office or we can make a visit to your hotel.
To pick up
In the first day, collection from your hotel in Cusco from 05:30 am or Urubamba, Ollanta at 07:30
Transportation
Private bus from Cusco to Km 82 -Piskacucho.
Meals
First day breakfast in Urubamba in our farm house. 11 Full meals for the entire tour: 4 Breakfast, 4 Lunch 3 Dinner, (vegetarian,vegan option, gluten,wheat free or special diets upon your request). No shellfish. No pork meat.
Entrance Fees
Permit and Entrance Fees for Inca Trail Park and Machu Picchu Sanctuary. New Entrance fee -Sernamp Park Ticket at Km 82.
Porters
Group porters to carry (camping equipment: client tents, dining and cooking tents,table,stools,cooking gear, stove, gas container,cutlery,plates, food and fresh vegetables). By law, they can carry up to 20 kg max, which is a rule we take very seriously.
Professional Guides
A excellent experienced Apu Ausagante Trek top tour guides (6-8 people with 1 tour guide)
Mountain Cooks
2 expert Apu Ausangate Trek gourmet mountain cooks and assistants.
Equipment
2 person comfy tent clean, new, spacious (4 person dome igloo tents). Thick, comfortable sleeping mattress, (Pillows by request)
Hygiene
Buckets of hot water for washing in your tent every day. Biodegradable soap and hand cleansing gel.
First Aid
Emergency First-aid kit and Oxygen assistance.
Machu Picchu tour
2-3 hours official guided tour in Machupicchu and extra time for yourself. Snack at Machupicchu before your tour. (no extra cost).
Bus to Aguas Calientes
Bus Ticket down from Machupicchu to Aguas Calientes town.
Return train
Tourist Expedition train return to Poroy Station and bus to Cusco (Return to Plaza Regocijo end of our tour.) or Train to Ollantaytambo + 2 Hrs by private bus to Cusco.
Extras
Happy hour with macho-tea and hot drinks every afternoon on campsite. Boiled water to drink provided from 2nd day afternoon.(After 2nd Day lunch). A gentle start to the day with a wake up coca tea in your tent.
What is not Included
Accommodation in Cusco.
Sleeping bag (-Minus 8ºC) to hire $25
Single tent $70 Upon your request (optional).
Trekking poles $20 a pair
Ticket for Huaynapicchu US$ 85 pp, $ 40 with University card (optional).
Snacks for the hike as energy bars, snickers,dried fruits.
Tips for the trekking crew porters,cooks and guides.
Flight Tickets Lima - Cusco - Lima.
Travel Insurance.
Up-grade return train
Vistadome Train + car return to Cusco extra $60 per person. This service generally departs at 15:25 pm from Aguas Calientes Station and arrives at 18:40 pm to Poroy (Cusco) Train Station then a 30 minutes private transportation to Cusco.
Huayna Picchu
Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45-minute hike to the top (On day 4th at 11.00 am). Ticket for Huaynapicchu costs $ 75 per person, discount $35 with University student card. If it is booked Machu Picchu Mountain walk Optional.
Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain is the other mountain that stands above the Machu Picchu ruins. This ticket is $75 per person.
Rental Equipament
- Down sleeping bag minus 5ºC ($25 for the entire trek).
- Inflatable Thermal-rest mattress $25 for the entire trek.
- Single tent $70 (If you travel solo and is your choice).
- Trekking poles$20(For the entire trek).
- Backpack (30 Liters) $20, for the entire trek.
We recommend that you bring
Original passport and (University, College valid student card if applicable).
A comfortable 45 Lt trek backpack if you want to carry all your belongings.
A comfortable 25 Lt trek backpack to carry your personal belongings if you hired a personal porter for 8 Kg. (A duffle bag is provided then porters will carry your belongings in).
Warm sleeping bag Minus 8ºC.
Trekking poles with rubber tips.
Warm clothes,layers for variable temperature especially at night.
Thermal underwear can be worn in the sleeping bag or in cold conditions.
Gloves or mittens, scarf, wool socks, woolen hat for cold nights.
T-shirts and trekking pants that zipoff to short pants for comfort.
Flash light, head torch and extra batteries.
Camera and extra batteries, Binoculars.
Wear a hat with a broad visor to keep the sun off your face.
Sunscreen and sunglasses.
Personal medical kit, insect repellent
Rain Gear: a good rain jacket.
Toiletries, toilet paper, small towel.
2 litre water bottle.
Bathing suits for hot springs for hikers with an extra night in Aguas Calientes.
Extra money for drinks en route, Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes.
The Departure point for the trek
Our meeting point to depart is at San Francisco Square at 05:30 am. There are fixed pickup points to help reduce time going to numerous hotels.
- If you are near Sol Avenue, Cultura Avenue or center of town be ready at 05:20 am.
- In any Hotel in San Blas please wait for us in front of the Church of San Blas for your transfer departing from 5.00 am.
- If you are at Loki Hostal, Niños Hotel, Meloc or Arcopata area please waits at the lobby of the hotel at 5.40 am.
- This information will be clarified by your guides at the briefing the night before the trek.
Left Luggage during your trek
It is best to leave extra luggage in your hotel in Cusco since you will arrive back around 8:00 pm on the 4th day.
Passport and student card
We recommend that you bring your original passport and (Univ student card if applicable). If you have booked with an old passport number please you must bring both of your passport. Inform previously to our office staff in Cusco.
Drinkable water on the trail
Bring 2 or 3 Lt of water for Day 1 and 2, there will be hot and cool drinks at mealtimes provided by our staff, we provide boiled water from 2nd Day at lunchtime, bottled water and drinks are sold by locals on Day 1 and 2.
Temperature
- Day temperatures vary from 12 -22 degrees Celsius
- you must always use layering to manage the temperatures well. Night temperatures, (in the coldest season May to Sept) average -2 to -5 degrees Celsius. The 3rd night is warmer average 6 degrees Celsius as it is lower altitude.
Hot shower?
Only the first camping site
Environmental issues
Please carry your personal rubbish to each campsite where the porters will pack it out. There are toilets at points along the trail and in campsites. At other points please leave the trail on the non-river side at least 30m and burn or bury toilet paper. Please encourage your group and staff to protect the environment.
Tips for the porters, cooks and guides and emergencies
We recommend considering $40-50 this is not mandatory but it is a tradition. You need to have your own money for bottled water or other drinks if wanted along the route, Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes. Emergency money of at least $90 (for early return from the trail to pay a train ride to Aguas Calientes, bus to Machu Picchu and meet your group at the sun´s gate, and $20 for water and drinks, souvenirs, along the trail, Machu Picchu. Total per person ($150 – $180) approximately. As for all American countries, tipping is common practice and is a part of the experience but not obligatory. Generally, groups prepare a collective tip that is shared out between the porters, trekking crew and cooks on the third night. It is customary to thank the guides with a voluntary tip after the Tour in Machu Picchu on the fourth day. Please only use this information as a «guideline» requested by some trekkers but don`t let it cause you, or any other person in the group discomfort.
Climbing of Huayna Picchu Mountain
On Day 4 at 11:00 am. If you have reserved and paid for a permit in advance, please reconfirm with our office staff and your trek guide at the briefing time. (When Huayna Picchu permits are sold out a walk to Machu Picchu Mountain is an option -3 hrs. walk). Otherwise, a free walk to the Inca Bridge is highly recommended.
Bus Down to Aguas Calientes
After your visit in Machu Picchu you are given your bus ticket for the ride down to Aguas Calientes which you can use at any time if you would like to further explore the site independently. At 15:00 pm train return to Cusco and arrive by 7:40 pm.
Peru Rail train tickets
If you would like any train tickets changes after the start of the trek must be made in person at Perurail in Aguas Calientes Station with proof of identity (ie your original passport.) They may charge fees for change of date and coach options will be according to space availability.
Illness once you have started the trek
If you are unable to complete the trek and need to return on the 2nd day, you will be accompanied by a porter to Km 82 and train to Aguas Calientes or from here transport to Ollantaytambo and night at Ollantaytambo.(not included) If you are more seriously ill you will be accompanied by the assistant guide and may need to return to Cusco for medical assistance. You can still join up with the group on the 4th day by taking a train to Aguas Calientes on the 3rd day with overnight here and continue the tour of Machu Picchu as usual but the cost of the train from Cusco is payable by the passenger. All helicopter, van evacuations are at the expense of the passenger.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that full Travel Insurance is taken, which includes cover, under certain circumstances, against the loss of deposit or cancellation charges. Please note that no reimbursements are given when cancellations occur or for any unused services.
Price
Inca Trail 4D/3N
- Pre Payment $300 / per person (Required)
- Your balance pay in our Cusco's office
Pay a booking deposit/ prepayment online with Paypal $300 per person. (US$300 + 6% paypal fee).
Final Payment: You must pay the full balance of your tour 1 month before the date of your tour departure using any of the payment options above. Or you can pay your final balance 3 to 2 Day before your tour at our office in Cusco in US$ cash.
Please, after your deposit, send us the transfer number to reservas@apuausangatetrek.com and we will confirm your reservation
Student discount
$20 off per person
Under 26 with University, College student card or who is 17-years-old or younger. we need to see a copy of their card or passport at the time of booking to receive the discount. Please send all to reservas@apuausangateperu.com
Upgrades
Huayna Picchu: $75 per person
Machu Picchu Mountain: $75 per person
Train Vistadome: $65 per person
Aditionals items
Sleeping bag: $25 for the entire trek
Inflatable Thermal-rest mattress: $25 for the entire trek
Single tent $70 (If you travel solo and is your choice)
Trekking poles: $20
Backpack 30 Liters: $20
Ready for a great adventure?
Fill in your details in our booking form. We will confirm your trips in the shortest time