Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Embark on the Extraordinary Inca Trail Adventure with Tierras Vivas

The Inca Trail stands as the epitome of Machu Picchu hikes, renowned globally as one of the most iconic trekking experiences. But what makes it so special? Unveil hidden archaeological Inca sites, traverse landscapes in harmony with Mother Earth («Pachamama» in Quechua), and witness the majestic snowy peaks, rivers, and a diverse array of flora and fauna.

Our Machu Picchu 4-day hike offers a captivating blend of ancient ruins, mountainous vistas, and the enchanting cloud forests of the subtropical region. At Tierras Vivas, where we meticulously organize our Inca Trail tours, we assure the fair treatment of our porters and uphold the highest standards in food and equipment. Your journey becomes an immersive experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty of this ancient trail.

Don’t miss out! Secure your spot on our 4-Day Machu Picchu Inca Trail hike. Limited spaces are available, and they’re filling up fast. Act now to embark on this unforgettable adventure!

Overview:

Sustainable Tourism: At Tierras Vivas, we proudly embrace and practice sustainable tourism. Our commitment to eco-friendliness and supporting local communities extends to initiatives like supporting Sernamp during the Inca Trail 2023, involving trash cleanup and trail maintenance.

Reforestation Sponsorship: By booking this trip, you become a sponsor of native plant reforestation in Cusco’s local community.

Activity: Immerse yourself in a blend of Hiking, Natural, and Cultural experiences. Discover Inca archaeological sites, traverse original Inca Trails, and marvel at the breathtaking natural beauty.

Service Level: Enjoy quality service and comfort with 4-season camping equipment,

Crew: Accompanied by Tierras Vivas Representatives, including a Professional Tour Guide, Trekking Chef, and Super Porters throughout your Machu Picchu 4-day hike.

Personal Porters: Travel light with a provided duffle bag for your personal belongings. Our porters will carry it (up to 7 kg), allowing you to walk with only your daypack.

Difficulty: Rated 3 – Moderate-Demanding, suitable for healthy travelers with some high-altitude points and strenuous walks.

Small-Group Experience: Limited to a maximum of 8 travelers per group. Each group is accompanied by a dedicated tour guide.

Age Requirement: Suitable for ages 4 and above; younger travelers must be accompanied by an adult.

Inca Trail Tour Operator: Choose Tierras Vivas, a 100% local, Peruvian tour operator specializing in trekking since 2006. Recommended by TripAdvisor and guidebooks, we collaborate with international tour operators.

Meals: Enjoy full-board meals, including 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, and 3 afternoon teas. Vegetarian? No problem—let us know in advance, and there’s no extra cost for a vegetarian meal option.

Transportation: Benefit from private tourist transportation and a train ticket for the return journey to Cusco. We use our own transport and collaborate directly with Peru Rail and Inca Rail companies.

Ready for an unforgettable Inca Trail adventure? For bookings or inquiries about group tours, contact our team at travel@tierrasvivas.com or simply click the banner to explore Inca Trail group tours.

Inca Trail Itinerary

Day 01: Cusco – Km 82 – Ayapata

Walking Distance: 14km / 8.7 miles
Campsite Elevation: 3,850 meters / 12,631 feet
Difficulty Inca Trail Hike Day 1: Moderate
Max. Elevation: Ayapata 3,850 meters / 12,630 feet
Min. Elevation: Starting Point (Km 82) 2,350 meters / 7,709 feet
Meals: Lunch & Dinner (Plus snack and afternoon tea)
Accommodation: Camping
Weather: Warm and windy

Overview:

Commencing our exhilarating 4-day Inca Trail adventure, we’ll pick you up from your hotel at 04:30 AM, embarking on a journey from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and onward to Km 82. Here, we’ll register to enter the Classic Inca Trail, meeting the dedicated team accompanying you on this trek.

Trail Highlights:

Starting at Km 82, a gentle 2-hour hike leads us to the first Inca site, Willca Raccay, and the awe-inspiring Patallacta—an ancient Inca checkpoint on the path to Machu Picchu. After a 2-hour hike, we’ll pause for lunch, followed by another 2½-hour trek to our first night’s campsite at Ayapata (3,300 meters). En route, we’ll traverse two small communities, providing an opportunity to purchase energy drinks, snacks, or any essential items you may need. Arriving at the campsite around 5:00 PM, take a moment to settle in before enjoying a hot drink and snack with your dedicated team of porters, chef, and guide. At 7:30 PM, a well-deserved dinner awaits, setting the stage for a restful evening.

Day 02: Ayapata – Chaquicocha

Walking Distance: 16km / 9.94 miles (7-8 hours)
Campsite Elevation: 3,600 meters / 11,811 feet
Difficulty Inca Trail Hike: Moderate to Challenging
Max. Elevation: Dead Woman’s Pass 4,215 meters / 13,829 feet
Min. Elevation: Pacaymayu Valley 3,300 meters / 10,826 feet
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner (Plus snack and afternoon tea)
Accommodation: Camping
Weather: Cold and rainy

Day Highlights:

Begin your second day on the Inca Trail with a morning ritual of coca tea to aid in acclimating to the high altitude. A hearty breakfast, skillfully prepared by our trail chef, fuels our adventure. Today’s journey unfolds with a 4-hour hike to the trek’s highest pass, Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 meters/13,829 feet). Upon reaching the pass, pause for a rejuvenating break, taking in breathtaking views before descending to the next valley, Pacaymayu Valley—also known as the Hidden River.

Trail Adventure:

Navigate another hour and a half down the valley’s side to our lunch spot. Post-lunch, the ascent begins towards the trek’s second pass, a 2-hour journey with a stop at the intriguing Inca site, Runcu Raccay, and panoramic views of cascading waterfalls. After the pass, enjoy a one-hour descent to the magnificent Inca site, Sayacmarca—an otherwise secluded village. Take a moment to rest, explore the site, and witness the sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range.

Evening at Chaquicocha:

A final 20-minute hike brings us to our second campsite, Chaquicocha (3,600 meters/11,811 feet). Post-dinner, if energy permits, indulge in some stargazing. Away from artificial lighting, immerse yourself in the captivating Southern Hemisphere sky, discovering fascinating Inca constellations—a truly enchanting experience!

Day 03: Chaquicocha – Wiñay Wayna

Walking Distance: 10km / 6.2 miles (5 hours)
Campsite Elevation: 2,600 meters / 8,530 feet
Difficulty Inca Trail Hike Day 3: Moderate
Max. Elevation: Phuyupatamarka 3,600 meters / 11,811 feet
Min. Elevation: Wiñay Wayna 2,600 meters / 8,530 feet
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner (Plus snack and afternoon tea)
Accommodation: Camping
Weather: Warm and very humid

Day Highlights:

Completing Day 2 and venturing into Day 3 is an achievement worth celebrating! Embarking early at 6:30 am, we commence the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, venturing into what is often considered the most breathtaking leg of the entire journey. The day unfolds with a 2-hour hike through the Cloud Forest, a jungle-like marvel. Nearing the end of the Inca flats, we ascend to the final peak, Phuyupatamarka (3,600 meters), offering stunning views of the Urubamba River. Descending for 3 hours, we reach our last campsite near Wiñay Wayna—a site rivaling Machu Picchu in splendor and a favored campsite for its proximity to the renowned ancient city.

Day 04: Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Considered: The most exciting and magical day (early wake up 3:30 AM)
Area: High Cloud and Subtropical Forest
Meals: Breakfast
Weather: Hot and very humid (bring lots of water)

Early Morning Adventure:

Rise and shine at 3:30 AM for a magical start to the day. Breakfast at 4:00 AM precedes our wait at the checkpoint, positioning us among the first trekkers when the gates open at 5:30 AM. Bid farewell to our dedicated team and embark on the final stretch toward the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), concluding the official Inca Trail 4-day trek. The next 2 hours reveal breathtaking views of the mountains and the majestic Machu Picchu bathed in soft morning light.

Machu Picchu Exploration:

Descend for an hour to enter the hidden Royal Citadel of the Incas. A 2-hour guided tour unveils the wonders of this ancient city, showcasing temples, terraces, palaces, priest’s houses, the sundial, the industrial sector, and farming fields. Then We walk to outsite to the control of Machu Picchu. Reenter to Machu Picchu and guided tour by the circuit 5, lower part of the citadel.
Marvel at the ingenious engineering feats of the Incas, organizing a sustainable and stunning community on a mountainside without modern tools.

Return and Reflection:

Stay and savor the magic before taking the bus to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy lunch, visit the hot springs, and explore the town and artisan market if time allows. At 16:22 hrs (subject to availability), catch the train to Ollantaytambo. A private bus will then return you to your hotel in Cusco around 20:00 hrs. While your body rests, your heart will continue soaring for weeks and years to come!

Highlights of the Inca Trail

• The 4 Day Inca Trail tour is listed in the TOP 5 best treks in the world by multiple travel magazines worldwide.
• Discover Inca sites not accessible by road.
• Observe snow-capped mountains, Inca bridges, natural beauty, etc
• Inca Trail Tour is ideal for adventure seekers, couples, friends, nature lovers, and intrepid travelers.
• Guided tour of Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.