Highlights of the 4-Day Inca Trail Hike

• Km 82 (Pisacucho): The official starting point of the Inca Trail.
• Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusqa): The trail’s highest point at 4,215 meters (13,828 feet).
• Runkurakay Ruins: Circular Inca ruins offering impressive views.
• Sayacmarca: A steep, narrow Inca site with well-preserved structures.
• Phuyupatamarca: Known as the “City Above the Clouds,” providing stunning views.
• Wiñay Wayna: An exquisite Inca site with terraced ruins and a ceremonial center.
• Sun Gate (Inti Punku): The first sight of Machu Picchu at sunrise.
• Machu Picchu: The iconic Inca citadel and the endpoint of the trail.

Inca Trail 4 Days – Classic Trekking Adventure

• Actividades: Trekking Aventura, Exploración Cultural, Experiencia Natural
• Nivel de Dificultad: 3/5 (Moderado)
• Altitud Máxima: 4,215 metros sobre el nivel del mar (13,825 pies)
• Altitud Mínima: 2,700 metros sobre el nivel del mar (8,858 pies)
• Días de Salida: Salidas diarias
• Sitios a Visitar:
  • Km 82 (Inicio del Trail): El punto de inicio del Camino Inca, situado a 2,700 metros (8,858 pies). Aquí comenzarás tu caminata hacia Machu Picchu.
  • Wayllabamba: Primer campamento a 3,000 metros (9,842 pies), conocido por su hermoso valle y vistas.
  • Paccaymayo: Segundo campamento a 3,600 metros (11,811 pies), ubicado cerca del paso de Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass).
  • Runkurakay: Sitio arqueológico a 3,800 metros (12,467 pies), famoso por su torre de vigilancia y su estratégica ubicación.
  • Wiñayhuayna: Campamento y sitio arqueológico a 2,650 metros (8,694 pies), con ruinas impresionantes y vistas panorámicas.
  • Puerta del Sol (Inti Punku): Punto de llegada con vistas espectaculares de Machu Picchu, a 2,720 metros (8,923 pies).
• Distancia Total de Caminata: Aproximadamente 43 kilómetros (27 millas)
• Tipo de Tour: Trekking Clásico del Camino Inca, que incluye exploración cultural, ruinas arqueológicas y paisajes naturales.

New Regulations

The campsites listed in our itineraries for the Inca Trail might change at the start of your trek due to space availability. Government authorities allocate these spaces only 2 days before your tour begins. As a result, we can’t guarantee that all groups will stay at the Wiñay Wayna campsite on the third night; some may be assigned to Phuyupatamarca instead. This site is roughly four hours from Intipunku (Sun Gate), but rest assured, you’ll still have ample time to reach Intipunku and enjoy the sunrise.

Recent regulations from the Peruvian government dictate that the guided tour of Machu Picchu will follow circuit number 3. We suggest taking full advantage of this by capturing your photos as you descend from the Sun Gate and reach the viewpoint, where you can take the classic photo of the entire citadel. For more details, please refer to the article on Machu Picchu and circuit 3.

Please be aware that your Inca Trail group will include trekkers of varying abilities and languages. Our experienced guides will ensure everyone’s needs are met safely and considerately. If you and your companions have similar fitness levels and prefer a private group experience, please contact us to arrange a private service for your Inca Trail journey!

Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Hatunchaca – Wayllabamba – Ayapata
Day 2: Wayllabamba – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayu – Ch’aquicocha
Day 3: Ch’aquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñayhuayna
Day 4: Wiñayhuayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please read the following information carefully as it will help you with any questions about our services and the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

THE BRIEFING
The briefing will be held the night before the trek at 6 p.m. at our office, located at Calle Garcilaso 210, office 213 (second floor) in the La CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Yes! During the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you can store your main luggage at our office or your hotel, whichever is more convenient. Please pack only what you need for the trek!

HOW TO BOOK THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL?
FIRST, to book your Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, please fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or using the link BOOK NOW. Be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group) as we cannot purchase an Inca Trail permit without it:

• Personal information (full name, exactly as on your passport)
• Gender
• Passport number
• Date of Birth (dd / mm / yyyy)
• Nationality

We require copies of every participant’s passport to book Inca Trail permits!

SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person to purchase a permit for the Classic Inca Trail. You can make your deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our homepage or our booking page.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
To avoid high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) in Cusco. There are many ATMs in the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online, but a 5.5% service fee will apply. To pay through PAYPAL, log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address info@samtravelperu.com

MAY I CHANGE THE DATE AFTER THE PERMITS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately, no. Once permits are purchased, the Peruvian government does not allow any changes. If you need to change your trek date, the fee is $100 because we have to buy a new permit. Permits are also non-transferable and non-refundable. If you cancel your Classic Inca Trail trek, the deposit is non-refundable.

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
Yes! You must bring your original passport, and it is crucial that it matches the passport number you provided for your Classic Inca Trail permit. Your passport will be checked when entering Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, and when boarding the train. If you are renewing your passport, send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permit, and we can update it with your new passport when you receive it. Please send us a copy of your new passport as soon as possible.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
The weather is very unpredictable and difficult to forecast. We recommend dressing in layers to adapt to the rapidly changing weather conditions.

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
Generally, if you exercise regularly and spend a few days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you should acclimate normally. It usually takes between 24 hours to 2 days. The recommended remedies for altitude sickness are WATER, COCA TEA, and OXYGEN, if needed. Our guides are trained to handle altitude sickness. See our detailed information about altitude sickness under FAQs.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?
The maximum group size is 8 people. Our groups typically range from 2-6 people. INCAS EXPEDITIONS specializes in SMALL and PRIVATE groups and provides personalized service.

HOW MANY COOKS/PORTERS FOR THE GROUP?
You will have 1 cook per group. The number of porters depends on the group size: 4 porters for 2 trekkers, 6 porters for 4 trekkers, 9 porters for 6 trekkers, and 12 porters for 8 trekkers.

DUFFEL BAG AND SMALL BACKPACK
The evening before your trek, you will receive a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. The weight allowance is up to 7kg/15lbs. Porters will carry your duffel bag, along with food and camping gear. Note that there will be no access to the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you will need a day backpack to carry personal belongings such as a warm jacket, rain jacket, camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 30 to 50L backpack is sufficient. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of porters and animals. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you have more than 7 kilograms, you will need to carry the extra weight in your day pack. This 7 kg limit includes 2 kg for your sleeping bag and 1 kg for your sleeping pad (foam or air), leaving about 4 kg for personal gear.

IS THE TREK DIFFICULT? DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a 42 km (24.4 mile) hike through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude is 4,217m/13,907ft. On the second day, we will climb two mountains. The trek is quite challenging, so you should be well-prepared and healthy before starting. Aim to be moderately fit and engage in regular exercise. In preparation, try walking 15 km/9 miles in a day or working out in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3,350m/11,047ft) before starting the trek.

ARE THERE TOILETS ALONG THE TRAIL?
Our clients particularly appreciate the private, clean, and sanitary toilet facilities! INCAS EXPEDITIONS provides a tented individual toilet with a seat. Check out the picture illustrating how we set up our camping toilet on the trek using this link: picture of toilet tent. Our toilet is always set up at a comfortable distance from the campsite. If you need to use the toilet at night, it is readily accessible and clean, unlike the government-supplied facilities.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE TRAIL?
If you are unable to finish the trek due to health reasons, INCAS EXPEDITIONS will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We carry oxygen on our treks for any respiratory issues. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick-up can be arranged at your own expense (travel insurance is required and recommended). There are no refunds if you are unable to complete the trek. Generally, those who need assistance off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and, if they recover quickly, continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.

ARE WE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU TREK?
Absolutely! Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs are included with all our packages. If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley, we will drop you off there and vice versa.

AT WHAT TIME IS THE TRAIN’S DEPARTURE?
It depends on train availability, but the goal is to give you as much time as possible at Machu Picchu and to enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco. Therefore, you will take the train at 2:55 or 3:20 p.m., depending on availability.

HOW MUCH IS THE VISTADOME TRAIN UPGRADE?
The Vistadome train service offers nicer seats, panoramic windows, and a ceiling. You will be provided with snacks and a dance show on board. You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for $67 USD. These trains run from Aguas Calientes to Poroy. We will pick you up in Poroy and drive you back to Cusco, which takes about 25 minutes. Please request this in advance.

TIPPING
If you are happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it is significant for the people who take care of you during the trek. It encourages excellent service and is a common practice in many INCAS EXPEDITIONS destinations. You are free to tip according to your perception of the quality and length of your trip. Remember, tipping is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a local, sustainable, and responsible tourism operator that follows universal tourism principles: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to understand and respect the places and people we visit.

Inca Trail 4-Day Trek: Recommendations and Tips

1. Weather

• Temperature: The weather on the Inca Trail varies with altitude. Expect daytime temperatures to range from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) and nighttime temperatures to drop to 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F).
• Seasons: The trekking season is divided into the dry season (May to September) and the rainy season (October to April). The dry season is preferred for better trail conditions, while the rainy season can bring unpredictable showers.

2. Tips

• Acclimatization: Spend at least 2-3 days in Cusco or other high-altitude locations before starting the trek to acclimate to the altitude.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water before and during the trek. Consider bringing a water purification system or iodine tablets.
• Permits: Ensure you have all required permits and documentation. The Inca Trail requires a permit that should be arranged well in advance.
• Local Guides: Hire a local guide to enhance your experience with insights into the trail’s history and culture.
• Cash: Bring some cash in Peruvian soles for tips and personal expenses. ATMs are available in Cusco but not on the trail.

3. How to Dress

• Layering: Dress in layers to adjust to varying temperatures. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add insulating layers, and finish with a waterproof outer layer.
• Comfortable Footwear: Wear sturdy, well-fitting hiking boots with good ankle support. Break them in before the trek to avoid blisters.
• Accessories: Bring a hat, gloves, and a buff or scarf for cold weather, as well as sunglasses and sunscreen to protect against the sun.

4. Restrictions

• Group Size: The Inca Trail has a daily limit on the number of trekkers, including guides and porters. Ensure you book well in advance to secure your spot.
• Age Limits: The trail is generally not recommended for children under 12 or older adults with health issues. Consult with your tour operator if you have any concerns.
• Environmental Protection: Follow all rules regarding waste disposal and respect local regulations to minimize environmental impact.

5. Physical Preparation

• Cardiovascular Fitness: Engage in regular cardiovascular exercise such as running, cycling, or swimming to build stamina.
• Hiking Experience: Practice hiking on varied terrains and inclines. Include hikes with a weighted backpack to simulate trekking conditions.
• Strength Training: Focus on strengthening your legs, core, and upper body to handle the physical demands of the trek.
• Altitude Training: If possible, train at higher altitudes or use an altitude training mask to help your body adjust to lower oxygen levels.