Inca Trail 4D/3N
Inca Trail 4D/3N
The Inca Trail 4 days and 3 nights is one of the most iconic hikes in the world. Over four days, you will follow the historic Inca trail that crosses valleys, mountains, cloud forests, and some of the most important archaeological sites of the ancient Inca civilization, until finally reaching the majestic Machu Picchu.
You will stay in fully equipped campsites, enjoy spectacular views, and live a unique experience that combines adventure, history, and nature. This route is ideal for travelers who want to do the traditional Inca Trail, passing through unforgettable landscapes, ceremonial gateways, and archaeological complexes that can only be discovered on foot.
What makes this tour so special?
⭐ It is the most famous trekking route in South America
⭐ Exclusive sunrise access through the Sun Gate
⭐ Archaeological sites such as Patallacta, Warmiwañusca, Sayaqmarca, and Wiñay Wayna
⭐ Arrive on foot at Inti Punku before entering Machu Picchu
⭐ Authentic trekking, culture, and nature experience
General information
Days: 4-day / 3-night activity
📍 Location: Inca Trail – Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu
🕒 Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
🗣 Available languages: Spanish and English
Places you will visit on this tour
- Km 82 – Start of the Inca Trail
- Patallacta – Inca archaeological complex
- Warmiwañusca – Highest point of the route
- Sayaqmarca
- Wiñay Wayna
- Inti Punku (Sun Gate)
- Machu Picchu – Wonder of the world
What makes this tour special?
- ⭐ Authentic and traditional Inca Trail
- ⭐ Complete trekking and archaeology experience
- ⭐ Unforgettable views of the Andes and the high jungle
- ⭐ The only route that arrives directly at Inti Punku
Itinerary – Inca Trail 4D/3N
🕒 Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
🗣 Available languages: Spanish and English
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba
Start of the tour
Pickup from your hotel between 5:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. to head toward the Sacred Valley. Along the way, you will enjoy panoramic views of mountains, traditional villages, and the Urubamba River.
Entrance checkpoint – Km 82
We arrive at the starting point of the Inca Trail. There, you will meet the team of porters and receive a brief orientation about the route, safety, and hiking pace.
Start of the hike
We begin the adventure along gentle trails surrounded by terraces and archaeological remains. We walk beside the Cusichaca River, observing native flora, cacti, hummingbirds, and valley landscapes.
Visit to Patallacta
From a viewpoint, we will observe the impressive Patallacta complex, a huge Inca construction used as an agricultural center and strategic checkpoint.
Lunch and rest
Lunch is served at a point assigned by the porters, who prepare fresh and nutritious meals.
Arrival at Wayllabamba
After 5–6 hours of hiking, we reach the first campsite, located in a valley surrounded by vegetation-covered mountains.
Day 1 Details
🚶♂️ Hike: Approximately 11 km
🛌 Accommodation: Camping in Wayllabamba
🍽 Meals: Lunch and dinner
Day 2: Wayllabamba – Warmiwañusca – Pacaymayo
Ascent to Warmiwañusca
We start the hike early. This is the most challenging day of the Inca Trail due to the ascent to Warmiwañusca Pass (4,215 m), known as “Dead Woman’s Pass.” The trail crosses Andean forests, qeuña tree areas, and spectacular views of the mountain range.
Arrival at the highest point
Once at the top, you will have time to rest and take photos of the landscape overlooking both sides of the valley. This point is one of the most memorable on the route.
Descent to Pacaymayo
A descent of approximately 2 hours begins along a well-preserved stone path that takes us to the second campsite, located in the Pacaymayo Valley.
Lunch and rest
We will enjoy a well-deserved meal prepared by the kitchen team. The afternoon will be free to rest, hydrate, and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Day 2 Details
🚶♂️ Hike: Approximately 9 km
🛌 Accommodation: Camping in Pacaymayo
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
🏔 Maximum altitude: 4,215 m (Warmiwañusca)
Day 3: Pacaymayo – Runkurakay – Wiñaywayna
Archaeological exploration
After breakfast, we begin one of the most beautiful days of the Inca Trail. We visit the archaeological complex of Runkurakay, a circular building that served as a control and resting post for the chaskis.
Second pass – Runkurakay
We ascend to 3,950 m, where the Andean landscape blends with the cloud forest, creating a unique atmosphere filled with light mist and vegetation-covered mountains.
Sayacmarca
After a descent, we reach Sayacmarca, an impressive archaeological site built on a cliff. The guide will explain its ceremonial and defensive function.
Connection with the jungle
We continue to Phuyupatamarca, known as “The City Above the Clouds.” From here, you can admire one of the most breathtaking landscapes of the Inca Trail.
Descent to Wiñaywayna
We descend thousands of Inca stone steps that cross cloud forests, orchids, giant ferns, and local wildlife. We arrive at Wiñaywayna, the most beautiful archaeological site on the route, full of terraces, temples, and perfectly preserved water channels.
Camping night
Here, we will rest on the last night before reaching Machu Picchu. Special farewell dinner with the team.
Day 3 Details
🚶♂️ Hike: Approximately 16 km
🛌 Accommodation: Camping in Wiñaywayna
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
🌿 Archaeological points: Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñaywayna
Day 4: Wiñaywayna – Inti Punku – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Sunrise on the Inca Trail
We wake up early to walk toward the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). The trail is gentle and surrounded by a magical atmosphere, with the morning light illuminating the Andean jungle.
Inti Punku
From this point, you will have your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu, an unforgettable experience after days of hiking.
Descent to Machu Picchu
We enter the citadel from the upper section. After a short break, we begin the guided tour of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Guided tour in Machu Picchu
We will visit the main areas: the agricultural sector, urban zone, Temple of the Sun, Main Temple, Intihuatana, Guardhouse, ceremonial fountains, and royal enclosures.
Free time
You will be able to explore the citadel at your own pace, take photos, and enjoy the energy of the place.
Return
Bus descent to Aguas Calientes. Return by train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy and then transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
Day 4 Details
🚶♂️ Hike: Approximately 5 km
🕒 Guided tour: 2h 30m
🚐 Return to Cusco: Train + transport
🕒 Approximate arrival: 8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Includes and Not Included – Inca Trail 4D/3N
What’s included
Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba
- Pickup: From your hotel in Cusco.
- Transportation: Cusco – Km 82.
- Professional Guide: Assistance from the start of the trek.
- Campsite: Night in Wayllabamba.
- Meals: Lunch and dinner.
Day 2: Wayllabamba – Warmiwañusca – Pacaymayo
- Guided route: Ascent to Warmiwañusca Pass and descent to Pacaymayo.
- Campsite: Night in Pacaymayo.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Morning infusion: Hot drink before starting the hike.
Day 3: Pacaymayo – Runkurakay – Wiñaywayna
- Archaeological visits: Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and Wiñaywayna.
- Campsite: Night in Wiñaywayna.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Tea time: Snacks and hot drinks in the afternoon.
Day 4: Inti Punku – Machu Picchu – Cusco
- Entrance: Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
- Guided tour: Tour of the Inca citadel.
- Bus: Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.
- Train: Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (Expedition 2:55 p.m.).
- Transportation: Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
General services included
- Personal tents: 2 people per tent.
- Full camping equipment: Includes dining and kitchen tents.
- Inflatable sleeping pads: For greater comfort at camp.
- Chef and kitchen assistant: Fresh meals throughout the route.
- Full meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners.
- Porters: Transport of camping equipment and personal belongings up to 7 kg.
- Safety: First aid kit and oxygen.
Not included
- Sleeping bag (rental available).
- Trekking poles (rental available).
- Breakfast on Day 1.
- Lunch and dinner in Aguas Calientes on the last day.
- Personal gear.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips.
- Tickets to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
- Additional costs caused by weather, strikes, or government changes.
The Inca Trail 4D/3N has very limited availability and usually sells out quickly. It is recommended to book 3 to 4 months in advance, especially during high season.
Additional Details
Recommendations
- Cover your backpack with a waterproof protector.
- Bring clothing for both cold and warm weather, as well as waterproof gear.
- Use insect repellent.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and personal medication.
- Pack snacks such as chocolate or dried fruit.
- Carry cash in small bills.
What to bring
- Comfortable and waterproof clothing
- Trekking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
- Trekking poles with rubber tips (optional)
- Camera
- Rain poncho
- Headlamp
- ID or passport
Useful information
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging.
- Acclimatization: It is recommended to stay in Cusco 1 or 2 days before the trek.
- Campsites: All 3 nights are spent in equipped campsites with personal tents, dining tent, and kitchen.
- Included train: Expedition from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo; Vistadome upgrade available at an additional cost.
- Daily backpack: You will only carry what you need for the day; the rest of the luggage goes with the porters.
- Recommended age: Between 12 and 60 years old, although other ages may participate with good physical condition and medical authorization.
- Weather: The trek operates rain or shine; it is only suspended in extreme weather conditions.
- Optional: You can add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain with advance reservation.
Cancellation policy
- Cancellations made 30 days in advance: 50% refund.
- Cancellations 5 days before: no refund.
- Entrance tickets are non-refundable once issued.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Inca Trail 4D/3N
Do I need to book the Inca Trail 4D/3N in advance?
Yes. The Inca Trail has a strict limit of 500 spaces per day (including guides and porters),
so we recommend booking at least 3 to 4 months in advance, especially during high season.
Is the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu included?
Yes, the tour includes the official entrance to the Inca Trail and admission to Machu Picchu on the fourth day of the route.
What is the difficulty level of this trek?
The Inca Trail is considered moderate to challenging due to the climbs, descents, and altitude.
You do not need to be an expert, but you should have adequate physical condition and prior acclimatization of 1 or 2 days in Cusco.
Do you sleep in camps throughout the entire tour?
Yes. During the 3 nights, you stay in fully equipped camps with personal tents, a dining tent, and a kitchen.
All equipment is carried by porters.
What type of train is included for the return?
The tour includes the Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
You can request an upgrade to the Vistadome train for an additional cost.
Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, it is possible to add either one, but these entrances are not included and must be booked
in advance because they sell out very quickly.
What happens if it rains during the trek?
The Inca Trail operates rain or shine. It is only suspended in extreme weather conditions.
It is recommended to bring a waterproof poncho and a change of clothes.
What meals are included?
The tour includes 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners prepared by the team chef,
as well as snacks, tea time, and hot drinks in the mornings.
Do the porters carry my luggage?
Yes. The porters carry the camping equipment and your personal belongings (up to 7 kg).
You only need to carry a light backpack with what you need for the day.
Are there age restrictions for doing the Inca Trail?
It is recommended for people between 12 and 60 years old. Children, older adults, or people of other ages
can do it as long as they are in good physical condition and have medical authorization.
How is the access to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)?
The traditional Inca Trail is the only route that arrives directly at Inti Punku.
From there, you will have the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu, one of the most special moments of the tour.
What should I bring for the 4 days of trekking?
Trekking and waterproof clothing, a rain poncho, headlamp, hat,
sunscreen, insect repellent, reusable water bottle, snacks, personal medication, and ID documents.
From: $855.00
Salkantay Treks
Inca Trail
Comprar Tour
Inca Trail 4D/3N
From: $855.00
From: $855.00
