Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 4 Days / 3 Nights

Wake-up call is at 5:00 AM with a warm cup of coca tea delivered to your tent to help you energize for the most challenging (but also one of the most rewarding) days on the Inca Trail.

After breakfast, we begin our steady ascent through the Llulluchapampa Valley, walking through a beautiful landscape of native forest, streams, and mountain views. Along the way, you may spot hummingbirds and other Andean wildlife. The vegetation begins to thin as we reach Llulluchapampa (3,800 m / 12,467 ft) — a grassy plateau and our last stop before the climb to the first pass.

From Llulluchapampa, the trail becomes steeper as we make the final push to Warmiwañuska, also known as Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point on the Inca Trail at 4,215 m / 13,829 ft. Reaching the summit is a huge accomplishment, and you’ll be rewarded with incredible panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks.

We take time at the summit to rest, take photos, and appreciate the accomplishment before beginning a long, steep descent into the Pacaymayo Valley — a beautiful, misty ravine where we’ll set up our second campsite at Pacaymayo (3,600 m / 11,811 ft).

Our team will welcome you with warm drinks and snacks while you unwind from the day’s trek. After a nourishing dinner, we’ll go over the plan for Day 3, and you’ll have time to stargaze or simply rest under the clear Andean night sky.

• Trekking Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles (6–7 hours)
• Camp Altitude: 3,600 m (11,811 ft)
• Highest Point: Dead Woman’s Pass – 4,215 m (13,829 ft)
• Difficulty: Challenging – steep ascent and descent
• Area: High Andes
• Climate: Cold at high elevations, windy at the pass, chilly at night
• Highlights: Llulluchapampa plateau, summit of Dead Woman’s Pass, dramatic mountain scenery,
• Andean wildlife.

After an early wake-up with coca tea and breakfast, we begin the second most challenging day of the Inca Trail — but one filled with archaeological wonders, breathtaking landscapes, and lush cloud forest.

The day starts with a 1-hour ascent to the Runkurakay ruins, a circular Inca watchtower overlooking the valley below. From there, we continue climbing for another hour to reach the second mountain pass at Runkurakay Pass (3,950 m / 12,959 ft).

After enjoying the views, we descend through beautiful cloud forest for about 1 hour until we reach the Sayacmarca ruins — an impressive and mysterious Inca complex built on a rocky outcrop. Your guide will give you a tour of the site and share its historical importance.

The trail continues with gentle ups and downs, passing through Inca tunnels, lush vegetation, and moss-covered stone paths as we approach the third and final pass. Along the way, you’ll notice a clear shift in environment as we enter the high jungle.

After crossing the Phuyupatamarca Pass (3,600 m / 11,811 ft), we visit the nearby ruins of Phuyupatamarca, known as the “Town in the Clouds.” This beautifully preserved site offers spectacular views of the Urubamba River Valley far below.

From here, it’s a long descent (approx. 3 hours) down a well-preserved Inca stairway, passing through the Intipata terraces — an ideal spot for photography and reflection.

We arrive at our final campsite near Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft) in the early afternoon. After lunch and some rest, your guide will take you on a guided tour of the Wiñay Wayna ruins, a stunning set of agricultural terraces, fountains, and temples — second in beauty only to Machu Picchu itself.

In the evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner with your porters and chef team. This is also when we hold a gratitude ceremony to thank the team for their dedication and hard work. You’ll have the chance to offer tips if you wish (optional).

• Trekking Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles (8–9 hours)
• Camp Altitude: 2,650 m (8,694 ft)
• Highest Point: Runkurakay Pass – 3,950 m (12,959 ft)
• Difficulty: Moderate – long but mostly downhill
• Area: Cloud forest and subtropical jungle
• Climate: Warm and humid during the day; cool at night
• Highlights: Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, Wiñay Wayna ruins.

The final and most anticipated day of the Inca Trail begins very early. We wake you up at 3:30 AM, followed by a light breakfast at 4:00 AM. After packing up, we head to the final checkpoint, which opens at 5:30 AM.

Once cleared, we begin a short but memorable hike toward Inti Punku (the Sun Gate). This stretch takes approximately 1.5 hours, with gentle ascents and narrow trail sections as dawn breaks across the Andes.

As we reach the Sun Gate (2,720 m / 8,923 ft), you’ll witness your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu — bathed in the soft glow of the morning sun, emerging from the mist like a dream. It’s a moment you’ll never forget.

From here, we continue downhill for about an hour to the entrance of Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 7,972 ft), where we begin our 2-hour guided tour. Your guide will lead you through the main sectors — including the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Residence, the Sacred Plaza, and more — explaining the site’s significance and mysteries.

After the tour, you’ll have some free time to explore on your own or, if pre-booked in advance, to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for even more spectacular views.

Once finished, we take the shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (optional). Your guide will meet you there to hand out your train tickets and provide details about your return trip.

Unless you’ve arranged an upgraded service, your return will be on the Expedition Train departing Aguas Calientes around 2:55 PM or 3:20 PM (subject to availability). The train journey lasts about 1.5–2 hours, arriving at Ollantaytambo or Poroy, where our private transport will be waiting to take you back to Cusco, and drop you off at your hotel — arriving around 7:30–8:30 PM.

• Trekking Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles (2–3 hours)
• Highest Point: Inti Punku (2,720 m / 8,923 ft)
• Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,430 m (7,972 ft)
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Area: High jungle / Cloud forest
• Climate: Warm and humid
• Highlights: Sunrise at the Sun Gate, guided visit of Machu Picchu, scenic train ride back to Cusco.