4-Day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate

4 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

Experience a 4-day Classic Inca Trail trek from Cusco to Machu Picchu, hiking through cloud forests, crossing Dead Woman's Pass, and walking original Inca stone...

Duration: 4 Days · Tour type: Shared · Activity level: Challenging · Accommodation: Included · Budget · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: No · Cities: Cusco, Machu Picchu, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Wiñay Wayna · Languages: English, Spanish

Know before you go: Please, in order to book your Inca Trail tickets in advance, we need a picture of your passport and the prepayment per person.; Because spaces for the Inca Trail are limited, we recommend booking your Inca Trail tickets in advance.; Campsites along the Inca Trail are assigned by government authorities and may change based on availability.; Wiñay Wayna is not guaranteed as the final campsite, and Phuyupatamarca may be used instead.; These conditions apply to all trekking companies and are beyond the operator's control.

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Wiñay Wayna

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What's Included

Attend a pre-departure briefing at your hotel with your tour guide at 6:00 PM on the evening before the trek.
Receive private transportation from your hotel to Km 82, the starting point of the Inca Trail.
Obtain official entrance tickets for the Inca Trail.
Receive entrance tickets to Machu Picchu for Circuit 1 and Circuit 3.
Be accompanied by an experienced, English-speaking, professionally licensed tour guide throughout the trek.
Receive assistance from an extra porter carrying up to 3 kilograms or 6 pounds of personal gear.
Stay in personal 4-person tents shared by only 2 guests for added comfort and luggage security.
Use high-quality, well-maintained 3-season tents designed for mountain conditions.
Access full camping equipment, including dining tents, kitchen tents, tables, chairs, and cooking gear.
Use a mattress or sleeping pad during overnight camping.
Enjoy 3 nights of accommodation in tents.
Be served freshly prepared meals by a professional trekking cook and assistant.
Receive 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners, with vegetarian, vegan, and special diets available at no extra cost.
Receive morning wake-up tea served at your tent each day.
Enjoy afternoon tea time with snacks, hot drinks, and refreshments before dinner.
Benefit from a medical kit carried by the crew, including an emergency oxygen bottle.
Receive transportation from the train station back to Cusco city on Day 4.
Access 24-hour guest service support before and during the trek.

Not Included

Rent a sleeping bag from the company if required.
Rent walking sticks if desired.
Pay for lunch and dinner in Aguas Calientes on the last day.
Bring personal clothing and trekking gear.
Arrange personal travel insurance.
Provide tips for staff at personal discretion.
Cover any additional costs caused by circumstances beyond management control, including weather conditions, itinerary changes for safety reasons, illness, changes in government policy, or political instability and strikes.

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Cusco to Wayllabamba via Kilometer 82

Depart early from your Cusco hotel and travel by bus through Chinchero, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo. Stop in Ollantaytambo for breakfast before continuing to Kilometer 82, the starting point of the Inca Trail. Cross the Vilcanota River and begin hiking along the trail as it climbs away from the river. Along the way, view the Inca ruins of Huillca Raccay overlooking the Cusichaca Valley, and enjoy panoramic views of the Cordillera Urubamba and the snow-capped peak of Veronica. Continue to observe the extensive ruins of Llactapata, an important agricultural settlement that supplied Machu Picchu. Then keep hiking along the river until you reach the village of Wayllabamba at 3,000 meters, where you will spend the night. This is the last location on the trail where snacks and drinks can be purchased.
2

Day 02

Wayllabamba to Pacamayo via Dead Woman's Pass

Begin a steep ascent following the Llulluchayoc River toward Tres Piedras and the Huayruro River. As you climb, enter cloud forest terrain with waterfalls and dense vegetation. After several hours of hiking, reach Llulluchapampa meadow at 3,680 meters. From here, continue ascending to the highest point of the trek, Abra de Huarmihuañusca, also known as Dead Woman's Pass, at 4,200 meters, where strong Andean weather conditions are often felt. After crossing the pass, descend into the Pacamayo Valley and arrive at the campsite at 3,600 meters. Spend the night at Pacamayo campsite, where basic facilities are available.
3

Day 03

Pacamayo to Wiñay Wayna through Inca Ruins and Cloud Forest

Climb from Pacamayo to the circular ruins of Runkuracay, which overlook the valley, then cross the second pass, Abra de Runkuracay, at 4,000 meters. Descend along original Inca stone paths and arrive at the ruins of Sayacmarca, an isolated cliffside settlement. Continue past Conchamarca, a small Inca dwelling believed to have been a tambo, and walk through lush cloud forest filled with orchids, mosses, and tree ferns. Along the route, pass through an Inca tunnel carved into solid rock and climb to the third pass at 3,700 meters, with views of the Salkantay and Veronica peaks. Visit Phuyupatamarca, the Town in the Clouds, and observe its ceremonial Inca baths. Then descend a long stone staircase through cloud forest to reach Wiñay Wayna. At Wiñay Wayna, visit the ruins known for their agricultural terraces, temples, and water fountains. Spend the night at the Wiñay Wayna campsite, the final campsite before Machu Picchu.
4

Day 04

Sun Gate Sunrise, Machu Picchu, and Return to Cusco

Wake early and begin hiking toward Machu Picchu before sunrise. Walk through cloud forest and ascend the final steps to Intipunku, the Sun Gate, where you will witness the first full panoramic view of Machu Picchu at sunrise. Descend toward Machu Picchu and enter the site from the upper section. Follow Circuit 1 to enjoy panoramic viewpoints of the Citadel, then register at the checkpoint and reenter the site for a private guided tour. Explore Machu Picchu following Circuit 3, including the Temple of the Sun, Sacred Rock, Water Fountains, Callancas, Temple of the Condor, and storage areas. After the visit, take the bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and free time. Later, board the train to Ollantaytambo and continue by bus to Cusco. Arrive in Cusco in the evening and transfer back to your hotel.