Inca Trail 4-Day Program

Day 1 – The 4-Day Inca Trail Begins with Coca

Early in the morning (between 5:30 AM and 6:00 AM), you’ll be picked up at your hotel in Cusco. It’s about a 2-hour drive to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll stop for breakfast and to purchase any last-minute items for the trek. Don’t forget the coca leaves to help cope with the high altitude!

From there, you’ll continue to the trailhead, where you’ll meet the porters who carry your tents and, if you choose, part of your luggage (for an extra fee). These porters live near Machu Picchu, speak the indigenous Quechua language, and carry around 20 kg / 44 lbs on their backs through the mountains — you’ll quickly come to appreciate their incredible work!

The first day of the 4-day Inca Trail is relatively easy and focuses on the Urubamba River, the snow-capped peak of Huacayhuillca, and the first two Inca archaeological sites: Kanabamba and Llactapata. At the end of the day, you’ll arrive at Wayllabamba, where your tents will be ready for you to spend the night.

Day 2 – The Challenging Climb to Dead Woman Pass

Day two begins around 6:00 AM, early, because it’s a tough day ahead, especially under the midday sun. Today you’ll trek from the Llulluchapampa Valley into the forests of the Andes to climb the highest point of the Trail: Warmihuañuska (Dead Woman Pass).

This pass sits at 4,200 meters / 13,780 feet and offers breathtaking views over green forests and snow-capped peaks. After reaching the summit, the Trail descends toward the Pacaymayo Valley, where your tent will be ready again. You’ll enjoy a well-earned rest and dinner here before spending the night.

Day 3 – Low-Hanging Clouds in the Cloud City

Once again, you start early for the longest day of the 4-day Inca Trail. From the Pacaymayo Valley, you begin with the climb up a long staircase with large steps to Runcuracay, an archaeological complex. Then you ascend the second pass of the trek at 3,900 meters / 12,800 feet. With the two highest passes now behind you, the Trail descends to Chaquicocha, where you stop for lunch.

This day is one of the most beautiful, as you walk through low-hanging clouds over original large Inca stones, pass through the Inca tunnel, and trek through a stunning natural area filled with colorful orchids, begonias, and other native plants.

When you cross the third pass at 3,700 meters / 12,140 feet, you arrive at Phuyupatamarka, the “Cloud City.” From here, you can see Machu Picchu in the distance for the first time. A little further down lies Wiñaywayna (“Forever Young”), the final campsite, where a farewell dinner with the porters awaits.

Day 4 – A Magical Moment at the Sun Gate

The final day begins, and it’s time to complete the last kilometers to Machu Picchu. You start in the middle of the night, around 4:00 AM, with an early climb to Intipunku (Sun Gate), the official entrance to Machu Picchu. This climb takes you along beautiful paths and steep cliffs. From the Sun Gate, if the weather is clear, you can see Machu Picchu slowly emerge. This is a true moment of awe — a chance to pause, take photos, and reflect on the incredible journey you’ve completed to reach this breathtaking Inca citadel. It’s also not uncommon to see couples getting engaged or fellow trekkers shedding tears of happiness!

Guided Tour of Machu Picchu

After descending, your 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu begins. Standard tours on this Trail include Circuit 3, a detailed route where your guide will show you the architectural highlights and tell you about the history of the Incas and the origins of Machu Picchu.

In the late afternoon, you’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you can optionally visit the hot springs or enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning by train to Cusco.

Optional: Climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain

For those looking for an extra adventure, you can climb Huayna Picchu (“Young Mountain”), the iconic green peak overlooking Machu Picchu. The climb takes about 45 minutes and offers stunning views of the city and surrounding valleys, though it’s not included in the standard Trail.

Machu Picchu Mountain, directly opposite Huayna Picchu, is slightly steeper and taller. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a challenge and spectacular panoramas. If you want to add the climb of Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain to your Trail, please contact us for more information and booking details.