Premium Inca Trail 4 Days

Be Prepare for your journey on the Premium Inca Trail classic 4-Days Trek is very important for us, we’re dedicated to ensuring you have a seamless experience. To address any questions and provide comprehensive information about the classic Inca trail and the national park regulations. Your guide will meet with you at your hotel 1 to 2 days before departure.

This essential briefing, typically scheduled for 7:00 pm at your hotel, can be adjusted with prior coordination a week before your trek. Our goal is to make sure you’re fully prepared and confident for your adventure to this world wonder.

Your adventure on the Premium Inca Trail Classic 4 Days begins bright and early! At 4:30 a.m., our private transport will pick you up from your Cusco hotel, heading towards Km 82 as we drive through the picturesque Sacred Valley.

We’ll make a stop in the quaint town of Ollantaytambo for a bathroom break, photos, and an optional breakfast. You can also pick up any last-minute essentials like sunscreen, toilet paper, or a plastic poncho, etc.

Continuing your journey, finally you’ll arrive at Piscacucho at Km 82 (8,923 ft./2,720 meters), located at the base of the majestic Veronica Wakay Huillca glacier (18,700 ft/5,700 meters). Here, you’ll meet your dedicated team, pass through the checkpoint, and officially start your trek on the Classic Inca Trail.

The first few hours of the hike feature gentle ups and downs, bringing you to the ancient Willcaracay Inca site. From here, you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Patallacta archaeological site, with fascinating insights from your expert guide.

After exploring, you’ll continue for another two hours along the Cusichaca Valley, where a delicious lunch awaits, prepared by our talented chef.

The final leg of the day’s hike involves a two-hour uphill trek to reach the Ayapata camp (10,826 ft/3,300 m), a serene and secluded spot away from the usual crowds.

• Meals: snacks, lunch, coffee break and dinner
• Accommodation: camping facilities
• Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
• Walking time: 7 to 8 hours
• Temperature: minimum 5 ° C (41 ° F) / max. 26 ° C (78.8 ° F)
• Physical difficulty: regular 3/5.

Get ready for an adrenaline-filled day as we tackle the most challenging part of the Classic Inca Trail 4 Days, crossing diverse ecological zones and reaching the highest points of the trail.

You’ll start our trek after a delicious breakfast, ascending through the heart of the cloud forest, rich with native vegetation and trees known as Uncas (a type of Polylepis). After about three hours of hiking, you’ll reach the highest point of the trail, Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,215 meters (13,825 feet). Here, you can take a moment to savor the satisfaction of conquering the trail’s highest summit, with breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, and steep valleys.

Next, you’ll descend into the Pacaymayu Valley (3,600 meters / 11,800 feet), where our staff will prepare a tasty lunch to reward your hard work.

The journey continues with an ascent to the second summit, Runkurakay (3,977 meters / 13,127 feet). Along the way, you’ll explore the Runqu Racay archaeological site. Another invigorating hour of trekking brings us to a breathtaking pass surrounded by towering, snow-capped peaks.

Afterward, we’ll encounter some challenging Inca steps leading down to the Sayacmarca Archaeological Center (3,657 meters / 12,000 feet). This heritage site offers awe-inspiring views of the high jungle and tropical cloud forest. The sunset creates an enigmatic scene, reminiscent of following the path to the Golden City.

From Sayacmarca, it’s an easy 25-minute walk to the Chaquicocha camp (Dry lake) located at 3,600 meters / 11,800 feet, where we’ll end our day.

• Meals: Breakfast, water, snack, Lunch,  coffee break and dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 16 km / 9.94 miles
• Walking time: 9 to 10 hours
• Temperature: minimum 2° C (4135.6 ° F) / max. 18 ° C (64.4 ° F)
• Physical difficulty: challenge 5/5.

Today is considered the most flexible and culturally rich day of the entire Classic Inca Trail 4 days journey, a favorite among most trekkers. After a restful night’s sleep and a delicious breakfast, we’ll embark on a magnificent day, continuing along the original cobblestone path of the Inca trail.

The hike from Chaquicocha camp to Phuyupatamarca lasts about two hours. Along the way, we’ll pause to capture the breathtaking Andean landscape in photos, discover beautiful orchids, and spot hummingbirds amidst the lush vegetation of the cloud forest. We’ll also explore caves and traverse a 25-meter-long Inca tunnel, eventually reaching the Phuyupatamarca pass (3,700 meters/12,140 feet) known as the city among the clouds. Here, you’ll be treated to expansive views of the Urubamba Valley and towering peaks such as Veronica (5,700 meters/18,700 feet), Salkantay (6,271 meters/20,574 feet), and Pumasillo (5,700 meters/18,700 feet). Below, you’ll glimpse the majestic Machu Picchu and the town of Aguas Calientes.

Next, you’ll descend through the Inca stairs, a section famously known as the “gringo killer,” taking approximately three hours. This route leads us through the cloud forest and rainforest, teeming with incredible biodiversity. Along the way, you’ll visit well-preserved archaeological sites like Phuyupatamarca and Intipata, marveling at their conservation and ancient craftsmanship. Upon arriving at the Wiñaywayna camp (2,650 meters/8,694 feet), we’ll indulge in a hearty and delicious meal.

After lunch, enjoy a refreshing nap and possibly a revitalizing mountain shower if the weather permits. You’ll conclude the day with a visit to the magnificent Inca site of Wiñaywayna, located just 10 minutes from the camp and often compared to a mini Machu Picchu.

Farewell Ceremony: Honoring the Porters and the Cook

As night falls and you enjoy a satisfying dinner, you’ll have the final opportunity to bid farewell to your dedicated trekking team. Your guide will organize a heartfelt farewell ceremony, a cherished tradition where groups from all trekking companies gather to express their gratitude their team.

During this ceremony, you’ll have the chance to share words of appreciation and offer gratuities to show your thanks, going beyond the standard service. This moment is particularly meaningful, as it allows you to recognize and honor the hard work and dedication of your team that made your journey memorable and enjoyable.

• Meals: Breakfast, water, Lunch,  coffee break and dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
• Walking time: 5 hours
• Temperature: minimum – 2 ° C (28.4 ° F) / max. 26 ° C (78.8 ° F)
• Physical difficulty: easy 2/5

The most anticipated day of your Premium Inca Trail Classic 4 Days trek is here! At 3:30 am, you’ll wake up to a warm cup of tea or coffee and get ready for the final leg of your journey, with a convenient take-away breakfast prepared by our chef.

We’ll head to the checkpoint and aim to be among the first to start trekking when the gates open at 5:30 am. After an early check-in, we’ll hike for 1.5 hours to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at 2,720 meters (8,900 feet), where you’ll be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the Machu Picchu citadel.

From the Sun Gate, it’s a 45-minute walk down to the classic viewpoint of Machu Picchu, perfect for capturing those iconic postcard photos.

Next, we’ll head outside the city for a restroom and snack break before diving into a guided exploration of the ancient city. Your guide will lead a comprehensive two-hour tour, covering the most important religious and agricultural sites.

After the insightful tour and capturing your best photos, you’ll ride the bus down to Aguas Calientes (a 25-minute journey). From there, you’ll take the Expedition train at 2:55 pm for a 1 hour 40 minutes ride to Ollantaytambo station depending on your reserved service.

Finally, our private vehicle will be waiting to drive you back to your hotel in Cusco (2 hours), completing your unforgettable Classic Inca Trail 4 Days adventure.

• Meals: breakfast to take away and water.
• Distance: 6 km / 3.5 miles
• Walking time: 2-3 hours
• Temperature: minimum 4 ° C (39.2 ° F) / max. 26 ° C (78.8 ° F)
• Physical difficulty: easy 2/5