Classic Inca Trail 4 days hike to Machu picchu is our top tour rated hike, Walking inca trail 4 days 3 nights with Explore wich is Peru's most sought-after trek for its breathtaking panoramas, vast ecological diversity, and well-preserved archeological sites. It is trekking 4 days along the original ancient stone Inca path, we traverse high mountain passes and trek
through ecological areas ranging from high desert puna to an Andean cloud forest and subtropical jungle. During this classic 4-day trek Our Explore Leaderwill point out the native flora fauna and explain important facts and legends about the magnificent Inca Empire. Admire various archaeological sites along the trail, Sleep at campsites and indulge in high quality meals prepared by a chef who works magic with simple ingredients and a propane stove. All the essentials for the trek are provided, including an expert guide who will help you navigate through this magical journey into the clouds. On the fourth day, we arrive to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, from where we catch our first exhilarating glimpse of the archeological wonders below. At Machu Picchu, we spend ample time discovering these spectacular remains before returning to Cusco by train.
ALL DEPARTURES 100% GUARANTEED - IF YOU'RE BOOKED, YOU'RE GOING
BRIEFING: The day before the trek, you will meet with your guide and meet all the members of your expedition group. Your guide will explain to you about the trek, route, and all the necessary recommendations will be provided to you according to the trekking season you choose. This briefing will take approximately 40 minutes, where you will receive your duffel bags that will be carried by the porters along the trail.
**Experiencing a home stay immersion on the night prior to the Inca Trail 4 days 3 nights trek provides Explore Adventures Peru guests a window into the lives of their porters and helps with bonding prior to Journey to Machu Picchu *This is a free activity for travelers who book their hike at least 30 days beforehand and this will be confirmed they want do it.
OVERVIEW
Day 1: Cusco – Piscacucho km 82 – Llactapata – WAYLLABAMBA
- Pickup from your hotel
- Transfer to km 82 (2,720m/8,923ft), beginning of the trek - breakfast with Inca trail views
- This first day is relatively easy walking ~ 5-7 hours.
- Hiking the Inca Trail Archaeological site of Kanabamba, Llactapata (Quechua names)
- Lunch at Tarachayoq village at approximately 1:30 pm
- After lunch, continue south along the river Cusichaca, climbing gently.
- Camping in Wayllabamba (3,100m/10,829ft)
- Walking distance 11 km
Day 2: WAYLLABAMBA/ WARMIWAÑUSKA/ PACAYMAYU
This is the most difficult day. After climbing Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman's) pass on the morning of the second day, the rest of the hike is relatively easy.
Begin hiking about 7:00 AM and hike about 5 1/2 hours to our lunch spot. The trail follows the River Llullucha, climbing steeply nearly 4000 feet (1200 m) through forests and plains to the highest point on the trek, Warmiwañusca pass, aka Dead Women's pass at (13,776 ft or 4200m).
It’s another 2 hours of easy walking to our camp at Pacaymayo (11,833 ft or 3607m), near to Runkuraqay, where we'll cook dinner.
Walking distance: 12 km
Day 3: PACAYMAYU/ WIÑAYWAYNA
On the third day, the trail climbs gently up two passes.
Depart ~ 7:00 AM and hike about an hour to the rounded ruins of Runkuracay (12,470 ft or 3800 m). Continue up the second pass and back down to the ruins of Sayacmarca (11,742 ft or 3580 m). These ruins offer spectacular views in nearly every direction. Offering incredible views of several snow capped peaks
From here, climb gently up the third and final pass through lush cloud forests to the ruins of Phuyupatamarca ("Cloud-Level Town").
lunch at Phuyupatamarca (11,930 ft or 3640 m) also Nice views of Machu Picchu mountain after we continue downhill to the ruins of Winay Wayna also our Campsite .
we will get to visit Wiñay Wayna ruins
Walking distance: 16km
Day 4: Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco
- Hiking to Inti Punku the “Sun Gate”
- Guided tour in Machu Picchu
- Climb to Huayna Picchu (advanced booking required)
- Descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch
- Walking distance 5 km
- Afternoon train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo/Poroy
- Transfer from train station to Cusco hotel
- Train times at 2:55pm, 4:45pm, or 6:45pm depending on availability at Peru Rail.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Cusco – Piscacucho km 82 – Llactapata – WAYLLABAMBA
Distance: 11 Kilometers / Miles
Depart Cusco early morning by bus and drive through the Sacred Valley to the community of Piscacucho (Railroad Km82 – 2,700m/8,856ft), where we cross the Urubamba River by bridge and begin the Inca Trail. Following a trail along the left-hand shore of the Urubamba River, we enjoy stunning views of the snow-capped Mount Veronica (5,830m) and the Inca archeological remains at Llaqtapata. Continuing through lush farmland and woodlands, we gradually climb for approximately 6 hours to our first campsite at Wayllabamba (3,300m/10,829ft).
Approximate walking time: 6-7 hours
Day 2: WAYLLABAMBA/ WARMIWAÑUSKA/ PACAYMAYU
Distance: 12 Kilometers / Miles , After breakfast an early start, we begin a steep climb through Andean cloud forest and highland puna to the highest point on our trek, Warmiwañusca, or Dead Woman’s Pass (4,200m/13,776ft). During our ascent, we can appreciate the wide variety of plants, flowers, and bird species supported by this unique eco-climate. Once we reach the pass, our challenge is rewarded by an astonishing panoramic view of the Vilcanota and Vilcabamba mountain ranges. From here, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley and on to our second campsite. Approx. walking time: 6-7 hours
Day 3: PACAYMAYU/ WIÑAYWAYNA
Distance: 16 Kilometers / Miles
On this day, we follow ancient stone paths and steps to the well-preserved Inca remains of Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, and Phuyupatamarca. Along our visit to the sites we can appreciate the Incas’ complex architectural style and reverence of natural geography and beauty. Heading down the sub-tropical Andean slope, we reach another strategic and eathetically-situated site at WiñayWayna, where we camp for the night. Approximate walking time: 8 hours
Day 4: Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco
Distance: 6 Kilometers / Miles
Leaving Wiñay Wayna, we descend gradually further through the highland jungle to our destination: the best place for our Inca trail explorers Inti Punku, or the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu. Arriving at daybreak, we catch our first breathtaking view of this historical wonder. We have the rest of the day to learn and explore the main complex of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary before taking the train back to Cusco in the afternoon.
Approximate walking time: 2 hours
INCLUDED
ALL-INCLUSIVE INCA TRAIL TREK Our treks are all-inclusive, which allows you to travel worry-free and focus 100% on enjoying yourself. We've got you covered with Private transportation, Personal porter included, deluxe camping gear, day backpacks, trekking poles, sleeping bag and deluxe air-pad/pillow/blanket, organic meals, safety equipment, water treatment, emergency communication devices and more! With the 4 Day Inca Trail package you will receive:
Cultural Immersion Experience
Visit to Patabamba village
Home stay at the community
Explore the community with your guide share the day in the lives of QUECHUAS
Transportation and Tickets
- Private transport from your Cusco hotel or home stay to the trailhead
- Bus ticket from Machupicchu to Aguas Calientes
- Train ticket back to Cusco Expeditions service
- Transfer from Cusco the train station back to your hotel
- Entrance fees for Inca Trail
- Entrance fees for Machu Picchu
Camping Equipment
- Our service includes a porter 8kgs
- High quality double-occupancy tents and camping equipment
- Sleeping rest mattress 'Air mattresses'
- Hot water in the morning for washing
- Food and drink utensils
- Dining tent, kitchen tent, tables, seats
- Toilet tent with biodegradable chemical toilet
Emergency Equipment
- First Aid Kit: includes alcohol, bandages, pills for the altitude, oxygenated water, cotton balls, Imodium, Panadol, rehydration sachets, rescue ropes, etc.
- An oxygen bottle is available at all times.
- Radio communication: Guides are equipped with radios used by workers in the Machu Picchu National Park. we have constant communication with our staff and rangers in case of emergencies.
Team
- Professional, knowledgeable English-speaking guide
- A Quechua chef to prepare your meals
- Quechua Porters to carry camping equipment and food (hikers must carry their own bags; porters only carry 8kgs)
Food
- Plentiful, nutritious meals (vegetarian option available) 03B, 03L, 03D
- Hot drinks such as tea and coffee, as well as enough water for your canteens, water bottles or hydration packs
NOT INCLUDED:
- Breakfast on Day 1
- Tips for guide and camp staff
PRICE
Price per Person: US$750 (Minimum 2 persons; departures all year except February)
ALL-INCLUSIVE TREK Our treks are all-inclusive, which allows you to travel worry-free and focus 100% on enjoying yourself. We've got you covered with Private transportation, Personal porter included, deluxe camping gear, day backpacks, trekking poles, sleeping bag and deluxe air-pad/pillow/blanket, organic meals, safety equipment, water treatment, emergency communication devices and more!
* We include a porter that will carry your personal belongings in all of our treks at no additional cost.
* We include First aid kit/Emergency Portable Oxygen Tank.
* Black Diamond Hiking Poles
* North Face Sleeping bag – 4 season
* North Face Private Tent
* Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra Air mattress
* National Geographic day back
* Portable Solar Panels for charging the phones
Discounts
- Student Discount (with valid ISIC card) – $25
- Under 15 Discount – $25
- Under 7 Discount – $35
Porters - Our service includes 8kg carried by our porters per person, but if you would like an upgrade: you can hire an additional porter to carry up to
- 8 Kg. (18 pounds) for USD85.00
- 15 Kg. (33 pounds) for USD150.00.
The Cost includes porter’s salary, porter’s entrance to Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and food.
Upgrades
Train upgrade to Vistadome: US$50 one way (departing from Aguas Calientes). Train will be according to availability and Peru Rail schedules, if train route ends at Ollantaytambo, we will be there waiting for you in order to go to Cusco City. (Our service ends once you are at your accommodation at Cusco City)
Extras
Would you also like to hike Huayna Picchu? Sure, you can make it! Its price is US$85 per person and there are 2 times (at 7am and 10am). We usually recommend people to take the 10am one (this activity is on the 4th day of the Inca Trail 4 days) because that way you won’t be running with the time to take your tour. Other option would be on the 5th day in the morning if you want to stay for an extra night at Aguas Calientes. (accommodation is on your own on the 4th night)
CANCELLATION:
1. Because of the strict regulations of the Machu Picchu Park, once you have made your reservation, you cannot cancel the space that you have reserved. You also may not alter the name or date of the reservation. If you are unable to come on the date you have reserved, we cannot reimburse you.
2. The $200 deposit is non-refundable. We cannot reimburse the entrance fee to the Inca Trail because the permits are non-refundable and EXPLORE ADVENTURES PERU purchases the tickets from Machu Picchu Park when you reserve your spot.
3. If you cancel between 30 and 10 days before your trek, you must pay 50% of the total cost.
4. If you cancel between 10 and 3 days before your trek, you must pay 80% of the total cost.
5. If you cancel one or two days before your trek, you must pay 100% of the total cost.
6. In the exceptional case that you decide to head back once you have started the trail, you must pay extra expenses such as food and transportation. You may join the group in Machu Picchu for the walking tour and use all of the services onward.
WHYEXPLORE
THE EXPLORE ADVENTURES PERU® DIFFERENCE - DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE
Explore Adventures Peru® has been setting the standard for Trekking Peruvian Andes since 2010. As one of the few specialist companies organizing high quality expeditions, we are recognized as one of the best operators on the Peruvian Andes. Come see why we are the premier Andes outfitter. When you travel with us, you gain access to people and places. You’re enriched by the knowledge of our experts and guides, and by local experts we meet along the way. And you give back. Simply by taking a trip with Explore Adventures Peru, you support the work of our explorers and indigenous Quechuas villages. We are a 100% locally owned and operated company! Proud to be Quechuas!!!
WE HAVE A 99.8% CLIENT SATISFACTION RATE!
Undoubtedly, the most honest and accurate feedback comes from our clients themselves. With the goal of constantly improving our service, a post-Hiking survey is taken from each client in order to assess our staff, equipment, and food.
LOCAL GUIDES
KNOWLEDGE: LET OUR EXPERTS GUIDE YOU
- Professional, experienced, licensed local Quechuan guides
- Our guides are formed by expert Photographers, Explorers, History teachers, Archaeologists
- Honest, hardworking, team oriented support staff
- Over 600 times hikes on Inca Trail success experiences and client satisfaction
QUALITY EQUIPMENT
HIGH QUALITY EQUIPMENT & SERVICE.
• Rugged, four season North face, Mountain Hardwear, Doite, Vango tents
• Super warm North face, Mountain Equipment, Mountain Hardwear -30F sleeping bags
• Spacious mess tents and private toilets
• Outdoor utensils in stainless steel
FANTASTIC MEALS
• Delicious meals made from fresh, local ingredients
• Clean water treated with Water Guard
• we customize our menus depending on the preferences of the group,
• we never use freeze-dried backpacking meals
• Hearty, delicious meals that will optimally fuel and inspire you during your trip!
• We also regularly accommodate vegetarian, vegan, kosher, non-gluten and other specialty diets
FOCUSED ON SAFETY
WE HAVE MANY LAYERS OF SAFETY BUILT INTO OUR OPERATIONS TO MINIMIZE THE RISKS ON INCA TRAIL AND BEYOND .
• We have established protocols for handling emergencies on the mountain, including rescue and evacuation
• Certified Wilderness First Responders
• Certified of the oficial firemen of Peru
• Daily pulse and oxygen saturation monitoring
• We provide evacuation by helicopter Andes Corp. For hikers seriously injured or sick.
• Emergency oxygen, portable stretchers and medical kits
• Emergency horse available in all our Alternatives treks
RESPONSIBLE TREKKING
GIVE BACK: WHEN YOU TRAVEL WITH US, YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE
• Environmentally and socially responsible company
• Member of Inca Trail Porters Welfare
• Member of Leave No Trace
• Fair and ethical treatment of porters
• Empowering Peruvian women
PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION By EXPLORE
Instead of local buses, which other companies use to reduce their costs,
we always provide private transportation. This service allows our clients
flexibility and privacy.
HAPPY CUSTOMERS
• "Great experience!"
• "Very well planned & organized"
• "Excellent service all around"
• "A solid company"
• "Highly recommended!"
• Genuine, authentic, and flexible with deep local knowledge
• Absolutely Amazing
Finally, EXPLORE ADVENTURES PERU strives to provide top quality service to its clientele and will continue to listen to their comments on how to improve our services and take it to a higher level. Our clients are extremely satisfied as our numerous testimonials prove. Please read their trip reports on the Testimonials section of our website and also on Tripadvisor.
BOOKNOW
Discover the you you never knew...
Discover yourself in Peru
ALL DEPARTURES 100% GUARANTEED - IF YOU'RE BOOKED, YOU'RE GOING
TRIPNOTES
Inca Trail & Alternative & Adventure Trek to MachuPicchu Packing Check LIST
During the Alternatuve Trek or Inca Trail to Machu Picchu your main luggage will be stored in Cuzco at your hotel or free storage in our office and you will receive a small duffle bag at your trek briefing (which will be help briefing day before you start the trek) to pack clothes and sleeping bag for 3-4 days.
Gear Checklist
Provided Gear
Tents
- Cooking and eating utensils while camping
- Sleeping pad (you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer)
- Duffel bag, medium-size (used while trekking, approximately 65 liter)
Official Papers
- Valid passport
- Airline tickets
Luggage
- Luggage, one piece, wheels and handle ok
- Daypack 2000 cu. in. to carry your camera, water bottles, extra clothing
- Luggage tags and luggage locks
- Passport pouch or money pouch
Camping Gear
Sleeping bag with stuff sack (rated to 10°-20°F)
CHECK LIST FOR YOU TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
PASSPORT: You MUST take your passport and a photocopy is not sufficient. (Keep it in a plastic bag in case of rain).
City Clothing
Bring a few lightweight, easily washable items for travel and daily wear when not trekking
Clothing
-
Midweight fleece or wool sweater
-
Fleece pants or tights
-
Midweight thermal underwear tops and bottom, synthetic or wool
-
Hiking pants
-
Hiking shorts
-
Long-sleeve shirts
-
T-shirts
-
Underwear
-
Casual socks
-
Hiking socks
-
Liner socks, synthetic
-
Swimsuit
Clothing Accessories
- Sun hat
- Wool or fleece hat
- Bandana
- Wool or fleece gloves
Outerwear
- Rain jacket, waterproof and breathable
- Rain or wind pants, waterproof and breathable. Side-zip pants are highly recommended.
- Insulated jacket, down or synthetic
Footwear
- Sturdy hiking boots, waterproof, lightweight, broken-in, aggressive tread
- Camp shoes such as tennis shoes or sandals or other comfortable footwear for use in town and/or campsites
Travel Accessories
- 2 one-quart water bottle(s) or hydration system
- Flashlight or headlamp and spare batteries/bulb
- Watch with alarm or travel clock
- 1 roll of toilet paper
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunblock and lip balm
Toiletry kit
- Small washcloth and small towel
- Baby wipes
- Personal first-aid kit
- Hand sanitizer gel
- Insect repellent
- Several Ziploc plastic bags
- Large, heavy-duty plastic trash bags
Optional Field Gear
- Camera, spare media card and batteries
- Electrical adapter plug
- Earplugs
- Whistle
- Spare contact lenses or glasses
- Reading and writing materials
- Sewing kit
- Knee supports
- Travel pillow
- Hiking stick or trekking poles (metal tips not allowed on Inca Trail; points must be rubber or covered with duct tape.)
- Favorite energy snacks and drinks.
DIFFICULTY:
Moderate - Challenging
DURATION:
4 Days / 3 Nights
HIGHLIGHTS:
Rewarding days of moderate to rigorous trekking
3 nights of camping with stunning views
Machu Picchu and other important archeological sites
Spectacular scenery
Quality equipment and comfortable campsites
We also provide camping chairs and tables for dining and resting
DON'T JUST TRAVEL. EXPLORE! Explore Adventures Peru team!!
WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT RESERVATIONS BE MADE AT LEAST 3-6 MONTHS IN ADVANCE AS PERMITS ARE LIMITED PER DAY AND SELL OUT QUICKLY. IF YOU DON'T FIND SPACE FOR INCA TRAIL LOOK INTO OUR ALTERNATIVE TREKS...
Our Treks: Ancascocha treks – Moonstone Trek – Huchuy Qosqo Trek – Salkantay Trek – Lares Llama Trek – Ausangate Trek – Choquequirao Trek
Optional Tours / Activities : City tour, Sacred Valley , Extreme Sports Cusco, Off the Beaten Track tours.