Trip Itinerary
TRIP ITINERARY
CUSCO – PISCACUCHO (KM 82) - WAYLLABAMBA
The first day of the Inca Trail 4 days is relatively easy, providing a gentle introduction to the trek. The trek starts early in the morning, with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco from 5:30 to 6:00 am The drive to the starting point of the trek, Piscacucho, takes about two hours. From there, you will cross the Urubamba River and enter the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
After passing through the checkpoint, the trail will take you through beautiful Andean scenery, with snow-capped peaks and lush vegetation. You’ll also pass by some small Inca ruins, including Llactapata, which is a good warm-up for the ruins you’ll encounter later on in the trek.
The trail will continue through the valley until you reach Wayllabamba, where you’ll set up camp for the night. This is a good time to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings before continuing the trek the next day.
Early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco 5:30 to 6:00 am and drive to the starting point of the trek, km 82.
Begin the hike with a gentle walk along the Urubamba River, passing small villages and archaeological sites along the way.
Hike through lush vegetation and up to the first campsite at Wayllabamba, which is located at 10,830 feet above sea level.
- Total hiking distance: 8.7 miles / 14 km (6-7 hours).
- Campsite altitude: 3000 meters (high) above sea level
- Considered: Moderate day (getting used to the Inca Trail)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
- Accommodation: Camping in tents
- Weather: Warm and windy
HUAYLLABAMBA - INCA TRAIL HIGHEST POINT - PACAYMAYO
Day two of the Inca Trail is the most challenging, with a steep ascent to Dead Woman’s Pass, which sits at an elevation of 4,215 meters. The trail is quite steep and can be a bit of a challenge for some, but the views from the top are absolutely stunning.
After reaching the pass, you’ll begin the descent to Pacaymayo, passing through beautiful landscapes and cloud forests. This part of the trail is particularly interesting, as it passes by several Inca ruins, including Runkurakay and Sayacmarca.
You’ll arrive at Pacaymayo in the late afternoon, where you’ll set up camp for the night. This is a good time to rest and recover before continuing the trek the next day.
Today is considered the most challenging day of the trek, as you will climb up to the highest point of the trail, Warmiwañusca Pass, which stands at 13,780 feet above sea level.
Take breaks along the way to rest and enjoy the stunning views of the Andean mountains and valleys.
Descend into the Pacaymayo valley and set up camp for the night.
- Total hiking distance: 6.2 miles/10km (6-7 hours).
- Campsite altitude: 3700 meters (high) above sea level
- Considered: Top day (you will have survived the two highest passes)
- Area: Andes and Cloud Forest
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
- Accommodation: Camping in tents.
- Weather: Cold and rainy
PACAYMAYO - PHUYUPATAMARKA - WIÑAYWAYNA
Day three of the Inca Trail is a bit easier than day two, with a mostly downhill trek to Wiñay Wayna. This part of the trail is particularly interesting, as it passes by several Inca ruins, including Phuyupatamarca, which is known as the “Town in the Clouds.”
You’ll also pass by some beautiful waterfalls and streams, providing plenty of opportunities to rest and take in the scenery. You’ll arrive at Wiñay Wayna in the late afternoon, where you’ll set up camp for the night.
Today’s hike is a mix of steep climbs and descents, passing through several Inca sites along the way, including Runkuracay and Sayacmarca.
Reach the second highest point of the trail at 12,630 feet above sea level before descending into the cloud forest and arriving at the final campsite of Wiñay Wayna.
- Walking distance: 9.94 miles/16 km (7-8 hours)
- Campsite altitude: 2.600 meters (high) above sea level
- Considered: Moderate day, short uphill, then – all downhill!
- Area: High Cloud Forest
- Weather: Warm and very humid (chilly weather)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
- Accommodation: Camping in tents
MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
The final day of the Inca Trail is the most exciting, as you’ll finally reach Machu Picchu. You’ll start the day early, with a short trek to the Sun Gate, which provides stunning views of Machu Picchu from above. From there, you’ll descend to the ruins themselves, where you’ll have a guided tour.
Machu Picchu is truly awe-inspiring, with its stunning architecture and breathtaking views. After the tour, you’ll have some free time to explore the ruins on your own before taking the train back to Cusco.
Wake up early to arrive at the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) in time for sunrise over Machu Picchu.
Descend into the citadel and enjoy a guided tour of the ancient Inca city.
In the afternoon, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and a train ride back to Cusco.
- Considered: The most exciting and magical day
- Area: High Cloud and Subtropical Forest
- Weather: Hot and very humid (bring lots of water)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, included
- Bus: Tickets for the bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes included
- Train: Train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo included; train at 14:30 or 14:55
- Transfer: From Ollantaytambo to Cusco included 1.5-2 hour’s car ride
- Back in Cusco: You will be back in Cusco around 6:30 pm
Tour Inclusions
Inclusions
Included
The Inca Trail is a popular multi-day trek that leads to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. In our 4-day/3-night Inca trail trekking package includes the following: ALL INCLUSIVE SERVICE
- Transportation: Include transportation from Cusco to the trailhead and back again after the trek is complete.
- Permits: A permit is required to hike the Inca Trail, and this is included by Machu Picchu Reservations as part of the package.
- Entrance fees: The cost of the Inca Trail trek includes entrance fees to Machu Picchu and other archaeological sites along the way.
- Briefing – to get all the trek details, duffle bags, printed tickets, etc. Presented by the tour guide in our office in Cusco located downtown at 6:00 pm a day before the trek. Briefing provided by the tour guide to give you with all the necessary information about the hike, the route, and safety.
- Porters: A team of porters will carry the bulk of your gear, leaving you with only a day pack to carry. They will carry the duffle bags with 7 kilos of each hiker and set up your tents, cook your meals, and carry all camping equipment.
- Professional guide: A licensed and experienced guide will accompany you throughout the trek, providing information about the history and culture of the Inca civilization. Our guias are fluent in English, Spanish and Quechua
- Meals: All meals are included in the trek, from breakfast on the first day to lunch on the final day. The food is typically enough and nourishing, with plenty of carbohydrates to sustain you during the long hikes.
- 04 breakfasts
- 04 lunches
- 03 dinners
- Camping equipment: For 03 nights You will have a tent and sleeping mat. 01 Tent for every 02 people (Eureka Timberline 4-person tents shared by only 2. + 01 Sleeping Mat for each participant: We provide you with inflatable Thermarest mattresses which guarantee a warm, comfortable night’s sleep on camps of the trail.
- Machu Picchu guided tour.
- Bus ticket: From Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes town
- Train tickets: Expedition or Voyager Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo at 14:30 or 14:55 to be back In cusco around 7:00
- Transfer service: From Ollantaytam to Cusco back to the hotel
- Safety equipment: Oxygen and first-aid kits are provided in case of emergencies.
- Private portable toilets
- Vegetarian food: Available on request with no extra charge.
Not Included
- Sleeping Bags, If you do not have one, You can rent from The company.
- Trekking poles, If you do not have one, You can rent from The company.
- Travel insurance
Tips to Hike the Inca Trail 4 Days:
- Gratuities is a way to show appreciation for the services provided by the staff, and it is considered an important part of the trekking experience on the Inca Trail. The amount of the tip varies depending on the level of service provided and the size of the trekking group, but a typical tip for a porter is around 20-30 soles per day, and for a guide is around 50-100 soles per day.
- Tipping also encourages good service and can help to build positive relationships between trekkers and the staff who support them on the Inca Trail.
- It’s important to note that tipping is voluntary and not mandatory, but it’s a common practice and an excellent way to recognize and thank the hard-working staff who make the Inca Trail experience possible.
What to Pack
What to Pack
If you’re planning on doing the Inca Trail, you’ll need to pack accordingly for the 4-day trek. Here are some essential items to consider bringing
CLOTHING:
- Comfortable hiking shoes/boots
- Moisture-wicking hiking socks
- Quick-drying pants
- Lightweight t-shirts
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Fleece jacket or sweater
- Rain jacket and pants
- Hat or cap
- Gloves
SLEEPING GEAR:
- Sleeping bag (rated for cold weather) if you do not have you can rent one from the company
- Pillow (optional)
TREKKING GEAR:
- Samall backpack of 20 to 30 liters
- Hiking poles, if you do not have you can rent from the company
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Water bottle or hydration system
- Snacks (energy bars, trail mix, etc.)
- Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, etc.)
MISCELLANEOUS:
- Passport and necessary documents
- Original student card if you apply for the student price
- Cash for tipping your guides and porters
- Camera or phone with a good camera for capturing memories
- Portable charger for electronic devices
- Lightweight towel
It’s important to note that there are strict regulations on what you can bring on the Inca Trail, so be sure to check with your tour operator or guide to ensure that you are not bringing any prohibited items. You’ll likely have porters carrying most of your gear, so pack everything in a durable and waterproof bag or duffel.
We provide you with a duffle bag to pack 7 kilos of your personal stuff. The porter will carry the duffle bags during the whole trek
Prices
Pricing
PRICES: INCA TRAIL 4-DAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU – GROUP SERVICE – SEASONS 2023 AND 2024
Fair and Reasonable Pricing: At Machu Picchu Reservations, we pride ourselves on offering reasonable and fair prices for the Inca Trail 4-day trek. We ensure that each service provided is priced accurately without unnecessary markups. Our goal is to optimize your trip budget so that the majority of what you pay goes directly to support the local individuals who contribute to making your tour experience exceptional.
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Pricing Details for 2024 and 2025:
- Adult: $700 USD per person
- Student: $670 USD per person (A valid student ID is required)
- Child (Minor): $670 USD per person – Applicable for all visitors aged 3 to 17 years
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- Our pricing reflects our commitment to providing you with a high-quality experience, which includes skilled guides, logistical support, and the necessary permits to ensure a smooth and enriching journey on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
- Flexible Departure Dates: We offer the flexibility to commence the tour on any day of the week, subject to the availability of permits from the government. It’s crucial to remember that permits are only required for the start date of your trek
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STUDENT PRICE
HOW TO ACCESS THE STUDENT PRICE FOR A TOUR TO MACHU PICCHU?
The Peruvian government offers discounts for students on entrance tickets to Machu Picchu. Consequently, in our tours to Machu Picchu, we provide a reduced rate for students. To qualify for this special rate, you must meet the following requirements:
- Student Age: You must be under 25 years old at the time of your visit to Machu Picchu. This age limit is aimed at benefiting undergraduate students.
- Material and Format of the Student Card: The card must be a physical plastic document, similar to a credit card, with all the required information printed on it. Cards made of other materials or with information added via stickers or not printed are not accepted.
- Required Information on the Card: The card must include the following printed information: details of the university, personal information of the student, the student’s photograph, and a validity date not exceeding one year from the date of your visit. For example, if you plan to visit in 2024, the card should not expire before 2025 and must be valid during the visit.
- Note on the ISIC Card: Although the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is recognized in many countries, it is not accepted by the Peruvian government for student discounts at Machu Picchu. Just as a passport cannot be replaced by any other type of identification in international procedures, the student card cannot be substituted by an ISIC or any other document for discounts in Peru.
The policy of the Peruvian government is stringent regarding the accreditation of students. It is imperative to present a card that fulfills these criteria to be eligible for student-priced tickets because, upon entering Machu Picchu, you will be required to show the physical student card. If you do not meet these requirements upon arrival at Machu Picchu, there is a significant risk of being denied entry and having to pay the full ticket price, depending on availability. Therefore, ensuring that your student card adheres to Peruvian regulations is crucial before booking your tour to as student Machu Picchu.
How to Book
How to Book with Machu Picchu Reservation
Making Your Reservation: Booking the 4-day Inca Trail is straightforward. You can use any debit or credit card, with an additional 2.9% fee borne by the customer. For clients in the United States, we offer the option to pay from a bank account without extra charges.
Before Booking Please Read the Details Carefully
- To Book: The 4-day Inca Trail is priced at $660 per adult and $630 per student or child. We require a non-refundable prepayment of $200 per person to confirm your reservation. This amount is used to purchase the Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu tickets immediately. As per Peruvian government regulations, these permits and tickets are strictly personal, non-refundable, and cannot be rescheduled. Although the $200 prepayment is non-refundable, it ensures your visit to Machu Picchu on your reserved date.
- Remaining Balance Payment: If you opt to pay only the prepayment, the remaining balance must be paid upon arrival in Cusco at our Machu Picchu Reservations office, at least 24 hours before the tour starts. The balance can be paid in soles or dollars in cash or by card (with an additional 3.9% charge). You also have the option to pay online on our website with a 2.9% fee.
- Full Payment Option: You can choose to pay the entire tour cost online at the time of booking. If you need to cancel for any reason, you will be refunded the total amount minus the non-refundable $200 deposit.
- Recommendations: We strongly advise you to fully understand all booking and cancellation policies before making your payment to ensure that your investment is protected and that you have a seamless booking experience for your adventure on the Inca Trail.
Please Follow These Steps to Make a Reservation
- Starting Your Reservation: To book your 4-day Inca Trail experience to Machu Picchu, click on the yellow button that says “BOOK ONLINE.” Doing so will redirect you to our reservation platform.
- Date, Number, and Type of Visitor Selection: On the platform, you can select the date you wish to start the tour. You can also make reservations for adults, students, and children as required.
- Additional Options: You’ll have the opportunity to add extras to your booking, such as tickets for Waynapicchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, or the option to enhance your experience with a Vistadome train journey. You can add these services according to your preferences.
- Personal Information Form: Next, you will be asked to complete a form with your personal details. It’s important that each participant provides detailed and accurate information.
- Payment Process: Finally, you will be directed to a secure payment form where you can make your payment online with any type of debit or credit card.
- Important Note: We recommend reviewing all details and carefully selecting your options to ensure that your reservation perfectly matches your expectations and needs for this unique adventure on the Inca Trail.
After booking and completing your payment
- Upon completing your booking and payment, you will immediately receive an email confirming the transaction. This email will also contain a link allowing you to modify specific details of your reservation if needed. Within the next 24 hours, our reservations team will follow up with a comprehensive email. This email will provide detailed information about your booking, including your Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu tickets.
Why Choose Machupicchu Reservations
Why Choose Machupicchu Reservations
Expertise and Experience: Our team of knowledgeable and experienced professionals ensures that you receive accurate information, well-organized itineraries, and top-notch guidance throughout your trip.
Personalized Service: We tailor our tours to cater to each traveler’s unique preferences and requirements, ensuring a customized and memorable experience.
Quality and Safety: Our commitment to quality and safety guarantees an enjoyable and worry-free adventure. We collaborate with professional guides, reliable transportation services, and carefully selected accommodations to deliver the best possible experience.
Sustainable and Responsible Travel: Machu Picchu Reservations is dedicated to minimizing our environmental impact and supporting local communities. We promote eco-friendly practices and contribute to the well-being of the regions we explore.
Competitive Pricing: We offer a range of affordable packages and options, allowing you to experience the magic of Machu Picchu without breaking the bank.
Excellent Customer Support: Our friendly and responsive customer support team is available to assist you at every stage of your journey, from pre-trip planning to post-trip inquiries.
Choose Machu Picchu Reservations for a remarkable and hassle-free adventure, as we strive to make your dream trip to Machu Picchu an unforgettable reality.
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