Trips to Machu Picchu
About this trip
The Classic 4-Day Inca Trail is widely considered one of the most iconic treks in the world. It combines breathtaking Andean scenery, lush cloud forests, and a series of ancient archaeological sites, culminating in a dramatic arrival at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
What’s included
Briefing
Pre-departure briefing
Hotel Pick up
Pick up at your hotel in the morning and transfer by private transport to km.82 (starting point of the trail)
Entrance Tickets
Entrance to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu (days 1-3) + entrance to Machu Picchu (day 4)
Personal tents
2 people in each tent with capacity for 4 people, to allow greater comfort and safe storage of backpacks. Our tents are 3-season, highly maintained to ensure excellent performance in the field.
Mattress
One inflatable mattress per person
Dining tent
Dining tent with tables and chairs
kitchen tent
kitchen tent
Tour Guide
English-speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups of more than 8 people)
Chef
Chef and kitchen equipment
Porters
Porters (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment)
Accommodations
Accommodation for all our staff
Meals
Meals (03B, 03L, 03D + daily snack + daily tea service except last day) Vegetarian or special menus available at no additional cost
Water
Filtered boiled water from lunchtime on the first day onwards
Soaps
Biodegradable personal hand soaps
Dishwashing
Biodegradable dishwashing detergents used by our kitchen staff
First aid kit
First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
Train tickets
Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Expedition, Vistadome, upon request)
Bus Transfers
Transfer from train station to hotel in Cusco
Others
hot water every morning and night for washing / boiled water to fill your water bottle every morning and night, and at lunchtime if requested in good time
What’s not included
Food
Breakfast the first day, Lunch and dinner on the last day: After the guided tour of Machu Picchu, you can enjoy free time to continue visiting the ruins and choose to have lunch in Machu Picchu or in Aguas Calientes on your own. Arrival in Cusco is estimated after dark, dinner is also on your own.
Sleeping bag
Sleeping bag Cost US$ 20 (3 nights)
Walking sticks
Walking sticks Cost US$ 15
Hotspring Entrance
Visit to the hot springs of Aguas Calientes: a relaxed way to end the walk while waiting for the train back to Cusco, just 10 minutes from the town center, the entrance fee is s/ 20.00 (Peruvian soles). Towels can be rented in Aguas Calientes.
Huaynapicchu
Entrance to Huaynapicchu: if you want to climb this mountain, a new entrance fee applies (US$ 80) (Circuit #3) will cost US $55 per person.
Tipping
Keep in mind that our agency staff are well paid, so feel free to tip or not as you wish.
$850
Itinerary
4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: The Ultimate Classic Trek Itinerary
Embark on the Classic 4-Day Inca Trail trek, the world’s most iconic hiking route. This 42km (26-mile) journey takes you through ancient stone paths, lush cloud forests, and high Andean passes, culminating in a spectacular sunrise at the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu.
Day 1: Cusco – Kilometer 82 – Wayllabamba
The Start of Your Inca Trail Adventure
Your Inca Trail adventure begins with an early morning pickup (04:00–04:30 AM) from your hotel in Cusco. Our private transport heads to Piskacucho (2,700m / 8,856ft), famously known as Kilometer 82, the official starting point of the Inca Trail. After passing the control point, you’ll cross the bridge over the majestic Urubamba River, tracing the edge of the legendary Sacred Valley of the Incas.
- Trek Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
- Highest Altitude: 3,000m (9,842ft)
- Highlights: Your first glimpse of the Llactapata archaeological site and views of the snow-capped Mount Veronica (5,832m).
- Experience: The initial trek follows gentle terrain toward Miskay. You’ll ascend through the Kusichaca River valley for approximately five hours to reach the village of Wayllabamba, your first Inca Trail campsite.
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner included.
Day 2: Wayllabamba – Dead Woman's Pass – Pacaymayo
Conquering the Highest Point of the Inca Trail
Day 2 is the most challenging yet rewarding stage of the Inca Trail hike. After a 6:00 AM breakfast, you will begin a 9km strenuous ascent toward the Warmihuañusca Pass, better known as Dead Woman’s Pass.
- Trek Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
- Highest Altitude: 4,215m (13,828ft) at Dead Woman’s Pass.
- Terrain: High Andean "Puna" ecosystem and stone stairs.
- Wildlife: Look for native llamas, alpacas, and the elusive Spectacled Bear in the high-altitude cloud forest.
- Pro Tip: To prevent altitude sickness, carry coca leaves or high-energy snacks. After reaching the summit, a steep descent leads you to the Pacaymayo Valley (3,600m), where you will spend your second night under the Andean stars.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.
Day 3: Pacaymayo – Sayacmarca – Wiñaywayna
Exploring Ancient Inca Ruins & Cloud Forests
Day 3 is widely considered the most beautiful day of the Machu Picchu trek. You will traverse original Incan stone pathways and explore several major archaeological complexes hidden within the Andean cloud forest.
- Trek Distance: 16 km (10 miles)
- Key Ruins: Runkurakay (Inca watchtower), Sayacmarca, and Phuyupatamarca ("Town Above the Clouds").
- Landscape: Lush greenery, exotic orchids, and moss-covered tunnels.
- The Highlight: Descending the long stone steps to Wiñaywayna (2,650m), an impressive complex featuring agricultural terraces and urban sectors. This is your final campsite and features a trekker’s lodge for a well-deserved farewell dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.
Day 4: The Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Sunrise at the Sun Gate & Guided Tour
The pinnacle of your 4-day Inca Trail experience arrives today. We wake up at 4:00 AM to reach the final checkpoint early, heading toward Intipunku (The Sun Gate) for the first view of the lost city.
- The Arrival: As the sun rises over the Andes, you will see the Machu Picchu Citadel revealed in the golden morning light.
- Guided Tour: Descend into the ruins for a comprehensive 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your expert guide will explain the history of the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone, and the House of the Guardians.
- Optional Hike: If you have pre-booked tickets, you may climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for panoramic aerial views.
- Return Journey: In the afternoon, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to relax in the hot springs before boarding the Expedition or Vistadome train back to Cusco.
- Meals: Breakfast included.
Location
Your Organizer
Trips to Machu Picchu
Trips to Machu Picchu by Manu Explorers Peru specializes in authentic tours to one of the world’s wonders. Our offerings include the Classic Inca Trail, Salkantay, Lares, and Choquequirao treks, alongside the high-adventure Inca Jungle Trek and scenic train tours to Machu Picchu. Looking for more adventure? We also provide expert-guided jungle expeditions to the Manu National Park Reserved Zone.
