Inca Trail: 4 Days / 3 Nights

Here is the complete, detailed itinerary for the 4-Day / 3-Night Inca Trail, ready to use:

Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Llactapata – Hatunchaca – First Camp
Very early in the morning, between 4:30 and 5:30 a.m., we’ll kick off this great adventure with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco and head toward the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop will be in the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo, where you’ll have the option to enjoy breakfast and do some last-minute shopping before starting the hike. We recommend buying snacks such as candy, nuts, or savory snacks for the trek.

We’ll then continue by bus to km 82, the official starting point of the Inca Trail. There, we’ll meet our team: porters, our chefs, and expert guides. We’ll begin the hike by crossing the Urubamba River, passing by the Willkarakay and Llactapata viewpoints, until we reach Hatunchaca for lunch. Finally, we’ll hike to our first campsite in Wayllabamba or Ayapata. This first day features a moderate hike, ideal for acclimatizing before the second day, which will be more challenging.

We’ll start the day with a nutritious breakfast to fuel up, as this will be one of the most challenging days of the trek. We’ll begin the hike with a steady ascent of approximately 3 to 4 hours until we reach the famous Paso de la Mujer Muerta (Warmiwañuska), located at 4,215 m above sea level.

Once at the summit, we’ll take a break to recharge and take in the breathtaking views. Then we’ll begin the descent into the Pacaymayo Alto Valley for lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll continue with an ascent to the Runkurakay Pass (4,000 m above sea level), exploring archaeological sites such as Runkurakay and Sayacmarca. We’ll end the day at the Chaquicocha campsite (3,600 m above sea level), where we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and an incredible view of the stars.

This day will be easier than the previous one and is considered one of the most beautiful stretches of the Inca Trail. After a delicious breakfast, we’ll begin our journey through a diverse natural landscape and Inca tunnels.

We’ll visit the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca, known as the “City in the Clouds,” and then Intipata, or “Terraces of the Sun.” We’ll descend to Wiñaywayna, where our camp is located, for lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll take a guided tour of this impressive archaeological complex, famous for its terraces. Afterward, we’ll return to camp to share dinner and rest, preparing for the final day of our adventure to Machu Picchu.

The big day has arrived: our visit to Machu Picchu! We’ll wake up very early to have breakfast and head to the checkpoint. We’ll begin our hike toward the Gate of the Sun (Intipunku), where we’ll be able to admire the sunrise over the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu.

Then we’ll descend into the citadel to take Circuit 3, designed especially for those completing the Inca Trail. This route will take us past sacred temples, palaces, water sources, and work areas. At the end of the visit, we’ll take a bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, we’ll take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where a private shuttle will take us to Cusco, bringing this unforgettable experience on the Inca Trail to a close.