4-Day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu & Panoramic Train

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Cusco - Ayapata⌄

   Your adventure kicks off at 4:30 a.m. with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco, or around 6:00 a.m. from your hotel in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley.

   We'll make a breakfast stop in Ollantaytambo town. thi’s the perfect chance to buy any last-minute essentials before the hike.

   We’ll head to Km 82, where you’ll meet our welcoming adventure team: chefs and porters. After a brief orientation and passport check, your scenic hike begins.

   Stroll through quaint villages and soak up stunning Andes mountain views. We'll pause at the Inca site of Willkaraqay to marvel at the Llactapata ruins from a special viewpoint.

   About an hour later, we'll reach Hatunchaca, where our talented chefs will prepare a delicious lunch. Then, we'll hike another 2 hours through lush landscapes toward Ayapata Campsite.

   We’ll arrive at Ayapata Campsite, where your cozy tent will be waiting. Enjoy tea, snacks and dinner with stunning mountain views, then rest for tomorrow’s journey.

   Meals: Breakfast: Hearty morning meal in the charming town of Ollantaytambo · Lunch: Fresh, flavorful lunch prepared in Hatunchaca village · Dinner: Dinner at the Ayapata campsite, following tea time

   Overnight: Enjoy a cozy night at Aypata Campsite, complete with comfortable camp gear.

2. 2Ayapata - Chaquicocha⌄

   Start your day with a hot cup of coffee or coca tea delivered right to your tent. After breakfast, we begin the most challenging part of the trek: the climb to Dead Woman’s Pass.

   At 4,215m (13,829ft), Dead Woman’s Pass rewards you with stunning views and a special ceremony to honor the sacred mountain spirits "Apus". Then we'll descend to Pacaymayo.

   At Pacaymayo campsite, we’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch and take some time to relax and recharge before continuing the afternoon trek.

   After lunch, we’ll hike up to Runkurakay Pass (4,000m / 13,123ft), then descend while exploring the fascinating ruins and their unique history.

   We continue downhill to the mysterious Sayacmarca ruins, where stunning views and Inca history await. After exploring, we head to our campsite for the night.

   As the day ends, we’ll arrive at Chaquicocha (3,600m), where a stunning sunset awaits. After dinner, relax under a star-filled sky before a peaceful night’s rest.

   Meals: Breakfast: Hot drink and breakfast at Ayapata before the climb · Lunch: Rest and recharge with a satisfying lunch in Pacaymayo Campsite · Dinner: Warm dinner served under the stars at Chaquicocha Campsite

   Overnight: Rest at Chaquicocha, a well-equipped campsite for a cozy overnight stay.

3. 3Chaquiccocha - Wiñaywayna⌄

   Start your day with a warm drink and take in one of the trail’s most scenic stretches: lush forests, mountain views, and ancient Inca sites. This is where the real magic happens.

   We’ll hike through stunning landscapes to Phuyupatamarca, the “City in the Clouds,” with sweeping views of the Urubamba River and Machu Picchu Mountain.

   We then arrive at Intipata, known for its wide agricultural terraces and peaceful setting. A perfect place to rest and admire Inca ingenuity.

   By afternoon, we arrive at Wiñay Wayna. After lunch, enjoy free time to relax or spot the local flora and fauna. Later, join your guide to visit the Inca site before dinner and a special farewell surprise.

   Meals: Breakfast: Breakfast at Chaquicocha to start the day · Lunch: Delicious lunch at Wiñay Wayna · Dinner: Celebration dinner at Wiñaywayna

   Overnight: Camping with comfortable equipment at Wiñay Wayna Campsite

4. 4Exploring Machu Picchu -Cusco⌄

   After a hearty breakfast, we'll head to the checkpoint and wait for the gates to open at 5:30 a.m. This is the moment you've been waiting for!

   We’ll hike the final stretch to Intipunku also known as the Sun Gate, where you’ll catch your first view of Machu Picchu glowing in the early morning light. Truly unforgettable!

   After soaking in that breathtaking panorama at the Sun Gate, we’ll enter Machu Picchu via Circuit 1’s elevated path (ideal for capturing postcard-perfect photos). Then, we’ll descend to the main gate and switch to Circuit 3 for an exclusive guided tour through the citadel’s most important corners.

   After exploring Machu Picchu, we’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy free time to stroll through town and taste some delicious Peruvian cuisine.

   In the afternoon, you’ll board the Vistadome train for a scenic ride through the Sacred Valley. Relax and enjoy stunning Andean views on the way to Ollantaytambo.

   Upon arriving in Ollantaytambo, your private transportation will be ready to take you back to Cusco.

   We’ll arrive back in Cusco around 7:30 p.m.

   Meals: Breakfast: Early breakfast at Wiñay Wayna Campsite