THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU

Embark on a 39-kilometer trek that will allow you to relive the majesty of the Inca Empire. For four unforgettable days, you will immerse yourself in a perfect blend of history, biodiversity, and ever-changing landscapes, from the Andean valleys to the lush cloud forest.

Accompanied by our expert guides, you will explore archaeological sites such as Patallaqta and Willkarakay, where you will uncover the secrets of this ancient civilization. The ultimate challenge will come when you conquer the Abra de Warmiwañusca (“Dead Woman’s Pass”), the highest point of the route at 4,200 meters (13,800 feet) above sea level.

Your effort will be rewarded at dawn on the fourth day, when you pass through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). From there, you will witness the most breathtaking view of Machu Picchu, the most fascinating architectural masterpiece in the Andean world.

Important Information Regarding Reservations

Due to its historical significance, the Peruvian government limits access to this route to ensure its preservation. Therefore, it is essential to keep the following in mind:

Limited Capacity: Only 500 people are allowed per day. Of this total, only 200 spaces are reserved for tourists; the rest are allocated to the support team (guides, porters, and cooks).

Permits are sold out very quickly due to high demand.

We recommend making your reservation at least 6 months in advance to guarantee your place on your desired date.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Cusco – KM 82 – Wayllabamba – Ayapata

The Beginning of the Ancestral Adventure

We begin our journey at 5:30 a.m., departing from Cusco (3350 m) in private transportation. During the trip, we will cross the Sacred Valley, observing picturesque Andean villages that preserve ancient traditions. Upon reaching Kilometer 82, we will meet our team of porters and pass through the official checkpoint to begin the legendary Inca Trail.

After three hours of easy hiking, we will enjoy lunch in Hatunchaka (3000 m). We will continue the ascent to Wayllabamba (3100 m), the last inhabited village on the route, before hiking for another hour to our first campsite in Ayapata (3300 m).

Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours.

Meals: Lunch and dinner.

Day 2: Ayapata – Warmihuañusca – Chaquicocha

The challenge of the high altitudes and panoramic views

We will awaken surrounded by a mystical environment to face the most demanding and rewarding section. We will ascend through the Ayapata valley towards Llulluchapampa (3850 m) until we reach the Warmihuañusca Pass (4200 m), the highest point of the route. From here, the view of Nevado Verónica is simply spectacular.

After reaching the summit, we’ll descend to the Pacaymayu Valley (3500 m) for a well-deserved lunch. The day continues past historical sites and along cobblestone trails until we reach our campsite in Chaquicocha, where we’ll spend the night under the stars.

Hiking time: 10 to 11 hours.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 3: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñayhuayna

Immersion in the cloud forest and archaeological sites

This is considered the most beautiful day due to the visual transition into the cloud forest. The trail leads us to the Phuyupatamarca pass (“Village above the clouds” at 3600 m), where we’ll explore its ritual fountains and terraces.

We’ll continue the descent to the impressive Wiñayhuayna complex (2650 m). This archaeological site is a jewel of Inca architecture, situated on a steep hillside overlooking the Urubamba River. Here we will have our last group lunch and spend our last night camping.

Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 4: Wiñayhuayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco

The Lost Citadel of the Incas

The final day begins early in the morning. After a light breakfast (box breakfast), we will hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). At dawn, we will witness the magical and glorious appearance of Machu Picchu (2400 m) before our eyes.

We will take a 2-hour guided tour of the main sectors of the citadel, learning about its history and mysteries. Afterward, we will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, we will board the train back to Ollantaytambo and conclude the trip with a transfer to Cusco, arriving at approximately 7:00 p.m.

Hiking time: 3 hours.
Meals: Breakfast (Box breakfast).

* There is the option to stay one more night in Aguas Calientes, we can help you as well to book a hotel in according your desires

AVAILABILITY

We have guaranteed daily departures, except for the month of February, when the Inca Trail network is closed for comprehensive maintenance and conservation.

Note: If you plan to travel in February, we have spectacular alternative routes to Machu Picchu that operate normally.

Lares Valley 4 Days Trek : (Click here)
Salkantay 5 Days Trekking Tour : (Click here)
Inca Jungle 4 Days Tour : (Click here)
Inca Trail 2 Days Tour: (Click here)

WHAT TO PACK FOR INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS?

INCLUDED

Private Transportation: Transfer from your hotel in Cusco to the starting point at Km. 82.
Mountain Equipment: Double tents (Single tent: extra cost US$45).
Full Board: (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners) supplemented with daily snacks. We offer customized options for vegetarians.
Expert Staff: Certified bilingual professional guide, expedition chef, and kitchen assistant.
Support Team: Porters responsible for transporting camping equipment, food logistics, and sleeping mats for passengers.
Staff Logistics: All necessary kitchen and overnight equipment for our team.
Tickets and Access: Official entry permits to the Inca Trail and the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Bus from the citadel to Aguas Calientes and tourist train (Expedition Service) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, with a final bus connection to Cusco.
Safety and Health: First-aid kit and emergency oxygen.

Not Included

Meals: First breakfast (Day 1) and last lunch in Aguas Calientes (Day 4).
Personal Equipment: Sleeping bag (rental available).
Entrance to the Aguas Calientes Hot Springs
Entrance to Wayna Picchu (Additional price of US$90 per person, subject to availability)
Vistadome train service (available at an additional cost)
Porter extra($215 per person, maximum weight 12kg.)
Tips for guides, cooks, and porters
Travel insurance
Trekking poles

Documentation and Essentials

Original Passport: Essential document for checks along the route and entry to Machu Picchu.
Student ID: Valid to access the discount.
Cash: We recommend bringing approximately S/ 400 (soles) for additional expenses, tips, or local purchases.
Security: A small padlock for your backpack and plastic bags (to organize and protect your clothes from moisture).

Clothing and Footwear

To cope with the variable weather in the Andes, we recommend the layering system:
Footwear: Trekking boots (broken in beforehand to avoid blisters) and sandals for resting at campsites or visiting hot springs.
Upper Layers: 4 polo shirts (a mix of short and long sleeves), 1 warm fleece jacket, and 1 waterproof jacket (windproof).
Lower Layers: 3 pairs of trekking pants (preferably convertible) and 1 pair of comfortable sleep pants.
Headwear: Sun hat and wool hat for cold evenings.
Underwear: 4 sets of underwear and 4 pairs of thermal or synthetic socks.
Extras: Rain poncho and swimsuit (optional for hot springs).
*Expert Tip: Due to high humidity and nighttime temperature drops, wet clothing will not dry quickly on the trail. It is vital to carry dry spare clothes in waterproof bags.

Hygiene and Personal Care

Sun Protection: High-spectrum sunscreen, insect repellent, and lip balm.
Toiletries: Quick-drying towel (microfiber), toilet paper, and hand sanitizer.
Health: Basic personal hygiene kit and any specific medication required.

Technical Equipment and Snacks

Backpack: 35 to 45 liters with a waterproof cover.
Lighting: Headlamp with spare batteries (essential for the last day and nighttime travel at the campsite).
Hydration: Reusable water bottle or hydration system (minimum 2 liters).
Technology: Camera with a rain cover and external batteries (power banks), as there will be no charging stations along the route.
Energy: Light and nutritious snacks such as cereal bars, chocolate, nuts, or lemon drops.

NOTES:

Our clients, who come from low altitude areas, need to be in Cusco at least 3 days before the tour departure, in order to acclimatize.
Our groups are limited to a maximum of 10 people.
In our shared services, we will pick-up our clients from your hotel as long as it is located in the downtown.
In our shared services, at the end of the tour, we leave our clients in a place close to the Main Square, because is easier go walking instead the car for the traffic jam. If your hotel is far from the downtown, take some cash with you in order to take a taxi.
Pick-up and drop off times are referential, this will depend on the traffic that can be found in the streets or delay of the other clients, our assistant will be on time but sometimes the transport could delay a few minutes.
We reserve the trains from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy at certain times based on availability, and then plan the transfers for those times. If the passenger changes their train ticket at last minute, transfers from Ollantaytambo or Poroy to Cusco can no longer be provided as it is a collective service and transfers are scheduled for the hours initially booked.
For shared services, we do not give bathroom tents, we will only give this service on private tours. On the other hand, for the Inca Trail tours 4 days, in each camp there are bathrooms provided by the INC (National Institute of Culture), these bathrooms are free. In many other places, there are residents’ toilets, which are bathrooms where you have to pay.
We recommend to bring your own toilet paper.
Our guides in shared service speak English and Spanish, however they will make the guide in the language that speaks most of the group (English or Spanish).
Due to the new regulations from the Ministry of Culture, all the Inca Trail reservations only include Panoramic Route 1 in Machupicchu(the classic photo). If you wish to access the other Machu Picchu routes, you must purchase an additional ticket which costs US$45 american dollars(according availability).

Terms and Conditions

Personal Luggage: Each traveler is responsible for carrying their own backpack with personal items.
Cancellation Policy: Eric Adventures does not offer refunds in case of cancellations, voluntary interruptions, or abandonment of the route by the participant.
Health and Wellness: It is mandatory to declare any medical condition or prior treatment. Passengers must carry their own medication.
Limited Liability: Eric Adventures is not responsible for unforeseen events resulting from natural phenomena (landslides), strikes, demonstrations, or train delays.
Required Documentation: It is essential to present a valid original passport and, if applicable, a current university ID to validate the corresponding benefits.