Cusco, km 82, Winayhuayna
4 days -3 night
Trekking, History, Adventure
12 people
Easy to Moderate
Camping
English, Spanish
| Feature | Info |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 Days / 3 Nights |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Challenging |
| Max Altitude | 4,215 m / 13,828 ft (Dead Woman’s Pass) |
| Group Size | Small Groups (2–10 Travelers) |
| Start / End | Cusco / Cusco |
| Accommodation | 3 Nights Camping |
| Meals | 4B – 3L – 3D |
| Best Season | March – January |
***Please note that specific campsite locations are subject to change based on official government assignments.
Your 4 Day Trek from Cusco begins when our team picks you up directly from your hotel in Cusco’s historic center. We travel toward the famous Km 82 (Piscacucho), with a short stop in Ollantaytambo for breakfast and any last-minute supplies.
Around 8:00 AM, we arrive at the trailhead where you will meet our professional trekking team—guides, chefs, and porters. You will experience the beauty of the Andean landscapes, and the sacred energy of the trail.
After approximately 3 hours of hiking, we reach the archaeological site of Llactapata. You will also enjoy views of Patallacta and the nearby Willkaraqay ruins, hidden among the green valley slopes.
From here, we continue for about one more hour to Hatunchaca, where our trekking chefs prepare a fresh and delicious lunch surrounded by nature.
The final 2-hour hike takes us to Ayapata Camp, our first campsite on the Classic Inca Trail. Upon arrival, your tents will already be prepared. In the afternoon, we’ll have the tea time before a nutritious dinner under the stars.
After breakfast, we begin the challenging 4-hour ascent toward the famous Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca) at 4,215 m / 13,829 ft, the highest point of the trek. Every step here feels meaningful.
We descend for approximately 2 hours into the beautiful Pacaymayo Alto Valley, where a freshly prepared lunch awaits.
We continue with a 2-hour climb to the second mountain pass, Runkuraqay Pass (4,000 m / 13,123 ft). Where we will visit the fascinating ruins of Runkuraqay and later the archaeological site of Sayacmarca.
We finish the day at Chaquicocha Camp, a spectacular campsite surrounded by mountain views and incredible night skies.
This section of the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu passes through beautiful cloud forests, lush vegetation, and panoramic viewpoints with views of the majestic Salkantay Mountain in the distance.
Our first major stop is Phuyupatamarca, known as the “City in the Clouds.” Your guide will explain its ceremonial importance and the extraordinary Inca engineering behind its design.
We pass through the impressive agricultural terraces of Intipata, also called the “Terraces of the Sun,” before arriving at the iconic ruins of Wiñay Wayna.
Later, after visiting Wiñay Wayna with your guide for a deeper historical explanation, we will arrive at camp for a special farewell dinner with the trekking team—a memorable celebration before reaching Machu Picchu on the final day.
After the checkpoint opens at 5:30 AM, we hike for about one hour until the clouds slowly reveal the ancient citadel below. This first panoramic view of Machu Picchu is the reason thousands dream of walking this trail.
We descend through Circuit 1, offering the best panoramic photography spots of the sanctuary. Later, your professional guide will then lead a complete exploration of Circuit 3.
Optional Hike (Pre-booking Required – ask our team)For a more adventurous experience, you may choose to hike:
(Optional and subject to availability)
We take the shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and some free time before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo. Our private transportation returns you safely to your hotel in Cusco, with arrival around 7:30 PM.
This is not just a regular hike—it is four unforgettable days walking ancient stone paths, crossing high mountain passes, sleeping under the stars, and finally arriving at Machu Picchu through the legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
Packing smart means hiking lighter, feeling stronger, and enjoying every step of the journey. Extra luggage for your Peru trip can be safely stored at your hotel or at our office in Cusco.
To make your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu experience more comfortable, we include:
Your duffel bag will be carried by our professional porters and will only be accessible at the campsites, so your daily essentials must stay in your daypack.
These are the most important items for your Classic Inca Trail 4 Days adventure.
The weather changes constantly—from sunny valleys to cold mountain passes and humid cloud forests. The best strategy is dressing in layers.
Choose a backpack between 25 to 35 liters with a rain cover. Remember: very large backpacks are restricted inside Machu Picchu.
Your porter will carry your duffel bag (up to 5 kg / 11 lb). Please note: your sleeping bag + mattress usually use around 3 kg of that limit.
Your duffel will be available each afternoon when you arrive at camp.
The lighter your backpack, the easier it becomes to fully appreciate the mountains, the ancient ruins, and that unforgettable sunrise arrival at Machu Picchu. Pack less. Walk better. Enjoy more.
Here you will find everything you need to know about altitude, permits, passports, weather, camping, and Machu Picchu entrance rules before starting your unforgettable 4 day Inca Trail trek.
The Classic Inca Trail 4 Days is considered moderate to challenging. You will hike 42 km (26 miles) with steep ascents, stone steps, and high-altitude passes like Dead Woman’s Pass.
We recommend booking at least 4 to 6 months in advance, especially for the high season (May to September), since permits sell out quickly.
Yes. Many individual travelers join our shared groups. It is a fantastic way to meet people from around the world. The Andean Way specializes in welcoming solo hikers into our small, friendly groups.
It can happen, especially if you arrive in Cusco shortly before the trek. We recommend at least 2 days of acclimatization before starting.
Showers are very limited and usually cold. Most travelers use wet wipes and basic toiletries during the camping days.
It is perfectly normal to have different paces. You should walk at a speed that feels comfortable for you. Our guides are trained to support all hikers and will ensure the group regroups at specific points.
The trail is safe when managed by professionals. Our guides are trained in first aid and carry oxygen and satellite phones to coordinate any necessary responses. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
Yes. We can provide vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-friendly meals if you inform us at the time of your reservation.
We suggest bringing between 400 and 600 Peruvian Soles for personal expenses, tips, and the final lunch in Aguas Calientes. Small denominations are more useful.
