Description
Most important tour information
- Pickup time
- 5:00 AM – 5:30 AM Pickup window from your accommodation Details: Your exact pickup time or meeting details are sent via WhatsApp no later than the evening before departure.
What is included
Included
- 3 nights in tents per 2 persons.
- All meals as listed (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners).
- Professional guide (English/Spanish-speaking).
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail.
- Transportation: Cusco to KM82, train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, and transfer to Cusco.
- Porters for equipment and food.
- Boiled water for days 3 and 4.
- Dining and kitchen tents.
- Pre-departure briefing.
Not included
- Breakfast on day 1, and lunch/dinner on day 4.
- Water for days 1 and 2.
- Optional activities: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ($60/person).
- Sleeping bag and trekking poles (available for rent).
- Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes ($12/person).
- Tips for guide, cook, and porters.
- Personal expenses and snacks.
- Travel insurance and flights.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Wayllabamba
Morning:
- 5:30 AM: Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco.
- Drive to Ollantaytambo, where you can enjoy breakfast (not included) and stock up on snacks.
- Head to Piscacucho (KM 82), the starting point of the Inca Trail.
Late morning:
- Begin your hike with a 2-hour trek to Patallacta, a fascinating Inca archaeological site.
- Explore the site and soak in the lush Urubamba Valley views.
Afternoon:
- Continue hiking for 45 minutes to your lunch spot. Enjoy a freshly prepared meal and some rest.
- Hike for another 1.5 hours to Wayllabamba campsite.
Evening:
- Relax at the campsite, have a delicious dinner, and rest for the night.
Day 2: Wayllabamba – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayo
Morning:
- Start the day with a hearty breakfast and coca tea.
- Trek 4 hours to the highest point of the trail, Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca, 4,215m).
- Take a break at the pass to enjoy panoramic views.
Afternoon:
- Descend for 2.5 hours into the Pacaymayo Valley (3,600m).
Evening:
- Enjoy tea and dinner at the campsite and spend the night under the Andean sky.
Day 3: Pacaymayo – Runcuracay Pass – Chaquicocha – Wiñayhuayna
Morning:
- Start early with breakfast and coca tea.
- Visit the Runcuracay archaeological site, known for its unique circular enclosures.
- Trek to Sayacmarca, a stunning site of plazas, fountains, and narrow streets.
Afternoon:
- Enjoy lunch at Chaquicocha before hiking to Puyupatamarca, the “City Above the Clouds.”
- Explore the site’s intricate baths and terraces.
Evening:
- Hike to Wiñayhuayna, your final campsite, where you’ll enjoy tea, dinner, and a farewell to your porters.
Day 4: Wiñayhuayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Early morning:
- 3:30 AM: Wake up, have breakfast, and head to the checkpoint gate.
- Hike for 1.5 hours to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the ceremonial entrance to Machu Picchu.
Morning:
- Enjoy breathtaking views of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu from the Sun Gate.
- Explore the Machu Picchu citadel with a guided tour, learning about its history and architecture.
Afternoon:
- Optional: Climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (additional cost).
- Take the bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch at a local restaurant.
Evening:
- Board the train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a transfer back to Cusco.
Times are approximate and the order may change with weather, traffic, or local conditions.
Practical information
Trail and tour details
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Tour duration
- 4 days
Full tour description
Join us on the iconic 4-day original Inca Trail with KB Adventures, a journey that combines adventure, history, and breathtaking scenery. This trek, one of the most famous hiking routes in the world, will take you along ancient Inca pathways, through lush valleys, over dramatic mountain passes, and finally to the awe-inspiring citadel of Machu Picchu.
Authentic inca pathways
Walk on original stone-paved trails built by the Incas nearly 500 years ago. Each step connects you to the rich history of the Inca civilization.
Archaeological sites like Wiñayhuayna
Visit fascinating sites like Patallacta, Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, and Wiñayhuayna. These locations reveal the architectural ingenuity and spiritual significance of the Inca Empire.
Breathtaking landscapes
Traverse diverse terrains, from the lush Sacred Valley to the high mountain passes, and finally descend into the cloud forests. Along the way, you’ll experience unforgettable vistas of snow-capped peaks and verdant jungles.
Guided expertise
Our knowledgeable guides will provide insights into the history, culture, and significance of the trail, ensuring a safe and enriching experience.
List of activities on the 4-day Inca Trail with KB Adventures
- Trekking along ancient Inca pathways.
- Exploring archaeological sites like Patallacta, Runcuracay, and Sayacmarca.
- Camping in scenic mountain and jungle locations.
- Watching the sunrise at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu.
- Optional hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (additional cost).
- Enjoying traditional Peruvian meals prepared by local cooks.
What to expect on your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail is a beautiful hike through mountains, forests, and ancient Inca sites. The trail can be muddy or slippery, especially during the rainy season (Nov–Apr). In some cases, the route or campsite may change for safety reasons.
We follow official Inca Trail rules and work with licensed guides and porters. You carry your own daypack; the team carries the group gear.
We want you to feel informed and well-prepared before starting your trek. If you have any questions, just ask us.
Important: Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu tickets are non-refundable, non-changeable, and non-transferable. If you skip part of the trail or leave the tour early, this is your responsibility. We cannot refund any part of the trek or unused entries. Transport and extra tickets are not included.
More about the 4-day original Inca Trail with KB Adventures
- Machu Picchu’s hidden past: This iconic site was hidden from the world for centuries until it was rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham. Its true purpose remains a mystery, with theories ranging from a royal estate to a spiritual retreat.
- The original Inca Trail: This pathway was once part of a vast network of trails connecting the Inca Empire. It was primarily used by messengers (chaskis), soldiers, and nobility.
- Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass): The pass gets its name from its silhouette, which resembles a reclining woman.
- Sun Gate (Inti Punku): This was the original entrance to Machu Picchu, used by the Incas to monitor sunrise rituals.
What to bring
- Valid passport (original).
- Reusable water bottle.
- Sleeping bag (or rent one).
- Rain jacket or poncho.
- Waterproof trekking boots.
- Flashlight/headlamp with spare batteries.
- Comfortable trekking clothing (shirts, pants, jackets).
- Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses.
- Insect repellent.
- Personal toiletries and snacks.
- Small change in Peruvian soles.
- Warm layers for cold nights.