From Cusco: 4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Small Groups

Andes Mountains, Peru, Peru



Embark on this 4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu with expert guides. Enjoy an intimate, small-group experience with accommodation and comfortable camping equipment provided.

Highlights

  • Hike the legendary Inca Trail, following ancient paths through the Andes.
  • Explore Inca Trail in a small, personalized group experience.
  • Arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate for an unforgettable sight.
  • Conquer Dead Woman’s Pass at 13,828 ft for breathtaking Andean views.
  • Travel with expert guides and quality camping gear for comfort.

Description

Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba Your adventure begins with a 4:00 AM pickup from Cusco, followed by a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley to Pïscacucho or Km 82 (8,923 ft / 2,720 m), the official starting point of the Inca Trail. After crossing the Urubamba River, the hike begins with a gradual ascent through diverse landscapes, passing the Inca site of Llactapata (8,692 ft / 2,650 m), known for its extensive agricultural terraces and strategic location. The trail continues through valleys and forests until reaching Wayllabamba (9,842 ft / 3,000 m), where you set up camp and enjoy a well-deserved meal before resting for the night. - Campsite in Wayllabamba Day 2: Wayllabamba – Warmiwañusca – Pacaymayo After an early breakfast, the trail leads through high-altitude forests before opening into the puna grasslands, where the landscape becomes more dramatic as you ascend to the highest point of the trek, Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass, 13,828 ft / 4,215 m). From here, enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding Andean peaks before beginning the descent into the Pacaymayo Valley (11,811 ft / 3,600 m), where your campsite awaits. This is the most physically demanding day, but the rewards are unmatched as you experience the vastness and beauty of the high Andes. - Campsite in Pacaymayo Day 3: Pacaymayo – Sayacmarca – Wiñay Wayna The morning starts with a visit to Runkurakay (12,631 ft / 3,850 m), an Inca site that once served as a rest stop for travelers. A short but steep climb takes you to the second-highest pass (13,123 ft / 4,000 m) before descending toward Sayacmarca (11,811 ft / 3,600 m), an ancient Inca complex perched on a steep ridge with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. The trail continues through lush cloud forests and well-preserved stone pathways, leading past Phuyupatamarca (11,975 ft / 3,650 m) before reaching the final campsite at Wiñay Wayna (8,694 ft / 2,650 m), where you spend your last night on the trail near a spectacular series of agricultural terraces and ceremonial sites. - Campsite in Wiñay Wayna Day 4: Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco Depart before dawn for the final stretch to Inti Punku (Sun Gate, 8,924 ft / 2,720 m), where the first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu (7,972 ft / 2,430 m) emerges as the morning light illuminates the ruins. After a short descent will take us to the high Machu Picchu area to get the classic panoramic photo of Machu Picchu. OPTIONAL (Extra cost for a new ticket to re-entry to Machupicchu): Enter by the main entrance to register before returning for a 2-hour guided tour, exploring its temples, plazas, and terraces while learning about its engineering and spiritual significance. If booked 3 to 6 months in advance, you may also climb Huayna Picchu (8,924 ft / 2,720 m), a longer but less technical climb that allows re-entry. Afterward, take the bus to Aguas Calientes and board the return train to Ollantaytambo, where your transport awaits for the final drive back to Cusco

Includes

Entry tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu (Circuit 1) Professional English-speaking tour guide Professional cook Porters to carry all equipment Porter who will transport 5 kg of your stuff Inflatable Mattress and Pillow Included Duffel bag to pack your equipment in Pick-up and drop off at your hotel in Cusco Transportation by bus to the start point of the trek Transportation by train and bus back to Cusco Water (excluding the first day of the trek when you need to bring your own) Meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 afternoon snacks, and 3 dinners) Campsite accommodation (3 nights)

Excludes

Sleeping bag Trekking poles Breakfast on day 1, and lunch and dinner on day 4 Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain Travel insurance Tips

Important Information

  • This is a small group tour with a maximum of 10 people per group
  • All accommodation is camping
  • There will be a tour briefing one or two days before your departure date

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

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