Inca Trail Itinerary – 4D/3N

Day 1: Cusco – Piskacucho Km 82 – Llactapata – Ayapata

The 4D/3N Inca Trail group tour begins with pickup at your hotel. In Cusco, we will pick you up at 4:30 AM, in Urubamba at 5:30 AM, and in Ollantaytambo at 6:30 AM.

We will head to Km 82, passing through the first checkpoint of the Inca Trail. Make sure you have your original passport for entry.

The first two hours of hiking are relatively easy, until we reach the Inca site of Patallacta. Then, we will walk two more hours to the lunch spot.

After lunch, we will walk an additional two hours to our campsite in Ayapata (3300 meters). We will pass through two small communities where you can buy energy drinks, snacks or essential items.

We will arrive at the camp around 5:00 PM, where you can relax with a hot drink and a snack. Dinner will be served at 7:30 PM, followed by a well-deserved rest.

Hiking distance: 14 km (8.7 miles) – 6-7 hours

Camp altitude: 3300 meters

Level: Moderate

Climate: Warm with presence of wind

Day 2: Warmiwañuska Pass – Runccuracay Pass – Chaquiccocha

The second day starts early, with a cup of coca tea to prepare you for the day. We will walk for approximately four hours to the highest pass, Warmiwañuska (4215 meters). Then, we will descend to the Pacaymayu valley, where we will have lunch and refill water.

After lunch, we will ascend again to the second pass, stopping at the Inca site of Runcu Raccay and seeing impressive waterfalls. Then, we will descend for an hour to reach Sayacmarca, an inaccessible Inca village.

Finally, we will arrive at Chaquicocha (3600 meters) where we will camp. After dinner, we will be able to observe the Inca constellations in the night sky.

Hiking distance: 16 km (9.94 miles) – 7-8 hours

Camp altitude: 3600 meters

Level: Demanding

Area: Andes and Cloud Forest

Climate: Cold and rainy

Day 3: Chaquiccocha – Wiñay Wayna

We will start early, at 6:30 AM. This is the most beautiful day of the Inca Trail. We will walk for two hours along the «Inca plain», entering the jungle known as the Cloud Forest.

We will see the Salkantay mountain and the Vilcabamba mountain range. From Phuyupatamarka

(3600 meters), we will have views of the Urubamba River and our first view of Machu Picchu. Then, we will descend for three hours to Wiñay Wayna, our last campsite.

After lunch, you can relax. At 4:30 PM, your guide will give you a brief orientation and we will visit the Wiñay Wayna ruins. In the evening, we will enjoy a banquet and a thanksgiving ceremony.

Hiking distance: 10 km (6.2 miles) – 5 hours

Camp altitude: 2600 meters

Level: Easy

Area: High cloud forest

Climate: Warm and very humid

Day 4: Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes

We will start at 3:30 AM, have breakfast at 4:00 AM, and be among the first to begin the hike at 5:30 AM. We will head to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), with spectacular views of Machu Picchu. We will arrive at the Lost City of the Incas around 7:40 AM for a two-hour guided tour.

Next, we’ll take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time to explore. Your guide will arrange for an optional lunch and provide you with your return train tickets.

The Expedition class train departs at 2:55 or 3:20 PM. Make sure to be at the platform 30 minutes early. A driver will pick you up at the station and take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Level: Magical and exciting

Area: Subtropical and high cloud forest

Climate: Hot and very humid

This itinerary will take you through incredible landscapes, historical sites and culminate in the majestic Machu Picchu, creating unforgettable memories.

Includes / Does not include Includes:

1. Professional Guides: All of our guides have an academic degree and are specialists in their field. Originally from the Cusco region, they are passionate about sharing their culture and heritage. They are fun, professional, and will make sure you feel safe and happy throughout your trip.
2. Permits: Once we receive your details and a deposit, we will acquire your travel permits. These permits cannot be changed once confirmed, except to update or modify the passport number. The permit includes entry to the citadel of Machu Picchu.
3. Orientation: The night before the trek to Machu Picchu, you will have a briefing at our office in Cusco, where you will receive a sleeping bag that will be carried by the porters during the trek. This bag must not exceed 7 kg/14 lbs, including the sleeping bag and air mattress.
4. Porters: We include a personal porter in charge of carrying your sleeping bag, at no additional charge. You will not have access to your bag until you reach the overnight camp.
5. Transportation: Sacred Expeditions Peru provides all transportation needed for this trek. We will pick you up at your hotel around 4:00 AM (6:20 AM in Ollantaytambo) to take you to KM 82, where the trek begins. After your visit to Machu Picchu, we include a bus ticket down to Aguas Calientes and the return train in Expedition class. If you prefer, you can upgrade to Vistadome class for an additional $75. Once at the train station, we will take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
6. Equipment: We use «Eureka 4-person» tents, shared by two people, and a spacious dining tent to enjoy meals.
7. Food: Our chefs are skilled at preparing delicious meals, accommodating dietary restrictions. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served each day, along with tea time and snacks. A daily snack is also provided for the hike. Lunch on the final day is not included.
8. Water: From the first lunch to the last breakfast, we provide all the necessary water, boiled, filtered and chilled. Bring your own bottles or camelback with a capacity of 3 liters.
9. First Aid: All our guides are trained in first aid and carry a basic first aid kit and oxygen. If necessary, we will quickly evacuate you to a clinic.
10. Extras: We provide a small pillow, a foam mattress, a backpack cover and a rain poncho.
11. Satellite Phones: For added safety, each guide carries a satellite phone for emergencies, which can also be used by clients for an additional cost.
12. Taxes and Fees: All taxes and permits associated with the hike are included in the price.

Not Included:

1. Rentals: You will need a sleeping bag, air mattress, and walking sticks (with rubber tips). These can be rented from Sacred Expeditions: o Sleeping bag: $25
   • Inflatable mattress: $20 (FREE on private trek)
   • Walking sticks (1 pair): $20

1. Huayna Picchu: The hike to the top of this mountain near Machu Picchu has an additional cost of $75 and must be booked at least a month in advance due to its popularity.

Note: Please be aware that weather is unpredictable and beyond our control.

What to take on the tour?

What should I pack for the tour? This is the most common question.

Firstly note that:

When traveling to a new distant destination like South America, you’ll need to arrive a couple of days earlier than your tour, especially if you’re going to hike to get acclimatized to the altitude of above 3000m at Cusco.

However, for your trip to Peru, you will bring one or two large pieces of luggage depending on the time you spend on your vacation;

Essentials for all tours:

• Valid original passport (a copy will not be accepted) – Please note that your passport must be at least 6 months valid to enter and leave Peru.
• Valid student card (if you booked as a student).
• Trekking boots (light, comfortable).
• A good quality backpack (light, small and comfortable).
• Water storage for at least 2 liters; either a camel-bag or a bottle(s) of water.

What to put in backpacks for Machu Picchu:

Below is a list of items that we recommend you carry with you at all times in your backpack. Remember, you will take it with you every day of the hike, so we recommend you bring a good quality, light and comfortable backpack.

It is important to note  that due to local regulations on the INCATRAIN, your backpack must not exceed 25L.  All larger packages cannot be brought into Machu Picchu and will need to be stored outside the gates.

• Hat and sunglasses.
• Rain gear insta
• Warm coats (long-sleeved polos).
• Sunscreen, insect repellent.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Toilet paper.
• Personal medication.
• Band-Aids.
• Camera, additional batteries for Machu Picchu.
• Additional snacks, energy bars, nuts, chocolate – apples are a good source of hydration, sugar and stay whole in the bag!
• Extra money for unforeseen events, drinks and tips (coins are useful for paying for the use of toilets).

What to put in the suitcases?

Sacred Expeditions Peru will provide you with a suitcase to pack any items that you do not need to carry with you during the day. Our porters will carry this bag throughout the trek. Please note that this bag must weigh a maximum of 7 kg, including your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you bring or rent one). These two items weigh about 3 kg together (2 kg sleeping bag, 1 kg air pad). During the Inca Trail, you will travel through different temperatures as you ascend/descend. It can also be cold at night in the camp. Therefore, the layers work better!

Canvas bags will be provided in our office during the safety briefing held the day before; we can also deliver them to your hotel if you need to arrange your belongings in advance.

• Sleeping bag for the Inca Trail (can be rented with us).
• Air mattress for the Inca Trail (can be rented with us).
• Comfortable and light shoes for camping.
• Jacket, hat and warm gloves for the Inca Trail.
• 4 t-shirts (absorbent t-shirts are the best).
• 1-2 hiking pants/pants.
• Four sets of underwear.
• Four sets of hiking socks.
• 1 thick and soft cloth.
• 1 warm down jacket for the coldest nights.
• Quick drying towel.
• Soap.
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush and paste.
• Facial moisturizer & sunscreen.
• Portable batteries and chargers.
• Plastic bags to keep wet or muddy clothes separate.

Covid-19 measures to keep you safe while traveling

• Covid-19 measures to keep you safe while traveling shall be updated as and if needed.

Why Choose Sacred Expeditions Peru?

Here’s how booking with us, you make a positive impact:

• Intimate Experiences:  We focus on creating intimate travel experiences by capping our group sizes at 8 participants during the pandemic and 16 during standard operations. This allows us to provide personalized service tailored to each traveler’s needs.
• Fair Treatment of Staff:  Our dedication to equity is reflected in the fair wages and respect we extend to all our porters, cultivating a nurturing and inclusive work environment for both men and women.
• Social Impact:   Your reservation plays a vital role in supporting social initiatives in Cusco, enabling us to provide local children with essential resources such as computers and internet connectivity.
• Comfort in Nature:   We prioritize your comfort on all camping tours by providing portable toilets and hot showers, ensuring a more enjoyable outdoor experience.
• Transparent Practices:   We uphold a commitment to transparency, which is why we do not charge any booking or credit card fees, allowing you to plan your trip without unexpected costs.
• Join Us:   Experience the beauty of travel with Sacred Expeditions Peru, where your journey not only enriches your life but also positively impacts the communities we serve.