Classic Inca Trail 4 Days 3 Nights

Very early in the morning we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco by private bus, which will take us to Km 82, our starting point. We arrive around 11:00 a.m. and meet your full crew — guide, cook and porters — the team of professionals who will make your trek a success.

This first day is the gentle introduction. The first few miles are easy walking along the Vilcanota River, with the snow-capped Mt. Verónica (5,750 m) dominating the horizon. We pass the archaeological complex of Llactapata, where we stop for a hot lunch prepared by our cook, and then continue uphill to our first camp at Wayllabamba (3,000 m), a small Quechua village in a beautiful valley. After a restorative dinner under the stars, you'll sleep well — tomorrow is the hardest day.

Distance: 12 km · Walking time: 6–7 hours · Camp altitude: 3,000 m

After a hot breakfast, we begin the most demanding — but most rewarding — section of the entire trek: the climb to Warmiwañusca, "Dead Woman's Pass," at 4,200 m. The trail rises steeply through cloud forest, then opens onto high Andean grassland (puna), where you'll see the dramatic ridge that gave the pass its name.

Take it slow. Hydrate. Use coca leaves. The reward is a panoramic view that stretches across multiple ecosystems and the deep satisfaction of standing at the highest point on the entire Inca Trail. From here we descend into the lush valley of Pacaymayo (3,600 m) for lunch and our second night's camp.

Distance: 11 km · Walking time: 7–8 hours · Highest point: 4,200 m · Camp altitude: 3,600 m

The longest but most spectacular day. After breakfast, we climb to the second pass at Runkurakay (3,950 m), where we explore an oval-shaped Inca ruin built as a watchtower or rest stop. The trail then drops to Yanacocha, the Black Lagoon, before climbing again to Sayacmarca — a stunning citadel of narrow streets, multi-level terraces, ceremonial baths, and an astronomical observatory built on a near-vertical promontory.

From there we cross the third and most magical pass and reach Phuyupatamarca, "the city above the clouds" — six interconnected ceremonial baths, terraces and temples that hover over the valley below. After lunch we descend a long Inca stairway through cloud forest to our last camp at Wiñay Wayna ("Forever Young"), possibly the most beautiful Inca site outside Machu Picchu itself, with its dramatic agricultural terraces clinging to the mountainside.

Distance: 16 km · Walking time: 8–9 hours · Camp altitude: 2,650 m

The day you've been waiting for. We wake at 3:30 a.m. for an early breakfast, then queue at the trail control point for the final 1-hour push to Inti Punku — the Sun Gate. As the sun crests the eastern peaks, you step through the original Inca gateway and see Machu Picchu spread out below you, glowing gold in the early light. This is a moment you will never forget.

We descend to the citadel for an in-depth guided tour of approximately 2–3 hours, exploring the main precincts, the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Intihuatana stone, the urban and agricultural sectors. Afterwards you have free time for photos and reflection.

We then take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for a celebratory lunch (on your own — the famed pizza is recommended), and in the afternoon we board the train back to Ollantaytambo, then a private vehicle to Cusco. End of services around 8:00 p.m.

Note: Per recent regulations, Inca Trail trekkers visit Machu Picchu under Circuit 3 (lower section). To explore the upper terraces and Sun Temple after the trek, an additional Circuit 2 ticket can be purchased separately — ask us in advance.

Distance: 6 km · Walking time: 2–3 hours to Machu Picchu