MACHUPICCHU & CAMINO INCA

Inca Trail Express Full Day

Duration

FULL DAY

Height

2700 msnm

Difficulty

MODERATE

Group size

2 - 16

Departure

cusco

The tour begins with pick-up at your hotel in Cusco between 3:30 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. to transfer to the town of Ollantaytambo, where we will take the tourist train to Chachabamba – km 104, the starting point of the famous Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. At Chachabamba we pass through the checkpoint to begin the 1-day Inca Trail hike, a short yet authentic experience for travelers seeking to experience the essence of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in a single day.

The journey begins with an approximately three-hour uphill hike to reach the archaeological complex of Wiñaywayna, one of the most impressive and beautiful attractions on the Classic 4-day Inca Trail. At this point, we enjoy a box lunch and take a brief rest surrounded by nature, then continue towards Intipunku, the famous Sun Gate, from where we will have a privileged view of Machu Picchu. We then descend on foot to the upper part of the citadel, visiting the Guardian’s House and the agricultural terraces to obtain the classic photos of the wonder of the world. Subsequently, we will descend to the exit and take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where we will first have dinner and then take the tourist train to Ollantaytambo. Finally, we boarded the transport to Cusco, arriving approximately between 10:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.

This Short Inca Trail is a good option if there is no availability for the 2-day Inca Trail or for the Classic Inca Trail, which must be booked at least 3 months in advance.

Inca Trail 2 days to Machu Picchu with Hotel

Duration

2 DAYS

Height

2700 msnm

Difficulty

MODERATE

Group size

2 - 16

Departure

cusco

The 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with hotel is an experience for travelers who wish to undertake the legendary Inca Trail journey in less time or for those who couldn’t find availability for the Classic Inca Trail. The tour begins with pick-up at your hotel in Cusco at approximately 4:00 a.m. to transfer to Ollantaytambo, where we will take the train to Chachabamba – km 104, the starting point of the famous Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. After the checkpoint, we will visit the archaeological site of Chachabamba and begin the hike, which lasts approximately 3 hours uphill until we reach Wiñaywayna, one of the most impressive Inca complexes on the 4-day Inca Trail. After having lunch and resting, we continue the journey to Intipunku or Sun Gate, from where you get the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. At the end of the Short Inca Trail hike, we will take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where we will enjoy dinner and spend the night. 

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days

Duration

2 DAYS

Height

2700 msnm

Difficulty

MODERATE

Group size

2 - 16

Departure

cusco

1 DAY: The 4-day Inca Trail tour begins with an early pick-up at your hotel in Cusco to head to Ollantaytambo, where we will have breakfast and make any last-minute purchases. We continue our journey to km 82 – Piscacucho, the first checkpoint of the Classic Inca Trail. We begin hiking towards the archaeological site of Patallacta, where our guide will explain. Then we continue to the lunch area and finally arrive at Wayllabamba, where we have dinner and spend the night.

2 DAY: We have an early breakfast to begin the ascent to the highest point of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Warmiwañusca Pass (4,215 m above sea level), also known as “Dead Woman’s Pass”. From there, we descend to Pacaymayo camp, where we will enjoy lunch, dinner, and rest.

3 DAY: On the third day, we have an early breakfast to continue hiking to the archaeological site of Runkurakay, an ancient Inca checkpoint where food was stored. We continue walking for about an hour and thirty minutes to Sayacmarca, surrounded by impressive terraces that are difficult to access. We continue to Phuyupatamarka, known as “the town above the clouds”, and finally visit Intipa, which was an agricultural center, before arriving at our campsite in Wiñaywayna, where we will have tea time and dinner.

 4 DAY: We wake up early to begin walking to Intipunku (Sun Gate), from where you can appreciate the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. We descend to the citadel for a guided tour of approximately 2 hours. At the end, we have free time to explore on our own or climb optional mountains, such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (subject to availability). Then, we take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where we will have time to enjoy lunch before boarding the tourist train to Ollantaytambo. From there, transport awaits to return us to Cusco.

While this 4-day itinerary offers the most comprehensive experience, there are also alternatives, such as the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, which is ideal for travelers seeking shorter routes or those with less physical demands. Inca Trail availability is limited, so it is essential to book in advance any of its modalities: classic Inca Trail, short Inca Trail, and the 2-day Inca Trail.