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Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days! - Orange Nation Peru

Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days!

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From $677

OVERVIEW

The 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, an experience you don’t want to miss! It inspires excitement and stirs a sense of wonder in your soul. Rated in the top 5 most popular excursions in South America and one of the world’s most famous hikes. The hike brings you along ancient paths through Peruvian villages in the Andean highlands. It’s a 4 days 3 nights multi-day hike through the different microclimates of the Andes to the greatest endpoint, the iconic Machu Picchu.

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Service Level: Comfortable camping with private chef and portable toilet. Modern vehicles with private driver.
Physical Rating: Some steep inclines at high altitudes, that can be regarded as strenuous. With sufficient pre-trail training, its easily achievable.
Travel Style: Hiking, trekking, and camping.
Group Size: Small group experience; Max 12, Avg 5.

MAP

Inca Trail Map

ITINERARY

Our 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu journey begins at 4am, where our driver will pick you up at hotel lobby and we embark on our scenic drive to Ollantaytambo. On arrival, we head over to the hiking checkpoint of Piskacucho (KM 82).

At the checkpoint the ranger will check your passports, permits and all relevant discount cards. You will first meet with our dedicated support staff, including our porters and cooks and after getting suited and booted, the adventure begins!

Our hike begins on flat terrain alongside the Vilcanota river. Enjoy the stunning views of the ragged Andes mountains that tower above you. Spend the first day of this trek admiring the breath taking landscape and feeling humbled by your surroundings.

We make a pitstop en route to feast on our first 5-course lunch made by our talented chef, an unexpected fine dining experience in the wilderness. As we make our way through the Inca Fortress Huillca Raccay, enjoy a small break while the guide gives you a brief history on the Incas.

From the Fortress there are spectacular views of the vast Inca site of Llactapata and the snowcapped peak of W´akay Willca. Continuing towards Wayllabamba (3,000m/9,842ft) we trek uphill for another 2 hours before reaching our first campsite of Ayapata.

On arrival to the campsite, our porters will have camp already set up and refreshments of afternoon tea and a delicious snack will be served. Later, your chef serve an abundant and nourishing dinner, prepared using both local and international ingredients. Finally, settle into your spacious tent and reenergize ready for day two- when the real challenge begins.

  • Meals: Lunch. Afternoon tea. Snack. Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Distance: 12KM / 7.5MILES (approx. 6-7 hours’ hike)
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

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You will be woken by your guide at 5:00am as he brings you a steaming mug of tea to fight the cold. We provide you with a basin of warm water to freshen up before our chef and his team serve a hot and hearty breakfast.

You can look forward to a variety of breakfasts over the course of the week, including pancakes, omelets, fruits, porridge, toast with butter and jam and hot drinks like hot chocolate, various hot teas and coffee.

Our sizable breakfast is exactly the right kind of fuel needed to tackle the most challenging day on the entire trail. This day promises to be the most challenging, and at the same time the most satisfying. Be sure to fill in your water bottles with our complimentary boiled water, you will need it.

We begin our day with a steep incline going through cloud forest towards Llulluchapampa (3800m/12 460ft), gaining almost 800m/ 2 625ft in elevation. Along the way you come across llamas and alpacas grazing and drinking from the fresh water streams available throughout the mountain side.

After catching your breath, we continue on the steep incline toward the prized peak of the day, Dead Women’s Peak (4200m/ 13779ft). This is the highest and most challenging peak of the trail. Once you reach the top, the sense of achievement you will feel is indescribable. The spectacular views from the hill top are absolutely breathtaking.  

After a well-deserved rest, we start our hike down to our lunch spot in Pacaymayu (3 580m/ 11 700ft). Our walk passes by calming waters cascading from the tops of the mountain peaks and crosses over well-structured Inca bridges.

Upon arrival at our lunch sport, our hard-working porters will have everything already set up and welcome us with a hot drink, before another 5-course gourmet lunch is served in our dining tent.

Later, we start our second steep incline towards our second peak of the day Runkuraqay (4000m/ 13123ft). This basket shaped hill top is usually covered in fog and gives the illusion of being within the clouds.

Next, is a descent to the Archeological site of Sayacmarka (3 650m/ 11 975ft), which translates to ‘inaccessible town‘ in English.

Finally, we make our way down to camp in Chaquicocha (3 600m/ 11 800ft). At camp we enjoy our afternoon tea, which is later followed by a scrumptious dinner. Enjoy the great views of glaziers as you wind down from the physically challenging day.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, snack, dinner
  • Accommodations: Camping facilities
  • Distance: 16KM / 10MILES (at approx. 9 hours’ hike)
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Your third morning on the Inca Trail is unreal, a mythical day that represents a kind of living that only existed over 600 years ago. 

Your guide wakes you up with a hot cup of tea in your tent before you head out for a scrumptious hot breakfast at 06:00AM.

After breakfast we trek on an undulating trail towards Phuyupatamarca (3 670m/ 12 040ft) which means “Town in the Clouds“. This area borders the jungle and has a low-lying mist that creates a unique and surreal scenery that has everything covered in cloud.

This archeological site has 15 constructions, with 6 of them being ritual water baths. From the top you get an expansive view of the valley, the canyons below and the spectacular landscape that surrounds you.

Later, we continue trekking through cloud forest to the newly discovered agricultural site of Intipata (2 897m/ 9 505ft). The trail takes you through tunnels that the Incas created through the mountain side and tree trunks, with its staircases carved into the rock.

The rest of the trail for this day is a steep downhill and the rocks can get slippery. Boots with good grip and walking poles really come in handy at this point. Intipata was only discovered in 1992 and comprises of a vast terraced farming area.

It was an important agricultural source for the royalty living at Machu Picchu. You can still find fully functioning water fountains that were used for irrigation purposes. 

As we continue on our descent, the weather warms up significantly, this is because of the significant drop in elevation, as well as the fact that we are approaching the Amazon Jungle.

Getting closer to Wiñay Wayna (2 680m/ 8 793ft), the flora becomes more vibrant in color and the mountains are a beautiful lush green. Upon reaching Wiñay Wayna campsite, we stop for a well-deserved lunch in our last campsite of the trek. We can rest assured knowing Machu Picchu is only a day away.

After lunch we take a very short hike to the second most popular Inca site on the trail after Machu Picchu. This stunning archeological site stands as the most well-preserved Archeological site in the world.

The site gets its name from an orange orchid that grows abundantly along the trail throughout the year. Your guide will share the fascinating history of this site. Also enjoy the breathtaking views of snow-capped mountain peaks, the waterfall below and the Urubamba River snaking its way through the valley.

We head back to camp for afternoon tea, followed by our last gourmet Andean dinner, made by our talented chef. The night in this campsite is much warmer. On a clear night, the night sky is an incredible sight to behold, with more stars than you could possibly count.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, snack, dinner
  • Accommodations: Camping facilities
  • Distance: 10KM / 6.2MILES (at approx. 5 hours’ hike)
  • Difficulty: Moderate

The day you have been waiting for is finally here!! This will be our earliest start thus far. Breakfast is served at 4:00am. We say good bye to our superhuman porters and the chef and his team, as they rush to catch the only staff train available.

The best thing about our last camp is that you can indulge in a shower before getting dolled up for pictures at the great Citadel of Machu Picchu. Be warned, showers are usually cold.

We start are gradual hike to the famous Sun Gate, passing the notorious steep and narrow gringo steps. The Sun Gate (2720m/ 8924ft) also known as Inti Punku, will give you the first jaw dropping view of the Machu Picchu Citadel (2,400m/7,872 ft).

Watch the sun rise behind the llacta, spreading over it like melted gold. Finally, we walk downhill the Royal Inca Trail to enter the Citadel of Machu Picchu from the top through the “House of the Guardians” where all of the famous postcard pictures of Machu Picchu are taken.

From there, we proceed towards the control point, where we register and leave any large backpacks or walking poles. The rangers do not allow anyone to take large hiking bags into Machu Picchu. Walking poles are also not allowed because they can damage the stones.

Your guide will give you a guided tour and educate you about the history of the ruins for about two hours. You will see many of the important parts of Machu Picchu.

After your tour, those who have an advanced booking for the extra hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain will have time to enjoy those views on their own.

When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on our train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing, or resting your aching muscles in the natural hot springs that gave the town its name.

The Expedition Train at 2:55 or 3:20pm will take you back to Ollantaytambo, following the spectacular Urubamba River. You can also see Wiñay Wayna from the train if you look up high on the steep canyon wall!

Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 7:00pm.

  • Meals included: Breakfast ONLY
  • Distance: 6kms/3.7mls
  • Difficulty: Easy

***IMPORTANT:

  • On the 4 day Inca Trail, we will be doing the Circuit #3 and there is no way to do another circuit unless you buy an additional entrance to Machu Picchu (US$57).
  • You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55 or 3:20, 4:22, or 4:43pm. The cost is $67 USD.
  • Early trains can be organized by request and it has to be done by booking time.
  • The Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike depends on availability and let us know about it at booking time.

Prices

The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is available on any date as long as we have a minimum of 2 people and there are permits available. Please check with our office!

No. OF PEOPLE PRICE
2 to 5 people $ 677USD per person
+5 $ 657 USD per person
  • We require a minimum of 2 hikers to start this trek.
  •  We operate group tours up to a maximum of 12 hikers.

DISCOUNTS

  • 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD. Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card at booking is required & government approval for discount.
  • Under 18 years old: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
  • Under 11 years old: $40 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.

EXTRAS

  • Sleeping Bag: $20 USD per person per trek (They are steam cleaned after every trek)
  • Air Mattress: $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking Poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
  • Personal Tent: $30 USD – (For single travelers only)
  • Additional Night in Aguas Calientes: From $60 USD (Depending on availability)
  • Vistadome Train Upgrade: $57 USD per person (For the return to Cusco at 4:43pm)
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
  • Machu Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)

Inclusions

INCLUDED

  • Briefing the night before your trek at our office
  • Transfer from the airport to your hotel
  • Pick up at your hotel
  • Private transport from Cusco to Piscacucho (trailhead)
  • 5 kgs of your personal items extra clothes, sleeping bag to be carried by the porters, just carry your daypack
  • 4 person Igloo tents (large and comfortable) for each 2 trekkers
  • Foam mattresses and camping pillows
  • English speaking professional guide experienced in mountains and archeology
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (special dietary are accommodated for with prior request)
  • First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
  • Porter to carry tents, food, cooking equipment
  • Warm water to freshen up in the morning
  • Boiled water to fill in your bottles after each meal
  • Dining and cooking tents with tables and chairs
  • Chef, cooking equipment
  • Expedition Tourist Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and private transport to Cusco
  • Permit for the Inca Trail
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu Inca Citadel
  • Guided tour of Machu Picchu
  • 3 bus tickets from Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
  • Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
  • Transfer back to Cusco hotel
  • Admission permits for the Inca Trail
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
  • 2 hour guided tour of Machu Picchu
  • Chef and cooking equipment
  • Dining tents with tables and chairs
  • Day pack rain covers

 NOT INCLUDED

  • Huayna Picchu: $75 USD Please let us know at the time of booking.
  • Machu Picchu: $75 USD Please let us know at the time of booking.
  • Hotel before and after the trek
  • Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
  • Flight tickets
  • First breakfast and Last lunch – We will stop at Ollantaytambo for the first breakfast and have the last lunch at Aguas Calientes after the tour of Machu Picchu.
  • Upgrades: Vistadome train US $57 per person (return trip only)
  • *** Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters ORANGE NATION PERU – Our staff receives a fair wage immediately after their trip has ended, tips are optional but they do greatly appreciated them.

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU ?

  • Original  Passport: (Must be the same you used for booking your trek)
  • Valid, University Card: (Only if you booked as a student)
  • Good Daypack: One with extra room for a box lunch (the smaller, the better)
  • Water: 2-3L (Camelbak bladders are encouraged)
  • Boots: Comfortable broken in hiking boots or shoes (Boots with ankle support recommended).
  • Sleeping Bag: 4 season bag (can be rented from ORANGE NATION)
  • Headlamp or flashlight: Headlamp frees up hands (Back-up flashlight & batteries are recommended)
  • Toilet paper: Make sure to bring your own.

WHAT TO PUT IN THE DUFFEL BAG ?

As a Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and  INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 15 lbs. including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.

  • Warm clothes
  • Comfortable shoes for camp
  • Quick dry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer your own
  • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
  • Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them
  • Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us for $20USD

TOILETRIES

  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Personal medications
  • First aid kit

WHAT TO PUT IN THE DAY BACKPACK ?

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 – 40 Liters for hiking. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.

  • Drinking Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal. Please bring your canteens or bottles
  • Sun Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Rain gear
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, ice cream, cereal bars, protein bars
  • Coca leaves
  • Rain plastic poncho
  • Gloves
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days!
From USD $677

AVAILABILITY

677

Why travel with Orange Nation Peru?

We have become the leaders in small group adventure travel over the past three decades by consistently listening to our travelers and delivering what they desire: adaptable itineraries, the freedom to explore, smaller group sizes, safety and peace of mind, and knowledgeable local guides who provide unique insights into the destination that would be missed through any other means of travel.

Learn more

EXPERT GUIDES : Our expedition staff are experienced, enthusiastic and among the best in the industry - they are our secret to success

SMALL GROUPS: Travelling with us will always feel like going with friends and not with a group of strangers in an organized tour.

OUR EXPERIENCE: With fifteen years’ experience and over 25 Packages to Machu Picchu alone, our team knows how to deliver a successful expedition.

ENVIRONMENTAL: Education and conservation are our passion. We aim to create lifelong ambassadors for the protection of all wilderness areas.

Travelers' Choice Awards 2023
Excellent based on 360 reviews
Triadvisor

Letty C

Excellent worker

Jun. 2023

Joaquín excellent 👍 Very Caballero helped me with my 🎒 offered me oxygen does very well His work ⁇ in singing to Subme to the 🐎 And what a beautiful mountain it cost me to Climb but with the Joaquín's help I did!

Mariana D

A great adventure!

May. 2023

We made 4D / 3N of the Inka Trail. The experience was challenging, but it was worth it. Chef Fortunato's meals and explanations of Jony and David's places were very complete. Tmb the patience to make sure we all get there on time.

malala08

Fast and friendly service

Dec. 2022

We did not get to specify the service due to the political situation in the country, however the company quickly and carefully proceeded with the return. Very good service and when the situation calms down we will resume service with them.

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