4 Day Inca Trail Hike
Tour Details
The Inca Trail is an ancient Inca road that connects the railway to Ollantaytambo with Machu Picchu. It has a length of approximately 39.6 km (24.6 miles). It takes 3 days to traverse the whole Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The 4th day consists of a guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel.
The Inca Trail was part of a larger road network known as the Qhapaq Ñan. The Qhapaq Ñan connected all the regions of the Inca Empire. Its construction started during the reign of Inca Pachacutec, who began the expansion of the Inca Empire. His successors, Tupac Inca Yupanqui and Huayna Capac, continue to improve and extend the Qhapaq Ñan.
At its largest extension, the Qhapac Ñan covered the territories of the modern countries of Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and some parts of Argentina. It mostly consisted of roads and stone bridges built amidst the Andes mountain range.
After the Spanish conquest, some roads of the Qhapaq Ñan were used by the colonial government. Nowadays, some sections of the Qhaqaq Ñan still exist. The most famous are the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and the Qeswachaqa bridge.
The Classic Inca Trail crosses the Urubamba river. It also passes through different ecosystems. Most of the time, you will be hiking through the beautiful cloud forests of the Andes.
Our tour includes train tickets and bus tickets to the places listed in the itinerary. However, you will have to carry your own sleeping bags.
We recommend you to spend some days in Cusco city before taking a trek to Machu Picchu. It helps you to avoid suffering from altitude sickness. The Inca Trail Trek is one of our most regarded travel packages. Explore the magical citadel of Machu Picchu with us.
Why Inkanto Travel?
We are one of the most experienced tour operators in Cusco, Perú. Our guides are experts in the history of the Inca sites of the Cusco region. We also offer travel packages to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Salkantay Trek. Explore the wonders of South America with us.
Regulations For The Inca Trail
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a historic and cultural treasure protected by Peruvian regulations. Visitors must follow specific rules to ensure its conservation.
Why Are Regulations Necessary?
The Inca Trail is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Regulations protect its cultural and natural heritage. Rules prevent damage and control the impact of tourism. These guidelines encourage responsible tourism and sustainable practices.
Key Objectives of the Regulations
- Preserve the cultural and natural heritage of the Inca Trail.
- Promote sustainable tourism practices on this historical route.
- Mitigate environmental and cultural impacts caused by visitors.
- Encourage tourists to protect and respect the Inca Trail.
Requirements for Visitors
- Visitors must show their original passport and valid entry tickets.
- Students must carry an ISIC card for discounts and identification.
- Agencies handle all necessary permits and bookings.
Tourist Group Regulations
Groups may not exceed 16 visitors, including guides. Every visitor must be part of an organized tour. Guides and porters must hold official accreditation to operate.
Daily Entry Limits
Only 500 people can access the Inca Trail daily. This includes 200 tourists and 300 support staff like guides and porters.
Prohibited Items
Visitors may not carry:
- Firearms, knives, or hunting equipment.
- Non-recyclable plastic items or single-use plastics.
- Domestic animals or invasive species.
- Loudspeakers, drones, or other disruptive devices.
- Fossil fuels, drugs, or alcoholic beverages.
- Metal-tipped poles (only rubber-tipped poles are permitted).
- Pickaxes, shovels and other tools
- Wooden sticks from native species
Guidelines for a Safe Trek
Visitors must only use campsites designated for their groups. Restrooms are public but cannot be used for washing items. Each trek must comply with the route’s specified duration.
Safety and Environmental Standards
Porters cannot carry loads exceeding 14 kg. Agencies provide essential items like first-aid kits and oxygen tanks. Camp waste must be properly collected and disposed of.
Route Closure Period
The Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance. Authorities announce closures 30 days in advance to inform tourists and agencies.
How to Access the Inca Trail?
Visitors must book tours through authorized travel agencies. These agencies handle ticket reservations and staff hiring. They also ensure compliance with government regulations.
What Services Must Agencies Provide?
Tour operators must provide:
- Quality tents, sleeping mats, and dining equipment.
- Portable gas stoves and eco-friendly camping tools.
- Emergency supplies like oxygen tanks and radios.
Recommendations
Book your trip 5-6 months in advance due to high demand. Always follow the guide’s instructions to ensure safety and preservation. Respect the Inca Trail to preserve it for future generations.
| Departune & Return Location | Cusco Travel Transfer |
| Deaperture Time | 06:00 am |
| Price Includes | |
| Price Excludes | |
| Recommended to carry |
Day 1
Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba
We will pick you up from your hotel at 6:00 am. Then, we will drive to the Ollantaytambo train station located in the Sacred Valley. Once there, we will board a bus to Km 82.
Once on Km 82, we will go to the trailhead of the Inca Trail. After passing the security checkpoints, we will begin our adventure. We will walk towards Miskay, where we will stop to have lunch.
Afterwards, we will visit the archaeological complex of Llactapata, located 13 km from the trailhead. Then, we will set up our camp tents to spend the night.
Day 2
Wayllabamba – Warmiwañusca Pass – Pacaymayo
We will have breakfast early in the morning. Then, we will hike towards the Warmiwañusca Pass, also known as the Dead Woman Pass. This place is the highest point of the Inca Trail. It is located at 4200 m.a.s.l. (13780 f.a.s.l.). After having lunch, we will hike to the Pacaymayo site, where we will spend the night camping.
Day 3
Pacaymayo – Phuyupatamarka – Wiñay Wayna
After having breakfast, we will hike to the Runcuracay Inca ruins. Next, we will visit the Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarka archaeological sites. Then, we will stop to have lunch. After having lunch, we will go to the Wiñay Wayna ruins. After having a tour of the Inca ruins, we will spend the night in a nearby campsite.
Day 4
Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
On the fourth day, we will leave our campsite after having breakfast early in the morning. Then, we will hike towards the Inti Punku, a stone structure that marks the entrance to Machu Picchu. Once there, you will get your first views of the stunning Machu Picchu citadel during the sunrise.
Afterwards, you will have a guided tour of the citadel. You will explore the Intihuatana, the Main Temple, the Temple of the Condor, among other monuments. If you have purchased tickets to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, our staff will accompany you to the respective entrances.
After the tour, we will take a bus to Aguas Calientes town. You will have free time to have lunch at a local restaurant. The price of the lunch is not included in the tour.
In the afternoon, we will take a train to Ollantaytambo. Once there, our staff will transfer you back to Cusco city. You will be arriving in Cusco around 9:00 pm.
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