Machu Picchu: 4-Day Inca Trail Trek with Panoramic Train Ride

Your adventure begins bright and early at 4:30 a.m. with a pickup from your Cusco hotel. Staying in the Sacred Valley like Urubamba or Ollantaytambo? We'll collect you around 6:00 a.m. Sit back and enjoy the scenic 2.5-hour drive to Km 82—the starting point of your unforgettable trek to Machu Picchu.
We'll stop in the charming town of Ollantaytambo for a hearty breakfast and to ensure you have everything you need for the hike.
With full bellies and high spirits, we'll continue to Km 82, arriving around 8:00 a.m. Here, you'll meet our friendly team of chefs and porters who will support us along the way.
After a quick briefing and passport check at the trailhead, we'll embark on a pleasant 3-hour hike. Stroll through quaint villages and soak up stunning Andes mountain views. We'll pause at the Inca site of Willkaraqay to marvel at the Llactapata ruins from a special viewpoint.
An hour later, we'll reach Hatunchaca, where our talented chefs will prepare a delicious lunch. It's the perfect spot to rest and recharge. Post-lunch, we'll hike another 2 hours through lush landscapes and towering mountains as we head toward Ayapata.
By 5:00 p.m., we'll arrive at our Ayapata campsite, where your cozy tents await. Unwind with hot drinks and snacks while enjoying the breathtaking mountain scenery. Before dinner, relax during tea time with popcorn, coffee, and cookies. After a satisfying meal, settle into your tent for a peaceful night's sleep, ready for tomorrow's adventures.
Start your day with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee or coca tea delivered right to your tent. After breakfast, we'll embark on the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. We'll hike for 4 hours up to Dead Woman's Pass, the highest point on the Inca Trail.
At an elevation of 4,215m (13,829ft), Dead Woman's Pass offers breathtaking views you'll never forget. We'll pause here to soak in the stunning scenery and peaceful atmosphere. Your guide will perform a traditional ceremony to honor the mountain spirits, known as the Apus. Afterwards, we'll begin a 2-hour descent into the beautiful Pacaymayo Alto Valley, where a well-deserved lunch awaits.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at the Pacaymayo campsite, giving you time to rest and recharge for the afternoon's journey.
After lunch, we'll continue with a 2-hour hike to the top of the second pass, Runkurakay Pass (4,000m / 13,123ft). As we descend for another 2 hours, you'll have the chance to explore the fascinating Inca ruins of Runkurakay and learn about their historical significance.
Our journey continues downhill to the mysterious ruins of Sayacmarca. This well-preserved site offers incredible views and a glimpse into the rich history of the Incas. After exploring, we'll head to our campsite for the night.
As the day comes to an end, we'll reach our campsite at Chaquicocha (3,600m / 11,811ft). Here, you'll be treated to a breathtaking sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range. After a satisfying dinner, unwind under a sky full of stars—the perfect setting before you drift off to sleep.
Your journey begins with a hot cup of coffee or tea in your tent, with the most challenging part of the Inca Trail now behind you. It's time to relax and fully enjoy the adventure ahead. With only about 5 hours of hiking today, you'll have plenty of time to soak in stunning landscapes and discover ancient Inca sites along the way. This is where the real magic happens.
As we walk, the trail takes us through lush cloud forests and open areas with jaw-dropping views of the majestic Salkantay Mountain. One of today's highlights is reaching Phuyupatamarca, known as the "City in the Clouds." From here, you'll experience spectacular views of the Urubamba River and the towering Machu Picchu Mountain in the distance.
Next up is the breathtaking Intipata site, famous for its expansive agricultural terraces. This is the perfect place to stop, rest, and soak in the peaceful surroundings. The stunning views of the Andes and the ingeniously crafted terraces showcase the incredible skill of the Inca people.
In the early afternoon, we'll arrive at our final campsite, Wiñay Wayna. After a tasty lunch, you'll have free time to relax, explore, or maybe even spot some friendly llamas roaming around. Later, we'll visit the Wiñay Wayna Inca site, where your guide will bring this fascinating place to life with stories and insights. Afterwards, we'll return to camp for a delicious dinner and a special farewell surprise to celebrate the incredible journey you've completed.
After a hearty breakfast, you'll head to the checkpoint and wait for the gates to open at 5:30 a.m. This is the moment you've been waiting for!
Once the gates open, we'll start hiking the final stretch to Machu Picchu. The trail leads us to Intipunku, also known as the Sun Gate. Here, you'll be greeted with an unforgettable sight: your first view of Machu Picchu bathed in the early morning sunlight.
After soaking in the view from the Sun Gate, we'll continue down to Machu Picchu itself. Explore the breathtaking ruins with your guide, who will bring the ancient history of this wonder to life. Learn about the incredible architecture, Inca culture, and the mysteries surrounding this iconic site.
Following our time at Machu Picchu, we'll descend to Aguas Calientes, the charming town at the mountain's base. Here, you can enjoy lunch and relax after an exciting morning. Stroll through the town or simply unwind before the next part of our journey.
In the afternoon, you'll board the Vistadome train for a scenic ride back through the Sacred Valley. With large windows, the train offers unbeatable views of stunning Andean landscapes. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful scenery as we head toward Ollantaytambo.
Upon arriving in Ollantaytambo, your private transportation will be ready to take you back to Cusco.
We'll arrive back in Cusco in the evening around 7 pm. Reflect on your incredible journey as we return to the city, filled with memories that will last a lifetime.