Your 4 day Inca Trail hike with Champions Peru Travel begins early with a hotel pickup in Cusco, followed by a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley to Km 82 — the official starting point of the classic Inca Trail. At the trailhead, you'll meet your experienced trekking guide and support crew from Champions Peru Travel, who will help organize your gear and explain the trek ahead. The trail starts gently along the lush Urubamba River valley, offering stunning views of the snow-capped Veronica Mountain. As you hike, you’ll pass through vibrant Andean villages and lush cloud forests, immersing yourself in the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region. Along the way, the trail leads to the ancient ruins of Llactapata, an Inca agricultural and ceremonial site that offers a glimpse into the empire’s impressive engineering and planning.

Continuing on, the trail gradually climbs through verdant terraces and native flora until you reach your first campsite at Wayllabamba, sitting at approximately 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) above sea level. Here, your support team will prepare a delicious dinner as you rest and recover from your first day on the trail. Camping under a blanket of stars surrounded by the serene Andean landscape is an unforgettable experience that sets the tone for the rest of the trek. This day serves as a perfect warm-up, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude while enjoying some of the most beautiful natural scenery in Peru.

Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Elevation: 2,700m to 3,000m (8,858 ft to 9,843 ft)

Highlights: Llactapata ruins, riverside trails, Andean villages

Overnight at Wayllabamba campsite

Day 2 is the most challenging and rewarding day of the 4 day Inca Trail hike. After a hearty breakfast at the campsite, you’ll begin a steady, steep ascent through lush Andean forests, surrounded by native flora like Polylepis trees and orchids. The trail leads you to the famous Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca), the highest point on the classic Inca Trail, sitting at 4,215 meters (13,828 feet). This strenuous climb tests your endurance but rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the Andes’ jagged peaks and deep valleys. Taking a moment at the summit to rest and soak in the scenery, you’ll feel a deep sense of accomplishment and connection to the ancient paths once traveled by the Incas.

The journey continues with a long descent into the Pacaymayo Valley, where the air grows warmer and the landscape shifts dramatically. Here, the trail winds through highland grasslands and patches of forest, home to native wildlife such as llamas and Andean condors. Upon arrival at the Pacaymayo campsite, your trekking team will welcome you with a hot meal and comfortable tents. This day is a true test of physical strength and mental resilience, but the stunning landscapes and rich cultural history along the way make it an unforgettable part of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days experience.

Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Elevation: 3,000m to 4,215m to 3,600m (9,843 ft to 13,828 ft to 11,811 ft)

Highlights: Dead Woman’s Pass, mountain views, high-altitude ecosystems
Overnight at Pacaymayo campsite

Day 3 of the 4 day Inca Trail hike is widely considered the most scenic and culturally rich. After breakfast, you’ll embark on a trek through diverse ecosystems, starting with a moderate ascent to the ruins of Runkurakay, a small circular Inca structure believed to have served as a resting place or checkpoint for travelers. The trail then descends through lush vegetation to Sayacmarca, an impressive fortress perched dramatically on a cliffside, offering spectacular views of the surrounding valleys. Your guide will explain the historical and architectural significance of these sites, enriching your experience with fascinating stories about the Inca civilization.

The hike continues past the well-preserved site of Phuyupatamarca, meaning “Town Above the Clouds,” which boasts intricate water channels and terraces nestled high in the cloud forest. From there, descend a series of steep Inca steps into the vibrant jungle to reach the stunning Wiñay Wayna archaeological complex. This site, surrounded by terraced gardens and flowing streams, is one of the trail’s most beautiful and well-maintained ruins. Your campsite is located nearby, allowing you to rest peacefully before the final day’s hike to Machu Picchu. This day perfectly blends breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and the magic of ancient Inca architecture.

Distance: 16 km / 10 mi
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
Elevation: 3,600m to 2,600m (11,811 ft to 8,530 ft)

Highlights: Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Wayna
Overnight at Wiñay Wayna campsite

On the final day of your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days trek with Champions Peru Travel, you’ll rise early—often around 3:30 to 4:00 AM—to hike the last stretch to the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku). This vantage point offers the first breathtaking glimpse of Machu Picchu bathed in the golden light of sunrise, a truly unforgettable moment that makes the entire trek worthwhile. After soaking in the awe-inspiring views and taking plenty of photos, you’ll descend into the ancient citadel for a guided tour of the ruins. Explore majestic structures like the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone, and the ceremonial plazas, learning about the Incas’ sophisticated engineering and spiritual life.

After the tour, you’ll take a bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy some free time to relax, shop for souvenirs, or try local cuisine before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, a private transfer by Champions Peru Travel will bring you back to Cusco, marking the end of an incredible journey through one of the world’s most iconic hiking trails. The combination of natural beauty, rich history, and physical challenge makes the 4 day Inca Trail hike with Champions Peru Travel an unforgettable adventure and a bucket-list experience for travelers worldwide.

Distance: 5 km / 3 mi
Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
Elevation: 2,600m to 2,430m (8,530 ft to 7,972 ft)

Highlights: Machu Picchu at sunrise, guided citadel tour
Return to Cusco by train in the afternoon

The classic Inca Trail 4 days trek is considered moderately challenging due to high altitude and steep sections, especially at Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215m). Good physical fitness, proper acclimatization in Cusco, and pacing yourself during the hike make it accessible for most active travelers. Our expert guides from Champions Peru Travel provide support and encouragement throughout.

The best time to hike the trail is during the dry season, from May to September, when the weather is clearer and more stable. April and October are shoulder months with fewer crowds but some rain. The trail is closed every February for maintenance. Booking early is essential, as permits sell out quickly.

Our 4 day Inca Trail hike includes official permits, professional bilingual guides, porter support, camping equipment, meals during the trek, train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, entrance to Machu Picchu, and round-trip transportation between Cusco and the trailhead.

Altitude sickness can affect anyone, but acclimatizing by spending at least 2-3 days in Cusco before the trek helps significantly. Staying hydrated, eating well, and ascending slowly on the trail are crucial. Champions Peru Travel provides first aid kits and oxygen if needed to ensure your safety.

No, the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance every February. Outside of that, permits are limited and sell out fast, especially from May to September. It’s best to book your trek with Champions Peru Travel at least 3-6 months in advance to guarantee availability.

Packing light but smart is key. Essentials include sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing for varying temperatures, rain gear, a sleeping bag (or rental), sun protection, water bottles, and a daypack. We provide a detailed packing list during your pre-trek briefing.