Inca Trail 4 Day Premium

Day 2 of your Classic Inca Trail 4 Day adventure is the most challenging yet rewarding leg on your unforgettable Inca Trail to Machu Picchu journey. Your day begins early as your porters gently wake you with a warm cup of traditional coca tea, a natural remedy revered since Inca times to help combat altitude sickness and fatigue.

The highlight of this day is the ascent to Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point on the trek at 4,215 meters (13,829 feet). This demanding climb, lasting about four hours, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic Andes and a deep sense of achievement. Take a moment to reflect on the ancient Inca runners who once conquered this very path.

After a well-deserved rest at the summit, you’ll descend for approximately 1.5 hours into the lush Pacaymayu Valley, where a hearty lunch awaits to refuel your energy. Fresh, clean water is available throughout the trek, so be sure to refill your bottles regularly.

In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a moderate two-hour hike to Runkuraqay Pass (3,970 meters / 13,024 feet), home to an intriguing Inca archaeological site nestled amid waterfalls cascading down the valley. Your expert guide will unravel the fascinating history and strategic significance of this ancient outpost.

From Runkuraqay, the trail descends for about an hour to Sayacmarca, a spectacular and somewhat hidden Inca site dramatically perched on the mountainside. Here, enjoy a detailed guided tour as you soak in panoramic views of the Vilcabamba mountain range, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun.

Your day concludes with a short 20-minute walk to the second campsite at Chaquicocha (“dry lake”), situated at 3,600 meters (11,811 feet). After a nourishing dinner, if you still have energy, take in the crystal-clear night sky. Far from city lights, marvel at the Southern Hemisphere’s constellations, many of which are intertwined with Inca mythology — a perfect end to an epic day on the Inca Trail 4 Day Premium experience.

Congratulations! You’ve just conquered the most challenging day on the Classic Inca Trail 4 Day trek to Machu Picchu. Day 3 offers a welcome chance to relax while immersing yourself in the breathtaking diversity of this world-renowned Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll set off around 6:30 a.m., winding gently through the lush Cloud Forest. Here, vibrant greenery contrasts beautifully with the distant, snow-capped Salkantay Mountain — the second-highest peak in the Cusco region. Along this route, you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views of the majestic Vilcabamba mountain range, a highlight for any trekker on the inca trail 4 day premium experience.

The journey continues with an ascent to Phuyupatamarca, famously known as the “City in the Clouds.” Perched at nearly 3,700 meters (12,139 feet), this mystical Inca archaeological site offers sweeping vistas of the winding Urubamba River far below. From there, the trail descends toward Intipata 2,896.5 msnm / 9,502 ft., or the “Terraces of the Sun,” an ancient agricultural marvel with breathtaking views across the Sacred Valley.

After approximately five hours of trekking through diverse ecosystems—from high Andean peaks to lush jungle—you’ll arrive early afternoon at your final campsite near Wiñay Wayna, meaning “Forever Young.” Often regarded as the most spectacular Inca ruins on the trail, Wiñay Wayna is just a short distance from the iconic Machu Picchu.

Following a delicious lunch, your expert guide will lead you on an in-depth exploration of Wiñay Wayna’s terraced ruins, bringing the vibrant history of this ancient Inca community to life through vivid storytelling.

As evening falls, you’ll join your trekking team—guides, porters, and chefs—for a heartfelt celebration honoring everyone’s incredible efforts on this unforgettable journey. This cherished tradition is a special moment of gratitude for the crew who ensure your inca trail 4 day premium adventure is comfortable and memorable.

Finally, rest well in preparation for Day 4: an early morning sunrise visit to the awe-inspiring citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Witness the magical first light illuminating the ancient stone city—a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Today is the grand finale of your Classic Inca Trail 4 Day trek—arriving to the iconic Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and the highlight of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

You’ll rise early, around 3:00 to 3:30 a.m., at the Wiñay Wayna campsite to enjoy a quick breakfast before setting off at 4:00 a.m. The goal is to be among the first hikers to pass through the park ranger checkpoint by 5:30 a.m., securing a prime spot at the Sun Gate (Intipunku) to witness the breathtaking sunrise illuminating Machu Picchu.

The one-hour hike from the checkpoint to the Sun Gate takes you through lush Andean cloud forests, alive with vibrant orchids and native flora. Prepare for the famous “monkey stairs”—a challenging climb of approximately 50 steep Inca steps with a vertical incline. From the Sun Gate, soak in your first sweeping panoramic view of the ancient citadel perched majestically above the Urubamba River—the original entrance to Machu Picchu for Inca travelers.

After spending 15 to 30 minutes absorbing the spectacular vistas, you’ll continue with a gentle 45-minute downhill walk into the heart of Machu Picchu. Arriving between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m., you’ll have time to capture iconic photos at the main lookout, a moment many adventurers cherish as the triumphant end of their Inca Trail 4 Day Premium journey.

if you book to explore any circuits you will embark on a fascinating 1.5-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu’s most remarkable sites. Your expert guide will unveil the mysteries behind the temples, palaces, ceremonial fountains, and astronomical observatories. Witness the incredible harmony between Inca stone architecture and the surrounding natural environment—a testament to craftsmanship that has endured for over five centuries.

If you pre-booked, an optional climb to Huayna Picchu Mountain awaits, offering breathtaking views from above (please note this climb and guided tours for it are not included in the standard Inca Trail to Machu Picchu package). Others may explore further landmarks like the Temple of the Condor before concluding the visit.

Afterward, descend by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant of your choice (not included). In the afternoon, board a comfortable train departing between 2:30 and 2:55 p.m. to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, a private vehicle will transfer you back to Cusco, where your hotel awaits, concluding your unforgettable Classic Inca Trail 4 Day adventure.

Please note, the return journey to Cusco takes approximately four hours.