Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 6-day experience

Day 1: Welcome to Cusco

Arrive in Cusco and meet your local guide. Take it easy today to adjust to the altitude with a relaxed city walk: Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and Qoricancha. In the evening, enjoy an organic welcome dinner.

• Meals: Dinner
  
• Accommodation: Tierra Viva Hotel or similar
  
• Elevation: 3,400 m / 11,154 ft
  
• Difficulty: Easy
  

Day 2: Sacred Valley Highlights

Travel through the Sacred Valley visiting Chinchero’s markets, the circular terraces of Moray, the Maras salt mines, and Ollantaytambo fortress. Lunch in Urubamba before overnighting in Ollantaytambo.

• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
  
• Accommodation: Hotel in Ollantaytambo
  
• Elevation: 3,400–3,700 m / 11,154–12,139 ft
  
• Duration: 5–6 hrs
  
• Difficulty: Easy
  

Day 3: Inca Trail Begins

Start the Inca Trail at KM 82 (Piscacucho). Trek past ruins, villages, and rivers with support from porters and cooks. Overnight camping under the stars with a hearty dinner.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  
• Accommodation: Camping
  
• Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles (~8 hrs)
  
• Elevation: 2,598–3,300 m / 8,525–10,824 ft
  
• Difficulty: Moderate
  

Day 4: Challenge at Dead Woman’s Pass

A tough but rewarding climb to Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass, 4,215 m). Descend into Pacaymayu Valley, then continue past Runcuracay ruins to Chaquicocha camp.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  
• Accommodation: Camping
  
• Distance: 16 km / 10 miles (~10 hrs)
  
• Elevation: 3,300–4,215 m / 10,824–13,825 ft
  
• Difficulty: Challenging
  

Day 5: Cloud Forest & Inca Ruins

Hike through cloud forest to Phuyupatamarca (“Town Above the Clouds”) and descend to Intipata. Camp at Wiñay Wayna, the last ruins before Machu Picchu.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  
• Accommodation: Camping
  
• Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles (~5 hrs)
  
• Elevation: 2,680–3,600 m / 8,792–11,808 ft
  
• Difficulty: Moderate
  

Day 6: Machu Picchu Sunrise

Reach the Sun Gate at dawn for the first breathtaking views of Machu Picchu. Guided tour of the citadel before taking the train back to Cusco.

• Meals: Breakfast
  
• Accommodation: Tierra Viva Cusco or similar
  
• Distance: 5 km / 3.7 miles (~2 hrs)
  
• Elevation: 2,430–2,700 m / 7,972–8,856 ft
  
• Difficulty: Easy
  

Day 7: Departure from Cusco

After breakfast, transfer to the airport. Farewell to the Andes, you leave with memories of a lifetime.

• Meals: Breakfast

• Licensed professional guide (English/Spanish/Quechua)
• Pre-trek briefing in Cusco
• Support staff: porters, chefs, kitchen staff
• Personal porter (8 kg allowance)
• Six breakfasts, four lunches, five dinners; snacks and drinking water
• Two hotel nights in Cusco, one in Ollantaytambo
• Camping equipment: dining tent, sleeping tents, private toilet tent
• Emergency equipment: oxygen, first aid kit, radios
• All permits and entrance fees (Inca Trail, Machu Picchu)
• Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco
• All ground transfers
• Optional Huayna Picchu climb (subject to availability)

• International and domestic flights
• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Sleeping bag rental (USD 38)
• Trekking poles rental (USD 32)
• Meals not listed in the itinerary
• Tips for guides, chefs, porters

• Hiking boots (broken-in)
• Layered clothing (base layers, fleece, down jacket)
• Rain gear (poncho/jacket + pants)
• Hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Sleeping bag (can be rented)
• Trekking poles with rubber tips (can be rented)
• Headlamp with spare batteries
• Insect repellent
• Toiletries (toilet paper, wet wipes, towel)
• Refillable water bottle or hydration system
• Passport (required at checkpoints)

Andean Highlands: Cold nights often drop close to freezing (0–5 °C / 32–41 °F), while days are usually sunny and range between 15–20 °C / 59–68 °F. Layering is essential to manage the strong contrasts.

Cloud Forest & Jungle: Warm, humid, and lush. Daytime temperatures average 25–30 °C / 77–86 °F, with high humidity and frequent afternoon showers or mist. Nights are milder (18–22 °C / 64–72 °F).

Seasonality: The dry season (Apr–Oct) is the most stable, with clearer skies and easier trekking. The wet season (Nov–Mar) brings heavier rains and higher river levels, but also greener valleys and richer wildlife.

Hotels and campsites

• 2 nights Tierra Viva or similar in Cusco,
• 1 night in Ollantaytambo ).
• 3 nights camping along the Inca Trail in fully serviced camps (dining tent, sleeping tents, private toilet tent).

Fly into Cusco (CUZ).

• Private transfers in/out included.
• Train Aguas Calientes ↔ Ollantaytambo included.

What is the Inca Trail 4-Day Group Trek?

It’s a 4-day / 3-night guided trek along the legendary Inca Trail, finishing with a sunrise arrival at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. This is a group-based, full-service experience with a high focus on quality and support.

How long is the trail?

Approximately 43 km (26 miles) over four days, passing through diverse landscapes, cloud forests, and multiple Inca ruins.

Is it difficult?

Moderately challenging. You’ll be hiking at high altitudes (up to 4,200 m / 13,800 ft) with long daily hikes (up to 10 hours on Day 2). Good physical condition and acclimatization in Cusco (2–3 days prior) are highly recommended.

What’s not included?

• Sleeping bag (can be rented)
• Walking poles (can be rented)
• Last day lunch
• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Tips for guides, porters, and cooks

How big are the groups?

Group sizes range from 2 to 16 people.

When should I book?

At least 3–6 months in advance, especially for high season (May to September), due to limited permits for the trail.

What should I bring?

• Hiking boots, rain jacket, warm layers
• Sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent
• Refillable water bottle or hydration bladder
• Personal snacks and toiletries
• A full packing list is provided after booking.

Can I rent gear?

Yes. You can rent sleeping bags, trekking poles, and extra porters to carry personal items.

How do we return after the trek?

After visiting Machu Picchu, you’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, then return by train + vehicle to Cusco the same evening.

Travel insurance is mandatory for all our adventures and you’ll need to share your policy details before departure. Your cover must include overseas medical treatment, emergency evacuation/repatriation, baggage and equipment, plus all the activities in your itinerary.

We also strongly recommend cancellation and curtailment cover in case illness or other unforeseen events prevent you from travelling.

Standard policies often exclude adventure activities, so please check the fine print. Many travelers choose World Nomads for adventure, focused protection, select the policy that fits your needs and fully covers your trip.