4-Day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate

Depart early from your Cusco hotel and travel by bus through Chinchero, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo. Stop in Ollantaytambo for breakfast before continuing to Kilometer 82, the starting point of the Inca Trail.

Cross the Vilcanota River and begin hiking along the trail as it climbs away from the river. Along the way, view the Inca ruins of Huillca Raccay overlooking the Cusichaca Valley, and enjoy panoramic views of the Cordillera Urubamba and the snow-capped peak of Veronica.

Continue to observe the extensive ruins of Llactapata, an important agricultural settlement that supplied Machu Picchu. Then keep hiking along the river until you reach the village of Wayllabamba at 3,000 meters, where you will spend the night. This is the last location on the trail where snacks and drinks can be purchased.

Begin a steep ascent following the Llulluchayoc River toward Tres Piedras and the Huayruro River. As you climb, enter cloud forest terrain with waterfalls and dense vegetation.

After several hours of hiking, reach Llulluchapampa meadow at 3,680 meters. From here, continue ascending to the highest point of the trek, Abra de Huarmihuañusca, also known as Dead Woman's Pass, at 4,200 meters, where strong Andean weather conditions are often felt.

After crossing the pass, descend into the Pacamayo Valley and arrive at the campsite at 3,600 meters. Spend the night at Pacamayo campsite, where basic facilities are available.

Climb from Pacamayo to the circular ruins of Runkuracay, which overlook the valley, then cross the second pass, Abra de Runkuracay, at 4,000 meters. Descend along original Inca stone paths and arrive at the ruins of Sayacmarca, an isolated cliffside settlement.

Continue past Conchamarca, a small Inca dwelling believed to have been a tambo, and walk through lush cloud forest filled with orchids, mosses, and tree ferns. Along the route, pass through an Inca tunnel carved into solid rock and climb to the third pass at 3,700 meters, with views of the Salkantay and Veronica peaks.

Visit Phuyupatamarca, the Town in the Clouds, and observe its ceremonial Inca baths. Then descend a long stone staircase through cloud forest to reach Wiñay Wayna.

At Wiñay Wayna, visit the ruins known for their agricultural terraces, temples, and water fountains. Spend the night at the Wiñay Wayna campsite, the final campsite before Machu Picchu.

Wake early and begin hiking toward Machu Picchu before sunrise. Walk through cloud forest and ascend the final steps to Intipunku, the Sun Gate, where you will witness the first full panoramic view of Machu Picchu at sunrise.

Descend toward Machu Picchu and enter the site from the upper section. Follow Circuit 1 to enjoy panoramic viewpoints of the Citadel, then register at the checkpoint and reenter the site for a private guided tour.

Explore Machu Picchu following Circuit 3, including the Temple of the Sun, Sacred Rock, Water Fountains, Callancas, Temple of the Condor, and storage areas. After the visit, take the bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and free time.

Later, board the train to Ollantaytambo and continue by bus to Cusco. Arrive in Cusco in the evening and transfer back to your hotel.