Peru · Trekking

4-Day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu with Vistadome Return

4 Days Round trip from Cusco Challenging pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Immerse in the wonders of the Inca Trail as you explore Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, and Wiñaywayna.
  • 02 Witness Machu Picchu twice: at sunrise via Circuit 1 and on a guided Circuit 3 tour.
  • 03 Challenge yourself with the ascent to Dead Woman's Pass, the highest point on the trail.
  • 04 Travel back in comfort aboard the panoramic Vistadome train.
  • 05 Support local communities through responsible tourism.

Discover the legacy of the Inca civilization on this 4-day trek from Cusco to Machu Picchu, exploring sites such as Llaqtapata, Runkuraqay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, and Wiñaywayna along the way. Challenge yourself with the ascent to Dead Woman's Pass, the highest point on the trail, then reach Machu Picchu at sunrise through Inti Punku (the Sun Gate). Continue with a guided visit of Circuits 1 and 3, with expert guides tailoring the experience to your pace throughout the journey.

Challenge yourself with the ascent to Dead Woman's Pass, the highest point on the trail, then reach Machu Picchu at sunrise through Inti Punku (the Sun Gate).

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Challenging
Accommodation Included · Budget
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Cusco, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Wiñay Wayna
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Cusco to Km 82 and Ayapata Camp

Start with an early pick-up from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, then drive through the Andes and stop in Ollantaytambo for breakfast. At Km 82, meet your trekking team, pass the checkpoint, and hike along the Urubamba River through Andean villages.

Visit Llactapata, see Patallacta's terraces, continue to Hatunchaca for lunch, then hike to Ayapata camp to settle in, enjoy tea, and relax before dinner under the stars.

  • Hiking distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
  • Approximate time: 6 hours
  • Maximum altitude: 3,300 m (10,826 ft)
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Meals: B, L, D, snacks and tea time
2
Day 02

Ayapata to Warmiwañusca Pass and Chaquicocha

Wake up to hot drinks served at your tent, enjoy a hearty breakfast, then hike through mountain valleys to Warmiwañusca Pass (4200 m / 13,779 ft) for panoramic views. Descend into the Pacaymayo Valley for lunch, then climb to Runkuraqay Pass, passing the Inca sites of Runkuraqay and Sayacmarca through lush landscapes.

End the day at the peaceful Chaquicocha campsite, where dinner and stargazing await.

  • Hiking distance: 16 km (10 miles)
  • Approximate time: 10 hours
  • Maximum altitude: 4,215 m (13,828 ft)
  • Difficulty: Challenging
  • Meals: B, L, D, snacks and tea time
3
Day 03

Chaquicocha through the Cloud Forest to Wiñaywayna

Start your day with a nourishing breakfast before trekking gently into the cloud forest, where snow-capped peaks frame the horizon. Visit the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca and catch distant glimpses of Machu Picchu.

Descend to the terraces of Intipata for sweeping views, then continue to the Wiñaywayna campsite to explore its remarkable ruins before enjoying a well-earned dinner.

  • Hiking distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
  • Approximate time: 6 hours
  • Maximum altitude: 2,600 m (8,530 ft)
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Meals: B, L, D, snacks and tea time
4
Day 04

Sun Gate Arrival at Machu Picchu and Vistadome Return

Start before dawn with a light breakfast to fuel your final ascent to the Sun Gate, where the first light reveals the majesty of Machu Picchu. Enter the citadel via Circuit 1 for your initial glimpse, then continue to the main entrance and re-enter for Circuit 3, where a full guided tour unveils iconic landmarks of this amazing place.

After exploring, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for free time to stroll through the town before boarding the panoramic Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo and continuing by private transfer back to Cusco.

  • Hiking distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
  • Approximate time: 3 hours
  • Maximum altitude: 2,430 m (7,972 ft)
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Meals: Breakfast
Dead Woman's Pass, Wiñay Wayna terraces, Sun Gate, Machu Picchu

Where this trip takes you

Dead Woman's Pass, Wiñay Wayna terraces, Sun Gate, Machu Picchu

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Cusco 4 cities · 4 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Pre-tour safety briefing the day before departure, plus complimentary luggage storage.

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Cusco's historic center or Sacred Valley (Urubamba or Ollantaytambo).

  • Vistadome train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.

  • Professional guide, and a second guide for groups of 9 or more.

  • Inca Trail entrance ticket and Machu Picchu.

  • 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners, plus daily snacks and purified water.

  • 3 nights of camping with high-quality gear: spacious 4-person Eureka tents for every 2 trekkers.

  • Sleeping bag, pillow, and inflatable air pad. Also includes rain poncho, hand towels, and trekking poles.

  • Personal porter service, plus a duffel bag to carry up to 7 kg (15 lb) of your belongings.

  • Private portable toilets and dining tents with chairs and tables for comfort at meals.

  • Satellite phones, first aid kit, and emergency oxygen provided.

What's Not Included

  • Huayna Picchu Mountain entrance tickets (subject to advance booking)

  • Last day lunch in Aguas Calientes

  • Travel insurance

Know before you go

  • Available every day with a minimum of 2 people per booking.

  • Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary options are available on request.

  • Travellers need a moderate physical fitness level.

  • Initial payment is non-refundable and non-transferable.

  • Single tents are available on request.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Centro Histórico, Cusco, Perú
Tour start
Cusco, Perú
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 4 days finish where they began, in Cusco.

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