Making a brief summary, the 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, is the only trek that reaches Machu Picchu through the famous Sun Gate, the highest point during the hike is in Warmy Wañusca at 4,200 m.a.s.l / 13,828ft and the lowest level is in Aguas Calientes town. The route is surrounded by a diversity of flora and fauna; definitely the 4 days Inca Trail route will be the best experience you will have in your life and through this blog we will know how to get there, what to take, when to visit and other information you need to know before choosing your travel date. Come on!
Let yourself get to know Machu Picchu with your favorite person.
WHERE DOES THE 4 DAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU START?
The Inca Trail 04 day Machu Picchu is also known as the classic Inca Trail and starts at km 82 in the district of Ollantaytambo – Urubamba, Cusco at 2,709 meters above sea level.
WHAT IS THE CLIMATE LIKE ON THE 4 DAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
The climate of the 04 day to Machu Picchu route, since it belongs to and starts in Cusco, has two well-defined seasons during the year, the rainy season and the dry season. Each of them with unique characteristics that allow you to enjoy a wonderful journey through the Andes of Cusco, the Inca Trail.
Rainy season
Between the months of November and March, the presence of rains in Cusco is inevitable, varying between drizzle and torrential rains so that in certain months of the season is not recommended to make tourist trips outside the city of Cusco for safety. However, it is possible to make trips in the city and its surroundings; for which Inkayni Peru Tours offers shorter and more comfortable tours.
If you are in Cusco during this season we recommend you to wear warm clothes such as chullos, scarves, waterproof jackets, umbrellas in case it rains which is most likely, but if it is sunny during the day, always try to use sunscreen, hats, hats or umbrellas.
The temperature in this season during the day may vary between 62.6ºF and 73.4ºF during the day and during the night it varies between 41ºF and 44.6ºF.
Dry season
This season generally begins in April and ends in October. During these months the presence of rain in Cusco is minimal; take into account that if you do tours such as the Inca Trail you are likely to see rain frequently due to the presence of mountains and snow-capped mountains. In general it is a good time to travel all over Cusco without exception.
The temperature varies from 32°F to 66.2°F and rarely drops below 28.4°F or rises above 71.6°F. Therefore, it is recommended to wear appropriate clothing to enjoy sunny days in Cusco, enjoying the blue Cusco sky. During the day use sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, caps and try to stay hydrated at all times. In the evenings, we recommend you to wear warmer clothes since in the months of June, July and August the evenings in Cusco are cold and freezing.
WHAT IS THE BEST STAGE TO GET TO MACHU PICCHU BY THE 04 DAY INCA TRAIL ROUTE?
For obvious reasons, the best season for tourism in Cusco and specifically the Inca Trail 04 day to Machu Picchu is during the dry season between the months of April to October.
This season is suitable because the presence of rain is minimal, also if you are in Cusco between the months of June or July you can enjoy beautiful festivities such as Inti Raymi, the pilgrimage of Mr. Qoyllorit’i and other Cusco customs that will make you love this beautiful city.
ALTITUDE AND LEVEL OF THE INCA TRAIL 04 DAY TO MACHU PICCHU
For the 04 days route to Machu Picchu the highest point is the pass of Warmi Wañusca at 4 200 m.a.s.l /13 779ft and the lowest point is arriving to Aguas Calientes at 2 050m.a.s.l/ 6 561ft. Regarding the level of trekking for this route is MODERATE; therefore, it is important to have a good physical performance.
WHAT TO SEE IN THE ROUTE 04 DAYS MACHU PICCHU?
- Cusco 3 50msnm/ 10 990ft
- Piskacucho 2 790 masl/ 89236ft
- Wayllabamba 3 000 masl/ 9 842ft
- Warmi Wañusca 4 200 masl/13 779ft (highest point)
- Runcuracay 4 000 masl/13 123ft
- Phuyupatamarca 3 680masl / 12 073ft
- Wiñay huayna 4 200masl / 13 779ft
- Machu Picchu 2 400 masl / 7 873ft
- Aguas Calientes 2 050 masl / 6 561ft
INCA TRAIL ITINERARY 04 DAYS
In Inkayni Peru Tours we offer two services, private and group. For the group service it is necessary to consider that the minimum number of people per group is 2 and the maximum number is 8 or more. We have daily departures, as long as you have available the permits to do the 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. For this, we suggest you check the availability to the Inca Trail.
INCA TRAIL 04 DAYS TO MACHU PICCHU
DAY 1: CUSCO – PISKACUCHO KM 82 – LLACTAPATA – WAYLLABAMBA
- Distance Traveled – 12km / 7.45 miles
- Starting Elevation – 2720 m. / 8923 ft.
- Maximum Elevation – 3000 m. / 13779 ft.
- Camp Elevation – 3000 m. / 13779 ft.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Meals: Lunch – Dinner
To start with the tour of the Inca Trail 04 days, our transportation will pick you up from your hotel after breakfast to go to Km 82, where we will start our new adventure.
The walk for the first day is relatively easy; which will allow us to move through various archaeological sites such as Patallacta, which in Inca times was an important center of administrative, economic and religious function. We will also visit Willkarakay, an Inca military post located near the area of Patallacta.
To continue with our tour we will enter the Wayllabamaba Valley, a few meters beyond Wayllabamba we will find our first camp.
DAY 2: DAY 2: WAYLLABAMBA – WARMI WAÑUSQA (DEAD WOMAN’S PASS) – PACAYMAYU
- Distance Covered – 11km / 6.83 miles
- Starting Elevation – 3000 m. / 13779 ft.
- Maximum Altitude – 4200 m. / 13779 ft.
- Camp Elevation – 3580 m. / 11700 ft.
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Meals: Breakfast -Lunch – Dinner
For the second day of trekking, we will wake up early to enjoy a delicious breakfast. We will get the necessary things ready and start walking, in fact, the level of walking today will be challenging, so we suggest you to use sunscreen and stay hydrated as long as possible.
The highest point for day 2 on the Inca Trail 04 days to Machu Picchu, will be when we reach the pass of Warmi wañusca (4 200masl / 13 779ft). Later we will descend to Pacaymayu, where we will spend the night.
I invite you to observe our route map for the 2nd day of the route 04 days to Machu Picchu by the Inca Trail.
DAY 3: PACAYMAYU – CHAQUIKOCHA – WIÑAYHUAYNA
- Distance Traveled – 16km / 9.94 miles
- Starting Elevation – 3580 m. / 11700 ft.
- Maximum Elevation – 4000 m. / 13123 ft.
- Camp Elevation – 2680 m. / 8792 ft.
- Difficulty: Formidable
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Today we will walk approximately 15 kilometers, we will start very early, have breakfast and start our trek; the level of trekking for the 3rd day will be FORMIDABLE.
The first place we will know will be the archaeological site Runkurakay, we will have a guided tour of the place and continue our ascent for at least 45 minutes to reach the 2nd highest pass of the 04 day Inca Trail, Runkurakay (3950m / 12959 ft). Here we will have a brief rest and begin our descent to the archaeological site of Sayacmarca. Then, after a detailed visit to the site, we will descend through the beautiful cobblestone road to have lunch at the site of Chaquicocha.
The next place we will visit will be Phuyupatamarca, we will continue descending until we reach Wiñayhuayna, where we will spend the night.
DAY 4: WIÑAY WAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
- Distance Traveled – 5km / 3.10 miles
- Starting Elevation – 2680 m. / 8792 ft.
- Maximum Elevation – 2730 m. / 8956 ft.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
Today we will walk approximately 5 kilometers, and the best thing is that today we will know one of the wonders of the modern world, Machu Picchu and you will know that all the effort was worth it. You will be able to walk around the Llaqta Machu Picchu for a time of almost hours properly guided and an additional time to take pictures and enjoy the contact with nature.
Then we will go to Aguas Calientes where we will be waiting for you to take the transport back to Cusco, but before we will have lunch.
WHAT DOES THE 04 DAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU INCLUDE?
- Professional guide.
- Assistant Tourist Guide for groups of more than 9 people.
- Cook.
- Porters to carry cooking and camping equipment.
- A personal porter to carry 05kg / 11.02 pounds (The price includes the personal porter who will carry your things, a maximum of up to 6 kilos, including the sleeping bag: 2kgs). For this we
- will provide you with a duffle bag (duffle bag), in which you will be able to accommodate your things.
- Pick up from your hotel.
- Transportation to km 82.
- Return train between Aguas Calientes and Ollantaytambo – Expedition (Peru Rail) or Voyager (Inca Rail) service.
- Transportation back to Cusco.
- Water (excluding the first day of the trek when you need to carry it on your own).
- 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 lunches (Happy Hour) and 3 dinners. If you have a dietary request, such as vegetarian food, please let us know.
- A dining tent with tables and chairs.
- Oxygen cylinders.
- Matras, brand name: “Therm-A-Rest” or “Rei”.
- Comfortable and spacious 4-person tent EUREKA (One tent will be used only by 2 people).
- First aid kit.
- Entrance fees to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
- Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE 04 DAY THE INCA TRAIL?
- Sleeping bag (you can rent it from us).
- Breakfast on the first day and lunch and dinner on the fourth day.
- Entrance fee to “Huayna Picchu” or “Machu Picchu Mountain”. Extra of US $ 85.
- Tips.
- Travel insurance – it is strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of the trip.
WHAT TO BRING TO THE 04 DAY THE INCA TRAIL?
- Original passport
- Current University Student ID (if you are a student and want to qualify for a discounted price)
- Hiking/trekking boots
- Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
- Warm jacket
- Hat and gloves
- T-shirts (quick-drying)
- Comfortable trekking pants
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen (SPF 35+)
- Insect repellent (We highly recommend a NATURAL repellent)
- Toiletries and hand sanitizer.
- Personal medication
- Camera and video camera.
- Flashlight with extra batteries (or an environmentally friendly option).
KNOW YOUR ROUTE 04 DAY TO MACHU PICCHU
Age restrictions to do the Inca trail
To do any of the Inca Trail routes, the minimum age is 16 years old and the maximum age is 55 years old, as long as you are in good physical health.
In case of minors, they can do the trekking under the responsibility of an adult; they may also need to hire muleteers, horses and/or personal porters to help the minors reach Machu Picchu by the Inca Trail.
For people over 55 years old, it is suggested that they are in good physical health and are accustomed to regular physical activity, so they will not have any difficulty during the hike.
Adequate time to make a reservation
The Inca Trail 04 days to Machu Picchu, being the classic or traditional route, is usually sold out more easily. Therefore, it is recommended to make the reservation at least 6 months in advance.
Importance of physical preparation
The 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu requires a good level of physical endurance, because from day to day the level of trekking will vary from EASY TO MODERATE.
Importance of acclimatization in Cusco
Acclimatization in Cusco is important because it will allow you to enjoy your trip without problems of altitude sickness. Therefore, it is recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the Inca Trail trekking.
Personal hygiene, how and where will you do your personal hygiene during the tour?
You will be able to clean yourself at each camp.
What to bring to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Only necessary things because if you exceed in weight you will not be able to enjoy the trip. Therefore, make sure that your backpack only has the necessary items such as change of polo shirts, personal documents, accessories for personal use.
Hygienic services on the Inca Trail
In each camp of the 04 days route you will find hygienic services.
AVAILABILITY AND RESTRICTIONS FOR THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
PERMITS FOR THE INCA TRAIL
The availability is controlled by the Ministry of Culture of Peru, they are the only ones who verify, control and authorize access to the Inca Trail.
To enter the Inca Trail per day 500 spaces are granted, 250 spaces are for tourists and 250 spaces are for porters, cooks and guides.
For practical reasons, it is not possible to reserve admission less than 24 hours before the departure of the trek or if there are less than 5 spaces available.
If the number of spaces is exhausted, you will have to choose another date.
The Inca Trail is closed in the month of February for maintenance.
It is important to reserve your tickets at least 6 months in advance of the trek.
RESTRICTIONS FOR THE INCA TRAIL TREKKING
Firearms.
Wildlife hunting implements such as nets, cages or traps.
Kerosene, gasoline or elements that can cause fires.
Drugs or alcoholic beverages.
Domestic animals.
Picks or shovels.
Sound equipment (or any electronic item that disturbs the tranquility of the route).
Walking sticks with metal tips (only rubber-tipped sticks are allowed).
Any type of transportation such as bicycles.
Drones or professional filming equipment.
PORTERS IN ROUTE DURING 4 DAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
Who are the porters
According to Art.16 of the porter’s law, the porters are the people in charge of bringing the equipment to the campsites, they are usually people from provinces near the Inca Trail and who know the area perfectly. The porters are the last to start the trek, but they are the first to arrive at the camps, so they are an important part of the Inca Trail 04 days.
Importance of the porters during the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The route to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a route that does not allow the presence of motorized transport or animals, so the only people who can manage to transport luggage, tents, cooking utensils and other accessories needed for the camps during the 04 days route to Machu Picchu are precisely the porters.
RESTRICTIONS TO ENTER MACHU PICCHU
What can I bring to Machu Picchu
- Caps, hats and raincoats
- Shoes or sneakers with soft or rubber soles, to be able to enter the Llaqta without problems.
- Likewise, the use of backpacks that do not have metal frames is allowed.
- The use of canes is allowed for the elderly or people with obvious physical disabilities, as long as they have rubber tips.
- The use of technology is allowed only in large spaces and areas of explanation.
- To the Llaqta of Machu Picchu, guide dogs can enter, if necessary.
- You can bring mineral water to stay hydrated.
- Cell phone to take pictures.
- Camera for personal use.
What not to bring to Machu Picchu
- A backpack that exceeds 40 X 35 X 20, if this is your case you should leave your backpack in the checkroom before entering the Llaqta of Machu Picchu.
- Any type of food or messenger.
- You should not carry any type of illegal substance or be under its effects.
- No alcoholic beverages
- You cannot enter in an alcoholic state.
- Carry umbrellas and parasols.
- Carry tripods, supports or extensions for cameras, cell phones or any other element of stabilization or extension for filming and / or photography, unless authorized by the DDC Cusco.
- Entering with animals, except for guide dogs when strictly necessary.
- Entering with any type of aerosols.
- Entering with any type of musical instrument, megaphones and loudspeakers.
- Use virtual applications with cell phones or mobile devices in narrow crafts, trails and places of congestion.
- The use of high heels or hard sole shoes is not allowed.
- Access with strollers
- Enter with sharp objects and/or weapons of any kind.
- Enter with banners, posters and/or posters, among other objects of this type.
- Cause tumults, jumping, jumping or generating disorder in the access to the Llaqta of Machupicchu and/or in any point inside the same, this with respect to the organization and displacement of the groups of visitors.
- Entering with clothing intended for advertising purposes.
- Climbing or leaning on the walls and/or structures.
- Touching, moving or removing lithic elements.
- Graffiti.
- Disturb, collect or extract native flora or fauna and/or cultural elements.
- Carry out activities that distort the sacred character of the Llaqta Machupicchu, such as fashion shows, dances and social engagements, ceremonies of any kind, enter portable seats, among others.
- Entering canes with metallic or hard tips.
- Make loud or annoying noises such as clapping, shouting, whistling, singing, among others, because they disturb the tranquility or the sacred character of the Llaqta Machupicchu.
- Smoking
- Make any kind of fire.
- Throw waste of any kind.
- Not respecting the established circuits and routes.
- The ambulatory commerce inside the Llaqta of Machupicchu and surrounding areas up to the bridge ruins.
- Feeding domestic and wild animals in the Llaqta of Machupicchu.
- Overflying with paragliders, drones or any type of small craft.
In the case of non-compliance with any of the restrictions, the visitor will be expelled from the Llaqta without any type of reimbursement and will have to face the corresponding legal actions by the Dirección Desconcentrada de Cultura de Cusco (DDC), as recorded in the official document of Machu Picchu.
Type of tickets to enter Machu Picchu
Ticket sales will be differentiated according to the entrance time: 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00 and 16:00 hours. Entrance fees will be set by Ministerial Resolution.
There are 5 types of entrance tickets to Machu Picchu:
- Machu Picchu Ticket: 06:00 to 15:00
- Ticket Machu Picchu + Wayna Picchu: 06:00 – 11:00
- Machu Picchu Ticket + Machu Picchu Mountain: 06:00 – 09:00
- Ticket Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu: 06:00 – 13:00
- Machu Picchu VIP Ticket: 06:00 – 15:00
Machu Pichu entrance hours
| ENTRANCE TIME | MAXIMUN PERMANENCE | TIME TO LEAVE THE SITE |
| 6:00 – 7:00 | 4 hours from the time of entry | Within 4 hours of admission |
| 7:00 -8:00 | 4 hours from the time of entry | Within 4 hours of admission |
| 8:00 – 9:00 | 4 hours from the time of entry | Within 4 hours of admission |
| 9:00 – 10:00 | 4 hours from the time of entry | Within 4 hours of admission |
| 10:00 – 11:00 | 4 hours from the time of entry | Within 4 hours of admission |
| 11:00 – 12:00 | 4 hours from the time of entry | Within 4 hours of admission |
| 12:00 – 13:00 | 4 hours from the time of entry | Within 4 hours of admission |
| 13:00 – 14:00 | 4 hours from the time of entry | Within 4 hours of admission |
| 14:00 – 15:00 | 4 hours from the time of entry | Within 4 hours of admission |
| 15:00 – 16:00 | 4 hours from the time of entry | Within 4 hours of admission |
Ways to get to Machu Picchu
To get to Machu Picchu there are currently 3 routes, the Inca Trail, the train trip by Ollantaytambo and the alternative route by Hydroelectric. The route you choose assures you an excellent trip.
ALTITUDE SICKNESS ON THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
What is altitude sickness?
Travelers’ tolerance to altitude is variable and there is no evidence to predict individual risk, as each person’s body reacts differently to the symptoms of altitude sickness. In fact, if you arrive in Cusco for the first time, it is normal for your body to react to the change in climate, temperature and atmospheric pressure.
Generally the symptoms appear from 2 500masl, some people have symptoms at 3 000masl, although there are people who do not have symptoms; however, it is recommended to arrive in the city at least 2 or 3 days before starting the trekking to the Inca Trail.
For previous days, Inkayni Peru Tours offers you some short tours that will help you to acclimatize and you can enjoy your trip 100%.
Symptoms of altitude sickness
- Throbbing headache.
- Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting.
- Fatigue or tiredness.
- Sleep disorders (drowsiness or insomnia).
- General “drunkenness” accompanied by vertigo.
How to prevent altitude sickness?
The best way to prevent altitude sickness is acclimatization; for this it is important that you arrive in Cusco 2 or 3 days before doing the tour Inca Trail 04 days to Machu Picchu, because you will be exposed to different climatic levels and it could affect your health. But, if you acclimatize yourself and follow our recommendations, for sure you will have no complications to make your trip.
What to do if I get altitude sickness
The first thing to do is to stay calm, inform the guide in charge of your group of your condition; he will know what to do while you inhale and exhale oxygen, rest a little and drink coca tea or water.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
Exchange rate information
In Peru, the exchange rate is determined under the free market with the intervention of the BCRP Central Reserve Bank of Peru, in that sense it is important to know that the exchange rate in Peru is in Peruvian soles, to make last minute purchases. Therefore, to make a trip it is suggested to carry cash.
Price of the chosen tour
The price for the classic Inca Trail tour varies from agency to agency, and in our case the price varies according to the season and it is worth mentioning that we usually have offers for you, you just have to enter our website and contact us.
Meet authorized agencies
Choosing the agency that will provide the service to the Inca Trail is important because this will depend on the enjoyment of your new experience. Therefore, before hiring the service of any agency we suggest you enter the page of MINCETUR – AUTHORIZED AGENCIES, here you will find the list of authorized agencies for the Inca Trail and if you do not find the list, just enter the name of the agency you have in mind to hire services.
Use of trekking poles
The use of trekking poles is not mandatory, but necessary to lighten the pace of walking. If you don’t have a trekking pole, don’t worry, we can rent you one at the moment of starting the trek. For this, you can contact our staff who will be happy to help you.
Use of trekking shoes
To do the Inca Trail trek you must use trekking shoes, make sure that the shoes are already molded to your feet, this will help you on the way.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS INCA TRAIL 04 DAYS TO MACHU PICCHU
Do I need travel insurance to do the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
Having a travel insurance is not mandatory, but it is necessary, especially if you have some health problems.
What do I do if I am vegan or vegetarian?
Contact the person who coordinated your itinerary and mention the philosophy of life you lead, she will help you and can coordinate with the cooks. We only ask that you get in touch as soon as possible.
Minimum time of physical preparation for the Inca Trail
If you are planning to do the classic Inca Trail, we suggest you start with physical activities that will help you to increase your level of physical fitness with at least 06 before starting the trek.
With whom do I coordinate my future travel plan?
It is very easy! All you have to do is contact us, click on this link
Do all travel agencies include a porter in their service?
Yes, and if you need the service of a personal porter, you can hire one after coordination with our staff.
I don’t have a sleeping bag or walking poles, what do I do?
Don’t worry, we can provide you with a special price. You just have to contact our staff who is helping you with the itinerary of the trip.
In which month is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu closed? And why?
In the month of February due to maintenance.
Why book with Inkayni Peru Tours?
Because we are the tour operator that gives you the option to put together your tour package, we are also authorized to provide service to the Inca Trail route and the best thing is that you can buy entering the page MINCETUR. Let’s go! Contact our agency.
I have to get to Cusco and today there are strikes, what do I do?
First keep calm because our staff will contact you to find a solution, taking into consideration our cancellation policy and the enjoyment of your trip.
Can I reschedule my trip?
No, but you can make some adjustments to your itinerary. For more information you can read our terms and conditions.
We are a well-trained team, highly motivated and fully identified with our company.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
+51 933 839 757 / +51 984 153 351 – USA/Canada 1 (800) 256-3295
info@inkayniperutours.com / reservations@inkayniperutours.com
Andrés Avelino Cáceres A-6, Cusco 08002, Cusco, Peru
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