CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU: 4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS ADVENTURE

INCA TRAIL DAY 1 | KM 82 – HUAYLLABAMBA

At dawn, our team will pick you up from your hotel to begin the journey in a private bus toward Piscacucho, located at Km 82 of the Inca Trail. On the way, we’ll stop in Ollantaytambo to explore the local market and get some last-minute supplies for the hike.

Once in Piscacucho, we’ll pass through the control point to officially start our trek along the Urubamba River.

During this first stage, we’ll visit the picturesque community of Miskay (2,800 m / 9,186 ft). Further along, as we ascend toward a plateau, we’ll be amazed by the breathtaking Andean landscapes and the ancient Inca site of Patallacta (2,750 m / 9,022 ft).

In this beautiful mountain setting, our team will have lunch ready — a delicious meal prepared by our talented chefs.

After hiking approximately 13 km, we’ll arrive at our first campsite in Huayllabamba, where we’ll enjoy a comforting dinner and spend the night in well-equipped tents. Several campsites are available in this area, but the most common one is Ayapata.

Altitude:

Piscacucho: 2,800 m / 9,186 ft
Miskay: 2,800 m / 9,186 ft
Patallacta: 2,700 m / 9,022 ft
Huayllabamba: 3,580 m / 11,745 ft

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Private campsites (double or shared tents)
Transportation: Ollantaytambo – Km 82

INCA TRAIL DAY 2 | HUAYLLABAMBA – PACAYMAYU

Today brings one of the most exciting challenges of the trek — the ascent to Warmiwañusca Pass, also known as the “Dead Woman’s Pass.”
We’ll start the day with a nutritious breakfast before beginning our hike toward the Ayapata Valley, a section that takes about one hour and features a distinct high-Andean microclimate.

We’ll continue climbing until reaching an ideal spot to rest and enjoy a revitalizing lunch surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.

Afterward, the trail narrows and winds through lush vegetation, crossing a small bridge that leads into a misty cloud forest of exceptional beauty. Eventually, we’ll reach the highest point of the entire trail — Warmiwañusca Pass (4,200 m / 13,779 ft) — where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Andes.

From here, we’ll begin our descent through a serpentine valley, an area often visited by various Andean bird species. The hike continues until we reach the Pacaymayu Valley, where a hearty dinner and our campsite will be waiting for a well-deserved night’s rest.

Altitude:

Warmiwañusca Pass: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft
Pacaymayu: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Private campsites (double or shared tents)

INCA TRAIL DAY 3 | PACAYMAYU – WIÑAYHUAYNA

For many hikers, this is one of the most challenging yet most breathtaking days of the Inca Trail. After enjoying an energizing breakfast, we begin our day with a steep ascent along a stone-paved trail. We’ll pass the second mountain pass, home to the remarkable Inca ruins of Runkurakay, named for its distinctive semicircular shape.

The trail continues upward toward Yanacocha Lagoon, also known as the “Black Lagoon,” and onward to Sayaqmarca, meaning “Dominant Town,” where we’ll explore fascinating Inca archaeological remains surrounded by misty Andean landscapes.

From there, we proceed to the third and final mountain pass, where we’ll spot Phuyupatamarca, meaning “Town above the Clouds.” This impressive site, perched dramatically on the edge of a deep ravine, is one of the most unique and photogenic Inca cities along the trail.

At this point, we’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch and continue hiking to Wiñayhuayna, our final campsite.

Tonight, we’ll say goodbye to our dedicated porters and support team with a small thank-you celebration under the stars.

Altitude:

Runkurakay: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
Sayaqmarca: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
Phuyupatamarca: 3,665 m / 12,024 ft

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Private campsites (double or shared tents)

INCA TRAIL DAY 4 | WIÑAYHUAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
With Nomadex, the final day of the Inca Trail begins at 5:00 a.m. — the perfect time to rest properly and enjoy the sunrise at Machu Picchu with more energy and peace.

On this final day, we’ll wake up before dawn to enjoy an early breakfast (box lunch) before beginning our last stretch of the Inca Trail.

After a short hike, we’ll reach Intipunku, also known as the Sun Gate. This ancient site, consisting of small stone structures, once served as a strategic control point along the Inca Trail.

From here, you’ll have your first breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu. If we start early enough, you’ll witness the sunrise illuminating the Lost City of the Incas, one of the most magical moments of the entire journey.

We’ll then descend to explore the citadel of Machu Picchu with a guided tour of approximately 2 hours, visiting its temples, terraces, and sacred plazas. Afterward, you’ll have free time to wander at your own pace or hike Huayna Picchu (entrance not included).

Later, we’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, located at 2,160 m / 7,087 ft above sea level. Here, you can relax in the town’s hot springs (entrance fee of 10 soles not included).

Finally, we’ll return to Cusco by Expedition train. For a more scenic and comfortable experience, you can upgrade to the Vistadome train for an additional cost.

Altitude:

Intipunku (Sun Gate): 2,490 m / 8,169 ft
Aguas Calientes: 2,160 m / 7,087 ft

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Intiwatana Hotel Boutique or similar

Transportation:

Bus: Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Train: Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
Tourist Bus: Ollantaytambo – Cusco