Inca Trail & Salkantay, Peru
Overview
Embark on the iconic 4-day Inca Trail trek through Peru's Andean mountains directly to Machu Picchu. Guided by expert staff with full support from porters and trekking chefs, this bucket-list expedition takes you through ancient archaeological sites, high mountain passes like Dead Woman's Pass, and cloud forests, culminating in a sunrise arrival at Intipunku (Sun Gate) overlooking Machu Picchu Citadel.
Quick Facts & Highlights
🏛️ Machu Picchu Entrance via Sun Gate: Enter Machu Picchu directly through Intipunku (Sun Gate) on the final morning.
🏔️ High Alpine Passes: Conquer Dead Woman's Pass (Warmi Wañusqa) at 4,215 meters (13,829 ft) and Runkurakay Pass.
⛺ Full Porter & Chef Support: Campsites, hot fresh meals, camel bag water refills, and evening happy hours fully prepared by the support crew.
📜 Ancient Inca Archaeology: Explore historical sites along the trail including Llactapata, Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, and Wiñay Wayna.
🚆 Return Train Included: Scenic train transport from Aguas Calientes back toward Ollantaytambo and hotel drop-off in Cusco.
Duration
4 Days/3 Nights
Rating
5 (11,380 Reviews)
Pickup Point
pick up at hotels in Cusco
Price
835$
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Llactapata – Ayapata
Early Hotel Transfer & Trailhead Prep:
Pickup from Cusco at 4:20 AM and drive to Ollantaytambo for breakfast at the Porters' House. Continue 1 hour to Piscacucho (Km 82) to organize gear and start trekking along the ancient Inca path.
Archaeological Sites & Camp:
Hike to the Llactapata Inca site, followed by 2 hours to the lunch spot prepared by the chef. Trek another 2 hours to the Ayapata campsite for dinner under the open sky.⏱️ Duration: 7 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Dead Woman's Pass – Pacaymayu – Chaquicocha
High Mountain Ascent:
A 4-hour climb to Dead Woman's Pass (4,215 m / 13,829 ft), the highest point of the Inca Trail. Descend to the Pacaymayu River for lunch.
Second Pass & Camp Happy Hour:
Ascend Runkurakay Pass to view archaeological ruins and waterfalls. Descend to Chaquicocha (Dry Lake) campsite for a post-hike happy hour and dinner.⏱️ Duration: 9 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Accommodation:
Camping
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Intipata – Wiñay Wayna
Cloud Forest & Scenic Ruins:
Final ascent to Phuyupatamarca (3,600 m) with views of Mount Salkantay and the Urubamba River. 3-hour descent passing Phuyupatamarca and Intipata terraces down to campsite lunch.
Wiñay Wayna: Continue to Wiñay Wayna ("Forever Young"), the largest archaeological site on the Inca Trail.⏱️ Duration: 5 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Machu Picchu Citadel & Return to Cusco
Sun Gate & Guided Citadel Tour:
Early morning 2-hour hike to Intipunku (Sun Gate) for panoramic views of Machu Picchu. Enter the ancient citadel for a 2-hour guided tour.
Train Return: Head to Aguas Calientes for lunch, take the train back to Ollantaytambo, and transfer by vehicle back to your hotel in Cusco.⏱️ Duration: 2 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Accommodation: Not Included
Meals: Breakfast
What's Included & Excluded
What's Included
✅ Pre-Tour Briefing: Orientation session held at 6:00 PM the night before the tour in the office.
✅ Camping & Accommodations: 4-man Eureka tents used for only 2 people.
✅ Porter Support: Personal porter carrying up to 7 kg per person.
✅ Meals Included: 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, and 3 Dinners.
✅ Hydration: Drinkable water provided along the trek.
✅ Site Entrance: Entrance fee to Machu Picchu.
✅ Scenic Train Return: Expeditions tourist class train to return on the last day (Vistadome Train Experience included for bookings from March 2026).
✅ Sanitation & Hygiene: Portable chemical toilet exclusively for the group.
✅ Safety Gear: First aid kit, oxygen tank, and satellite phone.
What's Not Included
❌ Personal Camping Gear: Sleeping bag, trekking poles, and air mattresses (available for rent).
❌ Crew Tips: Gratuities for the crew (optional).
❌ Insurance: Travel insurance.
Who Is This Tour For?
✅ Multi-Day Jungle Trekkers: Ideal for adventurous hikers seeking a 4-day rainforest expedition with all main meals and local pickup service covered.
✅ Independent Backcountry Hikers: Perfect for fit travelers comfortable carrying their own gear and personal belongings throughout the trail.
❌ Travelers Expecting Porter Support: Unsuitable for hikers who require assistance carrying their luggage or backpack.
❌ Travelers Seeking All-Inclusive Beverages: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks beyond basic water/meal provisions are not included.
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