Ultimate Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N
Tour Overview
Embark on the Ultimate Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu, a 4-day, 3-night adventure through the heart of Peru's stunning Andes. This journey combines the Lares Trek and the iconic Inca Trail, offering a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences. Begin your trek from Cusco, passing through charming mountain villages and exploring ancient ruins at Wiñayhuayna. Experience the thrill of reaching the Sun Gate at sunrise, unveiling the majestic Machu Picchu. Enjoy mixed transportation, including a scenic train ride, and comfortable accommodations with nights spent camping under the stars and in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. With professional bilingual guides, delicious meals, and a guided tour of Machu Picchu, this trek promises an unforgettable exploration of one of the world's most iconic archaeological sites. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Cuzco - Huacawasi, Peru
Location: Cuzco, Calca, Lares, Huacawasi
Accommodation Name: house of our horsemen
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to Lares via Calca, and hike to Huacawasi (L/D)
When arriving at Lares we will visit the hot springs (optional) where you will be able to enjoy the hot water while our cooks prepare a scrumptious lunch.
After lunch, we will start our hike towards the first campsite in Huacawasi (3850m). During 4 hours you will walk gradually uphill so that you get a good training for the next day when we will reach the highest point of the trek. The first night, we will spend the night at the house of our horsemen who are joining us on the trip. Upon arrival your tents will be ready, and you will receive popcorn, sweets and some hot tea before having dinner.
Transport time: 4 hours
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Day Climate : Warm
Night Climate : Cold.
Day 2: Huacawasi - Ollantaytambo, Peru
Location: Ipsy Qocha, Patacancha, Ollantaytambo
Accommodation Name: Ollantaytambo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to the pass of Ipsy Qocha, Patacancha, and transfer to Ollantaytambo (B/L/D)
After a nutritious breakfast, we will start hiking towards the highest point, the pass of Ipsy Qocha at 4400m/14435 feet. The hike will take about 3 hours and will be very steep uphill. During this trek you will be able to enjoy views of enormous mountains, llamas and alpacas, a patchwork of agricultural lands and breathtaking views (be aware that we will reach great heights and the weather can be very cold). After reaching the highest point, we will descend 30 minutes, and we will get to the beautiful lagoon Ipsy Qocha where we are going to have lunch.
Then, we will walk down for 2 hours, and we will get to Patacancha town. From there we will take our transportation to Ollantaytambo where we are going to enjoy our dinner and spent the night
Hiking time: 6 hours
Transport time: 30 minutes
Day Climate : Warm
Night Climate : Cold
Day 3: Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes, Peru
Location: Ollantaytambo, Chachabamba, Wiñayhuayna, Sun Gate, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes
Accommodation Name: hotel in Aguas Calientes
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike to Chachabambas, Wiñayhuayna and Sun Gate (B/L/D)
Our journey starts early in the morning at 6am after breakfast. From here, you will take a tourist train to Km 104 where the Royal Inca Trail begins with a hike to Chachabamba (2270m/7448f). Here we will learn about the previous function of this archeological site.
Thereafter, we will reach Wiñayhuayna (2650m/8694f), the most important archeological site besides Machu Picchu. After that, our trail continues towards the Sun Gate "Inti Punku", a nice viewpoint from which we can enjoy the nightfall on Machu Picchu (2400m/7874f). Since we have to continue our walk to Machu Picchu and from here we'll take the bus to get to our hotel in Aguas Calientes, we will only spend a little time in the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu on the first day.
Transport time: 30 minutes
Day 4: Aguas Calientes - Cuzco, Peru
Location: Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes, Cuzco
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore Machu Picchu (B)
We will leave our hotel towards Machu Picchu after breakfast at about 5:30 am by bus. We are leaving that early because at this time the setting is less crowded and the morning is a good time to enjoy the calmness and the ancient spirit of the best-known archaeological site on the continent.
After our arrival at the citadel around 6:00 am, our guide will give us detailed information about Machu Picchu and the history and culture of the Inca. Thereafter, you will have enough free time to enjoy and explore the site on your own, and discover the variety of buildings, or climb Huayna Picchu for an amazing panorama picture.
A bus takes you down to Aguas Calientes. Here you have the possibility to join the town’s hot springs (20 Soles). To finish the trip, we will depart back to Cuzco in the afternoon.
Day Climate : warm with mosquitoes
Hiking time: 2 hours
Total distance: 4 hours
What's Included
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Accommodation
3 nights Accommodation 1N Hotel and 2N Camping -
Transport
Mixed transportation is included, including expedition train tickets and bus tickets.
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Activities
The tour includes a 4-day trek to Machu Picchu, 2 days of Lares Trek, 1 day of Inca Trail Trek, and a Machu Picchu visit.
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Guides
A professional bilingual guide is provided for the trek and Machu Picchu tour.
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Extras
Extras include a first-aid kit with an emergency oxygen tank, a guided tour in Machu Picchu, and a cook with cooking equipment.
What's Not Included
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Airport pick-up/drop-off
Airport pick-up and drop-off services are not included.
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Accommodation in Cuzco
Accommodation in Cuzco is not included.
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Meals
Day 1 breakfast, Day 4 lunch and dinner, and bottled water are not included.
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Guide for bus and train transfers
A guide for bus and train transfers is not included.
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Tips
Tips are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses are not included.
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Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bags are not included but can be rented in the Cuzco office.
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Trek Poles
Trek poles are not included but can be rented in the Cuzco office.
Mode of Transport
Experience a variety of transportation modes including private transfers, expedition train tickets from Ollantaytambo to KM 104 and back, and bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return, ensuring a seamless journey.
Accommodation
Enjoy a blend of comfort and adventure with 1 night in a standard hotel in Aguas Calientes and 2 nights camping in tents for two trekkers, providing a perfect mix of relaxation and outdoor experience.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the trek?
The trek includes 3 nights of accommodation: 1 night in a standard hotel in Aguas Calientes and 2 nights camping in tents for 2 trekkers.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners.
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Is there a guide provided during the trek?
Yes, a professional bilingual guide is provided for the trek and the Machu Picchu tour.
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What is the highest point reached during the trek?
The highest point reached during the trek is the pass of Ipsy Qocha at 4400 meters (14435 feet).
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Are there any optional activities during the tour?
Yes, on the first day, there is an optional visit to the hot springs in Lares.
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What should I expect on the final day of the tour?
On the final day, you will explore Machu Picchu early in the morning to avoid crowds, receive detailed information from your guide, and have free time to explore the site on your own. You can also choose to climb Huayna Picchu for a panoramic view.
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Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, mixed transportation is included, such as private transportation from the hotel to the trailhead, expedition train tickets, and bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back.
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What should I bring for the trek?
It is recommended to bring personal items such as a sleeping bag and trek poles, which can be rented in Cuzco if needed. You should also consider bringing bottled water and any personal expenses.
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Is there an age limit?
No! Most of our bamba travellers fall between the ages of 18 - 35, but everyone is young at heart and welcome to come experience the world with us! If you are between the ages of 18 and 118, we invite you to travel with bamba and have the time of your life! Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Most of our trips cater to the adventurous independent traveller. In fact, many of our travellers arrive on their own and quickly find that they easily meet like-minded people along the way at their hostels, on transportation, or during activities.
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Do I need travel insurance?
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip, especially when travelling in developing countries. Bamba does not include travel insurance of any type.Your current medical insurance may cover part of your trip, so it is important for you to become familiar with your current coverage. We recommend purchasing additional travel insurance that provides coverage for medical emergencies, emergency evacuation and repatriation, lost or stolen items and unforeseen cancellations. If you plan to participate in activities such as white-water rafting, trekking, sand-buggy rides, etc please make sure they are included in your policy.
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Bamba Travel allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Bamba Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform bamba travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Bamba Travel requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of bamba travel charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Ultimate Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N
4 Days Starting and ending in Cusco, Peru
Visiting: Cuzco, Calca, Lares, Huacawasi, Ipsy Qocha, Patacancha, Ollantaytambo, Chachabamba, Wiñayhuayna, Sun Gate, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
58711
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 18
