Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The second day is the hardest but one of the most fascinating days, you reach 4,200 m, traversing the first and highest Warmiwañusqa Pass and later the second pass at 3,800 meters above sea level but also get to see more exciting sites, like Runquracay, the site is fenced with alcoves that might have been little resting locations, guard posts or ceremonial places, If feeling the effects of the altitude when crossing the first high pass its best to not stop or descend quickly to the valley of the Pakaymayu River, where you have lunch. Then you continue hiking through the valley to the Inca ruins of Runkuraqay and then climb up over the second pass – Abra Runkuraqay. After that you descend down to Yanacocha (The Black Lagoon) and then trek up a trail with stone steps to arrive at another cluster of distinct buildings. This location is called Sayaqmarka, a pre-Hispanic site with slender streets and buildings that stand at different levels; sanctuaries, patios, canals and an outside protective wall. From the top of the arch end, you can see various buildings that look like they once were temples and an astronomic watchtower with constant water supply and superior food storage.

Sayaqmarka is a location brimming with enigma and enchantment; the rough distance from Runkuraqay is about 5km. It takes about 2 hours. This site covers over 3,600 meters above sea level. There’s a wonderful trail and a tunnel traversing across the site. We walk past beautiful subtropical vegetation and great archaeological sites. We get over the Phuyupatamarca Pass and just behind it are the Phuyupatamarca ruins which are better preserved than the ones we have seen up to now. A few km’s down a steep descent and via a cloud forest takes us to the last campsite at Wiñay Wayna Visitor’s center where you can purchase food and drink and use the restrooms.

Distance: 21 km
Estimated time: 9-10 hours
Maximum altitude: 13779.53 feet /4,200m
2nd night campsite: Phuyupatamarca or Wiñaywayna campsite

Inca Trail Hike: Runquracay, Pakaymayu, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñaywayna

The third day begins at 3 am when we hike the last 4 km to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival at the Intipunko Sun Gate, you will behold the enigmatic Inca citadel. We will then continue the Inca Trail hike challenge to Machu Picchu. Firstly, we will walk to the Casa del Guardian, from where you can appreciate Machu Picchu and take a postcard-worthy picture. Afterward, we will observe the citadel and walk down to the citadel's entrance for a brief break. You can take advantage of the restroom facilities or enjoy a coffee.

We will then continue our challenge. Our guide will provide you with a new ticket for the citadel, which includes circuit 1 or 2 of Machu Picchu, with a guided tour lasting approximately 2 hours. Pursue the path indicated which is plainly marked by the signposts (and be careful not to wander too near to the edge of the cliff). Cherish your time at the most valuable masterpiece of the continent. If desired, you can re-enter using your Inca Trail ticket, opting for circuit 5, after fully experiencing this enigmatic citadel. Finally, we will take a bus down to Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon we take the train back to Cusco.

Distance: 4 km
Estimated time: 4-5 hours
Inca Trail Hike: Sun gate Machu Picchu (Intipunko), Machu Picchu

• Pre-trek briefing (Our guide will visit your hotel a day before the trek for your briefing);
• Transfer by private vehicle to the initial point of the Inca Trail at Km 82;
• Accommodation: camping (2 nights);
• Inca Trail Permits, Circuit 5 Machu Picchu;
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu;
• Meals: 2x breakfast, 2x lunch, 2x dinner, 2x afternoon´s hot beverages (If you are a vegetarian, please advise us in advance. A vegetarian meal option is for NO extra cost!);
• Experienced bilingual Tour Guide (a group up to 8 participants has 1 Tour Guide, a groups over 8 participants receives 2 Tour Guides);
• A professional Cook;
• Porters to carry food, camping, cooking equipment and and 5 kg of each passenger's stuff;
• Camping equipment: Eureka Mountain Personal double tents (4 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks);
• Inflatable mattress (Term-a-Rest Mattress); 
• A sleeping bag (for up to -5°C);
• A blanket per person
• A pillow
• Day Pack Rain Covers;
• Water every day (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own);
• Tables and chairs, cooking tent with cooking equipment, dining and toilet tents and bottled gas;
• Rain Ponchos;
• Duffel bag (for your personal belongings);
• A Machu Picchu T-shirt;
• Tourist train return from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) to Ollantaytambo;
• A shuttle bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes Town;
• Tourist bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco;
• First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.

• Breakfast on the first day and last lunch in Aguas Calientes Town,
• Travel insurance is not obligatory, but we recommend it in case you have any emergency before the trek.
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu ($80);
• Tips to local staff (please note: it is a custom to give tips in Peru; however, it is not obligatory);
• Other extras not mentioned.

Solo Traveler: Please note that if you have booked the "Solo Traveler" option for this trek, you receive your own single tent for all nights.

Local flights: No local flights are included in the trek´s price! If you need the flight, let us know, we can help you to get the best price!

In the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu it is very important to have a meeting with your guide before the trek: Our tour guide will explain about the route and recommendation for this challenge.

A Machu Picchu T tour guide will be meeting with you 2 or 1 day before the trek in your hotel or Airbnb. It is very important to send us your hotel information. Also our guide will provide the duffel bag for your personal belongings.

The distance between Cusco and Machu Picchu is 73 km. Leaving Machu Picchu requires a lot of logistics, which are all included in your tour.

• Our guide will provide the ticket bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes town and he/she will coordinate to meet in the restaurant in the town, there you will find your duffel bag. Once you finish your visit to the Inca citadel, you can go outside to the principal door and there you will find the bus down. These buses leave every 5 min.
• Once you meet with your guide in Aguas Calientes, he/she will take to the train station and you will take the train return to Ollantaytambo
• Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo is 2 hours
• Train from Aguas Calientes to Poroy is 3.5 hours
• Once you arrive at the Ollantaytambo train station, our driver will be waiting there with your name. Transfer to Cusco
• Our driver will drop you off at your hotel or Airbnb.

If very important your take best cover backpacker, because the weather in Inca Trail is change every date, we can’t predict it raining or no. If you don’t have, we recommended to putting your clothes, sleeping bag and other personal equipment inside the plastic bag.

Appropriate clothing along this hike

Hiking pants and T-shirts are recommended during the day, complemented by sweaters, fleeces and waterproof jackets. It is very convenient to have light raingear available in the daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants) as the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing is required, down jackets can be useful, otherwise a fleece and a jacket. During the third day (if sunny) and in Machu Picchu, convertible hiking pants are useful, as can be switched into shorts if necessary. Machu picchu has a warm climate, getting only cold at night. The rest of necessary implements are included in the “What we recommend that you bring your Inca Trail” list.

• Passport original
• Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount)
• Cash in soles
• Rain gear (jacket and pants if available)
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
• Sandals or jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended.
• Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
• Camera and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
• Sun block
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
• Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported
• Handkerchiefs
• Toilet paper
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in our selection
• Water container and water for the first morning. Important notice: plastic water bottles are no longer allowed into Machu Picchu. Plastic water containers (ie. Nalgene) or metal ones are recommended
• Optionally: water- sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far
• Small towel
• Swimsuit (if you wish to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
• Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Inca Trail)

During the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu we spend two nights full-service camping, meaning that our camp staff will erect and dismantle the tents, cook, and do all camp chores for you: you need only carry your day pack. There will also be dining and toilet tents and bowls of warm water are provided both morning and evening for washing with.

Our tents are of the brand Eureka Timberline Outfitter 4 person designated for 4 seasons. We provide with 4 person capacity tents; however, just 2 trek participants use it! In this way, we provide you more space and comfort. In case of a single traveller, we provide with a 2 person capacity tent.

Single Supplement: If you are traveling on your own, and would prefer to share a tent, we'll pair you with another trekker of the same gender and there will not be an extra cost. If you prefer to have a tent to yourself a surcharge of USD 40 will have to be paid. If you want an upgrade any service to the train or do you want to stay extra night in Machu Picchu, contact us directly to info@machupicchut.com for this to be done and confirmed to you.

If you want to book the 3 day Inca Trail Hike 2025. Please click below.