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4 Day itinerary in Peru, South America

Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with a journey to Machu Picchu through the iconic Inca Trail. Experience the best of Peru’s ancient history as you hike through breathtaking landscapes, explore mesmerizing archaeological sites, and traverse lush cloud forests. This expertly-guided trek offers a ... Read More

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Inca Trail Bamba Experience

By Inca Trail Bamba Experience

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Demanding
help_outline

Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

Tour Guide

starting point

Cusco

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Train & Rail

18 to 30 somethings

Backpacking

Eco

Nature & Widlife

Adventure

Hiking

Machu Picchu Adventures

Sustainable Travel

Wildlife

Outdoor Activities and Sports

Cultural

Photography

Explorer Trips

Nature & Wildlife

Start/End

Night

Highlights

1

Hike the original & legendary Inca Trail

2

See ancient Inca ruins along the trek

3

Reach Machu Picchu in the early morning

4

Enjoy delicious Peruvian food

Itinerary

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Day 1

place Day 1: Cuzco - Wayllabamba Camp, Peru

Embark on a breathtaking 4-day Inca Trail adventure, starting with an exhilarating first day full of history and natural beauty!

Departure Time: Bright and early at 5:30 AM from Cuzco.

Your Journey Begins: Be ready for an early pickup between 5:00-6:00 AM at your accommodation. Ensure you're all set from the day before – this adventure waits for no one!

First Stop: Ollantaytambo

  • Fuel up with a hearty breakfast on your own.
  • Grab last-minute essentials like snacks, water, and walking sticks.
  • Don't forget your passport (and student card if you have one)!

The Inca Trail Awaits:

  • Your journey truly starts at Piscacucho, the gateway to the famous Inca Trail.
  • Trek alongside the stunning Vilcanota River Valley.
  • Discover hidden archaeological gems sprinkled along the route.
  • Savor a delicious lunch amidst the Andean wilderness.

Your Destination: Wayllabamba Camp

  • Altitude: 2,980m.
  • Trekking Distance: 10 kilometers (approx. 6 hours).
  • Difficulty: Moderate, with a gradual ascent on rolling terrain.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the heart of the Andes, where history and nature entwine to create an unforgettable experience!


Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2

place Day 2: Trek to Pacaymayo Camp via Dead Woman's Pass

Rise to the challenge on day two of your Inca Trail adventure, conquering the trail's most demanding yet rewarding segment!

Early Start with Scenic Rewards:

  • Fuel up with an early breakfast at 6:00 AM.
  • Embark on a thrilling 6 km vertical climb to Dead Woman's Pass (4,215m), taking about 5 hours. Remember, it's not a race – take your time and enjoy the journey.
  • Witness breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and cascading waterfalls at the summit.
  • Descend 3 km on ancient stone steps to Pacaymayo Camp (3,600m), a 2-hour journey.

Relax and Reflect:

  • Savor a well-earned lunch and take a rejuvenating nap.
  • Spend the afternoon basking in the serene beauty of the Andes.
  • Enjoy a hearty dinner before settling down for an early night's rest.

Trekking Details:

  • Distance: 10 kilometers (approx. 7 hours).
  • Difficulty: Difficult, with a 1,200-meter ascent to Dead Woman’s Pass and a 800-meter descent to Pacaymayo Camp.

Prepare to be tested and awed as you traverse this historic and majestic path through the heart of the Andes!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

place Day 3: Trek to Wiñayhuayna Camp via Runquracay Pass

Discover the Ancient Wonders:

  • Begin your day with a one-hour uphill hike to explore the captivating Pacaymayo archaeological site.
  • Continue for another hour to reach Runquracay Pass (3,950m), where you can summit the mountain and revel in stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
  • Embark on a fascinating journey to explore two more archaeological sites, Sayacmarca & Phuyupatamarca, guided by your knowledgeable guide.
  • Pause for a well-deserved lunch amidst the historical wonders.

High Jungle Oasis:

  • By late afternoon, you'll arrive at Wiñayhuayna High Jungle camp (2,650m), nestled above a picturesque river valley in the heart of a high jungle climate.
  • After a satisfying dinner, take a moment to express your gratitude to the hardworking porters and guides who make this adventure possible.

Trekking Details:

  • Distance: 15 kilometers (approx. 9 hours).
  • Difficulty: Moderate, with a mix of ups and downs along ancient Inca stairways.

Prepare for an enriching day filled with archaeological marvels and scenic beauty as you journey through the Inca Trail's third day.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

place Day 4: Trek to Sun Gate, Explore Machu Picchu, Return to Cuzco

A Magical Morning:

  • Rise early between 3:30 and 4:30 AM for a remarkable day ahead.
  • Enjoy an early breakfast in anticipation of an unforgettable adventure.
  • Head to the Wiñaywayna checkpoint and wait in line for the gate to open at 5:30 AM.

Sun Gate and Machu Picchu:

  • Embark on a one-hour hike to the iconic Sun Gate, crossing your fingers for clear skies.
  • Witness the first rays of light casting their glow upon the mesmerizing ruins of Machu Picchu—an unparalleled experience.
  • Descend the final 40 minutes of the trail to reach the Machu Picchu archaeological complex.

Explore and Discover:

  • Delve into the magic of Machu Picchu with a guided tour that unveils its rich history over two captivating hours.
  • Afterward, wander freely, take photos, and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring atmosphere.
  • For the adventurous, consider an optional trek to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (advance booking required).

Return Journey:

  • Return to Aguas Calientes and catch a train to Ollantaytambo.
  • From Ollantaytambo, board a bus back to Cuzco, with an estimated arrival at 20:00.
  • You will be dropped off at Plaza San Francisco, from where you can make your way back to your chosen accommodation.

Trekking Details:

  • Distance: 7 kilometers (approx. 2 hours).
  • Difficulty: An easy, flat, and narrow 7 KM path from Wiñayhuayna High Jungle Camp (2,650m) to the Sun Gate (2,720m), descending into the magnificent Machu Picchu (2,400m).

Prepare for a day of enchantment as you greet the sunrise at Machu Picchu and bid farewell to this remarkable journey.

Important Information:

  • Inca Trail Trek permits are included in your booking.  These permits are highly sought-after and tend to sell out quickly.  To secure your spot, we strongly recommend booking in advance.
  • In the rare event that permits are unavailable, don't worry, we'll offer you exciting alternatives like the Ultimate Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or the Lares Trek.
  • Your peace of mind is important to us, and if no alternative suits you, you can always opt for a full refund.  Rest assured, you can book with confidence and embark on your adventure worry-free.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Meals expand_less

  • Lunch (3)
  • Dinner (3)
  • Breakfast (3)

Transport expand_less

  • Mixed transport
  • Accommodation pick-up
  • Roundtrip bus to/from start and end point of tour
  • Train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo

Activities expand_less

  • Inca Trail Trek
  • Machu Picchu Visit
  • 4-day trek to Machu Picchu

Extras expand_less

  • First Aid Kit
  • TRADITIONAL service includes a basic foam sleeping mat
  • Inca Trail permits
  • Snacks
  • Pre-departure briefing
  • Emergency oxygen bottle
  • Fees and extra support
  • Porters and cook to carry all shared camping equipment
  • Machu Picchu entrance fees
  • UPGRADED includes a porter (5kg), thermal sleeping bag, inflatable sleeping mat, trekking poles

Not Included expand_less

  • Tips
  • Travel insurance
  • Accommodation in Cuzco
  • Personal expenses
  • Airport pick-up/drop-off
  • Guide for bus and train transfers
  • Day 1 breakfast, Day 4 lunch and dinner, bottled water

About Inca Trail Bamba Experience

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