Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 3 Days

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.

Inca Trail

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 2 of Machu Picchu (this can change depending on the availability of the circuits), with a guided tour lasting approximately 2 hours. Follow the path indicated by the signposts (and be careful not to wander too near the edge of the cliff). The guided tour involves the lower part of Machu Picchu, where you will visit the platform, the Llacta, and other important Inca sites. Finally, we will take a bus down to Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, we will take the train back to Cusco.

Inca Trail

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 & 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 trekking 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) and cover; 
• A sleeping bag (for up to -5°C) and a sheet for the sleeping bag;
• A comfortable pillow with a clean cover;
• A pair for the hiking poles;
• 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 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.
• Medical Kit & Oxygen Bottle;
• Sustainable Travel: When you book the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 3 Days with Tierras Vivas, we are committed to supporting various social projects for porter families and reforestation efforts in the Andean communities. Visit us to Responsible People!

During the Inca Trail Tours, our staff will provided the following:

• Our staff will provided the Biodegradable soap;
• Every morning our trekking chef will provide the hot water for personal cleaning;
• Small towels for your clean your hands
  Our trekking cook will provide you with hot water bottles each night to put inside your sleeping bag in case you get cold.
• Portable Two-Way Radio Communication: Two pairs of radios will be used by our guide and trekking chef to communicate throughout the trek. These radios are connected to the Ministry of Culture and SERNANP. If you want to learn more about the importance of this radio communication, visit 'Radio Communication vs. Satellite Phone.

• Breakfast on the first day and last lunch in Aguas Calientes Town.
• Travel insurance is not mandatory, but we recommend it in case of an emergency before the trek. Our departure is 100% guaranteed.
• 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!

At Tierras Vivas, we are committed to ensuring that your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour begins smoothly and is filled with unforgettable experiences.
While we follow a carefully designed itinerary, we allow for flexibility in case of changes due to weather, road conditions, or local events.

Should unexpected changes occur, our team will act promptly to provide the best possible solution and minimize disruption to your journey.

Please note that the itinerary is a general guide. Wildlife sightings in the Andes are not guaranteed as they depend on nature and seasonal conditions.

Your comfort, safety, and overall satisfaction are our top priorities throughout your adventure in Peru.

Arrival and Communication

To ensure a smooth departure for your 3 Day Inca Trail, please inform us of your accommodations in Cusco. One or two days before the trek, our guide will visit your hotel for a detailed briefing.

If your arrival is delayed or your hotel changes, please contact us immediately. We recommend downloading WhatsApp to stay connected with our 24/7 support team during your trip.

Altitude and Acclimatization

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu reaches elevations of up to 13,940 feet (4,250 meters), so it is important to allow your body time to acclimate.

Anyone can experience altitude sickness. If you feel unwell, please notify our staff immediately. We work with trusted clinics and hospitals throughout Peru.

In the event of an emergency during the trek, our guides, cooks, and porters are fully trained in first aid and emergency procedures.

Inca Trail Tours: Important Notes:

1. Inca Trail Regulations:
The Peruvian government sets the rules and availability for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, and these are subject to change. Please review our Inca Trail booking policies for the most current information.

2. Machu Picchu Entry
Accurate passport details are required at the time of booking. Machu Picchu now has timed entry and designated circuits to manage visitor flow. Entrance tickets are limited and subject to availability.

We will do our best to keep your group together; however, depending on ticket availability, travelers may be assigned to different circuits. Those completing the three-day Classic Inca Trail will enter via Circuit 2 Machu Picchu. This circuit permit to explore the all Inca citadel.

3. Inca Trail Closures
The Inca Trail is closed each February for annual maintenance. Unexpected closures may also occur due to weather. If necessary, we will substitute this portion with an alternative trek, such as the Lares Trek.

4. Porter Welfare
To ensure fair working conditions, porters are limited to carrying six kilograms (or seven kilograms on alternate treks) of personal items. This includes your sleeping bag, clothing, and toiletries. You can securely store extra luggage in Cusco.
Tipping is appreciated if you feel our team has provided excellent service.

5. Rainy Season Notice:
From January to April, heavy rains may affect the trail or campsites. We may adjust the itinerary as needed to ensure your safety and the success of your tour.

6. Acclimatization Days:
Your Inca Trail trek begins on your reserved date. To reduce the risk of altitude sickness, we recommend resting and acclimatizing to the altitude upon arrival in Cusco.

7. Flexible Itinerary Options
Some travelers may opt for alternative experiences, such as touring the Sacred Valley on the way to Machu Picchu, instead of 3 Day Inca Trail. You may be paired with other Tierras Vivas travelers on similar schedules.

8. Tour Pick-Up Times
Your guide will confirm the pick-up times in Cusco and send them to you via WhatsApp.

9. Wi-Fi and Connectivity
During parts of the Inca Trail, Wi-Fi and mobile service will be limited or unavailable. Please plan accordingly.

10. Extra Battery
There is no electricity along the Inca Trail. Bring extra batteries or a portable charger for your camera or phone if you want to capture the best moments during the hike.

11. Hot Water and Showers
Hot showers are generally unavailable from day two to the last day of the trek. On Day 1, however, you may find local communities offering hot showers for an additional fee.

From day two onward, only cold showers are available.

All Tierras Vivas travel groups are accompanied by its Tierras Vivas tour guide, a representative or our personal staff. The aim of our Tour Guides is to take a hassle out of traditional trips and have the best trip experience as is possible. The Tour Guides provide information on places visited, offer suggestions of what to see and to do, recommend a good place to eat and introduce to his/her colleagues. The Guides have a broad general knowledge of each country visited during a tour, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also work with local Tour Guides in the tours where we think that more specific knowledge could help to add more enjoyment on the visited places.

In the 3 day 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.

Briefing for the 3-Day Inca Trail

A Tierras Vivas 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 Inca Trail starts in Cusco, but if you spend a night outside of Cusco, then please check the below table to see possible starting points and pick-ups.

Departure Point: We pick you up from your hotel (please check the Starting Point & Pick-Up section under the Essential Info bookmark).

Briefing Point: Our guide will visit your hotel 2 or 1 day prior to the trek. 

Briefing Time: Between 4:00 - 5:00 pm.

Return Point: Cusco - our driver will drop-off at your hotel/hostel/Airbnb apartment.

The distance between Cusco Peru 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.

Peru in January and February: Rainy season - heavy rain and temperatures between 15 and 25°C depending on the region. The coastal region is an exception - here it is sunny and dry at around 35°C

Peru in March and April: Transition from rainy season to dry season - still cool and rainy in March, then increasingly drier in April and the temperatures rise

Peru in May and June: Dry season - cloudy and cold on the Pacific coast, warmer and drier in the Andean regions

Peru in July and August: Dry season - ideal weather for active travel and trekking tours, cool and humid on the coast

Peru in September and October: Transition from dry season to rainy season - the fog and the cold on the coast are easing, in the Andean regions the first heavy rains of the upcoming Peruvian summer can occur

Peru in November and December: rainy season - rainy Andes and Amazon region, ideal for sightseeing trips and beach holidays in Peru.

Best time to hike the 3 day Inca Trail

The Peruvian summer lasts from December to March. Then it rains a lot, you are then in the middle of the rainy season. In February, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is completely closed. All alternative hikes to Machu Picchu (multi-day)  are then possible, but we strongly advise against doing so.

Many arguments for a trip during the rainy season are that Peru is beautifully green and the sun still shines almost all the time. Of course that's true. Above all, you can avoid the tourist crowds. But: If you are planning hikes, I recommend that you switch to other months. 

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@tierrasvivas.com for this to be done and confirmed to you.

Before you book, maybe you have some question about the Inca Trail. 

What is Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountains?

Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountains not included in our service, it is the extra, in our trek only included the Inca Trail permits + Machu Picchu ticket.

Inca Trail Booking Policies

In you would like to cancel, please visit our Inca Trail Booking Policies

How to Book and Send Payment

To complete your booking, we will require your personal details, full name, passport, nationality and day of birthday. Once sent, our booking department will require the 50% pre-payment for your book your entrance fee and train ticket. Inca Trail Book and Payment you will find the next step to book and payment.

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

Tierras Vivas is a fully licensed tour operator and has 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor. The copy of our Inca Trail Hike Tripadvisor reviews below proves our experience and enthusiasm to offer our customers the best Inca Trail Tours.

Check our Inca Trail Hike Tripadvisor comments below:

Mucho Wow Wow!

Dylan K wrote a review October 2024: "Phenomenal trip with Tierras Vivas! Went with some old friends and we truly had the trip of a life time. I especially want to highlight the expertise and professionalism of our main guide Plinio, as well as the amazing chefs Leo and Damasu. From beginning to end, these hardworking and friendly guides provided an unforgettable experience. I also want to thank our amazing horseman, Jose and Juan Carlos, that helped carry our gear from camp to camp. It was truly an amazing trip, and I can not recommend it enough. Thank you Plinio, Damasu, Leo, and the entire Tierras Vivas team!!!"

Unforgettable and Impeccable Experience!

Zak M a review December 2024: "Overall, the experience was phenomenal. The scenery was gorgeous, the food was incredible, and the hard work of the porters and chefs was inspiring. Ruben, our guide, made the trip even more enjoyable with his expertise and positivity. Reaching Machu Picchu at the end of the trail was the icing on the cake – an awe-inspiring reward after an exhausting but rewarding journey. I wouldn’t change anything about the experience, except perhaps the group size. I highly recommend Tierras Vivas for the Inca Trail. Good luck, and enjoy this unforgettable adventure!"

Overwhelming, majestic nature, challenging, out of this world

Fred W a review November 2024: "This was the best ever...! I got the chance to see (and hear about) wonderful Peruvian landscapes and Inca monuments in good company, with thé best guide ( Ruben) and the wonderful Nicolas from Germany.... I could sing all day without anyone complaining and was challenged to do my best in this overwhelning nature. We had the best food and enjoyed the company of the team... Despite the sometimes possibly depressing weather we kept our spirits up and ended joyfully together at Machu Picchu!!! Thank you all!"

Inca Trail Hike TripAdvisor