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Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 3 Days

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 3 Days

The 3-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour is an intrepid hike and it is the most legendary Peru treks challenge. During this hike, you will view the most beautiful Andean mountains and jungle that this popular trail has to offer.

 

This Machu Picchu hike is a shorter version of the classic 4-day Inca Trail. You won't miss anything on the route since it follows the traditional Inca Trail route. It is ideal for people who don't have much free time and want to take on the challenge of the world's most popular trail. The 3-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu begins at kilometer 82 (the trailhead) and ends at the Inca citadel. Enter the city through Intipunku, or the Sun Gate.

 

During the hike, enjoy scenic views and visit Inca sites such as Patallacta, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñaywayna, and Intipata. You will also conquer two high passes: Dead Woman's Pass, which is 13,835 feet (4,215 meters) high, and Runkurakay, which is 13,123 feet (4,000 meters) high.

 

Trekking the three-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu through the Sacred Valley is both challenging and magnificent due to its impressive landscape. Our all-inclusive Inca Trail to Machu Picchu package includes a three-day hike. Just bring appropriate clothing for the trek.

 

Book online now and take on this challenge on your hike to Machu Picchu!

Overview
Itinerary
Includes
Before you go

Machu Picchu Hike Overview

Sustainable Tourism: Inca Trail Machu is very keen and happy to promote and practice sustainable tourism by being eco-friendly and supporting local communities

Physical Activity: 4-Difficult - Some points are high

Service Level: Friendly Travel Group, All Inclusive & Quality service

Age Requirement: 4+. Please note: all participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Tour Operator: Inca Trail Machu since 2007

Permits: Included the Inca Trail permits and 2x Machu Picchu ticket.

Inca Trail Machu Staff: Professional Tour Guide, Trekking chef and Porters during the Machu Picchu hike, and an Inca Trail Machu representative who visits you at your hotel to brief you about the trail.

Personal Porters: Our porters will carry personal belongings up to 7 kg per person!

Accommodation: Camping 2 Nights.

Meals: 2x breakfast, 2x lunch, 2x dinner, 2x afternoon tea.

Transportation: Private van, train.

Group Size: 2 to 8 trekkers (with one guide); 9 or more trekkers (with two guides).

Camping equipment: All camping equipment included like a double tent, Air mattress, and a sleeping bag, please check below,

 

3 Day Inca Trail Hike Itinerary:

Day 01: Cusco - Km 82 - Llulluchapampa

Day 02: Llulluchapampa - Wiñayhuayna

Day 03: Wiñayhuayna - Machu Picchu - Cusco

 

Highlights of the Inca Trail Hike

  • Hike for 3 Days to Machu Picchu with a professional tour guide, a trekking chef and porters.
  • Follow the Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu, where you will appreciate the Inca ruins and the vastness of flora and fauna.
  • Explore and visit the Inca sites like: Llactapata, Huayllabamba, Runcuracay, Sayaqmarka, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñaywayna and Machu Picchu.
  • Try the delicious food along the way.
  • Additional porter included during the trek on the Inca Trail.
  • Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in a short period.
  • Quality equipment for camping 2 nights.
  • See the sunrise of the citadel of Machu Picchu from the Inti Punku
  • Visit Inca monuments inaccessible by road,
  • Guided tour of the Inca Trail
  • Guided tour of Machu Picchu.

 

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: Challenge for 2026

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2026

Day 1: Cusco - Km82 - Llulluchapampa (Ayapata)
Inca Trail Machu

Day 1: Cusco - Km82 - Llulluchapampa (Ayapata)

Today, we will begin our 3 day Inca Trail challenge. In the morning, our guide, trekking cook, and driver will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to Ollantaytambo, a journey of about an hour and a half. There, you will have the option of eating breakfast or buying extra snacks for the three-day trek.

 

Remember to bring your water bottle! You’ll need to stay hydrated during the first four hours of the trek. After that, our trekking chef will provide boiled water to refill your bottle.

 

After a brief stop in Ollantaytambo, we will drive an additional 45 minutes to reach Km 82, the starting point of the Classic Inca Trail. At the checkpoint, you must show your passport and Inca Trail permit. Once the formalities are complete, we will begin our trek by crossing the Vilcanota River via a footbridge. We will start our journey from the banks of the Urubamba River toward the Patallacta archaeological site.

 

Continuing along the 3-day/ 2-night Inca Trail route, we will reach Huayllabamba, where we will stop for lunch. The entire hike will take about nine hours (18 km) to reach our first campsite at Llulluchapampa.

 

Inca Trail Info (Day 1):

Estimated trekking time: 8–9 hours

Trekking distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)

Maximum elevation: 3,850 m (12,631 ft)

Minimum elevation: 1,200 m (3,937 ft)

First campsite elevation: 3,850 m (12,631 ft)

Physical rating: Moderate

Season: Cold (especially the first night).

Meals included: One snack, one lunch, one afternoon tea, and one dinner.

Day 2: Llulluchapampa - Warmiwanusca Pass - Winayhuayna
Inca Trail Machu

Day 2: Llulluchapampa - Warmiwanusca Pass - Winayhuayna

We will wake up early to enjoy the beauty of the mountains and the fresh air. After breakfast, we will begin one of the most challenging days of the three-day Inca Trail hike. Today, we will visit the Runkurakay, Sayaqmarka, and Phuyupatamarca archaeological complexes.

 

We will start the Inca Trail trek by crossing two high mountain passes, including Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman's Pass), which is located at 4,200 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.). This is the highest point of the hike. Though the climb is physically demanding, the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, snowy peaks, and beautiful, semi-tropical valley make it worthwhile.

 

Then, we will descend into the Pacaymayu Valley, where we will stop for lunch and rest briefly. After lunch, we will hike for about two hours to reach Runkurakay and then climb to the second pass: Abra Runkurakay.

 

We then hike for about two more hours (5 km) to Sayaqmarka, entering the subtropical zone of the Cusco region. Located at over 3,600 meters above sea level, Sayaqmarka is a site filled with mystery and charm.

 

After the guided tour, we walk downhill for around two hours to reach the Phuyupatamarca Inca site. The final stretch of the hike is a semi-flat path that leads to Wiñayhuayna, our second campsite, where we will spend the night.

 

Tonight, you will have a special meeting with your tour guide, trekking chef, and porters. It will be a time to say goodbye, as the porters will return home the next day while you continue on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

 

Inca Trail Info (Day 2):

Estimated Trekking Time: 10–12 Hours

Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles

Maximum elevation: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft

Minimum elevation: 2,700 m / 8,858 ft

Physical rating: Difficult

Season: The second campsite experiences varied temperatures.

Meals included: One snack, one breakfast, one lunch, one afternoon tea, and one dinner.

Water: Our trekking cook will provide cold water during the hike and at every campsite.

Day 03: Winaywayna - Machu Picchu - Cusco
Inca Trail Machu

Day 03: Winaywayna - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Today is the last day of the three-day Inca Trail hike, and we will arrive at Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas.

 

We'll wake up early, have a quick breakfast, and then start our hike from the Wiñayhuayna campsite. Along the way, we’ll pass the Wiñayhuayna and Intipata Inca sites before continuing on to Inti Punku, also known as the Sun Gate.

 

As we hike, we’ll enjoy the diverse flora and breathtaking landscapes the Inca Trail offers. When we reach Inti Punku, we’ll have our first panoramic view of Machu Picchu, along with a stunning panorama that includes the mountains Huayna Picchu, Putucusi, and Huchuy Picchu, as well as the winding Vilcanota River around the citadel. Take some time here to capture your best photos.

 

Then, we’ll walk downhill to Machu Picchu and enter the citadel through the main gate. First, we’ll head to the Guardian House, where you can enjoy the most iconic panoramic view of the Inca city. We'll pause briefly, then continue down to the entrance gate of Machu Picchu.

 

For the rest of the Intrepid Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 3 Days tour, we will re-enter the citadel using the circuit available at the time of your reservation.


Once inside Machu Picchu, you will enjoy a two-hour guided tour of the archaeological site. You will visit important temples and areas, admire incredible Inca architecture, and learn about the ancient city's fascinating history. Please note that according to new Machu Picchu regulations, all tickets follow a one-way circuit and cannot be used to return to the entry point once you start the tour.

 

After the tour, we will exit the citadel and take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, a nearby town with many restaurants where you can have lunch on your own.

 

In the afternoon, we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our driver will meet us for the return transfer to Cusco. Finally, we will drop you off at your hotel. This concludes your unforgettable three-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour.

 

Inca Trail Info (Day 3):

Estimated trekking time: 4–5 hours
Trekking distance: 5 km/ 3.1 miles
Maximum elevation: 8,858 ft (2,700 m)
Minimum elevation: 1,200 m (3,937 ft)
Physical Rating: Moderate
Season: Warm and foggy.
Meals included: One snack and one breakfast

What is included in this trek?
Inca Trail Machu

  • The 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 of up to 8 participants has 1 Tour Guide, groups over 8 participants receives 2 Tour Guides);
  • A professional trekking cook;
  • Super porters to carry food, camping, and cooking equipment, and 7 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) with a cover;
  • A down sleeping bag for warmth and comfort;

  • A soft sleeping bag liner for added comfort and hygiene.

  • A hot water bottle to keep your feet warm on cold nights;

  • An inflatable pillow with a removable cover;

  • A pair of 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 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.

During the Inca Trail Tours our staff will provide the following:

  • Biodegradable soap;
  • Hot water for personal hygiene every morning, provided by our cook;
  • Small towels to wash your hands;

Not Included:
Inca Trail Machu

  • Breakfast on the first day and last lunch in Aguas Calientes Town,
  • Travel insurance (It's not mandatory, but recommended in case you have an emergency during your trip in Peru or need to cancel at the last minute);
  • Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu ($80);
  • Extra Porter to help you carrying up to 7 kg of your personal belonging;
  • 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!

 

 

Itinerary Notice & Our Service Commitment
Inca Trail Machu

Inca Trail Machu Representative & Guides
Inca Trail Machu

Tent & Camping Equipments
Inca Trail Machu

Inca Trail 3 Days: FAQs
Inca Trail Machu

Climb Huayna Picchu after doing the Inca Trail?
Inca Trail Machu

Inca Trail & Machu Picchu tickets 2025
Inca Trail Machu

The truth about the closure of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 2025
Inca Trail Machu

3 Day Inca Trail Hike Map:
Inca Trail Machu

Interesting Information:
Inca Trail Machu

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responsible people foundation
The Responsible People foundation is registered under the Peruvian Non-Profit Organization Act. With an annual contribution from Inca Trail Machu, we support our operating costs as well as a significant portion of project development costs.
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Inca Trail Machu is sustainable tourism, experienced, professional, and dynamic adventure travel tour operator founded in 2017.
Phone +51 84 217 551
WhatsApp +51 997 434 941
Address Av Tupac Amaru PP-10B, Santiago, Cusco, Peru
email info@incatrailmachu.com
Website www.incatrailmachu.com