Four days, approximately 42 km, and a mountain pass at 4,215 meters above sea level: that sums up the classic 4-day Inca Trail itinerary. But each day has its own pace, and knowing what to expect helps you manage your energy and enjoy the journey.
Here is the route explained day by day: where you start, how far you hike, which archaeological sites you visit, and where you spend the night. If you are still figuring out permits or the best time to travel, check our Inca Trail guide first.
The Route at a Glance
Day 2 has the biggest climb, and Day 3 covers the longest distance. This table shows the key points in the order you will reach them, with approximate elevations and distances.
| Day | Waypoint | Approx. elevation | Type of location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Km 82, Piscacucho | 2,720 m above sea level | Entry checkpoint |
| Patallacta | 2,750 m above sea level | Archaeological site | |
| Wayllabamba | 3,000 m above sea level | Campsite | |
| 2 | Llulluchapampa | 3,800 m above sea level | Rest stop |
| Warmiwañusca Pass | 4,215 m above sea level | Highest point | |
| Pacaymayo | 3,600 m above sea level | Campsite | |
| 3 | Runkurakay Pass | 3,950 m above sea level | Mountain pass and archaeological site |
| Sayacmarca | 3,600 m above sea level | Archaeological site | |
| Phuyupatamarca | 3,680 m above sea level | Archaeological site | |
| Wiñay Wayna | 2,650 m above sea level | Campsite and archaeological site | |
| 4 | Inti Punku | 2,720 m above sea level | Viewpoint overlooking Machu Picchu |
| Machu Picchu | 2,430 m above sea level | Arrival |
The daily distances are approximately 12 km on Day 1, 11 km on Day 2, 16 km on Day 3, and 5 km on Day 4.
Day 1: From Km 82 to Wayllabamba
Distance: approx. 12 km | Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours | Difficulty: moderate
Your day starts early in Cusco, with hotel pickup between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. The bus takes you to Ollantaytambo for breakfast and then to Km 82 in Piscacucho, where the first checkpoint is located.
There, you present your original passport, and the staff checks your permit. Then you cross the bridge over the Urubamba River, and the hike begins.
Patallacta, the First Archaeological Stop
After a few hours, you reach a viewpoint overlooking Patallacta, also known as Llactapata. It is a complex of terraces and structures that served as an agricultural and supply center for people traveling toward Machu Picchu.
From there, you continue through the Cusichaca Valley along gentle uphill sections until lunch. In the afternoon, you arrive at Wayllabamba, a community where many groups set up their first campsite. Some operators continue for another hour to Ayapata to shorten the following day’s hike.
Tip for the day: do not speed up even if you feel good. The first section is a chance to warm up and test your footwear.
Day 2: Climbing Warmiwañusca Pass
Distance: approx. 11 km | Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours | Difficulty: challenging
This is the toughest day of the itinerary. In just a few hours, you gain about 1,200 meters in elevation, climbing from Wayllabamba to the highest point of the entire route.
The climb begins through a forest of q’ueñua trees, with stone steps and steep sections. By midmorning, you reach Llulluchapampa, an open grassland where you can rest and see the remaining climb to the pass.
The Highest Point: 4,215 Meters Above Sea Level
The final stretch to Warmiwañusca is the hardest because of the reduced oxygen at altitude. Walk slowly, breathe through your nose, and take short breaks every few minutes. The wind at the summit is cold, so keep your jacket handy.
Next comes a descent of about two hours down stone steps to Pacaymayo, where the campsite is located. Trekking poles are especially helpful for protecting your knees here.
Tip for the day: eat a full breakfast before setting out and keep some sweet snacks in your pocket for the climb.
Day 3: A Day of Archaeological Sites
Distance: approx. 16 km | Hiking time: 8 to 10 hours | Difficulty: moderate to challenging
This is the longest day, but also one of the most rewarding. In a single day, you visit four Inca sites and travel from the high-altitude grasslands into the cloud forest.
Runkurakay and Sayacmarca
The morning begins with the climb to the second mountain pass, at approximately 3,950 meters above sea level. Halfway up, you encounter Runkurakay, a circular structure that served as a tambo, or resting station, or a lookout post.
On the other side of the pass, you descend toward Sayacmarca, built on a rocky outcrop. Its name translates as “inaccessible town,” which makes sense when you see the narrow staircase leading up to it.
Phuyupatamarca and the Descent to Wiñay Wayna
After lunch, the trail enters the cloud forest, with orchids, ferns, and a tunnel carved into the rock. You reach Phuyupatamarca, which has ceremonial water fountains that still function and views of snowcapped mountains when the sky is clear.
The final section is a long descent of more than a thousand steps, passing the terraces of Intipata before reaching Wiñay Wayna. Here you will find the last campsite and one of the best-preserved complexes along the trail.
Tip for the day: if you arrive while it is still light, visit Wiñay Wayna before dinner. This is your last night on the trail, so go to bed early.
Day 4: Inti Punku, Machu Picchu, and Return to Cusco
Distance: approx. 5 km | Hiking time: 1 to 2 hours | Difficulty: moderate
The day begins around 3:30 a.m. The porters pack up camp to catch their train while you wait in line at the final checkpoint, which opens around 5:30 a.m.
From the checkpoint, you hike along a mountainside trail until you reach an almost vertical staircase that guides call the “monkey steps.” It is short, and you climb it using both your hands and feet.
Arriving Through the Sun Gate
At the top is Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. From here, you see the entire Machu Picchu complex for the first time, with Huayna Picchu behind it. You descend for about 40 minutes to the citadel, where you take a guided tour lasting around two hours along your assigned circuit.
The Return Journey
After the visit, you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, a journey of about 25 minutes. There, you have lunch and board the train to Ollantaytambo, where transportation to Cusco awaits. You arrive at your hotel in the evening.
Tip for the day: carry only the essentials in your backpack. Large backpacks and trekking poles with metal tips are not allowed inside Machu Picchu.
Typical Daily Schedule on the Trail
Days 2 and 3 follow a similar schedule. The porters and cooks go ahead to have each lunch and campsite ready before you arrive.
| Approx. time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5:00 a.m. | Wake up with coca tea in your tent |
| 5:30 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 6:00 a.m. | Start hiking |
| 12:30 p.m. | Lunch at a rest stop |
| 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. | Arrival at camp |
| 5:30 p.m. | Tea time with cookies and toasted corn |
| 7:00 p.m. | Dinner and guide’s briefing about the following day |
| 8:30 p.m. | Rest |
Schedules vary depending on the group’s pace. The guide adjusts departure times so no one has to hike in the dark, except on Day 4.
Itinerary Variations Based on Campsites
Campsites are assigned by the Ministry of Culture according to availability, so two groups starting on the same day may follow different daily schedules. These are the most common combinations:
| Variation | Night 1 | Night 2 | Night 3 | What changes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | Wayllabamba | Pacaymayo | Wiñay Wayna | Long Day 3, approximately 16 km |
| Balanced | Ayapata | Chaquicocha | Wiñay Wayna | Longer Day 2 and shorter Day 3 |
| Challenging start | Wayllabamba | Chaquicocha | Wiñay Wayna | Day 2 includes both mountain passes in a single day |
The balanced variation distributes the effort more evenly and gives you time to reach Wiñay Wayna. When booking your 4-day Inca Trail trek, ask which campsites have been assigned to your group.
If you do not have four days available or prefer to sleep in a hotel, the Short Inca Trail covers the final section from Km 104 to Wiñay Wayna and Inti Punku in a single day.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Itinerary
What is the hardest day of the Inca Trail?
Day 2, because of the climb to Warmiwañusca Pass at 4,215 meters above sea level. Day 3 is longer but has less cumulative elevation gain.
How many hours do you hike each day?
Between 6 and 10 hours during the first three days, depending on the group’s pace and assigned campsites. On Day 4, you hike for only one or two hours before reaching Machu Picchu.
What time do you arrive at Inti Punku?
Usually between 6:30 and 7:00 a.m. The exact time depends on your position in line at the final checkpoint and the group’s hiking speed.
Where do I leave my large luggage?
In your hotel’s luggage storage area in Cusco. During the trek, you carry only your daypack, while the porter carries your duffel bag.
Can I change the order of the campsites?
No. Campsites are assigned with your permit and cannot be changed during the trek.
