Experience the legendary Inca Trail on a 4-day, 3-night group tour! Reach the iconic Sun Gate for that magical first glimpse of Machu Picchu. Don't wait any longer — be amazed by ancient Inca ruins along the trail, while you trek through lush green cloud forests, breathtaking Andean mountain passes, and expansive landscapes. Hiking this trail with RAINBOW EXPEDITIONS means living one of the best experiences of your life. We take care of everything — from securing the best campsites and preparing delicious, nutritious meals to providing top-quality gear and a highly knowledgeable team that will make you feel at ease every step of the way. We promise this will be your most unforgettable adventure.
We begin your Inca Trail Group Tour 4D/3N by picking you up directly from your hotel in Cusco (4:30 AM), Urubamba (5:30 AM), or Ollantaytambo (6:30 AM). After pick-up, we drive to Km 82, the starting point of the Inca Trail. Please make sure to bring your original passport, as it is required to enter the trail. The first 2 hours of the hike are relatively easy, leading us to the Inca site of Patallacta, an ancient checkpoint used to access Machu Picchu. From there, we continue another 2-hour hike to our lunch spot. After lunch, we hike for another 2 hours until we reach our first campsite in Ayapata (3300 meters / 10,827 ft). We arrive at the campsite around 5:00 PM. Once settled in, you'll enjoy a hot drink and a snack with your guide, chef, and porter team. Dinner will be served at 7:30 PM, after which you can rest and recharge for the next day.
We start early with a cup of coca tea delivered by our porters to help energize you for the most challenging day of the trek. The day begins with a 4-hour ascent to the highest point of the trail — Dead Woman's Pass (4215 m / 13,829 ft). After enjoying the views, we descend for 1.5 hours into the Pacaymayu Valley for lunch and water refill. In the afternoon, we hike uphill for 2 hours to reach the second pass, stopping at the small Inca site of Runcuracay and observing stunning waterfalls across the valley. A final 1-hour descent brings us to the impressive Sayacmarca ruins, where we pause briefly before continuing to our campsite at Chaquiccocha (3600 m / 11,811 ft), arriving just in time for a beautiful sunset. After dinner, you may stargaze and learn about the fascinating Inca constellations under the clear Andean skies.
After conquering the toughest part of the trail, we begin Day 3 with a 6:30 AM start. This is considered the most scenic day of the Inca Trail. We hike for 2 hours along the "Inca flat" (gentle ups and downs), entering the lush Cloud Forest. Along the way, we enjoy breathtaking views of the Vilcabamba range and Salkantay Mountain. We reach the final high point at Phuyupatamarka (3600 m), then begin a 3-hour descent via stone steps to our last campsite near Wiñay Wayna. On the way, we visit the Inca sites of Phuyupatamarka and Intipata. After lunch, you'll have time to relax. Later, your guide will offer a final briefing and lead a visit to the stunning Wiñay Wayna ruins. In the evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner with the porters and chefs, including a gratitude ceremony — a great moment to express appreciation. Rest is important tonight, as we'll wake early to reach Machu Picchu by sunrise.
The final day begins early at 3:30 AM. After breakfast at 4:00 AM, we wait at the checkpoint to be among the first to enter the final stretch of the trail when it opens at 5:30 AM. We say goodbye to our porter and kitchen team and begin our final trek to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), arriving around 6:30 AM. From here, enjoy a breathtaking first view of Machu Picchu. It's a one-hour walk from the Sun Gate to the Lost City itself. As you get closer, the views become more and more impressive. Around 7:40 AM, we pass the final checkpoint and enter Machu Picchu for a 2-hour guided tour. Afterward, you'll receive your bus ticket to Aguas Calientes, where you'll have free time or the option to hike Huayna Picchu (advance booking required). You'll then take the train back to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, where our driver will meet you and transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco.
