Machu Picchu Inca Trail Trek: 4-Day Hike & Sun Gate Sunrise

Summary

Hiking ancient paths to Machu Picchu before sunrise with locals

You’ll hike ancient Inca paths from Cuzco to Machu Picchu with permits included, camping under Andean stars and sharing coca tea with porters. Expect tough climbs like Dead Woman’s Pass and quiet moments above cloud forests before reaching Machu Picchu at sunrise via the Sun Gate—an arrival you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect my hands to smell like coca leaves by lunchtime on day one. Our guide, Marco, handed them out as we left KM 82 — “for the altitude,” he said, but I think it was also just a way to break the ice. The bus from Cuzco was sleepy and quiet until Ollantaytambo, where we all scrambled for last-minute snacks (I bought too many cookies). Once we started walking along the Vilcanota River, the air felt thin but fresh. The path rolled through little villages and old stones poked out of the grass — Marco always had a story ready about each ruin, sometimes pausing so long I wondered if he was making it up on the spot. Maybe he was.

Day two is what people warn you about: Dead Woman’s Pass. It’s not actually as scary as it sounds unless you count your legs giving up halfway up those endless stone stairs. I remember the wind picking up near the top — sharp and cold — and everyone’s breath visible in little clouds. When we finally made it over that pass at 4,215 meters, someone let out a weird laugh-cry (might’ve been me). Lunch that day tasted like victory: hot soup with something green floating in it and rice that stuck together in comforting clumps. The porters cheered us into camp; I tried to thank them in Spanish but probably butchered every word.

The third morning started foggy and damp — socks never really dry here — but then sunlight broke through as we reached Sayacmarca. Marco pointed out orchids clinging to mossy rocks; they looked almost fake against all that green. We stopped for lunch near Phuyupatamarca where I could hear distant waterfalls below us but couldn’t see them through the mist. That night at Wiñayhuayna camp, everyone seemed quieter than usual, maybe tired or maybe just thinking about what was coming next.

Waking up at 3:30 am is not my natural state of being (I’m still not sure how I managed), but lining up at the checkpoint with headlamps bobbing around felt oddly exciting. The last stretch to the Sun Gate is short but steep — my heart was pounding for reasons beyond altitude. And then there it was: Machu Picchu spread out below in early light, clouds drifting over terraces like slow animals. Marco let us stand there without talking for a few minutes before leading us down for our guided tour. Even now when I close my eyes I can still picture that view — or maybe just how small and lucky I felt seeing it first thing in the morning.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Start trek from Cusco to Wayllabamba Camp

• Pick up from accommodation early morning
• Bus to Ollantaytambo
• Breakfast and buy snacks in Ollantaytambo
• Bus to Piscacucho (KM 82)
• Begin Inca Trail hike
• Hike 10 km to Wayllabamba Camp
• Lunch on trail
• Rest and camp overnight

Day 2 — Hike Dead Woman's Pass to Pacaymayo Camp

• Early breakfast at camp
• Hike 6 km uphill to Dead Woman's Pass
• Enjoy views at pass
• Descend 3 km to Pacaymayo Camp
• Lunch and rest at camp
• Relax afternoon and dinner
• Overnight camping at Pacaymayo

Day 3 — Trek to Wiñayhuayna via archaeological sites

• Breakfast at camp
• Hike to Pacaymayo archaeological site
• Continue to Runquracay Pass
• Summit for mountain views
• Visit Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca sites
• Lunch on trail
• Reach Wiñayhuayna High Jungle Camp
• Dinner and thank guides
• Overnight camping at Wiñayhuayna

Day 4 — Sun Gate sunrise and Machu Picchu visit

• Wake early and have breakfast
• Hike to Wiñaywayna checkpoint
• Wait for gate to open at 5:30 am
• Hike 1 hour to Sun Gate
• View Machu Picchu sunrise
• Descend 40 minutes to Machu Picchu
• 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu
• Free time to explore site
• Return to Aguas Calientes
• Train to Ollantaytambo
• Bus back to Cusco
• Drop off at Plaza San Francisco

Top questions

How difficult is the 4-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu?

The trek is considered demanding due to steep ascents (like Dead Woman’s Pass) and high altitude; good physical condition is recommended.

Are Inca Trail permits included in this booking?

Yes, Inca Trail permits are included with your booking; these are required and limited daily.

What meals are provided during the trek?

All meals during trekking days are included—breakfasts, lunches, dinners—with vegetarian options available upon request.

Is hotel pickup included from Cuzco?

Yes, accommodation pickup from Cuzco is included on day one of your trek.

Will there be a local guide during the trek?

A professional bilingual guide accompanies you throughout the trek and at Machu Picchu itself.

What kind of camping equipment is provided?

Tents for two people and basic sleeping pads are provided; thermal sleeping bags and porter service depend on your chosen package.

Can children join this Machu Picchu hike?

The minimum age is 7 years old; participants should have moderate fitness due to trail difficulty.

How do I return from Machu Picchu to Cuzco?

You’ll take a bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, then train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a bus back to Cuzco.

What’s included

Your four-day journey includes accommodation pickup in Cuzco, all required Inca Trail permits and entry fees for both trail and Machu Picchu itself, tents (shared or private for couples), sleeping pad, all meals as listed (with vegetarian options), support from porters who carry shared camping gear (and personal items if selected), a professional bilingual guide throughout trekking days plus your guided tour at Machu Picchu, tourist bus between sites including Aguas Calientes–Ollantaytambo–Cuzco segments by train and bus after your visit—plus plenty of hot tea along mountain trails each evening before you crawl into your tent beneath Andean stars.