Machu Pichu consists of numerous historical sites and beguiling natural beauty. Due to this, it attracts hundreds of tourists all across the globe. Machu Pichu is an ancient citadel that was built in the early 15th century. Later it was abandoned.
Hiking the Inca Trail to reach Machu Pichu is a conventional yet adventurous way. Hiking the trek requires 4 days and 3 nights before you arrive at Machu Pichu. However, if you are considering hiking the trail, you must be aware of several things.
Today, we are going to talk about everything that you must know about Machu Pichu 4 days hike.
Inca Trail: Things that you should know about the 4 days hike
Some of the things that you should know about the 4-day hike are specified below.
Day 1
On the first day of your hike, you will pack all the essentials that you'd need for your hike. Your guide will also tell you to wait for other fellow hikers or would go pick them up. Upon gathering, the trek will officially start. First, you will reach Ollantaytambo.
As the Inca Trail starts from kilometer 82, the hike will start from there. On the first day of the trek, you will hike for roughly 6-7 hours. This time is tentative and depends upon certain factors. The first day of the hike is relatively easy as compared to the other days. On the first day, you will pass the mesmerizing sacred valley.
One thing you must know is that, during the first day of your trek, the land is not tough. The passages are wide and are called Inca flat. The trail will show signs of gentle elevation of about 350 meters, but it is just the beginning. During the first part of your trek, you will also pass the famous Urubamba River.
Moreover, your guide will stop at various locations to tell you all about the historical value of the land. Your guide will also tell you about the majestical spots that you would see during the hike. The first day of the trek is easy, and you will feel nothing except for a little bit sleepy.
Before beginning the trial, you will need to show your passports at Ollantaytambo. After hiking to kilometer 82, your guide will tell you to stop and rest. Then after a while, you will trek to your campsite. Generally, you will hike to Ayapata to set up your camp.
Day 2
Day 2 is the most challenging day of the hike. On the second day, you will hike through the cloud forest to the Dead Woman’s Pass. The Dead Woman’s Pass is at 4200 meters and is one of the high-altitude passes of the trek. Reaching this spot will cost you 4-5 hours.
Here you can experience high-altitude symptoms such as shortness of breath, exhaustion, and headaches. Make sure that you are hydrated while hiking. Also, make sure to take it slow because of the resilient terrain. After reaching the Dead Woman’s pass, you will hike down to another pass. This pass is known as the Runcuraccay pass.
Keep in mind that you will only reach the Runcuraccay pass if your group’s pace is stable. You can also arrive Runcuraccay pass on the third day. Hiking to this pass costs you additional 4-5 hours. Here you will see mesmerizing valleys and ruins like Sayacmarca that surround the trail. In total, you would have to hike for 8-9 hours on your second day.
At the end of the day, you would have covered 12 – 16 Km, and your body will be annihilated. You would wish to quit. However, after successfully passing the second day, the trek becomes significantly easy.
At the end of the second day, your guide may tell you set up your camp at Chaquicocha.
Day 3
On day 3, the hike becomes relatively easy as compared to day 2. Day 3 is all about descending rather than ascending. You will notice a sudden change in the scenery surrounding the trail. It is one of the most interesting parts of this hike.
You will get to view the majestical rainforests and lush green mountains that will take your breath away. During the third day, you will hike across the Incan ruins, Winay Wauna. The ruins are surrounded by mesmerizing scenery that looks jaw-dropping.
The total distance that you would cover on your third day will be 15 – 16 Km. The time that it would take you to hike on the third day would be 4-6 hours. Remember, this time is just an estimated time. It can cost you more hours if your fellow trekkers are slow.
At the end of the third day, you will feel less tired. Your guide will tell you to set up your camp after exploring the enthralling ruins of Winay Wauna. Your guide will tell you all about the next day’s plans.
Day 4
On the last day, you will be required to wake very early. You will hike from Winay Wauna to Machu Pichu. Although this is the last day of your trek, it is the most interesting. From Winay Wauna, you will hike for 1-2 hours. After that, you will reach Sun Gate. After arriving at the Sun Gate, you will trek for additional 1-2 hours before you descend to Machu Pichu.
During your stay at Machu Pichu, you can explore all its ancient sites and natural beauty. Hovering the sun above Machu Pichu makes it look mesmerizing, and you must visit this site. After visiting Machu Pichu, you will catch a bus to Aguas Calientes. Here you can relax for a while before going back to Ollantaytambo.
After reaching Ollantaytambo, you will take another bus which will drop you at Cusco (where it all began).
Conclusion
The above-specified is everything that you should know about the 4-day Inca Trail hike. Make sure to pack all the essentials before going trekking. Also, make sure to use proper equipment like hiking poles to save yourself from injuries.
