Sleeping Under the Stars at 4,600m
I never thought I could sleep in a luxury bed while staring at the Milky Way through a transparent dome. The Salkantay glacier right in front of you at sunrise — absolutely unreal. Worth every penny.
Sky Dome
4 day Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu
The Original Path to Machu Picchu
The 4 Day Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu is the most iconic trekking route in South America, designed not only as a journey through landscapes, but as a progressive immersion into Inca history. Over four days, you will follow the original stone paths built by the Incas, crossing mountain passes, cloud forests, and archaeological sites that can only be accessed on foot — culminating with a direct entrance into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
- Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
- The Experience: A fully guided trek along the original Inca Trail, with exclusive access to archaeological sites unreachable by road
- Max Altitude: 4,215m / 13,828ft (Dead Woman’s Pass)
- Difficulty: Challenging (Altitude + consecutive trekking days)
Why Choose the Inca Trail Experience
- The Original Route to Machu Picchu: Follow the exact network of trails built by the Incas, ending with the most iconic arrival: walking directly into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate at sunrise.
- Archaeology Along the Way: Unlike other treks, the Inca Trail is defined by the ruins you encounter daily, from small ceremonial sites to complex mountain settlements hidden in the way.
- A Protected Natural Corridor: The trail passes through a controlled section of the Andes, limiting permits and preserving both the environment and the experience.
- Structured Expedition Experience: Campsites, meals, and logistics are organized to support a continuous trekking rhythm across four days.
- A Milestone Journey: More than a hike, the Inca Trail is often experienced as a personal benchmark, physically demanding, historically rich, and emotionally rewarding.
Details of the trip
Day 1 | The Beginning of the Trail: Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba
The journey begins with an early departure from Cusco toward Km 82, the official starting point of the Inca Trail. After crossing the checkpoint, the trail follows the Urubamba River through a wide valley with views of agricultural terraces and distant ruins.
The pace is steady, allowing time to adapt to the rhythm of the trek.
- The Night: Camp at Wayllabamba, surrounded by mountain slopes and open sky. A warm meal marks the first night on the trail.
- Stats: 12 km trekking | Max Altitude: 3,000m
Day 2 | The Challenge: Wayllabamba – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayo
This is the most demanding day of the trek. The ascent toward Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca) is long and continuous, reaching the highest point of the route at 4,215 meters.
The environment shifts noticeably as vegetation thins and the air becomes colder and drier.
After reaching the pass, the descent into Pacaymayo offers a dramatic change in perspective, with deeper valleys and new ecosystems emerging.
- The Night: Camp in Pacaymayo valley, with a quieter and more remote atmosphere after the most challenging day.
- Stats: 9 km trekking | Max Altitude: 4,215m
Day 3 | The Inca Corridor: Pacaymayo – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna
The third day is often considered the most rewarding. The trail transitions into a sequence of original Inca stone paths, tunnels, and stairways, connecting multiple archaeological sites.
You will pass through places like Runkurakay and Phuyupatamarca and Wiñaywayna, each positioned strategically along the mountains.
As the trail descends, the environment becomes greener and more humid, marking the entrance into the cloud forest.
- The Night: Final campsite at Wiñay Wayna, one of the most impressive sites along the route, surrounded by terraces and steep mountain walls.
- Stats: 10 km trekking | Max Altitude: 3,900m
Day 4 | The Arrival: Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Cusco
The final day begins before sunrise. A short hike leads to the Sun Gate, where the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu appears as light reaches the citadel.
This is the defining moment of the Inca Trail, arriving on foot, from above, after days of gradual progression.
After entering the site, a guided tour explores the main sectors of the citadel. Later, you descend to Aguas Calientes and return to Cusco by train.
- The Finish: Guided exploration of Machu Picchu and return journey to Cusco
- Stats: 5 km trekking
What is Included for the 4 day Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu 4 Days?
Transportation & Logistics
- Door-to-Door Service: Private pickup from your Cusco hotel and a comfortable transfer to the Km 82, the trailhead.
- Return Transfers: Seamless transport from the Ollantaytambo station back to your Cusco hotel.
- Rail Journey: Return train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo for a scenic ride through the Andes.
- Machu Picchu Shuttle: Bus tickets from Machu Picchu to Aguas Caliantes.
- Expert Orientation: A pre-trek briefing session to finalize gear, luggage storage, and logistics.
Access & Discovery
- Official Permits: All required entrance fees for the Inca Trail and the Machu Picchu Citadel.
- Professional Leadership: Expert, bilingual professional guide(s) trained in high-altitude safety and Andean history.
- Guided Exploration: An immersive, private guided tour of the Machu Picchu sanctuary.
Accommodations & Mountain Dining
- The Campsite Experience: High-quality trekking tents and insulated sleeping mats for all camping nights.
- Gourmet Mountain Meals: All meals on the trail (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) plus daily snacks and traditional Andean “Tea Time.”
- Bespoke Menus: Specialized dietary options (vegan, gluten-free, etc.) are available upon request.
- Hydration: Continuous supply of drinking water throughout the trek.
Porterage & Safety
- Load Management: Professional porters or horses to carry all camping equipment and your personal belongings (weight limits apply).
- Safety Protocol: Comprehensive first aid kit and emergency medical oxygen available 24/7.
- Emergency Support: A standby emergency horse is provided to ensure the safety and pace of the group.
Not Included for the Inca Trail
- Personal Trekking Gear: Professional rentals are available for high-altitude sleeping bags ($15) and trekking poles ($10).
- Optional Mountain Climbs: Entrance tickets for Huayna Picchu ($69) or Machu Picchu Mountain ($69). (Must be booked months in advance).
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is highly recommended and must be arranged independently.
- Urban Dining: Meals in Cusco or Aguas Calientes before and after the trek itinerary.
- Personal Wellness: Entrance fees to the local Hot Springs in Aguas Calientes ($4) and personal items like laundry or phone calls.
- Extra Transport: International or domestic flights to Cusco and any unscheduled transportation.
- Tipping: Gratuities for your dedicated trekking crew (guides, chefs, and porters) are at your discretion.
- Contingency Costs: Medical or emergency evacuation costs and any additional nights of accommodation outside the itinerary.
Join Sky Dome Camps for an Unforgettable Glamping Experience in the Andes
- 100% Locally Owned and Operated in Cusco, Peru
- Expert Guides on the Salkantay & Inca Trail Routes
- Knowledgeable Staff Ready to Help You
- Private Transparent Domes at High Altitude
- Individually Curated Treks and Glamping Experiences
- The Highest Quality Personal Service
- Fantastic Value for Money with Many Added Extras
YOUR ADVENTURE. OUR EXPERTISE.
Why Trek with Sky Dome Camps?
- Superior Service & Certified Bilingual Guides
- Salkantay Trek Specialists
- 100% Value for Money
- Small Groups — Maximum 8 People
- Delicious and Nutritious Meals Included
- Sustainable & Responsible Travel
- Private Bathrooms & Real Beds at 4,638m
Guest Reviews
What Our Guests Say
Real experiences from travelers who slept under the Andean sky
The Dome Made the Trek Unforgettable
We did the full Salkantay Trek and stayed at the dome on night two. After a hard day of hiking, coming back to a real bed, hot shower and that view of the mountain? Nothing compares to that.
Salkantay TrekBest Night of My Life
I have camped across Patagonia and Nepal but nothing matched this. The dome is warm, beautifully designed and the silence at 4,600m is something else entirely. I woke up at 3am just to stare at the stars.
Sky Dome
@skydomecamps
Transparent domes under the Andean sky. Tag us #SkyDomeCamps ✦
Follow
