The Inka Trail is not just a hike—it’s an immersive experience through history, nature, and breathtaking landscapes that lead to the legendary Machu Picchu. If you’re planning an Inka Trail trek, understanding where you’ll be camping each night is crucial for both preparation and comfort.
This guide explores the main Inka Trail campsites, what to expect at each one, and useful tips to ensure you have the best experience while trekking through the Andes Mountains.
1. How Are Inka Trail Campsites Assigned?
The Peruvian government regulates where trekkers camp along the Inka Trail. Campsites are pre-assigned by the government, and your tour company will secure your designated spots when they obtain your permit.
Key Things to Know About Campsite Assignments:
- You cannot choose your campsite—the Peruvian authorities manage assignments to control crowd flow.
- Assignments depend on your tour operator, the speed of your group, and availability when your permit is secured.
- Some campsites are more scenic or positioned better for the next day’s hike, but all offer an incredible experience.
2. Overview of the Main Campsites on the Inka Trail
The Classic 4-Day Inka Trail trek typically includes three nights of camping before reaching Machu Picchu. Depending on your group’s permit, your itinerary may vary slightly, but these are the most commonly assigned campsites:
🔹 Night 1: Wayllabamba or Ayapata
- Altitude: 3,000 – 3,300 m (9,840 – 10,826 ft)
- Distance from the start: 12 km (7.5 miles)
- Difficulty level: Moderate
After an early start from Km 82, hikers reach their first campsite either at Wayllabamba or Ayapata.
Wayllabamba Campsite
- Lower altitude – good for acclimatization
- More humid environment with lush vegetation
- Close to the local village – sometimes trekkers hear dogs or roosters at night
Ayapata Campsite (Preferred for Some Operators)
- Higher elevation – quieter and colder at night
- More remote with beautiful mountain views
- Prepares hikers better for Dead Woman’s Pass the next day
🏕 What to Expect: Basic toilets, cold temperatures at night, and incredible views of the surrounding valleys.
🔹 Night 2: Pacaymayo Alto (Dead Woman’s Pass Area)
- Altitude: 3,600 – 3,650 m (11,811 – 11,975 ft)
- Distance from Wayllabamba: ~11 km (6.8 miles)
- Difficulty level: Challenging – this is the hardest day of the trek
The second day is the most difficult of the Inka Trail hike because it includes the climb over Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca, 4,215 m / 13,829 ft), the highest point of the trek.
Pacaymayo Alto Campsite
- Highest campsite on the trek – expect very cold temperatures at night
- Stunning mountain views and clear night skies
- Well-maintained camping area with running water and basic restrooms
🏕 What to Expect: Freezing nighttime temperatures, tired legs from a long day of hiking, and an unforgettable sunrise view over the mountains the next morning.
🔹 Night 3: Phuyupatamarca or Wiñay Wayna
- Altitude: 3,670 m (12,040 ft) / 2,650 m (8,692 ft)
- Distance from Pacaymayo: ~10-15 km (6-9 miles)
- Difficulty level: Moderate
By the third day, hikers experience a transition from high Andean landscapes to lush cloud forests. Campsites vary significantly:
Phuyupatamarca Campsite (“Town Above the Clouds”)
- Higher elevation (3,670 m) – offers incredible views over the Sacred Valley
- Less crowded than Wiñay Wayna
- Great for stargazing at night
Wiñay Wayna Campsite (Most Common)
- Closest to Machu Picchu – only a 2-hour hike to the Sun Gate
- Warmer climate and lower altitude (2,650 m)
- Access to better facilities, including cold showers
🏕 What to Expect: Either a remote mountain setting (Phuyupatamarca) or a convenient, busier campsite at Wiñay Wayna, where you’ll prepare for an early start to Machu Picchu the next morning.
3. Short Inka Trail (2-Day) Campsites
If you’re doing the 2-day Inka Trail trek, you won’t camp on the trail itself. Instead, you’ll:
- Hike from Km 104 to Wiñay Wayna
- Continue to Machu Picchu and then take a bus to Aguas Calientes
- Stay in a hotel in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu the next morning
🏨 Pro Tip: Choose a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes for a well-deserved rest before exploring Machu Picchu.
4. What Are Campsites Like on the Inka Trail?
Hiking the Inka Trails means staying in remote mountain campsites, where facilities are basic but sufficient for trekkers. Here’s what you can expect:
🔹 Sleeping Arrangements
- Tents are provided by your tour company
- Typically two people per tent
- Sleeping bags and inflatable mats can be rented if not included
🔹 Food and Meals
- Hot meals prepared by a chef – expect hearty Andean dishes
- Vegan and vegetarian options are available
- Boiled water provided each morning and evening
🔹 Bathrooms and Hygiene
- Toilets vary – some campsites have basic flushing toilets, others have squat toilets
- No hot showers, except at Wiñay Wayna (for a small fee)
- Pack baby wipes and biodegradable soap for personal hygiene
🏕 Pro Tip: Bring a headlamp, as campsites have no electricity at night!
5. Tips for Sleeping Well on the Inka Trail
- Stay Warm: Nights can be freezing, so bring a warm sleeping bag rated for at least -10°C (14°F).
- Go to Bed Early: Wake-up calls are usually before sunrise (sometimes as early as 3:30 AM).
- Earplugs Help: Some campsites have noisy hikers or distant sounds from nature.
- Use Layers: Sleep in thermal clothing to retain heat inside your sleeping bag.
Final Thoughts: Experience the Magic of Camping on the Inka Trail
Camping along the Inka Trail is an unforgettable part of the journey to Machu Picchu. From starry nights at high-altitude campsites to waking up surrounded by the majestic Andes, each night offers a unique perspective of this ancient pilgrimage.
Whether you sleep in the cloud forests of Wiñay Wayna or beneath the peaks at Pacaymayo, your nights on the Inka Trail will be as memorable as your days hiking it.
