Overview
Take on the Classic 4-day Inca Trail — one of South America’s most iconic treks and ranked among the world’s top five hikes!
Begin your adventure in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and make your way toward Machu Picchu over four days and three nights. Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas and be rewarded with breathtaking views, unforgettable experiences, and lasting memories.
Itinerary
- We begin with a two-hour bus ride to Piscacucho, known as “Km 82,” the official starting point of the hike.
- Passports, IDs and Inca Trail permits must be presented at checkpoints.
- We’ll hike through rural areas and small villages, passing corn and potato fields as well as avocado orchards. Lunch will be served before reaching Wayllabamba village, our first campsite.
- Enjoy an easy two-hour walk up to Inca Raqay (viewpoint), where you’ll learn about Llaqtapata — the largest archaeological site on the Inca Trail — and take in stunning views of the snow-capped peak “La Veronica.”
- Today’s lowest point: 2,800 meters / 9,240 ft – Trailhead.
- Today’s highest point: 3,000 meters / 9,900 ft – Wayllabamba campsite.
- Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours (including lunch break).
- Distance covered: 10 km / 6 miles.
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate.
- Today is the most challenging day as we reach the hike’s highest point — the famous Dead Woman’s Pass (“Warmiwañusca”), at 4,215 meters / 13,909 ft.
- You’ll pass through diverse ecological zones, spot llamas and alpacas, and enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of the Peruvian Andes as you climb up to Warmiwañusca.
- Distance covered: 11 km / 7 miles.
- Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours.
- Difficulty level: Challenging.
- Today we begin our descent through the cloud forest, where warm air rises up from the jungle below.
- Learn about the Inca civilization as you explore fascinating archaeological sites along the way.
- Today’s lowest point: 2,700 meters / 8,910 feet – Campsite.
- Distance covered: 16 km / 10 miles.
- Hiking time: 9 to 10 hours (including a lunch break).
- Difficulty level: Moderate to Challenging.
- On our last hiking day, early in the morning we reach the Sun Gate at sunrise and have a spectacular view of Machu Picchu Sanctuary from the Southeast flank, a view just few travelers ever get a chance to admire.
- We’ll take an introductory two-hour guided tour of the Inca site and learn all about this Wonder of the World as you explore it with your guide.
- Take a 25-minute bus ride down to Aguas Calientes town.
- Board the train to either Ollantaytambo or Poroy, then continue by bus to your hotel.
- Distance covered: 5 km / 3 miles.
- Hiking time: 2 hours.
- Difficulty level: Easy.
Inclusions
- Pre-departure briefing for your tour.
- Transfers to hike’s trailhead at KM 82 & to your hotel on the final day.
- Inca Trail permits and fees.
- Machu Picchu entrance fees.
- Bus tickets down (x1) to Aguas Calientes town.
- Train tickets back to either Poroy or Ollantaytambo depending on train availability.
- Professional English-speaking tour guide (An additional tour guide for groups of 9+).
- Support staff (professional cooks and porters).
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners (If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian or gluten free, PLEASE let us know).
- Camping equipment (tents, stools, tables, etc.).
- Sleeping pad.
- Duffle bag.
- Emergency First-Aid kit and oxygen bottle.
BRIEFING: Before the hike, you’ll meet your guide and the other members of your group. Your guide will explain the hiking route in detail and provide all the necessary recommendations to ensure a great experience.
×Not Included:
- Backpacks
- Sleeping Bag (You can bring your own or rent them locally in Cusco city)
- Hiking poles (You can bring your own or rent them locally in Cusco city)
- Breakfast on Day 1, and lunch and dinner on Day 4.
- Tips for guides, cooks and porters.
- Travel Insurance (You are strongly advised to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.).
NOTE: The itinerary above is a sample. Hiking times, campsites, and lunch spots are subject to change according to our guides’ criteria, availability, weather conditions, group progress, and any restrictions implemented by the Peruvian Government for safety reasons.
Ξ Packing List:
- Original Passport.
- Valid ISIC card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount).
- Hiking boots.
- Waterproof jacket / rain poncho.
- Warm jacket.
- Hat and gloves.
- T-shirts.
- Comfortable trousers.
- Towels and sandals.
- Sun cream (SPF 35 or higher).
- Insect repellant.
- Toiletries and hand sanitizer.
- Personal medication.
- Camera and chargers.
- Headlamp with spare batteries.
⇒ Considerations:
- Due to Government regulations, only 500 people are allowed on the Classic 4-day Inca trail each day, among hikers, cooks and porters.
- To ensure the Inca trail permits and the Machu Picchu entrance fees, government regulations require FULL AND CURRENT PASSPORT INFORMATION of all hikers.
- Inca Trail permits are non-transferable and often sell out months in advance. We recommend that our clients book as soon as possible (at least 3 months in advance).
- Hikers are responsible for carrying their own personal gear and should make an honest assessment of their physical condition. If a personal porter is desired, it’s very important to request one at the time of booking, as porters are included in the 500-person-per-day limit.
BUSINESS SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:
Peru Machu Picchu Tours S.A. is committed to responsible travel that respects local people, their culture, local economies, and the environment. With your support, we can help conserve the areas we visit and bring positive benefits to the communities that welcome us.
How to Travel Responsibly: What You Should Know…
- Protecting the natural environment is essential. If you need to go to the bathroom, please do so away from water sources and bury the waste. Pack out or bury used toilet paper, and remember that tampons and sanitary pads must always be carried out. Avoid using soap or shampoo in rivers or lakes. Your guide will advise when washing with soap is not suitable for the environment.
- Many travelers choose to bring a small extra bag to collect any litter they find along the trail—and to carry out their own. This simple action helps keep the landscape clean. Remember that you may need to carry your rubbish until reaching the next town where proper disposal is available.
- Help us reduce plastic waste by avoiding single-use water bottles. Instead, bring a reusable canteen, a CamelBak hydration system, or a water filter to refill safely along the route.
¶ Types of Services:
You can choose between two service options for your trekking experience:
Group Service: This is a high-quality shared service with a maximum of twelve travelers per group. Groups of up to eight hikers are led by one guide, and groups of 9+ are accompanied by two guides. This is a great option for those who enjoy meeting new people and sharing the trekking experience. Our GROUP SERVICE operates on set departure dates.
Private Service: This service is organized exclusively for you and your group, allowing you to choose the departure date, group size, and trek duration. It offers the flexibility to adjust the hiking pace to your comfort level and typically provides a quieter experience on the trail, with fewer travelers along the route.
| Hike duration | 4 Days / 3 Nights |
| Hike level | Moderate to Challenging |
| Hike style | Active |
| Type of hike | Archaeological, Cultural and Adventure |
| Distance | 42 km / 26 miles |
| Hiking time | Day 1: 5 to 6 hours / Day 2: 6 to 7 hours / Day 3: 9 to 10 hours / Day 4: 2 hours |
| Elevation | Lowest point: 2,700 m (8,910 ft) – Highest point: 4,215 m (13,909 ft) at Dead Woman’s Pass. |
| Accommodation | 3 nights in camping tent |
| Group size | Group service up to 12 hikers maximum – Private service (as requested) |
Request more information!
