Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 4 Days / 3 Nights

5.0 (292 reviews) Cusco, Peru
Duration4 days
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Group sizeUp to 10 travelers
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Join the famous Inca Trail on this 4-day journey to Machu Picchu; ranked among the world's best hikes. You’ll cross the most impressive archaeological sites only accessible by foot such as Runkurakay and Wiñay Wayna, and combine them with the stunning Andean scenery and the lush high-jungle valleys. A challenge rewarded by superb views when you reach the Sun Gate or Inti Punku to marvel at Machu Picchu for the first time.

● Enjoy 4 days and 3 nights on the original Inca Path
● Small-group journey led by a high-rated Guide
● Watch mighty ancient sites and cross the famous Dead Woman Pass.
● Enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, only for the Inca Trail hikers
● Sleep in comfortable campsites, protected by imposing mountains and luscious green hills.

Options

Inca Trail & Machu Picchu Mnt

Machu Picchu Mountain Tickets
Pickup included

Inca Trail & Huchuy Picchu Mnt

Huchuy Picchu Mountain Tickets
Pickup included

Inca Trail & Huayna Picchu Mnt

Huayna Picchu Ticket
Pickup included

4-Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Pickup included

What's included

  • Pre-departure briefing
  • Cook, dining tent, and chairs
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Small-group tour for up to 10 people
  • Walkie-talkies and emergency satellite phones
  • Return bus ticket (Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes).
  • Porters to carry all camping equipment
  • Permits and tickets for the Inca Trail route.
  • All transportation and transfers during the tour
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Breakfast
  • Transportation of personal belongings.
  • Tourist Class return train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo
  • Water, tea time, and daily snacks on the trail
  • Safety: First aid kit and oxygen supply
  • Duffle bag for personal items (up to 5 Kg/11 lb carried by porters)
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu (Circuit 1C)(day 3)(Circuit 3B)(day 4)
  • Extras: Bag cover
  • All Camping Accommodation and Equipment (3 nights in high-quality tents for 2 people)
  • Licensed bilingual Guide
  • Gear: Sleeping Bag & Trekking Poles
  • Lunch in Aguas Calientes and dinner in Cusco (Day 4)
  • Clothing and personal hiking equipment
  • Gratuities for the staff (Optional)
  • Travel Insurance

What to expect

Day 1: Cusco - Piscacucho (KM 82) - Llactapata - Ayapata
  1. Cusco
    2h
    Your great adventure on the Inca Trail begins with pick-up at your accommodation at 4:30 a.m. to transport you to Ollantaytambo, the last living Inca city
  2. 1h 30m
    Once here, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast before heading to the starting point of the hike, Piscacucho (KM 82).
  3. 2h · Admission ticket included
    The hike begins with a gentle stretch that will allow you to acclimatize while enjoying beautiful Andean landscapes.
  4. Inca Trail
    4h · Admission ticket included
    We continue visiting archaeological sites such as Canabamba, Wilkarakay, and Llactapata, surrounded by the majestic mountain range and the Urubamba River.
  5. 10h
    After lunch in Tarayoc, you will continue along trails surrounded by nature until you reach the first camp in Ayapata, where a warm dinner and a night of rest under the stars await you.
Day 2: Ayapata - Dead Woman’s Pass - Pacaymayu – Runkurakay Pass – Sayaqmarka - Chaquiqocha
  1. 1h
    The day begins with a cup of hot coca tea and a nutritious breakfast to prepare you for the most challenging day of the trek, the hike to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,829 ft).
  2. 4h
    At 4,215 m (13,829 ft), Dead Woman’s Pass offers stunning views and a brief ceremony honoring the sacred Apus, followed by a descent to Pacaymayo.
  3. 1h · Admission ticket included
    After a well-deserved rest, you will descend to Pacaymayu to enjoy a delicious lunch and recharge your batteries.
  4. 2h · Admission ticket included
    Then you will continue to the archaeological site of Runkurakay, followed by the Runkurakay Pass, where you can make a brief offering to the Pachamama.
  5. Sayacmarca
    2h · Admission ticket included
    The route continues with a visit to the Sayaqmarka complex, an Inca enclave nestled in the mountains with spectacular views of the sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range.
  6. 10h
    Finally, you will arrive at your camp in Chaquiqocha, where a comforting dinner awaits you under a starry sky.
Day 3: Chaquiqocha - Phuyupatamarka - Intipata - Wiñay Wayna
  1. 5h · Admission ticket included
    Today will be the most relaxed and awe-inspiring day of the trek. At 6:30 a.m., you will enjoy a delicious breakfast before setting off on a 1.5-hour hike to Phuyupatamarka (3,650 m / 11,975 ft), a mystical place “above the clouds” that offers a spiritual atmosphere and unforgettable views.
  2. The Ruins of Intipata
    4h · Admission ticket included
    From there, you will descend along ancient trails for two and a half hours to Intipata, an ancient agricultural area with terraces overlooking the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the winding Urubamba River.
  3. Winay Wayna
    12h
    You will then continue to the camp, located near the archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna, “forever young,” one of the most impressive sites along the way. After lunch, you will explore this fascinating complex with your guide, and in the afternoon, you will enjoy a small celebration with the team of porters and cooks to thank them for their support during the trip. The day ends early so you can rest well before the exciting entrance to Machu Picchu at dawn.
Day 4: Wiñay Wayna - Sun Gate - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - Cusco
  1. 1h
    Very early, at 3:30 a.m., after receiving your breakfast, you will begin your approximately one-hour hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
  2. Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
    4h · Admission ticket included
    From this sacred spot, you will watch the first rays of dawn illuminate Machu Picchu, a mystical and powerful scene that marks the culmination of this unique journey.
    After descending to the citadel, you will enjoy an amazing view of the citadel and be able to take a postcard photo of this marvel. If you booked in advance, you can climb Huayna Picchu or Huchuy Picchu for spectacular views.
  3. Aguas Calientes
    2h
    Then, you will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo.
  4. Ollantaytambo
    2h
    Where our private transportation will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.
  5. Cusco
    Pass by
    We’ll arrive back in Cusco around 7:30 p.m.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

We recommend booking hotels in the center of Cusco.
We pick up all travelers from their hotels between 04:30 and 05:00 am.

Additional information

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • It's recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek so you can get used to the altitude
  • The Inca Trail is highly demanded, specially in high season (May to September). Book this trip at least five months in advance to secure a spot.
  • Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
  • Please ensure your passport is up to date and ready for use on your travel day
  • Children aged 12 and over may participate and must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
  • Solo travelers are welcome and can join shared groups. No minimum participants required. Most departures are guaranteed.
  • Keep in mind this hike is a challenging trek. travellers have to be in good health and physical shape to fully enjoy every moment of this adventure.
  • Vegetarian or, vegan options are available, please advise at time of booking if required

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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5.0 (292)
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