Classic Inca Trail 4 Days to Machu Picchu
FromUSD 790per person
Tour overview
The original Inca route: 42 km through cloud forest, high passes and hidden citadels, arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
The Classic Inca Trail is South America’s most iconic hike. Over four days you will walk a section of the Qhapaq Ñan that can only be reached on foot, with limited, name-specific permits, supported by a local crew that knows every step of the path.
The trek starts at Kilometre 82 (Piscacucho) in the Sacred Valley and continues past Llactapata, the challenging Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m), Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna. On the last morning you cross the Sun Gate at dawn to see Machu Picchu from above before your guided tour.
Our service includes a personal porter, meals cooked by a mountain chef with vegetarian options and logistics designed so you only need to enjoy the journey.
Highlights
- Arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)
- Archaeological sites reachable only on foot: Runkurakay, Sayacmarca and Wiñay Wayna
- Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215 m above sea level
- Personal porter for 7 kg of your belongings
- Scenic campsites and mountain cuisine
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1 Cusco – Km 82 – Llactapata – Ayapata
- 3,300 m
- 14 km
- 6–7 h
- Lunch, dinner
- Ayapata campsite
Early pick-up and drive to Kilometre 82, where permits are checked. We hike along the Urubamba River to the Llactapata complex and up the Cusichaca valley, passing Wayllabamba, the last village on the route. Camp at Ayapata to rest before the toughest day.
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Day 2 Dead Woman's Pass – Pacaymayo – Chaquicocha
- 4,215 m
- 11 km
- 8–9 h
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Chaquicocha campsite
A steady climb through polylepis forest to Warmiwañusca, the highest point of the trek. We descend to the Pacaymayo valley for lunch and continue over Runkurakay pass to the Sayacmarca complex. Overnight at Chaquicocha, one of the most scenic campsites.
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Day 3 Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Intipata – Wiñay Wayna
- 3,650 m
- 10 km
- 5–6 h
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Wiñay Wayna campsite
Known as the day of the ruins: we walk the "Inca flat" to Phuyupatamarca, the town above the clouds, and descend original stone stairways to Intipata and Wiñay Wayna. We celebrate the last night with the porter team.
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Day 4 Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Cusco
- 2,720 m
- 7 km
- 2–3 h
- Breakfast
- Return to Cusco
We leave before sunrise for the Sun Gate and your first view of Machu Picchu. Then a guided tour of the citadel of about two hours. Afterwards, bus down to Aguas Calientes and train to Ollantaytambo, where our transport takes you back to Cusco.
What's included
Included
- Pre-trek briefing in Cusco the evening before departure
- Hotel pick-up and private transport to the trailhead
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English)
- Camping gear: 4-person tents for 2 people, sleeping pads and dining tent
- Chef and kitchen crew
- All meals listed in the itinerary, snacks and boiled filtered water
- Emergency oxygen, first-aid kit and radio communication
- Free luggage storage in Cusco
- Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entrance
- Personal porter (7 kg) and duffel bag
- Bus Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
- Tourist train Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco
Not included
- Lunch on day 4
- Entrance to the Aguas Calientes hot springs
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Tips for guides, cooks and porters
- Meals and drinks not mentioned
What to bring
- Original passport (the same one used for your permit)
- 25–35 L daypack with rain cover
- Sleeping bag rated to -5 °C (available to rent)
- Waterproof jacket and rain poncho
- Warm fleece or down jacket, hat and gloves
- Broken-in trekking boots
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Sunscreen SPF 50, sunglasses and lip balm
- Reusable water bottle (2 L)
- Personal medication and blister kit
- Cash in soles for tips and extras
Prices
| Rate | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Adult | USD 790 |
| Student (valid university card) | USD 755 |
| Child (under 17) | USD 755 |
Optional extras
| Huayna Picchu Mountain | USD 75 |
| Vistadome return train | USD 60 |
| Sleeping bag | USD 25 |
| Trekking poles (pair) | USD 20 |
| Inflatable mattress | USD 20 |
| Extra porter 7 kg | USD 120 |
Permit availability
Contact us
Important information
- Permits are issued in each traveller's name and are non-transferable: we need full name, nationality, passport number and expiry date
- The Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance
- We recommend 2 to 3 days of acclimatisation in Cusco before departure
- Student rate requires a valid university card with photo
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I book?
For May to September we recommend booking 4 to 6 months ahead. The rest of the year, 2 to 3 months is usually enough; check the availability calendar on this page.
Can I change the name or date on my permit?
No. Permits are issued by the Ministry of Culture in each traveller's name, and name or date changes are not allowed once issued.
Are there toilets along the trail?
Yes, official campsites have basic toilets and we also carry a private portable toilet for the group.
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