Overview
Experience the best of the renowned Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu from Cusco with our local tour guide. Along the way, you will pass countless Inca ruins, making this trail one of the most famous hikes in the world, as recognized by National Geographic Travel Magazine.
During the trek, the Classic Inca Trail offers a historic experience, allowing you to retrace the footsteps of the Incas. Built over 500 years ago, the cobblestone trail was used by the Incas to travel from Cusco to their sacred citadel, Machu Picchu.
Overall, this journey combines history, adventure, and breathtaking landscapes, giving you a unique opportunity to connect with the culture and natural beauty of Peru.
Inca Trail Permit:
Machu Picchu, the world wonder, tops the bucket list of many travelers in South America. Most prefer visiting it on a Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour from Cusco while a vast majority want to hike the esteemed Inca Trail Trek.
Due to its overgrowing popularity and to protect the authenticity of the trail, local authorities have implemented stringent measures for both tour operators and hikers. One of them is the introduction of Inca Trail Permit.
Inca Trail Permits are released 180 days before. It limits access to only 500 people a day. This includes porters, chefs and tour guides. So barely 200 hikers from over a hundred tour operating companies get the opportunity of hiking the trail each day.
Often Inca Trail permits are sold out within minutes since they are released. We strongly recommend you to plan and book your trip well in advance to secure your place.
Inca Trail Peru Recommendations:
Inca Trail Peru is a high altitude experience. The highest point of the trail is the Dead Woman’s Pass that is at 4200 meters above sea level (13779 ft). The trail could be challenging to some, especially if you are not acclimatized. We highly recommend that you spend a few days acclimatizing in Cusco before the trail to avoid altitude sickness.
As local tour operators, we take pride in working with locals. All our staff from porters to tour guides are locals. They are born and raised in the region and have plenty of knowledge to share about Andean traditions and Inca history.
Our tour guides are certified tourism professionals. They have years of experience in hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and are well aware of the route. Our tour guides are also trained in first aid and are fluent in English and Spanish.
Best Time to Experience Classic Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu:
The best time of year to hike the Inca Trail to Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is during the dry season, from April to November. During this period, the weather is pleasant, and you will enjoy clear visibility of the sites along the trail.
In contrast, during the monsoon season (December to March), the trail can become slippery, and the high mountain passes are often shrouded in clouds.
It’s also important to note that the Inca Trail is closed every February for annual maintenance.
Overall, joining us on this immersive Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into Andean traditions and the fascinating history of the Inca civilization.
Before the Inca trail 4 days:
Acclimatization: Spend 1-2 days in Cusco (or Sacred Valley) before trekking to adjust to high altitude (Cusco: 3,400m / 11,150ft).
Physical Fitness: Essential. Regular cardio and hiking training recommended.
Altitude: Highest point is Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,215m (13,780 ft).
Machu Picchu Circuit (Regulations 2026):
Inca Trail hikers enter Machu Picchu via Circuit 1, which offers panoramic views from above. However, this circuit may not provide full access to the main archaeological complex (Lower Section). Therefore, it is important to check the circuit details with your tour operator before your visit.
For a complete experience, the best option is to purchase an additional ticket for Circuit 2 (subject to availability on the fourth day at the time of booking). This allows you to enjoy a full Machu Picchu tour a second time. Please note that this additional ticket is at your own expense, as the guide is only available for Circuit 1.
Useful Information:
- Starting Altitude – 2,720 m.a.s.l. / 8923.8 ft
- Highest Altitude – 4,217 m.a.s.l. / 13835.3 ft
- Walking Distance – 43 km / 26.7 mi
- Longest Day – Day 2, 15 km / 9.3 mi
- Coldest Night – Day 2, around 0 Celsius
- General difficulty: Moderate – Difficult – Easy
Day 1
Day 01: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Piscacucho (Km 82) – Llactapata – Ayapata
Your epic 4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu begins with an early morning transfer from your hotel in Cusco. First, we will drive for approximately two hours along the Sacred Valley of the Incas to reach the Ollantaytambo train station.
Upon arrival, you will meet our support crew, including porters and chefs. While you enjoy a traditional Andean breakfast, we will organize your belongings. Please note: during the trek, you will not have access to your backpack or duffle bags, so make sure to pack only the essentials in a small day pack.
Next, we will drive further to Piscacucho (Km 82), the official trailhead of the Inca Trail, named after its distance from Cusco on the route to Aguas Calientes.
After passing through a checkpoint, where your Inca Trail permit will be verified against your original passport, we will begin the hike along a flat terrain, giving you a gentle introduction to the trail and helping you acclimate to the altitude and climate.
Llactapata:
After the guided tour of Patallacta, we will begin a three-hour hike, gradually ascending to another prominent Inca site – Llactapata.
In Quechua, Llactapata means “city in the clouds.” It is located at 2,840 m / 9,317 ft above sea level, and the Incas named it after its impressive height.
Once you have explored the site and absorbed its history, we will continue hiking to our lunch camp. Upon arrival, our crew will welcome you with a cup of freshly brewed coca tea, which helps to fight altitude sickness, or a cup of Peruvian coffee.
Next, enjoy a freshly cooked traditional lunch, taking your time to soak in the stunning views of the Peruvian highlands while savoring this authentic meal.
Ayapata:
After lunch, we will continue hiking through two native communities on our way to Ayapata. Along the route, you will find small shops, so if you have forgotten anything, this is the perfect place to purchase it.
We will reach our campsite in Ayapata by 5:30 p.m., located at 3,300 meters / 10,827 ft above sea level. As the sun sets, we will serve dinner.
In the evening, we will set up tents under the clear Andean sky, allowing you to sleep while enjoying a spectacular constellation of stars.
- Meals: lunch and dinner
- Maximum Altitude: 2,954 m.a.s.l. / 9691.6 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 2,670 m.a.s.l. / 8759.8 ft
- Distance Travelled: 11 km. / 6.8 mi
- Approximate Walking Time: 7 hours
- Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
Day 2
Day 02: Ayapata – Warmi Wañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass) – Runkuraqay – Sayacmarca – Chaquicocha
At 6:00 a.m., our crew will wake you up with a cup of freshly brewed Peruvian coffee or coca tea. Following this, enjoy a nutritious Andean breakfast to energize you for the challenging hike ahead.
Dead Woman’s Pass:
We will begin our second day’s hike uphill to the highest point of the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – the infamous Dead Woman’s Pass, at 4,215 m / 13,828 ft. The four-hour uphill hike offers staggering views of the Peruvian highlands.
Upon reaching Dead Woman’s Pass, our crew will serve you a cup of coca tea to help combat altitude sickness.
Here, we will pause to soak in the pristine views of the Andean valley. Our local expert will share fascinating facts about the pass and local beliefs, introducing you to Andean mythology and explaining the significance of the Apus (Mountain Peaks).
You will also have time to feel the energy of the mountain spirits and reflect on the Incas who built and hiked these trails for centuries.
After this enriching experience, we will begin a gradual descent to our lunch camp, hiking through the cloud forest. For lunch, we will serve a hearty meal to help you regain strength for the rest of the day’s trek.
Runkuraqay:
After lunch, we will hike 45 minutes uphill to the Runkuraqay Archaeological Site, nestled between two beautiful waterfalls. Here, our local expert will provide an immersive tour of the site.
Once you have explored Runkuraqay, we will continue hiking for another 45 minutes uphill to Runkuraqay Pass, located at 3,760 m / 12,335 ft above sea level, the second highest pass on the trail to Machu Picchu.
At this sacred spot, the Incas used to offer gifts to the Apus (Sacred Peaks). Our guide will share insights into this Andean tradition and its spiritual significance.
Next, we will descend to Sayacmarca, another prominent archaeological site on the trail. Here, you will enjoy an immersive tour before continuing downhill for 25 minutes to reach our campsite at Chaquicocha.
Upon arrival, our crew will serve tea or coffee accompanied by snacks, followed by dinner. Afterward, you can retire to your tent for a well-deserved rest under the starry Andean sky.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Maximum Altitude: 4,226 m.a.s.l. / 13864.8 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 2,954 m.a.s.l. / 9691.6 ft
- Distance Travelled: 15 km / 9.3 mi
- Approximate Walking Time: 9 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate – Challenge
Day 3
Day 03: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Intipata – Wiñay Wayna
This day offers a more relaxed, yet equally interesting experience on the Inca Trail in Peru. As usual, we will wake you up with a cup of freshly brewed tea or coffee, followed by a hearty breakfast to prepare you for the day ahead.
Phuyupatamarca:
Next, we will begin a gradual uphill hike to the Inca complex of Phuyupatamarca, perched at 3,650 meters / 11,975 ft above sea level.
After a detailed tour of Phuyupatamarca, we will hike downhill for approximately two hours to reach Intipata. During the Inca civilization, Intipata served as an important agricultural sector. From this vantage point, you can soak in the pristine views of the Urubamba River winding through the villages of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Here, our guide will provide a detailed insight into Inca farming techniques and explain their importance both historically and in the lives of local people today.
Wiñay Wayna:
After the tour, we will hike downhill for approximately forty minutes to reach our campsite at Wiñay Wayna. In Quechua, Wiñay Wayna means “Forever Young.” We expect to arrive at the campsite around 1:00 p.m.
Upon checking in, we will gather for lunch. Afterward, we will hike to the Wiñay Wayna Archaeological Site, which is often regarded as the most beautiful Inca site on the trail to Machu Picchu.
During an immersive guided tour, our local expert will explain the importance of each area of the complex. Following the tour, you will have plenty of time to soak in the views and capture the sights with your camera.
As the sun sets, we will hike back to the campsite, where a celebratory meal awaits with our crew. This will be the last meal with the porters and chef on the trail. After dinner, we will bid them farewell – feel free to tip and express your gratitude for their support.
Finally, rest under the clear Andean sky, enjoying a well-deserved night in your tent.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Maximum Altitude: 3,974 m.a.s.l. / 13038.0 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 3,650 m.a.s.l. / 11975.0 ft
- Distance Travelled: 10 km / 6.2 mi
- Approximate Walking Time: 6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate – Easy
Day 4
Day 04: Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Return to Cusco
We will wake you up bright and early at 3:30 a.m. Your tour guide and you will embark on an approximately one-hour hike to the Sun Gate (Intipunku).
Our goal is to reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Witnessing the sunrise over Machu Picchu from this viewpoint is a truly rewarding experience, reserved for those hiking the Inca Trail. Here, you will also catch your first breathtaking view of the Machu Picchu citadel, nestled between the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu peaks.
After soaking in the stunning views and watching the golden sunlight illuminate the Inca citadel, we will descend for approximately 45 minutes to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
Welcome to Machu Picchu – the lost city of the Incas!
Our local expert will guide you on a 2.5-hour tour of the Inca citadel. During this tour, we will visit prominent sites such as the farming terraces, Inca temple remains, royal quarters, ceremonial sites, and more.
After exploring the complex, you will have the option to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, provided you have secured the permits in advance. Please note that, just like Inca Trail permits, permits for these hikes sell out months ahead.
Once you have soaked in the views and absorbed the Inca history, we will exit the citadel and take a 25-minute bus ride down the hill to Aguas Calientes. Here, you will have free time to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (not included) or visit the hot springs for a refreshing dip.
Later in the evening, around 4:00 p.m., we will board the train back to Ollantaytambo. Our representative will meet you upon arrival and transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco, reaching the city around 9:30 p.m.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Maximum Altitude: 3,650 m.a.s.l. / 11975.0 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 2,400 m.a.s.l. / 7874.0 ft
- Distance Travelled: 7 km / 4.3 mi
- Approximate Walking Time: 6 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
Inclusions
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Includes:
- Pick up from the airport to the hotel
- Professional English Guide
- Briefing a day before the tour
- Porters to carry cooking and camping equipment
- Transportation by bus to Km 82
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (Circuit 1 with panoramic view)
- Bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Special permit to Inca Trail
- Train ticket back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo at 14:30 pm or 14:55 pm
- Return bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
- A personal private porter to carry your belongings 7 kg
- Meals: 4 Breakfast, 4 lunch, and 3 dinner (Vegetarian and lactose-free meals available)
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- 1 camping tent for 2 people
- Infatable mattress
- Oxygen bottle
- First aid kit
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Does Not Include:
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (Best-selling ticket – Classic Circuit 2 full tour / panoramic view); Subject to availability for the fourth day at the time of booking (USD 40.00 – Additional Cost)
- Climb the Hayna Picchu Mountain (USD 65.00 – Additional Cost)
- Sleeping bag (USD 25.00 – Additional Cost)
- UP-GRADE Return train to Vistadome or 360° (USD 45.00 – Additional Cost)
- A pair of poles (USD 15.00 – Additional Cost)
- Day 04: Dinner
- Travel insurance; Highly recommended for your entire trip.
- Tips
Inca Trail Packing List:
- Original Passport
- 02 bottles of reusable water, can be made of ecological glass, stainless steel or flexible silicone to pour water from plastic bottles and thus not contribute to the ecological disaster since plastic bottles are not allowed at least for Inca trail.
- Student Card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Rain coat
- Warm jacket
- Hat and gloves
- T-shirts
- Comfortable Trousers
- Extra plastic to wrap up your sleeping mattress
- Waterproof protector for backpack
- Backpack of at least 30 or 40 liters
- Sun hat
- Sun cream (factor 35 to more)
- Insect repellent
- Toiletries (towel, soap, brush, toothpaste, toilet paper…)
- Personal medication
- Camera
- Head light
Pricing
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Group Tour Cost:
(It is required at least 02 people to open a new annex and permit for a travel date)
Adult USD 795.00
Student USD 775.00
If you like to apply for the student price you need to comply with the next requirements Peruvian regulation for students. If you are a student, you need to send us a copy or picture of both side of your STUDENT CARD also a picture or photo of your PASSPORT in order to verify, to get discount. The student card must be an original student ID gives from the university in PVC material, and it must have the next requirements printed on it: University information, personal student information, student picture, and expiration date valid only for one year, it year must coincide with the year that student visit Machupicchu, the discount until 25 years old. ISIC cards are not valid for the discount.
It is highly recommended to reserve the Inca Trail at least 3 months in advance, because tickets and permits could run out quickly (Excluding February).
