Tour Details
The Inca Trail Machu Picchu 04 Days is one of the most famous trekking routes in Peru, also the best-known and most popular hiking route in South America—perhaps in the world. Visited by thousands of tourists every year, the Inca Trail follows the original paved Inca roads and is one of the biggest highlights of your trip to Peru. The 4-day Inca Trail trek offers a variety of spectacular archaeological sites along the way.
What’s included?
- ✅ Transfer from your hotel to Km 82
- ✅ Entrance to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
- ✅ Professional guide in English and Spanish.
- ✅ Cook: Specialized
- ✅ Porters: for camping and food equipment.
- ✅ Tents for the guide, cook, and porters
- ✅ Meals: 3 breakfasts / 3 lunches / 3 dinners
- ✅ Train ticket Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- ✅ Bus Ollantaytambo – Cusco
- ✅ Tents, tables, chairs, dining tent, kitchen tent
- ✅ Oxygen tank
- ✅ First aid kit
What’s not included?
- ⛔ Breakfast on the first day
- ⛔ Lunch and dinner on the last day
- ⛔ Entrance to the hot springs of Aguas Calientes
- ⛔ Sleeping bag
- ⛔ Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain.
- ⛔ Tips.
Important Recommendations
It is recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before to acclimatize to the altitude. Bring comfortable walking clothes, sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle.- ➡️ Bring original passport “With expiration date no less than 7 months”
- ➡️ ISIC or student card if applicable (must be sent at the time of booking).
- ➡️ Hiking boots and sandals (very important).
- ➡️ Trekking poles (can be rented from the agency).
- ➡️ Headlamp (very important).
- ➡️ Camera and spare batteries.
- ➡️ Sunscreen / hat and sunglasses.
- ➡️ Personal medical kit.
- ➡️ Insect repellent.
- ➡️ Rain gear: a good rain jacket and rain pants and a plastic rain poncho.
- ➡️ Toilet paper.
- ➡️ Small towel.
- ➡️ Extra money for drinks and tips, souvenirs, etc. (soles or dollars).
- ➡️ Swimsuit for the hot springs (optional).
- ➡️ Water bottle (recommended 1 liter).
Meeting point: Pick-up from your hotel or coordinated meeting point in Cusco’s historic center.
Tour itinerary: Cusco – Km 82 – Huayllabamba – Warmiwañusca – Pacaymayu – Chaquicocha – Wiñayhuayna – Intipunku – Machu Picchu – Cusco.
Important: The Classic 4-day Inca Trail crosses Andean landscapes, high jungle, and Inca archaeological sites, culminating with the arrival to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Inca Trail Cusco – Km 82 – Huayllabamba
Departure at 6:00 a.m. from the hotel by bus to Piscacucho (Km 82, 2,700 m), start of the hike. Route along the left bank of the Urubamba River to Miskay (2,800 m) and ascent to observe the archaeological complex of Patallacta (2,750 m). Continue through the valley of the Kusichaca River to Huayllabamba (3,000 m), first campsite with views of Mount Veronica (5,832 m) and great diversity of flora and fauna. Estimated hiking time: 6 hours.Camp altitude: 3,000 m.a.s.l.
Day 2: Inca Trail Huayllabamba – Warmiwañusca – Pacaymayu
Breakfast and ascent considered the most demanding of the trek, with 9 km uphill to the Puna Sierra and the Warmiwañusca Pass (4,215 m). Observation of llamas, alpacas and high-Andean birds, as well as Andean bears in forested areas. Descent to the Pacaymayu valley (3,600 m) for the second campsite. Estimated hiking time: 6 hours.Maximum altitude: 4,215 m.a.s.l.
Camp altitude: 3,600 m.a.s.l.
Day 3: Inca Trail Pacaymayu – Chaquicocha – Wiñayhuayna
Visit the archaeological complex of Runcurakay (3,800 m) and ascent to the second pass (3,970 m). Descent to Yanacocha and continuation to Sayacmarca (3,624 m), a complex with narrow streets, fountains and irrigation channels. Ascent to the third pass at Phuyupatamarca (3,700 m), “The city above the clouds,” with impressive views and Inca fountains. Pass through an Inca tunnel and descend to Wiñayhuayna (2,700 m), with an agricultural center and temples. Estimated hiking time: 8 hours.Camp altitude: 2,700 m.a.s.l.
Day 4: Inca Trail Wiñayhuayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Departure at 4:00 a.m. towards Intipunku (2,720 m), Sun Gate, to watch sunrise over Machu Picchu. Descent of 40 minutes to the citadel. Guided tour of 2 hours through the main sectors: Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Three Windows, Huayna Picchu (optional), Temple of the Moon and the Inca Bridge. Descent to Aguas Calientes, optional visit to hot springs, and return by train to Ollantaytambo. Bus transfer to Cusco, approximate arrival between 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Estimated hiking time: 5 hours.Altitude Machu Picchu: 2,430 m.a.s.l.
Photo Gallery
Discover the beauty of the city of Cusco through these images that capture the essence of this unique experience.
Practical Information
Tour Data
- Duration: 4 days and 3 nights
- Hiking distance: Approximately 43 km in total
- Maximum altitude: 4,215 meters (Warmiwañusca Pass – Dead Woman’s Pass)
- Difficulty: High – includes steep ascents, high mountain passes and days of up to 8 hours; requires good physical condition and prior acclimatization
- Minimum age: From 14 years old
- Maximum group: 16 people
What to Bring
- Original ID or passport (mandatory for entry control)
- Layered clothing: thermal, fleece and windbreaker/rain jacket
- Hat or cap, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Water bottle or hydration system (minimum 2 L) + purification tablets/filter
- High-ankle trekking boots, comfortable and already broken-in
- Trekking poles with rubber tips (recommended)
- Energy snacks (nuts, energy bars, chocolate)
- Sleeping bag (around –10 °C) and sleeping pad
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Cash (soles) for purchases or extra expenses
- Small daypack for personal items and a bag to protect gear from rain
Health Recommendations
- Arrive in Cusco at least 2–3 days beforehand for good acclimatization
- Stay well hydrated during the hike
- Walk at a steady pace and rest when necessary
- Use sunscreen even on cloudy days
- Not recommended for people with severe heart or respiratory issues without medical authorization
- Avoid alcohol consumption before and during the trek
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation before 7 days: 50% of total cost
No show: No refund
Frequently Asked Questions
What fitness level do I need?
The Classic Inca Trail is of high difficulty. It includes long ascents, high mountain passes and days of up to 8 hours of hiking. Excellent physical condition, prior acclimatization of at least 2–3 days in Cusco, and experience in mountain hikes are recommended.
What is the best time to go?
It can be done all year round, but the dry season (May–September) offers the best weather and trail conditions. In February the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance. In the rainy season (December–March) the trail can be more slippery.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. The Inca Trail requires an official permit issued by the Peruvian government, with quotas limited to 500 people per day (including guides and porters). We recommend booking 4–6 months in advance, especially in high season (May to September).
What happens if it rains during the trek?
The tour is not canceled due to rain. It is important to bring a rain poncho or windbreaker/rain jacket and protect personal items in dry bags. Rain can increase the physical demand on ascents and descents.
Are the tickets included?
Yes, the package includes the official Inca Trail permit and entrance to Machu Picchu. Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain is optional, has an additional cost and must be reserved in advance, subject to availability.
Is the Cusco Tourist Ticket necessary?
No. For the Classic Inca Trail the Cusco Tourist Ticket is not required, since the included tickets are specific to the route and Machu Picchu.
Can I rent equipment or use trekking poles?
Yes. You can rent trekking poles, sleeping bags and other items in advance. It is mandatory that poles have rubber tips to protect the trail. Footwear must be trekking boots and already broken-in.
What about my luggage?
The tour includes porters to carry part of the equipment (as contracted). The rest of your belongings should be carried in a small backpack with what is necessary for the day. Main luggage can be left at your hotel in Cusco.
Are there water, bathrooms, and signal on the trail?
Water is provided at campsites, but it is recommended to carry purification tablets/filters. Bathrooms are basic and available only at specific points. Cell signal is very limited during the hike.