Trip Info
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4,224 m (13.860ft)
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Moderate
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Trekking
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English-Spanish
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During the trip
Overview
The Classic Inca Trail 4 Days / 3 Nights is one of the most iconic treks in the world, offering a once-in-a-lifetime journey through breathtaking Andean landscapes, lush cloud forests, and fascinating ancient ruins — all leading to the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu.
Over 4 unforgettable days, you’ll follow the original stone path laid by the Incas, passing through remarkable archaeological sites like Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and the stunning Wiñay Wayna. On the final day, you’ll arrive at Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) just in time to watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu — a reward that’s both spiritual and spectacular.
This trek is more than just a hike; it’s a deep cultural immersion and a physical challenge that thousands of adventurers around the world dream of completing. With professional guides, carefully selected campsites, and personalized service, the Classic Inca Trail is the ultimate way to experience Peru’s most treasured wonder.
Itinerary
This day we will pick you up around 5:00 am from your hotel, heading to piscacucho km 82, the the traihheadl, but first we will stop briefly in Ollantaytambo, where you can purchase last minute equipment and personal needs. Also here you can order your breakfast at a local restaurant (optional), then we will move to Piskacucho (Km 82), where our Inca Trail begins. This day we will walk for approx. 6 to 7 hours, the first 2 hours we will walk to the largest archaeological site of the Patallacta Inca Trail, which is an incredible Inca archaeological remains, your guide will explain to you about this place, then we will continue for 2 more hours to our lunch place. After lunch and a short rest we will continue our trip for another 2h 30 min. or 3 hours to reach the first campsite, Wayllabamba (3000 meters above sea level) campsites are designated by the Ministry of Culture according to availability at the time of booking your Inca Trail
CONSIDERATIONS:
- Meals: Lunch, snacks, tea time and dinner.
- Accommodation: Camping facilities.
- Distance: 11kms
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
- Walking time: 6 – 7 hours Approx.
This day you will get up early to have a cup of coca tea as a greeting to the apus (Mountains) we will start our day with our breakfast, then we will continue our walk to take advantage of the shadow of the mountains, it is much better to walk under the shade, then we will continue to the highest point of the Inca Trail.
For most hikers, this is the hardest and longest day of the entire Inca Trail. Here, we can literally see laid out in front of us the different ecological zones and microclimates that make up the area.
We will continue until we reach the Warmiwañusca pass or Dead Woman pass located at 4,200 meters / 13,780 feet above sea level, after a short rest, we must continue towards the Pacaymayo Valley, where you will appreciate the Peruvian Andes in their maximum splendor. , where you will see streams and small waterfalls, it is also in this area, the Pacaymayo River Valley (3,600 m / 11,811 feet), where we will have dinner and camp for the night.
CONSIDERATIONS:
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, snacks, tea time and dinner.
- Accommodation: Camping facilities.
- Distance: 16kms
- Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging
- Walking time: 9–10 hours Approx.
Our third day begins with a very early nutritious breakfast, for most hikers this day is considered the most beautiful of the Inca Trail. After a nutritious breakfast, we will begin our ascent up a steep trail. Crossing a second pass, we will find the notable archaeological remains of Runkuracay (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), distinguished by its unique semicircular shape. You will then walk for approx. 2 hours along the road that we will call “Inca Flat”, from here we will have a beautiful view of the snow-capped Salkantay and the beautiful Vilcabamba mountain range and after finishing the Inca Flat we arrive at the third and last highest point which is Phuyupatamarca. (Village in the Clouds) located at 3,650 meters above sea level or 11,975 feet. After that we will continue towards the cloud forest, where we can observe small streams, small waterfalls, trees such as palm trees, orchids, bromeliads, birds such as parrots and parakeets, flora and fauna typical of a tropical climate.
CONSIDERATIONS:
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, snacks, tea time and dinner.
- Accommodation: Camping facilities.
- Distance: 10kms
- Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging
- Walking time: 5–6 hours Approx.
This is our last day of trekking and it is the day we arrive at the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu, after an early breakfast, we say goodbye to our porters and our cook and then begin the final walk towards the lost city of the Incas. Macchu Picchu. First we will arrive at the Inti Punku (“Sunagte”), where we will enjoy an inspiring panoramic view of the citadel of Machu Picchu and then we will go to register and then enjoy a 2 to 3 hours guided tour in Machu Picchu, where your guide will explain the main places of this wonder of the world. After having had a great experience visiting Machu Picchu, we will take the bus down or walk to Aguas Calientes where you can enjoy your lunch (optional) and free time to enjoy the town of Aguas Calientes before taking the train and returning . to Cusco. It will take 2 hours by train to Ollantaytambo, where our transportation will be waiting to take you back to Cusco and finally we will drop you off at your hotel or nearby. We will provide you with the tourist class train, the train departure time can be between 2:30 p.m. to 6:20 p.m., depending on the availability of spaces.
CONSIDERATIONS:
- Meals: Breakfast.
- Distance: 05kms
- Difficulty: Easy
- Walking time: 2–3 hours Approx
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Bilingual and certified tour guide.
- A briefing about the hike with your guide the day before. Porters to carry all camping equipment and kitchen utensils.
- Permit along with the entrance to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, as well as a porter's permit.
- Pick up from your accommodation in Cusco, Urubamba or Ollantaytambo. Private transportation to go to the trailhead.
- A Survivor t-shirt, for each member of the group. Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- A duffel bag where you have the right to put 7 kg of your personal things inside (including your sleeping bag). This will be carried by the porters. Private Transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
- Four season tents (Himalayan Azteq Brand) 2 trekkers in each one, you will have enough space to store your things inside.
- Camping equipment (kitchen tent, portable chairs and table) Bus down from Machupicchu to Aguas Calientes on the 4th day inflatable mats
- 3 meals per day during the trek (food served buffet style) professional chef
- Snack for each day of trekking. Boiled water to drink during the tour.
- Availability of meals according to your preference (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, pesquetarian, etc.)
- First aid kit, with oxygen cylinder.
Cost Excludes
- First breakfast and last lunch and dinner.
- Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain or MachuPicchu Mountain (65 USD PER PERSON)
- Tips for the team (It is not mandatory but if you wish to do so you are welcome)
- Sleeping bag, 20 USD for a professional goose down sleeping bag, which can withstand up to -15 degrees Celsius
- Hiking poles, $20 for a professional pair of Balck Diamond brand or similar.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Classic Inca Trail covers approximately 43 kilometers (26 miles) over 4 days. The trek includes diverse terrains — from high Andean passes to lush cloud forest — and offers access to several Inca archaeological sites along the way, culminating in an unforgettable entrance to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
This trek is challenging but achievable for anyone in decent physical condition. It includes long daily hikes (up to 10 hours), steep ascents and descents, and altitudes of over 4,200 meters (13,800 ft) at the highest point (Dead Woman’s Pass). Proper acclimatization in Cusco before starting the trek is highly recommended.
You’ll spend 3 nights camping in designated sites along the Inca Trail. Campsites are selected and reserved in advance by our team, and our support staff handles tents, sleeping mats, and all logistics. It’s a full outdoor experience with comfort and safety in mind.
Our trekking chef prepares nutritious and delicious meals each day, including vegetarian or vegan options upon request. Meals include breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and hot drinks. All food is carried and prepared on-site by our team — you’ll be amazed by what can be cooked on the trail!
You’ll carry your daypack with essentials (water, snacks, camera, jacket, etc.), while our porters carry your duffel bag (provided by us) with up to 7 kg (15 lbs) of personal gear, including your sleeping bag and pad. This service allows you to hike comfortably and enjoy the trail.
We strongly recommend booking at least 3 to 6 months in advance, especially if you’re traveling in the dry season (May to September). Permits are limited and regulated by the Peruvian government and sell out quickly. Once they’re gone, they’re gone — no exceptions.
Yes. The Inca Trail permits are capped at 500 people per day, including tourists, guides, porters, and cooks. This means only around 200 trekkers are allowed to start the trail each day. This limitation helps preserve the trail and ensures a better experience for visitors.
If you experience altitude sickness or physical issues, our guides will assess your condition and arrange for alternative transportation or evacuation, depending on the situation. Your safety is our top priority, and contingency plans are always in place.
The Inca Trail is open from March to January and is closed in February every year for maintenance and conservation. The best months to hike are from April to October, during the dry season, when trail conditions are more favorable.
Yes, your Inca Trail permit includes entry to Machu Picchu on the fourth day. After entering via the Sun Gate, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel, exploring its most iconic structures and hidden corners with expert commentary.
- Original passport, or identity document with which you booked this trek.
- Small backpack.
- Rain poncho or rain jacket.
- Warm clothes (For the first and second day) Trekking pants or trekking clothing
- Trekking shoes, waterproof Water Bottle, Refillable Flashlight
- Toilet paper Sunscreen Sunglasses Cap or Hat
- Gloves (for the first and second day) Mosquito Repellent (30% DEET Recommended) Sleeping bag
- Trekking sticks
- Very well loaded camera
- Extra money, especially in soles to buy things along the way.
- POSITIVE MENTALITY
