Classic Inca Trail 4 days / 3 nights

Start Point:
Cusco
Duration:
4 days
Activities:
Hiking - Historical
Elevation:
4215 m.
Difficulty:
Moderate to challenging
Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas along the most famous trail in South America until reaching Machu Picchu!

The Classic Inca Trail 4 days is the most famous trekking route to Machu Picchu. It follows ancient Inca trails, impressive Andean landscapes and unique archaeological sites. The experience culminates at Inti Punku (Sun Gate), from where the first view of Machu Picchu at sunrise is obtained.

PRICING

Classic Inca Trail 4 days / 3 nights
Private Service
Group Service
FromUDS780Per person
FromUDS1200Per person
Ask for this Tour

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Llactapata – First Camp

Our adventure begins early with the pickup from your hotel in Cusco, we will head towards Km 82, the official starting point of the Inca Trail. After registering at the entrance control, we will begin the hike following the Urubamba River valley, surrounded by Andean landscapes and small rural communities. During the route we will visit the archaeological site of Llactapata, from where beautiful views of the valley can be obtained. The trail is gradual and allows adaptation to the hiking rhythm while enjoying the natural surroundings. After lunch we will continue towards our first camp, where we will have dinner and rest.

  • Hiking distance: 8.7 miles/14 km (6-7 hours)
  • Camp altitude: 3300 m.a.s.l.
  • Camp: Ayapata or Wayllabamba
  • Considered: Moderate
  • Weather: Warm with presence of wind

Day 2: Warmiwañusca Pass – Second Camp

 This is the most challenging day of the Inca Trail. After an early breakfast we will begin the ascent towards Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass), the highest point of the route at 4,215 m a.s.l.. The trail crosses mountain landscapes and high Andean vegetation, on a route that progressively goes uphill. From the summit we will enjoy spectacular views of the Andes before starting the descent towards the Pacaymayu valley, where we will have lunch. In the afternoon we will continue walking along Inca trails surrounded by nature until reaching the second camp, where we can rest after one of the most intense days of the hike.

  • Hiking distance: 9.94 miles/16 km (7-8 hours)
  • Camp altitude: 3600 m.a.s.l.
  • Camp: Pacaymayu or Chaquicocha
  • Considered: Challenging (considered the most tiring day)
  • Area: Andes and Cloud Forest
  • Weather: Cold and rainy

Day 3: Inca Archaeological Sites – Third Camp

The third day is considered one of the most impressive of the Inca Trail, since it combines nature and archaeology. We will begin with an ascent towards the Runkurakay pass, visiting the archaeological site with the same name. Then we will continue towards Sayacmarca, an ancient Inca city strategically located on the mountain. The trail crosses beautiful sections of cloud forest with spectacular views of the valley. Further ahead we will visit Phuyupatamarca, known as “the city above the clouds”, from where we will begin the descent towards our final camp. During the hike orchids, birds and incredible landscapes can be observed. At the end of the day we will arrive at the camp to rest before the visit to Machu Picchu.

  • Hiking distance: 6.2 miles/10 km (5 hours)
  • Camp altitude: 2,600 m.a.s.l (cold weather)
  • Camp: Phuyupatamarca or Wiñay Wayna
  • Considered: Easy day
  • Area: High cloud forest
  • Weather: Warm and very humid

Day 4: Inti Punku – Machu Picchu – Cusco

The last day begins very early to walk towards Inti Punku (Sun Gate), the original access used by the Incas to enter Machu Picchu. From this point we will have our first panoramic view of the citadel at sunrise, one of the most exciting moments of the entire trekking. Then we will descend towards the main entrance to begin a guided visit through Machu Picchu, exploring temples, agricultural terraces and ceremonial plazas while learning about its history and meaning. After the guided tour you will have free time to explore the site or take photographs. Finally we will descend to the town of Aguas Calientes to board the train back to Ollantaytambo and continue to Cusco.

  • Considered: The most important day (Early start)
  • Area: Subtropical and high cloud forest
  • Weather: Hot and very humid

Inclusions

What is included?

  • Transport Cusco – Km 82
  • Official permit/entrance to enter the Inca Trail
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu (Circuit 3)
  • Professional bilingual guide (Spanish / English)
  • Porters for camping equipment
  • Camping equipment
  • Professional cook
  • 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners
  • First aid kit and oxygen
  • Bus Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
  • Tourist train Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
  • Transport Ollantaytambo – Cusco

What is not included?

  • Sleeping bag
  • Trekking poles
  • Air mattress
  • Breakfast on the first day
  • Lunch on the last day
  • Personal porter (optional)
  • Tips for the team
  • Travel insurance

Packing List

  • Trekking backpack
  • Durable trekking boots
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Light clothing and warm clothing
  • Hat or cap
  • Sunscreen
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Energy snacks
  • Camera or phone
  • Original passport
  • Cash money

Recomendations

  • Book the Inca Trail several months in advance, since permits are limited.
  • Acclimatize in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before starting the hike.
  • Bring layered clothing to adapt to weather changes.
  • Stay hydrated during the entire hike.
  • Follow the guide’s instructions and respect the natural environment.
  • Do not leave trash on the trail.

Faqs

The total distance of the Classic Inca Trail is approximately 42 km (26 miles).

Not necessarily. The campsite locations may vary depending on availability and park regulations, since there are several authorized camping areas at each stage of the route.

The Peruvian government limits access to 500 people per day, including guides, porters and tourists.

Yes, it is very important to book at least 4 to 5 months in advance. Permits usually sell out quickly, especially between April and September.

It is the only trek that arrives directly to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) following the ancient paths of the Inca Empire.

Itinerary

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Llactapata – First Camp

Our adventure begins early with the pickup from your hotel in Cusco, we will head towards Km 82, the official starting point of the Inca Trail. After registering at the entrance control, we will begin the hike following the Urubamba River valley, surrounded by Andean landscapes and small rural communities. During the route we will visit the archaeological site of Llactapata, from where beautiful views of the valley can be obtained. The trail is gradual and allows adaptation to the hiking rhythm while enjoying the natural surroundings. After lunch we will continue towards our first camp, where we will have dinner and rest.

  • Hiking distance: 8.7 miles/14 km (6-7 hours)
  • Camp altitude: 3300 m.a.s.l.
  • Camp: Ayapata or Wayllabamba
  • Considered: Moderate
  • Weather: Warm with presence of wind

Day 2: Warmiwañusca Pass – Second Camp

 This is the most challenging day of the Inca Trail. After an early breakfast we will begin the ascent towards Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass), the highest point of the route at 4,215 m a.s.l.. The trail crosses mountain landscapes and high Andean vegetation, on a route that progressively goes uphill. From the summit we will enjoy spectacular views of the Andes before starting the descent towards the Pacaymayu valley, where we will have lunch. In the afternoon we will continue walking along Inca trails surrounded by nature until reaching the second camp, where we can rest after one of the most intense days of the hike.

  • Hiking distance: 9.94 miles/16 km (7-8 hours)
  • Camp altitude: 3600 m.a.s.l.
  • Camp: Pacaymayu or Chaquicocha
  • Considered: Challenging (considered the most tiring day)
  • Area: Andes and Cloud Forest
  • Weather: Cold and rainy

Day 3: Inca Archaeological Sites – Third Camp

The third day is considered one of the most impressive of the Inca Trail, since it combines nature and archaeology. We will begin with an ascent towards the Runkurakay pass, visiting the archaeological site with the same name. Then we will continue towards Sayacmarca, an ancient Inca city strategically located on the mountain. The trail crosses beautiful sections of cloud forest with spectacular views of the valley. Further ahead we will visit Phuyupatamarca, known as “the city above the clouds”, from where we will begin the descent towards our final camp. During the hike orchids, birds and incredible landscapes can be observed. At the end of the day we will arrive at the camp to rest before the visit to Machu Picchu.

  • Hiking distance: 6.2 miles/10 km (5 hours)
  • Camp altitude: 2,600 m.a.s.l (cold weather)
  • Camp: Phuyupatamarca or Wiñay Wayna
  • Considered: Easy day
  • Area: High cloud forest
  • Weather: Warm and very humid

Day 4: Inti Punku – Machu Picchu – Cusco

The last day begins very early to walk towards Inti Punku (Sun Gate), the original access used by the Incas to enter Machu Picchu. From this point we will have our first panoramic view of the citadel at sunrise, one of the most exciting moments of the entire trekking. Then we will descend towards the main entrance to begin a guided visit through Machu Picchu, exploring temples, agricultural terraces and ceremonial plazas while learning about its history and meaning. After the guided tour you will have free time to explore the site or take photographs. Finally we will descend to the town of Aguas Calientes to board the train back to Ollantaytambo and continue to Cusco.

  • Considered: The most important day (Early start)
  • Area: Subtropical and high cloud forest
  • Weather: Hot and very humid

Inclusions

Inclusions

What is included?

  • Transport Cusco – Km 82
  • Official permit/entrance to enter the Inca Trail
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu (Circuit 3)
  • Professional bilingual guide (Spanish / English)
  • Porters for camping equipment
  • Camping equipment
  • Professional cook
  • 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners
  • First aid kit and oxygen
  • Bus Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
  • Tourist train Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
  • Transport Ollantaytambo – Cusco

What is not included?

  • Sleeping bag
  • Trekking poles
  • Air mattress
  • Breakfast on the first day
  • Lunch on the last day
  • Personal porter (optional)
  • Tips for the team
  • Travel insurance
Packing List

Packing List

  • Trekking backpack
  • Durable trekking boots
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Light clothing and warm clothing
  • Hat or cap
  • Sunscreen
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Energy snacks
  • Camera or phone
  • Original passport
  • Cash money
Recomendations

Recomendations

  • Book the Inca Trail several months in advance, since permits are limited.
  • Acclimatize in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before starting the hike.
  • Bring layered clothing to adapt to weather changes.
  • Stay hydrated during the entire hike.
  • Follow the guide’s instructions and respect the natural environment.
  • Do not leave trash on the trail.
Faqs

Faqs

The total distance of the Classic Inca Trail is approximately 42 km (26 miles).

Not necessarily. The campsite locations may vary depending on availability and park regulations, since there are several authorized camping areas at each stage of the route.

The Peruvian government limits access to 500 people per day, including guides, porters and tourists.

Yes, it is very important to book at least 4 to 5 months in advance. Permits usually sell out quickly, especially between April and September.

It is the only trek that arrives directly to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) following the ancient paths of the Inca Empire.

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Trips managed by local experts
Easy, fast, and risk-free bookings
Great value for money
The best certified local guides
Safety and trust
Commitment to sustainability
Respect for local culture
Contact us?
We guarantee you an incredible day!

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Step into a once-in-a-lifetime journey
Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas along the most famous trail in South America until reaching Machu Picchu!
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