(526)The entire network of the classic Inca Trail linking the citadel of Machu Picchu was built in strict harmony with the natural environment and landscape.
Crosses several ecological levels, from high Andean areas, inter-Andean valleys and subtropical, with lush flora and varied fauna, the traveler goes through many archaeological sites.
It is very dynamic, admirable and pleasant trail, because it combines history, archeology and nature. To access this circuit very much appreciated, you need to make a reservation many months in advance, and is subject to confirmation of the reservation.
Pick up from hotels, bus ride to Inca Trail start (Chillca – 82 KM), easy hike to Patallacta with scenic views, camp in Wayllabamba.
Ascend to Warmiwañusca pass (highest point), stunning Andean views, descend to Pacaymayo Valley, camp in Pacaymayo.
Trek to Runkuracay Pass, visit Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca ruins, descend to Winay Wayna campsite.
Early start, walk to Inti Punku for panoramic view of Machu Picchu, guided tour, free time, return to Cusco.
The classic Inca Trail will start at 6:00 am with the pick-up of passengers from their hotels. They will be transported by bus to the beginning of the Inca Trail, Chillca – 82 KM.
The bus ride offers a tour of approximately 3 and a half hours with spectacular views of the Sacred Valley and the snowy Veronica (5900 m) along the Urubamba River.
The first day of the Inca Trail is easy and serves as preparation for the upcoming journey. The hike begins with a slight ascent, and we continue for about two hours on relatively flat terrain, following the course of the Urubamba River, until we reach the place called Miskay, where we will arrive around 1:00 pm.
At Miskay, we will have our first lunch, which will be prepared by our cook and served by the staff.
After lunch, we will continue the trek to the first Inca Site, called Patallacta, which is an ancient Inca ruin featuring an impressive group of agricultural terraces. From Patallacta, we will continue for 2 hours along the left bank of the Urubamba River.
During this part of the trek, you will have views of snow-capped peaks such as Wakay Willka, currently known as Veronica, which stands at 5,900 meters above sea level (19,000 feet).
You will also be able to see the Urubamba Mountain Range, which divides the Andes and the Jungle. Finally, we will arrive at the small village of Wayllabamba (3,000 m.a.s.l./ 9,840 feet) around 5:00 pm, where we will set up our camp.
Upon arrival in Wayllabamba and after settling into the camp, we will have a tea time to relax and enjoy a hot beverage and some snacks. Dinner will be served by our staff around 7:30 pm. After dinner, you can enjoy a well-deserved night of rest in a comfortable sleeping tent.
After breakfast we start our walk, we ascend slowly toward the passage of Warmiwañusca (4200 m.s.n.m.) the highest of all trek point, through a beautiful forest of Queñua.
We will have attractive views of the Andean landscape, we will reach Llulluchapampa (3,750 m.s.n.m.) at the foot of typical open pampas.
After arriving at Warmiwañusca pass, Dead Woman Pass, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Andes, there we stop for a break enjoying the sights and have time to take unforgettable pictures of the place. Remember this is the highest point of the Inca Trail, where you will feel a great sense of achievement after having conquered this peak.
Have a warm coat and a woolen headpiece on hand when you arrive at this place, due to high altitude temperatures can drop very quickly.
From the Dead Woman Pass, the route descends towards the Pacaymayo valley, we continue along the slopes on the left side for two hours of pure descent, until the Pacaymayo (Pacaymayo Valley – hidden river) arriving around the 2:00 p.m., where our lunch place and Campsite is located, at 3,600 m.a.s.l. / 11,811 ft.
Once we arrive at Pacaymayo we have lunch. Afterwards there is time for a long and welldeserved rest. In the afternoon, around 5:00 pm. you will enjoy tea time with a hot beverage and some snacks.
At night we will have dinner and spend the night in our comfortable tents.
Most beautiful days of the Classic Inca trail.
This great day we will have a group breakfast and then begin ascending for about 2 hours to the second Pass of the trek called the Runkuracay Pass, located at 4,000 meters above sea level/13,100 feet. During the ascent we will stop to tour the small circular Inca Site known as Runkuracay. Following the route we will see two small lagoons and then reach the second high point of the classic inca Trail.
In this second Pass, we will rest and take the chance for the traditional pictures of the whole group. From there we will walk down for 1 hour to reach the magnificent Inca site known as Sayacmarca, located at 3,497 meters above sea level. / 11,472 feet, the name means Inaccessible Town and clearly describes the location of the place, perfectly surrounded by rocky precipices.
In Sayacmarca you will have a tour of the place, where our guide will explain everything about this incredible spot. From there we continue for about 30 minutes to the place called Chaquicocha (3,600 masl/11,800 feet), where we will have our delicious lunch and a good rest and also you can use the toilets.
After lunch, we will continue for 1 hour and 30 minutes through the changing cloud forest, full of rare orchids, hanging mosses, bromeliads and ferns. Continuing with our route, we will go through a tunnel carved into the mountain, then a gentle climb will take us to the third Pass, located at 3,700 meters above sea level. / 12,139 feet, offering us fascinating views of several snow-capped peaks and sights of the Urubamba River.
After this third Pass we continue along a splendid stone-paved path made by Inca masons, during the descent we will find the ruins of Phuyupatamarca (Village Above the Clouds). There our guide will elaborate about the magnificent Inca architecture.
From Phuyupatamarca it will be 2 more hours going down to another Inca site known as Intipata (Sun Terraces) located at 2,800 meters above sea level/9,200 feet, a very interesting place with many terraces for agricultural purposes.
Then, we continue descending towards our last campsite called Winay Wayna (Forever Young) located at 2,680 meters above sea level. /8,792 feet, this place is the last official campsite and the most popular, due to its proximity to Machu Picchu.
We will arrive there around 5:00 pm. and after settling in you can relax, have a beverage and snacks: hot drinks such as tea, milk chocolate, coffee with some biscuits and popcorn, all served by our staff.
At the campsite, our guide will brief you with valuable and important information about the next day – the most important journey of the trek because there is the tour to our “Wonder” – so that you will be completely ready and prepared for the unforgettable Machu Picchu experience.
We love having very special moments with our visitors, so enjoying our last dinner with the porters and cooks will be very interesting.
It is a tradition on the Inca Trail to organize a small ceremony during this last dinner and once again introduce the whole team of porters to the tourists and thank them for the work done (if you want to say a few words of thanks or give them some advice, then you can use this moment to do it).
Afterwards, it is convenient going to sleep at a reasonable hour, to wake up in the early hours of the morning and arrive at Machu Picchu ahead of time.
This day we got up early at 4:00 AM. We will have breakfast and start walking at 5:00 AM. We said goodbye to the porters because they return to Cusco with all the camping equipment.
We will make our walk in the middle of a dense vegetation typical rainforest heading to the Puerta del Sol or Inti Punku, where we will have a formidable panoramic view of the Inka Citadel. Machu Picchu we are coming at 7:00 am, Once we will have a guided tour of 2 hours to visit the most important places of Machu Picchu.
Then have free time to visit Machu Picchu on your own.
In the afternoon we will go to Aguas Calientes where we take the train to return to Ollantaytambo then by transportation to Cusco.
Trek Time: Approximately 2 hours to Machu Picchu + 2 hours with the group visiting Machu Picchu + 1 hour exploring on your own.
Distance to travel: 5 km / 3.20 miles to Machu Picchu, + In Machu Picchu the tour is variable, depending on the area you want to explore.
Availability: They allowed only 500 people per day to the classic Inca Trail. This figure includes tourists, guides, porters .
Space is for all people who want to do the Inca Trail. So to make the Inca Trail is essential to book months in advance. The availability of quotas for the Inca Trail is the same for all agencies. Therefore, if there are no spaces available, no agency can make room for the Inca Trail
End of services Classic Inca Trail to Machupicchu
At Machu Picchu Peru Travel, we offer personalized Classic Inca Trail 4 Days, designed to match your interests and preferences. With expert local guides and customized itineraries, explore the beauty of the Andes. Check out our pricing options for a memorable adventure.
$ 720.00 USD
(Enjoy this service with a group, people from different countries, minimun 8 people – maximun 16 people)
$ 995.00 USD
(Minimun 2 people to make reservation)
Our clients trust us, and their glowing reviews on TripAdvisor speak for themselves. Discover why so many travelers choose us for unforgettable experiences in Cusco.
The Classic Inca Trail 4 Days includes a guided trek along the historic Inca Trail, entrance fees to Machu Picchu, camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, etc.), meals during the trek, and transportation from Cusco to the trailhead and back.
The Classic Inca Trail is a 4-Day trek, covering approximately 43 kilometers (26 miles) from the start of the trail to Machu Picchu.
A moderate to high level of fitness is recommended for the 4-Day Inca Trail Trek due to the trail’s altitude, steep sections, and overall difficulty.
While beginners can attempt the hike, it’s advisable to have some trekking experience and good physical condition. The trek is challenging, similar to other multi-day hikes.
Essential items include comfortable trekking boots, layered clothing for varying weather conditions, a rain jacket, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a daypack, and personal items. For the 4-Day Inca Trail, packing light and efficiently is crucial.
Accommodations are in tents at designated campsites along the trail. There are no lodges or hotels on the Classic 4 Day Inca Trail, so be prepared for camping.
The highest point on the trek is Dead Woman’s Pass, which reaches an altitude of approximately 4,215 meters (13,828 feet) above sea level.
Generally, trekkers should be at least 12 years old. There is no upper age limit, but participants should be in good health and able to handle the physical demands of the trek.
Permits are required and must be booked in advance through authorized tour operators. The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu has a daily limit on the number of trekkers, so early booking is essential.
The trek operates in various weather conditions, including rain. It’s essential to pack waterproof gear. Heavy rain can affect trail conditions, but guides are trained to manage safety and ensure a safe trek.
The Inca Trail is a popular trek, and permits are limited to protect the trail and preserve the experience. Make sure to book your trek well in advance to secure your spot.

Cusco is situated at high altitude, and the Inca Trail reaches even higher points. It’s essential to spend a few days in Cusco or other high-altitude locations to acclimatize before starting the trek. This will help prevent altitude sickness and ensure a more enjoyable experience.
You will be carrying your backpack throughout the trek, so pack only the essentials. Pack comfortable and lightweight clothing, toiletries, a good pair of hiking shoes, a rain jacket, a hat, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle. Keep in mind that the porters will carry the camping equipment and food.

Proper hydration is crucial during the trek. Drink plenty of water and avoid excessive alcohol consumption. There are water refill stations along the trail, so bring a reusable water bottle to minimize plastic waste.
The Inca Trail is a challenging trek, especially due to the altitude. Take your time and enjoy the journey. Pace yourself, take breaks when needed, and listen to your body.
The weather on the Inca Trail can vary significantly throughout the day and at different altitudes. During the day, it can be warm and sunny, but temperatures drop significantly at night. It’s recommended to dress in layers to accommodate these changes. Additionally, be prepared for rain, as showers can occur even during the dry season. It’s essential to bring a waterproof jacket and consider packing a poncho or rain cover for your backpack.

To protect the environment and the trail, there are some restrictions and regulations to be aware of:
| Feature | Short Inca Trail 2 Days | Classic Inca Trail 4 Days |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Altitude | 2,730 m (8,957 ft) | 4,200 m (13,780 ft) |
| Average Altitude | 2,500 m (8,200 ft) | 3,300 m (10,827 ft) |
| Effort Level | Moderate | Challenging |
| Physical Preparation | Moderate fitness required | Good fitness required |
| Distance Covered | ~12 km (7.5 miles) | ~43 km (27 miles) |
| Estimated Hiking Time | 2 days | 4 days |
| Climate | Warm and humid, occasional rain | Varies: warm, cold, and wet |
| Difficulty | Moderate, with some steep sections | High, with several steep and challenging sections |
| Scenic Highlights | Sun Gate, Machu Picchu | Sun Gate, Machu Picchu, Inca ruins, diverse ecosystems |
| Permits Required | Yes, limited availability | Yes, limited availability |
Ready to experience Machu Picchu? Let our expert team take care of every detail, from entrance tickets and train arrangements to transportation and guidance, so you can focus on enjoying one of the world most breathtaking destinations. With years of experience, personalized assistance, and hundreds of happy travelers every year, we make your visit simple, safe, and unforgettable. Reserve your Machu Picchu tour today and secure your place at Peru’s most iconic wonder before availability runs out.
Machu Picchu Peru Travel it’s the people who make a difference. Our travel experts craft the perfect trip for every traveler through our award-winning customer service. Real people helping real people. Beside you every step of the way.
Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, is one of the most popular destinations for adventure treks in South America
Read moreThe Inca Trail is a world-renowned hiking trail that leads to the iconic Machu Picchu in Peru. The trail is a combinatio
Read moreMachu Picchu is a stunning 15th-century Inca ruin located high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It is considered one of t
Read more