Inca Trail to Machu picchu 4 Days

Discover

Highlights

Hike the complete 4-day Classic Inca Trail.
Cross the high mountain pass of Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass).
Visit multiple Inca archaeological sites along the route.
Walk through diverse ecosystems, from dry forests to Andean cloud forests.
Arrive at Machu Picchu through the traditional Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
Receive a full guided tour of the Machu Picchu sanctuary.

Overview

Trip details

Starting Altitude – $2, 700 m / 8, 858 ft$ (KM 82).
Highest Altitude – $4, 215 m / 13, 828 ft$ (Dead Woman’s Pass, Day 2).
Total Walking Distance – Approx. $40 km / 25 miles$ .
Overall Difficulty – Difficult.
Sites to Visit: Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayakmarka, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Wayna, Inti Punku (Sun Gate), Machu Picchu.
Acclimatization: Acclimatization in Cusco for at least two days is strongly recommended.

At a glance

Trip overview

Day 1: Cusco – KM 82 – Huayllabamba
Day 2: Huayllabamba – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayo
Day 3: Pacaymayo – Runkurakay – Wiñay Wayna
Day 4: Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate (Inti Punku) – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Daily program

Itinerary

DAY 1

Cusco – Ollantaytambo – KM 82 – Llactapata – Huayllabamba

You will be picked up from your Cusco hotel early in the morning in private transport. You should have breakfast in your hotel or bring some snacks. We will stop in Ollantaytambo for last minute purchases, or a quick breakfast if you missed it in Cusco! We will continue to Pisacucho (also known as Kilometer 82) where the Classic Inca Trail starts. On arrival at Kilometer 82, it is necessary to show entrance tickets, original passports and student card (if applicable). Crossing the Urubamba River, we begin our trek through typical dry forest growing prickly pear and other cactus, and the tara tree. We will walk around 3 hours ( $6 kms$ ) to Llactapata the first archaeological site on our trail.

Total Walking Distance – $12 kms$
Minimum Altitude – $2, 700 m / 8, 858 ft$
Maximum Altitude – $3, 000 m / 9, 842 ft$
Altitude of camp – $3, 000 m / 9, 842 ft$
Approx. night temperature: $7^{\circ} C$

DAY 2

Huayllabamba – Llulluchapampa – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayo

After a good night’s rest, we will get started on what is generally considered the most challenging day of the Classic Inca Trail trek. We wake early in order to get a good start, then, leaving pastoral villages and farmland behind, we enter the subtropical forest, stopping for lunch around Llulluchapampa. From here we will start a steep ascent towards the highest pass: the Abra de Warmihuañusca, or ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’, coming in at an impressive $4215 m$ ( $13, 828 ft$ ). You’ll feel a great sense of achievement upon reaching the top! After a short rest, we continue downwards $600 m$ ( $1, 968 ft$ ) over $3 kms$ ( $1.8 mi$ ) through very humid forest to the evening campsite of Pacaymayo.

Total Walking Distance – $10 kms$ ( $6.8 mi$ )
Minimum Altitude – $3, 000 m / 9, 842 ft$
Maximum Altitude – $4, 215 m / 13, 828 ft$
Altitude of Camp – $3, 000 m / 9, 842 ft$
Approx. night temperature: $7^{\circ} C$

DAY 3

Pacaymayo – Sayakmarka – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna

After another early breakfast, we walk to the beautiful Inca site of Runkurakay, one of the check points and the beginning of the original Royal Inca trail to Machu Picchu, known as Qhapaq Ñan. We continue on to Sayakmarka, one of the most beautiful Inca remains on the Classic Inca trail. After lunch, we enter the cloud forest, trekking through some incredible scenery filled with orchids and hummingbirds. After another hour, we arrive at Phuyupatamarca (‘town in the clouds’), the third highest point on the trail ( $3680 m$ ) where we will have views of Salkantay mountain. After a moment, we continue downhill through the forest for about 3 hours until we reach Wiñay Wayna (‘forever young’), our campsite for the evening. Steps away from camp is the Inca site of the same name, the most impressive on the trail. Please note: Campsites are subject to allocation by authorities. If Wiñay Wayna is unavailable, the alternative is Phuyupatamarca.

Total Walking Distance – $12 km$ (to Wiñaywayna) or $16 km$ (from Phuyupatamarca)
Minimum Altitude – $2, 670 m / 8, 760 ft$
Maximum Altitude – $3, 680 m / 12, 073 ft$
Altitude of Camp – $2, 670 m / 8, 760 ft$

DAY 4

Wiñay Wayna – Inti Punku – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco

We will rise very early on this day in order to arrive at Inti Punku (the ‘Sun Gate’) ( $2730 m / 8, 956 ft$ ) before sunrise. This early morning hike is the final part of the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and from the Sun Gate you have your first view of Machu Picchu. After some time there, we will walk down the last part of the trail to the spot where you can take the classic photo. From Inti Punku we descend into Machu Picchu through the control point where we register ourselves and leave our backpacks. Your guide will give you a 2-3 hour walking tour of the citadel. You can consider hiking Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, but this requires a separate permit booked in advance. After your time at Machu Picchu, you will return to Aguas Calientes to meet your guide for lunch before heading back to Cusco on the train.

Total Walking Distance – $6 km$
Minimum Altitude – $2, 670 m / 8, 760 ft$
Maximum Altitude – $2, 730 m / 8, 956 ft$

What's included

Inclusions

Pre-trek briefing in Cusco.
Collection from your hotel and private transport to the trailhead (KM 82).
Inca Trail Permit and entrance fee to Machu Picchu.
Professional English/Spanish speaking guide.
Inflatable sleeping mattress.
Cook and cooking equipment.
Spacious tents: 2 people in a 4-person tent.
Meals as indicated in the itinerary (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options available).
Porters to carry camping equipment, food, and personal items (up to $7 kg$ per person in a duffel bag).
Dining tent with tables and chairs.
First aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle.
Bus ticket from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes.
Train ticket (Expedition service) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
Private transport from Ollantaytambo back to your hotel in Cusco.
Lunch in Aguas Calientes on the last day.

Breakfast on the first morning.
Dinner on the last night.
Sleeping bag (can be rented).
Walking poles (can be rented).
Entrance to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
Entrance tickets to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Tips for the guide, cook, and porters.

Choose your package

Prices

EXTRAS & UPGRADES

Sleeping Bag – $15–$30 USD per person per trek (Rated down to -10°C / 14°F — essential for the cold nights at altitude, especially at the Day 2 campsite near Dead Woman’s Pass. Cleaned and sanitized after every use. Please request at the time of booking)
Air Mattress / Sleeping Pad – $20–$25 USD per person per trek (Insulated Therm-a-rest style pad providing warmth and comfort on the trail. Some operators include foam pads as standard — confirm at booking)
Walking / Trekking Poles – $15–$20 USD per pair per trek (Professional adjustable poles. Highly recommended for the brutal knee-punishing descent from Dead Woman’s Pass on Day 2. Note: poles are NOT permitted inside Machu Picchu Citadel)
Personal Tent – Single Occupancy Upgrade – $50 USD per person per trek (Standard tents sleep 2 people. A single-occupancy tent gives you full privacy across all 3 nights on the trail. Please request at the time of booking)
Extra Porter for Personal Belongings – $80 USD (Up to 7 kg / 15 lbs — The standard service includes a personal porter for your duffel bag. Add a second dedicated porter if you need to carry more. A 15 kg / 33 lbs upgrade is also available for $150 USD)
Machu Picchu Circuit 2 Upgrade – $55 USD per person (The standard Inca Trail permit includes Circuit 1 and Circuit 3, which cover the Guardian’s House viewpoint and the lower sector. Circuit 2 gives access to the full citadel including the upper sector, Sun Temple, and Temple of the Three Windows. Strongly recommended for the most complete Machu Picchu experience)
Huayna Picchu Mountain – $75 USD per person (The iconic steep climb within the Citadel offering breathtaking aerial views of the ruins from above. Extremely limited tickets — please request at the time of booking, 5–6 months in advance. Note: Route 3A — Huayna Picchu — is closed for maintenance the entire month of June 2026)
Machu Picchu Mountain – $75 USD per person (A longer, less crowded alternative to Huayna Picchu offering panoramic views of the full Citadel and surrounding valley. Requires a separate visit on an additional day. Please request at booking)
Huchuy Picchu Mountain – $30 USD per person (The newest and shortest optional mountain hike within Machu Picchu. Accessible and achievable within the same visit as your guided Citadel tour)
Vistadome Train Upgrade – $67 USD per person (Upgrade your return train from the standard Expedition service to the scenic Vistadome, featuring panoramic glass-ceiling windows, wider seats, and an onboard entertainment show. Return journey only from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo)
Vistadome Observatory Train Upgrade – $75 USD per person (The most premium train experience, with an additional observatory-style carriage, live traditional Andean music, and extra panoramic windows. Subject to availability — must be requested at the time of booking)
Buffet Lunch Celebration at Sanctuary Lodge – Machu Picchu – $40 USD per person (A celebratory buffet lunch with fresh drinks at the only hotel located inside the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary, right at the entrance to the ruins. The perfect reward after completing the trail)
Passport Name / Number Change Fee – $25 USD per person (If you renew your passport or change your name between booking and departure, a processing fee applies to update your government-issued Inca Trail permit, Machu Picchu entrance ticket, and train tickets. Both old and new passports must be presented)

Pricing & Availability – Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days

The Classic Inca Trail 4 Days / 3 Nights is the most iconic and strictly regulated trek in South America. Permits are issued by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture and are limited to a maximum of 500 people per day on the trail (including guides and porters). Permits are released annually in October for the following year’s season. Book at least 5–6 months in advance — high season dates (May–September) sell out within days of release. The trail is closed during February each year for maintenance. A non-refundable deposit of $240 USD per person is required at booking to secure your government-issued permit, Machu Picchu ticket, and train ticket. Pickup from your Cusco hotel is at 4:30 AM on Day 1. A pre-departure briefing takes place at our office at 6:00 PM the evening before departure.

GROUP SERVICE

$787 USD per person
Personal porter included (carries up to 7 kg / 15 lbs in a provided duffel bag)
Discount of $20 USD per person for groups of 5 or more persons

PRIVATE SERVICE

$997 USD per person – 2 to 3 persons
$897 USD per person – 4 to 6 persons
$777 USD per person – 7 to 8 persons

DISCOUNTS

Students (18–25 years old): $30 USD discount. Information required from the student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, and expiration date. A copy of the card is required at the time of booking to obtain government approval for the discount.
Under 18 years old: $30 USD discount. Please send a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Under 11 years old: $40 USD discount. Please send a copy of your passport at the time of booking. Minimum age to hike the Inca Trail: 12 years old.

Important Notes: The Classic Inca Trail is the world’s most famous trekking route and the only way to arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) — an experience exclusive to Inca Trail hikers. The 4-day route covers 43 km / 26 miles, passing through high-altitude passes, cloud forest, and over a dozen Inca archaeological sites including Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and the stunning Wiñay Wayna. The highest point is Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca) at 4,215 m / 13,829 ft. Permits are strictly personal and non-transferable — your exact name, passport number, nationality, and date of birth as printed on your passport are required at booking and must match exactly. A minimum of 2–3 days of acclimatization in Cusco before departure is strongly recommended. Tips for guides, cooks, and porters are optional but warmly appreciated — a guideline of $40–$100 USD per person for the entire support team over the 4 days is customary.

About the Inca Trail The Classic Inca Trail is a small part of a vast network of trails, known as Qhapaq Ñan, built by the Inca Empire. This specific 4-day route was a pilgrimage trail leading to the sacred city of Machu Picchu, designed to prepare visitors spiritually as they passed by other important sites.

Preparing for the Trek

Permits and Booking: This is the most critical step. Permits are required and must be bought through a licensed tour operator months in advance using your passport details. They are non-transferable.
Physical Preparation: The trek is challenging. A good level of fitness is required. Focus on cardiovascular exercises (running, hiking, cycling) and leg strength for several weeks before your trip.
Acclimatization: Arriving in Cusco (or another high-altitude location like the Sacred Valley) at least 2-3 days before the trek begins is essential. This allows your body to adjust to the altitude, which is the best way to prevent altitude sickness.
Recommended Age: There is no official age limit, but the trek is physically demanding. It is best for active individuals who are used to hiking. It is generally not recommended for young children or adults with significant health issues.

Life on the Trail

When to Visit: The dry season (April to October) offers the most stable and pleasant weather for trekking. The trail is closed for maintenance every year in February. The shoulder months (April, May, September, October) are often considered the best balance of good weather and fewer crowds.
Climate: The weather can vary greatly. Expect warm and sunny periods, but also be prepared for cold temperatures, especially at night, and the possibility of rain at any time. The trail crosses several microclimates.
The Trekking Team: Your team is composed of a licensed guide, a cook, and porters. The porters are local men from nearby communities who carry all the group equipment. Their work is physically demanding and essential to the trek’s operation.

How difficult is the Classic Inca Trail?

The trek is considered difficult, primarily due to the high altitudes and long hiking days. The second day is the most challenging, involving a steep climb to $4, 215 m$ . You should be in good physical condition and well-acclimatized to the altitude before starting.

How far in advance must I book the Inca Trail?

You must book the Inca Trail permit 4 to 6 months in advance, or even earlier for the high season (May-September). Permits are limited to 500 people per day (including porters and guides) and sell out very quickly.

What are the campsites and toilets like?

The campsites are designated by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture. They are basic clearings for setting up tents. Toilet facilities are available at each campsite; they are simple squat toilets and can be crowded.

Do I need to carry my own backpack and equipment?

You will carry a small daypack with your personal essentials like water, a rain jacket, sunscreen, and your camera. Porters will carry the tents, food, and a duffel bag with your personal items (up to $7 kg$ ).

What is the food like on the trek?

A dedicated cook prepares a variety of meals. You can expect high-energy breakfasts, multi-course lunches, and dinners featuring Peruvian and international dishes. Dietary requirements such as vegetarian or vegan can be accommodated with advance notice.

What happens in case of an emergency or altitude sickness#?

Guides are trained in first aid and carry an oxygen tank for emergencies. If a trekker is unable to continue due to severe altitude sickness or injury, the team will assist with an evacuation back to the nearest town.

Are trekking poles recommended?

Yes, trekking poles are highly recommended. They help with balance and reduce the impact on your knees, especially during the long downhill sections. They must have rubber tips to be allowed on the trail.

How cold does it get at night?

Nighttime temperatures can drop to around $0^{\circ} C$ to $7^{\circ} C$ ( $3 2^{\circ} F$ to $4 5^{\circ} F$ ), depending on the campsite’s altitude and the time of year. A warm, 4-season sleeping bag is essential.

What is the standard practice for tipping the trekking staff?

Tipping is voluntary but customary to show appreciation for the hard work of the guides, porters, and cooks. A general recommendation is often provided by the tour company during the pre-trek briefing.

Is there a place to store luggage in Cusco?

Yes, you can leave your main luggage that you do not need for the trek in secure storage at your hotel or hostel in Cusco.

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