Classic Inca Trail, 4 days
Overview
The best known trek in South America, and for good reason: four days on the stone path the Incas built to reach Machu Picchu, crossing three mountain passes and a dozen archaeological sites.
The second day is the hardest: you climb to Dead Woman's Pass, at 4,215 m, the highest point of the route. The third is the most beautiful, with Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca (the town in the clouds) and the descent to Wiñay Wayna.
On the last day you get up before dawn to reach the Sun Gate and watch Machu Picchu appear in the first light.
You walk with a professional guide, porters who carry the camp and the kitchen, mountain cooks and all meals included.
Important: the Inca Trail permit is issued by the government and sells out months in advance. Write to us with your planned dates and we will check availability.
What is included
- Briefing the night before the trek.
- Pickup at your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, at around 5:00 a.m.
- Private transport from Cusco to Km 82 (Piscacucho), the trailhead.
- Inca Trail permit.
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
- Professional bilingual guides.
- Porters for the camping and kitchen equipment.
- Mountain cooks and kitchen assistants.
- All meals on the trek: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners and snacks.
- Boiled drinking water from day two.
- Coca tea served at your tent each morning.
- Spacious two-person tents.
Not included
- Sleeping bag (available for rent: USD 25, rated to -15 °C).
- Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
- Optional personal porter (7 or 14 kg).
- Lunch on day four in Aguas Calientes.
- Hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
- Tips for guides, cooks and porters.
Day by day itinerary
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01 3,000 m
Day 1 · Km 82 – Huayllabamba
Pickup at 5:00 a.m. and a drive through the Sacred Valley to Km 82. After the checkpoint we start walking along the Urubamba River, with views of the Verónica glacier, and visit the site of Patallacta. About 12 km, 6 to 7 hours, to the Huayllabamba camp.
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02 4,215 m
Day 2 · Dead Woman's Pass
The hardest day. We climb through forest and high grassland to Llulluchapampa and on to the highest point of the Inca Trail, Dead Woman's Pass, at 4,215 m. We descend into the Pacaymayo valley to camp. About 12 km, 7 to 8 hours.
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03 3,680 m
Day 3 · Runkurakay, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna
We cross the second pass and visit Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca (the town in the clouds) and Intipata. We descend stone-paved paths to Wiñay Wayna, the best preserved complex on the route. Final dinner with the team.
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04 2,430 m
Day 4 · Sun Gate and Machu Picchu
We set off before dawn to reach Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, and see Machu Picchu in the first light. We walk down to the citadel for the guided tour and then return to Cusco.
Elevation profile
How the route climbs and descends. Each point marks a place along the way and its altitude.
What to bring
- Original passport (required for the permit and entrance)
- Broken-in trekking boots or shoes with good grip
- Warm layered clothing and a waterproof jacket
- Sleeping bag (your own or rented)
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Headlamp with batteries
- Reusable water bottle
- Toiletries and a small towel
- Trekking poles (with rubber tips)
- Some cash for tips and personal expenses
Prices by group size
This is a private trip: the more people travel, the less it costs per person.