4-Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

5.0
(259 reviews)

4 days (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 5 more

Join the famous Inca Trail on this 4-day journey to Machu Picchu; ranked among the world's best hikes. You’ll cross the most impressive archaeological sites only accessible by foot such as Runkurakay and Wiñay Wayna, and combine them with the stunning Andean scenery and the lush high-jungle valleys. A challenge rewarded by superb views when you reach the Sun Gate or Inti Punku to marvel at Machu Picchu for the first time.

● Enjoy 4 days and 3 nights on the original Inca Path
● Small-group journey led by a high-rated Guide
● Watch mighty ancient sites and cross the famous Dead Woman Pass.
● Enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, only for the Inca Trail hikers
● Sleep in comfortable campsites, protected by imposing mountains and luscious green hills.

What's Included

Cook, dining tent, and chairs
Pre-departure briefing
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Small-group tour for up to 10 people
Porters to carry all camping equipment
Safety: First aid kit, oxygen supply, and emergency satellite phones
All transportation and transfers during the tour
Meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, water and snacks (we cover every dietary restriction)
Extras: Bag cover and rain poncho
All entrance fees (Inca Trail & Machu Picchu)
Tourist Class return train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo
Duffle bag for personal items (up to 7Kg carried by porters)
All Camping Accommodation and Equipment (3 nights in high-quality tents for 2 people)
Licensed bilingual Guide
Sleeping bag, walking sticks, inflatable mattress (available for rent)
Meals not indicated
Huayna Picchu Mountain Ticket
Travel Insurance
Gratuities for the staff (Optional)

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).

Itinerary

Duration: 4 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Cusco - Piscacucho (KM 82) - Llactapata - Ayapata

    1 stop
  • 1

    Begin with an early pick-up at your hotel in Cusco (4:00 to 4:30 am). You’ll join our Guide on a 2.5-hour drive to the famous trailhead of Km 82. We stop for breakfast at Ollantaytambo and continue to meet the trek crew at the control point. Today’s journey starts on a relatively easy 2-hour hike across the rolling hills to Wilkarakay to see the first Inca site: Llactapata, with stunning views of Veronica Mountain and the Vilcanota River valley. As for lunch, you’ll enjoy a meal on the spot and amidst the mountains at Tarayoc. The last leg is a 3.5-hour hike to the first campsite, Ayapata. Here, you can sip on a drink, grab some snacks, or simply take in the tranquil atmosphere! You’ll dine at around 7:00 pm before heading to bed and preparing for tomorrow’s trek.

    7 hours Admission ticket included
  • Day 2

    Ayapata - Dead Woman’s Pass - Pacaymayu – Runkurakay Pass – Sayaqmarka - Chaquiqocha

    3 stops
  • 2

    Today is the most challenging day, as you'll walk up to the trail's highest point, the Dead Woman's Pass (4,215 m / 13,829 ft.) The hike is about 4 hours, but rewarded with spectacular views all-around from the summit. We'll then descend to Pacaymayu on the other side of the valley for lunch.

    7 hours Admission ticket included
  • 3

    The next section is to conquer the second pass of Runkurakay, which features an archaelogical site and a place to admire the two waterfalls on the mountain slopes.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 4

    Before visiting the Sayaqmarka site, you'll take part in a small offering ceremony to thank Mother Earth for accomplishing this challenge. End the day's hike by watching the sunset on the final stretch until you arrive at Chaquicocha's campsite, where you'll have dinner or join the happy hour as you gaze out at the Andean night sky.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • Day 3

    Chaquiqocha - Phuyupatamarka - Intipata - Wiñay Wayna

    3 stops
  • 5

    Past the toughest day, today is filled with mind-blowing views and Inca sites. You'll hike through the lush upper jungle while looking at the Salkantay glacier and the Vilcabamba mountain range.

    5 hours Admission ticket included
  • 6

    You'll then ascend to the final summit, Phuyupatamarca,"the town above the clouds," and continue to the Intipata site to get panoramic sights of the Sacred Valley and the Urubamba River. A short stroll down will take you to the last campsite, our idyllic setting for an open-air lunch.

    Admission ticket free
  • 7
    Winay Wayna

    In the afternoon, you'll set out to explore Wiñay Wayna, the second most important site on the trail, and known for its impressive vertical terraces. Back at camp, spoil yourself with a toast with the trekking team to thank them for their efforts. You'll sleep early enough to wake before sunrise and step on Machu Picchu the next day.

    Admission ticket free
  • Day 4

    Wiñay Wayna - Sun Gate - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - Cusco

    1 stop
  • 8
    Machu Picchu

    Today is the final journey to Machu Picchu. You'll wake up at around 3:30 am to beat other hikers and reach the Inca Citadel. You'll walk for about 2 hours to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the famous gateway that connects Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail. Here, you'll stop to get your first astonishing views over the Site and embrace the iconic mountain backdrop. Later, we'll make our way down to the Site for a guided tour of the most important and key areas, including the sights from the observatories. If you're still up for a hike, climb the Huayna Picchu Mountain for epic views on top. You'll later continue with a self-exploration before heading down to Aguas Calientes. After a leisurely lunch in town, you'll take the train to Ollantaytambo and connect with a private transfer to your hotel in Cusco.

    4 hours Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • It's recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek so you can get used to the altitude
  • The Inca Trail is highly demanded, specially in high season (May to September). Book this trip at least five months in advance to secure a spot.
Supplied by Salkantay Trekking

Tags

Hiking Tours
Multi-day Tours
Bus Tours
Audio Guides
Archaeology Tours
Likely to Sell Out
Small Group
Adventure Tours
DSA non-compliant
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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Rating

5.0 Based on 259 259 reviews
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