INCA TRAIL · 4 DAYS
Description.
The classic trek to Machu Picchu along original Inca stone paths, cloud forest and mountain passes, arriving through the Sun Gate. Permits are limited and sell out months ahead, so book early.
At a glance
- Duration: 4 days / 3 nights, about 43 km of trail.
- Difficulty: Challenging. Steep stone stairs and long days.
- Highest point: Dead Woman's Pass, about 4,215 m.
- Best time: May to September. The trail closes every February for maintenance.
- Permits: Limited daily permits; book 4 to 6 months in advance.
Highlights
- Walking the original Inca road through mountains and cloud forest
- Inca sites few visitors see: Patallaqta, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna
- Arriving at Machu Picchu on foot through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)
- A team of local guides, porters and cooks taking care of you on the trail
Itinerary
Day 1 – Cusco to Wayllabamba: Very early pick-up and drive through the Sacred Valley to Km 82, the start of the trail. After the checkpoint, a gentle walk along the river past the Inca site of Patallaqta to the first camp.
Day 2 – Dead Woman's Pass: The hardest day. A long climb to the highest point of the trek, then a descent to the Pacaymayo valley camp.
Day 3 – The most beautiful day: Two more passes and the best Inca sites of the route: Runkurakay, Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca, before descending through cloud forest to camp near Wiñay Wayna.
Day 4 – Sun Gate and Machu Picchu: Early start to reach the Sun Gate and see Machu Picchu from above, followed by a guided tour of the citadel. Bus to Aguas Calientes and train back to Cusco.
Included
- Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entrance
- Hotel pick-up and transfer to Km 82
- Professional bilingual guide, porters and cook
- Tents and camping equipment
- Meals on the trail as per itinerary
- Bus down from Machu Picchu and train back to Cusco
Not included
- Sleeping bag and trekking poles (available for rent)
- Breakfast on day 1 and lunch on day 4
- Travel insurance and tips for the trail team
Good to know
- Permits are issued with your passport details and cannot be transferred to another person.
- Spend at least two days in Cusco before the trek to acclimatize.
- If permits are sold out, we can suggest the Salkantay or Short Inca Trail as alternatives.
Plan this trip with us
Tell us your dates and group size on WhatsApp and we'll check permit availability for you.