Peru

Classic Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu

4 days | 3 nights
Private tour
From 680USD per person
Sorry, there are no prices defined for this date. Please contact us by clicking on "Free quote"

Close

Tour Description

Is the Inca Trail, the most famous trek in South America, on your bucket list? More than just a trek, the Inca Trail is a voyage in time, a journey into the mysterious secrets of the Inca Empire.

Walking on the 'Qhapaq Ñan', the extensive Andean road system developed by the Incas is exploring a network of communication, trade, and defense routes dotted with impressive architectural structures over 18,650 miles (30,000 km).

These trails covering some of the world's most extreme geographical terrains were used for centuries by caravans, travelers, messengers, armies, and even whole populations as big as 40,000 people.

On the 26 miles (43 km) trek, you will get to experience a fascinating part of the 'Qhapaq Ñan' with changing landscapes from dry valleys, to green cloud-forest to impressive Inca sites.

The highlight of the trek is the humbling vision that hits you as you walk through the Gate of the Sun and watch the sunrise over the citadel of Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail is a life-changing experience, so start warming up for this incredible journey!

Destinations

Peru

Trip at a glance

Visits

4-DAY/3-NIGHT CLASSIC INCA TRAIL: Wayllabamba, Yuncachimpa, Llulluchapampa, Warmihuañusca Pass, Pacaymayu, Runkurakay Pass, Chaquicocha, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñayhuayna, Machu Picchu

View other "Hiking and Trekking" tours

Trip details

Itinerary

Day 1 Cusco - train to km 82 - Wayllabamba-Yuncachimpa - 6 to 7 hours hike - moderate

5.30 am private transfer from Cusco to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Enjoy a short break on the way  in Ollantaytambo for a hearty breakfast to start the day (not included). Drive to 'KM 82', the official beginning of the Inca Trail where hikers register for the 4-day trek. After a short briefing with your guide and porters cross the Urubamba river and set out on the legendary Inca Trail.

The first day of the trek is an easy hike and a good warm up for the following days. Stop by the river in Miskay for a nice cooked lunch while your guide will provide details about the archaeological site of Llactapata ('the town on the hill') at 9318 feet (2840 m). After lunch the path slowly goes up to 10,170 feet (3100 m) as you get to Wayllabamba. Further up in Yuncachimpa (10,826 ft - 3300 m) you will set up camp for the night. The site offers spectacular views of the mysterious Nevado de Verónica. 

Evening

Overnight at Yuncachimpa camp site. 

MEALS
  • Lunch included
  • Dinner included

Day 2 Yuncachimpa - Llulluchapampa - Warmihuañusca Pass - Pacaymayu - Runkurakay Pass - Chaquicocha - 8 To 9 Hours Trek - 9 Miles - Challenging

Early in the morning the hike goes through the Valley of Llulluchapampa (12,631 ft -3850 m). The path is made of steps for the first 2 miles amidst the humid woodland. From Llulluchapampa the hike climbs for 2 to 3 hours to the highest point of this section at 13,780 feet (4200 m), the Warmiwañusca pass (Dead Woman Pass). This is the most difficult part of the Inca Trail according to most. 

After a short break at the summit to enjoy the fantastic scenery, start hiking down the long and steep descent to the Pacaymayu river (the 'Sunrise river') on your way to the Runkurakay pass (13,000 ft - 3950 m) until you reach your camp site for the night at Chaquicocha (11,975 ft - 3600 m). Here you can relax from the tough day while enjoying the amazing view over the surrounding mountains. 

Evening

Overnight at Chaquicocha camp site. 

MEALS
  • Breakfast included
  • Lunch included
  • Dinner included

Day 3 Chaquicocha - Phuyupatamarca – Wiñayhuayna - 5 To 6 Hours Trek - 6 Miles - Average

The hike on the third day is the most scenic one. Leaving the dry valleys behind, the environment starts to change drastically as you step into the tropical forest of Wiñayhuayna. On reaching the second pass of your journey (12,960 ft -3950 m) you will hike past two beautiful lakes. The gentle climb that follows goes through beautiful cloud forest and a small Inca tunnel on your way to the third pass (12,140 ft - 3700 m) with scenic views over the Rio Urubamba Valley. 

The nearest settlement is named Phuyupatamarca (the 'town above the clouds'). Sitting at 11,811 feet (3600 m) this well-preserved site is a testimony of the impressive engineering techniques of the Inca. Agricultural terraces and an intricate series of ceremonial baths connected by water chanels that still function to this day. Step into another Inca tunnel before visiting the ruins of Wiñayhuayna ('Forever young') (8,694 ft - 2650 m). The Inca stairs change into a zigzag trail until you reach a white building with a red roof, your last camping site, which offers hot water and bottled drinks. 

Evening

Overnight at Wiñayhuayna. 

MEALS
  • Breakfast included
  • Lunch included
  • Dinner included

Day 4 Wiñayhuayna - Machu Picchu – Cusco - 2 hours - 4 miles trek - average

After your 4.30 am breakfast set off on the trail with flashlights, to the Inti Punku (the 'Gate of the Sun') to get the first glimpse of Machu Picchu and watch the sunrise over the ancient citadel. Depending on your ultimate triumphant descent to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu (7,874 ft - 24000 m), you should get there before 8 am.

A 2-hour guided tour will unlock all the site's secrets and reveal its spiritual charm to understand the meaning and ancient use of the different buildings. After the tour enjoy some free time to explore the site on your own (visit the Inca Bridge or climb up Huayna Picchu for amazing panoramic views). 

From Machu Picchu a bus will be waiting to take you down to Aguas Calientes. In this little relaxing town, you can soak away your aches and pains in one of the many hot springs. In the afternoon board the train at the Aguas Calientes train station to Ollantaytambo or Poroy station. Private car transfer to Cusco. 

MEALS
  • Breakfast included

Customer reviews

Services

What's included

Accommodation

Nights
3 camping nights with: professional two-person tents: Doite, model Kailas 3, extra light/4.5kg, Doite, model Himalaya, extra light/4.5kg and Eureka Tents; sleeping mats, dining tent equipped with a table and chairs, a sanitary tent

Meals

Full board plan
3 breakfasts + 3 lunches + 3 dinners including hot drinks, daily tea and snack time

Transportation

Train
Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy on day 4
Bus
Shuttle trip Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes on day 4
Car
Private transfer from Cusco to Km82 on day 1, from Ollantaytambo or Poroy train station to Cusco on day 4

Orientation

Guide
Private English speaking guide

Entrance Fees

Inca train and Machu Picchu citadel

What's not included

  • Domestic flights: 
    • From/to Cusco
  • International flights
  • Sleeping bag
  • Extra porter
  • Huayna Picchu entrance fees: 70 USD/Person
  • Travel insurance
  • Extra meals
  • Drinks
  • Tips

Prices


Important notes

The Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance and safety works. 

The Inca Trail is limited to 500 persons per day (including cooks, porters and guides). Those spaces get sold out very quickly, so it is advised to book your tour with at least 6 months anticipation.

We strongly recommend you to get a travel insurance policy that covers hiking up to 15,000 feet (4500m) above sea level.

Trekking packing list:

  • 50 liters backpack
  • 15/20 liters backpack
  • hiking shoes
  • hiking poles
  • full length hiking pants
  • hiking shorts
  • waterproof pants (x1)
  • long and short sleeves synthetic tops
  • medium-weight fleece jacket
  • sun hat or cap
  • woolly hat
  • water and windproof parka jacket
  • waterproof gloves
  • hiking socks (1 pair/day)
  • sunblock SPF 50+
  • binoculars
  • flashlight
  • multi-tool knife
  • toilet paper
  • medical kit with: insect repellent, painkillers, anti-inflammatories, diarrhea treatment, band aids, blister plasters, knee braces, personal medication
Send inquiry VIEW OTHER TOURS
Save
Cookies user preferences
We use cookies to ensure you to get the best experience on our website. If you decline the use of cookies, this website may not function as expected.
Accept all
Decline all
Marketing
Set of techniques which have for object the commercial strategy and in particular the market study.
Active Campaign
Accept
Decline
Google
Accept
Decline
Facebook
Accept
Decline
Analytics
Tools used to analyze the data to measure the effectiveness of a website and to understand how it works.
Google Analytics
Accept
Decline
Travel Updates
Active campaign
Accept
Decline
Functional
Tools used to give you more features when navigating on the website, this can include social sharing.
AddThis
Accept
Decline