Classic Inca Trail Trek

Duration: 4 days
Trails: T2 trails
Distance: 10 - 15 km per day
Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m ascent per day

> Enjoy Machu Picchu in full glory
> Enjoy the views from the Panoramic Vistadome Train

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a once in a lifetime experience and an opportunity not to be missed. It is one of the world’s oldest pilgrimages and is consistently ranked among the ten best hikes on the planet. Over four unforgettable days you will hike through different ecological zones which house an abundance of diverse flora and fauna. These include various orchids, bromeliads, hummingbirds, foxes and deer. Some lucky hikers may even catch a glimpse of the magnificent spectacled bear of South America during the trekking.

Along the trek you will have the opportunity to explore a number of breathtaking archaeological sites and farming terraces, which were left behind by the Inca Empire and remained undiscovered for over 400 years. Nothing quite compares the pinnacle of your journey; finishing the trek in Machu Picchu – one of the most majestic and spectacular places on earth.

Important Notice: The Inca Trail is the most popular trek of Peru and maybe even South America. Because of a limited amount of permits issued by the authorities, you have to book your spot at least well in advance. The months of April, May, June, July, August, September and October need reconfirmation.

Itinerary

Day
1

Cusco – km 82 – Llactapata – Ayapata

Duration: 05:50 h
Distance: 12.9 km
Ascent: 840 m
Descent: 190 m
Lowest Point: 2630 m
Highest Point: 3300 m
Your trekking team will pick you up from your hotel between 4:30-6:30am (depending on your location) and drive you to km. 82 – arriving at approximately 8.00am. After a delicious breakfast we will head straight to the checkpoint to begin your trekking to Machu Picchu. It’s a relatively easy walk to Patallacta; the first Inca site along the trail. From a unique, secluded location we will enjoy the breathtaking views of this ancient city. It’s another two-hour walk to Hatunchaca – located in the heart of the Inca trail – where lunch will be waiting. We will walk for another two hours to the first campsite located in Ayapata, arriving at approximately 5:00pm. Your tent, a snack and a hot drink will be waiting for you. You will then have some time to rest and enjoy the view of the mountains before dinner.

Ayapata Campsite

Info
Ayapata Campsite
Day
2

Ayapata – Warmiwañuska– Runcuraccay – Chaquicochca

Duration: 06:20 h
Distance: 9.2 km
Ascent: 1210 m
Descent: 980 m
Lowest Point: 3320 m
Highest Point: 4190 m
We will wake you up bright and early with a hot cup of coffee or cocoa tea. Today will be the most challenging part of the Machu Picchu trek and after breakfast it’s a tough trek uphill to Dead Woman’s Pass. At 4215m / 13829ft., this is the highest point along the Inca Trail. At the summit, we will take time to appreciate the serenity of this location while your guide completes a traditional offering ceremony to the Apus (local Gods). After a short downhill trek to Pacaymayu Valley we will enjoy a well-earned lunch. The second pass is an easier climb and we will take time to explore two Inca sites along the way; RuncuRaccay and Sayacmarca. It’s then a short walk to the second campsite at Chaquicocha (dry lake, 3600m / 11811 ft.), where you will be able to admire a beautiful sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range before dinner. With an unobstructed view of the constellations, this is the perfect place to stargaze!

Chaquicocha Campsite

Info
Chaquicocha Campsite
Day
3

Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna

Duration: 05:00 h
Distance: 9.7 km
Ascent: 330 m
Descent: 1200 m
Lowest Point: 2630 m
Highest Point: 3650 m
With the hard part of the Inca Trail well and truly over, you can relax and enjoy the easiest and arguably most interesting day of the trek. Today’s route is extremely varied and it is only a 5-hour walk to the final campsite. Along the way you will pass through a number of different ecosystems, experience the atmospheric cloud forest and observe the magnificent panoramic view of Salkantay Mountain (the second highest in Cusco). We will visit two Inca sites; Phuyupatamarka (City in the Clouds) with spectacular views of the Urubamba River and the Machu Picchu Mountain, and Intipata (Terraces of the Sun). At Intipata, there will be time to rest and take in your magical surroundings. We will reach the campsite at approximately 1:00pm to have lunch and you can then enjoy some free time to relax and unwind. Later in the afternoon we will visit another impressive Inca site – Wiñay Wayna – where your guide will explain the history of this remarkable location. We will then return to the campsite for tea and dinner and a special surprise!

Wiñay Wayna campsite

Info
Wiñay Wayna campsite
See entire itinerary

Included

  • Guides

    A well-trained English-speaking guide is included in the price. The guides all grew up in the Cusco region and are committed to sharing their history and culture with visitors. The guides are friendly and professional and will make sure you don't miss anything.

  • Camping during the trek

    During the trek, you will be staying on campsites. Your camp will be set up for you.

  • Satellite phones

    Guides are equipped with satellite phones and can organise anything on the fly.

  • Taxes and fees

    All tourist taxes and permit fees applicable are included in the listed price.

  • First aid

    Your guide has received training in first aid from a physician. Mandatory training sessions are conducted every year. Your tour guide will always have a first-aid kit for basic medical problems (traveler’s diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) and oxygen. You will be escorted off the trail as quickly and comfortably as possible, if needed, and taken to a clinic for treatment.

  • Food and water

    Food and water are included and will be provided as per the itinerary. Water is boiled, filtered, and then cooled before distributing. You must bring your water bottles and or camelback. We recommend carrying about 3L worth per day. You will be able to restock your water supplies at each meal.

  • Getting to and from

    Getting to and from the start/end point of this trekking is included, as per the itinerary.

  • Gear

    All (camping) equipment will be provided, built up, and taken down again. This is included in your trekking package. Please note that a sleeping bag and air mattress are not included but are available for rent.

  • Duffel

    You will receive your duffel bag that will stay with your porters while you hike. This bag should not exceed 7kg/14 lbs and does need to include your sleeping bag and air mattress.

  • Porters

    A personal porter will carry most of your belongings using a duffel bag. There is no additional fee for this. You will have access to your duffel bag in the mornings and evenings.

  • Trekking Briefing

    The night before your trek, you will come to the local office for a briefing. The entire itinerary will be explained and the final logistics for the Inca Trail Trek will be taken care of.

  • Permits

    Permits for both your Inca Trail Trek trek and for the entry to Machu Picchu are included and will be taken care of.

Excluded

  • Accommodation in Cusco including breakfast

    Before and after the trek you have to take care of your own accommodation.

  • Rentals

    Every trekker needs a sleeping bag when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and walking sticks (with rubber tips) are optional but encouraged. If you don’t want to bring any of the above, they are all available for rent: Sleeping Bag: USD 20, Inflatable Air Mattress: USD 15, Trekking Poles (Pair): USD 15.

  • Huayna Picchu

    Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45-minute hike to the top. Going back down is quite steep if you are scared of heights. You would do this after your tour of Machu Picchu. The cost is USD 75. Arrangements need to be made at least one month in advance due to popularity. Please understand that the weather is out of our control.

  • Travel Insurance Including Repatriation

    Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. It is important that your travel insurance also covers adventures at a high altitude. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before you travel to Peru.

  • Tipping

    Tips for guides, cook and porters are not included. You decide what you want to tip, but be generous.

FAQ

  • Availability Machu Picchu and Inca Trail

  • Inca Trail Hike Difficulty

  • Best Time for Inca Trail in Peru - Inca Trail Weather

How to Book

  • Booking

  • Availability

  • Cancellation policy

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Sierd van der Bij
Sierd van der Bij
This trek is operated by
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