CLASSIC INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS

The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most unforgettable hikes in the world, combining adventure, natural beauty, and rich history. Over four days, you’ll walk in the footsteps of the Incas along an ancient trail that winds through stunning mountain landscapes, cloud forests, and hidden archaeological sites that you can only reach on foot. With every step, you’ll be immersed in a unique journey that blends physical challenge with the magic of the Andes. The grand finale is your arrival at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate at sunrise—an experience that leaves most travelers speechless. This trek is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for those who want to truly connect with the spirit of the Inca civilization.

Important: The Inca Trail is closed every February for maintenance. It’s open from March 1 to January 31 each year.

Classic Inca Trail at a Glance

Day 1: Cusco - km 82 - Llactapata - Huayllabamba

Start your trip with hotel pick up at approximately 5 a.m., heading to km 82 from where you start a scenic hike along the Inca Trail. Pass by the archaeological site of Llactapata and continue through the valley until you reach your first campsite in Huayllabamba.

Day 2: Huayllabamba - Warmiwañusca Pass - Pacaymayo

Today, after breakfast, we started a hike uphill to Abra de Warmiwañusca, or "Paso de la Mujer Muerta", the highest point of the trail ( 4200 m.a.s.l / 13,779 ft). Then descend to the Pacaymayo valley where you will camp for the night surrounded by Andean peaks.

Day 3: Pacaymayo - Runkurakay - Sayacmarca - Puyapatamarca - Wiñay Wayna

On this day, explore notable Inca sites such as Runkurakay, Sayacmarca and Puyupatamarca. After a stretch of scenic trail, arrive at Wiñay Wayna, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved places on the route where we will spend the night.  

Day 4: Wiñay Wayna - Sun Gate (Inti Punku) - Machu Picchu - Cusco

After an early breakfast, take a short hike to the Sun Gate and witness the sunrise of the Machu Picchu Citadel. Enjoy a guided tour of the citadel before returning to Aguas Calientes and returning to Cusco by train, and finally transfer.

CLASSIC INCA TRAIL ITINERARY

Day 1: Cusco - Km 82 - Llactapata - Huayllabamba

Begin your adventure by being picked up from your hotel around 5:00 a.m., and then travel by private transport to kilometer 82 (Piscacucho), the starting point of the legendary Inca Trail. After a brief entrance check, you will begin a gentle and scenic hike along a trail that borders the Urubamba River, surrounded by agricultural fields and towering mountains.

During the hike, you will stop to explore the archaeological complex of Llactapata (2,840 meters above sea level), an ancient Inca agricultural center overlooking the valley, where your guide will give you an introduction to the history of the Inca empire and its network of roads.

After a rest, you will continue the tour following the beautiful Cusichaca River valley, passing through small villages and Andean terraced areas. As you advance, you will notice a progressive change in the vegetation, with more trees and shade, which heralds the entrance to the Andean forest.

After approximately 6 to 7 hours of total hiking (including breaks), you will arrive at the first campsite in the picturesque village of Huayllabamba (2,950 meters above sea level), where you can rest, have dinner and prepare for the next day's challenging ascent to the Warmiwañusca pass.

This first day is ideal to acclimatize, enjoy the scenery and connect with the ancient history of the trail.

Day 2: Huayllabamba - Warmiwañusca Pass - Pacaymayo

Get ready for the most challenging and at the same time one of the most rewarding days of the Inca Trail. After a nutritious breakfast at the Huayllabamba camp, we will begin an intense uphill hike through mountainous landscapes and cloud forests full of native vegetation.

As we gain altitude, the sounds of the river are left behind and the imposing Apus (mountain spirits) begin to accompany us along the way. The effort will be rewarded when we reach the Abra de Warmiwañusca, or "Paso de la Mujer Muerta", the highest point of the Inca Trail at (4200 m.a.s.l / 13,779 ft). From there, enjoy unparalleled panoramic views of the Andean mountains and take a moment to celebrate this great personal achievement.

After a well-deserved rest at the summit, we will slowly descend to the Pacaymayo Valley (3,600 m / 13,779 ft), surrounded by mountains and wilderness. Here you will be waiting for our second camp, where you can relax, have dinner under the stars and rest in the middle of a silent and magical environment, ideal for reconnecting with nature.

This day, although demanding, will be one of the most memorable of the entire route, for its landscapes, the physical challenge and the deep connection with the Andes.

• ALT CAMP: 3,600 masl.

Day 3: Pacaymayo - Runkurakay - Sayacmarca - Puyapatamarca - Wiñay Wayna

After a comforting breakfast, we begin a magical day where history and nature intertwine at every step. The hike begins with a moderate ascent to the archaeological site of Runkurakay, an ancient Inca guard post with a semicircular shape, from where spectacular views of the valley can be appreciated.

We continue ascending to the second pass of the trail (approx. 3,950 m a.s.l.), and then descend to Sayacmarca, an archaeological complex spectacularly located on a rocky hill, which seems to hang between the clouds. This site, whose name means "inaccessible village", offers a view of sophisticated Inca urbanism.

The trail then takes us through cloud forests, carved stone tunnels and dense, vibrant vegetation, until we reach the third and final pass Puyupatamarca (the "village above the clouds"), one of the highest and most mystical points of the day, with ceremonial terraces offering a sublime view of the mountains and, on clear days, the Machu Picchu Sanctuary in the distance.

From here, we begin a long and scenic descent down Inca stone steps to Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m.a.s.l.), considered by many to be the most beautiful site on the Inca Trail. Its name means “Eternally Young” and its set of terraces, temples and ceremonial fountains along with an impressive view of the valley make this place a true hidden treasure.

Here we will spend our last night, in a comfortable camp surrounded by history, just a few hours from the citadel of Machu Picchu. Ideal to rest and prepare for the final big day.

• ALT CAMP: 3,600 m.a.s.l.

Day 4: Wiñay Wayna - Sun Gate (Inti Punku) - Machu Picchu - Cusco

On this last and exciting day, we start the day very early, before dawn, after breakfast at the Wiñay Wayna camp, we make the final hike along an ancestral trail surrounded by tropical vegetation and mystery.

After about an hour and a half, we arrive at Inti Punku or “Sun Gate”, the original access to Machu Picchu in the time of the Inca Empire. From this privileged point, we contemplate for the first time the sacred citadel while the light of dawn slowly bathes it. A magical moment that marks the perfect culmination of the journey.

From there, we descend gently until we enter Machu Picchu (2,430 m a.s.l.), where we will have a complete guided tour of approximately 2 hours through the temples, plazas, agricultural terraces and ceremonial enclosures of this wonder of the modern world. Our guide will share the history, spirituality and architectural genius of this Andean jewel.

After the tour, you will have free time to explore on your own (if you have additional entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, this would be the ideal time to go up). Finally, we will descend by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch and rest before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo, and from there, continue by transportation to your hotel in Cusco.

An unforgettable end to a transforming adventure that will connect you forever with the history, nature and energy of the Andes.

INCLUDED

• Briefing the day before your tour in our office
• Pick up from your hotel - transportation to km 80
• 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners (vegetarian options available)
• Entrance ticket to the Inca Trail
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
• Professional bilingual guide
• Chef and assistants
• Large tent, dining room, and kitchen
• 3 nights of camping
• Porters (only carry camping logistics and support with sleeping bags and mats)
• Return train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo
• Transportation Ollantaytambo - Cusco

NOT INCLUDED

• Personal care items
• Tips for the guide and porters
• Breakfast on the first day, lunch and dinner on the last day
• Walking sticks
• Sleeping bag
• Entrance to Aguas Calientes baths
• Extra porters (only carry 20 kilos per person)
• Huayna Picchu ticket or Machu Picchu Mountain ticket - additional cost US$70 per person. Book in advance, minimum 3 months before.

WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?

Basic luggage:

• Small backpack (25-30 L): to carry your belongings during daily hikes.

Appropriate clothing:

• Quick-drying T-shirts (x2 or x3)
• Thermal T-shirt or first layer (for cold mornings)
• Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
• Fleece or warm jacket
• Trekking pants (x2)
• Thermal underwear (for the night)
• Sun hat and cold-weather hat
• Gloves (light)
• Comfortable clothes for sleeping
• Sandals to rest in the camp
• Bathing suit (if you want to go to hot springs in Aguas Calientes)

Footwear:

Waterproof trekking boots, previously used
Trekking socks (several pairs)

Personal hygiene:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Wet wipes
• Toilet paper
• Biodegradable soap
• Small towel
• Sun block and lip balm
• Insect repellent
• Antibacterial gel

Personal first aid kit:

• Personal medicines
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen
• Altitude sickness tablets (consult a doctor before the trip)
• Band-aids or bandages
• Oral rehydration salts

Other essentials:

• Headlamp with spare batteries
• Trekking poles (with rubber tips)
• Bottle or reusable water bottle (minimum 1L)
• Water purification tablets or a personal filter (optional)
• A camera or a cell phone with good memory and a battery
• Portable charger (power bank)
• Original passport (mandatory requirement)
• Cash (soles) for minor expenses and tips
   

CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TRAVEL INFORMATION

Entry requirements

• Permit required: You can only enter with an official permit issued in the passenger's name. Must be booked months in advance!
• Valid passport: The same passport with which the reservation was made must be presented.

Physical difficulty

• Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging. Good physical condition and previous preparation is required.
  Maximum altitude: 4,200 meters above sea level (Warmiwañusca Pass, day 2).
• We recommend at least 2 days of acclimatization in Cusco before starting.

Climate and season

• Dry season: April to October (ideal for trekking).
• Rainy season: November to March (the trail closes in February).
• Temperatures vary: sunny days, cold nights.

Type of accommodation

• Tented camps are organized by the trekking team.
• Tents, sleeping bags, and hot meals are provided.
• Porters only help you with sleeping bags and mats. 

Transportation included

• Transportation from Cusco to km 82 (start of the trek).
• Return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• Tourist transport to Cusco.

Services during the trek

• Professional bilingual guide.
• Cook and porters.
• Boiled water (from the second day), snacks, and all meals included.
• Option to rent a sleeping bag for 25 USD and walking sticks for 25 USD.

Baggage allowance

• 1 daypack (carried by the passenger).

Connectivity

• No cell phone or internet signal for most of the trip.
• Wi-Fi is available only in Aguas Calientes (last day)

Cash

• Carry soles in cash for minor expenses and tips. There are no ATMs or stores with cards along the way.
  10. Cancellation and change policy
• Once the permit is issued, it is non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Rescheduling subject to availability and Ministry of Culture regulations.