Overview
THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
The 4-day, 3-night Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is South America’s most iconic trek. Embark on this unique adventure, where you’ll explore ancient Inca paths surrounded by stunning landscapes, fascinating history, and lush nature. It’s the perfect way to discover Machu Picchu extraordinarily and excitingly.
Our Inca Trail Peru Machu Picchu offers an unforgettable experience filled with magic and mystery, attracting tourists worldwide seeking an authentic and adventurous journey. Enjoy the beauty of archaeological sites and the natural surroundings as you prepare for the majesty of Machu Picchu, the final destination of this epic journey.
DAY 1: CUSCO -KM 82 – WAYLLABAMBA
Your adventure begins with an early transfer from your hotel to km 82, the starting point of the Classic Inca Trail. After exploring the Inca site of Patallaqta and trekking through majestic mountains, you’ll reach the Wayllabamba campsite, where you’ll enjoy a starry dinner and a well-deserved rest amidst nature.
Overnight in our Camp of Wayllabamba.
DAY 2: WAYLLABAMBA – WARMIWAÑUSKA – PACAYMAYO
Early in the morning, after breakfast at the campsite and words of encouragement, you’ll tackle the challenging Warmiwañuska Pass at 4,200 meters, with breathtaking views. After descending and spotting vizcachas, you’ll reach the Pacaymayo campsite to enjoy lunch and a restful afternoon.
Overnight in our Camp of Pacaymayo.
DAY 3: PACAYMAYO – PHUYUPATAMARKA – WIÑAYWAYNA
After a nutritious breakfast, we’ll hike to the second pass of the Inca Trail at 3,850 meters, enjoying the descent through the rainforest to the cloud forest. You’ll explore archaeological sites like Runkurakay and Sayacmarca, and after a rest and lunch, we’ll reach the Wiñay Huayna campsite for a special dinner.
Overnight in our of Wiñaywayna.
DAY 4: WIÑAYWAYNA – INTI PUNKU – MACHUPICCHU
After a light breakfast, you’ll start your early hike to catch the sunrise at Machu Picchu, passing through Wiñay Wayna and enjoying the local wildlife. You’ll arrive at Inti Punku and then enjoy a three-hour guided tour of the citadel. After some free time for lunch in Aguas Calientes, you’ll begin your return to Cusco.
End of our services.
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is available in private service and shared service, depending on availability.
itinerary
DAY 1: CUSCO – KM 82 – WAYLLABAMBA
Your adventure begins at sunrise with an early pickup from your hotel. We’ll head to km 82 (Pisqakucho), the starting point of the legendary Classic Inca Trail. After presenting your passport and entry ticket at the checkpoint, excitement builds as you embark on this historic and natural journey.
You’ll trek through the majestic Sacred Valley, surrounded by towering mountains. After about three hours, you’ll reach Patallaqta, a remarkable Inca site where our guide will immerse you in its fascinating history. With the impressive Veronica Mountain as your backdrop, you’ll continue to our first campsite, where a delicious lunch awaits.
The day continues to Wayllabamba, where the humid climate and natural surroundings will provide a unique sensory experience. Thanks to our porters, the campsite will be ready for a well-deserved rest, concluding with a dinner under the stars, surrounded by nature’s tranquility and our chefs’ warmth.
Overnight at our Wayllabamba campsite.
- Difficulty: 4 out of 5 / Moderate
- Distance: Approximately 12 km
- Walking Time: About 6 – 7 hours
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
- Minimum Elevation: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft
- Maximum Elevation: 3,300 m / 10,827 ft
DAY 2: WAYLLABAMBA – WARMIWAÑUSKA – PACAYMAYO
Early in the morning, after a delicious breakfast at our campsite and encouraging words from the team, you’ll begin one of the most exciting days of your life. Known as the most challenging yet breathtaking day of the trek, it will test your endurance and reward you with spectacular views.
You’ll traverse stunning high-altitude landscapes, following the original Inca stone paths to the summit. After five hours of trekking, with strategic breaks to take in the scenery, you’ll reach the iconic Warmiwañuska Pass at 4,200 meters (13,779 feet). The views from here are incredible, featuring majestic mountains, imposing glaciers, and clouds that seem to touch the ground. This is a moment to recharge and savor the achievement of reaching the highest point on the Inca Trail, with the vast journey before you.
The descent starts with an hour-long walk, where you may spot vizcachas, small Andean rodents that add a unique touch to the landscape. You’ll eventually arrive at the Pacaymayo campsite, where a delicious lunch prepared by our team awaits. Afterward, enjoy a relaxing afternoon in this beautiful setting, followed by a replenishing dinner to prepare you for the next stage of your adventure.
Overnight at our Pacaymayo campsite.
- Difficulty: 5 out of 5 / Difficult
- Distance: Approximately 16 km
- Walking Time: About 8 – 9 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Minimum Elevation: 3,300 m / 10,827 ft
- Maximum Elevation: 4,215 m / 13,829 ft
DAY 3: PACAYMAYO – PHUYUPATAMARKA – WIÑAYWAYNA
After a nutritious breakfast at our campsite, we’ll start the hike towards the second major pass of the Inca Trail, situated at 3,850 meters (12,631 feet). Although this is the longest segment of the day, the trail mostly descends, allowing you to enjoy the changing landscapes from lush cloud forest to the jungle’s edge surrounding Machu Picchu.
Along the way, you’ll have the chance to explore fascinating archaeological sites such as Runkurakay and Sayacmarca. At Sayacmarca, we’ll take a detour to thoroughly explore its sun-dedicated structures and water sources, with our guide sharing the magic and mystery of these ancient sites.
After a rest at Chaquicocha and lunch at Phuyupatamarca, we’ll head to our final campsite at Wiñay Huayna. Here, we’ll enjoy a special dinner prepared by our chef, marking an emotional farewell as we prepare for the much-anticipated arrival at Machu Picchu the following day.
Overnight at our Wiñay Huayna campsite.
- Difficulty: 4 out of 5 / Moderate
- Distance: Approximately 15 km
- Walking Time: About 7 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Minimum Elevation: 2,650 m / 8,694 ft
- Maximum Elevation: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
DAY 4: WIÑAYWAYNA – INTI PUNKU – MACHUPICCHU– CUSCO
After a light breakfast, you’ll start your early hike to catch the majestic sunrise at Machu Picchu. On the way, you’ll see the archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna and a stunning variety of butterflies and orchids. After about an hour of hiking, you’ll reach Inti Punku or the Sun Gate, where you’ll be rewarded with an unparalleled panoramic view of the Inca citadel.
Once in Machu Picchu, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of approximately three hours, exploring the most iconic and beautiful parts of the citadel, including its precincts, plazas, sacred fountains, and agricultural and urban temples. If you have reserved your entry to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (not included), you can climb for an additional hour and a half for even more spectacular views.
After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to take photos and explore at your own pace. Later, you’ll meet the group to take a bus to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch (not included) at one of its tourist restaurants. Finally, you’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo, and from there, a private bus will take you back to Cusco, arriving around 8 pm. After this unforgettable experience, you’ll rest with the rhythm of the Andes forever in your heart.
Overnight at your hotel in Cusco (not included).
- Difficulty: 3 out of 5 / Easy
- Distance: Approximately 5 km
- Walking Time: About 3 – 4 hours
- Meals: Breakfast
- Minimum Elevation: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
- Maximum Elevation: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft
TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT:
- You must consider that it will be necessary to line up to board the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and the bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes depending on the high or low season. Our guide can give you suggestions on how to do your time properly.
- Visit Machu Picchu is governed by a circuit programmed in only one direction with no option to return. From January 1, 2019, there is no re-entry to Machu Picchu, re-entry is only possible if your ticket includes Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, so it is recommended to go to the Inti Punku or Inca bridge, before starting your tour guided by Machu Picchu with prior coordination with your tour guide.
- Trains are subject to availability depending on the anticipated time of reservation or season.
ADDITIONAL:
- If your train schedule allows, we recommend visiting the Chavez Ballòn Museum, which is the Machu Picchu’ site museum, from 12:00 noon, admission is free, to enter you must only show your passport.
- Another place you can visit is the Butterfly House, where you can appreciate the growth stages of a butterfly from being a cocoon to an adult butterfly. The entry price is S /. 10.00.
END OF OUR SERVICES.
Include
IT INCLUDES:
- Transfer Cusco – train station of Ollantaytambo.
- Transfer Cusco – KM 82
- Professional Guide (English and Spanish)
- Assistant guide (groups larger than 8 passengers)
- Camping equipment, includes matras and four-person tents for 2 peop
- Entrance ticket for the Inca Trail
- Entrance ticket for Machu Picchu
- Kitchen equipment and expert cook.
- 03 breakfasts, 03 lunches, 03 afternoon snaks and 03 dinners. VEGETARIAN OPTION
- Water (except for the first day of trekking)
- Camping equipment: Inflatable mattresses or mattresses (Therm A Rest or Rei), spacious EUREKA tents (02 people per tent)
- Kitchen equipment and expert chefs
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- Porters for transport of kitchen and camping equipment
- Porter for 6 kg of your personal belongings (including sleeping bag)
- Bus Ticket: Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.
- EXPEDITION Train Ticket: Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- Transfer Ollantaytambo – Cusco
- First aid Kit.
- Oxygen.
- Agency Services.
IT DOESN’T INCLUDE:
- Walking sticks (20.00 USD).
- Sleeping bag (20.00 USD.
- Breakfast on Day 1, lunch and dinner Day 4.
- Phone calls.
- Any other service not mentioned.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips.
OPTIONAL
- Entrance ticket for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: an additional USD 65.00 per person (Needs to be booked several months in advance).
packing list
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE TOUR:
- passport or identity document (DNI) (the same with which the reservation was made).
- trekking shoes.
- waterproof jacket / rain poncho.
- warm jacket.
- T-shirts (quick dry)
- comfortable trekking pants, shorts.
- hat and gloves.
- extra cash (Soles).
- 70 L backpack, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent.
- your camera and extra batteries.
- It is only allowed to carry 7 kilos of luggage on the train.
- Book your tickets to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in advance.
- personal medications
- bottle of water and snacks.
- toiletries amd hand sanitizer
- flashlight with extra batteries
FAQS
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO DO THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
The best time is during the dry season, from May to October. The rainy season (November to April) can make trails slippery and challenging. Despite this, take note that in all the months of the year except February due to conservation works, the trail is open.
WHAT LEVEL OF FITNESS IS REQUIRED FOR HIKING INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
The trek involves challenging hikes at high altitudes. A good level of physical fitness and some prior trekking experience are recommended.
IS ALTITUDE SICKNESS A CONCERN IN THE 4 DAY INCA TRAIL HIKE TO MACHU PICCHU?
Yes, altitude sickness can occur. It’s important to acclimate in Cusco before starting the trek, stay hydrated, and listen to your body during the hike. Therefore I suggest you check our traditional tours to acclimatize.
ARE THERE FACILITIES FOR CHARGING ELECTRONICS DURING THE TREK?
Charging facilities are generally not available on the trek. Bring extra batteries or a portable power bank. However, you will have this service in some campsites.
WHAT KIND OF ACCOMMODATION CAN I EXPECT FROM CUSCO TO MACHU PICCHU INCA TRAIL?
Accommodations are tents in our campsites. All sleeping tents are included in the service
WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO CLEAN DRINKING WATER DURING INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS?
Safe drinking water is usually provided after each lunch or can be treated with purification tablets. Always follow guide instructions regarding water sources.
WHERE CAN I LEAVE MY LUGGAGE BEFORE WE START THE INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?
Many hotels and hostels offer free store service. If they do not, we can store your things in the office as long as you list the belongings you are leaving. we will store your belongings until you come back from the Inca Trail Machu Picchu.
ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL COSTS IN THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS?
Additional costs may include optional activities, tips for guides and staff, and personal expenses. Entrance fees for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain may also be extra.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE INCA TRAIL MACHU PICCHU?
Acclimate to high altitude in Cusco, train for physical endurance and ensure you have the appropriate gear and vaccinations. Follow any additional advice from your tour operator.
WHAT HAPPENS IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER OR TRAIL CLOSURES?
In adverse weather conditions or if trails are closed, the tour operator may adjust the itinerary or provide alternative arrangements. Flexibility and understanding are key.
HOW DO I GET FROM OLLANTAYTAMBO TO CUSCO AFTER THE TREK?
After taking the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, our representative will transport you back to Cusco.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I NEED MEDICAL ATTENTION DURING THE TREK?
Guides are trained in first aid and can provide initial care. For serious issues, evacuation procedures are in place, but it’s important to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
WHY BOOK WITH KANTU PERU TOURS?
- Kantu Peru Tours is a Cusco travel agency that operates all the packages directly. We don’t give commissions to travel agencies or other third parties that inflate the costs.
- The staff that works with us are professional and responsible. Before they start working with Katu Peru Tours, we have a training course about customer service.
- We have all the tourist permissions and certificates, granted by the Municipality of Cusco, and the Minister of Peru (DICETUR – MINCETUR), which guarantees us to operate in Cusco and the sacred valley of Machu Picchu.
- Our Customers are our best guarantee. You can see and read our customer’s reviews. Click HERE
- If you want to get more information you can contact 👉 HERE 👈
Tour Price
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