Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days
TRIP SUMMARY
Classic Inca trail 4 days and 3 nights to Machu Picchu is the most famous trek in South America, come and live an incredible experience, full of adventure, magic and mystery. Tourists from all over the world are attracted to walking along these trails, thanks to the beauty of its landscapes, the beauty of its Inca sites, and the nature that surrounds it, this tour is perfect for those looking for a different way to visit Machu Picchu.
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.
Itinerary
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
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
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
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.
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
Included
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Permits and entrance fees:
- Entrance ticket to the Inca Trail.
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
Services
- Briefing.
- Professional and experienced guide on the trail.
- Luggage storage in Cusco for our passengers.
- Emergency equipment and oxygen tank.
- 24-hour customer service.
- Dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs, and cooking equipment provided by our team (the porters).
- Chef specialized in trail cooking and an assistant who will prepare all meals during the trail.
Accommodation
- Day 1: Camping in Huayllabamba
- Day 2: Camping in Pacaymayo
- Day 3: Camping in Wiñaywayna
Note: Camping availability is subject to availability determined by the Ministry of Culture.
Meals
- 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners.
- Boiled and filtered water is provided - it is recommended to bring your own water bottles (approximately 3L).
- Coca tea is served every morning.
- Tea time.
Transportation
- Tourist shuttle service "Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Km82, Chachabamba".
- Consettur bus from the Machu Picchu archaeological site to Aguas Calientes.
- "Expeditions" tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Tourist shuttle service "Ollantaytambo – Cusco".
Not Included
IT DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Sleeping bag (20.00 USD).
- Hiking poles (20.00 USD).
- Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu (75.00 USD).
- Day 1: Breakfast.
- Day 4: Lunch in Aguas Calientes.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
- Trekking poles (15.00 USD)
- 3kg sleeping bags (25.00 USD)
- Budget lunch in Aguas Calientes (15.00 USD)
- Extra porter for 6kg (80.00 USD)
- Extra porter for 14kg (180.00 USD)
- Lunch at Sanctuary Lodge (45.00 USD)
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain, subject to availability and times: 7:00 am and 9:00 am (75.00 USD)
- Entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain, subject to availability and times: 8:00 am / 9:00 am (75.00 USD)
- Guided tour of Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (75.00 USD per group)
- Upgrade your Vistadome train service on the return trip (50.00 USD)
- Upgrade your Vistadome Observatory train service on your return (75.00 USD)
- Single tent (50.00 USD)
Recommendations
- 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
Prices
| Group Service | Price | Click to Book |
|---|---|---|
| Price per Person | ||
| Regular Service | $890.00 USD | BOOK NOW |
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
The trek involves challenging hikes at high altitudes. A good level of physical fitness and some prior trekking experience are recommended.
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.
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.
Accommodations are tents in our campsites. All sleeping tents are included in the service.
Safe drinking water is usually provided after each lunch or can be treated with purification tablets. Always follow guide instructions regarding water sources.
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.
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.
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.
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.
After taking the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, our representative will transport you back to Cusco.
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.
- 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 Kantu 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 us HERE.
