Classic Inca Trail 4 Days / 3 Nights

The Complete and Legendary Experience

The most iconic trekking route on the planet. 43 kilometers following the same stone paths that ancient Inca pilgrims used more than 500 years ago to reach the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. Physical challenge, natural beauty and historical depth — like no other trek in the world.

📍 Distance: 43 km

  | Duration: 4 days / 3 nights

  | Difficulty: Moderate–High

  | Max altitude: 4,215 masl

  | Group size: Up to 16 people

  | Price: $780 USD per person

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 — Cusco → Km 82 → Llactapata → Wayllabamba 14 km | 6–7 hours | Camp at 3,000 masl

4:30 AM pick up at your hotel in Cusco (5:30 AM from Urubamba, 6:30 AM from Ollantaytambo). Private transport to Km 82 — the start of the Inca Trail. The first hours follow the Urubamba River valley with gradual ascent through local communities. After approximately 2 hours, arrival at Llactapata, the first archaeological site, with the first views of the Veronica snow peak (5,860 m). We continue to Wayllabamba for lunch, then the trail enters the cloud forest.

5:00 PM — Arrival at camp. Hot tea, snacks and a chance to meet the porter and cook team. 7:30 PM — Dinner and early rest. Tomorrow is the most demanding day.

Day highlights: Llactapata archaeological site, views of Veronica snow peak, first night under the Andean stars.

Day 2 — Wayllabamba → Warmiwañusca Pass → Pacaymayo → Chaquicocha 16 km | 7–8 hours | Camp at 3,600 masl

5:00 AM — Wake up with hot coca tea served in your tent.

The hardest day — and the most rewarding. A relentless 4–5 hour ascent to Warmiwañusca Pass (Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,215 meters, the highest point of the trek. The climb is steep but our guides set an appropriate pace. The feeling of reaching the top and seeing the mountain landscape stretching in all directions is indescribable.

From the pass, we descend to Pacaymayo Valley for lunch. Then we ascend again to the second pass, Runkurakay (3,950 m), visiting a small circular Inca site that functioned as a watchtower. We continue to Sayacmarca (Inaccessible Town), an impressive Inca construction on a cliff with 360° views.

5:30 PM — Arrival at Chaquicocha camp. If the sky is clear, your guide will show you the Inca constellations in the southern hemisphere sky.

Day highlights: Warmiwañusca Pass (4,215 m), Runkurakay, Sayacmarca — city in the clouds, stargazing.

Day 3 — Chaquicocha → Phuyupatamarca → Intipata → Wiñay Wayna 10 km | 5 hours | Camp at 2,650 masl

6:30 AM — Start after breakfast.

The most beautiful day of the trek. We walk along “the Inca floor” — relatively flat trails carved into the mountainside with spectacular views. We cross different ecosystems: high Andean puna, dwarf forest, and finally the lush cloud forest. We arrive at Phuyupatamarca (City in the Clouds) at 3,600 meters, with ceremonial baths and the first distant views of Machu Picchu mountain. Then approximately 2,000 Inca stone steps down to Intipata (Sun Terraces).

1:00 PM — Arrival at Wiñay Wayna camp. Lunch and free afternoon. 4:30 PM — Guided visit to the Wiñay Wayna archaeological site — considered the second most important on the trail after Machu Picchu. 7:00 PM — Farewell dinner and thanksgiving ceremony to the porters and cooks.

Day highlights: Phuyupatamarca, ecosystem transition puna → cloud forest, Intipata terraces, Wiñay Wayna.

Day 4 — Wiñay Wayna → Intipunku → Machu Picchu → Cusco 3 km | 2 hours trek + guided tour

3:30 AM — Wake up. Light breakfast. 4:00 AM — We prepare and wait at the checkpoint. At 5:30 AM the gates open.

Approximately 1 hour’s walk to Intipunku (Sun Gate) — the ceremonial entrance used by ancient pilgrims. If the weather cooperates, you will witness the sunrise over the citadel. A moment you will remember your whole life.

From Intipunku, 45 minutes descent to the Machu Picchu entrance checkpoint. Your guide will lead a 2.5-hour tour through the main sectors: Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, Temple of the Three Windows, Main Plaza and residential areas.

10:30 AM — Free time to explore, take photos or climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (if booked in advance).

Lunch (not included) in Aguas Calientes. Train Expedition class back to Ollantaytambo. Private transport to your hotel in Cusco.

Estimated arrival in Cusco: 8:00–9:00 PM

Day highlights: Sunrise at Intipunku, complete guided tour of Machu Picchu, triumphant arrival at the Wonder of the World.

What’s Included

✅ Inca Trail entry permit and entrance to Machu Picchu

✅ Pick up at your hotel in Cusco, Urubamba or Ollantaytambo

✅ Private transport Cusco → Km 82

✅ Bus Machu Picchu → Aguas Calientes

✅ Train Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo (Expedition class)

✅ Transport back to your hotel in Cusco

✅ Professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English) certified

✅ Specialized mountain cook

✅ Porters for common equipment

✅ Personal porter for your luggage (up to 7 kg)

✅ Trekking tent (shared between 2 people)

✅ Insulating mat

✅ Dining tent with table and chairs, kitchen tent, portable toilet

✅ 3 complete breakfasts, 3 buffet lunches, 3 three-course dinners

✅ Snacks and fruits during the hike

✅ Unlimited boiled and filtered water (from the first lunch)

✅ Tea time with hot drinks and appetizers

✅ Complete first aid kit, emergency oxygen tank, satellite phone

✅ Small pillow, rain poncho, waterproof backpack cover

✅ Peruvian cooking class during the trek

✅ Briefing session the night before at our office

What’s NOT Included

❌ Sleeping bag — rental available: $25

❌ Inflatable mattress — rental available: $20

❌ Trekking poles — rental available: $20 per pair

❌ Day 1 breakfast (before pick up)

❌ Day 4 lunch in Aguas Calientes

❌ Huayna Picchu entrance — $75 (book in advance)

❌ Machu Picchu Mountain entrance — $75 (book in advance)

❌ Second Machu Picchu entrance (afternoon) — $60

❌ Train upgrade to Vistadome — $75

❌ Tips for the team (optional but appreciated)

❌ Personal travel insurance (recommended)

❌ Personal expenses (extra drinks, souvenirs)

Prices 2026

Additional services:

Important Travel Information

Briefing Session The night before the trek (6:00 PM) you must attend our office in Cusco to meet your guide, receive your duffel bag, resolve last-minute questions and weigh your luggage. Duration: 30–45 minutes.

Duffel Bag Porters carry up to 7 kg in the bag we provide (66 cm long × 36 cm wide). Suggested distribution: 4 kg clothing + 3 kg sleeping bag/mattress. You will not have access to this bag during the day — only at campsites.

Hotel Pick Up Times

Return to Cusco on Day 4 Bus Machu Picchu → Aguas Calientes (25 min) → Free time for lunch → Train → Ollantaytambo → Private transport to your hotel in Cusco. Estimated arrival: 8:00–9:00 PM.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book? 4–6 months for high season (May–October), 2–3 months for low season. Permits are limited and sell out quickly.

Can I book Explorer as a private group? Yes. If you are 4 or more people you can book as a closed group with your own guide and equipment, all under Explorer pricing.

What if my date is sold out? We can propose nearby alternative dates, the 2-Day Inca Trail option, or waitlist you for cancellations.