Trek to Machu Picchu: 4-Day Inca Trail

The 4-Day Classic Inca Trail is the most famous trekking experience in South America. This group trek allows you to follow the legendary 45km sacred stone path used by the Incas, culminating in a dramatic sunrise view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).

This journey is the perfect balance of challenging hiking, breathtaking Andean scenery, and deep immersion into ancient Incan history.

Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights of Trekking and Camping.
Style: The classic and most sought-after Inca Trail route.
Difficulty: Moderate overall, with Day 2 being physically challenging due to altitude.
Highest Point: Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,215 m (13,776 ft).
Pricing: USD $1,299 per person.

Permits for the Classic Inca Trail sell out quickly, often six months in advance. Secure your place on this legendary trek today and ensure your journey to Machu Picchu is everything you dream it will be.

Itinerary Overview

Key Sites: Hike from Km 82, explore the ruins of Llactapata.
Overnight: Camp in the Wayllabamba Valley.
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles).
Max Elevation: 3,000 m (9,843 ft).

Key Sites: Ascend to Dead Woman’s Pass (the trek’s highest point).
Overnight: Descend to camp in Pacaymayo.
Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles).
Max Elevation: 4,215 m (13,776 ft).
Note: This is the most challenging day of the trek.

Key Sites: Cross two more passes and explore major ruins: Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and the beautiful terraces of Wiñay Wayna.
Overnight: Final night camping near Wiñay Wayna.
Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles).
Max Elevation: 3,630 m (12,007 ft).

Key Sites: Pre-dawn start to reach Inti Punku (Sun Gate) for the iconic view of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a guided site tour.
Return: Bus to Aguas Calientes, then train and private transport back to Cusco.
Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles).
Max Elevation: 2,720 m (8,924 ft).

Included

Briefing and orientation at 5:00 pm the night before the trek at our office in Cusco.

Private Transportation from Cusco to the start of the Inca Trail: km82.
Professional English-speaking guide.
One night luxury hotel accommodation, celebration cocktails, and celebration dinner.
Entrance fee for the Inca Trail, two Machu Picchu tickets, and Huaynapicchu hiking ticket.
3-person North Face tent shared by only two hikers.
Inka Trek has established the groundbreaking industry policy of including gratuities, even substantial ones to guides, chefs, drivers, and porters, from beginning to end of your luxury trek. We’ve completely removed the anxiety about when to reach into your pocket for a gratuity, as well as figuring out how much.
One inflatable sleeping pad per person.
Kitchenware, tables and chairs, dining tent
Porters to carry tents, food, and cooking equipment.
Duffle bag for personal luggage.
Personal luggage. Maximum 12 pounds (6 kilograms) per person.
All camp waste removal per the Peruvian government specifications.
Andean chef specializes in exquisite camping meals
All meals in the daily itinerary, daily morning snack, and daily tea service.
Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost
One textile snack bag per person, to avoid the use of plastic bags that contaminate our environment.
Hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes
Boiled water to fill your water bottle every morning and night
Toilet tent with biodegradable toilet facilities.
Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
Round-trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and private transport to Cusco.
Transfer from the train station to hotel in Cusco.

Not included

International flights to Cusco, Peru.
Sleeping Bag. You can bring your own or hire one when you arrive at our office in Cusco for the orientation.
Extra Porter if your luggage is more than 12 pounds.
Rubber-tipped walking poles. You can hire a pair when you arrive at our office in Cusco for the orientation.
Visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes while you’re awaiting the return train to Cusco, only 10 minutes from the village center, entrance is s/10.00 (Peruvian Soles).
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
Dinner on day 5, after returning to your own hotel in Cusco.
Hotel accommodation before and after your trek in Cusco.
Extra services not mentioned in the program.

Recommendations

What to bring for the

4-Day Classic Inca Trail

trek?

Passport

Sleeping Bag

Insulated Jacket

Layered Clothing

Waterproof Hiking Boots

Warm Hat & Gloves

Rain Jacket & Overpants

Sun Hat, Sunglasses & Sunscreen

Lip Balm

Insect Repellent

Toiletries

Toilet Paper or Wet Wipes

Daypack (25–35L)

Reusable Water Bottle

Quick-Dry Towel

Headlamp or Flashlight

Pricing

Learn about our pricing options.

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USD$1,299

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Frequently Asked Questions

The 4-day Inca Trail is considered moderately challenging. While the average hiker can complete it, the difficulty comes from the high altitudes and the steep ascent to Dead Woman’s Pass on Day 2. Proper acclimatization in Cusco (at least 2 days) and a reasonable level of fitness are essential.

It is crucial to book at least 6 months in advance, especially if you plan to trek during the high season (April to October). The Peruvian government strictly limits the number of permits issued, and they sell out quickly.

No. Your price includes porters who carry all the camping equipment. They will also carry a duffel bag with your personal belongings up to a maximum of 12 lbs (6 kg) per person. You will only carry your small daypack with essentials like water, snacks, and rain gear.

Yes. Our Andean chef specializes in exquisite camping meals, and vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost. Please notify us of your dietary needs when booking.

Yes, one of our key advantages is that we have established a groundbreaking policy of including all substantial gratuities for our guides, chefs, drivers, and porters from beginning to end of your luxury trek.

4-Day Classic Inca Trail

Duration

4 Days/3 Nights

Type

Why We Are the Best

Rediscover yourself on the path that’s as much about the transformation along the way as it is about the World-class destination when you arrive.

How This Trek Compares to Other Treks

4-Day Classic Inca Trail ($1,299): The classic, traditional, and most popular complete route. It offers the full experience in the minimum time frame allowed by the required permit.
Intro to the Inca Trail (2 Days, $1,230): For those with limited time or fitness. You hike only the final, easier section of the trail, still ending at Machu Picchu.
Signature Inca Trail (5 Days, $1,899): A more relaxed, immersive option than the 4-Day, spending an extra day on the trail for deeper exploration and to avoid the main crowds.
Salkantay to Machu Picchu (5 Days, $1,600): A popular alternative route for those who cannot secure an Inca Trail permit. It features different scenery, including higher altitude passes and glacier views.

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From

USD$1,899

5 Days/4 Nights

A journey of transformation—the perfect way to uncover hidden ruins and the Andean spirit.