4-Day Classic Inca Trail

Summary: Embark on a 4-day group trek along the historic Inca Trail, culminating at the iconic Machu Picchu. This journey offers a blend of breathtaking Andean landscapes, ancient archaeological sites, and rich cultural experiences.

Itinerary Overview

Theme: Stepping into Inca history

Your adventure begins with an early morning drive from Cusco to Km 82, the official starting point of the Inca Trail. From here, we hike through a gently rising valley, stopping to explore the ruins of Llactapata. The day ends with a scenic campsite in Wayllabamba, surrounded by mountain views and fresh Andean air.

Overnight: Campsite
Max elevation: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft
Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles | Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals included: Lunch, dinner

Theme: Challenge and reward at high altitude

Today is considered the most physically demanding day. We ascend steadily to Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass), the trail’s highest point at 4,215 m. We take sweeping views from the summit before descending to our next campsite in Pacaymayo Valley.

Overnight: Campsite
Max elevation: 4,215 m / 13,828 ft
Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles | Hiking time: 6–7 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Theme: Tracing the sacred path

This day features spectacular archaeology and lush cloud forest scenery. We cross two mountain passes and visit several Inca sites, including Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, and the stunning terraces of Phuyupatamarca. Our final night is spent near the beautiful ruins of Wiñay Wayna.

Overnight: Campsite
Max elevation: 3,950 m / 12,959 ft
Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles | Hiking time: 7–8 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Theme: Arrival at the Lost City

We rise before dawn for the final stretch of the trail. Reaching Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) just as the sun rises over Machu Picchu is a moment you’ll never forget. After a guided site tour, we descend to Aguas Calientes to take the train back to Cusco.

Max elevation: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles | Hiking time: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals included: Breakfast

Included

Briefing and orientation at 5:00pm 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 usage of plastic bags that contaminate our environment.
Hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes
Boiled water to fill in 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 bus ticket 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 buy 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.
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 Cusco.
Extra services not mentioned in the program.

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4-Day Classic Inca Trail

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Pricing

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USD$1,299

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Frequently Asked Questions

The 4-day Inca Trail is moderately challenging due to high altitudes and steep ascents. However, most hikers complete it successfully with proper acclimatization and fitness preparation.

It’s recommended to book at least 6 months in advance, especially for high season (April to October), as permits are limited and sell out quickly.

Typically, porters carry camping equipment and a portion of personal belongings. Hikers usually carry a daypack with essentials like water, snacks, and rain gear.

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.

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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.