INca Trail
The whole trail offers the best of Peru in just four days. You will witness everything from scenic landscapes, archaeological sites and Andean traditions.

Duration
4 Days
Difficulty
Moderate +
Group Size
12 Guest
Height
4,215 mls
- Dead Woman's Pass - Runkuraqay - Sayacmarca - Phuyupatamarca - Wiñay Wayna Sun Gate - Machu Picchu
Experience the Trek of a Lifetime to Machu Picchu!
The world-famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the best trekking routes in South America. Walk in the footsteps of our Inca nobility ancestors to their incredible Inca fortress, Machu Picchu, and dare to discover their secrets.
The Inca Trail is where those most daring choose to trek to Machu Picchu, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit unique archaeological sites that can only be accessed on foot along this route and become enveloped in the stunning Andean mountain landscape and thick vegetation. You’ll be challenged along the way but will receive the most amazing reward when you enter through the Sun Gate to look over mystical Machu Picchu for the first time.
- ITINERARY
- INCLUSIONS
- BEFORE YOU GO
- PRICING
- ENQUIRE NOW
If you’re looking for an authentic, adventurous experience on a trek to Machu Picchu, our 4-day tour of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the perfect option for small groups. Come and join like-minded travelers from across the globe on the trip of a lifetime. This package is a superb option whether you’re traveling by yourself, with a partner, or with a small group of friends.
As you set out on your 4-day adventure in the mountains and lush jungle, you’ll feel a thrill knowing that you’re going to witness some incredible sights. Your trek will start in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, in the quaint community of Piscacucho, around two and a half hours from Cusco. You’ll witness some interesting archaeological sites like Llactapata. You’ll head up to the highest part of the trek, Dead Woman’s Pass, before descending into the tropical jungle where the marvel that is Machu Picchu is located.
Along the rest of the route, you’ll be able to observe some truly stunning local flora and fauna, including over 250 types of orchids, 450 species of birds, and perhaps the spectacled bear, who Paddington was based on! You’ll also stop off at other fascinating archaeological sites, which include Runkurakay, Sayaqmarka, Phuyupatamarka, Intipata, Wiñay Wayna, and Inti Punku or Sun Gate.
On the last day, you’ll be entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, which only those who opt to hike the Inca Trail can do. Spread your arms like a condor getting ready to take flight across this incredible New Wonder of the World. Explore the ancient Inca citadel with your guide and learn its history and secrets. Take your time and relax as you soak up the magic of the Incas on this exceptional site before heading back to Cusco.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Enjoy one of South America’s most popular attractions and one of the world’s most famous treks.
- Walk the Inca Trail’s ancient path and visit incredible archaeological sites that’ll take you back in time.
- Witness the sheer beauty of the Andes with its towering mountains and luscious, rolling green hills.
- Discover the secrets of the Incas along the way and imagine how they lived back then.
- Spend 3 nights in the protective arms of Mother Nature in our comfortable campsites.
- Enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), a unique experience only for hikers on the Inca Trail.
- Explore the astounding Inca citadel, Machu Picchu.
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1: Cusco | Piscacucho (km82) – LLactapata – Huayllabamba
Highlight of the day: Explore archaeological sites and take in the stunning Andean landscapes.
Take Your First Steps on Ancient Paths
Your epic four day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu begins with an early morning transfer from your hotel in Cusco. We will be driving you to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This is the last major town before the trail head in Km 82 so you can buy some last minute things you may need during the hike.
We will be driving you to Piscacuho or Km 82. The place is named after its distance while traveling from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Once at the trailhead, the local authorities will be verifying your passport against the Inca Trail permit. We will begin with a gradual uphill hike to Miskay. Along the way we will be immersed in the captivating views of the trail. We will also be visiting a number of small and lesser known Inca sites.
Once in Miskay, we will be serving the first lunch of the Inca Trail. Our local chef will prepare a traditional Andean meal.
After lunch, we will continue hiking for two hours to Huayllabamba, witnessing more sights and archaeological complexes. Huayllabamba is at 3000 meters (9842 feet) above sea level. We will be camping here for the night. We will be reaching Huayllabamba by 0500 PM. Our crew will welcome you with some appetizers and a cup of freshly brewed Peruvian coffee or tea. After witnessing the sunset, we will be serving dinner before you settle in your respective tents.
- Total distance: 10 km (aprox.)
- Estimated walking time: 5 – 6 hours
- Maximum altitude point: 3,000 m (aprox.)
- Campsite altitude (Huayllabamba): 3,000 m (aprox.)
- Places to see: Ollantaytambo, Piscakucho, km 82, Kanabamba, Llactapata Incan Site, Tarayoc lunch spot, Hatunchaka, Huayllabamba.
DAY 2: Huayllabamba | Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayu
Highlight of the day: Reaching the trek’s highest point at Dead Woman’s Pass and appreciating the views around you.
Enjoy Incredible Views of the Expansive Andean Mountain Range.
The second day of the Classic Inca Trail begins quite early in the morning. You will be waking up to a cup of freshly brewed Peruvian coffee or tea followed by a protein rich breakfast to keep you energized for the day. We will begin with a five hours uphill hike to the highest point of the Inca Trail, the Dead Woman’s Pass at 4600 meters above sea level (15091 feet). The pass is named after the way it looks. The hill here vaguely has a formation of a woman resting in the Andes. We will have plenty of time here to soak in the views and immerse in the energy of the Andes. Our tour guide will be giving you an insight into the Andean mythology and traditions. After contemplating the views, we will begin with a gradual downhill hike for two hours to Pacamayu. It is at 3600 meters/ 11811 feet above sea level. Our crew will serve lunch here. After lunch, you will have time for a siesta as this will be our campsite for the night as well. We will be serving tea/coffee in the evening followed by dinner.
- Total distance: 12 km (aprox.) Please, See we climb one pass only (Dead Woman Pass 4200 meters high) while Many operators are using a camping spot of Chaquicocha and passengers are forced to climb the 2nd pass of 3950 meters high) So 2 passes in one day.
- Estimated walking time: 6 – 7 hours
- Maximum altitude point: 4,200 m (aprox.)
- Campsite altitude(Pacaymayu): 3,650 m (aprox.)
- Places to see: Huayllabamba, Yunkachimpa, Tres pierdas, Llulluchapampa, Warmihuañusca(Dead woman Pass), Pacaymayu.
DAY 3: Pacaymayu | Chaquicocha – Wiñay Wayna
Highlight of the day: Transporting back in time at Wiñay Wayna and celebrating with your trekking team.
Feel the Magic of the Incas as You Visit Ancient Sites.
The third day of the Classic Inca Trail begins at 0600 AM. After relishing an Andean breakfast, we will be leaving the campsite at 0700 AM. We will be visiting three iconic archaeological sites on our way. We will begin with an hour’s hike up the hill to Runkuraqay. It is an Inca complex at 3800 meters (12467 ft). This complex played a major role during the Inca civilization. Our local expert will be giving you an immersive tour here. Once you have got an insight to this, we will be hiking further up to Runkurakay Pass. It is at 3760 meters (12,335 ft. above sea level). We will have a brief stop here to contemplate the view of the valley below and catch up with the breath. We will then begin with a gradual descent for 45 minutes to Sayacmarca archaeological site. It sits at 3850 meters (12631 ft) above sea level. After the tour of the complex, we will continue our hike down to Chakicocha (3600m/11811ft) through cloud forest. We will be stopping here for lunch. After lunch, we will hike to Phuyupatamarca. This is the last section of the original Inca Trail. We will also be visiting some of the last Inca ruins that we will be crossing along the way. Our last section of the trail for the day will be to Wiñay Wayna (2600m/8530ft). This will be our campsite for the night. In Quechua, Wiñay Wayna means forever young. The archaeological site is arguably the most beautiful one along the trail. We will have an immersive tour here. After witnessing the sunset, we will be returning to the campsite for dinner.
- Total distance: 16 km (aprox.) We explore the incan site along the inca trail
- Estimated walking time: 7 – 8 hours
- Maximum altitude point: 3,900 m (aprox.)
- Campsite altitude (Wiñay Wayna)2,650 m (aprox.)
- Places to see: Pacaymayu, Runkurachay Incan Site, Runkurakay pass(3900 meters high) Sayacmarca Incan Site, Conchamarca Incan Site, Chaquicocha Lunch spot, Phuyupatamarca incan site, Intipata incan site, Wiñay Wayna incan site.
DAY 4: Wiñay Wayna | Inti Punku (Sun Gate) – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Highlight of the day: Transporting back in time at Wiñay Wayna and celebrating with your trekking team.
Feel the Magic of the Incas as You Visit Ancient Sites.
We will be waking up at 0300 AM. After breakfast, we will be parting ways with our support staff. You can express your gratitude and tip them at this point, if desired. We will begin with an hour’s hike to the emblematic Sun Gate or Inti Punku. This will be the most rewarding moment of your Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu.
You will witness the glorious rays of the rising sun beaming on the walls of the citadel as the blanket of cloud would unveil this Inca masterpiece. After contemplating the view, we will hike down to a checkpoint and continue further to Machu Picchu citadel. We will begin the tour with a brief introduction to Inca civilization.
We will be visiting the main areas of the citadel like the main plaza, farming terraces and more. After the tour, if you have booked to climb Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu mountain, our tour guide will be directing you to the respective entrance.
Once you have enjoyed Machu Picchu, we will be taking the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. You will have some free time here so you can have lunch or explore the town. You can also visit the hot springs for a perfect treat to your muscles after a long trek. At 0600 PM, we will be boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo. Our representative will meet you on arrival and will transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco. We will be reaching by 10:00 pm aproximately.
- Total distance: 7 km (aprox.)
- Estimated walking time: 2 – 3 hours
- Maximum altitude point: 2,700 m (aprox.)
- Places to see: Wiñay Wayna, Intipunku(Sungate), Machupicchu city, Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain(optional), Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Town.
At Know Machu Picchu, we specify the included and non-included services under all the tour itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please pay attention to the details to avoid missing anything. Some items may be different for specific programs, so please read carefully before booking with us.
WHATS IS INCLUDED?
- Permits & Ticket for Inca Trail: As soon as we receive your complete information and the deposit that secures your reservation, we’ll buy all the necessary permits (subject to availability). These permits are issued for a specific date and will be in your name. They cannot be changed under any circumstances. Change of passport number is only allowed for renewal reasons. In that case, you must bring both your old and new passport.
- Entry to Machu Picchu Archaelogical Site (circuit 3).
- Pre-departure Briefing: You’ll have an orientation meeting with your guide the evening before the tour. The meeting is at 7:00 p.m. in your hotel.
- Experienced Tour Guide: All our guides have professionalism, experience, responsibility, seriousness and passion, which will make your trip safe and comfortable.
- Camping Equipment: Thermarest air-inflate Confortable sleeping Mattress. Two person CAMPING TENTS (3-people capacity tent used as doubles – Kayla Doite) 4 season tent Aluminium poles Tents, Spacious dining tents to enjoy your meals worry-free, Tables, Chairs and cooking equipment, A portable travel toilet.
- One Duffel Bag: On the trek, you can carry your personal belongings up to a maximum weight of 6 kg / 13.2 lb (this weight includes your sleeping bag).
- Medical Kit or First AID Kit: All Know Machu Picchu guides have received specialized training in first aid. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit to face basic emergencies (altitude sickness, travelers’ diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the path as quickly as possible and ensure that you arrive at a clinic for treatment.
- 24/7 Customer Service: We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication with Know Machu Picchu leading up to your trek.
- 3 Nights Acommodation in Tents: Know Machu Picchu uses the best camping tents to ensure your safety and comfort.
- Meals – 3 Breakfast, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners, 3 Snacks: Our chef prepares the best dishes in the middle of the mountain. Our passengers love our food! We respect all diets (vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost), so let us know if you have any particular allergies or restrictions on your reservation form and remind your guide during the briefing. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in addition to hot drinks and snacks.
- Water: From the first lunch to the last breakfast, Know Machu Picchu will provide you with all the water you need. We will provide boiled water, filtered, and cooled. You need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle. We recommend a capacity of 2 liters. You’ll be able to fill your bottles during each meal.
- Wake Up Tea: Every morning at the campsite, you’ll be woken up with a cup of hot coca tea. Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you will be warmed from inside out before you start your day.
- Tea Time or Happy Hour: Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide you popcorn, biscuits/cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, teas, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you won’t have to wait until dinner to relax, warm-up, and enjoy a bite to eat!
- Hygiene Products: You’ll be provided with a small towel and soap before each meal to clean your hands.
- Transport: Transfers and bus tickets
- Day 1: You’ll be picked up from your hotel in the morning and travel in our transportation to Piscacucho (KM 82), the starting point of the trek.
- Day 4: Bus Ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
- Day 4: Transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco
- Train Tickets from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Day 4): Peru Rail Expedition Service.
- Porters Team: During the Inca Trail, our porters (Kallpa Team) will carry all our camping equipment, from the personal tents, clothing, and sleeping bags, until extra dining and kitchen tents, food, water, tables, chairs, and a gas bottle stove. We will include the personal service of a porter responsible for carrying your duffel bag and personal items..
WHATS IS NOT INCLUDED?
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: You can climb the famous mountain you always see in the photos behind the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It’s 45 minutes uphill, and coming back down can be scary if you fear heights. You can take this excursion once your guided tour to Machu Picchu ends. The permit must be issued at least one month in advance due to high demand. Consider that there could be changes to protect your integrity, mainly due to weather conditions (The ticket for Huayna Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person).
- Machu Picchu Mountain: Machu Picchu Mountain is another of the mountains that surround the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It offers less steep, wider, and visually less frightening trails than Huayna Picchu, and it takes 1.5 hours to reach the top. This walk requires an entrance ticket which we can secure for you if we have time in advance (The ticket for Machu Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person).
- Breakfast day 1.
- Lunch and dinner day 4.
- Sleeping Bag: You can rent one from our company if you don’t have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect you from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy-form and include a sleeping liner. The bags are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips – US$ 20.00 per person.
- Trekking Poles: Trekking poles (with rubber tips) can be very useful on rough terrain and for ascending and descending. You can rent a set from our company if you’d like – US$ 20.00 per person.
- Travel Insurance.
- Tips for our staff: Tipping is customary on any excursion to Machu Picchu. Although we pay good salaries to our entire team, something extra is always appreciated, especially considering their hard work. Generally, group participants pool their tips and distribute them among the porters and cooks.
- Additional costs or delays beyond our control: Landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to a safety concern, illness, pandemia, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, act of God, etc.
PACKING LIST
WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?
ESSENTIAL.
- Valid Passport.
- Extra Money (recommended soles).
- Personal Medication.
- Water bottel or camelback.
- Sunblock (factor 70 or more).
- Insect repellent.
- Personal care products.
CLOTHING
- Light footwear or sandals.
- Trekking pants.
- Trekking socks.
- Shorts.
- Long sleeve t-shirts.
- Warm jacket.
- Waterproof jacket.
- Raincoat or rain poncho.
- Sun hat to protect neck and face.
- Neck gaiter or buff.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
EQUIPMENT
- Medium trekking backpack (15 – 25 liter).
- Trekking Poles.
- Sleeping Bag.
RECOMMENDED
- Camera and charger.
- Power bank.
- Snacks: Energy bars, chocolate, candies, dried fruitys, etc.
- Bathing suit.
- Towel.
- Flashlight.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as carefree as possible. In this section, you’ll find the answers to all the questions you have about traveling with Know Machu Picchu in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.
The Inca Trail Without Plastics
Join us on this journey towards a plastic-free Inca Trail, where the beauty of the landscape is matched only by our commitment to environmental stewardship. Together, let’s pave the way for a more sustainable and responsible adventure through the heart of history.
Briefing or Informative Meeting
The evening before your trip, our staff will contact you to provide full instructions on the tour at your Hotel (between 6 to 8 p.m., by phone call and Whatsapp)
Please make sure you are available at that time. If not, please contact us by email or phone to schedule a different time.
Trek Balance Payment (in Cusco)
If you still have a pending balance, you must pay it 2 days before your hike/tour. Otherwise, your trip reservation will not be confirmed.
If possible, it would be greatly appreciated if you could settle the remaining balance for the trek/tour in cash, either in US dollars or the local currency, at our office in Cuscoor your Hotel. You can withdraw funds from various ATMs located along Avenida Sol, offering both US dollars and Peruvian Soles. Alternatively, you have the option to pay using a credit/debit card or WETRAVEL, either online or in person, but please note that a 6% service charge will be applied by our payment gateway (IZIPAY) and WETRAVEL. We regret to inform you that we are unable to accept bank checks or traveler’s checks as forms of payment for the balance.
Can I store my luggage at your office?
Of Course! During the trip, your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can organize it with us on the briefing day or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you won’t need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags; put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (in the unlikely case of theft, many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Pick up of guests
Please note:
- All pickups are within Cusco City, but we recommend booking a hotel in the historic center for its convenient location.
- Our guide or staff will confirm the pickup time the day before the tour.
- Due to traffic conditions, the pickup time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes.
- Cusco is an old city and has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs are located on streets without car access or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. For such reasons, we strongly advise you to book accommodation with good access.
Return from Machu Picchu to Cusco
- In Machu Picchu, you’ll board a bus that’ll take you for 25 minutes to the small city of Aguas Calientes. The buses are boarded according to arrival.
- In Aguas Calientes, you’ll board a train to Ollantaytambo. Your guide will give you the train tickets where the boarding time will be shown. Make sure you’re on the platform 30 minutes early. The train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo takes 1:45 hours.
- Once you arrive at the station, our representative, will be waiting to transfer you to Cusco or directly to your hotel. The trip from Ollantaytambo to Cusco takes 1:30 hours.
- In Cusco, depending on your hotel’s location, we’ll take you to a car from our company to transfer you faster to your hotel.
NOTE: Your tour includes a One-Way Consettur Bus Ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu, so you can choose to use it from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu or from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. If you want a round-trip bus ticket, you’ll need to pay an extra of US$ 12.00.
Group Tours
Group tours are made up of different types of people, then physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route.
It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, the guide will be the one who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if such modifications are possible.
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru, and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked, and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date.
Under these circumstances, tours may also be canceled. In case of changes or cancellations, everything will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority, and our decisions will be made to protect it.
Lost objects
Please pay attention to where you leave your belongings and remember to take everything once you leave a place or a transport. You’re the only one responsible for your objects during the tour.
«The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days» can leave any day of the week, from March through January. We don’t operate this itinerary in February because of the rainy season & maintenance of the route.
2024 Land Cost
Group Price: US$ 780.00 per person
Required Pre-payment: US$ 400.00 per person
Balance (Cusco): US$ 380.00 (Commonly paid in Cusco after the briefing).
This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests.
Notice that Wetravel charges a fee of %6, which we ask the client to cover since it’s due to the use of its service. This tax is just for online deposits so that you will pay the remaining in cash (the briefing day in Cusco) without charges.
Extras & Upgrades
There are complementary services and upgrades you can include in this trip.
- Vistadome Train (Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo): US$ 100.00
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: US$60.00
- Machu Picchu Mountain: US$60.00
- Huchuy Picchu Mountain: US$45.00
- Single Supplement (Hotel in Aguas Calientes): US$30.00
- Extra Night in Aguas Calientes: US$50.00
Extra Equipment
- Sleeping Bag: US$ 20.00
- Trekking Poles (Pair): US$ 20.00
Price Guarantee
Once your booking has been confirmed, we guarantee the price won’t increase, whatever the circumstances. So please, before booking, ensure you’ve read all our important tour information.
Student Discount
US$20.00 off
Student discounts apply to anyone 17 years old or younger. To receive the discount, we require a copy or clear photo of the passport at the time of booking. It must be valid and not expire within the travel dates. Please send it to info@knowmachupicchu.com
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in know Machu Picchu. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
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- info@knowmachupicchu.com

Enjoy the best tours and hiking adventures to Machu Picchu, The Lost City of the Incas…
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