Cultural
We will travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu one day tour, to learn about the history, architecture and beauty of this Wonder...
View tour
CuscoPeru.com invites you to hike the Inca Trail 4 days route, following ancient paths, archaeological sites, and mountain passes before reaching Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. The published route covers approximately 43 kilometers and includes three nights of camping, with a guide, cook, and porters for the shared equipment.
The trek begins at Km 82 and continues through Patallacta and Wayllabamba. On day two, you climb to Dead Woman's Pass, the highest point at 4,200 meters, before descending to Pacaymayo. The third day passes Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, and Puyupatamarca on the way to Wiñay Wayna.
The final morning of the Classic Inca Trail starts early for the walk to Intipunku and the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. The program includes Panoramic Circuit 1 and re-entry through Royal Circuit 3, followed by the bus to Aguas Calientes, the train to Ollantaytambo, and the final transfer to Cusco.
Permits are limited and may sell out well in advance. Before booking the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, confirm availability for your travel date, spend time acclimatizing in Cusco, and prepare for several hours of hiking on uneven paths and stone steps each day.
Day 1
Pre-departure briefing and transfer from Cusco
You will attend a mandatory meeting with the official guide one day before the trek. The briefing covers the route, hiking distances, packing, and the preparation needed for the four-day program.
Day one begins with pick-up from your Cusco hotel at approximately 5:00 a.m. The drive passes Chinchero, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo before reaching Piskakucho at Km 82 and about 2,700 meters above sea level. At the checkpoint, you will present the document used for the reservation and the corresponding permit.
Patallacta Miskay and the first camp
After crossing the Urubamba River, the hike begins. The first section provides views of Patallacta, one of the archaeological sites along the route. You will continue to Miskay for lunch and a short rest before hiking to Wayllabamba.
The first campsite is at approximately 3,000 meters. The published distance is about 13 kilometers, with 5 to 6 hours of hiking. The shared camping equipment will be ready when the group arrives for dinner and rest.
Included
Not included
Recommendations
Day 2
Climb to the highest point
After breakfast at approximately 6:00 a.m., you will begin the most demanding section of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days route. The first hours involve a steady climb toward Warmiwañuska, commonly known as Dead Woman's Pass.
The pass is at 4,200 meters and is the highest point of the trek. The guide will set the pace and organize breaks according to the group's condition. The elevation, sustained ascent, and stone steps make acclimatization and suitable physical preparation important.
Descent to Pacaymayo
After resting at the pass, you will descend to Pacaymayo at approximately 3,600 meters. The published distance is about 12 kilometers, with 6 to 7 hours of hiking. Pacaymayo is one of the colder camps on the route, so keep warm layers accessible for the afternoon and night.
Included
Not included
Recommendations
Day 3
Runkurakay and Sayacmarca
Day three starts with breakfast at approximately 6:00 a.m. The route climbs to Runkurakay Pass at about 4,000 meters and includes a visit to the archaeological site of the same name. The hike then continues to Sayacmarca at approximately 3,600 meters.
This section marks the transition toward more humid terrain. The guide will explain the main features of the sites and organize breaks so the group can maintain the scheduled pace.
Puyupatamarca and descent to Wiñay Wayna
After lunch, you will reach Puyupatamarca, known as the city above the clouds, at approximately 3,650 meters. A long descent then leads to Wiñay Wayna at about 2,700 meters, with views of the cloud forest and the site's terraces, ceremonial areas, and urban sectors.
The page lists approximately 16 kilometers and 7 to 8 hours of hiking for this day. The third night is spent at the Wiñay Wayna camp.
Included
Not included
Recommendations
Day 4
Sun Gate and panoramic entry
The final day starts very early. From Wiñay Wayna, you will hike to Intipunku, or the Sun Gate, at approximately 2,720 meters. This viewpoint provides the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu before you continue to the authorized entrance for Inca Trail travelers.
The published program includes Panoramic Circuit 1 and re-entry through Royal Circuit 3 for a guided visit to the lower sectors of the Inca city. The exact scope and entry times should be listed in your booking confirmation.
Return to Cusco
After the guided tour, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. Lunch on day four is not included. Later, you will board the Expedition or Voyager train to Ollantaytambo, where the team will meet you for the transfer to your Cusco hotel.
The published final-day hike covers approximately 6 kilometers and takes 2 to 3 hours, not including the Machu Picchu visit or the later transfers.
Included
Not included
Recommendations
Return: the service includes an Expedition or Voyager train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. The published Vistadome return upgrade is an additional US$40 per person and is subject to availability.
Inca Trail permits, Machu Picchu circuits, and schedules are subject to availability when booking. Review the booking and cancellation policies before confirming.
We took a four-day tour along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and it was an incredible experience from beginning to end. From the initial planning, everything was very well coordinated, and every stage of the trip ran smoothly and on time. Along the way, the landscapes kept changing, and each day brought something different to discover, from mountains and ancient trails to moments of rest that made the hike even more special.
Our guide was very kind and approachable, and his experience was evident throughout the entire journey. He was always attentive to us and shared his knowledge in an engaging way. Thanks to the agency, we took home unforgettable memories and the satisfaction of having experienced an adventure that we would definitely recommend.
See the camps, mountain passes, archaeological sites, and the arrival at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
Find answers about permits, difficulty, luggage, meals, and the Machu Picchu visit.
We recommend booking several months ahead, especially for travel between May and September. The daily permit quota includes travelers, guides, cooks, and porters, so spaces can sell out. We will check availability for your date before requesting payment.
No. You would need to request a new booking and pay a new deposit, subject to availability. Please review the date and passport details carefully before confirming.
It is the most demanding section of the program. The pass is at 4,200 meters and follows several hours of steady climbing. You should arrive acclimatized and be prepared for hiking days of up to eight hours. If you have a medical condition or concerns about your fitness, discuss them before booking.
The included porters carry food and shared camping equipment. You carry your own daypack. If you want to reduce your daily load, you may hire an additional personal porter for a published maximum of 7 kg. Keep your water, documents, daytime layers, and personal items with you.
Yes, provided you tell us when booking. The service includes breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and tea time according to each day. Share any allergies, intolerances, or specific restrictions so we can confirm them with the cooking team before departure.
You will arrive through the Sun Gate and enter Panoramic Circuit 1. The program then includes a guided re-entry through Royal Circuit 3. Afterward, you will take the bus to Aguas Calientes, the train to Ollantaytambo, and a vehicle to your Cusco hotel. Final times depend on the issued tickets.
Our Tours
Alternative trips you may be interested in
Cultural
We will travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu one day tour, to learn about the history, architecture and beauty of this Wonder...
View tour
Historical
Recharge your energy in this tour to Machu Picchu so you can climb to the top of the mountain Huayna Picchu or...
View tour
Adventure
Explore Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain on a 5-day journey with hotel stays, guided visits, train travel and...
View tour
Cultural
With this touristic package, you will live unforgettable Peru Vacations and will approach the customs of the Peruvian Andes.
View tour
Nature
With this Vacations Peru Package, visit the white city of Arequipa, the Colca Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley await...
View tour
Relaxing
Embark on an exciting 10-day journey through Peru, from Lima to the mysterious Nazca Lines, Machu Picchu and the lush jungle of...
View tour
Happy passengers