Altitude
4200 m.s.n.m
4200 m.s.n.m
Up to 8
Private
Trekking, self-guided
Challenging
4 Days
from $643 per person
The 4 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most desired treks in the world because of its unparalleled ecological diversity and wealth of archaeological treasures. The Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary covers 32,952 hectares and it is home to a network of Inca roadways, several archeological sites, 10 ecological zones (from glacial peaks to tropical forests), over 450 species of birds and 200 species of orchids, as well as the legendary city of Machu Picchu.
At the end of the trail awaits Machu Picchu, a natural world wonder and a spectacular cultural show, catch yourself as you travel back in time to this magical place, sacred and mysterious, with its name meaning, “The Old Sacred Mountain.” Take your time exploring the majestic Machu Picchu, the Incan ruins rich in the history of its past and the thriving culture of the people who once resided there.
Early in the morning we will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco at 5am or in Ollantaytambo at 6:30am, and travel by private van passing through the picturesque villages of Chinchero, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo. After a 2 hour journey we reach KM82, the start of the trail. We stop for breakfast on the way.
Once in Piskacucho, we cross the bridge to begin our trek along the left bank of the Urubamba river, that follows to the North-east of the Urubamba valley. After three hours walking, we explore the first stunning Inca site of Llatallacta (2,650m/8,747ft). Afterwards we continue with our hike for 30 minutes to Tarayoc for lunch. Then we follow the Kusichaca valley for two hours to reach our first camp at Wayllabamba (3,000m/9,900ft) where we will have afternoon tea, dinner and spend the night. During the day we will be able to enjoy the spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains such as Veronica Mountain(5,860m/19,337ft), lush green valley below with a myriad of flora and fauna.
The second day of trek is the toughest day of trekking. After a healthy breakfast, we start walking up a moderate hill for five hours through the cloud forest to reach the highest point of our trek, the Warmiwañusca pass (Dead Woman’s pass) located at an elevation of 4,215m/13,907ft. From here we have the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular views of magnificent mountains, beautiful green valley and myriad of flora and fauna. After some time taking photos and enjoying the incredible scenery, we descend for two hours to our second camp at Paqaymayu(3,600m/11,877ft), where we have our lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and spend the night.
Todays´ hike is the most scenic and longest day of our trek. After a delicious breakfast we walk uphill for one hour to explore the archeological site of Runcurakay at (3,800m/12,540ft) . Then we ascend to the pass which is (3,977m/13,127ft) above sea level. From the pass we can enjoy the breathtaking surrounding mountains and stunning lakes. After some time of relaxation and taking in all the beautiful sites and scenery, we descend for one hour to the next archeological site of Sayacmarca (3,600m/11,877ft).
It is than followed by 30 more minutes of walking to our lunch spot at Chaq´icocha. After lunch, we continue on an easy trail to the pass of Phuyupatamarca (3,650m/12,047ft). From our viewpoint we get to enjoy the spectacular views of Mount Machu Picchu, the Urubamba canyon and the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Then we descend through the cloud forest for three more hours, all down stairs to the third camp at Wiñaywayna (2,650m/8,747ft) where we spend the night
Note: On this day all our groups are visiting one of the most impressive Inca Cites of the Inca Trail called Wiñawayna!!
This is the day you have been waiting for,the excitements is palpable. We wake up very early and have breakfast. Then we walk for one hour towards the Sun Gate (2,720m/8,977ft) from where we get to enjoy the first spectacular view of Machu Picchu in all its brilliance and majestic presence. Only hikers of the Inca Trail are privy to these breath taking views.
We than descend for an hour towards the wonder of the world: Machu Picchu (2400m/7,920ft). Afterwards we start the guided tour for 2 hours visiting all the important places such as. You will have plenty of time to explore, take photos or climb Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountains if desired (needs to be booked in advance). Take your time exploring the “lost city of the Incas” before we head back to Aguas Calientes and take our return train to Ollantaytambo at 4:22pm and meet our van connection to Cusco, arriving at your hotel in the evening at around 8pm.
PRICE PER PERSON
2 Trekkers: $999
3 Trekkers: $899
4 Trekkers: $777
5 Trekkers: $699
6 Trekkers: $657
7 Trekkers: $647
8 or more Trekkers: $617
This price includes the extra porter who will carry your belongings up to 7 kilos (including the sleeping bag : 2kgs), we will provide you a duffle bag to put your belongings in.
If permits are sold out for the Classic Inca Trail on your preferred date,” don’t get stressed out,” you have so many options that will still allow you to trek and enjoy the Andes on the way to MACHU PICCHU. Alternative treks are just as beautiful as the Inca Trail. They are less crowded because we take you OFF the beaten track” in the Andes and we make sure you don’t miss anything on your trek to MACHU PICCHU.
INCA TRAIL HIKE requires only a minimum of 2 partcipants for our departures! “You can choose any day that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 trekkers.”
If you are a single traveller and are flexible with your start date, we will make sure you have a group to travel with and you won’t miss out on any of the fun.
Important Note: We will buy your Inca Trail trek permit using the names and passport numbers that you send us with your trek booking application (they must to complete and accurate)
You must bring the same passport with you to Cusco and take it with you on the Inca Trail.
Very Important Note: If the name or number on your passport does not match the name and number on the trek permit, the government authorities will not allow you to start the trek and you will not be entitled to a refund.
If you plan to renew or change your name on your passport between making your trek booking and starting your trek, you can book your trek or tour with your current passport number or name, but you must send us a copy of your old passport and a copy of your new passport when you have them. We can than make the change with the government before you arrive. The extra cost to do the change is US$25 per person. (This will cover the change in number or name for your Inca Trail Permit, Machu Picchu Entrance, and Train.)
If you do not advise us of the change or do not want to pay the fee, bring both original passports (the old and new one). You can enter Peru with your new passport but you must show the government authorities your old passport in order to enter the Inca Trial, Machu Picchu or Train. “If you cannot do so, you will not be allowed to start your trek by government officials. All names and numbers must match!!
“Please read the following information carefully; it will help answer most of your questions about our services and the 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu ”
We wecome you at the airport in Cusco and take you to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to your trek. Look out for our representative holding an orange board with INCA TRAIL HIKE on it at the arrivals terminal. You must exit the terminal in order to find our representative (they cannot come inside) We can pick you up on whatever day your arrival is!
It will take place the night before the trekking departure at 6pm, unless scheduled at a different hour. Breifing will be held in our office which is located at Garcilaso Street 210 , Office Nº:213 (2and Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
Of course! During the 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are free. Please don’t pack anything you will need for your hike.
FIRST, to book your 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu , we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase the Classic Inca Trail Machu Picchu permit without the following information:
SECOND, we require a deposit of US$200.00 per person in order to purchase a permit for the Classic Inca Trail Machu Picchu. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many cash machines in the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address of info@incatrailhikeperu.com.
Unfortunately the answer is “No”. Once the 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tickets have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure date after the ticket has been bought. Tickets are also not transferable nor refundable.
If you cancel your Classic Inca Trail Machu Picchu Trek, the deposit is not refundable at all!
Yes for sure! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your classic Inca Trail Machu Picchu permit. The rangers will check every day and when you enter Machu Picchu. The train company will also check your passport before allowing you to board the train. In case you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us your old number to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number…if so, please send the new passport number as soon as possible.
First I would say that the weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. BUT you will have many different varieties of weather as you pass through the numerous microclimates and will depend on the location. We highly recommend that you bring some warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack.
In general if you have regular exercise and spend a couple of days in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley for acclimatisation to the altitude, you may be fine.
The recommended medicine for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. See our detailed information about Altitude Sickness under FAQS.
We offer the Cusco City Tour or Sacred Valley Tour that you can book while you are acclimatizing. Check out our Day Tours on our Home Page.
The maximum group size is 8 persons. Usually our groups are between 2-6 persons. Sam Travel Peru specializes in SMALL and PRIVATE groups and provides personalized service
You will have 1 cook per group. The number of porters depends of the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, there will have 4 porters, 4 trekkers will have 6 porters, 6 trekkers will have 9 porters, 8 trekkers will have 12 porters.
The evening before you start your 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu , you will be given a SMALL DUFFLE BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/15lbs. Your team of porters will carry your duffle bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffle bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the Classic Inca Trail Machu Picchu, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. Usually a 30 to 50 litre backpack is sufficient.
The 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a 42km (24.4 mile) hike through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is 4,217m/13,907ft. On the second day of the trek we climb two mountains. The Trail is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and take regular exercise.
In preparation: try walking 15kms in a day or go to the fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatised to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the Classic Inca Trail Machu Picchu.
It has been highlighted by most of our clients, especially by the female ones who want a private, clean and sanitary toilet! SAM Travel Peru toilet facilities have an individual tent and a “camping toilet with a seat.” Check out the picture, which illustrates how we set up our camping toilet on the trek by using this link: picture of toilet tent. Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite. At night if you need to use the toilet it is readily accessible and clean, unlike the dirty facilities supplied by the government.
In the scenario that you are unable to finish the Classic Inca Trail Machu Picchu due to a health reasons, INCA TRAIL HIKE will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the Classic Inca Trail Machu Picchu.
Generally those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly they continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.
Absolutely! Included in our packages is dropping you off at your hotel on the return from your trek or tour. If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you off there too!
If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, we will pick you up from there.
It will depend on the train availability but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco from the train. Therefore you will take the train at 4:22pm. With this train schedule, you will have more than 9 hours to enjoy Machu Picchu
For sure you may upgrade to Vistadome train which has slightly nicer seats, panoramic windows and ceiling. You will be offered some snacks and a dance show will take place on board. The price is US$67 per person which includes the transfer from Poroy (Cusco) train station to your hotel in Cusco. It is 2 hours by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and then another 2 hours from Ollantaytambo to Cusco by bus. If you upgrade to the Vistadome Train, the trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy (Cusco), takes 3.5 hours, and then 25mins by taxi to your hotel. Usually our clients are back at their hotel by 8pm. If you plan to take the bus to Puno the same night, that is totally possible.
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many INCA TRAIL HIKE destinations. Of course you are free what you feel is sufficient, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Yes, we are a local sustainable & responsible tourism operator in that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our staff to know, understand and respect the local places and it´s people.
As a Professional Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffle bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 15 pounds including your 2.5kg sleeping bag and mattress, as well as extra clothing.
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40Litres for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.