The Classic Inca Trail is one of the most desired trek in the world because of its unparalleled ecological diversity and wealth of archaeological treasures. Along the trail there are 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 Iconic Inca city of Machu Picchu.
On final day of the trek awaits the city of Machu Picchu, a natural world wonder and a cultural show on full display. Catch yourself as you travel back in time to this magical place, sacred and mysterious, with the name Machu Picchu meaning, “The Old Sacred Mountain.” Take your time exploring the majestic Machu Picchu, the Incan ruins rich in history of its past and the thriving culture of the people who once resided there.
4200 m.s.n.m
Up to 12
Group or private
Trekking, Adventure, self-guided
Challenging
4 days / 3 nights
Early in the morning at 4:30H, we will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco or in Ollantaytambo at 6:30am, and travel to Ollantaytambo where we will have breakfast. Then we continue for 40 more mintes to the KM82, the start of the trail.
Once in Piskacucho (KM 82), 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 an 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 a Veronica (5,860m/19,337ft), lush green valley below with a myriad of flora and fauna.
The second day of trek is the toughest part of the trek. 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 4,215m/13,907ft. From here we have the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular views of different micro climates, magnificent mountains, beautiful green valley and myriad of flora and fauna. After 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 day of the trek and the longest day of our trek. After a delicious breakfast we walk uphill for one hour to the archeological site of Runcurakay (3,800m/12,540ft) to explore it. Then we ascend to the pass (3,977m/13,127ft). From the pass we can enjoy the breathtaking surrounding mountains and stunning lakes. After some time relaxing and taking in all the beautiful sites, we descend for one hour to the next archeological site of Sayacmarca (3,600m/11,877ft). With only a 30 minute more walk we arrive at Chaq´icocha for lunch.
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 sites on the Inca Trail called Wiñawayna!!
This day is the most awaited day of our trek. We wake up very early and have breakfast. Then we walk for one hour towards the Sun Gate (2,720m/8,977ft) from where will enjoy the first spectacular view of Machu Picchu in all its brilliance and majestic presence. Then we descend for an hour towards the 7th wonder of the modern world: Machu Picchu (2400m/7,920ft). Afterwards we start the guided tour for 2 hours visiting all the important places, leaving us with plenty of time for further exploring, taking photos and eventually climbing Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountains if desired. After enjoying the “lost city of the Incas” we head back to Aguas Calientes and take our return train to Ollantaytambo at 14:55h and meet our van connection to Cusco, arriving at your hotel in the evening around 8pm.
The Classic Inca Trail Machu Picchu is available on any date that is best suited to you as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers
DISCOUNTS
If permits are sold out for the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 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
If you are a single traveler 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 be your full names 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.
“Please read the following information carefully; it will help answer most of your questions about our services and the 4 days Inca Trail to Machu Picchu”
You will be welcomed at the airport in Cusco and taken to your hotel, please inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to your trek. Look out for our representative holding an orange board INCA TRAIL HIKE at the arrivals terminal. You must exit the terminal in order to find our representative (they cannot come inside). This service is available on any day.
It will take place the night before the trekking departure at 6pm in our office which is located at Garcilaso Street 210 , Office Nº:213 (2nd Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
Of course! During the Classic Inca Trail 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 during your hike in your luggage in storage.
FIRST, to book your 4 days 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 your 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.
Unfortunately the answer is “No”. Once the 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 you to bring some warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack.
The maximum group size is 12 people. Usually our groups are between 2-6 people. We are specializes in SMALL and PRIVATE groups and provides a personalized service
The evening before you start your Classic Inca Trail Machu Picchu trek, 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 Classic Inca Trail 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 exercise regularly.
In preparation: try walking 15kms a day or go to a 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 a highlight for most of our clients, especially females who want a private, clean and sanitary toilet! INCA TRAIL HIKE 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 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 is essential). There are no refunds in the unlikely event 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 when you return from your trek or tour. If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too!
If you spend the night in Ollantaytambo before the trek, we will pick you up from there.
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, 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 to tip what you feel is appropriate, 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 during 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.
If hiking to Machu Picchu, you should be in good physical health and have a taste for adventure. The level of enjoyment that you get out of this trek depends on numerous factors, such as the amount of time you have had to properly acclimatize to high altitude before departing, your age, your general fitness level, and your previous trekking experience. Before you start your trek, we recommend you arrive to Cusco at least two to three days in advance to help your body acclimate to the high altitude.
The classic Inca Trail takes 4 days. There is a 2-day Inca Trail version that begins closer to the ruins, as well. The 2-day consists of 1 full day of hiking, a night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes (the town next to Machu Picchu), and the a tour of Machu Picchu the following morning.
Your guide will be fluent in English, have several years of experience as a trekking professional guide, and is trained in first aid and rescue. They will meet you in Cusco and accompany you step by step along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Each tour is accompanied by a chef who will prepare all your fresh meals for you. The food is hearty, plentiful, and filling to keep you energized for the journey. Please notify us if you have any special requirements or diet restrictions, such as requiring vegetarian meals. You will enjoy breakfast, as well as a hot lunch and dinner every day. You will also be served snacks in the morning and afternoon, including hot drinks in the afternoon.
The best time to hike the Inca Trail is during the dry season, from May to October.
WHY?
This provides mostly dry and sunny weather, with nice crisp air in the mountains. Keep in mind, though, that this would be the busiest time to do the trail.
If you don’t mind some more mixed weather, the shoulder months of April and November offer fewer crowds with still some beautiful days with perhaps a few more rain showers here and there (which can prove quite refreshing while hiking).
It’s very important to buy your tickets for the Inca Trail trek in advance. Early planning does always not guarantee a spot, but greatly increases your chance of securing the trekking dates you want. During high season, from April through October, permits can sell out 6 months beforehand.
The Peruvian government closes the trail in February for annual maintenance, conservation and clean-up. It’s open every other month of the year.
On the last night of your hike, there is a tipping custom, all the hikers put their tips together and give them to the guide. The guide will then distribute that money between all the Inca Trail porters. We advise anything from $40 to $60 USD per hiker.
The Classic Inca Trail Trek is famous for several reasons, including:
Historical significance: The Inca Trail was a network of roads built by the ancient Incas over 500 years ago, and it was an essential part of their empire. The Classic Inca Trail Trek follows a section of this historic route, and it offers visitors a chance to experience the culture and history of the Incas.
Natural beauty: The Trail Trek takes hikers through stunning Andean landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and high altitude plateaus. The Inca trail passes through several Inca ruins and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
Challenge and adventure: The trail is a challenging and rewarding trek that requires physical fitness and endurance. The trail involves steep ascents and descents, high-altitude hiking, and Camping in remote locations. For many hikers, completing the Classic Inca Trail Trek is a significant accomplishment and a once in a lifetime adventure.
Limited access: The Peruvian government limits the number of people who can hike the Classic Inca Trail each year to protect the environment and preserve the trail’s cultural significance. This limited access has helped maintain the trail’s sense of adventure and exclusivity, adding to the trek’s allure.
