Hiking the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Our trek begins with an early morning pickup from your Cusco hotel at 4:30 a.m. We will drive to Ollantaytambo, then continue to Km 82—the official starting point of the Classic Inca Trail. Upon arrival, we will complete the registration process and meet the trekking team who will accompany you throughout the journey.

From Km 82, we will hike for two hours to the first Inca site, Willca Raccay. Then, we will visit the impressive ruins of Patallacta, an ancient Inca checkpoint along the route to Machu Picchu. After another two-hour hike, we will stop for lunch before continuing on a two-and-a-half-hour trek to our first campsite at Ayapata. It is located 10,827 feet (3,300 meters) above sea level.

Along the way, we will pass through two small local communities where you can purchase energy drinks, snacks, and other necessary items. We expect to arrive at the campsite around 5:00 p.m., giving you time to settle in and relax. You will then enjoy a hot drink and a light snack with your team of porters, chef, and guide. Dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m., giving you time to unwind and rest before the next day’s adventure.

• Walking Distance: 14km / 8.7 miles
• Campsite Elevation: 3,850 meters / 12,631 feet
• Difficulty Inca Trail Hike Day 1: Moderate
• Max. Elevation: Ayapata 3,850 meters / 12,630 feet
• Min. Elevation: Starting Point (Km 82) 2,350 meters / 7,709 feet
• Meals: Lunch & Dinner (Plus snack and afternoon tea)
• Accommodation: Camping
• Weather: Warm and windy

On the second day on the Inca Trail with a morning ritual of coca tea to aid in acclimating to the high altitude. A hearty breakfast, skillfully prepared by our trail chef, fuels our adventure. Today’s journey unfolds with a 4-hour hike to the trek’s highest pass, Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 meters/13,829 feet). Upon reaching the pass, pause for a rejuvenating break, taking in breathtaking views before descending to the next valley, Pacaymayu Valley—also known as the Hidden River.

Navigate another hour and a half down the valley’s side to our lunch spot. Post-lunch, the ascent begins towards the trek’s second pass, a 2-hour journey with a stop at the intriguing Inca site, Runcuracay, and panoramic views of cascading waterfalls. After the pass, enjoy a one-hour descent to the magnificent Inca site, Sayacmarca—an otherwise secluded village. Take a moment to rest, explore the site, and witness the sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range.

A final 20-minute hike brings us to our second campsite, Chaquicocha (3,600 meters/11,811 feet). Post-dinner, if energy permits, indulge in some stargazing. Away from artificial lighting, immerse yourself in the captivating Southern Hemisphere sky, discovering fascinating Inca constellations—a truly enchanting experience!

• Walking Distance: 16km / 9.94 miles (7-8 hours)
• Campsite Elevation: 3,600 meters / 11,811 feet
• Difficulty Inca Trail Hike: Moderate to Challenging
• Max. Elevation: Dead Woman’s Pass 4,215 meters / 13,829 feet
• Min. Elevation: Pacaymayu Valley 3,300 meters / 10,826 feet
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner (Plus snack and afternoon tea)
• Accommodation: Camping
• Weather: Cold and rainy

Completing Day 2 and venturing into Day 3 is an achievement worth celebrating! Embarking early at 6:30 am, we commence the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, venturing into what is often considered the most breathtaking leg of the entire journey. The day unfolds with a 2-hour hike through the Cloud Forest, a jungle-like marvel. Nearing the end of the Inca flats, we ascend to the final peak, Phuyupatamarka (3,600 meters), offering stunning views of the Urubamba River. Descending for 3 hours, we reach our last campsite near Wiñay Wayna—a site rivaling Machu Picchu in splendor and a favored campsite for its proximity to the renowned ancient city.

• Walking Distance: 10km / 6.2 miles (5 hours)
• Campsite Elevation: 2,600 meters / 8,530 feet
• Difficulty Inca Trail Hike Day 3: Moderate
• Max. Elevation: Phuyupatamarka 3,600 meters / 11,811 feet
• Min. Elevation: Wiñay Wayna 2,600 meters / 8,530 feet
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner (Plus snack and afternoon tea)
• Accommodation: Camping
• Weather: Warm and very humid

Rise and shine at 3:30 AM for a magical start to the day. Breakfast at 4:00 AM precedes our wait at the checkpoint, positioning us among the first trekkers when the gates open at 5:30 AM. Bid farewell to our dedicated team and embark on the final stretch toward the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), concluding the official Inca Trail 4-day trek. The next 2 hours reveal breathtaking views of the mountains and the majestic Machu Picchu bathed in soft morning light.

Descend for an hour to enter the hidden Royal Citadel of the Incas. A 2-hour guided tour unveils the wonders of this ancient city, showcasing temples, terraces, palaces, priest’s houses, the sundial, the industrial sector, and farming fields. Then We walk to outsite to the control of Machu Picchu. Reenter to Machu Picchu and guided tour by the circuit 3, lower part of the citadel.
Marvel at the ingenious engineering feats of the Incas, organizing a sustainable and stunning community on a mountainside without modern tools.

Stay and savor the magic before taking the bus to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy lunch, visit the hot springs, and explore the town and artisan market if time allows. At 16:22 hrs (subject to availability), catch the train to Ollantaytambo. A private bus will then return you to your hotel in Cusco around 20:00 hrs. While your body rests, your heart will continue soaring for weeks and years to come!

• Considered: The most exciting and magical day (early wake up 3:30 AM)
• Area: High Cloud and Subtropical Forest
• Meals: Breakfast
• Weather: Hot and very humid (bring lots of water)

• Pre-trek briefing (Our guide will visit your hotel a day before the trek for your briefing);
• Transfer by private vehicle to the initial point of the Inca Trail at Km 82;
• Accommodation: Camping (3 nights);
• Inca Trail Permit and Machu Picchu ticket;
• Meals: 3x breakfast, 3x lunch, 3x dinner, 3x snack, 3x afternoon´s hot beverages (If you are a vegetarian, please advise us in advance. A vegetarian meal option is for NO extra cost!);
• Experienced bilingual Tour Guide (a group up to 8 participants has 1 Tour Guide, a groups over 8 participants receives 2 Tour Guides);
• A Trekking cook;
• Porters to carry food, camping, cooking equipment;
• Personal porters for your personal belongings (7 kg included sleeping bag and roll matres)
• Inflatable sleeping roll mattress with cover;
• A sleeping bag (for up to -5°C) with liner;
• Pillow with cover;
• A pair of the hiking poles;
• Rain poncho;
• Duffel bag for your personal belongings;
• Water every day (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own);
• Tables and chairs, cooking tent with cooking equipment, dining and toilet tents and bottled gas;
• Machu Picchu t-shirt
• Tourist train from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) to Ollantaytambo;
• A shuttle bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes Town;
• Tourist bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco;
• First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.

Radio Communication (Walkie-Talkies)

Our radios are directly connected to the Ministry of Culture and SERNANP (National Service of Natural Protected Areas). In the event of an emergency—such as a natural disaster or trail closure—we will be among the first to receive official information and take the necessary precautions.

If you experience a personal emergency during the hike, our guide and trekking cook can immediately contact Inca Trail authorities to coordinate assistance, evacuation, or other preventive measures.

Sustainable Travel

When you book the Inca Trail with Inca Trail Machu, you are also supporting meaningful social and environmental initiatives. Your trip contributes to projects that assist porter families and promote reforestation programs in Andean communities.
Learn more about our commitment on our Responsible People page.

During the Inca Trail Tours, our staff provides:

• Biodegradable soap
• Hot water for personal hygiene every morning, prepared by our cook
• Small towels for hand washing
• Personal toilet paper

• Breakfast on the first day
• The last lunch (fourth day) when the tour ends.
• Travel insurance;
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu ($80);
• Tips to local staff (please note: it is a custom to give tips in Peru; however, it is not obligatory);
• Other extras not mentioned.

Our tour guides are university-trained professionals with strong language skills and in-depth knowledge of Andean history, culture, religion, and social traditions. Their primary goal is to make your journey smooth, informative, and truly memorable. All guides receive annual training in first aid, high-altitude emergencies, and trail leadership.

Throughout your trip, your guide will provide accurate and helpful information, including restaurant recommendations, places to visit, current exchange rates, and guidance on essential services such as banks and artisan markets. They have extensive expertise on the Classic Inca Trail and alternative routes to Machu Picchu and are well prepared to anticipate and manage any unexpected situations.

The Inca Trail Machu representative is responsible for your safety, logistics, and overall service during the trip. He or she is a university-trained tourism professional with excellent communication skills. The representative carefully oversees every detail of your itinerary, ensuring that all services are confirmed and operate on schedule. This includes hotel pickups, coordination with drivers, and confirming that your guide is ready to meet you at the designated location.

Our representatives are also trained in customer service and first aid. Upon meeting you, the representative will request your WhatsApp contact, which will serve as the primary communication channel throughout your trip. Should you have any questions, concerns, or emergencies, you may contact them at any time for immediate assistance.

Our team also includes trained food-handling and high-altitude food preparation staff. Our porters are local Andean professionals who support you throughout the trek, allowing you to hike comfortably and confidently. They carry all camping equipment, including your personal gear, and set up tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping mats at each campsite. When you arrive, everything is ready so you can rest, recharge, and prepare for the next day’s adventure. Their dedication and encouragement play a key role in helping you achieve your dream of reaching Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail.

Our trekking cooks receive training in first aid, high-altitude emergency evacuation, environmental protection, and sustainability practices. All cooks and porters are fairly compensated, receive legal wages, and are provided with the required equipment in accordance with national regulations. Inca Trail Machu also supports their families by developing projects that improve their quality of life. In partnership with the Responsible People Foundation, we work to support high Andean communities and participate in mountain reforestation initiatives, contributing to a more sustainable and responsible tourism model.