Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4Days/3Night
Price
Trip Details
- Tour Type:
- Duration
- Group Size
- Dificult
- Housing
Camping
- Language
- Distance
42 km /26 Miles
The Legendary Expedition: Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (4 Days)
Experience the expedition of a lifetime on the 4-Day, 3-Night Classic Inca Trail—the original pilgrimage to Machu Picchu. This authentic route has you mountain camping and exploring impressive archaeological sites only accessible on foot, like the stunning Wiñay Wayna.
You will conquer the famous Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,215 m (13,828 ft) and cross diverse ecosystems down to the vibrant cloud forest. It all prepares you for the most anticipated moment: your triumphant dawn entrance into Machu Picchu through the iconic Inti Punku (The Sun Gate).
Why Choose Ali Perú Treks?
- Proven Trust and Reputation We are a 100% reliable, punctual, and practical tour operator. Our reputation backs us up: read the excellent reviews from travelers just like you on TripAdvisor!
- Professional Chef Service & Fresh Meals on the Mountain While others settle for basic camp food, we offer fresh meals prepared by a professional chef. Our team will delight you with varied, hot breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. After a long day of hiking, you deserve a quality meal in our private dining tent.
- (Inflatable Sleeping Mats Included – Free!) Your comfort is vital. To ensure you sleep peacefully and recharge your energy, we include comfortable inflatable air mattresses for all our travelers. You do not need to rent one or pay extra; they are included in your package to guarantee your rest!
- Personalized Service (Small Groups) We guarantee an intimate experience with groups of 2 to 10 travelers maximum. This allows us to provide you with detailed attention, far from the massive tours of other companies.
- Fully Escorted (Hotel to Hotel) Your guide travels with you every step of the way. We pick you up from your hotel door in Cusco, accompany you during the 4-day trek, on your tour of Machu Picchu, and on the train back to Ollantaytambo, dropping you off at your hotel.
- Safety as a Priority (Satellite Phones & Oxygen) Your well-being is essential. Our guides are equipped with satellite phones for emergencies and a tank of oxygen, ensuring your safety even in the most remote areas of the trail.
- Door-to-Door Convenience Forget the logistics. We pick you up from your hotel door in Cusco and drop you off at the same place at the end of the 4-day tour. We take care of absolutely everything.
- Local and Authorized Operator Ali Perú Treks is a 100% locally-owned agency and an officially licensed tour operator for the Inca Trail. Your trip directly supports Cusco’s economy and professionals.
- Hike Lighter (Full Porter Support) Enjoy the trek more. We include a full porter service to carry all the camping equipment, food, and your personal duffel bag (up to 7 kg / 15 lbs). You only need to carry your daypack.
- Expert and Passionate Guides Our team of guides receives constant training and professional development. They are experts in history, flora, and fauna, and are passionate about sharing Inca culture.
- Optimize Your Time (Early Return) We maximize your itinerary. We organize your return train at a convenient time (2:55 PM or 3:20 PM) from Aguas Calientes, allowing you to get back to Cusco early to rest.
- 100% Guaranteed Departures (No Outsourcing) Your reservation is sacred. If you book a tour for 2 people, the tour departs with 2 people! Ali Perú Treks will never pass you on to another agency or share your service.
- Responsible and Ethical Tourism We believe in dignified work. We ensure fair and punctual payment to our entire team (guides, porters, drivers, and cooks) as soon as they finish their job.
MAP 1: Route Itinerary and Key Sites
This map shows the full 4 days Classic Inca Trail route. It includes your initial transport, our exact camp locations, all major archaeological sites, and your final path through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
MAP 2: Altitude Profile and Difficulty:
This chart is essential for risk preparation. It clearly illustrates the daily ascents and descents you will face, helping you understand the physical challenge and the maximum altitude reached on the trek.
Your 4 days Classic Inca Trail adventure begins early. Your expert guide from Ali Peru Treks will pick you up around 4:30 AM. We travel in private transport to Ollantaytambo, making a brief stop there. This stop allows our porters to join the expedition team. We then continue to Piscacucho, famously known as Km 82. This is the official starting point of the Inca Trail. Just before the checkpoint, enjoy a delicious, energizing breakfast. Remember: your original passport is mandatory to enter the trail.
Once past the checkpoint, we begin a relatively easy 2 hour hike for acclimatization. We will visit the impressive site of Llactapata. Your guide will explain the secrets of this ancient agricultural center. A 2 hour hike will then lead us to Hatunchaca, our lunch spot. After a gourmet Andean lunch, we rest for 30 minutes. We then resume the trek with a 2-hour ascent to Ayapata (3,300 m / 10,827 ft). Upon arrival around 5:00 PM, your tents will be set up and waiting. A comforting hot tea is followed by a spectacular dinner, the perfect start to your adventure.
Your Ali Peru Treks chef will gently wake you with a hot cup of tea served in your tent. You have 30 minutes to pack your belongings efficiently. A hearty, nutritious breakfast awaits to give you the energy you need. This is the great challenge of the 4 days Classic Inca Trail. After breakfast, we begin the demanding 4 hour ascent. Our goal is Warmiwañuska, or «Dead Woman’s Pass.» This is the highest point of the Inca Trail, reaching 4,215 m (13,828 feet). At the summit, you are rewarded with truly breathtaking panoramic views. Your guide will perform a small, moving coca leaves ceremony here. We then begin a two hour descent to our lunch spot at Pacaymayo Alto.
With renewed energy, we face a second 45-minute ascent. This path leads us to the Inca site of Runcuraccay. We explore this fascinating ruin. We then climb for another 40 minutes to the second pass, Runkurakay Pass (4,000 m / 13,123 ft). From this point, you can enjoy stunning glacial landscapes. Following the second pass, we descend for one hour to Sayacmarca. We will explore this fascinating Inca site thoroughly. A final, gentler 25-minute hike brings us to our campsite: Chaquicocha (3,700 m / 12,139 ft). You have successfully completed the most challenging day of the 4 days Classic Inca Trail.
Today is often considered the most beautiful day of the route. We start early (6:00 AM) with a two-hour hike. This path, featuring ups and downs, brings us to Phuyupatamarca (3,600 m / 11,811 ft). Phuyupatamarca means «City in the Clouds.» Here, we enter the magical cloud forest, the edge of the Amazon jungle. On a clear day, the views are incredible. You will see the majestic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5D/4N mountain. You will also see the Vilcabamba mountain range. From this Inca site, you get your first exciting glimpse of Machu Picchu mountain in the distance.
After exploring the unique site of Phuyupatamarca, we begin an impressive three-hour descent. This long descent follows a flight of ancient Inca stairs. During the descent, we will reach Intipata, another spectacular Inca agricultural site. We typically arrive at our campsite, Wiñaywayna, around 1:00 PM. The afternoon allows time to have lunch and relax. Around 4:00 PM, your guide will take you to visit the archaeological site of Wiñaywayna («Forever Young»). This is the most spectacular site on the entire Inca Trail, second only to Machu Picchu. Following a delicious dinner, we hold a special farewell ceremony. This is our tradition to thank our porters and chefs for their hard work. We rest early, preparing for the grand finale tomorrow.
Today is the culmination of your 4 days Classic Inca Trail adventure. We will wake up before dawn (approx. 4:00 AM) to head to the checkpoint. The checkpoint opens promptly at 5:30 AM. After a brief early breakfast, we begin the final one-hour hike. This trek takes us directly to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate). From this legendary viewpoint, you will witness your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. See the citadel in all its splendor as the first rays of sunlight bathe the site. It is a truly unforgettable and rewarding moment.
From Inti Punku, we will descend for about 40 minutes to the main platform of Machu Picchu. Here you will have time for classic photographs of the citadel. We will briefly exit to use the restrooms, then re-enter for your comprehensive two-hour guided tour. Your expert guide will lead you through the most iconic and significant areas. Once the exploration is complete, we take a short bus ride to Aguas Calientes. After lunch (optional), your guide will escort you to the train station. We take the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. Our dedicated staff will then transfer you back to Cusco in our private transportation, dropping you off at your hotel door.
INCLUDES
- Pre-Trek Briefing: A comprehensive meeting with your expert guide the day before your trek to answer all questions.
- Personal Duffle Bag: Our porters carry up to 7 kg (15 lbs) of your personal gear, which includes your sleeping bag.
- Professional Trekking Guides: Highly experienced, university accredited guides who speak fluent English.
- Expert Chefs: Chefs who prepare delicious modern Andean, traditional Peruvian, and international meals (Vegetarian options available).
- Dedicated Porters: Porters carry all group equipment for the entire trek.
- High-Quality Tents: Durable, high mountain tents for your comfort (two people per tent).
- Comfortable Sleeping Mattresses: Inflatable mattresses are included for three nights of camping.
- Spacious Dining Tent: Roomy dining tent complete with chairs and a table.
- Fully Equipped Cooking/Bathroom Tents: Includes all necessary cooking gear and bathroom tents with water pump toilets at all stops.
- Bus Cusco to Km 82: Transportation from Cusco to the official starting point of the trek (Piscacucho).
- Bus Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes: Service descends from the archaeological site to the town.
- Return Train Ticket: From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Vistadome or 360° class service).
- Private Cusco Transport: Bus transport from Ollantaytambo back to your hotel in Cusco.
- Satellite Phones: Each group carries a satellite phone for emergency communication with the office.
- Oxygen Tank: Each team carries an oxygen tank at all times in case of emergency.
- Radios: Internal communication radios for guides, cooks, and porters.
- First Aid Kit: A full complement of over the counter medicines and emergency supplies.
- Entrance Tickets: Your Inca Trail Permit and the entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu Citadel are covered.
- Water: All necessary water is provided (boiled, purified, and cooled) from your first lunch to your last breakfast.
- Small Details: A sleeping pillow, backpack rain cover, and rain poncho are included for each hiker.
NOT INCLUDES
- Optional Rentals: Sleeping bag ($20) and trekking poles (pair: $15) are not included.
- Post-Machu Picchu Lunch: The lunch after your Machu Picchu tour in Aguas Calientes is not covered, allowing you dining flexibility.
- Huayna Picchu/Machu Picchu Mountain: The additional entrance ticket for climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ($70 per person) is not included.
- Other Expenses: Tips (for guides, cooks, and porters), travel insurance, and personal expenses are not covered.
To confirm your Inca Trail trek, a non refundable deposit of $200 USD per person is required. This payment secures your place immediately. It allows us to arrange key components of your journey.
The Inca Trail is a popular trek. Limited daily permits are issued by the Peruvian government. These permits sell out quickly, especially during high season (May to September). They must be purchased in advance using your passport information. Once issued, Inca Trail permits are non refundable and non transferable.
This is why we require a deposit upfront. Your deposit also helps us book train tickets, hotel accommodations, entrance fees, and logistics. This ensures a smooth and well organized experience. Securing your spot early guarantees access to this unforgettable adventure. You can focus on preparing for your journey along the iconic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Consult Inca Trail permits for more details.
Inca Trail permits are strictly limited to 500 people per day. This includes guides, cooks, and porters. It is strongly recommended to book your tour at least six months in advance. If you plan to hike during the high season (May to September), book even earlier. Aim for around October of the previous year. This is when the government releases the permits. With Ali Peru Treks, you can make a no obligation pre reservation. This helps secure your spot while you finalize flights or accommodations. For detailed planning, consider our ;Machu Picchu In 2026: Complete Guide To Visit With All Peru Treks.
Our tours offer a complete, safe, and culturally immersive experience.
The package includes:
- Professional, licensed guides with deep knowledge of Inca history and culture
- Porters to carry camping equipment
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks)
- High quality camping gear: tents, mattresses, tables, chairs, and dining tent
- Entrance fees to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
- Train tickets back and all ground transportation to and from Cusco
- Vegetarian and special diet options available upon request
Ali Peru Treks specializes in small group experiences, ensuring personalized service and authentic cultural connection.
Yes, acclimatizing is essential for a safe Inca Trail trek. It significantly reduces the risk of altitude sickness. This can affect even healthy individuals. It is recommended to spend at least two nights in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. Do this before starting the Inca Trail. This allows your body time to adapt to the altitude. Cusco sits at 3,400 meters (11,200 feet). You can take light day tours during this time. Options include Tour To Sacred Valley Full Day or visiting sites like Moray or Pisac. This helps your body adjust gradually. Ali Peru Treks provides guidance on hydration, diet, and best practices. We ensure you are prepared for this Andean adventure. For more tips, read Physical Training For The Inca Trail: A Complete Preparation Guide .
The Inca Trail is considered a challenging trek. However, it is accessible to most people with a reasonable level of fitness. The trail is about 43 kilometers (26 miles) long. It takes four days to complete this trek to Machu Picchu. Hikers will experience a mix of steep ascents and descents. This is particularly true when climbing to the Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmi Wañusqa). This pass is at 4,200 meters (13,780 feet).
While physical difficulty varies, altitude is a major challenge. To make the trek easier, spend a few days acclimatizing in Cusco. Proper preparation, a positive attitude, and experienced support are key. Our porters and guides make the Inca Trail an incredible and rewarding experience.
The classic 4 day Inca Trail is considered moderate to challenging. You do not need to be an athlete. However, you should be prepared to hike 6 to 10 hours per day. This includes steep ascents and long descents.
Day 2 is the most demanding. You will cross the highest point of the trek, Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca). This challenging pass is at 4,215 meters above sea level. If you lead an active lifestyle, you are likely in good shape. Training with cardio and strength endurance in the weeks before your trip helps. This ensures you complete the trek successfully. Prepare for this trekking adventure in Peru .
Here are the essentials you will need for your Inca Trail adventure:
- A small daypack (25–30 liters) for daily items.
- Comfortable, broken in hiking boots with good grip
- Layered clothing: thermal shirts, fleece, windbreaker, rain gear
- Wool socks and a full change of clothes
- Hat or cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Insect repellent (especially near Machu Picchu)
- Refillable water bottle or hydration system
- Sleeping bag (available to rent if you don’t have one)
- Original passport (required for Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entry)
Ali Peru Treks will send you a detailed and customized packing list. This is provided ahead of your tour. For more details, see Essential Equipment For Trekking In The Cusco Andes.
Sustainability is a core value for Ali Peru Treks. We are committed to promoting low impact, responsible tourism. We enforce a strict «Leave No Trace» policy on all Peru treks. We ensure fair compensation and respectful treatment for all local porters. We use fresh, locally sourced ingredients for meals. We collaborate with Andean communities through training and social projects. We are gradually eliminating single-use plastics in all our operations. We want every traveler to admire the Inca legacy. We also want them to become a part of its preservation. Our efforts support eco-conscious travel in Peru.
If Inca Trail permits are sold out for your preferred dates, we offer stunning alternatives:
- The Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 5d/4n is a high mountain scenic trek. It does not require permits.
- The Lares Trek To Machu Picchu 4d/3n is ideal for a cultural immersion. It explores remote Andean communities.
- The Short Inca Trail To Machupicchu With Hotel 2d/1n: starts at Km 104. It includes part of the original trail with a grand entrance to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
- Custom itineraries: We can combine hikes, cultural tours, and day trips based on your fitness level and schedule
Our team will help you select the best route for your goals and timeframe.
Our dedicated porters will carry your duffle bag. This bag can hold up to 7 kg (15 lbs) of your personal belongings. This limit includes your sleeping bag and inflatable mattress. You’ll receive your duffle bag at a pre-trek briefing. This meeting takes place at your hotel the day before your trek, at 5:00 PM. Pack wisely for your Classic Inca Trail adventure.
- 2-3 T-shirts for daily wear.
- 2-3 mountain pants for varied conditions.
- 4 sets of underwear
- 4 sets of mountain socks
- 1 fleece layer for warmth.
- 1 warm down jacket; nights get very cold on the Inca Trail.
- 1 raincoat and matching pants for rain protection.
- 1 sun hat for daytime treks.
- 1 wool hat for chilly evenings.
- Headlamp: This is an essential item for navigating camp.
- Waterproof gloves; even ski gloves are highly recommended.
- Comfortable camping shoes for relaxing in camp.
- Hiking boots: Ensure they are broken in for the trail.
- Waterproof jacket or a reliable rain poncho.
- Quick drying towel; we provide small ones, but you may prefer larger.
- Small bottle of soap: We offer hot water daily for cleaning.
- Battery charger: No electrical outlets are available while trekking in Peru.
- Large plastic bags: Essential for organizing clean and dirty items.
- Sleeping bag: We recommend a down sleeping bag for -10°C (14°F) minimum.
For more detailed advice, consult Essential Equipment For Trekking In The Cusco Andes.
These are the crucial items you’ll need personally during your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu journey.
- Original passport (no copy): Required for Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu entry.
- Valid student card (if you have booked as a student).
- A good backpack (max. 14 liters).
- Water tank: A CamelBak type water tank is recommended. Ensure it holds at least 2-3 liters. Staying hydrated is vital for altitude challenges.
- Comfortable hiking boots (light and with good soles).
Pack these personal hygiene items for your comfort during the Andean trek.
- Sunscreen for high-altitude protection.
- Facial moisturizer.
- Mosquito repellents, especially near Machu Picchu.
- Moist towelettes for quick clean ups.
- Toilet paper.
- Personal medication, as needed.
We recommend carrying a small backpack, maximum 25 liters. Smaller is better, as backpacks larger than 25L are not allowed inside Machu Picchu. This bag holds your daily necessities for your Machu Picchu adventure.
- Water: It’s not provided at the very beginning of the trek, so bring your own. We will provide purified water daily after lunch. Staying hydrated is key for high altitude trekking.
- Fleece layer for sudden temperature drops.
- Camera to capture stunning Andean landscapes.
- Hat for sun or cold protection.
- Rain Gear:Be prepared for unpredictable weather variations on the trail.
- Hand sanitizer for hygiene.
- Toilet paper and a small plastic bag for personal garbage.
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips.
- Ear plugs for peaceful sleep at campsites.
For tips on preparing for challenging sections, see Physical Training For The Inca Trail: A Complete Preparation Guide.
- Tour Type:
- Duration
- Group Size
- Dificultad
- Housing
Camping
- Language
- Distance