The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a legendary 4-day, 3-night guided hike of approximately 42 to 44 kilometers (26 to 27.3 miles) through the Peruvian Andes. It follows original stone paths built by the Incas as part of the vast Qhapaq Ñan road network, passing ancient ruins, cloud forests, and high mountain passes before reaching Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
Ali Peru Treks is a 100% locally owned and licensed travel agency based in Cusco, specializing in the Inca Trail. Our local guides, porters, and cooks are highly experienced and take care of everything along the way. We offer small-group departures, comfortable camping gear, and all-inclusive service, so all you have to do is enjoy the experience.
Inca Trail permits are limited and often sell out months in advance. Check availability first to confirm your preferred date before making your reservation. The earlier you plan, the better your chances of securing your ideal departure date.
Overview
The Classic Inca Trail is the best-known trek in Peru and the only one that follows the Inca road all the way to the Sun Gate. In four days, it climbs from the warm Urubamba valley to the high grasslands of Dead Woman’s Pass, then descends through cloud forest on original stairways and through a stone tunnel to Machu Picchu.
The route is protected and regulated. You need a permit issued in your name, a licensed guide and an authorized operator, and the trail closes every February for maintenance. Porters carry the camping equipment and up to 7 kg (15 lb) of your gear, so you hike with a light daypack. You camp at Ayapata, Chaquicocha and Wiñay Wayna, subject to the campsites assigned with your permits.
| Detail | Inca Trail 4 Days to Machu Picchu |
| Duration | 4 days, 3 nights (camping) |
| Distance | About 43 km (27 mi), from KM 82 to Machu Picchu |
| Highest point | Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca), 4,215 m (13,828 ft) |
| Camps | Ayapata, Chaquicocha and Wiñay Wayna (subject to permit allocation) |
| Difficulty | Moderate to challenging |
| Start and finish | Hotel pickup in Cusco, Urubamba or Ollantaytambo; drop-off at your Cusco hotel |
| Group size | 2 to 12 hikers |
| Meals | 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners, plus afternoon tea |
| Permit | Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu ticket included |
| Machu Picchu | Arrival through the Sun Gate; photos on Circuit 1 and a guided tour on Circuit 3 |
| Season | March to January (closed in February); driest April to October |
| Price | From US$775 per person (shared group departure) |
The Inca Trail suits reasonably fit travelers who want the classic walk into Machu Picchu. You don’t need technical skills, but you’ll hike up to nine or ten hours on Day 2, climb thousands of stone steps and sleep three nights in tents. If you’re short on time, the Short Inca Trail 2 Days covers the last section of the route.
| Short Inca Trail 2 Days | Inca Trail 4 Days | Inca Trail 5 Days | |
| Start | KM 104 | KM 82 | KM 82 |
| Distance | About 12 km | About 43 km | Same route, shorter stages |
| Nights | 1 hotel | 3 camping | Camping plus a hotel night |
| Highest point | Sun Gate, about 2,720 m | Dead Woman’s Pass, 4,215 m | Dead Woman’s Pass, 4,215 m |
| Price from | US$500 | US$775 | US$850 |
Prefer a slower pace? See the Inca Trail 5 Days. Want your own departure with only your group? See the Private Inca Trail 4 Days. Traveling in February? Consider the Salkantay Trek or the Lares Trek.
We operate in accordance with the strictest legal and safety standards required by the Peruvian government. We are a licensed travel and tourism agency based in Cusco, authorized to operate throughout the country and, specifically, within the protected area of the Inca Trail. See our official certifications and permits.
Inca Trail permits are limited and often sell out months in advance. Once you book with us, we handle the entire permit process on your behalf, from checking availability for your dates to submitting your details to the Peruvian authorities. You never have to deal with the paperwork, and you know your place on the trail is confirmed. Check our Inca Trail permit availability before you book.
Our reputation is built on the experiences of the travelers who have walked the Inca Trail with us. Hundreds of hikers from around the world have shared honest reviews about our guides, our porters, our food, and our care on the trail. Read what they say in our verified TripAdvisor reviews.
Our local guides, who are professionals, have extensive knowledge of the Inca Trail in terms of its history, archaeology, and environment. Throughout the trek, they carry satellite phones, emergency oxygen, and first-aid kits. In addition, they receive regular safety training.
Our mission is to ensure that you focus exclusively on the breathtaking scenery along the Inca Trail over the course of four days—not on the weight of your backpack. To guarantee a pleasant expedition and ease of movement, we include a personal porter service in your reservation at no additional cost, allowing you to enjoy the trail with the lightness and elegance that every explorer deserves.
For the Inca Trail, our groups are limited to ten travelers. This allows our guides to provide personalized attention to each person, answer their questions, and help each traveler enjoy the hike at a comfortable pace.
The chef will use fresh ingredients purchased at the local market in Cusco to cook. Our porters handle everything, and then our exceptional chefs prepare the meals. We do not use canned or rehydrated foods. Everything is delicious, fresh, and healthy!
We are committed to providing the best possible camping gear. We prioritize quality in every aspect of our expeditions, recognizing the crucial role that well-maintained gear plays in our customers’ overall experience.
On our four-day trek along the Inca Trail, we provide you with a comfortable tent that includes a private portable toilet, which will be located near our campsite. That way, you won’t have to go to the public restroom in the dark!
The hike will be much easier with a 7-kg canvas bag, which is included in the price. We also provide additional porters to ensure that the weight is distributed evenly and to make their work easier, as well as to keep them safe and comfortable throughout the Inca Trail.
For travelers on the Inca Trail, we offer a free luggage storage service. With your belongings safely stored, you can enjoy the ancient ruins and breathtaking scenery along the trail without any worries.
At Ali Perú Treks, your guide takes care of every detail, from the pre-trip briefing to the train ride. They’ll accompany you from your hotel to the train station, help you board the train, and travel with you to ensure that you get off at the right stop with all your belongings so you can begin your 4-day adventure on the Inca Trail safely and with peace of mind.
Explore our 4-Day Inca Trail Brochure for a day-by-day overview of the route, archaeological sites, camping experience, tour inclusions, and essential travel information to help you prepare for your trek to Machu Picchu. View the brochure.
Get a closer look at the 4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu through our video. Discover the breathtaking Andean landscapes, ancient Inca sites, mountain campsites, and unforgettable moments along this iconic trekking route. Watch our 4-Day Inca Trail video on YouTube.
Itinerary
Your guide and our private transport pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at around 5:00 AM and drive to Ollantaytambo for breakfast. We drive to Ollantaytambo for breakfast and final preparations, then continue to Km 82 (Piscacucho, 2,720 m / 8,924 ft), the official start of the Inca Trail. Here you meet the porters and the chef and pass the government checkpoint. Keep the original passport you used for your booking close at hand: it is checked against your permit.
The first stretch follows the Urubamba River on a gently rolling path, which gives your body time to adjust to the altitude. Your guide stops at the small Inca site of Kanabamba and then at Llactapata, an agricultural center of terraces and buildings, where you’ll see how the Incas farmed these steep valleys. About two more hours of walking bring you to Hatun Kancha (2,930 m / 9,613 ft) for lunch and a short rest.
In the afternoon you pass Wayllabamba, the last village on the trail and your final chance to buy snacks or extra drinks, before the steady climb to camp at Ayapata (3,300 m / 10,827 ft). Your tent and inflatable mattress are already set up when you arrive. The day ends with tea time and dinner under the Andean sky.
| Day 1 | Details |
| Start | KM 82 (Piscacucho), about 2,720 m (8,923 ft) |
| Hiking distance | About 14 km (8.7 mi) |
| Hiking time | About 6 hours |
| Elevation change | About 600 m (1,970 ft) of climbing |
| Camp | Ayapata, about 3,300 m (10,830 ft) |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner |
| Difficulty | Moderate (a gradual warm-up) |
This is the hardest day of the trek and, for many hikers, the most satisfying. It starts with coca tea brought to your tent and a hearty breakfast, followed by an early departure for the long, steady climb through Llulluchapampa to Warmiwañusca, Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,829 ft). From camp to the pass you gain about 915 m (3,000 ft), mostly on stone steps, and the air feels noticeably thinner near the top. Your guide sets a steady pace and plans regular rest stops.
After a break and photos at the pass, a steep stone staircase leads down to the Pacaymayo valley (3,590 m / 11,778 ft) for lunch. The afternoon brings a second, shorter climb to the Runkurakay Pass (4,000 m / 13,123 ft), with a stop at the circular ruins of Runkurakay along the way. On the far side, the trail descends to Sayacmarca, a compact Inca settlement built on the edge of a cliff and reached by a narrow stairway.
You arrive at camp in Chaquicocha (3,600 m / 11,811 ft) in time to watch the sunset over the Vilcabamba range. After tea time and dinner, if the sky is clear, your guide points out the Andean constellations and explains the role they played in Inca cosmology.
| Day 2 | Details |
| Hiking distance | About 16 km (9.9 mi) |
| Hiking time | 9 to 10 hours |
| Elevation change | About 900 m (2,950 ft) of climbing to Dead Woman’s Pass, then a second climb of about 400 m (1,310 ft) |
| Highest point | Dead Woman’s Pass, 4,215 m (13,828 ft) |
| Camp | Chaquicocha, about 3,600 m (11,810 ft) |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner |
| Difficulty | Challenging (the hardest day) |
Our third day will be absolutely spectacular and is widely considered the easiest and most breathtaking section of the entire trek. You will enjoy a journey rich in history and unforgettable landscapes, surrounded by lush vegetation and fascinating Inca archaeological sites. We will begin the morning with a hot cup of coca tea delivered right to your tent, followed by a nutritious breakfast prepared by our trekking chef.
Leaving camp, our trail contours the mountainside into the mystical cloud forest. Along the way, we will pass through an original Inca stone tunnel and observe how the plant life dramatically changes as we lose elevation. Our first major stop is Phuyupatamarca (3,680 m / 12,073 ft), an impressive archaeological site featuring a privileged vantage point toward Machu Picchu Mountain. On clear days, this spot offers magnificent views of Mount Salkantay and the Urubamba Valley, with ancient ritual fountains that still channel water today.
From Phuyupatamarca, we begin a two-hour descent down remarkably preserved Inca stone stairways to Intipata, a stunning hillside of agricultural terraces overlooking the river and surrounding peaks. Continuing along the trail, a short 40-minute descent brings us to our campsite at Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft), where a hot, delicious lunch awaits you.
In the early afternoon, you will have time to take a shower, rest, and relax at camp. Later in the afternoon, your guide will take you to explore the Inca site of Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young”), a breathtaking complex of agricultural terraces, fountains, and stone structures stepping down the mountain slope—unquestionably the most impressive site on the trail before Machu Picchu.
To end the day, we will gather for a special farewell dinner. This is a memorable moment when the group comes together to thank our team of porters and chef for their hard work and dedication throughout the trek. Be sure to turn in early, as the wake-up call on Day 4 comes well before dawn for our final stretch to Machu Picchu.
| Day 3 | Details |
| Hiking distance | About 10 km (6.2 mi) |
| Hiking time | 5 to 6 hours |
| Elevation change | About 1,000 m (3,280 ft) of descent on stone steps |
| Camp | Wiñay Wayna, about 2,650 m (8,690 ft) |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner |
| Difficulty | Moderate (hard on the knees) |
We wake up very early and have breakfast so the group can be among the first in line at the final checkpoint, which opens at 5:30 AM. From there it’s about an hour on a mostly level path along the mountainside to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, which we usually reach around 6:30 AM. This is where you get your first view of Machu Picchu, laid out on the ridge below. When the sky is clear, the early light reaches the citadel while you’re on this last stretch of trail.
From the Sun Gate we walk down for about an hour toward the upper part of the site, where the trail reaches the viewpoint for the classic photo of the citadel. Because there are no restrooms inside the archaeological site, we then exit briefly to use the facilities at the entrance. We re-enter through the lower entrance on Circuit 3, Route 3-B (the route assigned to Inca Trail hikers), for a guided tour of about two hours, during which your Ali Peru Treks guide explains the history and purpose of the main sectors along the route.
Optional: Huayna Picchu. If you have booked a Huayna Picchu ticket in advance (extra cost, subject to availability), you may be able to climb the peak behind the citadel after your tour. about one hour up and one hour down, with an aerial view of the whole site. Tickets are limited and need to be booked months ahead.
After your visit, take the shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you have time for lunch (not included). Your guide accompanies you to the train station for the afternoon train to Ollantaytambo, where our team meets you for the private transfer to your hotel in Cusco, arriving around 7:00 PM.
| Day 4 | Details |
| Hiking distance | About 5 km (3.1 mi) to Machu Picchu |
| Highest point | Sun Gate, about 2,720 m (8,920 ft) |
| Machu Picchu altitude | About 2,430 m (7,970 ft) |
| Return | Bus to Aguas Calientes, train to Ollantaytambo, private van to your hotel in Cusco |
| Meals | Breakfast (lunch is not included) |
Included
Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain have limited daily spaces, so book them with your trek, several months ahead.
Packing List
Pack for cold nights at Chaquicocha, strong sun and wind on Dead Woman’s Pass, and warm, humid cloud forest on the last two days. Your daypack stays with you every day; you won’t see your duffel bag until camp each evening. Your duffel bag (7 kg / 15 lb, provided at the briefing) is carried by our porters. Your sleeping bag (about 2 kg) and mattress (about 1 kg) go inside it, which leaves about 4 kg (9 lb) for clothes and personal items. For more detail, see our trekking gear list.
Use a 25 to 30 L pack.
Inside Machu Picchu, bags may be no larger than 40 × 35 × 20 cm (about 16 × 14 × 8 in), and walking sticks, umbrellas and food are not allowed. Your guide will tell you where to leave larger items on Day 4. our Peru trekking gear list.
Travel Info
The briefing is mandatory. At 6:00 PM the evening before your trek, your guide visits your hotel in Cusco, gives you your duffel bag, reviews the itinerary and safety details, and answers your last questions.
You can only hike the Inca Trail with a permit, a licensed guide and an authorized operator. The Ministry of Culture limits the long Inca Trail routes to 500 trail users a day, so permits for May to August often sell out months ahead. Permits are issued in your name and passport number for a specific date and can’t be transferred, refunded or changed.
If you need a different date, a new permit has to be bought, subject to availability, at an extra cost of US$100. We buy your permit as soon as you pay your deposit. Check our Inca Trail permit availability page.
We rate it as moderate to challenging. The main difficulties are the altitude, the thousands of uneven stone steps and the long climb to Dead Woman’s Pass on Day 2. Start training six to eight weeks before your trip with cardio, long hikes and stairs. For more on the hardest climb, read our Dead Woman’s Pass guide.
Spend at least two days in Cusco, at about 3,400 m (11,150 ft), before the trek. Drink plenty of water and avoid heavy meals and alcohol in your first days. See our guides to acclimatizing in Cusco and altitude sickness.
The trail is open from March to January and closes every February for maintenance. The driest months are April to October, and May to August sell out first. From November to March, expect heavy but usually short showers, greener landscapes and fewer hikers.
The trail can also close for a few days after severe rain, as happened in August 2026; in that case, affected hikers can ask for a new date through the official channels. Read more in our Inca Trail by month and Inca Trail weather guides.
Our porters carry within the legal limits for porters in Peru, 20 kg (44 lb) for men and 15 kg (33 lb) for women. We provide uniforms, proper footwear, insurance and fair wages, paid when the trek ends. Many of our porters come from highland communities such as Huayllaccocha.
You only carry your daypack. Leave your suitcase at your hotel in Cusco or at our office, free of charge.
For more general advice, see our Peru travel information page.
Map
The trek starts at KM 82 (Piscacucho) on the Urubamba River and follows the river past Llactapata before turning up the Cusichaca valley to Wayllabamba and Ayapata. Day 2 climbs over Dead Woman’s Pass and the Runkurakay pass to Chaquicocha. Day 3 descends past Phuyupatamarca and Intipata to Wiñay Wayna, above the Urubamba. Day 4 follows the final section to the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu.
Price
We guarantee that we will obtain your legal permits for the classic 4-day hike along the Inca Trail 2027 from the relevant authorities immediately after you make your reservation. With us, your spot is guaranteed from the very beginning.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Service type | Shared group departure |
| Group size | 2–12 hikers |
| Price per person | $775 USD |
| Private group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2–3 hikers | $900 USD |
| 4–5 hikers | $850 USD |
| 6–7 hikers | $800 USD |
| 8 or more hikers | $775 USD |
See our Private Inca Trail Tour for more details.
Eligible students and travelers aged 17 or younger receive a $30 USD discount per person, subject to eligibility requirements.
| Eligible traveler | Discount per person | Required documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible university students | $30 USD off | Current physical university ID card |
| Travelers aged 17 or younger | $30 USD off | Passport or valid age-verification document |
Email a copy of your university ID or passport to info@aliperutreks.com when booking. Bring the original document on the trek, as it may be checked.
| Optional extra | Additional cost |
|---|---|
| Sleeping bag rental | $20 USD per person |
| Trekking poles rental (pair) | $15 USD |
| Huayna Picchu entrance ticket | $80 USD per person |
| Machu Picchu Mountain entrance ticket | $80 USD per person |
| Lunch in Aguas Calientes | Not included |
| Tips | Not included |
| Travel insurance | Not included |
Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain tickets are subject to availability.
A $200 USD deposit is required to proceed with your booking. Inca Trail permits are non-transferable and non-refundable once issued. Review the applicable booking and permit-change conditions before confirming your departure.
Ready to plan your trek? Check Inca Trail availability or contact our team in Cusco.
Faq
About 43 km (27 mi) from KM 82 to Machu Picchu. Day 2 is the longest, at about 16 km, and Day 4 the shortest, at about 5 km.
From US$775 per person on a shared group departure. For a departure with only your group, see the Private Inca Trail 4 Days. Tips, lunch on Day 4 and optional rentals are extra.
Six to seven months ahead for May to August. The 500-person daily limit applies all year, so book as early as you can for other months too.
Yes. You can only hike the Inca Trail with a licensed guide and an authorized operator.
Moderate to challenging. Day 2, with the climb to Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215 m (13,828 ft), is the hardest. Training and two days of acclimatization in Cusco make a big difference.
Possibly, but it isn’t guaranteed. The final checkpoint opens at 5:30 AM, and the walk to the Sun Gate takes about an hour, so you usually arrive around 6:30 AM. Depending on the season and the clouds, you’ll see the first light on the trail or at the gate.
You usually reach the Sun Gate around 6:30 AM and the citadel around 8:00 AM, before most visitors arriving by train.
Circuit 1 for the classic photos from the upper terraces, and Circuit 3 (Machupicchu Realeza) for your guided tour.
No. Permits are issued in your name and passport number and can’t be changed. If you need a different date, a new permit has to be bought, subject to availability, at an extra cost of US$100.
Tell us right away and bring both passports, the old and the new one, on the trek.
Up to 7 kg (15 lb) in the duffel bag we give you, including your sleeping bag and mattress. That leaves about 4 kg (9 lb) for your clothes.
We set up a private toilet tent at every lunch stop and campsite, so you don’t depend on the public facilities. The Wiñay Wayna campsite has showers.
Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergy menus are available at no extra cost if you tell us when you book.
Around 7:00 PM. The afternoon train leaves Aguas Calientes between about 2:55 and 3:55 PM, and our driver meets you in Ollantaytambo.
Yes. We store your main luggage free of charge while you’re on the trail.
The Inca Trail is closed every February. The Salkantay Trek and the Lares Trek run that month.
Discover hand-picked tours and treks to Machu Picchu and Peru’s most unforgettable destinations.
Discover the experiences of travelers who have explored Peru with Ali Perú Treks. From the legendary Inca Trail to the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes and the wonders of Machu Picchu, our guests share their stories, honest feedback, and unforgettable moments. Their reviews reflect our commitment to personalized service, knowledgeable local guides, and meaningful adventures crafted with care from start to finish.
Blogs that provide information and tips for planning the perfect trip to Peru and Machu Picchu.
