The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, is one of the most magical and unique routes, for all this is considered one of the ten best trails in the world, where we can find along its more than 45 kilometers, impressive Inca remains, mountain scenery, cloud forests and a diversity of flora and fauna. In addition, the trail connects to the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu, the heritage left to us by the Incas.
Summary of the Inca Trail 4 days tour.
Day 01: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – KM82 – Huayllabamba Camp.
Day 02: Wayllabamba – Warmiwañusca – Paq’aymayu.
Day 03: Paq’aymayu – Runkuracay- Phuyupatamarca – Wiñayhuayna.
Day 04: Wiñayhuayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco.
We will start the day with the pick up from your hotel or selected place between 4:30 am to 4:50 am. Then we will be transferred to Urubamba, where we will have a short stop to stock up on food and others. We will continue with the trip to go to Km 82 (PISKACUCHO). We will pass through the first checkpoint of the Inca Trail to start our hike. Here, we will check our entrance tickets, passports or ID that is necessary for entry. The first 2 hours of the hike are relatively easy, as we head to the first Inca site. Patallaqta is an ancient Inca checkpoint for the entrance to Machu Picchu. From Patallacta we will continue our hike to the lunch point. Continuing with the adventure we will head to the first camp which will be Wayllabamba, where we will spend the first night and you can take the opportunity to buy any energy drinks, snacks or essential items you may have forgotten. In the evening we will enjoy our dinner prepared by our chef, after which you can have a well deserved rest.
We will start the day with a delicious picnic breakfast, we will all be ready to leave the camp and begin the hike along the old trail along the left bank of the Llulluch’ayoc River. This day it is advisable to walk very slowly and take your time because it is the most difficult day to climb uphill. After 2 hours of walking we will arrive at the wayruro bridge (seed of good fortune). Here we will stop to rest and use the restroom facilities to continue climbing through the cloud forest. The hike uphill is between 3 to 4 hours depending on your physical condition, the trail has spectacular views until you reach the first and highest pass of the Inca Trail, called “Abra Warmy Wañusca”.
The Warmy Wañusca pass is the best prize to celebrate. Some hikers bring a special drink to share with the others, we will have some time to rest and take pictures, if the weather permits we will see spectacular scenes of uphill trails, where some people are still struggling to reach the top. We will start the hike downhill, towards the second camp in the Paq’aymayu valley (3600 masl). This is a strategic point to see the mountain ranges surrounding the valley and where we will spend the second night.
This day we will have breakfast with the first rays of the sun, to start the day that will be full of surprises, we will walk another 15 km passing through the archaeological site as Runkuracay. This circular complex is located on top of a mountain and between the limit of the Andean climate and the cloud forest, to reach this Inca site, the trail climbs steeply up the opposite side of the valley.
Research says that the site was used to store food because of its strategic position and contains sleeping areas that were used by the Inca trekkers themselves. The trail takes us to the second Inca site, known as Sayaqmarca (Dominant Town or Inaccessible Town). On the way to the archaeological center, our group will pass by two small beautiful lagoons beside the trail. After the Sayaqmarca site, the trail winds through jungle with orchids and bromeliads. The trail gives us impressive views of the snow-capped mountains SalKantay, Veronica and Pumasillo, until we reach Phuyupatamarca which has many agricultural terraces, Inca works, water sources and at the top of the Inca site there is a large platform of bedrock.
Phuyupatamarca is the point for lunch overlooking the surrounding mountains, from Phuyupatamarca we will descend steep stairs to Wiñay Wayna, which is an Inca complex near Machu Picchu, and offers a view of the Urubamba River. The Inca site consists of upper and lower houses connected by a staircase and fountain structures, next to the houses are located and an area of agricultural terraces. Finishing the visit of the Inca site we head to the camp where we will spend the night.
We will wake up very early to have breakfast and start the hike and be the first ones in the sanctuary of Machu Picchu to see the sunrise. We will descend from wiñay wayna through the cloud forest to the high jungle habitat. Orchids and hummingbirds are commonly seen along the descent. We will arrive at Intipunku “Sun Gate” to observe the sunrise over Machu Picchu from an elevated viewpoint. We continue down to the royal road and finally to the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu which is the lost city of the Incas. We will have a guided tour of the marvelous citadel, visiting the main sites.
At the end of the visit of Machu Picchu, we will take the bus consettur that will take us down to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch and have the last meeting with the guide to give you the return train tickets, at the appointed time we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo where our staff is waiting for you to bring you back to the city of Cusco and end of the adventure.
Original passport (and *International Student card (ISIC) if applicable) Travel Insurance is essential.
| Number of persons | Price per person | |
| 1 | $ USD 790.00 | BOOK NOW |
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| Number of persons | Price per person | |
| 1 Persons | $ USD 900.00 | BOOK NOW |
| 2 Persons | $ USD 800.00 | BOOK NOW |
| 3 Persons | $ USD 700.00 | BOOK NOW |
| 4 Persons | $ USD 600.00 | BOOK NOW |
If you plan to hike to Machu Picchu and it has been on your bucket list, you should prepare adequately so as not to be surprised by sudden changes in weather and different altitude zones. If you are a big fan of hiking, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the best options; if you are exhausted, you can take the Salkantay Trek , Lares Trek , or any other alternative trek that you will love. Not only will you enjoy the view, but the experience will be unforgettable. Here are some tips to make your trek a success.
If you are one of the lucky few, you won’t feel a thing. There are those whose hearts will beat harder while others may experience difficulty breathing. You may also have nausea or a headache. Don’t risk it; you should be prepared for that if it’s your first time in this place.
The best thing to do is to give yourself at least two days to acclimatize before hiking the Inca Trail. Take some medicine, drink mate de coca and get plenty of sleep. It would be best if you buy Diamox to use before you start walking.
You do not need a prescription to buy Diamox in Peru; you can find it in all pharmacies in Cusco; you should ask for ACETAZOLAMIDE – Acetazolamide (brand name: Diamox), of course, you are expected to feel some common side effects such as dizziness, lightheadedness, tingling sensation. It is best taken at night before bedtime or early in the morning before your activities.
If you prefer something more natural, we recommend Sorojchi Pills, Altivital and coca tea, and drink plenty of water.
Although it is a lot of fun, it is not that easy. You have to prepare yourself physically and psychologically. You need stamina and endurance, so if you could exercise to improve strength and breathing, it would be fairly easy. Consider running or other cardiovascular exercises. Other important tips are to breathe deeply, take small steps, stay positive and rent hiking poles.
Almost all treks on trips from Cusco to Machu Picchu will include passing through high altitude locations of at least over 4000 meters (13123 feet) before arriving in Peru, making regular short hikes once a week plus.
This is an important aspect of all trips. Take your time to decide what you will need for hiking. The experience could be worse if you forget essential items. Suppose you forgot to bring extra batteries for your camera. It means you won’t capture memorable moments. Always have portable chargers for electronic devices. Other important things to bring are documents (insurance, passport and address book), toiletries, medications and sufficient footwear. The weather also keeps changing, so it is important to have several outfits for different weather conditions.
Short Inca Trail 2 days:The Short Version of the Inca Trail is perfect for those who do not have enough time to do the longer version; The Short Version of the Inca Trail takes you walking along the final part of the Classic Inca Trail, arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. Get more information here.
There are a couple of additional hikes in Machu Picchu Pueblo or Agua Calientes; if you stay in the village before or after Machu Picchu, you can visit the following places.
Machu Picchu Local Museum:Located near the Ruins Bridge (The bridge to Machu Picchu), you can access this place by walking 20 minutes from Aguas Calientes, or if you finish Machu Picchu, you can ask the bus driver to drop you off. by the bridge There is a fee (7 $) to enter the museum.
The Butterfly Station: Located on the way to Machu Picchu Picchu from Aguas Calientes. The butterfly station is only 10 minutes from the village. You can learn many interesting facts about the local butterflies and take pictures. There is a fee of 10 soles to enter this place.
The Mandor Gardens: This beautiful place is a 1 hour walk from Aguas Calientes; you can see birds, orchids, waterfalls and Machu Picchu from below. To visit Mandor, you need at least 3 hours, which is better with a tour guide.
The Inca Trail, a 50-kilometer section of the stone path that once stretched from Cuzco to Machu Picchu, is one of the most iconic outdoor excursions in the world. Nothing matches the sensation of walking along the ridge leading to the Lost City of the Incas just as the sun casts its first yellow glow on the ancient stone buildings.
Although train travel is the easiest way to reach Machu Picchu, most travelers arriving via the Inca Trail would not do it any other way. There are limits to the number of trail users, but you will still see many fellow travelers along the trail. The four-day trek passes through breathtaking ruins and landscapes, starting in the highland air and ending in cloud forests. Orchids, hummingbirds, Andean condors and spectacular mountains are not bad either.
Put the stress aside you are about to plan your vacation in 2024. It takes almost nothing to close the computer and feel the ultimate pleasure of being on the road, the 2024 Inca Trail season is coming!
Classic Inca Trail – 4 Days: the most famous of all, it receives visitors from all over the world every day. It includes 3 nights of camping in the heights of the mountain, almost 50 kilometers of trekking in total (which means a daily average of 12.5 km), reaching heights of up to 4,200 meters. You will also have guided visits to impressive Inca archaeological sites. The journey takes you through impressive Andean and jungle landscapes until you visit Machu Picchu. Recommended for those who want a total immersion in nature and away from urban life.
Short Inca Trail – 2 Days: it also has a great daily demand. But unlike the Classic, it can be said that it has a 60/40 ratio of classic and trekking tourism, respectively. The first day is a hike of about 6 hours and then you reach Aguas Calientes (town at the foot of Machu Picchu), where you will find all the urban amenities: restaurants and bars, spas, museums, hotels, handicraft markets, the famous thermal baths and more. The second day is the extraordinary tour to Machu Picchu (duration approximately 2.5 hours), with the afternoon free to continue enjoying Aguas Calientes. Ideal for those who wish to have the experience but in a shorter and more comfortable way.
Note: if you wish to choose one of these versions on your 2026 vacation, you should book as soon as possible.
Most travelers are unaware of the 500 permit/day limit on the 4-day Inca Trail. In addition, most travelers do not know that this limit applies not only to hikers entering the trail each day, but also to all necessary support staff: guides, cooks and porters.
To preserve the integrity of this famous part, which the Incas called Qhapaq Ñan, pack animals are not allowed on most of the 4-Day Inka Trail. Therefore, we must rely on people (support staff) to help us carry camping equipment, food and supplies for sleeping and cooking. Better known as chaskis in ancient times and recognized for speeding along the trails to convey messages across the vast expanse of the Inca Empire, support staff is vital to the operation of treks on the Inca Trail.
Because of this regulation, the permits required for any group of hikers, require double or even triple the permits (of the number of hikers) for the support staff alone.
Now that you know the reason for the high demand for the Inca Trail, you may feel a greater need to book your entrance fees earlier so that you don’t run into problems later.
As every year, thousands of travelers around the world look forward to the start of the season of this exciting trek. This time, March 2026 marks the beginning of the Inca Trail trekking, which will end in January 2027.
During this season, up to 500 people will be admitted for the 4-day Classic Inca Trail and 250 people for the 2-day short version. It should be noted that the high season runs from May to October. This coincides with the dry season in the Andean area of Peru.
These packages have greater availability than the previous ones, but it is also recommended to choose early for your 2026 vacation. They are the Inca Jungle trek (4 days), the Lares trek (4 days) and the Salkantay trek (5 days). Why choose any of them? The first one is very varied, it includes a vertiginous mountain biking on day 1 (option
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Address: Calle del Medio N° 135 Plaza de Armas Cusco – Perú
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Chaski Trek is a professional licensed adventure and cultural tour operator and is owned by a Peruvian family. With the assistance of our well-trained team of professional tour guides and office staff we do our best to offer our clients a high quality service.
Our office is located right on the beautiful Plaza de Armas in the historic capital of the ancient Inca Empire, Cusco.
Our office is located right in the beautiful Plaza de Armas of the historic capital of the ancient Inca Empire, Cusco.