
The classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is not only a marvelous and unique trail because of its incredible variety of flora, fauna, and climates hence the colorful and the ever changing landscape, or its singular and aesthetically harmonious construction, but it is also an important Inca remain because of its historical and spiritual meaning. The classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was a royal trail back in the times of the Inca Empire, and it was travelled by the Inca and his court for sacred and ceremonial ends, in pilgrimages. Many visitors and trekkers have had indescribable experiences during their hike along this classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu which have had a special impact on their lives…
The classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is part of an impressive road network which connected the entire Inca Empire, all the way from Ecuador to Chile and Argentina. The classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is paved with blocks of stone, stone stairways, tunnels, and wooden bridges. It crosses rivers, streams, temperate valleys, warm cloud forests, and cold highlands. Along the way, you will encounter the different enticing Inca constructions which served a purpose in its golden years.
Hiking the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu can be very rewarding, available for all ages as long as you are fit and in good physical condition. The previous acclimation to the altitude is highly required since you will be hiking through different levels of altitude.
INCA TRAIL MACHU PICCHU DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Moderate to Challenging. We strongly recommend acclimatizing to the altitude by staying in Cusco for at least two-three days prior to the trek.
If you are looking for a complete experience in Cusco, you can add this hike to our:
- DAY 1 Cusco – Piskacucho (Km 82) – Llactapata Ayapata
- DAY 2 Ayapata – Dead Woman’s Pass – Runcuraccay Pass – Chaquiccocha
- DAY 3 Chaquiccocha – Wiñaywayna Camp
- DAY 4 Machu Picchu, “The Lost City of the Incas” – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Legend
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B | Breakfast |
S | Snack |
L | Lunch |
D | Dinner |
BL | Boxed Lunch |





Trek Price Per Person / double occupancy tent (US$)
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Group Service (min 2 people) * | US$ 894 |
Private Service (based on 2 people) * | US$ 1,334 |
Private Service (based on 3 people) * | US$ 1,109 |
Private Service (based on 4 people) * | US$ 1,009 |
Private Service (based on 5-7 people) * | US$ 1,044 |
Private Service (based on 8-10 people) * | US$ 899 |
Private Service (based on 11-13 people) * | US$ 869 |
Private Service (based on 14-16 people) * | US$ 819 |
Single Supplement (additional to have a single tent) | US$ 50 |
Sleeping bag rental for 4 days | US$ 34 |
Inflatable sleeping pads for extra comfort for 4 days | US$ 24 |
Pair of Walking Sticks for 4 days | US$ 15 |
Upgrade to Vistadome Train (return only) | US$ 80 |
Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountains | US$ 80 |
Buffet lunch at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge | US$ 40 |
Lunch at Cafe Inkaterra | US$ 20 |
*Pricing based on Expedition Train and including extra porter to carry your belongings.
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is customizable. If you would prefer to add destinations to your trip, please let us know in the Comments Section of the Get Free Quote form. You can also fill out our Design Your Trip form or Contact Us form with your specific needs.
- The Classic Inca Trail departure dates are subject to space availability given by the Ministry of Culture (Only allowed 500 people per day including guides, cooks, porters, and travelers).
- The recommended period to hike the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is from March to October.
- Group Departure availability: every day of the year except February (closed for maintenance).
- A minimum number of people: 02 people.
- Student Discount (International Student Identity Card required): US$ 45.
- Children Discount (under 7 years old): US$ 45.
- Extra Services (not included): sleeping bag, walking poles, Inflatable sleeping pads for extra comfort, changing your train trip to Vistadome Train (return only), Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountains, Buffet lunch at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge.
- Price does not include local sales taxes; as foreign travelers are sales tax exempt according to Peruvian Law.
- If you are looking for a complete experience in Cusco, you can add this hike to our 4-day Machu Picchu Tours.
- Pre-departure briefing.
- Transfer in private transport to km.82 (starting point of the Inca trail) from Cusco or Sacred Valley (In the valley, this service is only available for hotels located between the towns of Urubamba and Ollantaytambo).
- Professional English-speaking tour guide.
- Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entrance fees.
- A maximum of 2 people per tent (4-person-capacity tents, giving you plenty of room for your backpack and personal items – clean & waterproof).
- Foam sleeping mat (1/2 inch/1.25 cm thick).
- Small pillows for sleeping, more comfortably!
- Rain ponchos.
- Day Pack Rain Covers.
- Dining tent with tables and chairs and kitchen tent.
- Private, portable toilet tent for your group’s use only.
- Cook and cooking equipment.
- Porters (to carry tents, food, and cooking equipment).
- Porters to carry your belongings (up to 7kg/15.4lb per person) – at no extra cost!
- Permits and entrance fees for our porters, cooks, and guides.
- Meals (4 breakfasts, 4 snacks, 3 lunches, 3 happy (social) hours, 3 dinners. Vegetarian food, and specialized menus are available upon request and at no extra cost).
- Previously boiled, cold water provided after breakfast, lunch, and dinner to refill your water bottles.
- Coca tea served each morning in your tent for an energetic altitude sickness free, the start of the day.
- First-aid kit including an emergency oxygen tank.
- 2-hour private guided tour in Machu Picchu the site.
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu down to the town of Aguas Calientes.
- Expedition Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo Train Station to your hotel in Cusco.
- Sales taxes and payment transaction fees.
- International and domestic flights.
- Visas required to enter Peru.
- Airport Taxes (if not included in the flight ticket)
- Drinks.
- Tips.
- Sleeping bag per person for 4 days.
- Inflatable sleeping pads for extra comfort.
- Pair of Walking Sticks
- Upgrading to Vistadome Train (return only).
- Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountains.
- Buffet lunch at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (only hotel located right next to the entrance to Machu Picchu).
The best time of the year to visit Machu Picchu is from April to mid-October. For more information click here.
Bring clothes you can use in layers so that you can adjust your body temperature depending on local conditions and time of day. Alternatively, you will also find excellent quality alpaca and llama wool products available in town, for easy wear and staying warm at night.
Bring a small foldable pouch, daypack, or backpack to carry your valuables, a water bottle to keep you hydrated and any extras like a light coat to be prepared for lighter temperature.
Daytime in the Andes can be extremely sunny and bright so bring sunglasses, a hat, and some sunscreen; lip moisturizer is also useful since the air is dry.
Hiking Machu Picchu requires proper footwear. Sturdy shoes with good ankle support or light hiking boots.
We strongly recommend you rest for at least 3 hours upon arrival at your hotel and limit food intake as digestion might be a bit slow during your first day. Also, many hotels offer a tea made with the leaves of the coca plant (considered a sacred plant in the Andes), it possesses the property to ease oxygen into the body blood cells and helps relieve altitude sickness.
You can also purchase “Sorocchi pill” or “Gravol” pills sold over-the-counter at drugstores and airports in Perú. However, the best thing you can do is to take a nap, eat lightly on the first day, drink lots of fluids, and avoid excessive physical or mental effort until acclimatized. Most people do NOT have serious problems with the altitude, and only experience a mild headache and shortness of breath on the first day.