CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU

USD $ 850

This Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic and famous hikes in the world. You will see impressive archaeological remains and witness how the Incas constructed buildings in the beauty of the Andes.

Are you ready to reach Machu Picchu, as the Incas did? Contact your Travel Expert today for a truly once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

Price per person in group service based on double occupancy. Departures every day, minimum 2 people. Includes all meals, transfers, camping equipment, entrance fees, adventure guide and extra porter to carry your belongings. See our rates in the prices section, or contact us for a private service quote.

Classic 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Guided Hiking Tour

The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour is not only a marvelous and unique trail because of its incredible variety of flora, fauna and climate, hence the colorful and 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 royal back in the times of the Inca Empire, and it was traveled 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 that 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 that served a purpose in its golden years.

Hiking the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu can be very rewarding, and 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 three days before 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

We will pick you up from your hotel between 4:30–5:00 a.m. to travel by car to Km 82, arriving at about 7:00 a.m.

We will have a satisfying breakfast prepared by our cook, and you will have the chance to meet the team of porters and chefs. Then, we’ll start the trek by stopping first at the Inca Trail checkpoint (please make sure to bring your passport with you to enter the Classic Inca Trail). The first 2 hours of the trek are relatively easy as we make our way to our first Inca site of Patallacta, an ancient Inca checkpoint for all people traveling to Machu Picchu. Then, we will walk for another 2 hours before our next stop for lunch.

After lunch, we will hike for 2.5 hours until we reach the first night’s campsite at Ayapata (3300 m/10827 ft). On this last stretch of the day, we will pass by 2 small villages. If you want to buy energy drinks or snacks you can do so here, you can also buy any essential items such as batteries, etc.

We will arrive at our campsite by 5:00 p.m., giving us enough time to settle and relax while we share a hot drink and snack with our fellow travelers. Dinner will be served by 7:30 p.m. and afterward, you will go to bed and have a well-deserved rest.

Informative facts for your first day hiking the Classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu

Daily Trek Statistics

Walking Distance: 8.7 miles/14 km (6-7 hours)

Campsite Altitude: 3300 m/10827 ft

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Weather: Warm and windy

Evening free.

Overnight at the campsite.

Meals included: B S L D

DAY 2 Ayapata – Dead Woman’s Pass – Runcuraccay Pass – Chaquiccocha

Your porters will wake you up early in the morning with a hot cup of coca tea to energize you for the hike. This day will be the longest in all the trail, therefore we will start early. We will be reaching the highest pass of the trek: Warmiwañuska (Dead Woman’s Pass: 4215 m/13829 ft), after hiking for 4 hours approximately.

On the pass, we will make a quick stop to take a breath, enjoy the scenery and set off to our descent to Pacasmayo (Hidden River). After descending for an hour and a half, we will make a lunch stop and also refill our water bottles, and then we will start ascending again for the next 2 hours to the second mountain pass. On the way, we will stop at the small Inca site of Runcurakay, considered a Tambo (something close to an Inca version of an Inn). As we reach the second pass, we will be able to notice the landscape gradually changing to a more jungle-like scenery, a colorful forest welcoming us as we walk for another hour downhill to reach the magnificent Inca site of Sayaqmarka—a small town of 200 inhabitants more or less, of fine architecture, built up on top of a mountain which made it difficult to access, therefore the meaning of its name.

We will stop here to rest and will have a quick tour of the site while we witness a compelling sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range. Next, we will walk for 20 more minutes to arrive at our second campsite of Chaquicocha (Dry Lake, 3600m/11811 ft). Once there, we can get comfortable and have dinner. If you are not too tired, we can star gaze and learn about the Inca names for the constellations. On the Southern Hemisphere away from city lights, the sky magically unfolds before our eyes and let us admire its infinite number of stars.

Informative facts for your second day hiking the Classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu

Daily Trek	Statistics
Walking Distance:	9.94 miles/16 km (7-8 hours)
Campsite Altitude:	3600 m/11811 ft
Difficulty Level:	You have survived the 2 highest passes
Area:	Andes and Cloud Forest
Weather:	Cold and rainy (chilly weather)

Evening free.

Overnight at campsite.

Meals included: B S L D

DAY 3 Chaquiccocha – Wiñaywayna Camp

Today we will get up at 6:30 a.m., have breakfast, and set off for the next 2 hours hiking on what is reconned as one of the most pleasant walks on the trail entering the Cloud Forest. We will hike along the “Inca flat” (gradual inclines). As we walk we will spot in the distance the awe-inspiring Salkantay peak, the second-highest snow capped mountain in the Sacred Valley, along the fantastic panoramic view of the Vilcabamba mountain range. Towards the end of the Inca flats, we will begin to make our way up to the last peak at Puyupatamarka (3600 m/11811 ft), from where we will have great views overlooking the Urubamba River. Looking across the valley, we will get our first sights of the Machu Picchu Mountain, yet the archaeological site is still hidden from our view. From Phuyupatamarka, we will continue a 3-hour walk down a flight of steps to our last campsite, close to Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young). Wiñay Wayna is the most spectacular Inca site on the trail after Machu Picchu and the most popular campsite because of its proximity to Machu Picchu.

During the descent, we will visit 2 Inca ruins: Phuyupatamarka site (Town in the Clouds) and Intipata (Terraces of the Sun). We will arrive at our campsite approximately at 1:00 p.m. for lunch and then you can have some relaxing time. At about 4:30 p.m., your guide will give you a brief explanation of what to expect the next day, and you will visit the Inca ruins of Wiñay Wayna, spending about an hour and a half there. We will explain the significance of the site and combine all the information given during the trek so you are fully prepared for your visit to Machu Picchu the following day.

Since this is the last part of the trek and we like to spoil our guests, we will prepare a little party to enjoy our last day together with the porters and chefs. It is an Inca Trail tradition to organize a ceremony in the evening to introduce you to the team once again and to thank them for the great job done (if you wish to tip them, this is the perfect moment to do so). It is advisable to go to bed at a reasonable time in order to get up very early to arrive at Machu Picchu at the crack of dawn, in hopes that the weather will give us a beautiful sunrise over the ruins of Machu Picchu as we reach the Intipunku (Sun Gate).

Informative facts for your third day hiking the Classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu

Daily Trek	Statistics
Walking Distance:	6.2 miles/10km (5 hours)
Campsite Altitude:	2600 m/8530 ft
Difficulty Level:	Easy day – all downhill!
Area:	High Cloud Forest
Weather:	High Cloud Forest (chilly weather)

Evening free.

Overnight at the campsite.

Meals included: B S L D

DAY 4 Machu Picchu, “The Lost City of the Incas” – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

We will get up at 3:30 a.m., have breakfast at 4:00 and head to the checkpoint so we can be the first ones to start the trek to Machu Picchu, when the gate opens at 5:30 a.m. We will say goodbye to our helpful and great porters and cook, and we will hike the last stretch of our exciting trek to Machu Picchu with our main goal in mind: to reach the impressive Sun Gate (Intipunku). From here, we will have our first glimpse of the spectacular citadel of Machu Picchu and the mountains surrounding it, as the valley opens up before our eyes and fill us with an amazing feeling of accomplishment and awe. We will reach Intipunku at about 6:30 a.m. As we descend, the sun will rise higher in the sky and offer us amazing views as we come closer to the legendary Lost City of the Incas within an hour. At about 7:40 a.m., we will have reached the final checkpoint and officially enter Machu Picchu! And our 2-hour private guided tour will begin.

Once the tour is completed, we will hand you the bus tickets so you may take your bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes. You will have 3 to 4 hours free to explore the place on your own. If you are up to and with enough energy and enthusiasm to try the Huayna Picchu hike, you can sign up for the trek, which takes about an hour to reach the summit. From here you will enjoy charming views from a different angle of Machu Picchu and the surrounding scenery (the Huayna Picchu hike is optional and not included in the price).

At about 1:00 p.m., we will meet up in Aguas Calientes and if you like, you can join in and relax in the hot springs of the town (not included in the price) or just go directly on your own to the station to board the Expedition Train departing at 14:55 hrs and arriving at 16:31 hrs in Ollantaytambo (2 hours from Cusco). Finally, we will transfer you to your hotel in Cusco.

Informative facts for your fourth day hiking the Classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu

Altitude	2430 m/7972 ft
Highlights	Intipunku (panoramic views of Machu Picchu at the beginning of the day) and Machu Picchu
Area:	High Cloud and Subtropical Forest
Weather:	Hot and very humid (bring lots of water)

Evening free.

Overnight in Cusco (not included).

Meals included: B S

Legend
B	Breakfast
S	Snack
L	Lunch
D	Dinner
BL	Boxed Lunch

Trek Price per Person / double occupancy tent (US$)
Group Service (min 2 people) *	US$ 850
Private Service (based on 2 people) *	US$ 1,474
Private Service (based on 3 people) *	US$ 1,249
Private Service (based on 4 people) *	US$ 1,149
Private Service (based on 5–7 people) *	US$ 1,184
Private Service (based on 8–10 people) *	US$ 1,039
Private Service (based on 11–13 people) *	US$ 1,009
Private Service (based on 14–16 people) *	US$ 959
Single Supplement (additional to have a single tent)	US$ 50
Sleeping bag rental for 4 days	US$ 35
Inflatable sleeping pads for extra comfort for 4 days	US$ 25
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$ 25

*Pricing based on Expedition Train and including extra porter to carry your belongings.

TREK NOTES:

The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is customizable. If you 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, upgrade train to Vistadome (return only), Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountains, lunch in Aguas Calientes town.
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 Tour.

What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the cost of tour price.

Pre-departure briefing.
Transfer in private transportation 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.
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.

What is not included in this tour?Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.

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, Huchuy Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountains.
Lunch on the last day.
Processing and wire transfer fees.

From mid-April to mid-October – this period is called the “dry season”. These months are peak season and of highest contrasts, being very hot and dry during the day and very cold with occasional frosting and dry at nights and early mornings.

The “rainy season” is from mid-October to mid-April, temperatures are mild during the day with only a small fall overnight. Although it doesn’t rain every day, you can definitely expect a decent amount of rain on your hike, particularly from December to February. During this season, you can take advantage of warmer temperatures and fewer crowds at Machu Picchu.

The Inca trail is closed in February for maintenance and preservation of the trail.

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.

Altitude sickness is associated with headache, fatigue, nausea and malaise. The symptoms do not always appear and depend on each person.

We recommend you to rest for at least 3 hours upon arrival, eat light as digestion might be slower during your first days, and drink plenty of fluids.

You may find some medicine against the altitude sickness, like “sorojchi pills” (it contains caffeine), or people may recommend you to drink coca tea. However, both options are not advisable for people with heart diseases, respiratory disorders, diabetes or high blood pressure.

We recommend that you consult your physician before your travel.

This trek is considered challenging as you will be walking 6–8 hours per day, which includes climbing stairs and walking steep inclines. However, your guide will be aware of your pace, plus the hike includes some stops at the Inca constructions along the trail, so you are able to catch your breath and have some rest.

Yes, we highly recommend to book ahead of time (from 6 months in advance) because there is a daily limit of 500 people (including guides and porters). Permits get sold out really fast, particularly during the peak season (April to October).

CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU

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Classic 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Guided Hiking Tour