Clasic Inca trail 4days/ 3 nights Group
Duration
4D/3N
Difficulty
Moderate
Language
Español / Ingles
Max. Altitude
4,650 msnm
All Peru was once criss crossed with Inca and pre-Inca highways, which were paved with thick interlocking blocks of stones, variating in quality and width. On the plain uplands the stones could be up to six meters wide; in the mountain the width usually was less than a meter. The Inca roads used to follow the valleys, but just as often they traversed the high mountainsides, tracing the impossible pathways and following narrow ledges above the bottomless gorges of the Andes. The trails were built for men on foot and lightly burdened llamas. Frequently their gradients gave way to stairways, tunnels and long zig zag trajectories down the steep mountains.
The Inca trail is the most interesting and accessible trail going to the enigmatic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. The best time to hike the Inca trail is during the dry season between april to october. This season is not absolutely dry, gentle rains or showers can occur, however they are not strong enough to cancel the hike. To do the Inca trail it is necessary to get the right camping equipment. Machulas journey specialist organizes excursions, private trips, perzonalize tours and provides all equipment and knowhow necessary to experience an unforgettable trip.
By booking your Inca Trail with Machulas journey you are choosing the 100% local and best company.
Inca Trail Availability
We offer daily departures from March to January. This tour can be done any day of the week and 11 months a year except in February because the Inca trail is closed. We recommend you to book the Inca Trail at least 5 months in advance because there are only limited spaces available.
Prices
We will depart from Cusco at 4:30 a.m. in a private transport and head toward KM 82. First we will stop at Ollantaytambo where we will have breakfast and then continue driving until Km 82 to start our hike. At the entrance gate you will have to shown your passport and entrance ticket which we have already bought for you. During the first couple of hours we will be hiking over flat Inca paths until we reach the Inca site of Llaqtapata. This is where you will get first information about the Inca culture and Peruvian history. After your first Inca lesson we will hike for another hours until we arrive at our first lunch place where your porters will be waiting with a delicious organic buffet lunch. After lunch we will have a relax of 15 to 20 minutes and then continue hiking for another couple of hours until our first campsite at Huayllabamba. In all day we will be walking 14 km in about 7 hours and arrive at the campsite at approximately 4:00pm. we will have an amazing dinner at night and talk about the next day’s hike.
Overview:
- Tour Location: Cusco Inca Trail, Peru
- Tour Type: Hiking / 6 hours
- Start/End Time: Pickup is at 4.00 am from your hotel and you will be finishing at 3.30 pm
- Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary hiking cloths, boots follow all the company recommendations
- Starting Altitude – 2100m / 6900ft
- Total, Walking Distance – 12 km / 7.4 ml
- Highest Altitude – 2730m / 8,792ft
- Overall Difficulty – Easy to Moderate
We wake up early to begin our ascent to the Dead Woman’s Pass, and we will have breakfast at 5:00 a.m. and then we will leave. The second day is considered as the hardest day of the Inca trail because we will hike up to highest summit of our trip. The Dead Woman’s pass (4215m / 13828ft) perfect spot to enjoy the view and to take beautiful and unique photos. On the the way going up we will find a variety of plants such unka forest – Unka (Myrcianthes oreophyla)
This 15-meter-tall tree, whose wood is rather white and very hard, was used by the Incas to make their ceremonial glasses – The Keros. The white flowers are used for ornamental purposes and to prepare diuretic decoctions. And also you observe different kind of highland animals like the Patagonian humming bird and the white tailed deer. After 4 hours hike up you will fanally arrive to the top of the maountain the highest summits (Dead Woman pass) where you can breathe and finally say, “I did it.” After you will decesnding for 2 hours downhill arrive to our lunch spot “Pacaymayo alto and the same place for our campsite.
Overview:
- Tour Location: Cusco Inca Trail, Peru
- Tour Type: Hiking / 6 hours
- Start/End Time: At 6.00 am starting time and you will be finishing at 1.30 pm
- Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary hiking cloths, boots follow all the company recommendations
- Starting Altitude: 3100 m / 10170.6 ft
- Total, Walking Distance: 12km / 7.4 miles
- Highest Altitude: – 4215 m / 13828.74ft
- Overall Difficulty: – Difulcult – Moderate
Today our hike begins at 5.30 am with our beakfast at 5.00 am. The first 2 hours will be uphill to second highest point (Runku Rakay – 4000m / 13123ft) betwen Pacaymayu alto and Phuyupatamarka there are two archaeological sites where you will visit and enjoy, we are sure that the third day will be your favorite because in this section we will enjoy spectacular views of the Andes. Once seth to the pass of Phuyupamarca (3870m/12696ft) we will be able to see Mach Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountain, here is the beginning of the amazon jungle. Once Seth to Phuyopatamarka this point will be to enjoy our delicius organic buffet lunch with amzing scenery. After that we will continue in order to explore one of the archaeological sites called Phuyupatamarca where you will have interesting explanations about the Incan culture and the Spanish invaders. After that we will continue hiking all the way down, enjoying the rain and cloud forest until we arrive at our campsite. On the way we will visit Intipata (a sun terrace), from where you will have a beautiful view through the valley of Urubamba and on Vilcanota river. We will arrive in the earlier afternoon at our campsite, have lunch and then visit together with your tour guide Wiñaywayna inca site, where you will get a lot of information about the place and Inca history. In the afternoon we will get back to the campsite to had the las dinner. After that farewell our amazing porters and show our appappreciation with a tipping if you want. Tipping is customary, but not compulsory and you should never feel pressured to do something you are not comfortable with. For more information, check our helpful tip section.
Overview:
- Tour Location: Cusco Inca Trail, Peru
- Tour Type: Hiking / 8 to 9 hours
- Start/End Time: At 6.00 am starting time and you will be finishing at 1.30 pm
- Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary hiking cloths, boots follow all the company recommendations
- Starting Altitude: 3600 m / 11811.02 ft
- Total, Walking Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles
- Highest Altitude: – 3750 m / 12,303 ft
- Overall Difficulty: – Difulcult – Moderate
Today is a very important day – because we will visit one of the Seven wonders of the world, Machu Picchu. Our wake up will be at 3:00 am with cup of coca tea and snack box breakfast for the way. We start our hike so early in order to be on time at sun gate and Machu Picchu. From the camp site we just walk 5 minutes to the check point and stay at piont for 1.30 hours in order to be open the main gate at 5.30 am. Once we have passed the check point we will hike for 2 hours until we get to the citadel of Machu Picchu. One the way we will visit the sun gate from where we will be able to see Machu Picchu in distance. Here we will have a short break to take pictures and then continue our way to the lost city of the Incas. The first visit will be the circuit #1 from where you have impressive views, the classic pictures and then keep goint to the main control. At the main entrance point you will have to show your original passport and your admission ticket which your tour guide provide you. Finally, we will enter the citadel of Machu Picchu by circuit #3 la clásica diseñada – and our tour guide takes you on a 2 hours guided tour, visiting the most important places such as temple, plazas, palaces and altars. After the guided tour you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu by yourself.
If you booked either Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu mountains you can climb them now. In the afternoon we will catch our bus from to the town of Aguas Calientes. If you want you can have the last lunch in one of the restaurant together with your guide. finally the train will take you to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer back to Cusco.
Note: the last lunch is not include in your trip. Then you will go to the train station and take your train back to Ollantaytambo, where our minivan will be waiting for you to take you back cusco hotel.
Overview:
- Tour Location: Cusco Inca Trail, Peru
- Tour Type: Hiking / 2 hours
- Start/End Time: At 3.00 am starting time and you will be finishing at 7.00 pm
- Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary hiking cloths, boots follow all the company recommendations
- Starting Altitude: 2600 m / 8,530 ft
- Total, Walking Distance: 5 km / 3.10 miles
- Highest Altitude: – 2600 m / 8,530 ft
- Overall Difficulty: – Easy
Included
- Professional English & Spanish speaking tour guide
- Official Inca Trail permit
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- Private transportation from your hotel in Cusco to Km 82 (trailhead)
- Return train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Private transportation from Ollantaytambo back to your hotel in Cusco
- All meals during the trek (except last lunch in Aguas Calientes)
- Organic buffet meals prepared by a professional trekking chef
- Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, and drinking water during the hike
- Porters to carry camping equipment and food
- Camping equipment (tents, dining tent, kitchen equipment)
- Sleeping pad (mat)
- Guided tour inside Machu Picchu (approximately 2 hours)
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen tank
- Professional assistance throughout the entire trek
Not Included
- Trekking poles (available for rent if needed).
- Last lunch in Aguas Calientes after the Machu Picchu visit.
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs, extra snacks, or additional drinks.
- Tips for porters and tour guide, which are optional and based on your satisfaction.
- Extra beverages not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Additional services not clearly specified in the program.
- Travel insurance (highly recommended).
- Optional entrance tickets to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (must be booked in advance).
- Hotel accommodation in Cusco before and after the trek.
- Arrive in Cusco at least two days before the trek.
- Bring your original passport at all times.
- Wear comfortable and well-used hiking boots.
- Dress in layers for changing weather conditions.
- Carry a lightweight rain jacket or poncho.
- Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Stay well hydrated throughout the trek.
- Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before hiking.
- Bring a small backpack for personal items.
- Carry some cash in Peruvian soles.
- Purchase travel insurance that covers trekking.
- Respect nature, local culture, and archaeological sites.
Yes, an official government permit is required to hike the Classic Inca Trail, as access is strictly regulated by the Peruvian authorities to protect this historic route. These permits are limited and sell out months in advance, especially during the high season. When you book with us, the permit is fully included and secured on your behalf. You do not need to handle any paperwork yourself, but you must provide your correct passport information at the time of booking.
The Classic Inca Trail is considered a moderate trek, suitable for travelers with a reasonable level of physical fitness. While previous trekking experience is helpful, it is not mandatory. The main challenge comes from the altitude, especially on Day 2 at Dead Woman’s Pass. The trail includes uphill sections, stone steps, and long walking days, but the pace is well managed, with regular breaks and full support from guides and porters.
The best time to hike the Inca Trail is during the dry season, from April to October, when weather conditions are more stable and views are clearer. June, July, and August are the most popular months, so availability is very limited. The trail can also be hiked during the shoulder months of March and November, when there are fewer crowds but occasional rain. February is closed for maintenance and conservation.
Due to strict permit limitations, we strongly recommend booking the Classic Inca Trail at least four to five months in advance, especially if you plan to travel between May and September. Permits are issued per day and include trekkers, guides, and porters, which means spaces are extremely limited. Last-minute bookings are rarely possible. Booking early ensures your spot and allows proper planning for travel, acclimatization, and equipment preparation.
Travel insurance is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended for all travelers joining the Inca Trail. Your insurance should cover high-altitude trekking, emergency medical care, trip cancellation, and evacuation if needed. While our team carries first-aid equipment and emergency oxygen, insurance provides an extra layer of protection and peace of mind. Having proper coverage ensures you can enjoy the trek confidently, knowing you are prepared for unexpected situations.
Prices
Payment Methods
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All Included:
Tours with hotel pick-up, transportation, professional guide, and entrance tickets.
24/7 Communication:
We’re here for you before, during, and after your journey.
Flexible Cancellation:
Cancel up to 30 days before your tour in case of emergency. (For Machu Picchu and Inca Trail tours, please check specific conditions.)
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