Tour Details

The popular Inca Trail Hike in Machu Picchu takes you through the Inca highway, past the Inca ruins, through cloud forests and moorlands, to its crowning glory, Machu Picchu.

You get to climb the endless Inca steps high up in the Andes and catch a glimpse of the Inca citadel from the Sun Gate.

The trail starts at railway line at the town of Pisqakucho, after which a modern suspension bridge over the Vilcanota river will be passed, small communities like Wayllabamba, Warmiwañuska pass at 4200 msnm (13,780 feet) will be passed along the way. From Warmiwañuska the trail descends to Pakaymayu, then ascends to the mountain pass of the same name, it descends again until it reaches Sayaqmarka, Phuyupatamarka, and Wiñaywayna where it goes along a flat path and then goes some steps leading to Intipunku. From here it finally leads into the Inca city of Machu Picchu.

Bear in mind that due to the huge number of people that come to the Inca Trail daily, the Peruvian Government has ruled the entrance to a maximum of 500 people in a day including tourists, tour guides, cooks, and porters.

Tour Type: Hiking, camping, adventure, history, culture
Total Distance: 43KM/26 Miles
Good For: Those who enjoy hiking and have a moderate level of fitness
Difficulty: Challenging
Considerations: Permit required

After Tre Inca Trail Machu Picchu
Inca Trail Landscape
Inca Trail Up

Itinerary: Classic Inca Trail Hike

There will be a pickup for you at your hotel at 6 am. You will then travel by bus to Piskacucho (you will hear this be called kilometer 82) where the Inca trail starts. On arrival at kilometer 82 (around 08:30 am), you must show passports entrance tickets, and if you are paying a student rate; your student ID. The trail which is about 2720m starts when we cross the Vilcanota River and continue on its route to the right. The first day is quite easy, and you will get to see incredible views of the site of an Inca Fortress (‘Huillca Raccay’); the incredible and vast Inca site ‘Llactapata’ (also called ‘Patallacta’), the Urubamba Valley range that divides the jungle and the Andes and the beautiful snow-capped peak of ‘W’akay Willca’ (5860m), known in books as Veronica. Our first campsite will be in Wayllabamba (3000masl) where we spend the first night.

After waking up at 6am (maybe at 05:00-depending on your Guide) and have breakfast, we will start a steep ascent towards the highest pass (Abra de Huarmihuañusca/’Dead Woman’s Pass’ – 4200m). On this day a real sense of achievement is felt on reaching the top After a rest here, On the way up to the pass we will be able to see lots of humingbirds and other birds. Also we will have the time to appreciate an incredible variety of endemic plants and trees such as the ‘Polilepys ‘ or Q’ueuña tree which grow in the astonishing cloud forest located at 3650. We begin the descent to Pacaymayu (3550 m), where we pass the secod night.

This is the most impressive day (in our opinion!!!) so just keep thinking of that on the ascent on day 2 Again we wake up for breakfast at 6 am, and start the day with a gentle climb to visit the archaeological site of ‘Phuyupatamarca’ (meaning ‘Town in the Clouds’) and to reach the third highest point on the trail (3680 m). Views of the mountains, canyons and surrounding area, from these points, are spectacular. The Inca site, ‘Phuyupatamarca’ , is located a few minutes walk from the third pass and after visiting this, we continue walking (3000 steps). we arrive at our third campsite Wiñay Wayna (2680m)(forever young). This day we have only walked about 5 or 6 hours.

We leave the last campsite at about 5.30am on the final day (breakfast 4.30-5am). It is an early start in order to get to ‘Inti Punku’ (‘Sun gate’) (2730 masl) before sunrise. This is the place from where you will have your first view of Machu Picchu (2400 masl) with the sun rising over it, After some time there, we will walk down the last part of the trail to the spot where you can take the classic photo (picture postcard shot) of this ancient city. Finally we visit Machu Picchu. A walking tour approximately 2 hours is given by your guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city by yourselves. If you still have energy you can climb Huayna Picchu (2720masl) It takes 50 minutes to reach the top. In the afternoon back to Cusco by Expedition train. If desired, an extra night in Aguas Calientes can be arranged. This option is very popular as it allows more time to explore Machu Picchu. You can also go to the thermal springs in the town.

Price per Person

GROUP SERVICES
$ 690 per person
PRIVATE SERVICES
If you would like to trek as a private group, ie just your family or friends:
2 Passengers : $850 per person
3 Passengers : $790 per person
4 Passengers : $740 per person
5 Passengers : $720 per person
6+ Passengers : $690 per person
Please advise us of your intentions at the time of making your reservation.

How do I get the permit?

We purchase your permit for you. At the time we confirm your participation on this Machu Picchu trip, we register your complete name and your passport number (as these appear on your trip application) with park authorities on the official trek permit. The trek permit is a legal document with specific restrictions limiting changes. You must bring this same passport with you on the trek. If for whatever reason you cannot bring the passport that is registered on the permit at the time of your original booking, or if you change your passport and cannot bring the original document, or if the information you originally supplied differs from what actually appears on your passport, park authorities may refuse access to the Inca Trail.

How far in advance should I book?

The required permits to trek on the Inca Trail are limited to 500 people per day. This includes all guides, porters, cooks & support staff, which leaves about 250 available for trekkers. Permits sell out very fast, 5 to 6 months prior to departure during the busy season (Apr-Sep), and otherwise 4 months in advance. We suggest you book the trip as far in advance as possible to secure your permits, as soon as you are certain of your travel plans.

If permits are sold out, can I get onto a wait-list?

No, there are no waitlists, cancellation policies, etc. Once permits are sold out, that’s it. No person, no company worldwide will have permits; travel companies are not able to block or hold space, nor can you show up at the gate and purchase a permit. All permits are sold on a first-come/first-served basis, are non-negotiable, non-transferable, non-refundable.

However, we have several wonderful alternate treks available that do not require permits. Please consiider one of these as an alternative. You still go to Machu Picchu, and routes are much less-traveled than the Inca Trail. Our past travelers have loved these treks! (See paragraph below, “If permits are sold out, what options are there?)

What is included in the trek?

We include indicated meals, transport by train and bus, porterage of up to 6 kg personal gear, communal camp gear including tables and camp chairs, dining tent, spacious sleeping tents, Thermarest sleeping pad, water filter and other amenities.

What is not included?

Personal trekking gear and sleeping bag; tips to guide and trek staff; city services; air Lima/Cuzco/Lima ($110-$350) depending on time of year and fares at the time of booking.

Must I bring my own sleeping bag and pad or can I rent from you?

You can bring your own sleeping bag if you like, or you can rent one from us for $20. Rental sleeping bags should be requested well in advance of your departure, and preferably at the time you confirm your trek with us. If you are taller than 6 feet, please request an extra-long bag. We supply Thermarest sleeping pads on all our treks at no extra cost.

I’m a single traveler. Do you charge a single supplement?

If you are traveling alone and are willing to share a tent, we will pair you with another trekker of the same gender and you pay no supplementary charge. If you prefer a tent to yourself, the surcharge is US$45.

How do I prepare for the high altitude?

So that you have sufficient time to acclimate prior to starting the Machu Picchu tour, we strongly recommend that you arrive in Cuzco or similar elevation for a minimum of two days prior to the trek. This is a 45-km/28-mile trek with a maximum elevation close to 4,200 m/14,000 ft.

If permits are sold out, what options are there?

We offer several other treks (which either include visiting Machu Picchu or we can add it on) such as our Moonstone to Machu Picchu Trek, Ausangate Trek, Salcantay Trek, Inca Jungle Trek, and others. These are wonderful off-the-beaten-track trekking routes in remote beautiful Andes mountains. On our Moonstone to Machu Picchu Trek (5 days, weekly Sunday departures May-Oct) you arrive at Machu Picchu via the Train from Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It’s a wonderful alternate trek, with no permits required. Please look on the website at our other Peru treks for details.

**Please note that the prices listed above are only applicable for 2024. Rates vary depending on departure dates. Speak with one of our Travel Advisors for a free quotation and further information.

Included

  • Personal Porter for items weighing up to 7 kilos
  • Professional English Speaking Tour Guide.
  • Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+
  • Porters to carry cooking and camping equipment.
  • Pick-up from your hotel
  • Return transportation by train and bus to Cusco
  • 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Afternoon Snacks and 3 Dinners. If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian food please let us know.
  • Dining tent with tables and chairs
  • 4 man tent for every 2 trekkers
  • Sleeping mattress (you need to carry this unless you hire a personal porter)
  • Oxygen bottle
  • First aid kit
  • Entrance to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
  • Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes

Not Included

  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu – there is a fee of $65 per person payable via Paypal in advance so we can secure permits
  • Sleeping Bag – $20 per bag for entire trek
  • Gratuities (Porters, Cook and Trail Guide)
  • 1st breakfast and lunch on day 4.
  • Walking sticks ($15).
  • Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.

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