- Duration
- 4 days
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Max altitude
- 4,215 m
- From
- $827 pp
Private tour prices
Group tour from $827 per person. Prefer your own guide and schedule? Private prices per person, by group size:
| Travelers | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 traveler | $2,277 |
| 2 travelers | $1,403 |
| 3 travelers | $1,158 |
| 4 travelers | $1,028 |
| 5-6 travelers | $923 |
| 7-10 travelers | $826 |
Quick answer
The Classic Inca Trail is a 4-day, about 42 km (26 mile) hike on original Inca stone paths from Km 82 near Cusco to Machu Picchu. You cross Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215 m (13,828 ft), pass ruins like Runkurakay, Sayacmarca and Wiñay Wayna, and enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate on day 4. A permit and a licensed guide are required by law, permits sell out months ahead, and the trail closes every February. Our Inca Trail tour costs from $827 per person.
| Length | 4 days / 3 nights |
|---|---|
| Distance | About 42 km / 26 miles |
| Highest point | Dead Woman's Pass, 4,215 m / 13,828 ft |
| Start | Cusco hotel pickup, drive to Km 82 |
| Finish | Sun Gate and Machu Picchu, train back to Cusco |
| Difficulty | Moderate to challenging |
| Permit and guide | Both required by law |
| Closed | Every February |
| Price | From $827 per person |
Inca Trail Tour Highlights
Inca Trail tours are the only way to walk into Machu Picchu on the same stone road the Incas built, through the Sun Gate.
No road reaches most of the trail, so the ruins you see on days 2 and 3 are visited only by hikers. That is why the Classic Inca Trail is still the most booked trek in South America.
- Original Inca paving and stairways for most of the 42 km
- Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215 m, the highest point of the trek
- Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna ruins
- Cloud forest with orchids and hummingbirds on day 3
- First view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)
What Is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a section of the old Inca road network that links the Sacred Valley with the citadel through the mountains.
Today it is protected inside the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary. Peru's government limits how many people can enter each day, so every hiker needs a permit bought through a licensed tour operator, and every group must walk with a licensed guide.
Where Is the Inca Trail? Starting the Inca Trail from Cusco
The Inca Trail is in the Cusco region of southern Peru, and the Inca Trail from Cusco starts at Km 82 (Piscacucho), about 3 hours by road from Cusco.
Most Inca Trail tours from Cusco pick you up at your hotel around 4:30 to 5:00 AM, stop for breakfast in Ollantaytambo, then drive to the Km 82 checkpoint where guides check passports and permits. The trail ends at Machu Picchu, above the town of Aguas Calientes.
Who the Classic Inca Trail Is Best For
The Classic Inca Trail suits hikers with average fitness who want history and ruins more than remote mountain scenery.
If you can walk 6 to 7 hours a day with breaks, you can do it. Families with teens and active travelers in their 60s complete it every season. If you cannot get a permit, or prefer glaciers and fewer people, the Salkantay trek is the usual alternative.
Inca Trail Itinerary: 4 Days Day by Day
On the Inca Trail 4 days are enough to walk the full route: the itinerary covers about 12 km on day 1, 11 km on day 2, 16 km on day 3 and 5 km on day 4.
Day 1: Cusco to Km 82 and Wayllabamba
Pickup in Cusco, permit check at Km 82, then an easy walk along the Urubamba River past the Patallacta (Llactapata) ruins to camp near Wayllabamba at about 3,000 m. Some groups walk on to Ayapata (3,300 m) to shorten day 2.
Day 2: Over Dead Woman's Pass to Pacaymayo
The hardest day. You climb steep stone steps for about 5 hours to Dead Woman's Pass (4,215 m), then walk down to camp at Pacaymayo (3,600 m).
Day 3: Runkurakay, Sayacmarca and Wiñay Wayna
The best day for ruins. Cross a second pass at Runkurakay, visit Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca, then descend through cloud forest past the Intipata terraces to camp near Wiñay Wayna. Groups that slept at Ayapata usually camp at Chaquicocha on night 2.
Day 4: Sun Gate and Machu Picchu
Wake around 3:30 AM, wait for the checkpoint to open, walk an hour to the Sun Gate, then enter Machu Picchu for a guided tour. Bus down to Aguas Calientes and train back to Cusco.
Inca Trail Route Map, Distance and Elevation
The classic Inca Trail route is about 42 km long and climbs from 2,700 m at Km 82 to 4,215 m before ending at 2,430 m at Machu Picchu.
| Day | Route | Distance | Highest point | Camp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Km 82 to Wayllabamba | 12 km / 7.5 mi | 3,000 m | Wayllabamba area |
| 2 | Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo | 11 km / 7 mi | 4,215 m | Pacaymayo, 3,600 m |
| 3 | Pacaymayo to Wiñay Wayna | 16 km / 10 mi | 3,950 m | Wiñay Wayna, 2,650 m |
| 4 | Wiñay Wayna to Machu Picchu | 5 km / 3 mi | 2,720 m (Sun Gate) | Hotel or Cusco |
What's Included in Our Inca Trail Tour (and What's Not)
Our Inca Trail tour includes the permit, Machu Picchu entry, guide, porters, camping, meals, bus down and train back to Cusco.
Included in the Inca Trail trek
Hotel pickup in Cusco, Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu ticket, licensed bilingual guide, porters and chef, tents and sleeping mats, meals from lunch day 1 to breakfast day 4, boiled drinking water, first-aid kit and oxygen, bus down from Machu Picchu, train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco.
Not included
Breakfast on day 1, lunch on day 4, sleeping bag and walking poles (rental available), Huayna Picchu ticket, travel insurance and tips for the crew.
Do You Need a Guide for the Inca Trail?
Yes, you need a guide for the Inca Trail: since 2001 Peruvian law requires every hiker to walk with a licensed guide and an authorized tour operator; you cannot hike it alone.
Your guide holds the group permit, explains each ruin and handles the checkpoints. Porters are not a legal requirement for hikers, but they carry the tents, food and kitchen, which is why almost every Inca Trail tour includes them.
When to Book Your Inca Trail Tour
Book your Inca Trail tour 4 to 6 months ahead for May to August, because permits are limited to about 500 people a day including staff.
Permits are personal and need your passport details, so names cannot be changed later. We buy the permit as soon as you confirm. Our Inca Trail permits guide explains release dates and availability in detail.
How Hard Is This 4-Day Inca Trail Tour?
This 4-day Inca Trail tour is rated moderate to challenging; the paths are not technical, but day 2 has about 1,200 m of steep stone steps at altitude.
Thousands of steps up and down are harder on the knees than the distance itself. Trekking poles help a lot. Spend 2 to 3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley first so your body adjusts to the altitude.
A full day-by-day difficulty breakdown and training plan is in our Inca Trail difficulty guide.
Preparing for Your Tour Dates
For 6 to 8 weeks before, walk stairs or hills with a light backpack 3 times a week and do one long walk of 4 to 5 hours on a weekend.
Best Time to Hike the Inca Trail
The best time to hike the Inca Trail is May to September, the dry season; the trail is closed every February for maintenance.
| Months | Weather | Crowds and permits |
|---|---|---|
| May to September | Dry, sunny days, cold nights | Busiest, book 4 to 6 months ahead |
| April and October | Mostly dry, some showers | Quieter, book 2 to 3 months ahead |
| November to March | Rainy, muddy steps | Easier permits |
| February | Trail closed | No permits sold |
Camping, Meals and Toilets on the Inca Trail
Inca Trail campsites are official sites with basic toilets; there are no showers until Aguas Calientes, and our chef cooks three hot meals a day.
Porters set up the tents and a dining tent before you arrive each afternoon. Meals include soups, rice, quinoa, meat or vegetarian dishes and fruit. Tell us about allergies or diets when you book.
Inca Trail Packing List
Pack light: porters carry up to 7 kg of your gear, and you carry a 25 to 35 liter daypack.
- Original passport (the same one used for the permit)
- Broken-in hiking boots and trekking poles with rubber tips
- Warm layers, a down jacket and a hat for nights near 0 °C
- Rain jacket or poncho, even in the dry season
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, headlamp and a reusable water bottle
- Cash in soles for snacks and tips
Classic 4-Day vs Short 2-Day Inca Trail
The classic route takes 4 days and crosses Dead Woman's Pass; the short version joins the same trail at Km 104 for one day of hiking.
Choose the classic Inca Trail if you want the full trek, the high pass and all the ruins. If your time or fitness is limited, see our Short Inca Trail tour page for the 2-day option.
| Classic or short | Classic Inca Trail | Short Inca Trail |
|---|---|---|
| Days | 4 days / 3 nights | 2 days / 1 night |
| Hiking distance | About 42 km | About 12 km |
| Highest point | 4,215 m | 2,720 m |
| Camping | 3 nights in tents | Hotel in Aguas Calientes |
If Inca Trail Permits Are Sold Out for Your Dates
If the Classic Inca Trail is sold out, the closest options are the Short Inca Trail, the Salkantay trek or the Lares trek, which all end at Machu Picchu.
The Short Inca Trail has a separate permit quota and still enters through the Sun Gate. Salkantay and Lares need no permit, so they can be booked at short notice. Tell us your dates and we will check which one is open.
Group or Private Inca Trail Tour
A group Inca Trail tour shares the guide, porters and camp with other hikers; a private tour gives your party its own guide, crew and pace.
Group tours cost less and suit solo travelers and couples. Private tours suit families, friends and anyone who wants to choose their own walking speed and photo stops. Ask us for a private quote with your group size.
Inca Trail Tour Upgrades: Huayna Picchu, Vistadome Train and Gear Rental
You can add a Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ticket, a Vistadome train back and rented gear to your Inca Trail tour.
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb on day 4, subject to ticket availability
- Vistadome train with panoramic windows instead of the standard train, $70 extra per person
- Sleeping bag, trekking poles and an air mattress for rent
- An extra porter to carry more of your personal gear
Before Your Inca Trail Trek: Passport, Acclimatization and Luggage
Bring the same original passport you used to book the permit, and arrive in Cusco 2 to 3 days before your Inca Trail trek.
Rangers check passports at Km 82 and at the end of the trail, and a new passport number must be updated before the trek. Leave your big suitcase at your Cusco hotel, since most hotels store luggage for guests, and pack only what you need for 4 days.
Arriving at the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu
On day 4 you reach the Sun Gate about an hour after the final checkpoint, then walk down to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of about 2 hours.
Clouds sometimes hide the view at sunrise and clear later in the morning. After the tour you have time to explore, then take the bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and the afternoon train.
Inca Trail Tour Price and How to Book
Our Classic Inca Trail tour costs from $827 per person, including the permit, Machu Picchu ticket, guide, porters, camping, meals and train.
Send your preferred dates, number of hikers and passport names through the form or WhatsApp. We check live permit availability and reply with a free, itemized quote, including the payment and change terms.
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, 4 Days Reviews
- ★★★★★
“The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4-day trek was the best experience of our Peru trip. The route, mountain scenery and Inca ruins were incredible. Our guide kept the group motivated and explained the history throughout the hike. Reaching Machu Picchu on the final day was unforgettable.”
Verified Traveler
- ★★★★★
“We booked the 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and absolutely loved it. The trek was challenging in parts, but the views and archaeological sites made every step worthwhile. The guides and support team were professional, friendly and extremely well organized.”
Verified Traveler
- ★★★★★
“This Classic Inca Trail 4 day tour was an amazing adventure from Cusco to Machu Picchu. The campsites were well managed, the food was much better than expected, and our guide knew so much about Inca culture. A must-do trek in Peru.”
Verified Traveler
- ★★★★★
“Our Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu was everything we hoped for. Four days gave us time to enjoy the mountains, cloud forest and ancient Inca sites before arriving at Machu Picchu. The organization from beginning to end was excellent.”
Verified Traveler
- ★★★★★
“We were looking for the best Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu and this trip exceeded our expectations. The hiking itinerary was well paced, our guide was excellent, and the porters worked incredibly hard. Walking into Machu Picchu after several days on the trail was very special.”
Verified Traveler
- ★★★★★
“The 4 day Classic Inca Trail from Cusco was challenging but incredibly rewarding. Every day had different scenery and interesting ruins to explore. Our guide made sure everyone was comfortable and prepared for the harder sections of the trek.”
Verified Traveler
- ★★★★★
“A fantastic guided Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. Our guide explained the history of the trail and the archaeological sites along the route, which made the hike much more meaningful. The entire trekking team was organized and supportive.”
Verified Traveler
- ★★★★★
“This Inca Trail hiking tour to Machu Picchu was one of the most memorable adventures we have ever done. The mountains were beautiful, the camps were comfortable and the meals were impressive. Arriving at Machu Picchu through the trail made the experience even more rewarding.”
Verified Traveler
- ★★★★★
“We chose a 4 day Machu Picchu trekking tour because we wanted more than a simple day visit. Hiking the historic Inca Trail was definitely the right choice. The route was beautiful and our guide helped us understand the history behind every important stop.”
Verified Traveler
- ★★★★★
“Our Cusco Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour was very well organized. Pickup, trekking equipment, meals and camping arrangements all ran smoothly. The team took care of the logistics so we could focus on enjoying the hike and the incredible landscapes.”
Verified Traveler
- ★★★★☆
“The Classic Inca Trail trek for couples was an incredible experience for us. It was physically demanding at times, but sharing the journey through the Andes and finally reaching Machu Picchu made it completely worthwhile. Our guide was patient and very knowledgeable.”
Verified Traveler
- ★★★★☆
“Our group had an amazing 4 day Inca Trail hiking experience. The guides managed the different hiking speeds very well and kept the atmosphere positive throughout the trek. The scenery and Inca ruins along the route were just as impressive as Machu Picchu itself.”
Verified Traveler
- ★★★★☆
“If you want an authentic Machu Picchu trekking experience, the Classic Inca Trail is hard to beat. The four-day itinerary allowed us to experience the Andes, historic ruins and beautiful landscapes before entering Machu Picchu. Everything was handled professionally.”
Verified Traveler
- ★★★★☆
“We booked a guided Classic Inca Trail tour from Cusco and were very happy with our choice. The itinerary was clear, meals were excellent and the support team made the difficult sections much easier. The final approach to Machu Picchu was an unforgettable moment.”
Verified Traveler
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, 4 Days: FAQs
How many days is this Inca Trail tour?
This tour follows the Classic Inca Trail, about 42 km (26 miles) and takes 4 days and 3 nights, ending at Machu Picchu on the morning of day 4.
Can you hike the Inca Trail without a guide?
No, you cannot hike the Inca Trail without a guide: Peruvian law requires every hiker to enter with a licensed guide through an authorized operator. Independent hiking is not allowed.
Is the Inca Trail worth it?
The Inca Trail is worth it for most hikers, because it is the only way to arrive at Machu Picchu on foot through the Sun Gate, and it passes ruins you cannot reach by road.
How much does the Inca Trail cost?
Our Classic Inca Trail tour costs from $827 per person for 4 days, including the permit, Machu Picchu entry, guide, porters, meals, camping and the train back.
When is the Inca Trail closed?
The Inca Trail is closed every February for maintenance and cleaning. It reopens on March 1.
Are there toilets on the Inca Trail?
Yes. Every official campsite and some rest points have basic flush or squat toilets. Bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
How high is the Inca Trail?
The highest point is Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215 m (13,828 ft). Machu Picchu sits lower, at 2,430 m.
Can kids or seniors do the Inca Trail?
Yes, if they are healthy and walk regularly. Children from about 8 years old and active hikers in their 60s and 70s complete it.
Do I need travel insurance for the Inca Trail?
It is strongly recommended. Choose a policy that covers hiking up to 4,500 m and emergency evacuation.
What happens if I get altitude sickness on the trail?
Your guide carries oxygen and a first-aid kit. Mild symptoms usually pass with rest and water; serious cases are walked down to a lower point.
Can I add Huayna Picchu to the Inca Trail?
Yes, for an extra ticket, subject to availability. Request it when you book because Huayna Picchu tickets are limited.
How much should I tip on the Inca Trail?
Tips are optional. Many hikers give a shared amount to the porters, chef and guide at the last camp, based on the service.
Plan your trip
- Inca Trail Permits: How to Get One, Daily Limits and Availability
- Inca Trail Difficulty: How Hard Is the Inca Trail, Really?
- Inca Trail Map: Route, Campsites and Elevation Profile
- Machu Picchu Elevation: How High It Is and How the Altitude Feels
- Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu: Best Months, Seasons and Time of Day
- Sun Gate Machu Picchu: How to Hike to Inti Punku and What You Will See
