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Hiking The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 2024

World famous Inca trail to Machu Picchu, South America's best hiking experience

Machu Picchu was connected with the Inca city of Cusco and the rest of the Inca Empire by trails of excellent design in strict and perfect harmony with the natural Andean environment. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, crossing the Andes mountain range and sections of the Peruvian jungle and rainforest. Our amazing Inca Trail adventure passes several well-preserved Inca ruins and settlements before ending at the "Gate of the Sun" on Machu Picchu Mountain.

Book your Machu Picchu hike and Inca Trail Permit 2024 in advance to avoid disappointment

If you have decided to hike the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, please keep in mind that the daily number of people accessing the trail is restricted and a government-issued inca trail trekking permit is required. Please check availability of inca trail permits before booking any hiking tour that requires it.

If thinking about a Machu Picchu tour , it is very important to book as early as possible. By doing so, be confident you will be the first in line and most likely get the Machu Picchu hiking permit needed for your awesome Peru adventure.

Inca Trail 4 days Trek

Lares valley trek to machu picchu, salkantay trek, 4 days inca trail.

Our Top Seller Machu Picchu hike will take you to the Inca's empire capital along one of the most beautiful paths on the planet. Our expert guides and support stuff will make sure you enjoy your trip to the fullest. Book the Best Inca Trail today!

In order to control access to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Area, inca trail regulations need to be followed by all people hiking to the location; all permits are non-transferable and change of dates are not accepted by the government office in charge. The inka trail is closed throughout February for conservation projects.

Peru is a country of friendly people, beautiful scenery, and a great variety of cultural traditions. Hiking the Inca Trail creates lasting memories and instills a great sense of accomplishment once it is completed. This blend of outdoor adventure and historical exploration is a great way to experience Machu Picchu!

The Inca Trail is the best-known and most popular hike on the South American continent, complemented only by the iconic Inca site of Machu Picchu. Together they have become one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Our fully supported 4-day tour along the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu is the best alternative for a small group adventure where you will be sharing your experiences with a variety of like-minded travelers from all over the world. This is perfect for individuals, couples or small groups of friends. We invite you to come and enjoy this truly unique and memorable experience. Spaces are limited each day, please review Inca Trail booking information before making the reservation.

" In 1983, UNESCO named Machu Picchu, Peru´s World Heritage Site. UNESCO cited the city´s magnificent site, its architecture and its significance as an almost perfectly preserved example of Incan technology and social organization.

While trekking the Inca Trail, you will enjoy first-class personal service from our professional, bilingual and licensed expert guides."

Inca Trail Tours to Machu Picchu

Machu picchu full day.

The enigmatic Inca city of Machu Picchu can be visited in one day from Cusco via train. This option is perfect for travelers with very limited time who want to explore the best tourist destination in Peru. Continue reading →

The stunning combination of Inca ruins, magnificent mountains, exotic vegetation and extraordinary ecological variety makes the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu the most immpressive trekking route in the world. * Continue reading →

Inca Trail Andean Adventure

This 15 Days Adventure takes you to remote places of interest in Peru, such us the amazing Colca Canyon and the enigmatic Nazca Lines. Finish your adventure on top of Machu Picchu after following the Inca Trail. * Continue reading →

Machu Picchu Travel

10 Days – A special package including assistance at your arrival in Lima, all accommodation and transportation required…and of course our world famous Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu. * Continue reading →

Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

8 Days – Unforgetable journey to the lost city of the Incas; you will be hiking the Inca Trail for 26 miles (43 Km) and exploring one of the seven wonders of the world, Machu Picchu.* Continue reading →

7 Days – The Lares Trek takes us through different local andean villages, which gives the opportunity to interact with Quechua-speaking people and find a different approach to local culture. Continue reading →

Inca Trail Express Tour

5 Days – Unforgetable journey to the lost city of the Incas; you will be hiking the Inca Trail towards the ruins of Wiñay Wayna and exploring one of the seven wonders of the world, Machu Picchu.* Continue reading →

The scenery changes daily during the Salkantay Trek. Hike through cloud forests, small villages and grasslands, from a flattish valley floor to almost bare mountain peaks to your last destination, Machu Picchu. Continue reading →

Choquequirao to Machu Picchu

11 Days – This well thought package includes an incredible journey to the Ruins of Choquequirao and Machu Picchu including two nights of acclimatization in Cusco before the trek. Continue reading →

Inca Trail 2 Days

The Inca city of Machu Picchu, spectacularly poised on a rock among vertiginous green peaks, was not rediscovered until 1911 by American historian and explorer Hiram Bingham. * Continue reading →

* Inca Trail Permit Required

Booking a machu picchu tour need assistance.

Please contact us and one of our expert advisors will get in touch as soon as possible. You can always secure a trekking permit in advance for the 4 days trek here .

The Peruvian government regulates maintenance, prices and availability of Inca trail permits and in conjunction with the Ministry of Culture, authorizes companies to operate along the Inca roads to Machu Picchu.

Inca Trail Reservations is authorized to operate along the Incan Roads, authorization code for 2024: AUT00092.

• Inca Trail Responsible Travel
• Inca Trail ASTA Member

+ Inca Trail Reviews

The height of achievement.

What a way to spend your honeymoon, tracking through some of the most unforgiving relentless terrain this world has to offer. We proved that together we can conquer anything in this life. Unfortunately we were completely unprepared for the enormity … Continue reading →

eEerything was amazing

Going into this i really didn\’t know what to expect all I know is i was ready for a challeng and existed to one of the wonder\’s of the world. Day 1, I was introduced to the amazing crow and … Continue reading →

Brian’s porter application

The trip was really great. The information that the tour guides gave us was very interesting and amazing to learn. It was my first time even camping and i had a great time. The views were amazing and i enjoyed … Continue reading →

The Salkantay Trek was an amazing experience

The Salkantay Trek was an amazing experience; one that I will take with me for the rest of my life. The first thing you need to know about this trek is that it is an extremely demanding trek. You will … Continue reading →

This being my very first trek, I had many new and exciting discoveries. It was a wonderful experience! The scenery was astounding. From the first night, high in Andes where the backdrop included snow and rock and a clear sky … Continue reading →

It\’s as speechless experience from beginning till to the end . Literarily a life time experience . From the guides till the chaskis who worked hard every day and make us feel part of the family . To the trek: … Continue reading →

Salkantay five day trek

Amazing trip. The description of the days of hiking provided by the company was very good. Day one was a chance to brush off the cobwebs and shake out our legs. Day two was incredibly hard and highly rewarding. Astonishing … Continue reading →

Awesome Trek

If you want to experience Machu Picchu to the fullest this is definitely the best way to! This trek was extremely challenging but very rewarding, speaking from someone who has never done a trek I am very glad I did … Continue reading →

• Castle Travel
• IATA member
• Amadeus GDS
• Peru authorized Inca Trail tour operator
• PromPeru Registered member
• Credit Card Authorized Merchant

• Salkantay Trek
• Inca Jungle Trek
• Huchuy Qosqo Trek
• Ausangate Trek
• Vilcabamba Trek
• Choquequirao Trek
• Huayna Picchu
• Altitude Sickness
• Packing List
• Humantay Lake
• Lake Titicaca
• Nazca Lines
• Rainbow Mountain
• Get A Trek Quote

4-Day Inca Trail – Ultimate Guide To The Classic Trek

The 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is celebrated as Peru’s most famous hike. This is one of the world’s most iconic trekking experiences and provides an awesome combination of breathtaking landscapes and ancient Incan sites.

This detailed, day-by-day guide of the 4-day Inca Trail is based on my personal experience.

In this article, I will give you insights on what to expect and how to prepare for this adventure of a lifetime.

Get an Inca trail trek quote

Start planning your Machu Picchu hiking holiday.

4-Day Inca Trail - Ultimate Guide To The Classic Trek

4 day / 3 night classic inca trail route and distance.

Our handy route map below shows the 4D/3N Classic route which typically departs from Cusco (3,399m / 11,151 ft) and ends at the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu (2,430m / 7,972 ft).

Please Note:  Regarding camping sites on the route map below, the 4D Inca Trail trek itinerary can vary from tour company to tour company. See more in our article on the best Inca Trail trekking companies for epic 4-day Inca Trail tours. 

The total trek distance from Cusco to Machu Picchu is roughly 45km (26 miles) and reaches a maximum altitude of 4,200m (13,775 ft). It is a moderately challenging trek that can be completed by most people, as long as they are fit and well acclimatized.

You may also like:

• How difficult is the Inca trail
• Training program for the Inca trail
• Avoiding altitude sickness on the Inca trail

What You Need To Know About Booking The Classic 4-Day Inca Trail

The first thing you need to know is that permits sell out fast! The trail is world-famous, so hikers should book their tickets 6 months to a year in advance. Only 500 permits are issued per day and half of those are reserved for porters/guides.

Although the classic trek is 4D/3N, most tour companies will arrange your pre and post-trek hotels. This means most tours are in fact 7D/6N (with one acclimatization day included).

The classic 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu should include your ticket to Machu Picchu. This is usually a Circuit #3 ticket. Most people consider this the best circuit as the tour goes through the citadel and to the top of the mountain. If you want to do another route, then you will need to purchase an additional ticket.

Check out our handy altitude profile for the 4-day Inca Trail below to give you a better idea of the elevation you'll experience during your trek. 

• What to do at Machu Picchu
• Hiking Huayna Picchu
• Machu Picchu history
• Facts about the Inca trail

Looking for a day tour? Here are my 5 favourite day tours around Cusco: 

• Rainbow Mountain day trip (with meals)
• Moray and Salt Mines Quad Bike Tour
• Sacred Valley day tour
• Humantay Lake day tour
• Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu entrance tickets

See more Cusco day trips .

Why Choose The 4-Day Inca Trail To Machu Picchu?

The Inca Trail is a chance to follow in the footsteps of ancient kings. For many, this is the one-and-only choice to do the original trek to Machu Picchu. Nothing beats the sense of achievement and wonder when you pass through the sun gate after 4 days of trekking.

The 4-Day Inca Trail gives you the best opportunity to see Peru’s sub-tropical Andean mountain environments. Trail habitats include cloud forests, alpine tundra and jungle landscapes. You will get to experience remote areas free from roads and human presence.

The impressive array of Inca archaeological sites is another top reason to hike the Inca Trail . Some of these ruins (Runcuracay, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñayhuayna, and Machu Picchu itself) are worthy of a visit on their own!

• Hiking the short 2-Day Inca Trail
• Cycling through the Inca Jungle Trek

4-Day Inca Trail To Machu Picchu - Daily Itinerary

Below is a typical itinerary for the 4D/3N classic route.

Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – KM82 – Wayllabamba

Day one consists of an early morning car or bus ride through the Sacred Valley, and a relatively easy ~12km (7.5 mi) trek.

You will be collected at your hotel early in the morning (usually between 05:00-06:00) by your tour operator and transported from Cusco into the Sacred Valley (some companies start their tour in Ollantaytambo).

The drive takes approximately 3 hours to reach the starting point, called KM82 (named as such as it is 82KM by train from Cusco).

On the drive, you will pass through the towns of Chinchero, Urabamba and Ollantaytambo. You may even stop for about an hour in either Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, where you can grab some breakfast and last minute supplies.

The trail from KM82 first crosses the Rio Vilcanota (often referred to as the Urubamba River) before climbing steeply up from the Rio Cusichaca to a small local village.

• Top things to see in the Sacred Valley
• Paragliding in Cusco
• Things to do and see in Cusco

On the other side of the village, you will see an Inca fort called Huillca Raccay. This was built as a strategic look-out point into the Urubamba valley and was likely used to control the Cusichaca valley.

You will also be able to see below you, on the other side of the river. From here, there is another impressive Inca site called Patallaqta.

Patallaqta was discovered by  Hiram Bingham in 1911, on the same expedition when he discovered Machu Picchu. It is an extensive Inca ruin that is thought to have been an agricultural settlement used to grow and supply food for the inhabitants of Machu Picchu.

Llactapata, an impressive Inca ruin discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911.

The route continues for another 7-8km (4-5 mi) along a series of gradual undulations to the small village of Wayllabamba (sometimes spelled Wayllapampa), which means ‘grassy plain’ in Quechua, (3,000m / 9,842 ft).

You will most likely camp here from the night. However, some trekking companies continue a little further on to Inca trail campsites near Ayapata (3,300m / 10,827 ft).

Please Note: Wayllabamba is the point at which trekkers on the Salkantay / Inca Trail Combo trek join the Inca Trail. Pack animals are allowed up to this spot on the trail before porters carry on for the rest of the way up.

Day 2: Wayllabamba – Llulluchapampa – Warmiwanusca – Pacamayo

You will be waking up early for breakfast and to prepare for the toughest trekking day. Day 2 is similar in trekking distance to Day 1 which is about 11km (6.83 mi) but involves going up and over the Warmiwanusca Pass (aka Dead Women’s Pass), a 4,200m (13,779 ft) traverse.

The beginning of the trek is straightforward. After your first hour, you will reach a bridge that crosses the Huayruro river. Here, you will find a campsite which has toilets. If you feel the call of nature in the morning, it might be best to hold it in until you reach this point.

Fast Fact: 'Huayruro' refers to a small tree that has red and black seeds. You will commonly see these colours on the ponchos of porters from Ollantaytambo. For this reason, porters from this area are often called Huayruros.

From here, the trail begins to steepen. It winds its way through cloud forest terrain and after nearly hours of hiking, eventually reaches the small village of Llulluchapampa (3,800m / 12,460 ft).

After this juncture, you will trek another 1.5-2 hours to reach the top of Warmiwanusca Pass (aka Abra de Huarmihuañusca or ‘Dead Woman’s Pass). This notorious pass is situated at 4,200m (13,779 ft).

The route up can be hot and intense if the sun is out (wear sunscreen), or cold and cloudy and foggy with icy winds. Be prepared for all conditions by wearing multi-layered clothing.

The view from Dead Woman's Pass (4,200m) on the Inca Trail.

Now, you can celebrate your successful climb to the highest point of the Classic Inca Trail. After catching your breath for a few minutes, you will descend for about 2km (1.2 mi) on a steep trail to the campsite for that night. This camp is located at Pacaymayu (3,580m / 11,700 ft). You will be glad to know that there are toilet facilities here.

Please Note:  Dead Women’s Pass is named as such not because women died on the pass but rather for its shape. When viewed from the descending valley, the mountain slope resembles a supine woman.

Day 3: Pacamayu – Runkurakay – Sayacmarca – Phuyupatamarca – Winay Wayna

Day 3 is another challenging day that covers about 16km (9.94 mi) and traverses two small passes.

The day begins with an hour-long trek up to the ruins at Runkurakay (3,680m / 12,073 ft). This Inca site is believed to have been used as a watchtower over the Pacaymayu valley.

After a second hour’s trekking, you will reach the Runkurakay Pass (aka Abra de Runkuracay). This pass is the second of the Classic Inca Trails major passes. It has a maximum altitude of 4,000m / 13,123 ft. From here, you will be walking on beautifully paved pathways and stone staircases. These structures are still intact from the days of the Incas.

The first staircase down from Runkurakay Pass is relatively steep, so take care with your footing. You will reach the Sayacmarca ruins (3,650m / 12,000 ft) an hour or so after the second pass.

The purpose of Sayacmarca is still unknown but the site’s name means ‘Inaccessible Town’. This accurately describes its well-protected position at the foot of three steep cliffs. The main feature of these ruins is the beautiful stone staircase.

From here, the trail passes through an original Inca tunnel before climbing up to Phuyupatamarca, the third and final pass at 3,680m (12,073 ft). On a clear day, you will be presented with fantastic views of Salkantay Mountain (6,217m / 20,397 ft) in the south and Mount Veronica (5,860m / 19,226 ft) to the North.

Phuyupatamarca or Puyupatamarca is also known as 'La Ciudad entre la Niebla' ('The City Above the Clouds').

Just after the pass, you will reach Phuyupatamarca, one of the most impressive Incan sites on the trail (bar Machu Picchu). Phuyupatamarca or Puyupatamarca is also known as ‘La Ciudad entre la Niebla’ (‘The City Above the Clouds’). An apt description for a place 3,680m (12,073 ft) above sea level.

The site is accessed via a steep path that passes 5 original Incan baths. These may have been used for spiritual or ritual reasons.

Leaving Phuyupatamarca, you will encounter a staircase of 1,000 steps. Prepare your knees (and your mind) for a tough descent. Go slowly and make sure of your footing.

Wiñay Wayna, an Incan site near the final campsite of the same name, is located on the Inca Trail.

After 2-3 hours of trekking through the cloud forest, you will reach the campsite at Winay Huayna (which is the Quechua name for ‘Forever Young’).

Just south of the campsite are the ruins of Winay Huayna, situated at 2,650m / 8,694 ft. The area was likely used as a final resting spot before reaching Machu Picchu. The site has a number of Incan baths and were likely used in ritual cleansings in preparation for arrivals at Machu Picchu.

The view of Machu Picchu from Inti Punku (the Gate of the Sun).

Day 4: Winay Wayna – Inti Punku – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

From Winay Huayna, you will awake early (around 04:30) to have breakfast and start the 1.5-hour trek to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), situated at 2,750m / 8,956 ft.

The initial part of this trek may happen before sunrise. In this case, you might need to use a head-torch (which you can find more details about on our Inca trail packing list ). Although, most operators only hit the trail around 05:30 when dawn breaks. The early departure is on account of trying to catch the sunrise over Machu Picchu. The first rays shine through between 06:30 and 07:00.

The trail from Winay Huayna runs through a cloud-forested contour path. After the forest, you will reach about 50 steep flights of stone stairs to Inti Punku.

At the top of the staircase, you will be presented with an unforgettable view as the famous Inca site of Machu Picchu is revealed through the Sun Gate.

You will get 30-40 minutes to soak in these first views of Machu Picchu from Inti Punku. Then, you will descend down a gradual path into the Citadel. From here, you will register with the authorities and put your backpack in storage.

Most tour operators include a full 2-3 hour tour of the city before giving you free time to explore the ruins. If you still have the energy and are not afraid of heights, then I highly recommend climbing Huayna Picchu (the iconic mountain behind Machu Picchu).

Please Note:  When climbing Huayna Picchu, you will need to book your place prior to arriving at Machu Picchu. There are only 400 climbing permits a day with two departure times (07:00 and 10:00am). Like the Inca trail, it is important to book early. You can get tickets here .

After exploring Machu Picchu for a few hours, you will either need to catch a bus or walk down to Machu Picchu town (aka Aguas Calientes) in the valley below. The bus trip is usually included in your Inca trail tour price (see cost to hike the Inca trail and cheap Inca trail tours ). The walk down takes approximately 2 hours and is worth considering as it provides fantastic views of Machu Picchu’s terraces.

Most tour operators will have booked a mid-afternoon train journey for you back to Ollantaytambo, where they will also have organized a bus or private car to transport you back to Cusco. If you depart from Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft) at 15:00, you will get back to Cusco around 20:00.

The view of Machu Picchu from Huayna Picchu (aka Wayna Picchu or Wayna Pikchu).

Extended / 5-Day Inca Trail

One can also do a 5D/4N Inca Trail itinerary. These packages include a night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes and an additional day at Machu Picchu.

This is ideal for those who would like to spend more time at Machu Picchu (perhaps climbing Machu Picchu Mountain or Putucusi). With the 5-day Inca Trail, you will also have the opportunity to visit the hot springs at Aguas Calientes.

Alison Macallister

With a degree in Nature Conservation and experience working with wildlife including the Big 5, Alison works as a guide for a 5-star reserve. She enjoys sharing her passion for all things nature-related. She enjoys hiking, horseriding, 4x4 driving and kayaking.

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Alison, Your description of the Inca Trail is the most detailed and exciting one that I have read so far. I'm thoroughly impressed with your knowledge, training and passion for Nature Conservation. I also appreciate your maps and love your photographs.

Thank you so very much! Nancy Levyssohn [email protected]

Hi Nancy, thank you for those kind words, you’ve made my day! Glad that you have found this article useful.

Allison, thank you for this great break down!! We are retired military in our late 50s, but in great shape and have hiked in the Rockies and Sierras. This hike is one of our top bucket list items! We now know we want to look for a 5 day trip to enjoy the hot springs and extra day and that we have to reserve for the extra permit to do the hike up to the Mt over Machu Picchu. Now we just have to find a trip that fits our budget! Are there affordable air Bnb options for an additional night before the bike in Cuzco?

Hi Rob n Lisa, yes, there are tonnes of accommodation options in Cusco. AirBnB’s aren’t great in Cusco, you’re better offer searching for a hotel. Here are some recommendations: https://www.machupicchutrek.net/best-hotels-in-cusco-peru/ . In terms of a local trek operator, I recommend checking out Skyhook: https://www.skyhookadventure.com/go/machu-picchu

Get a quote from our recommended local trek operator in Peru

The Classic Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu is one of South America's most popular trekking routes and is consistently ranked among the 10 best hikes in the world . During this 4-day adventure, you will encounter a perfect combination of history and natural beauty. Visit ancient Inca sites and reach the Sun Gate (Intipunku) before sunrise to get the best view of Machu Picchu . 

TreXperience organizes premium Inca Trail tours with personal porters , buffet meals, and the Panoramic Vistadome train included. We have small group tour departures every day.

• Full Itinerary
• Packing List
• Travel Info

Inca Trail Hike 4 days 3 nights – Classic Tour

Go out of your comfort zone and explore the iconic Inca Trail hike ; enjoy the natural wonders, visit the ancient Inca sites, interact with our local porters, and experience the best of Peruvian food while you meet new friends and arrive in Machu Picchu through the mountains .

Hiking the  Inca Trail with TreXperience is discovering a new hiking and camping experience where simplicity becomes the experience of a lifetime. Come and join our fun small group tours to Machu Picchu with like-minded trekkers from all over the world, different ages, and genders. It’s perfect for solo travelers, couples, or groups of friends looking for inspiring and life-changing trekking experiences.

Tour Highlights:

• Travel with the best Inca Trail Tour Operator.
• Stay in the best and least crowded campsites.
• Personal porter included for 7 kg (15 lb) of your gear.
• Arrive at the Inca sites at exclusive hours.
• Enjoy the panoramic trains on your return ( Vistadome or 360 train ) .

Tip: Book your tour early because this once-in-a-lifetime experience has limited spots. Once it's sold out, we are unable to accommodate additional travelers.

Inca Trail Hike at a Glance

Day 1: training day.

Cusco — Km 82 — Patallacta — Ayapata (14km, 6hrs).-  Depart your hotel around 4:30 a.m. and drive to Km 82 to start the Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu . The first campsite is 3,300m (10,826ft). We spend the night in comfortable tents.

Day 2: The Challenge

Ayapata — Warmiwañuska — Chaquicocha (16km, 10 hrs).-  The most challenging and longest day of the Trek . You'll pass through 2 mountains in 10 hours of hiking: the  Dead Woman’s Pass , the highest point of the Inca Trail hike  at 4,215m (13,829ft), and the  Runkuraqay Pass at 4,000 m (13,123ft).

Day 3: The easy day

Chaquicocha — Phuyupatamarca — Wiñaywayna (10km, 6hrs).-  One of the most beautiful and relaxing days. Today, you will only hike 6 hours through different ecological zones and visit the fascinating archaeological sites of Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, and Wiñaywayna (campsite) at 2,600m (8,530ft), just 2 hours from Machu Picchu .

Day 4: Discover Machu Picchu

Wiñaywayna — Machu Picchu — Cusco (6km, 2 hrs).-  Wake up early to hike for 2 hours to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate  and enjoy your first stunning views of Machu Picchu. After exploring Machu Picchu, you will take the Panoramic Vistadome train and bus back to Cusco. Arrive at your hotel around 7:30 p.m.

Campsite locations might change depending on availability and the final campsite assignment.

• Safety briefing the day before the tour
• Complimentary luggage storage
• Hotel pickup and drop off
• Return on the panoramic Vistadome Train or 360°
• Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
• Entry tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
• All camping equipment (carried by the porters)
• Personal Porter to carry up to 7kg / 15lb
• Experienced chef
• 3-night camping in top-end, comfortable tents
• Eureka 4-person tents for every 2 trekkers
• All meals are prepared with fresh local ingredients
• Drinkable water and daily snacks
• First-aid kit, satellite phones, oxygen supply
• Private portable toilets
• All taxes and booking fees

Not Included:

• Sleeping bag, air mattress, or trekking poles (you can rent them from us)
• Last day lunch after the Machu Picchu Tour
• Entry to   Huayna Picchu Mountain   (optional)
• Travel Insurance

Why book with TreXperience?

Locally Owned Company: Founded by Juan and Priscila Coronel from Ollantaytambo, TreXperience is 100% locally owned in Cusco, Peru. This reflects a deep commitment to the community and offers an authentic insight into the Inca Trail experience.

Food on the Inca Trail: The food during the trek stands for its quality and variety, prepared by chefs trained to offer unique and delicious meals that are healthy and reflective of local cuisine. Our chefs use fresh local products to provide the best Peruvian food, accommodating vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.

High-Quality Equipment: Trekkers are provided with top-quality camping equipment, including kitchen tents, dining tents, toilet tents, tables, chairs, and Eureka tents, to ensure comfort and safety throughout the journey.

Transportation: We offer a stress-free experience for trekkers by managing all aspects of the journey. Our door-to-door service ensures a seamless experience from hotel to hotel.

Trains from Machu Picchu: The journey back from Machu Picchu is enhanced with additional amenities such as Pisco Sours and a scenic train ride. We are the only company that provides panoramic trains for the return trip.

Spiritual and Cultural Immersion: The journey with TreXperience is not just a trek but a profound exploration of the rich history, culture, and spirituality of the Incan civilization, including visits to significant archaeological sites.

Sustainable Practices: TreXperience is distinguished by its sustainable and responsible tourism practices, aiming to minimize environmental impact while maximizing positive contributions to local communities.

Safety and Security: All staff are trained in First Aid and Mountain Rescue. We provide an oxygen tank , a first aid kit , and satellite phones for added safety.

Commitment to Excellence: TreXperience's reputation for excellence is reflected in its numerous awards and recognitions, underscoring its commitment to providing an unparalleled trekking experience. We have more than 7000 positive reviews.

Our Porters: TreXperience sets a high standard for porter welfare on the Inca Trail, ensuring fair wages, health insurance, and quality gear for all porters.

Book with Confidence and Flexibility: We allow travelers to change their tours without penalty under certain conditions, offering peace of mind in uncertain times.

Full Itinerary of the 4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 

Day 1: cusco — km 82 — hatunchaca — ayapata.

Start your Inca Trail trekking experience with a pick from your hotel in Cusco around 4:30 a.m. If you stay in the Sacred Valley, like Urubamba or Ollantaytambo, we'll pick you up a bit later, after 6:00 a.m. We'll then travel for about 2.5 hours to Km 82 (Piscacucho village) , the starting point of this epic 4-day Inca Trail Trip to Machu Picchu. But first, we'll stop at Ollantaytambo to enjoy a delicious breakfast and have the opportunity to buy any last-minute things for the Machu Picchu trek.

We’ll arrive at the Km 82 trailhead by 8:00 a.m., where you'll meet our incredible team of chefs, porters, and tour guides. After a quick checkpoint stop to show your passports, we're ready to kick off our TreXperience to the Legendary Lost City of the Incas .

The first leg of the Inca Trail Trek is an easy 2-hour hike to Patallacta, an ancient site along the Inca Trail route . You will enjoy beautiful views of this site surrounded by mountains and rivers from a unique, hidden location. Then, it will be a 2-hour hike to Hatunchaca village, where our team of cooks will treat you to a delicious lunch made of fresh local ingredients.

After a delightful meal, we will continue for another 2 hours to Ayapata, the first campsite of the trek, by around 5:00 p.m. You will find your tent, a snack, and a hot drink waiting for you. Before tea time and dinner, there's plenty of time to relax, prepare your bed, and take in the breathtaking mountain scenery.

• Hiking Distance: 14 km / 8.7 mi
• Duration: 6 Hours
• Campsite Altitude: 3,300 m / 10,826 ft
• Highest Altitude: 3,300 m / 10,826 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea time, dinner
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Ayapata — Dead Woman’s Pass — Chaquicocha

Today's the most challenging of the 4-day hike to Machu Picchu ! We'll start early, bringing you a warm cup of coffee or coca tea right in your tent. After breakfast, we're off for a 4-hour climb to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215m / 13,829ft), the highest point of the Trek . At the summit, we'll stop to appreciate the serenity of this magical place, enjoying its calm with a coca tea. At the same time, your guide completes a traditional offering ceremony to mountain spirits, the Apus. Reveling in the stunning views, we'll then descend for 2 hours to Pacaymayo Alto Valley for a much-deserved lunch.

After lunch, the second mountain is an easier 2-hour hike to Runkuraqay Pass (4,000m / 13,123ft), exploring 2 Inca sites en route: Runkuraqay and Sayacmarca. The second campsite will be Chaquicocha (dry lake, 3600m / 11811 ft.), where you can admire a beautiful sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range before dinner. As night falls, this spot offers a clear, unobstructed sky view, perfect for stargazing and marveling at the constellations.

• Hiking Distance: 16 km / 10 mi
• Duration: 10 Hours
• Campsite Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
• Highest Altitude: 4,215 m / 13,829 ft
• Difficulty: Challenging

Day 3: Chaquicocha — Intipata — Wiñaywayna

With the hard part of the 4-day Inca Trail tour well and truly over, you can relax and enjoy the most leisurely and exciting day of the Inca Trail Hike. Today’s route is extremely varied; it is only a 5-hour hike to the final campsite. Along the way, you will pass through several different ecosystems, experience the atmospheric cloud forest, and observe the magnificent panoramic view of Salkantay Mountain (the second-highest peak in Cusco). We will visit 2 Inca sites, Phuyupatamarca (City in the Clouds), with spectacular views of the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu Mountain , and Intipata (Terraces of the Sun).

At Intipata, you will have time to rest and take in the magical surroundings. We will reach the campsite at approximately 1:00 p.m. to have lunch, and then you can enjoy some free time to relax, unwind at the camp, chase llamas, or take a refreshing shower. Later in the afternoon, we will visit the Inca site of Wiñaywayna , where your guide will explain this fantastic location’s history. We will then return to the campsite for tea, dinner, and a special farewell surprise!

• Hiking Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi
• Duration: 5 Hours
• Campsite Altitude: 2,600 m / 8,530 ft
• Highest Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, tea time, dinner

Day 4: Discover Machu Picchu — Cusco

On our final day of the Classic Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu , you must get up very early to prepare for the highlight of your TreXperience ! Visiting Machu Picchu , the Lost City of the Incas. We will go straight to the checkpoint and wait until it opens at 5:30 a.m. As the sky brightens, we will walk to the Sun Gate (Intipunku) for one hour, enjoying the stunning views. You can watch the spectacular sunrise over Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate on a clear day, which is truly an unforgettable sight. Next, we will start a final 1-hour descent towards Machu Picchu, arriving at the last control point around 8:00 a.m.

Your guide will take you on a 2-hour comprehensive tour of the most important sights of the Inca City. If you're up for an extra challenge, you can hike  Huayna Picchu Mountain  (tickets must be booked as far in advance as possible). After the tour, you will take the bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then travel in the panoramic train ( Vistadome or 360° train ). TreXperience Team will meet you off the train and safely return to your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. The approximate arrival time back to Cusco is around 7:30 p.m.

• Hiking Distance: 6 km / 3.7 mi
• Hiking Duration: 2-3 Hours
• Highest Altitude: 2,720 m / 8,923 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, snacks
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

4-day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu Packing List

What should I pack for the Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu? This is the most common question asked by Inca Trail hikers . When traveling to a new faraway destination like South America, you must prepare long before, especially when hiking to remote places like the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek .

For your trip to Peru, you will bring one or two big pieces of luggage depending on how long you spend on your vacation. However, you will only take the necessary equipment for the 4-day Machu Picchu hike . You must leave most of your belongings in the Cusco hotel or TreXperience storerooms.

For the Inca Trail hike , you must reduce the gear you will take to a minimum. We recommend 5 kg (11 lb)  in your daypack and 7 kg (15 lb)  in your duffle bag . Remember that you are responsible for carrying your daypack at all times and must have all the necessary equipment for the day. Our porters will take the 7 kg duffle bag.

• Original passport:  A copy will not be accepted; your  passport must be valid for at least 6 months to enter and exit Peru. You'll also need to ensure that your passport has two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
• Valid Student ID is required only if you have booked the Inca Trail as a student. Student cards must be issued by the university (up to the age of 25), and should the following details: university information, personal information, student photo , and a valid date no later than December 31 of the year of travel .
• Hiking boots (light, comfortable, and broken in). Make sure your shoes are not too tight or too loose. They should provide enough room for your toes to wiggle without being too spacious.
• A good quality daypack (light, small, and cozy); you will need a comfortable backpack to carry all your supplies.
• A camel bag or water bottle (s) for at least 2 liters of water storage. Choosing a water bottle that will keep your water cold is essential.
• Trekking poles (you can rent them from us) Trekking poles are highly recommended for the Inca Trail .

What to put in the Daypack?

Here's a list of items we recommend you keep in your backpack for your Machu Picchu Hike . Remember, you will be carrying this with you every day of the trek, so bring a good quality daypack that is light and comfortable.

It is important to note that, due to local regulations, your backpack should not exceed 25 liters. All larger bags can not be taken into Machu Picchu and must be stored in the lockers. The 25 liters is not about the capacity of your backpack; it is about the size. If you have larger bags, you can bring them and make sure your backpack looks small for Machu Picchu .  

• Hats and sunglasses are a must; the sun can be intense at high elevations, and you'll want to shield your eyes from the glare.
• Rain gear is essential, especially during the rainy season. Look for materials that keep you dry while allowing your skin to breathe, such as Gore-Tex or eVent.
• Warm layers (fleece or long-sleeved tops); a layering system, consisting of a base layer, mid-layer of fleece or down, and a waterproof shell layer, is needed for hiking the Inca Trail hike.
• Sun cream : Ensure you apply a high-factor sunscreen before heading out on the trail. Additionally, protect lips using lip balm with SPF protection!
• Bug spray : When selecting your bug spray, choose one containing DEET or picaridin to keep bugs at bay and allow you to enjoy your hike fully.
• Hand sanitizer:  Carrying a small bottle with you throughout the day would be ideal.
• Toilet paper : There are plenty of bathrooms along the Inca Trail; take toilet paper inside a plastic bag. 
• Personal medication includes  prescription and over-the-counter medicines for common ailments such as headaches, stomachaches, and colds. Take also band-aids and moleskin.
• Camera, extra batteries: Note that the battery life of your electronic devices will be reduced at high altitudes. So, pack plenty of spare batteries for your camera, phone, and other devices.
• Head Torch, or headlamp, is vital equipment for anyone embarking on the Machu Picchu Inca Trail.
• Snacks,  energy-pack granola bars, or trail mix that provide plenty of fuel without making you sluggish during a hike.
• Extra money  for souvenirs, drinks, and tips (small change helps pay for using the villagers' toilets on the first day).

What to put in the Duffle Bag

TreXperience will provide you with a duffel bag to pack items you do not need to keep during the day. Our Porters  will carry this bag for you throughout the trek. Please note that this bag should weigh a maximum of 7 kg (15 lb) , including your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you bring/rent one). These 2 items weigh about 3 kg (2 kg sleeping bag and 1 kg air pad).

During the safety briefing, duffle bags will be available at our office the day before the trek. 

• Sleeping bags  (can be rented from us): Buy a sleeping bag that fits your height and weight, and remember to pack it in a waterproof bag to stay dry on the trail. For the Inca Trail hike, we recommend sleeping bags rated at -10°C. 
• Air mattress  (can be rented from us); having an extra layer to sleep will make your hike more comfortable and enjoyable. We provide a foam mattress included on the Inca Trail tour.
• Shoes for the campsite. After long hours of hiking with boots, you may want to remove the heavy shoes and have something light to wear at the camp. 
• Warm jacket : Temperatures can drop sharply at night, and you can wear warm layers when the sun goes down. Don't forget to pack a hat and gloves!
• 4 or 5 T-shirts  (wicking T-shirts are best). A synthetic fabric like polyester or nylon is a good option, as it will wick away sweat and dry quickly. Avoid cotton shirts, as they will hold onto moisture and can cause chafing.
• 2-3 hiking pants/trousers: There are two main types of hiking pants. Cargo pants have large pockets on the sides of the legs, which are great for carrying extra gear. Convertible pants have legs that zip off at the knee, making them perfect for hot weather or changing conditions on the trail. Leggings work as well for ladies.
• 4 sets of undergarments , wearing a sports bra, and compression shorts will help keep you comfortable and prevent chafing.
• 4 sets of hiking socks , make sure the socks are made from a breathable material like wool or synthetic fibers. You don't want your feet to get too sweaty during the hike, which can lead to blisters.
• 1 Fleece : A fleece jacket or pullover is a good choice; you can layer it with other clothing if necessary. Be sure to pack a rain jacket as well, as the weather can be unpredictable on the trail.
• 1 Warm, down jacket for the coldest nights. The best jackets are made of down or synthetic insulation, keeping you warm even when wet. 
• Quick-dry towel : A quick-dry towel is a must-have for anyone planning to hike the Inca Trail. 
• Biodegradable soap is specially formulated to break down quickly and safely in nature, so it won't pollute the trail or harm any wildlife.
• Wet wipes : pack plenty of wet wipes! The trail can be dusty and dirty, so keeping your skin clean is essential. 
• Toothbrush and paste : Make sure the brush and paste are small and compact for camping trips. 
• Face moisturizer , the high altitude, and the harsh sun can take a toll on your skin, so it's essential to keep it hydrated. 
• Power bank/battery charger: You should use your phone in airplane mode and have power banks with you; we recommend one of  20,000 mAh.
• Plastic bags to keep wet or muddy clothes separate

See a complete guide on our blog:  Packing List for the Inca Trail

Price for the Classic Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu

Price per person:.

• From US$ 790 - Adults
• From US$ 750 - Children and students

To book the Classic Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu, you need to make an initial payment of US$ 200 per person; the remaining balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco.

Student Discount:

• US$ 40 off per person

All travelers under 17 will have a $40 discount. If you are 25 years old or under when traveling, you can get the discount with your  Student ID .  Please send us an email to receive a code for the discount.

Valid Student ID for Inca Trail and Machu Picchu

To get the student discount, travelers should have a Valid ID with the following:

• 25 years or less at the time of entering Machu Picchu. Older than 25 can not enter as a student
• The ID must have the Name of the university, name, and photo of the student
• The ID must have a valid expiration date

Invalid Student IDs

Student IDs are not eligible for a discount when:

• Traveler is older than 25
• Student ID without expiration date
• ISIC cards are not valid. 

Similar tours to Machu Picchu you might be interested in:

• Private Inca Trail 4 days
• Short Inca Trail 2 days
• Luxury Inca Trail 4 days
• Rainbow Mountain Hike

Inca Trail Hike Frequently Asked Questions

How to book the inca trail tour.

Booking the famous Machu Picchu Trek is easy with TreXperience; click on any BOOK NOW button, select your departure date, fill up the form with all details requested, including passport information, and finally submit the initial payment required to book the Inca Trail Trek .

Due to the permits' strict booking policy for the Inca Trail administered by the Peruvian Government, all Inca Trail bookings must be confirmed manually. Only after manual confirmation from our side will your tour be 100% guaranteed. 

Can I store my luggage with TreXperience?

During the Machu Picchu Inca Trail , you will only take your daypack and a small duffle bag with 7 kg (15 lb). Your luggage must stay in Cusco. You can store it at the hotel or with TreXperience. 

How can I reduce the risk of altitude sickness?

There are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of altitude sickness:

• Arrive at Cusco two days in advance so your body has time to acclimatize
• Avoid rapid ascent so your body has time to adapt to its new altitude.
• Stay hydrated by drinking lots of fluids like water and avoid alcohol consumption.
• At high altitudes, eat smaller and lighter meals
• Sleeping enough each night will allow your body to recover from exertion during the day.

If you start to feel symptoms of altitude sickness, descend to a lower altitude immediately and rest until you feel better.

What can I do in Cusco before the Inca Trail?

We recommend low-altitude tours or staying in the city of Cusco.

• On the first day, you can rest in Cusco and, if possible, explore on a guided Cusco City Tour in the afternoon.
• On the second day , you can take a full-day Super Sacred Valley Tour and, if possible, stay in Ollantaytambo. If you stay in Ollantaytambo, you will save a 2-hour trip by bus on the day of the Machu Picchu Inca Trail .

What are the recommended tours after the Inca Trail?

After the Inca Trail, we recommend resting for one day to recover if possible, and then you can explore more places in Cusco. 

• Rainbow Mountain is the best day tour in Cusco after the Machu Picchu Inca Trail . This fantastic hike takes you to the colored mountain at 5200 meters and the Red Valley. 
• Humantay Lake hikes is another classic day tour located at 4200 meters. 
• You can travel to Puno by bus and explore the floating islands.

How long in advance do I have to book the Inca Trail?

Inca Trail is the most popular trek in South America; only 500 permits are sold daily, and this number includes porters, tour guides, chefs, and travelers. Make sure you book far in advance to get your preferred date. 

For months like April, May, June, and July, we recommend booking the previous year before October: Every year, in the first months of October, the Inca Booking system will be open for the next year, and some dates will sell out immediately. 

We recommend booking at least 6 months in advance for the high season and 3 months in advance for the slow season. 

What happens if the Inca Trail is sold out?

Our team will contact you to offer alternative tours to Machu Picchu or dates if the travel date is sold out. It's important to note that submitting the payment does not guarantee an Inca Trail permit. You must always wait for manual confirmation from our team indicating that we have successfully secured the Inca Trail permits . This process could take around 24 hours; if it is a weekend, the confirmation will be sent on Mondays. 

How many people are allowed in each group?

The maximum group size is 16 travelers . However, this number is hardly met since it will depend on how many spots we sell before the permits are sold out. These are the general rules of the Inca Trail and apply to all tour operators.

The average group size is 8 to 12 travelers per group . 

Is it better to have a group of 8 or 12 to 16?

Some operators only offer groups of 8 people, saying guests will get personalized service. However, this is not the best option for the following reasons:

• Groups of 8 people or fewer will only be allowed 1 tour guide
• Groups of 9 or more will be allowed 2 tour guides . 

As a tour guide and my personal experience, managing a group of 8 people alone is very challenging; if we have travelers of different ages and speeds, it will become complicated for 1 person to lead the group. 

If there are 9, 10, or 12 travelers and 2 tour guides, it is easier to manage as 1 tour guide can be at the front of the line, and 1 tour guide can stay at the back. Hiking in a group tour during the Inca Trail, all travelers will walk at their own speed and only re-group at specific places for resting or guided tours. 

When organizing a group tour, it is difficult to know how many people will be on a specific date. However, we will always aim to get the maximum to have 2 tour guides.

What equipment can I rent from TreXperience?

Sleeping bags, Trekking poles, and inflatable mattresses are not included during the Inca Trail. You can bring your own, or you can rent from us.

• Sleeping bag: $25
• Trekking poles: $20
• Inflatable mattress: $20

The prices are in USD. We provide a foam sleeping pad for the Inca Trail tour ; the air mattress is optional if you want more comfort.

How long is the 4-day Inca Trail?

The total distance of the Inca Trail is 26 miles or 42 km long. The average person takes about 4 days to complete the entire trail, but if you're not used to hiking, you may want to give yourself an extra day or two. The Short Inca Trail is also a great option if you don't have the time for an entire hike.

How high is the Classic Inca Trail?

• Cusco City is located at 3,399 m or 11,151 ft.
• The start point of the Inca Trail is KM 82 at 2,642 m or 8,867 ft.
• The average altitude of the Inca Trail is 3,000 m or 9,842 ft.
• Dead Woman's Pass is the highest mountain at 4,215 m  or 13,835 ft.
• The second highest mountain pass is Runkuraqay  at 4,000 m or 13,123 ft.
• Machu Picchu , where the Inca Trail ends, is 2,430 m 7,972 ft.
• Aguas Calientes town , where we take the train back to Cusco, is 2,040 m or 6,692 ft.

Where does the 4-day Inca Trail start?

The Classic Inca Trail starts in Km 82, Piscacucho (2,642 m or 8,867 ft), in the Ollantaytambo district, Urubamba Province. The main checkpoint is located on the right side of the Urubamba River. Once you cross the river, you enter the Inca Trail protected area.

The  Short Inca Trail  starts at Km 104, also called Chachabamba. This is the express Inca Trail for only 1 day, and you will visit Machu Picchu the next day .

When is the best time to hike the Inca Trail?

This question is often tricky to answer. Inca Trail is Inca Trail, and you will be amazed even with the sun, rain, wind, cold, or any weather you might encounter on your trip. You must have the proper equipment and always be prepared for all types of weather. Inca Trail is located in the cloud forest and is famous for having the most unstable weather in Peru and perhaps the world.

• The best months to hike and visit Machu Picchu  are April to October.
• The driest months on the Inca Trail are May, June, July, and August. However, these are the busiest months of the year in Machu Picchu.
• The rainy season starts in November and lasts until March; however, it is possible to have whole weeks without rain.
• The Inca trails are closed during February due to heavy rains and maintenance.

When was the Inca Trail Built?

The Inca Empire built the trail in the 15th century, most likely between 1450 and 1500. This is based on archaeological evidence that has been found along the route, as well as historical records of the Inca Empire.

Why is the Classic Inca Trail Important?

After the Inca Trail's rediscovery in 1915, archaeologists explored the ancient route. They found many Incan temples, religious sites, and administrative areas, such as Patallacta, Runkuraqay Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, Wiñaywayna, and Intipunku.

The vast number of Inca Sites, the remarkably well-preserved ancient Inca Trail, the secluded location of the area, the varied landscapes, the fantastic view, endemic flora, and fauna are a few of the reasons why the Inca Trail hike has become one of the most popular hikes in South America.

How many days before the trek do I have to arrive in Cusco?

You should arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before your Inca Trail trek begins. This will give you time to acclimate to the high altitude and settle before starting your hike. Cusco is a beautiful city with plenty of things to see and do, so you won't be bored while waiting to start your trek. Plus, if you have any last-minute gear or supplies you need to pick up, you'll have time to do that before heading out.

When is the Classic Inca Trail Closed?

The Classic Inca Trail is closed annually from February to March for maintenance. It is also closed occasionally due to bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Before you plan to trek the Classic Inca Trail , check the latest information on closures.

Which Inca Trail Trek is the best?

There are 3 ways to make the Inca Trail and arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sungate.

• The Classic Inca Trail, 4 days and 3 nights, is the most popular, and 90% of travelers will choose this option—only camping.
• The 5-day Inca Trail, 3-night camping, 1-night hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• The  Short Inca Trail , 1 day hiking the last part of the Inca Trail and the next day visiting Machu Picchu.

This trek has other variations and extensions, like the  Salkantay Expedition, 6 days and 5 nights ; however, it is always based on those mentioned above.

Where do I have to book Inca Trail Permits?

Only authorized local, registered tour operators like TreXperience can book the Inca Trail permits in Cusco City. You can not secure the permits and must travel with a tour guide, chef, and porters.

How to get Inca Trail Permits?

The Inca Trail permits are released during the first days of October for the following year. During this month, we book the permits for next year's season. A few months might run out fast, like May, June, and July, so it is essential to get manual confirmation that the tour operator has secured the permits.

How hard is the Inca Trail?

Another tricky question! The Inca Trail is challenging but doable . You must be able to hike on uneven terrain for about 8 to 10 hours daily, sleep above 3,000 meters, and be able to go up and down the stairs on the trail.

If you are in average physical condition to handle this type of hike, you must practice regularly before coming to the Inca Trail, and you will have a wonderful time.

How much does Inca Trail Cost?

There are so many tour operators with reasonable prices when searching online; deciding which tour company you will travel with is always hard.

• The average price on a 4-day Classic Inca Trail tour is 700 to 790 USD
• The average price on the  Inca Trail 5 days trek  is 950 to 1400 USD
• The average Short Inca Trail  tour price is 500 to 550 USD

You can find better prices or options, but always verify what is included. Some tour operators do not have a personal porter for the Inca Trail or bus from Machu Picchu. TreXperience provides a personal porter and all transportation from start to end with panoramic trains.

Is the Inca Trail Hike Dangerous?

Any adventure trip you go on, there are always risks involved. Dangerous situations during the Inca Trail could be due to negligence or the force of nature. Following your tour guide's instructions is the best way to stay safe on the Inca Trail.

Can I Hike The Inca Trek Without a Guide?

You can not enter the Inca Trail without hiring a registered tour company. You must hike the Inca Trail with a tour guide, chef, and porters.

Inca Trail travel information

The Classic Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is one of the most breathtaking adventures in the world! Built by the Incas in the 15th century, also called  Qhapac Nan or Inca Trails, this extensive network of trails   helped to connect their empire, which included Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.

Cusco  was the capital city of the Great Inca Empire , therefore, the most important city. From Cusco, all  Inca Trails started and   connected to other locations across South America - these trails covered over 40,000 kilometers!

The Classic Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu , which is well-known around the world, begins at Kilometer 82  - Piscacucho Village, located in Ollantaytambo district, Urubamba Province, in the Sacred Valley of Cusco, Peru.

The Incas built the Iconic Classic Machu Picchu Inca Trail in the 15th century. It is thought that the same people who built Machu Picchu also built the Inca Trail. The trail was used for trading between Cusco and the area around the Amazon region. 

After the Spanish conquest, this trail was lost for many years with Machu Picchu, and it was re-discovered in 1911 by an American,  Hiram Bingham III,  during his expeditions to Peru, searching for the Lost City of the Incas . Today, the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are some of Peru's most famous tourist destinations.

The weather on the Inca Trail is unpredictable and variable. We have 2 seasons. However, you need to be prepared for all seasons when hiking to Machu Picchu .

• The wet season runs from November to March
• The dry season runs from April to October

The temperature during the Machu Picchu Trek varies significantly depending on the altitude and season; temperatures can reach as high as 80°F (27°C) during the day and drop below freezing at night, so hikers must come prepared for hot and cold weather conditions.

Difficulty:

Hiking the Machu Picchu Inca Trail can be challenging due to its length and high altitudes; however, its rewards make the experience worthwhile. Its breathtaking scenery will impress anyone while feeling great satisfaction from having accomplished something big!

Inca Trail Altitude Map

Inca Trail permits:

To participate in the  Classic Machu Picchu Trek , you will need to secure the permits long in advance. Every day, there are only 500 permits available, including porters, chefs, tour guides, and travelers. 

Inca Trail length:

The Inca Trail trek stretches for about 26 miles (42 kilometers) from the Sacred Valley (Km 82) , through the Andes Mountains, to the lost city of Machu Picchu .

Inca Trail compared with other tours:

The Inca Trail is one of the most popular trekking routes in the world, but if it is sold out, you might consider alternative treks to Machu Picchu . Below, you will find a fair comparison of the most popular tours. 

Inca Trail vs. Salkantay Trek

When choosing a trek to Machu Picchu , there are two main options: the Inca Trai l and the Salkantay Trek . Both tours offer stunning scenery and an unforgettable experience but have some key differences.  The Inca Trail hike  is the classic choice for a Machu Picchu trek . It's the most popular option – it's an incredible journey that takes you through some of the most stunning scenery and journey through history. The Classic Machu Picchu Trek follows the ancient path of the Incas and ends with a spectacular entrance into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. The Salkantay Trek is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail . It's less crowded, more affordable, and still takes you through beautiful scenery. The highlight of the Salkantay Trek is Mount Salkantay, which, at 6,271 meters (20,549 feet), is one of the tallest mountains in Peru. The views from the summit are breathtaking! Another plus of the Salkantay Trek is that it ends with a visit to Aguas Calientes, where you can relax in the hotel before going to Machu Picchu.

Inca Trail vs. Lares Trek

Another great alternative Trek to Machu Picchu is the Lares Route, famous for being a more cultural trek and less intense than the Salkantay and Inca Trail. The Inca Trail takes you on a 4-day hike directly to the great citadel of Machu Picchu. You will be hiking through the mountains, spending the night in isolated campsites, and arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun gate; this is the only trek that actually allows you to arrive hiking to Machu Picchu .  The Lares Trek is a shorter, 4-day option that starts in the village of Lares and ends at Machu Picchu. While it doesn't have as many Inca ruins along the route, it's a great choice if you want to avoid crowds and learn from the locals. To arrive at Machu Picchu, you need to travel by train and stay 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. 

Classic Inca Trail vs. Short Inca Trail hike

The original Classic Inca Trail 4 days is a long and challenging hike, but there is also a shorter version known as the Short Inca Trail . So, which one should you choose? The Classic Machu Picchu Inca Trail is a 26-mile (42-kilometer) long hike and takes four days to complete. It starts at Km 82, in the Sacred Valley , and ends at Machu Picchu. Trekkers will pass through beautiful scenery along the way, including alpine forests, mountain valleys, and lush jungles. The trail also crosses several high-altitude passes, reaching a maximum elevation of 13,829 feet (4,215 meters). The Short Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is only 10 miles (16 kilometers) long and can be completed in just 1 day. It starts at Km 104 and ends at Machu Picchu. While this route doesn't offer the same variety of scenery as the longer Inca Trail , it still passes through some stunning landscapes, including cloud forests.

Inca Trail vs. Quarry Trek

For those travelers searching for unique adventures, there is another amazing trek called the Cachicata Trek or Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu . The Cachicata Trek to Machu Picchu is a new but amazing route to Machu Picchu that few people know about or hike.

The Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, an epic trek many travelers want to complete but few will dare. This trek is a complete experience combining adventure, camping, hiking, challenge, history, culture, and the amazing reward of arriving at Machu Picchu hiking.

The Quarry Trek is an excellent option If you're looking for a shorter, easier trek. It's only 20 miles long and takes you to some of the best viewpoints of the Sacred Valley. The Quarry Trek is also a great option if you want to avoid the crowds of the Inca Trail.

Inca Trail vs. Choquequirao trek

The Inca Trail and Choquequirao Hike  are 2 of the most epic hikes to an ancient citadel in Peru. Both treks offer stunning views of the Andes mountains and the ancient Inca ruins, but there are some critical differences between the two.

• The Inca Trail is much more popular than the Choquequirao trek.
• The Choquequirao trek is more challenging but less crowded and offers a more authentic experience.
• The Inca Trail trek takes 4 days to complete, while the Choquequirao trek can be 4,5, up to 8-10 days.

Inca Trail Marathon:

One of the most popular events in the world is the Inca Trail Marathon . This race takes place in Peru and follows the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu . The marathon is considered one of the most difficult in the world due to the high altitude and rugged terrain. However, many runners find the challenge to be worth it for the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Inca Trail Marathon is held every year in May or June. The race starts at KM 82 of the Inca Trail, about 2,000 meters above sea level. Runners then go through the jungle, mountains, and ancient ruins before finishing at Machu Picchu. The total race distance is approximately 42 kilometers. 

Inca Trail elevation gain:

The Inca Trail elevation gain is around 3,000 feet (914 meters) from start to finish. The highest point on the trail is 13,828 feet (4,215 meters) at Dead Woman's Pass. Most of the elevation gain is in the first few days, with around 1,000 feet (305 meters) of ascent on Day 1 and 800 feet (244 meters) on Day 2. After that, the trial levels out somewhat, although there are still some ups and downs.

Inca Trail Reservations:

If you plan to participate in the Classic Machu Picchu Trek , you'll need to make sure you have a reservation. This trek is one of the most popular hiking trails in the world, and it cannot be easy to get a spot.

• There is only one way to make a reservation for the trail. You need to book through an authorized tour company like TreXperience .
• When making your reservation, you must provide your passport information and choose a start date for your hike.
• It's important to note that the Inca Trail is closed in February.
• You should also try booking at least six months in advance, as spots fill up quickly.
• Once your reservation is secured, all that is left is packing for your adventure!

Inca Trail's highest point:

Dead Woman's Pass is a high mountain on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It is 4,215 meters (13,829 ft) above sea level and is the highest point on the Inca Trail. The pass gets its name from its resemblance to a woman lying on her back. The pass is a challenging section of the Inca Trail, with steep ascents and descents.

Inca Trail 2 days

The short Inca Trail is an excellent option for those who want to hike the trail but are short on time. The trail is only 2 days long and is a great way to see some of the most incredible views of the Andes Mountains. The trail starts at Km 104, about 1 hour from Cusco by train from Ollantaytambo. From there, you will hike for about 4-5 hours to reach the site of Wiñay Wayna. You will enjoy a box lunch and continue the final stretch of the trail to Machu Picchu to the Sun Gate (Initupunku), from where you will have the first and most amazing view of Machu Picchu. 

Inca Trail 5 days

The Inca Trail 5-day slow version is an excellent option for those who want to enjoy the scenery and take their time on the trail. The slower pace means you'll have more time to take photos, enjoy the views, and explore the ruins. This version of the trail is also a good option for those not as physically fit, as it is not as strenuous as the shorter versions. Book your tour early if you're planning on hiking the Inca Trail. Tours often fill up months in advance, especially during peak season (May-September).

Sun Gate or Intipunku:

Sungate, or Intipunku, is the official name for the entrance to Machu Picchu from the Inca Trail. The views from the Sun Gate are breathtaking, and it's incredible to stand at the top of Machu Picchu and take it all in.

Inca Bridge in Machu Picchu:

The Inca Bridge stretches across a deep gorge, which has a height of approximately 60 meters (200 feet). The Incas constructed the structure during the 15th century. It's not entirely clear what the Inca Bridge was used for, but it's believed that it could have served as a means for the Incas to traverse the gorge without having to go down into the valley beneath it.

It's possible that the bridge was built as a defensive structure to stop enemies from entering the citadel. The Inca Bridge at Machu Picchu is a remarkable engineering achievement that will impress anyone who sees it.

Training for Inca Trail:

Preparing for the Machu Picchu Inca Trail can be demanding. Below are some recommendations for enjoying this amazing hike. 

• After booking the tour, start training and going on regular hikes
• Increase your physical activities gradually
• Walking or running for 30 minutes three to five days a week improves health.
• Fitness requires strong legs. Untrained legs may struggle in Vietnam's hilly terrain.
• Squats and lunges at home or mountain hikes will prepare you for your holiday.

Before hiking Machu Picchu, allow time to acclimate to Cusco's high altitude. The trail reaches 4,000 meters (13,000 feet). Preventing altitude sickness requires progressive acclimatization.

Inca Trail stairs:

The Inca Trail has different routes with varying numbers of stairs based on the path you choose. The number of trails changes every year due to maintenance and updates, so we can't give an exact number. We can provide an idea of what to expect on your trek by sharing feedback from past hikers.

Research on hikers who completed the Inca Trail found that they took around 5,000-7,000 steps. On average, a person takes 200 to 300 steps to walk one mile. This is equivalent to 120 to 190 steps for every kilometer. If you are going to hike the Inca Trail, keep in mind that you will come across many stairs! Don't be discouraged; the experience you gain here will be valuable.

Inca Trail facts:

• The Inca Trails are an ancient network of roads and trails spanning more than 4,000 miles through the Andes Mountains. The Classic Inca Trail connects Cusco with Machu Picchu.
• It was constructed over 500 years ago by the Incas and remains one of the world's premier hiking trails today. Covering 26 miles and taking four days to hike, the Inca Trail can be found in Peru's Andes Mountains at 13,000 feet.
• The Inca Trail is a rewarding hike with stunning panoramic views of mountains, valleys, rivers, and ancient ruins. But its trail has many challenges for hikers, such as narrow paths with steep ascents/descents as well as unpredictability weather conditions.
• Trekkers typically spend four days traversing their trail, though shorter and longer options may also be available.

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Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Hiking the Inca Trail is a dream come true for many an intrepid traveller. This wanderlust-inducing trail through the Peruvian Andes takes you along ancient stone paths, high into the mountains and down through cloud forests.

The Inca Trail trek ends at the magnificent Machu Picchu, one of the seven new wonders of the world. It is the most iconic multi-day hike in South America, if not the world.

After completing the 4-day, 3-night Inca Trail hike, we’ve made fastidious notes on how to ensure you have a successful hike and distilled them into this handy Inca Trail hiking guide. We wish we’d known a few of these things before our trek — like just how fit you need to be, how much rain gear to bring, and that there isn’t fresh coffee (only instant).

What is the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail is a 4-day, 3-night hike starting at Km 82. The hike’s starting point is 40 minutes outside the town of Ollantaytambo. The hike ends at Machu Picchu and this is the only route that passes through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).

The total length of the hike is 43km (26 miles). It’s a short -ish hike you might be thinking. Whilst the distance isn’t wild, the tough part of the hike is the altitude and narrow, undulating Incan stone steps that are an effort to climb up and hard on the knees when coming down.

Is the Inca Trail Trek Right For You?

The Inca Trail trek is right for you if:

• The idea of walking in the steps of the Incas excites you
• You love hiking and don’t mind walking in any weather conditions
• You enjoy a challenge
• You have 4 days available
• You don’t mind camping in basic conditions

How Difficult is the Inca Trail?

For regular hikers or those with a generally good fitness level, the Inca Trail trek is moderate difficulty. The second day of the hike is widely considered to be the most challenging with an uphill hike to Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point of the trail at 4,200m. This is followed by a steep downhill on Incan stone steps that is challenging for the knees.

The Inca Trail is not as wildly challenging as you may think, but it is hard work. We found the trail to be less challenging than expected. Whilst we didn’t suffer altitude sickness, Luke unfortunately struggled on day one after throwing up from drinking some roadside ‘ chica ‘ — a local, fermented corn drink (maybe don’t drink that). We took Dead Woman’s Pass slow and steady and were fine. We found the downhill harder due to pouring rain that made the steps slippery.

Parts of the trail were hard on the knees, and honestly it’s worth having hiking poles to make this stretches easier. The second half of day two and majority of day three are downhill on smooth and chunk stone steps. Overall though, we found the hike satisfying and enjoyed taking the long route to Machu Picchu.

It’s worth noting that we spent two weeks acclimatising and hiking in the Sacred Valley (a luxury we know!) before hiking the Inca Trail. This let us have plenty of time to get used to the altitude and the types of terrain.

Are There Other Ways to See Machu Picchu?

You don’t have to spend 4 days hiking the Inca Trail to see Machu Picchu, though it is perhaps the most rewarding way to get there. You can visit Machu Picchu without hiking by taking the train to Aquas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu. From there, take a bus up to the entrance gate. Machu Picchu tickets need to be reserved in advance as it can get very busy.

There are also other hikes such as the 2-day version of the Inca Trail and the 5-day Salkantay trek that end at Machu Picchu.

Alternative Options from the Inca Trail

• Train from Ollantaytambo — If hiking is not your jam, take a train from Ollantaytambo to Aquas Calientes and change for a bus directly to the gate of Machu Picchu. Trains used to run from Cusco but as of January 2024 the line is still under repair and instead the train company will transport you by mini bus to Ollantaytambo. The journey from Cusco is 4 hours one-way, so it’s recommend to stay the night in either Ollantaytambo or Aquas Calientes. Both are quite touristy, as you would expect for the towns closest to Machu Picchu.
• 2D/1N Inca Trail — If you are keen to hike but are not a confident hiker, the 2-day Inca Trail is a fantastic option. This route follows the Inca’s commercial route and is only one day of hiking. The first day of the hike starts off the same as the classic Inca Trail. There are some beautiful Incan ruins that can’t be seen if you’re not hiking. There’s an option to camp or stay in a hotel overnight. The second day is touring Machu Picchu itself.
• 5D/4N Classic Inca Trail — Some tour operators also offer the same 4D/3N classic Inca Trail trek over an additional day. This trek suits hikers who feel strongly about walking the Inca Trail path but would like to walk a shorter distance each day. It’s worth bearing in mind that as campsites and facilities are basic on this trek, it does mean an extra day and night away from ‘home comforts.’
• 5D/4N Salkantay Trek — If you’re a confident hiker but prefer a lodge with a hot shower at the end of your hiking days, then the Salkantay is for you. This trek is considered to be slightly easier than the Inca Trail, though still challenging. We hiked the Salkantay Pass and it was a challenging ascent to 4,600m! After this, it’s downhill towards Machu Picchu for the following days. The main benefit of this trail is staying in lodges each evening instead of camping — a particularly good option if you’re hiking in the rainy season.

Booking the Inca Trail Hike

What is the best time of year to hike the inca trail.

Peru has two seasons: the dry season (May-October) and the wet season (November-March).

The best time to visit Machu Picchu and hike the Inca Trail is often said to be from late March to May and from September to early November . These months fall within the shoulder seasons where it’s not too hot but also unlikely to rain, therefore giving the best weather conditions for hiking and visibility at Machu Picchu.

The dry season from June to August is often crowded. More tourists travel in these months due to summer holidays in the USA, UK and other countries. The trails and campsites can be busy during this period. The hiking conditions can also be hard due to hot days with direct sun overhead.

We hiked in early December, which is during the rainy season. We were fairly lucky with the weather, having one sunny day, only a half-day of heavy rain and just light rain on other days. However, weather conditions are not always as favourable and if you do hike in rainy season, go into it knowing that it’s possible that there may be rain throughout the hike.

Our guide shared with us that he often tries to do fewer Inca Trail treks during the rainy season because many of the tourists who join the hike aren’t prepared for the reality of 4 days trekking in the rain. Unfortunately, he has had experiences of hikers being upset and angry with him about the weather conditions, despite these being out of his control (and his many prayers to Pachamama !)

Having experienced hiking part of the Inca Trail in heavy rain, it is unpleasant. By the time I reached the lunch point feeling very damp there was nothing I wanted to do less than go back out in the torrential rain for the next 4 hours of hiking. If you are the kind of person who will be miserable in this situation, then avoid the rainy season.

If you don’t mind a bit of weather variation, then you’ll likely be fine with the rainy season. The rain is rarely constant and often there are dry patches, plus you might be lucky with pleasant weather. The trail overall is greener and lusher during this season with more flora and fauna. This season also has fewer hikers, so the trail and campsites are less crowded.

The Inca Trail is closed in February . The closure is both in place for preservation of the Inca Trail and for safety to reduce accidents as February is the month with the heaviest rains. Machu Picchu remains open during February, but cannot be accessed via the Inca Trail.

How Do Inca Trail Permits Work?

You’ll need a permit to hike the Inca Trail, but fortunately your tour company will take care of organising this for you. Only 500 people are allowed on the Inca Trail per day (roughly 200 tourists and 300 accompanying guides and porters). The permits are essential to manage this footfall.

Securing a permit is only possible with an approved tour provider. There are only limited tour providers operating on the Inca Trail. This means that you have to do the Inca Trail with a tour company and, to be honest, we think this is for the best given the length and tricky conditions of the trek.

Once you book an Inca Trail trek through one of the approved tour companies, they will organise your permit and update you once it’s sorted. The dates on the permits cannot be changed which means you need to be 100% sure that you are committed to the trekking dates. You won’t be able to change or cancel your Inca Trail trek once your permit is organised.

Do You Need a Guide?

Yes, you must have a guide for the Inca Trail. All the tour operators permitted to offer Inca Trail treks include a guide (usually two) for your hike. These guides are brilliantly knowledgable and won’t only be making sure you don’t wander off in the wrong direction, but will be sharing fascinating stories about the history and culture of the Inca Trail.

What’s the Best Inca Trail Tour Company?

There are a limited number of tour companies which are able to offer the classic 3D/4N Inca Trail trek. The most popular include Alpaca Expeditions, G Adventures, Intrepid Travel and TreXperience.

The offerings between these tour operators are similar. It can be hard to differentiate between them as, essentially, all tours are walking the same route (albeit staying at slightly different campsites) and have similar equipment and price points.

We chose to go with Alpaca Expeditions who had the best reviews at the time (December 2023) and were slightly more reasonably priced. We also compared commitments to porter welfare and working conditions, and were happy that Alpaca was a good choice for this too.

How Much Does the Inca Trail Hike Cost?

We hiked the Inca Trail in December 2023 and paid $750 (USD) per person. We also rented a sleeping bag ($20), air mattress ($15) and hiking poles ($15). This included porters to carry our bags.

The Inca Trail prices vary per season, so expect higher rates during the high season (June-August) and lower rates outside of peak season. The Christmas period can be slightly more expensive due to higher demand at this time of year.

Double check whether the price includes porters, as cheaper offers often mean you will be carrying your own backpacks. Tipping is also expected on top of this (see ‘Tipping Guides, Chefs and Porters on the Inca Trail’).

Preparing for the Inca Trail

How far in advance do you need to book the inca trail hike.

It’s recommended to book the Inca Trail trek at least 2 months in advance.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic tourism in Peru still hasn’t fully recovered and it can be possible to book more last-minute than this. We wouldn’t recommend risking it, especially as the Inca Trail and visiting Machu Picchu will likely be the main event and highlight of your trip to Peru!

How Fit Do You Need You Be?

Tour operators do not have restrictions on fitness required to hike the Inca Trail. However, they recommend that you are comfortable walking long distances and have some experience of multi-day hikes or at least long day hikes. It is also not recommended for those who have heart or other serious health conditions, as the trail is strenuous.

What To Pack for the Inca Trail

The Inca Trail has six different microclimates which means packing for every type of weather. Our Inca Trail packing list is a comprehensive list of everything you need in your backpack. We wish we’d had this before our own hike!

How Much Luggage Can You Bring on the Inca Trail?

There are two options for the classic Inca Trail tour. The most common is where you have porters to carry your luggage. The other option is to carry all your own luggage.

For most hikes, there will be porters who will carry up to 7kg of your personal items in a separate duffel bag. This weight includes a sleeping bag and air matt which you can bring yourself or rent from the tour operator. These two items usually weigh 3.5kg, leaving you with 3.5kg for the rest of your items. Trust us, this is enough!

You will also need to carry a day pack. 20L is the max size you’ll want for the daypack. You need space for 2-3L of water in the pack. Luke and I both carried 12L Camelbak daypacks with 2L water reservoir and they were fantastic.

If you opt to carry your own luggage, be sure to pack light because you will also need to carry your tent, sleeping bag and air mattress.

What Do You Do With the Rest of Your Luggage?

You’re very likely going to have a backpack or suitcase that needs storing whilst you’re trekking. Most tour operators offer luggage storage included within your tour price. It’s also common for travellers to return to the hotel/hostel they stayed at prior to the hike. Many hotels will store luggage whilst you’re away. If you opt for either of these options, it’s not recommended to leave any valuables (like laptops etc) in your luggage.

We were travelling with some expensive tech (MacBooks etc) that we didn’t want to leave nor take on the Inca Trail. We instead booked an Airbnb in Cusco which we stayed at before and after the hike, and chose to book for the nights we were away as well. This is the more expensive option, but also the safest if you have valuables you’re concerned about.

What If You Get Sick Before the Inca Trail?

In our hiking group, we had two people who were unwell before the Inca Trail trek: one from food poisoning and the other from a cold-flu. Avoid eating in Cusco’s markets in the days before the Inca Trail. Stick to ‘safe’ and less greasy foods to avoid any chance of food poisoning or tummy upset (we recommend Qura in Cusco). Unfortunately someone on our hike didn’t follow this advice and was very ill on the first day. Don’t go hard for too much alcohol in the days before the trek either as alcohol can make altitude sickness worse. Plenty of time for Pisco sours after the trek!

If you are generally unwell, it will make the trek unpleasant and much more challenging. The facilities on the trek are basic. There are only toilets every few hours and the camp sites only have cold water (and not very desirable showering conditions). The Inca Trail is costly, so many hikers who become unwell ahead of time will persevere. However, do consider the health of the group you’re hiking with if you have something that may be contagious as you will be sharing meals and in close proximity to your group, and whether you will truly be able to enjoy the experience.

Where You Need to Be in Peru

You’ll need to be based in Cusco or in the Sacred Valley close to Ollantaytambo before starting the Inca Trail. All of the tour operators are based in Cusco. There is also a briefing on the night before your first day of the Inca Trail which will take place in Cusco.

The transportation picks you up and drops you off in Cusco. Most tour operators will also pick up and drop off at Ollantaytambo and close-by areas of the Sacred Valley. Staying in these areas means you get a little more sleep before the early morning pick-up on day 1 and you’ll be back earlier on day 4. If you’re returning to Cusco, you won’t get back until 8pm on the final day. It’s a very long day as the wake up time is 3AM on day 4!

There is an airport in Cusco with daily direct flights from Lima. Remember that you need to leave at least 2 days to acclimatise in Cusco before hiking.

Hiking the Inca Trail

Inca trail map and route.

There is only one route along the classic Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu. However, the itinerary can vary between tour companies, as some hike more or less on certain days and stay at different campsites. Our outline below is based on our hiking itinerary with Alpaca Expeditions and gives an overview of what to expect:

Day 1: Travel from Cusco to Km 82 and hike to the first campsite. You’ll pass through small villages with street vendors along the way for drinks, snacks and ice creams.

Distance: 14km

Difficulty: Moderate, but mostly due to acclimatisation.

Day 2: Early morning start up through the cloud forest. Up to Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point at 4200m, then down many steps.

Distance: 16km

Difficulty: Challenging. This is the longest day of hiking. After Dead Woman’s Pass, the route is downhill but this is tough on the knees.

Day 3: Hike out of the cloud forests and into warmer climes. Plenty of smaller Incan ruins along the way. Do not miss the stunning Wiñay Wayna ruins which are optional to see at the end of the third day.

Distance: 10km

Difficulty: Fairly easy but with significant descents that are tough on the knees.

Day 4: Extremely early wake-up at 3AM. Followed by a 1.5 hour wait at the entry check-point (yawn) and 1-2 hours hiking to the sun gate and Machu Picchu.

Distance: 5km

Difficulty: The shortest and easiest hiking. You’re carried along by the elation of reaching Machu Picchu.

Inca Trail Hiking Tips

1. The best tip we had, which was drilled into us by our wonderful guide, was to take it slow . Finishing the Inca Trail is not a race. Most travellers will only have the opportunity to experience it once and you will not get the record for the fastest time (it’s currently 3 hours 23 minutes by a porter).

At this kind of altitude, taking it slow will keep you at a steady pace and prevent you from over-exerting yourself. If you try to hike it rapidly up steps, you’ll find yourself out of breath and dizzy pretty darn quickly. Not to mention that a slow pace let’s you enjoy your surroundings.

2. Next up, bring rain gear. You do not want to get soaked on this trail. Once you’re wet, it’s tough to dry off in the mountains and you’ll be damp probably for the rest of the hike. If you get wet, you’ll also get cold. Throw fashion out the window and embrace the rain poncho, rain coat and rain trousers. Yes, waterproof trousers as well!

3. If you’re struggling, tell a guide. You’ll have two guides — one at the back and one at the front (roughly). They’re very experienced and have supported hundreds if not thousands of people to complete the Inca Trail, all with varying challenges and ailments. They’re there to help and they have a few tricks up their sleeve too, including agua de florida .

4. If you’re not struggling, don’t be a d%&! If you’re one of the faster hikers in the group, be supportive to others and certainly don’t complain that they’re slowing you down. Part of the experience of hiking the Inca Trail is being part of a group. You’ll be sleeping in tents next to each other, eating meals together and walking together. The trail attracts many people from different walks of life and the best experiences come from being with nice people too.

Arriving at Machu Picchu from the Inca Trail

The grand finale! As the clouds part way (hopefully) to reveal the magical Incan ruins of Machu Picchu that you’ve hiked all this way for, you’re going to feel the biggest sense of satisfaction ever.

You’ll hike down from the sun gate (worth knowing that 90% of the time this is in cloud and there’s no sun at the sun gate, accordingly to our guide) to Machu Picchu. There’s a short hike down with either spectacular views or views of mostly cloud. Most likely you’ll arrive around 7AM to a fairly uncrowded Machu Picchu. The first wave of the tourist hoards will be starting to arrive at a similar time. You won’t have Machu Picchu ‘all to yourself’ but you will still be there early.

There is also a separate viewing platform which is only for Inca Trail hikers to get the classic view (and pics) of Machu Picchu. Plenty of other hikers will be on the same viewing platform, especially during high season, but we had an epic view.

It’s often cloudy at Machu Picchu. When you arrive, you’ll likely have to throw your poles down and take a seat on the grass to wait for the clouds to clear. They usually do.

How Much Time Will You Have at Machu Picchu?

Your Inca Trail tour includes the ticket entry to Machu Picchu and you’ll spend a good few hours walking around the site. Your Inca Trail tour guide will be your Machu Picchu guide too. We arrived at Machu Picchu at around 7AM and left at around 12:30PM. This included time at the photo spot, the tour, some rest breaks and bathroom/coffee runs (much needed after 4 days hiking!) This was plenty of time. We felt we’d seen and experienced everything we wanted to by the time our group was ready to leave.

If you want to do some ‘extras’ such as one of the two hikes inside Machu Picchu (Huchuy Picchu and Machu Picchu mountain), book an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes and return the next day for the hike. Both because you’ll be tired and it’s too much to cram into one day!

Facilities and Campsites on the Inca Trail

What are the campsites like on the inca trail.

The campsites are fairly basic spots in the mountains with a toilet and shower block. There are multiple pitches at every campsite. Each tour company usually has a specific area where they set up camp. In most cases, you won’t actually spend much time at the campsites as you’ll usually arrive in the late afternoon and leave early in the morning. The exception is if your tour company does a shorter day 2, in which case you might have almost half a day at the second day’s campsite.

Porters arrive at the campsites much earlier than us hikers and set up the tents. There’s nothing required of you other than to collapse in your tent once you get there!

What’s the Toilet and Shower Situation?

There’s no other way to say this: the campsites and facilities on the Inca Trail are basic. There is only cold water showers and the toilets get progressively worse along the trail. You’ll need to be okay with either no shower or freezing cold shower for the 4 days, au fait with squat toilets and not afraid to pee in the dark as not all toilet blocks have good lighting.

There was an ‘acceptable’ shower block at the campsite on the third night where some of our group braved the cold water. This is, for most, the only viable time to consider a shower. You’ll only often reach the campsites in the early evening when it feels too cold outside to consider a cold shower.

I have to admit, prior to the hike I curled my toes at the idea of no shower for this many days. But, Luke and I didn’t smell half as bad as we thought we would.

Snacks and Food on the Inca Trail

Group meals on the inca trail.

You are going to be fed like a king on the Inca Trail trek! Your tour includes a chef and a sous-chef who whip up absolute wonders in a tent with a small camping stove. You’ll have breakfast, lunch and dinner included and these are multi-course affairs with a feast of different plates. We found the amount of vegetables plentiful, the meals generally to be very healthy (though there are some deep-fried options) and with protein at every meal (including for vegetarians like us).

The porters set up a tent for the hikers and guides for the group meals. You’ll by served at a long table. On top the your three meals, there’s also tea around 5PM which consists of hot drinks and a snack like popcorn or toasted marshmallows.

The chefs cater for various different dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free. Make sure you let your tour company know any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance, as the food for the trip is all packed in advance and not changeable whilst on the trail.

Snacks on the Inca Trail

You’ll want a hiking snack or two each day on the trail. The tour company usually provide a piece of fruit or biscuits (these may be orange cream or other such strange flavours). Most hikers tend to bring a few of their own cereal bars. It’s a good idea if you’re a bit picky or want a protein-based snack.

On the first day of hiking, there are quite a few vendors selling snacks along the trail. As you might expect, these get progressively more expensive the further along the trail you get as it becomes more rural. You’ll be able to buy chocolate bars, crisps, ice cream, trail mix, biscuits and similar. After the first day, there are no vendors and no opportunity to purchase anything until you arrive at Aguas Calientes on day four.

Drinking Water on the Inca Trail

Peru’s water is not safe to drink. During the Inca Trail, your porters and chefs will filter and boil water for you so that it is safe to drink at each lunch stop and campsite. You’ll refill your water bottle each breakfast, lunch and dinnertime. You need to carry enough water in between mealtimes as after the first day there won’t be any places to buy bottled water.

How Much Money to Bring on the Inca Trail?

There are no card machines up in the mountains. You’ll need enough dough to see you through until you reach Aguas Calientes on the fourth day. We recommend bringing 400-500 soles per person. This should cover enough to buy any additional snacks and drinks on the first day and cover tipping.

Tipping Guides, Chefs and Porters on the Inca Trail

Tipping is standard practice in Peru. You will be invited to tip guides, porters and chefs at the final campsite on the third night. You need to bring cash for the tips. The only ATMs are in Aguas Calientes which you’ll reach at the very end after the porters and chefs have departed.

Whilst tipping is optional, the guides, porters and chefs work extremely hard and most likely you will want to tip. The work is tough and many of the team travel for significant distances (up to 5 hours away from Cusco) to work.

The recommended amount to tip from the whole group is 60-80 soles per porter, 80-100 soles each for the chef and sous chef, and 160-200 soles per guides. Most groups have 12-16 hikers, so expect to contribute a tip of roughly 100-200 soles.

Health and Altitude Sickness on the Inca Trail

Altitude sickness on the inca trail.

Altitude sickness whilst on the Inca Trail is common and this will make the hike much tougher. It is essential to acclimatise properly before hiking the Inca Trail. Altitude sickness is a real problem for many hikers who fly into Cusco from sea level. You don’t want to be partway through the Inca Trail gasping at an oxygen tank.

It’s recommended to spend at least 2 days in Cusco to acclimatise. We’d recommend more. If you have time in your schedule, we highly, highly recommend spending your first few days in the Sacred Valley. This is lower altitude than Cusco and will make your first couple of days in the region more pleasant. From the Sacred Valley, move up to Cusco for a few days before starting your Inca Trail trek.

What Happens If You Get Sick on the Inca Trail?

It’s not uncommon for people to get a little unwell on the Inca Trail. Most hikers are travellers in a new country, a different climate, adjusting to higher altitudes. You’re in basic camping conditions, getting a bit wet in the rain and feeling tired from hiking.

If you feel unwell, take it easy. The hike isn’t a race and the guides make sure hikers have plenty of time to complete the hiking days. They assess the group on the first day and adjust the start times for each day based on the hiking abilities of the group. If someone is a bit unwell and a little slower, they’ll suggest the group wakes up earlier. This is to make sure everyone in the group finishes by sunset.

To lessen your chances of getting sick, make sure you have enough clothes with you that you’ll have dry clothes to warm up in at the end of the days. Bring plenty of layers to keep you warm and good rain gear to stop you from getting wet. Wash your hands thoroughly and/or use hand sanitiser before eating. Avoid drinking alcohol (the tours won’t offer you any, so this will only be if you brought it along). Also avoid sharing drinks with other hikers.

It’s worth knowing that you need to bring your own toilet roll for the trail too. Make sure to bring enough (about one good-sized roll per person). We’d recommended bringing wet wipes and hand sanitiser too. There’s no soap and only cold water, and you’ll want to keep your hands clean.

What Happens If You Get Really Sick or Injured on the Inca Trail?

The first answer is, try your best not to! It happens though, of course. We asked our guides about what happens when someone  can’t continue on the hike.

Inca Trail guides are prepared for emergency situations. The guides are all trained and qualified in first aid. All guides carry a first aid kit and emergency oxygen in case a hiker has difficulty breathing due to altitude sickness.

The guides and porters do their best to make sure anyone who safely can finish the hike, does finish. This includes guides walking side-by-side with someone from the crack of dawn to way past sunset if needed.

If someone is too unwell, injured or there’s a medical emergency, most of the time the only way out is to either go back or go forward. The Inca Trail is remote and in the mountains, so there are no roads, no vehicle access and nowhere to land helicopters.

If something happens on the first two days of the hike, it’s quickest to go back the way you came. If it happens after, it means going towards Aguas Calientes. How? Porters will carry you. In these cases, porters will take turns to carry you. They continue straight through until they reach the nearest point of transport. The porters are incredibly strong and fit from carrying packs of 25kg along the trail at speed. It means they can be quick to evacuate people when needed. Porters charge an extra fee for their work in these situations.

Our guides had dealt with twisted and broken ankles, various levels of sickness (and unfitness), pneumonia and even a heart attack whilst on the trail. They were remarkably calm about it and had procedures in place for every eventuality.

Charlie Marchant

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4 Days 3 Nights

The 4 day 3 night INCA TRAIL Trek is the most popular trek to Machu Picchu. It traverses the original Inca steps ending at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the entrance to Machu Picchu city.

The 4D/3N Inca Trail trek has 7 archaeological sites along the way, has a variety of flora and fauna, and the area is rich in history. The 4 day trek is 42 km/26 mi and goes up to 4,215 m/13,828 ft and is classified as a moderate trek. If you love the idea of trekking the classic way to Machu Picchu and don’t mind crowded trails and campgrounds, then the Inca Trail Trek is the one for you!

This trail requires a permit and a limited number of people are allowed to trek per day. These spots fill quickly so booking well in advance (at least 7 months recommended) is essential. Minimum passengers necessary for trek departure: 2 people (1 person or private/custom treks possible with extra fee). Maximum trekkers per group: 10 people (special, private party groups can exceed maximum)

The Nitty Gritty Trek Details

Location/Terrain

Acclimatization

Adventure Rating

Solitude Rating

3+ Trekkers: 950 (per person), 2 trekkers: 1080 (per person)

Customizable

• HIKES IN MACHU PICCHU

DAY 1: CUSCO – PISCACUCHO KM 82 – WAYLLABAMBA

Very early in the morning your private transport will pick you up at your hotel for the 3 hour drive to the beginning of the Inca Trail (known as km 82). On the way we stop for breakfast Ollantaytambo, which is a small town in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Here you can buy different things for your trek if needed, such as coca leaves, sun screen, plastic rain ponchos, etc. When we get to KM 82 we show our permits and original passports (make sure you have the same passport number as the one when you made your reservation) at the Control Checkpoint. Then we walk 3 1/2 hours to lunch and another 2 1/2 hours to reach our first campsite Wayllabamba (3,000 m/9,843 ft). On the way we have the opportunity to see the third highest snow capped mountain in the Cusco region, named Wacaywillca or Veronica (5,800 m/19,028 ft).

• Walking distance approximately 10km/6.2 miles (6 hour hike)
• Meals: box breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks on the trail, boiled water at lunch and camp
• Overnight: Mountain Hardwear Tent (double occupancy)

DAY 2: WAYLLABAMBA – PACAYMAYU

An early wake up call to continue hiking the Sacred Trail. Today we climb Dead Woman`s Pass, the highest pass of the trek, at 4,215 m/13,828 ft.  It will take approximately 5 hours to reach the top of the pass. The views from the Dead Woman’s Pass are spectacular and you can see glaciers, valleys, and never ending mountains. After the pass we continue downhill for 2 hours to our second campsite called Pacaymayu 3,600 m/11,810 ft.  At the campsite we will have lunch and you will have the rest of the afternoon free until happy hour and dinner.

• Walking distance approximately 14 km/8.6 miles (7 hour hike)
• Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks on the trail, boiled water at lunch and camp

DAY 3: PACAYMAYU – WIÑAYWAYNA

Early wake up call again to climb two passes today (Runkurakay and Phuyupatamarca).  We will walk up a semi-steep path for 1 1/2 hours to reach the first pass Runkurakay 3,950 m/12,959 ft. On the way we will visit the archeological site called Runkurakay. After the first pass we will continue downhill for 1 1/2 hours to our lunch spot Chakicocha (3,500 m/11,482 ft) visiting another archeological site, Sayacmarca, along the way. After lunch we walk 1 1/2 hours up to Phuyupatamarca Pass (3,650 m/11,975 ft) . This trail is particularly beautiful and from the pass we will see Machu Picchu mountain, the Vilcabamba range, and the Urubamba river. After the second pass we will continue downhill for 2 more hours to our third campsite Wiñaywayna (2,700 m/8,858 ft).

• Walking distance approximately 16 km/9.9 miles (7 hour hike)

DAY 4: WIÑAYWAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Wake up call is very early, at 4:00 a.m, in order to reach the entrance to Machu Picchu at daybreak. After breakfast we go to the Control Checkpoint to show our permits and tickets again.  We then walk 1 1/2 hours to the Sun Gate, the entrance to Machu Picchu from the Inca Trail and then another 1/2 hour to reach the southern agricultural zone of Machu Picchu city (where the most famous photos of the site are taken from). Your guide will provide you with your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu. Please have your passport because without this you will not be able to enter the park. If you are a student you must bring your ISIC card to the entrance or you will not be permitted entrance. You will show your entry ticket and passport/ISIC card, and continue back into Machu Picchu to begin the tour, where your guide will unfold the mysteries of this magical site. After the tour you will have a little free time to explore the city yourself. After you are done exploring the ruin site you will take the bus (25 minutes) down to Aguas Calientes.  There are many restaurants to choose and your guide can also help find a nice place for lunch. After lunch you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo where your private transport will pick you up and take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

• Meals: breakfast and snacks on the trail
• Overnight: not included

Helpful Info:

• There are no bathrooms in the ruin site. There are bathrooms right outside the entrance,   cost   is 1 sol per entrance, and they provide a little toilet paper. If you leave close to the time your ticket expires it is likely they will not permit re-entry.
• You are allowed to take in a small backpack (under 20L)
• They are no longer allowing box lunches to be brought into the ruin site. We recommend bringing extra snacks (we provide snacks too) or going down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and returning depending on how much time you’ve booked in Machu Picchu
• They no longer allow plastic water bottles so please come prepared with water bladders/reusable water bottle(s)
• Please do not climb on or deface the rocks or leave trash/debris of any kind.
• Our recommendation is to add one extra time slot to allow for more time in the Ruin Site (with or without an extra hike). 

Machu Picchu Entrance Times: in 2019 they changed to  3 time slots with only 2800 people allowed to enter Machu Picchu each day (down from 4000 in 2018)

• First Entrance: 6am to 10am
• Second Entrance: 9am to 1pm
• Third Entrance : 12pm to closing
• Note: there will potentially be 4-5 entrance times in future years
• Due to COVID19 – current capacity in Machu Picchu is has been varying based on outbreak numbers. Expect reduced capacity in 2021, extra hike closures, and difficulty obtaining time slots – we recommend booking early

HIKES WITHIN MACHU PICCHU

There are hikes within Machu Picchu that you can do on your own if you wish. The hikes that historically have not required an entrance ticket are: The  Inka bridge  and  the Sun Gate  (where the Inka Trail ends with a view of Machu Picchu city),  although   these may become subject to permits   and charges in 2021.  Further, all permitted hikes are subject to closure due to weather, erosion, pandemic/epidemic, etc., and is outside our control as this is regulated by the Peruvian Government.

Wayna Picchu Mountain  and  Machu Picchu Mountain  hikes both require a paid ticket and there are a limited number of spots (200 at 7am and 200 at 10am). If you want to hike one of these please let us know well in advance as these spots fill up very quickly.  Please note we cannot guarantee you a spot for the mountains requiring tickets  and that the Wayna Picchu trail is very steep and slippery and not for those afraid of heights or with vertigo).

We recommend the 10am time slot as Machu Picchu tends to be cloudy in the morning. You are only allowed to hike one of these mountains on a given day so if you would like to do both you would need to return the next day to hike the other one. 

Extra hikes are affected by the time slots meaning you can:

• Stick with one entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (6am entrance time) that we include in the cost of our trips and go on the extra hike starting at 7am. This means you would miss the guided tour of Machu Picchu unless we customized your trip and added an extra time slot later. 
• Book an extra entrance ticket (second time slot) along with the extra hike to enter Machu Picchu at 6am, have the guided tour first and some free time and then stay for the extra hike at 9 or 10am and depart after the hike.

Inca Trail and Extra Hikes:  Inca Trail has not been affected as much by the new rules. You will still enter Machu Picchu via the sungate as you arrive and will have a guided tour of the ruin site. You can only start your extra hike at 9 or 10am for the Inca Trail due to when you arrive to the ruin site. You would exit Machu Picchu after completing the extra hike. You can also opt for another entrance ticket if you wish to stay longer of course.

General Info about the Extra Hikes and Machu Picchu:

• You can only hike one of the extra hikes per day – these are Peruvian Government rules. If you wish to hike both you would need to stay overnight and return to Machu Picchu the next day to hike the second one. We can help arrange this.
• The hikes are permitted and require a paid ticket that is linked to your passport info
• There are 200 slots at 7am for Machu Picchu Mountain and 200 slots at 7am for Wayna Picchu and 200 slots at 9am for Machu Picchu Mountain and 200 slots at 10am for Wayna Picchu Mountain.
• If you want to hike both you need to return the following day to complete the second one.
• A  guide is required to enter Machu Picchu  with you but would not go on the extra hike with you unless you specifically request that.
• In 2019 they are  no longer allowing box lunches  to be brought into Machu Picchu so please plan accordingly with plenty of snacks (beyond the ones we provide if you feel you’ll need them). 
• In 2019 they are  no longer allowing plastic water bottles  so come prepared with reusable water bottle(s). 

INCLUDED ON THE TRAIL

• Pre-Trek briefing the night before the trek to go over the itinerary, meet your guide(s) and answer any questions
• Collection from your Cusco hotel in the morning of the first day
• Private bus transport to the starting point of the trek
• Personal porter up to 8 kg/17.6 lbs to carry your overnight gear
• Dry bag in which to put your overnight gear so it won’t get wet or dusty on the trail
• 3 person, 3 season tents (2 people in large and comfortable Mountain Hardwear tent)
• One inch thick foam mattress sleeping pad to put under your sleeping bag
• English speaking professional guide
• Full meals on trek (3 meals per day, tea time every afternoon, and snacks on the trail)
• Dietary needs: able to cater to any dietary preference/need
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
• Dining tent with tables and stools
• Chef and cooking equipment and cooking tent
• Hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes
• Boiled water to fill your water bottle every morning and afternoon
• Inca Trail Permit
• One entrance fee to Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex (6am to 11am) 
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu
• Bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
• Tourist Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Private transport back to your hotel in Cusco

NOT INCLUDED ON THE TRAIL

• Hotel before/after the trek
• Lunch and dinner on the last day
• Sleeping bags and walking poles (poles must have intact rubber bottoms)
• Extra hikes within Machu Picchu: Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain – please note if you choose this option we cannot guarantee a spot will be available. We recommend booking well in advance for these hikes. If you choose on of these while trekking the Inca Trail it will reduce the time you spend on the guided tour.
• Extra time slot in Machu Picchu (in 2019 the government split the entrance ticket into three time slots. We include the first one 6-11am)
• Items of a personal nature and souvenirs
• Travel interruption & travel medical/evacuation insurance (required)
• Tip for your guide(s) and support staff are optional but highly encouraged if you enjoy your trek

PRICE AND NUMBER OF TREKKERS

A minimum of 2 trekkers required for this trek. Maximum of 10 trekkers in a group.

• Price for 3 or more trekkers: 950 USD per person
• Price for 2 trekkers: 1080 USD per person

Private treks, single trekker, custom treks and packages, large groups, and packages welcome! Please email us to customize.

COVID 19 PRACTICES

We take your health and that of our staff very seriously. We adhere to the recommended rules as outlined by the Peruvian Government, including border closures, trail closures, face-covering orders, quarantine orders, negative COVID19 test results, and the eventual need for proof of COVID19 vaccination. We have instituted a number of increased hygiene precautions for food preparation and treks/tours outlined below. Face coverings will be worn at all times by the guide/staff and are required of guests in towns and ruin sites and anywhere else it is mandated per Peruvian rules. Social distancing will be observed to the best of our ability, especially along the trail if you wish to remove face coverings while hiking. Increased hand hygiene will be practiced and temperatures checked daily. Anyone exhibiting COVID19 symptoms will need to self-quarantine.

Machu Picchu has been declared a Safe Travels destination. In line with the good news that Peru is opening to a wider range of international visitors, we have updated our safety protocols to help keep you safe while you are travelling with us. 

Trips will take place in small groups (8 people per group, including guide), and according to the instructions we receive from the Ministry of Tourism. All of our transport will continue to be private services. 

Our guides, drivers, and representatives:

• Will wear masks and use antibacterial gel at all times
• Will be monitored continuously with temperature and symptom checks. If anyone has symptoms, they will be obliged to rest and recover, and substituted with other staff members

We will ensure social distancing by:

• Keeping 1-meter distance between passengers when boarding vehicles.
• Restricting physical contact between our staff and customers. 

To add to your packing list:

• Cloth or medical face masks
• Face shields
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol)
• Disinfectant wipes (at least 70% alcohol) for surfaces
• Digital thermometer

We recommend the following steps to protect yourself and others when you travel:

• Always maintain a distance of 6 feet (2 meters) between you and others
• Avoid crowds
• Wear a face mask and a face shield
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Do not travel if you are feeling sick
• Disinfect your hands often. It’s especially important after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 30 seconds
• If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub your hands together until they feel dry

With our updated protocol, we hope to offer you a safe stay without compromising on our excellent service. We will continue adapting our standards according to the recommendations of health experts.

The Inca Trail 2D is open again as of Nov 2020 with a capacity of 150 people per day (down from 500).

We do not have confirmation as yet for the Classic Inca Trail 4D but we will keep you posted.   There are vulnerable communities along this trail and they are being closely monitored by the Peruvian Government.

The minister has informed that only 675 people will be allowed inside Machu Picchu per day, which is 30% of its capacity pre-pandemic.

Visitors will enter in groups of 8, with a tour guide, and will need to maintain a distance of 1.5-2 meters apart. Visitors will only be permitted entry when accompanied by a professional guide and have their tickets booked through a registered travel agent, such as Killa Expeditions. 

All of the above information is subject to change. Right now Peru has opened its borders to most countries but we recommend checking specifics for your country as these are updated regularly. 

Wishing you happy and safe travels!

Blog Post: https://killaexpeditions.com/covid-19-travel-safety-protocols-with-killa-expeditions/  

DIETARY NEEDS

Yes, we do cater to any dietary restriction. We have had many people join our trips who are vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free, and have various other intolerances and/or allergies. Just inform us well in advance of your specific needs!

WHEN TO GO AND DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY

Year round except for February. Best time for trekking is March to November. The Inca Trail is closed in February for repair/clean-up. This trek is rated as an intermediate to advanced hike considering the high altitudes, number/length of stone steps up and down, multiple passes, and length of walking. It is recommended that you acclimatize in Cusco for at least 2-3 days before trekking.

WEATHER & WHAT TO BRING ON YOUR TREK

Weather on the trek and in Cusco

The weather varies a lot across Peru, having 28 climates and 84 of the worlds 104 ecosystems. Cusco is set high up (3,380 mts, 11,089 ft) in the Andean Mountain Range and the dry season (winter) is from Mar/April to October/November with the wettest part of the year (summer) being December through March. The weather for trekking is pretty much the same year round, with the main difference being the amount of rainfall. During the dry season, most days are dry and clear, but high-altitude mountains always have the potential for rain and/or snow so it is essential to come prepared for all types of weather regardless of the time of year.

The Inca Trail trek is not as high altitude as others in the region, therefore the weather is warmer overall. The nights on this trek are usually around 45F/7C, except for the second night that can be below freezing (roughly 25F/-4C). During the day it can get quite warm if the sun is out; anywhere from 60-80F/15-26C. Keep in mind if the weather is rainy or cloudy it will be colder. As with any high-altitude trek you’ll want to bring plenty of layers to adjust to the fluctuating temperatures and appropriate sun/rain protection. And yes, snow is possible (though unlikely) on the Inca Trail.

Cusco weather: Cusco   is always very cold at night due to the high altitude. It is regularly around 40F/4.4C at night so bring a nice warm jacket for nighttime walking in town. It is warmer in Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes as these areas are lower altitudes than Cusco and the trek.

What to bring: for your trek

Everything you need for the day should be kept in your daypack that you carry because all the items you leave with your porter will not be available to you until the evening at the campsite. It is recommended not to hike in cotton or jeans in the event of rain as cotton takes a very long time to dry. It is also recommended to bring true hiking boots or trail running shoes as regular running shoes do not get very good traction, especially when it has rained.

• Sleeping bags and walking poles (poles must have intact rubber bottoms)
• Recommend a sleeping bag rated for 32F/0C for this trek
• Sleeping bag liner (for your sleeping bag if you wish)
• Mattress pad – while we provide a mattress pad, being rested is essential for a great hiking experience and we find that sleep habits are very individualized. Therefore we recommend bringing your own pad that you know you are comfortable sleeping on, as well as any other sleep items you might want to have (camp pillow, etc).
• Sunscreen: the sun is very strong in Cusco
• Hiking shoes/boots with good, grippy tread
• Hiking pants (or shorts) and shirts (layers)
• Layers – long underwear and/or warm sleep pants for cold nights
• Hand warmers if you wish
• Warm hat, gloves, scarf and thick warm socks (or you can buy a traditional Peruvian hat and scarf – they are beautiful!)
• Daypack and rain cover
• Rain gear – rain jacket and rain pants (optional for the pants), can buy an inexpensive poncho before the trek
• Cash for tipping porters (USD or Peruvian Soles are fine), cooks, horsemen, guides, buying items along the trail, for in town, emergencies, etc. Note: Cash should be in perfect condition (ripped, damaged bills of any kind are NOT accepted anywhere in Peru)
• Swim suit, flip flops, towel for any hot springs you may visit (not every trek/trip has this) if you wish to go
• Torch/flashlight/headlamp (and batteries)
• Insect repellent – essential for this trek
• Hand sanitizer and face covering (for COVID-19 Pandemic)
• Extra snacks if you wish (beyond snacks provided by us)
• E.g. if you have a favorite protein bar as Cusco doesn’t sell items like this
• First aid kit, including blister protection (though your guide will have one, you may wish to carry one of your own)
• Personal medication and toiletries you might want/need
• Camera, extra memory cards, batteries and solar panel/power bank
• Water bottle or water bladder to refill
• Passport (must be valid 6 months past your final travel dates for most countries)
• Copies of passport (keep copies separate, give to travel friends to keep, etc)
• Power plug adapter
• Travel lock(s) approved by TSA (or they cut them off – US only)
• Tickets, itinerary, emergency contact information
• Any medications you currently are taking or need/may need (see suggestions below)
• Small quick-dry pak towels and/or compostable wipes for a quick wipe down at the end of the day

What to bring: medications – medications are optional and depend on your specific needs

• Antibiotic for travelers diarrhea or UTI
• Antibiotic for a severe bacterial infection
• Medication for upset stomach/indigestion
• Medication for prevention of altitude sickness (requires a prescription from your physician and has contraindications for certain people and potential side effects)
• Anti-inflammatory medication (some people find this is useful for prevention of altitude sickness as well. Speak with your physician for more information)
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Anti-nausea medication for motion sickness/altitude sickness if needed
• Cold/flu medication
• General pain killer/fever reducer
• Vaccinations – recommend bringing all boosters up to date (MMR, tetanus, etc)
• COVID19 negative test result (currently within 72 hours of departure) and eventually will likely need a COVID19 vaccination card

We have blogged about what we bring and you can use it as a general guideline if you wish: What To Pack For Peru Trekking

View latest travel advisories and recommended vaccinations and medications for the regions you plan to visit. For Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu there are generally no vaccinations required. If you are going to the jungle or any other higher risk area you may need: yellow fever vaccine, medicine for malaria, typhoid vaccine, etc. Click here for updated info:  http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/peru.aspx NOTE: Please consider visiting your doctor several weeks before your trip to discuss any health restrictions you may have, medications he/she might recommend for you personally, and to seek more information about any vaccinations or medications recommended for Peru (or any of your other destinations). Additionally: speak with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter and/or prescription medications alone or combined.

WHAT TO CARRY - DAYPACKS

On the trail you should carry a day pack with your camera, water bottle or bladder, snacks, hand sanitizer, face mask, cold weather clothing and rain gear or poncho in case of rain (unlikely in dry season – May to October) and anything you will need before dinner as horses do not walk alongside you. A recommended packing list is sent after you book the trip and can be found below under the “what to pack for your trek” tab. We will provide you with a dry bag for your overnight gear to be carried by porters. Your bag will be waiting for you at every campsite. Yes we do offer luggage storage and most hotels/hostels in Cusco also offer this service.

PAYMENT, PERMITS & PASSPORT INFO

Deposit : A 400 USD deposit will be charged to your card when you book the trek. This allows us to purchase time-sensitive items such as permits, train tickets and entrance fees. This is non-refundable.

Payment of Balance: The balance of the trek is due 60 days prior to departure and will be auto-debited via the booking software system on that date. If you wish to pay early, or use a different card to the one you have on file, you may do so by clicking on the reservation number in your confirmation email and entering the pin that was provided to you in the original confirmation email. If you wish to make other arrangements (e.g. pay cash in Cusco), please contact us. Please note if you book your trip within 60 days of departure, the balance of the trek will be auto-debited the next day. If you do not wish this to happen please contact us.

Passport : We need a photo of your passport bio page ASAP in order to book the above items (your permit being very time sensitive) in your name (Peruvian Government Requirement). Please note that each traveler is responsible for knowing the re-entry rules for their country of residence/citizenship. Some countries require 6 months of passport validity beyond the final date of travel. Please ensure that your passport is up to date and meets your country and residency requirements. We can use an old/expiring passport to book your permit/tickets but we will need a copy of the updated passport as soon as you receive it in order to update your tickets.

Inca Trail Permits:  There are only 500 spaces per day (including guides, porters and trekkers). Permits are NOT transferrable or refundable for any reason (not even medical). Once you have booked your date we are unable to alter the date of departure. These are Peruvian Government rules. We must have a snapshot of your passport bio page (old/expiring one is ok) in order to book the permit. Without this we are unable to reserve your spot. Permits sell out VERY fast, especially for April to August, therefore it is essential to book at least 7+ months in advance.

Visa’s : Most countries are allowed to obtain a visa upon entry at immigration. Very few countries require a visa to be granted in advance. Please note that each traveler is responsible for finding out and obtaining a visa prior to entry if required. Please also note that tourist visas are for 90 days or less (typically) and you must show proof of return travel.

BOOKING TERMS/CANCELLATION

Please review our booking terms carefully.

• The minimum number of trekkers required for departure is 7 for the price quoted online. If the minimum is not met within 2 weeks of departure, Killa Expeditions reserves the right to offer the 1-2 paid trekkers the option of 1) paying the difference to take a private trek, 2) transferring their payment to another trek with more trekkers booked, or 3) cancel the trek and provide a full refund. Please contact us with questions.
• Deposit : At the time of booking only a deposit is charged. The trek deposit is required to secure your spot on a trek and is non-refundable. It is used to purchase non-refundable items such as train tickets, Machu Picchu entrance tickets, etc. The balance of the trek is due within 60 days of departure.
• Cancellations : Initial deposit is non-refundable . You may cancel your booking by notifying Killa Expeditions or Agent used and the applicable cancellation fees shall be determined based on when the request is received by Killa Expeditions or Agent. (a) Cancellation received 60 days or more before departure of the first Product to depart in relevant booking: 60% of the Product total shall be refunded to you (Inca Trail excepted where 25% of the Inca Trail product total shall be refunded to you). (b) Cancellation received 59-30 days before departure of first Product to depart in relevant booking: an amount equal to 25% of the total Product shall be refunded to you. (Inca Trail excepted where no refund is payable). (c) Cancellation less than 30 days before departure of first Product to depart in relevant booking: no refund shall be payable to you.
• Travel Medical Insurance: is required to depart on any trek (including emergency evacuation coverage and high altitude hiking). We also suggest travel interruption insurance in the event of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances that may arise. Killa Expeditions is not responsible for losses incurred due to any travel interruption (ex: weather/natural phenomena, missed/delayed/canceled flight, acts of war/terrorism, pandemics/epidemics, strikes, etc.), passport, visa, family emergency, or illness/medical issues.
• Please be advised that due to  COVID19 pandemic  and any subsequent variants – there may be border closures, quarantine measures, changes in entry requirements, etc. We will do our best to change your trek to a different date if issues arise that are outside of our control on our end. The Peruvian Government has only ever allowed date transfers for permits (not name changes/transfers) due to the pandemic and will not continue past this period). Please note you may also be required to show proof of a negative COVID19 test within 72 hours of departure and potentially a vaccination card once vaccines are widely available. As these terms change we will alert travelers to the new regulations.
• For Full Terms and Conditions please see the policy linked at the bottom of our website in the footer. It is also available to read during the checkout process. https://killaexpeditions.com/terms-conditions-peru/

WHY CHOOSE KILLA EXPEDITIONS?

ETHICAL, SUSTAINABLE, ECO-FRIENDLY   Our mission is to provide exceptional treks, tours, and adventure trips with a strong commitment to environmentally responsible, sustainable, ethical, and socially conscious travel. During our trips, we make every effort to minimize negative impacts and maximize the benefits to the local people and natural environments we visit. We pay fair, livable wages, ensuring we hire and maintain the absolute best guides and support staff. We are committed to international sustainable tourism guidelines and have developed ongoing community projects and charity events supporting 4+ local Andean communities.

EXCELLENCE  We pride ourselves on providing 5 star service before, during, and after your trip. Killa Expeditions is dedicated to excellent customer service and adventure experiences. We have been awarded the 2017, 2018 & 2019 Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence!

QUALITY  When trekking through rugged mountain terrain, at high altitudes, with unpredictable weather, it is essential to have the best equipment available. We provide Mountain Hardwear 4 season tents (3 season for Inca Trail due to warmer weather), extra thick mattress pads, dry bags for your overnight gear, and more, to ensure a safe and pleasant journey.

NO HIDDEN COSTS  Our treks and tours are truly 5 star and all inclusive. We do not charge extra to “upgrade” as we offer the best option included in the price already. There are no hidden meal costs, we are transparent about all inclusions, and best of all no booking fees!

SMALL GROUPS  Our groups average about 8 guests per departure, and are typically a mix of solo travellers, friends travelling together, and couples, all of varying ages, backgrounds and nationalities. Come prepared to make lots of new best friends. If you book a custom/private large group we provide 1 guide per 8 travelers, ensuring a small group feel and specialized attention.

GOURMET  Only the best, quality ingredients are selected from local farmers. Our chefs prepare a specially designed menu to maximize energy and facilitate acclimatization.  And the dishes, a mix of traditional Peruvian cuisine and contemporary cuisines, are delicious too! And yes, we cater to any dietary need.

PERSONALIZED  We can customize any trek or tour to suit your travel, fitness, budget, and time preferences. Got a corporate or work shindig, charity group, or other major event you’d like to book a trek or tour for? Get in touch, we can arrange everything for you!

LEAVE NO TRACE  Our trips leave behind nothing but smiles and footprints, as it should be.

REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE  We love our planet, which is why we reduce, reuse and recycle. Our gear is reusable (no paper or plastic plates/cups/utensils), we buy local goods that do not come in paper/plastic wrapping, and we recycle everything we can. This is not the norm in Peru but we hope to help it become the norm one day soon!

PASSIONATE  All of our employees are passionate about what they do. Who wouldn’t be with majestic mountains and never-ending vistas as your office! We are proud to offer our guides and staff the highest wages.

WE GIVE BACK  We buy locally produced food, hire native tour guides, and book locally owned hotels and restaurants whenever possible. We hold numerous charity events throughout the year in various traditional Andean communities. Events often involve distributing food, drinks, daily essentials (such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, and more), toys for the children, shoes and clothes donated by many of our wonderful guests, and we are currently raising funds to finish building a school in the Willoc Community.  Ask us about how you can help!

For further information about us please see the following links:

Equipment: learn about why we provide the best!  https://www.killaexpeditions.com/our-equipment/

Our Team: meet some of our amazing guides!  https://www.killaexpeditions.com/our-team/

Reviews – find us on Trip Advisor!  Killa Expeditions Trip Advisor Page  (Awarded 2017, 2018 & 2019 Certificate of Excellence)

EXTENDED AUSANGATE RAINBOW TREK 7D/6N

January 2, 2021

SHORT RAINBOW TREK 2D/1N

August 26, 2018

THREE RAINBOW MOUNTAINS PALCOYO 1 DAY HIKE

March 18, 2018

EXTENDED AUSANGATE RAINBOW TREK + MACHU PICCHU PACKAGE 9D/8N

March 16, 2018

Salkantay Inca Trail Trek

March 14, 2018

RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK & MACHU PICCHU PACKAGE 6D/5N

December 13, 2016

RAINBOW TREK 4D/3N

AUSANGATE TREK + MACHU PICCHU PACKAGE 7D/6N

January 20, 2016

ANCASCOCHA TREK 5D/4N

AUSANGATE TREK 5D/4N

January 19, 2016

CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK + MACHU PICCHU PACKAGE 8D/7N

January 18, 2016

LARES HOT SPRINGS TREK 4D/3N

January 16, 2016

HUCHUY QOSQO TREK 3D/2N

INCA TRAIL 2D/1N

INCA TRAIL 4D/3N

LARES VALLEY TREK 4D/3N

SALKANTAY TREK 5D/4N

CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK 5D/4N

RAINBOW MOUNTAIN 1 DAY HIKE

January 11, 2016

LAKE HUMANTAY 1 DAY HIKE

January 10, 2016

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Permit update: 2021 and 2022 on sale for both 4 day classic inca trail and, 2 day short inca trail .

4D/3N Inca Trail Permits are now open! On sale for 2021 and 2022. Contact Us to secure your spot

2 D/1N Inca Trail is open and on sale! Contact Us to hike this iconic trail! Combine it with another trail (like Rainbow) to make it the perfect blend of remote and classic trails!

 Get in touch if you want to trek this iconic trail in 2021 or 2022!  

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The Inca Trail Trek: An Expert Guide

The world famous inca trail trek to machu picchu.

Heather Jasper

Maureen Santucci

• In this guide
• The Inca Trail
• Choquequirao
• Arequipa & Colca Canyon
• Cordillera Blanca treks
• Responsible trekking
• Classic Inca Trail
• Trek distance & duration

Accommodation

Support staff, need to know.

The classic Inca Trail, one of the world's most iconic treks, is so famously popular because its final destination is the most spectacular of all: Machu Picchu.

Only on this classic route can you actually arrive at the famous ruins on foot. For any of the so-called alternative treks , the route will finish at a different point, and you’ll arrive in Machu Picchu via train to Aguas Calientes.

Here's our essential guide to planning a trek on the legendary Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu.

The Inca Trail trek

Difficulty: Difficult

Duration: Four days

Max elevation: 4,215 metres (13,828 ft)

Accommodation: Camping

Start/end point: KM82 to Machu Picchu

Onwards and upwards: hiking the Inca Trail

The classic Inca Trail trek

The Inca Trail is easily the most famous of all the Peru treks . Since it first opened, it’s been included in every roundup of the world’s best trekking routes, and for good reason. There’s something profoundly magical about making this pilgrimage, as the Inca once did from Cusco to Machu Picchu.

What you'll see

Although you’ll certainly see your share of stunning landscapes as you head from the mountains to the high jungle, this trek is particularly known for its stop-offs at numerous Inca sites along the way. While you’ll be sharing the path with a great number of other tourists, porters, cooks, and guides, you can still snatch some private moments to take in the scenery, not to mention the history, of the trail.

Meet your porters

Some hikers may be disconcerted to see local porters doing all the heavy lifting. Indeed, porter welfare on the Inca Trail has a thorny past, and there is still room for improvement. Many porters come from rural areas, supplementing agricultural income with tourism work. Here are a few tips for good porter treatment:

Book responsibly with an outfitter that respects the weight-carrying limit and pays over the minimum required wage.

Get to know them. Despite language barriers, you can share photos and coca leaves, and ask your guide to help communicate.

Say thanks. Extend a message of gratitude directly to the porters, and be sure to bring cash for a tip at the end.

How long is the Inca Trail?

It takes four days to reach Machu Picchu, covering a distance of around 43 kilometres (26 miles). The first day starts out fairly gradually. The second morning is the hike’s toughest, as you climb up to Dead Woman’s Pass, which peaks at an altitude of 4,215m (13,828 ft).

The third day is relatively short and mostly downhill. On the fourth morning, departing from the Wiñay Wayna campground, you’ll hike two hours in the early morning to reach Machu Picchu.

How difficult is the Inca Trail?

The hike is considered moderately challenging, primarily due to its altitude and the mountain passes on the second day. Even the fittest hikers struggle with this route if they are not properly acclimatised. It’s good to find out how your body responds to the altitude before departure and to spend several days acclimatising in Cusco or another high altitude city before the trek begins.

Much of the trail is along stone paths which can be slippery during the rainy season. The dry season from April through September is the most popular for trekking. However, Machu Picchu is the gateway to the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest, where it rains all year. The closer you get to Machu Picchu on the third day, the more likely you are to encounter light rain showers at any time of year.

There are no lodges available on this trek, so you will be camping for three nights. Camping is in designated camping areas with minimal facilities (think squat toilets and cold showers). The quality of food and camping equipment will depend on your outfitter–at the highest end, a “glamping” option provides spacious tents with cots, pop-up toilets, and even a pop-up hot shower.

How to book Inca Trail permits

The trek must be booked through a travel agency that is licensed for the Inca Trail. Before you book, be sure to ask if you are booking through an associate agency or an Inca Trail operator. If you book directly with an operator, they will be more likely to answer all your questions about the services they provide and the guide who will accompany you.

Just 500 people per day are allowed on the trail, including support staff such as cooks, porters, and guides. Therefore, the actual number of permits available for tourists is limited to around 200.

The Inca Trail trail sells out several months ahead of time, so it’s important to book well in advance–especially if you’ve got limited flexibility in your schedule or want to travel over the peak months of July or August. Trek operators will require a deposit to buy non-refundable permits from the government. This is deducted from your final payment. Permits are associated with your passport number and cannot be transferred. If you expect to get a new passport after booking but before travel, notify the agency when you book.

Note that the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance and cleaning during the entire month of February. If you’re travelling over this period you’ll need to consider one of the many excellent alternatives.

The typical package includes a return to Cusco on the fourth day. If you want to spend a night in Aguas Calientes, you should let the agency know this at the time of booking so they can buy the proper return train tickets.

You will be supported on your trek by a licensed guide, porters to carry the equipment, a cook, and at least one assistant cook. You may also hire a personal porter to carry your belongings so that you only need a daypack for essentials such as water. Porters must be hired at the same time as you book your permits. Some agencies include a personal porter in the package price.

After many years of substandard porter welfare, porter loads are now strictly regulated for their safety. You can typically hire either “half” a porter to carry 7kg (15.4 lb) or a “full” porter to carry 14kg (30.8 lb), which is the maximum weight allowed by law. Included in this weight will be your sleeping bag.

Most operators do not include a sleeping bag in the price, although they can be rented.

Only rubber tipped hiking poles are allowed on the trail to prevent excessive damage to the ancient stonework. There are always vendors at the KM82 trailhead selling last minute items like rubber hiking pole tips and plastic ponchos.

You’ll want to bring some extra cash with you to tip the support staff on your last night of camping.

Day by day route

Distance: 12 km (7.5mi)

Start: KM 82

Finish: Huayllabamba

Maximum elevation: 2,950 m (9,679ft)

The first day of the Inca Trail trek is a relatively easy hike that starts at KM 82, the official starting point of the trek, and ends in the small village of Huayllabamba at 2,950 m. The two Inca ruins you’ll visit are Piscacucho and Patallacta. This section of the trail has a few small family farms and you will see horses and llamas on the trail. Some families in Huayllabamba also have small trout ponds and most trail chefs serve fresh trout for dinner the first night.

Distance: 11 km (6.8mi)

Start : Huayllabamba

End: Pacaymayo

Maximum elevation: 4,215 metres (13,828 ft)

The second day of the Inca Trail trek is the most challenging of the four days. The trail climbs steeply to the highest point of the trek, the Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215m. The name refers to the skyline, which looks like a woman laying down and it’s also simply called the first pass. The trail is steep and strenuous, but the views from the top are well worth the effort. After reaching the pass, hikers will descend to the Pacaymayo campsite at 3,350m (10,990ft). This is the coldest night because of the altitude.

Pacaymayo is the first campsite, but there is another called Runkurakay that is before the second pass, also called Runkurakay at 3,850m (12,631ft). The park administration assigns campgrounds based on group size and order of booking. If you book early, you are more likely to get one of these two campgrounds. Otherwise, you may have to cross the second pass and camp at Sayacmarca or Chaquicocha.

Distance: 16 km (10mi)

Start: Pacaymayo

End: Wiñay Wayna

Maximum elevation: 2,700 m (8,858ft)

The third day of the Inca Trail trek is a long but relatively easy hike because it’s mostly downhill. The trail passes through a series of Inca ruins, including the impressive sites of Runkurakay, Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca. The trail also passes through the cloud forest, where hikers will see a wide variety of plant and animal life. The trail in the cloud forest can be slippery and hiking poles are advised. The trail ends at the Wiñay Wayna campsite, which is located near a beautiful Inca ruin of the same name.

Distance: 6 km (3.7mi)

Start : Wiñay Wayna

End : Machu Picchu

Maximum elevation: 2,400 m (7,874ft)

The final day of the Inca Trail trek is the shortest but most exhilarating. The trail passes through the Intipunku, or Sun Gate, which offers the first breathtaking views of Machu Picchu. This is a very early morning and many groups start hiking at 5am to get to the Sun Gate for sunrise at 6am. The trail then descends to the ancient citadel, where you will have the opportunity to explore the ruins and learn about the history of the Incas. After visiting Machu Picchu, you will take a bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes to have lunch and catch a train back to Cusco. Most agencies include a train to Ollantaytambo and shuttle from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

Hiking the Lares Trek

About the authors.

Based in Cusco, Peru, Heather is an expert on travel to Peru and South America. Heather writes on tourism, trekking, and social issues in Peru for publications including BBC Travel, Fodor’s Travel, Matador Network, Thrifty Nomads, World Nomads, Frommer's, Flashpack, and more. Heather co-founded the Covid Relief Project with Henry Quintano Loaiza to assist vulnerable families in the Cusco region.

Maureen is based in the ancient Peruvian capital of Cusco, where she works as a travel advisor and journalist covering Peru for Fodors Travel Guides and a variety of other publications.

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BOOK YOUR INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 2024

Book your inca trail to machu picchu.

Travel confidently with Alpaca Expeditions, the only Peru tour operator with over 17,000 excellent reviews on Trip Advisor "LOCAL - INDIGENOUS - SUSTAINABLE"

As the #1 tour operator in Peru, Alpaca Expeditions prides ourselves on superior service to our clients, creating unique and memorable adventures all around Peru. We will tailor each package and tour to fit your needs, no matter if you are a family with young children or a bunch of friends seeking an adventure. We pride ourselves on being sustainable and responsible, committed to improving the lives of our team and their families with better wages and services. We welcome all to visit Peru and can’t wait to introduce you to the Inca traditions. Our home is your next adventure.

Only company with More than 17,000 excellent reviews on Tripadvisor

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Trekkers Blogs  The best way to understand the experience of travelling with Alpaca is reading and watching what others have experienced with us.

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NEW and UNIQUE , 2022 add on will be the  cooking class  in all our camping treks , learn to cook under the stars and next to the mountains.

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Sacred Valley & Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 7D/6N

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ADVENTURE TREKKING TOURS

Hiking through the Peruvian Andes is no simple feat. Towering mountain ranges, lush cloud forests, vast valleys, and winding rivers are sure to leave you awestruck during your time in the Andes. Let our team of experts guide you in what is to become an unbeatable experience in nature. Join us, Peru’s #1 tour operator, in an adventure of a lifetime.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

There is no doubt Peru is a country full of colour, and rich in traditions. With our ethically-designed cultural experiences, we invite you to dive into a sea of cross-cultural interactions and the opportunity to appreciate the richness of Peruvian culture during your stay in Peru. Meet locals, learn their traditions, and share unforgettable moments.

PERU FIXED PACKAGES

Peru is filled with wonders sure to impress anyone. Here at Alpaca Expeditions, we have designed some of the best tour packages in Peru to include only the very best our country has to offer. Whether it is the Peruvian Andes or the warm coastal regions you wish to experience, we have something for you.

LUXURY TOURS

There is no better way to see Peru than with our luxury tours. Each tour has been carefully crafted with you in mind. Including only the very best in accommodations, culinary experiences, and sightseeing in some of the most iconic locations of Peru, our luxury tours are perfect for travelling royalty-style.

Why travel with Alpaca Expeditions?

Locally owned and operated., top trip leaders., highest quality, name brand equipment., delicious and nutritious meals, catering to all food restrictions., superior inclusions to competitors with no hidden fees., sustainable and responsible travel., safety conscious with first aid training annually., unique service philosophy dedicated to our porter welfare equally to our client services., fair and kind travel., equal employer with a focus on women’s rights in tourism., international and local recognition..

Most Popular Treks to Machu Picchu

Hiking to Machu Picchu is a true adventure, making the journey to the Inca Citadel as rewarding as the ruins themselves. There are lots of routes to take, from the most popular Classic Inca Trail 4D/3N to the longer Salkantay 5.5D/5N, all ending at Machu Picchu on your last day for an amazing tour of this World Wonder. Those interested in the Inca Trail do need to plan early as permits sell out very far in advance. Every trek we do is full of amazing landscape and history, so there is no wrong choice to make. Remember, the journey is the destination.

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Luxury Inca Trail 4D/3N

Short Inca Trail trek with Camping 2D/1N

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N

4-Day Rainbow Mountain Trek Ausangate + Machu Picchu

Choquequirao Trek 5D/4N

Peru Packages

Travelling around Peru is a bit more complicated than other countries. Book one of our comprehensive packages and let Alpaca Expeditions handle all the difficult logistics and bookings. We have lots of options including all the highlights of Peru including the Amazon, Lake Titicaca, flights over the Nazca Lines, even foodie tours around Lima. And if our published itineraries aren’t perfect, we can customize just for you. We got you covered!

Cusco and Lake Titicaca 11D/10N

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Amazon – cusco – Lake Titicaca 15D/14N

• 15 Days / 14 Nights

Amazon – cusco – Lake Titicaca 13D/12N

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Totally Peru Package 22D / 21N

Totally Peru Package 20D / 19N

• 20 Days / 19 Nights

Cusco, Sacred Valley & 2D Inca Trail – 4 Days / 4 Nights

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Cusco, Sacred Valley, Inca Trail 2D & Rainbow Mountain – 5D/4N

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8D/7N Tour: Highlights of Cusco

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Cultural Tours

Our cultural tours are designed to offer the most unique highlights of our region. There is so much to see in the city and surrounding valley to learn more about our history and culture. And the views are breathtaking. Our cultural tours can be done in a day or two and include all of what makes Alpaca Expeditions special: top rated tour guide and impeccable service.

Rainbow Mountain Tour & Red Valley Hike 1-Day Trip

Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour 3D/2N

Sacred Valley 2 Day & Machu Picchu 3D/2N

Humantay Blue Lagoon Day Hike

Sacred Valley – Full Day

Maras Moray – Half Day

Alpaca Difference

Alpaca Expeditions differentiates itself from the rest in many aspects. hand in hand with its workers and collaborators.

Inca Trail Porter Welfare

Empowering Women

Top Hiking Logistics

Leading the Way in Sustainable Tourism and Community Projects in Peru Since 2013

Our Inca Trail Porters First Visit to Machu Picchu

Queuña Trees

Free Medical Assistance to Porters

The Children of Huama Visit the South Valley in Cusco

Fixing the smiles of Choquekancha villagers

English Teacher in Llullucha Town

Empowering peru women and opening the door to women in tourism.

We understand the importance of extra safety measures to make sure our Peru Women Guides and Porters are comfortable at all times. Sexual harassment is real in all industries, but with women and men sleeping so close together, we needed to be clear on proper behavior. We decided to hire an outside coach to review with everyone on our team the Do’s and Don’ts. He helped to reinforce the rules we have at Alpaca Expeditions, like no drinking on the job (this leads to poor choices), no touching, careful language, be respectful to everyone. And a reminder that we are a team and we need to stick up for each other and ourselves.

ALPACA EXPEDITIONS & SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

The tourism industry is very important in Peru and it also has a great impact on a lot of families and the environment itself. Alpaca Expeditions is a sustainable tourism tour operator. We protect our land and environment at every tour and trek to preserve it for future generations. Alpaca Expeditions also retributes with the local communities with different social projects all along every year. We do our best to get back to our communities and also to make the best for our staff. We protect our land, our clients and our staff. Travelling responsibly is the new way to travel and we can make it happen for you!

What Our Clients Say In Tripadvisor

Alpaca expeditions recognitions, iso (international organization for standardization).

In the pursuit to stand out from the rest, Alpaca Expeditions has obtained four ISOs plus our carbon footprint certificate to date. These achievements result from our efforts to implement the internationally-recognized integrated management system. They also represent our commitment to all of our clients and staff of operating sustainability and responsibility in every way possible.

World Travel Awards

Alpaca Expeditions is internationally recognized as a leading tourism company in Peru. As proof, we have been awarded the World Travel Award for Peru´s Best Tour Operator 2021 for the second time.

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Hotel to Hotel service

Regarding the transportation provided by Alpaca Expeditions, we are committed to delivering a quality service. We strive to ensure that passengers feel supported throughout their journey. To achieve this, we coordinate closely with our guides and representatives to ensure timely pick-up at the start of their tours. Additionally, we have representatives responsible for escorting our passengers to their hotels at the conclusion of any tour.

Our drivers are not only trained in customer service but also come properly uniformed, and many are fluent in English.

Typically, all transportation types are included in each of our services. For instance, if you have booked a trekking tour, we will pick you up early, typically between 4 AM and 5 AM. When visiting Cusco, it's important to note that traffic here is generally moderate. However, there are peak traffic times, such as between 7 AM and 8 AM, which coincide with school hours, and in the evening between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Therefore, if you have a flight during these times, it's crucial to be at the airport at least 2 hours in advance. The drivers of Alpaca Expeditions ensure their vehicles are prepared with all necessities before each service. They are acutely aware that delays can lead to missed trains, flights, or other connections. Consequently, they are always more than punctual, arriving at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time for any service, understanding the responsibility they carry in executing these tasks.

Personal Porter of 7KG

Remember that Alpaca Expeditions offers an extra 7 kg allowance for your personal belongings on any of our tours. We include a personal porter who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag without any additional fee. You will not have access to your duffel bag until you reach your evening campsite. The bag should not exceed 7 kg, which includes 4 kg for clothes and 3 kg for your sleeping bag and sleeping mat.

Each Alpaca Expeditions porter is paid directly after each trek, allowing them to return home more quickly. They receive better wages than our competitors, health insurance, and all their equipment free of charge, including hiking boots, pants, jerseys, fleeces, jackets, hats, flashlights, sleeping bags, and high-quality food. We ensure each of our porters has a comfortable bed in a pleasant room to sleep in before and after each trek. We also visit the communities they live in, providing toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, and other necessary supplies to their families, along with books for their children.

This is just the beginning for us, and we are always looking for ways to do more. While the government allows each porter to carry up to 25 kg, we limit this to 20 kg to prioritize their health and safety. Each porter carries up to 15 kg of company equipment and 5 kg of personal items. This is why it is crucial to keep your personal duffel bag weight under our 7 kg limit. You might see other companies allowing their porters to carry more than the allotted weight, but at Alpaca Expeditions, we strictly adhere to these limits to ensure our porters' well-being.

Clases de Cocina

Alpaca Expeditions offers its passengers the chance to experience local cooking. We aim to immerse trekkers in Inca life by walking them through the original Inca paths and teaching them about Inca culture. Food is a significant part of Inca life, making it a special element in any tour or trek with Alpaca Expeditions.

In 2022, Alpaca Expeditions introduced a cooking class as part of each of our treks, conducted by our amazing trekking chefs and interpreted by our guides.

We will transform your dining tent into a makeshift kitchen, providing all the necessary supplies to prepare a Peruvian specialty. Your chef will guide you step by step through the process of making a traditional Peruvian meal, such as Lomo Saltado, and share some essential mountain cooking tips.

Peru is recognized as a top culinary destination, largely thanks to the popularity of our renowned beef dish, Lomo Saltado. This is most often the meal you will learn to cook, but there is also the opportunity to learn how to prepare other dishes like traditional Peruvian ceviche or even our signature drink, the pisco sour.

Cooking Class on the Inca Trail: These classes are voluntary and designed to be a fun, educational experience. Our clients consistently marvel at the amazing ability of our chefs to create culinary magic on a mountaintop. As you learn to prepare and cook Peruvian specialties, you will also see firsthand how such elaborate meals can be created on a small campsite stove.

Enjoy a cooking class in the mountains and be sure to take plenty of photos, just in case your friends won't believe your incredible experience.

Satellite Phones

The best way to hike in the mountains of Peru is to completely disconnect from technology, especially the internet and cell phones. The most impressive and exciting aspect is the opportunity to experience the true and wonderful nature that we often miss when we are at home, watching TV or absorbed in our cell phones during our leisure time. The feeling of being disconnected from work and the daily routine left at home is incredible.

However, this remoteness means limited access to emergency resources. That's why Alpaca Expeditions has invested in satellite phones for every trek.

We are prepared to assist you in case of any emergency, particularly health-related issues. For this reason, Alpaca Expeditions has invested in satellite phones, as they are one of the most crucial tools for any operator trekking in remote areas where telephone or television signals are absent. This means that every guide on our treks will be equipped with a fully charged satellite phone as well as radios. While these are primarily for emergencies, we allow our clients to use them at any time.

We ask that you cover the cost, which is $2.50 per minute. This fee can be paid in cash at our office or via PayPal once you have completed the trek.

Being just a phone call away from any doctor, hospital, or friend helps everyone feel assured of their safety. Radios, which all our guides carry, have limited reach, so Alpaca Expeditions includes satellite phones to ensure that we can connect no matter where we are on the mountain.

Portable private toilet

We understand that our clients will need restroom facilities at various times and locations during their journey. Along the Inca Trail, there are restrooms available, particularly those belonging to the communities near the trail. Alpaca Expeditions provides portable toilets to enhance this service, which will be set up at each meal site or campsite.

As with any mountain trip where we are exposed to nature, it is possible to use natural areas as restrooms. However, it is crucial to be mindful of the waste we generate, such as toilet paper or wet wipes used for cleaning. These should be carried with us and not discarded on the ground or left along the trail. Remember, the Inca Trail is a protected area overseen by a government institution. In places where garbage bins are unavailable, particularly at our camps, we provide special plastic bags for waste. Our porter team will be responsible for carrying out our waste.

Please be aware that although there are designated bathrooms for men and women, in practice, both genders often use the same facilities. Functionally, there is no significant difference between men's and women's bathrooms. Therefore, it is common for people of all genders to use whichever bathroom is available.

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Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Hike: Ultimate Guide

Home » Blog » Budget Travel » Backpacking Destinations » Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Hike: Ultimate Guide

Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Follow along as we describe how to book your Inca Trail tour, what to expect on the trail, what to pack, and what you need to know for your trek.

While Peru is a massive country with so many things to see and do, it seems that glimpsing Machu Picchu in the flesh is on just about every traveler’s bucket list. And unlike some tourist attractions it is very much worthy of a spot on your own list. 

Seeing these ancient ruins appear as low hanging clouds part and llamas meander past is truly spectacular. 

To this day, it is one of the most incredible things I’ve seen.

After my first visit to Machu Picchu, I had one big regret: Not hiking the famous Inca Trail. (The friends I went with weren’t exactly into hiking.)

Lucky for me, I have a husband who has been dreaming of hiking the Inca Trail since he was young, and it’s always been on his South America bucket list, so I got a second go at something that for many is a “once in a lifetime” experience. 

Since we’ve had the privilege of visiting Machu Picchu twice in one lifetime, when we were offered an opportunity to visit for a third time, we decided to pass the experience along to our Director of Content, Amanda. 

She was just as excited about hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu as we once were. And she wanted to create a super information-packed resource for anyone else who is planning their own Machu Picchu trip.

Amanda will be taking it over from here as she walks you through her experience on the trail and what it was like day-to-day. In this article we’re including everything you need to know about hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu so you can get the most out of your experience (and not have to repeat your trip, like I did!).

Psst! Looking for other ways to visit Machu Picchu that don’t include trekking? We put together a detailed guide on how to get to Machu Picchu on your own that breaks down the complicated ticketing process and other important info. 

Article Contents

• Brief history

How to choose a Machu Picchu tour operator

Save money on your inca trail trek.

• What to pack
• Travel insurance

What’s included in your trek

• Tipping on your trek
• Responsible travel tips
• Alternative Hikes

Disclosure: This Inca Trail trek was sponsored by Alpaca Expeditions, but all opinions are 100% honest and our own.

A brief history of the Inca Trail & Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is believed to have been built by Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, ruler of the Inca during the mid-1400s at the height of their power. The archeological site sits on the eastern slope of the Andes, high above a loop in the Urubamba river, nearly 8,000 feet (2,430m) above sea level. 

The site covers 80,000 acres (32,374 ha) on a plateau with terraced fields on the edge that were once used for growing crops. 

Its breath-taking views and well-preserved architecture has earned Machu Picchu the title of one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. Today, it is one of the most-recognized ancient sites in the world. 

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is just a small part of the vast network of roads built throughout the ancient Inca empire. Known also as the “Royal Road”, this trail was a route used by the emperor in the 15th century to make a pilgrimage to Machu Picchu. Unlike most of the roads built for commercial use, the purpose of the Inca Trail was ceremonial. The pilgrimage included rituals to honor the mountains and peaks of the route. 

Modern day concern about overuse of the trail has led to the Peruvian government placing strict regulations on the number of tourists permitted to hike the Inca Trail each year, as well as the companies that are allowed to provide tours. As a result of this, booking your trek well in advance is absolutely mandatory and tours can fill up fast during high season. 

Psst! If you’ll be traveling more throughout the country, be sure to check out our bucket list of can’t-miss things to do in Peru !

Best time of year to visit Machu Picchu

To answer this question, the best way to look at it is to break down the seasons in the region and nearby Cusco, Peru. Keep in mind Peru lies in the southern hemisphere and the seasons are opposite those in the North. We’ve laid out the best times to visit below based on the north-American seasonal calendar. 

Winter (November – March) in Cusco is rainy and you may run into mudslides on the trail. It is not advisable to plan a trek during this season. It is also important to note that every February the trail shuts down for cleaning and maintenance , so no bookings will be permitted during this time. 

Summer (June – August) is peak tourism season in Cusco with tons of Europeans, Americans and Canadians visiting on their summer holidays. This will be the busiest time at Machu Picchu and a trip during summer is likely to include crowded tours and shuttle buses, plus loads of other tourists in the background of your photos. 

However, this is also the dry season in the Andes and you’re most likely to have the best weather on the Inca Trail. If you plan on booking a trek during peak season, we’d recommend requesting your booking over 6 months in advance to lock in your spot. 

This leaves Spring and Fall, the shoulder seasons: April through May, and September through October. Outside of the summer holiday, the trail is likely to be significantly less crowded while weather conditions vary, but may still be optimal. May or September would be the optimal time to plan a trek on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. 

Psst! For an in-depth guide on the regional seasons, weather patterns and other factors, check out our complete guide on the best time to visit Peru .

With nearly one million tourists visiting the famous ruins each year, there are seemingly endless tour companies to pick from. So as you can imagine, it can be quite a daunting task to find the best one. 

Ranging from minimalist and dirt cheap to over-the-top luxury, you can find Inca Trail tour operators offering just about everything.  

One thing that’s really important to us is finding a company that shares our values and promotes responsible tourism practices . For us, this means going with locally-owned over big foreign corporations, employing locals instead of foreigners and paying fair wages, and contributing to the local community in a positive way. 

When Alpaca Expeditions reached out to us, we we’re excited to get to know them and did a bit of a deep dive to check them out…

The company prides themselves on being a 100% local-Indiengous Peruvian company who goes above and beyond to treat their employees well.  

Raul Ccolque Ccolque, the owner and director of Alpaca Expeditions, was born in the Sacred Valley and grew up speaking Quechua, the Indigenous language of the area. He started his career as a porter, so he knows first-hand how hard they work under strenuous conditions. 

With five stars on TripAdvisor and a reasonable price, there’s really no reason not to go with them! Plus, they are known for having some of the best food on the trail and quality equipment that makes for more comfortable camping situations. 

Alpaca Expeditions did not disappoint. I was served delicious meals daily, and although I had to wake up before sunrise each day, the guides greeted me with cocoa tea in hand outside my tent. Talk about “room service”!

The thing that we appreciate most about Alpaca Expeditions is they have a reputation for treating their porters right. We always try to travel responsibly , so knowing they have fair business practices was very important for us because not all the tour agencies can say the same. 

Here are some things to look out for when researching trekking options:

• Who owns the company? Are they local Peruvians or an International corporation?
• Where do they operate? Do they run tours just in Peru, or all over the world? If they are a major tour company operating all over the globe, will they be tuned into the nuances of running a sustainable and responsible operation on the Inca Trail?
• Are their values listed on their website? We loved that Alpaca Expeditions listed their company goals and values right on their website, so we knew we were in alignment right away. 
• How do they treat their employees? Do they mention anything on their website about fair wages? Inclusion? Porter care? 

After my exceptional experience hiking the Inca Trail, we’ve partnered with Alpaca Expeditions to pass the savings on to you!

Use our promo code: TWS

Book your Inca Trail tour or any other trek with Alpaca Expeditions using our exclusive promo code and you’ll receive a FREE sleeping air mat and trekking poles rentals with your trek. 

Believe me when I tell you, the trekking poles are worth it! Especially for the challenging up and downhill climbs on the second day of the trek. Plus renting a sleeping mat means you won’t have to haul your own all the way to Peru (more room in your suitcase!). 

Inca Trail hike itinerary

Below is a detailed breakdown of the daily hiking stats and what you can expect each day on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. 

Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Ayapata

• Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
• Elevation gain: 580m (1,906 ft)
• Peak elevation: 3300m (9,842 ft)
• Total trekking time: ~ 5.5 hours

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Day one of the trek starts with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco (between 4:00 – 4:30 a.m.). You’ll board a large tour bus (with comfortable seats and AC!) for the 2 hour ride to Km 82, the official start of the Inca Trail, located just outside of Ollantaytambo. 

A stop for breakfast will give everyone a chance to wake up and prepare to begin the trek. 

After passing through the first checkpoint (you’ll need to show your original passport here!), and a briefing from your guide, you’ll be on your way!

The first 2 hours or so of the trail are relatively flat and easy as you make your way to the first Inca site, Patallacta. There will be small shops to purchase snacks and drinks along the way, so bring some extra soles with you.  

From Patallacta, you have another few hours of hiking to get to the lunch spot. Lunch is served family-style inside a tent at a long table. This is a nice time to relax and enjoy some hot food with your fellow hikers. 

After lunch, you’ll have another 2 hours or so of hiking left before you arrive at your campsite for the evening. This last bit of the trail has more elevation gain, so it gets tougher as you go. You’ll arrive at camp by about 5:00 p.m. where a “happy hour” of hot tea and snacks will be waiting for you. 

Day 2: Ayapata – Dead Woman’s Pass – Runcuraccay Pass – Chaquiccocha

• Distance: 16 km (10 miles)
• Elevation gain: 900m (2,953 ft) / 420m (1,378 ft)
• Peak elevation: 4200m (13,780 ft)
• Total trekking time: ~11 hours
• Difficulty Level: Difficult

The second day is known for being the toughest and the longest, so your guides will wake you up early with a hot cup of cocoa tea in your tent. 

Prepare with a hearty breakfast before setting out on the ~4 hour hike to reach the highest pass of the trail – Dead Woman’s Pass. 

This section will be completely uphill. Oh, and don’t forget about the altitude. At more than 4,200 meters (13,800 feet) at the peak, I’ll take some effort and a lot of will power, but you’ll make it to the top. Still not as bad as hiking above 5,000 meters on our Everest Base Camp trek .

The landscape along the way was stunning and made up for all the out-of-breath moments.

When I would stop to breathe and readjust my pack – which was a common occurrence – porters would whiz past me. They carried packs four times the size of mine, wore sandals, and some were old enough to be my grandfather. They were incredible. 

And made me feel a bit inadequate.

When you finally arrive at Dead Woman’s Pass – the point at which the path starts going downhill – it’ll feel like quite the accomplishment. 

Relax. The hardest part of the trail is behind you now!

You’ll descend for about an hour and a half or so into the Pacaymayu Valley where you’ll stop for lunch. 

After lunch you have one more peak to conquer, but it’ll be easier than the last!

A 2 hour ascent will take you to the top of the second pass – Runcuraccay Pass – and you’ll stop at another small Inca site with breath-taking views and two waterfalls cascading down the opposite side of the valley. 

On your second descent there will be another Inca site – Sayacmarca (Inaccessible Village) – before you reach your campsite for the night at Chaquicocha. Camping this high in elevation (3,600m) will be chilly, so be prepared with warm clothing!

Day 3: Chaquiccocha – Wiñay Wayna Camp

• Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Elevation loss : 1,000m (3,281 ft)
• Peak elevation: 3,680m (12,073 ft)
• Total trekking time: ~5 hours
• Difficulty Level: Easy

The third day is your easy day— it’s all downhill from here!

This is commonly believed to be the most beautiful day on the Inca Trail so you’ll want to take it all in as you descend into your final valley of the trek. 

For the first 2 hours of the hike, you’ll make your way along the “Inca flat” (gradual incline), entering into the peak of the jungle, known as the Cloud Forest. As you gaze down into the valley, you’ll have your first views of Machu Picchu Mountain, but the site will remain hidden from view. 

From the final peak – Phuyupatamarka – it’s 3 hours of downhill trekking to reach the lunch stop, which also happens to be where you’ll be camping for the night (yay, short day!). 

During the descent you’ll stop at 2 more Inca Ruins, Phuyupatamarka (The Town in the Clouds) and Intipata (Terraces of the Sun). You’ll arrive at your campsite around 1:00 p.m. in time for lunch and then have the rest of the afternoon to relax. 

Later in the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Wiñay Wayna (just a 10 minute walk from camp – no daypacks or trekking poles needed!), the most impressive Inca site on the trail after Machu Picchu itself. 

Day 4: Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Cusco

• Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
• Elevation gain: 50m (164 ft)
• Peak elevation: 2,730m (8,957 ft)
• Total trekking time: ~2 hours + walking around Machu Picchu

The final day of your Inca Trail trek comes with the earliest wake up call of all… 3:15 a.m. (cue the Home Alone shocked face!). 

The extra-early morning wake up is so the porters can pack everything up and make it to the train on time. We learned local workers (aka porters) can only ride the train to and from Machu Picchu on the first trip of the morning – around 5:30 a.m. and the 6 p.m. train in the evening. If they miss the first train, they have to wait in Aguas Calientes all day before they are able to return to their families. 

So pack up early and walk the 10 minutes or so from your camp to the final checkpoint. You’ll be waiting here for a few hours before they open the gate at 5:30 a.m. but at least you’ll be the first ones through! 

After waving goodbye to your porters and chef, it’s time to make the ~1 hour journey to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Weather permitting, you’ll have spectacular views of Machu Picchu from above. (I wouldn’t know – the weather was not cooperating on my final morning of the trek.)

After this it’s only another hour or so to reach the famous Machu Picchu viewpoint (you know, the one you see in all the Instagram photos). 

When we reached the grounds, the fog was hanging so thick and low that you couldn’t see more than just a couple meters ahead. Needless to say, when we took a group picture at the famous viewpoint, it looked more like we were inside a cloud than at the famous Inca ruins.

Soon after though, the fog began to lift, and Machu Picchu began to emerge from the mist in all its glory.

It was an unforgettable sight. And since we were there early, the only people at the site were people who had just completed a trek. There was a certain camaraderie amongst us.

Before long though, people started arriving in all directions. Large packs of middle-aged foreigners wearing wide-brimmed hats and carrying massive cameras swarmed around tour guides reciting the history of the ruins in just about every language.

Machu Picchu is listed as one of the 7 New Wonders of the World and is on countless lists of places to see before you die – deservingly so. You can’t, however, deny the shift in atmosphere from peaceful during the early morning hours, to crowded and buzzing with people as morning slips away.

People. Were. Everywhere.

After touring the grounds for about 2 hours with our trekking group and guides, it was time to say goodbye to Machu Picchu and head back to Cusco. 

The journey back included a bus to Aguas Calientes, where we stopped for one last meal with our trekking group, and then boarded the train to Ollantaytambo. The Scenic train journey was peaceful and relaxing—a nice place to reflect on the awe of the past 4 days. 

Once in Ollantaytambo, we boarded our tour bus for the 2 hour ride back to Cusco and we dropped off individually at each of our accommodations by around 8:00 p.m.

What to pack for hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Each tour company is different, but for Alpaca Expeditions we were given a duffle bag to fill with our clothes and overnight necessities, so we only carried our daypacks with us during the day.  

By law, porters on the Inca Trail can only carry 25 kg (55 lbs.) in total in their packs (and they do have checkpoints where they will get weighed). Alpaca Expeditions limits their porter’s packs to just 20 kg (44 lbs.) as they feel this is more manageable. 

This means there is a strict weight limit on how much you can pack in your overnight duffle.

The limit is 7 kg (15 lbs.) for your duffle. If you are renting a sleeping bag and air mat from Alpaca Expeditions, those weigh a combined 3 kg, so you only have 4 kg for your personal stuff. It’s very important you stick to this weight limit. 

Your hotel or hostel in Cusco will have a scale you can use to be sure your pack is within the limit. 

Below is a list of all the items I packed to take on my Inca Trail trek. 

Hiking clothes

• Hiking boots: It’s not recommended to do this trail in sneakers. I was so glad I had quality hiking boots, especially on the days when it got rainy and the rocks were slippery. (I have these boots and love them!)
• Trekking poles: You can rent these from Alpaca Expeditions
• Bring enough base layers for 4 days, the outer layers and pants can be reworn day after day.

• Note: You cannot take a pack more than 20 liters inside Machu Picchu, so be sure your day pack is not above the limit.
• Passport: you need to show your original passport on day 1 to enter the trail and again on day 4 to enter Machu Picchu
• Optional: Electrolyte supplements
• Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses and hat (optional)
• Insect repellant (we prefer the natural stuff )
• Note: “Professional” photography equipment including videography equipment and dones are prohibited inside Machu Picchu. 
• Portable battery pack : This will come in handy as there is no place to plug in your electronics on the trail (a solar powered power bank would also be a great idea!)
• Hand sanitizer
• Rain gear: Alpaca Expeditions provides plastic ponchos and water-resistance day pack covers, but it’s a good idea to bring a packable rain jacket as well
• Hiking snacks : Alpaca Expeditions provides some snacks each day, but I was glad I brought some protein bars along as well. 
• Cash: For tipping (more on that below!), buying snacks on the first and last days, etc.  

• Sleeping bag (can be rented from Alpaca Expeditions)
• Air mat (can be rented from Alpaca Expeditions)
• Pillow ( this is provided by Alpaca Expeditions )
• Sandals or sneakers you can easily slip on and wear around camp
• Sweater or hoodie
• Thermals: for sleeping in
• Packable down jacket
• Buff or scarf
• Wool hiking socks ( Darn Tough and Smartwool are my favorites!)
• Underwear (4 days worth)
• Headlamp : This is necessary for getting around camp in the dark and on day 4 when you start trekking well-before sunrise. 
• Facial / body wipes
• Optional: moisturizer, dry shampoo, hair brush
• Toilet paper: Bring enough for the full 4 days
• Plastic baggy: To dispose of and carry your waste (you can empty your garbage at the camps each night)
• Quick-dry travel towel : To wash your face in the evenings. There are also cold showers available at the camp on the 3rd night. 
• Personal medical/first aid kit: Bring any medicines you typically take, plus basics like Ibuprofen, Pepto-Bismol, and Dramamine. You’ll also want some basic first aid supplies like blister bandaids .
• Swimwear (optional): If you are staying an extra night in Aguas Calientes after your trek, you may want to visit the hot springs there. 

Don’t forget about travel insurance!

If you’ve been following us for a while, you’ll know by now why we never travel without travel insurance ! 

Most standard travel insurance policies will cover hiking and trekking up to a certain altitude (usually anywhere from 2,000 – 6,000 meters). The maximum altitude reached on the Inca Trail hike is 4,200 meters. Double-check your policy’s altitude limits to figure out if you’ll need to purchase a separate plan for high altitude coverage. 

We saw far too many people get helicoptered off the trail on our Everest Base Camp trek because they got sick from the elevation. While this wasn’t the case when we trekked the Inca Trail, we always say to aire on the side of caution. 

We purchased a policy from World Nomads , in which high altitude trekking coverage comes standard. We were at ease knowing that if anything happened, we were insured. 

(This also comes in handy if you plan to hike to Rainbow Mountain during your time in Peru!)

The following is included in the full cost of your Classic Inca Trail trek.

• Pick up from your accommodation in Cusco
• Transfer to the start of your trek at Km 82
• Professional English speaking tour guide
• Entrance fee to the Inca Trail National Park
• Entrance Fee to Machu Picchu
• Porters to carry all equipment, tents, food, and cooking and dining supplies
• Porters to carry your personal belongings, up to 7 kg
• Permits and entrance fees for the porters and chef
• Specialized diets on request
• Cocoa tea served each morning in your tent
• Note: You will need to bring your own water on the first day to tide you over until lunchtime!
• An oxygen tank and first aid kit
• If you are traveling solo, you will be placed with another trekker of the same gender, or have the option to pay an extra fee for a single tent.
• Dining tents for each meal
• Private portable toilet tent, only to be used by your trekking group
• Optional: to request hiking one of the mountains inside Machu Picchu, you will need to request and book (costs extra) in advance.
• Bus from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes village
• Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Transfer to Cusco and drop-off at your accommodation

Not included in the cost of your trek

• Lunch on the 4th day in Aguas Calientes: it is customary for the group to eat one final meal together. This meal will be al la carte and paid for individually.

Rental costs

• Sleeping bag: $20 USD
• Inflatable sleeping pad (air mat): $15 USD
• Trekking poles: $15 USD (pair)

Psst! Use our special discount code when you book your trek with Alpaca Expeditions to receive a FREE sleeping air mat and trekking poles rentals!

Tipping on your Inca Trail trek

Tipping is of course 100% voluntary, but as an accepted practice on the Inca Trail (and alternative treks) it can be a bit confusing to know exactly what is appropriate. Below are some general guidelines to help you navigate this custom. 

If you choose to tip, there are 3 main pools you will need to consider:

These are the hard working individuals who are carrying not only your stuff, but everything needed to set up camp and prepare your food on the trail. 

As we mentioned above, Alpaca Expeditions pays their porters fair wages so they are not relying on tips to survive. However, tipping your poters is a nice gesture to show your appreciation for the hard work they put in to make your trek possible. 

Typically the trekkers pool their tips together and offer the porters one large sum to be divided evenly amongst themselves. This is done on the 3rd and final night after dinner. 

A customary tip for each porter is to receive between 80-100 soles for the trek.  

Find out how many porters are on your trek, multiply that by the amount you think they deserve, then divide that total by the number of trekkers in your group to see about how much each person should contribute to the pool of tips on average. 

Tipping Formula: (X x Y ) / Z = average amount each person should contribute in tips

X = number of porters on your trek

Y = amount in soles (between 80-100)

Z = number of trekkers in your group

Each trek with Alpaca Expeditions will have a professional chef who is responsible for preparing all of the delicious meals you’ll enjoy on the trail. These guys work some kind of magic cooking at high altitude with limited equipment outdoors!

I am told it is customary for the chef to receive about double what the porters get. So if each of your porters were to receive 100 soles, your chef should receive 200 soles. 

Take 200 soles, divide that by the number of trekkers in your group, and that’s how much (on average) each person should contribute to the chef’s tip pool. 

Tipping Formula:  Y / Z = average amount each person should contribute in tips

Y = amount in soles (between 160-200)

Again, this is typically gathered on the 3rd and final night of the trek after dinner. 

Your guides are the ones who will be leading you through the entire trek from the briefing on the first night all the way up until you’re dropped off back at your accommodation in Cusco on the last day. 

These guys will be with you every step of the way… literally. They have a wealth of knowledge to share with you about the trail and the ancient Inca customs and sites along the way. 

Tipping your guides is done on an individual basis (no pooling tips) and is entirely up to your discretion. 

I am told it is customary for each guide to receive a tip between 100-160 soles from each trekker for their time with you on the Inca Trail. Again, this is completely up to you and what you feel comfortable giving. If tipping 50 soles is more within your means, that is perfectly acceptable. And if you do not feel your guide deserves a tip, that is your decision to make. 

Responsible travel tips for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu

The popularity of Machu Picchu as a destination for tourism is undeniable—it has been the most visited attraction in Peru for decades and a huge driver of the tourism economy in the country. 

However, that attention comes with consequences. Machu Picchu has fallen victim to overtourism and in 2008 was added to the World Monuments Fund’s Watch List of 100 Most Endangered Sites, due to environmental degradation from unsustainable visitor numbers.  

Luckily the Peruvian government has stepped up to put some regulations in place and limit the number of daily visitors to 2,500 per day. Daily visitors are now limited to specific time slots and ticketed routes through the citadel. 

You can read more about the Machu Picchu entry tickets and regulations in our article on how to get to Machu Picchu . 

There are limited permits available for the Inca Trail as well—just 500 per day. And more regulations around what you can and cannot bring (such as no plastic water bottles, and trekking poles must have rubber tips). 

We’ve put together a list of responsible travel tips for hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

1. Leave no trace

This should go without saying, but anytime you are in nature, including hiking the Inca Trail, you should always follow the 7 principles of Leave No Trace .

Of particular importance on the trail is #3: dispose of waste properly. You should pack out any and all waste you create while hiking the Inca Trail. It’s a good idea to carry a plastic baggy with you where you can store your garbage for the day (including used toilet paper!) and dispose of it properly in waste receptacles in the evenings. 

2. Stay on the trail

The ecosystem surrounding the Inca Trail is a delicate one. 

Trails are designed not only as a literal guide for people to follow, but also as a critical way to protect the area. It’s important to consider how our footsteps can impact fragile vegetation on the Earth’s surface.

Stepping off the trail, climbing trees, swinging from branches or picking flowers can damage that ecosystem in irreparable ways. 

Remember it is a privilege that we are able to traverse this ancient path and follow in the footsteps of the Incas. Treat it as if you were a guest in someone else’s home and respect their space. 

3. Do not liter, not even organic food waste

Many people carry the false belief that if it’s organic and came from the earth, it’s not literally to toss it into a bush. Wrong. 

While organic, food waste can still take years to break down and is not part of the natural biodiversity of the area. Discarding food waste on the trail is the same as expecting your waste to become someone else’s problem. And that’s not cool. 

As with all other waste you accumulate on the trail, pack food scraps such as apple cores and orange peels away with you until you find a proper disposal container. 

4. Follow the rules

Pay attention and respect signs along the trail. When it says, “Don’t climb” – DON’T CLIMB. When it says, “Don’t take photos” – DON’T TAKE PHOTOS. 

It’s simple, but many tourists overlook this. 

Oftentimes these signs are in place for a good reason: to reduce erosion, to protect a holy site for future generations, or even to keep people safe. Respect these rules.

5. Respect the ruins

There will be many opportunities to get up close and personal with Inca ruins as you traverse the Inca Trail. It may be tempting to lean on or climb the walls to get a better photo or vantage point. However, this is prohibited. As is vandalizing or even touching the stones in any way. 

For more ideas, check out our Responsible Travel Tips article. 

Inca Trail FAQs

Keep these things in mind as you’re planning your Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. There were many new regulations put in place in 2019 that are important to note.

How far in advance do I need to make a reservation for the Inca Trail trek?

Trail permits tend to sell out 4-5 months in advance for high season and can sell out pretty early even for shoulder season. A safe bet would be to make your reservation 6 months in advance, especially if you hope to make the trek during June – August. 

Can I hike the Inca Trail without a tour?

Trekking the Inca Trail without a guide has been prohibited since 2001. However, there are alternative ways to get to Machu Picchu that don’t involve a guide. If you are staying in Cusco, you can take the train in for a day trip. A closer alternative would be to stay the night in Aguas Calientes and take a bus up to the ruins.  

We’ve outlined all the ways in our article on how to get to Machu Picchu . 

How much does the Inca Trail cost?

A typical Inca Trail trekking tour will cost anywhere from about $600 – $1000 per person. As is with most tours, you get what you pay for. 

If you are on a tight budget, plan to carry your own pack, and don’t mind roughing it a bit, you can aim for the lower end. If you prefer to have more comfortable accommodations (think plush blow up mattresses) and gourmet meals, you can spend a lot more. 

Why is the Inca Trail so expensive?

Some tours are more expensive because they treat their staff better. Offering fair wages, better food and less strenuous working conditions to porters is going to cost more.  

In our opinion, we are willing to pay a bit more to know we are supporting a company with responsible business practices. 

The more expensive tours will also offer trekkers a better experience, more comfortable accommodations, better food and high quality equipment. Quite simply, you get what you pay for on the Inca Trail. 

How difficult is the Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu?

The hike is about 45 km (nearly 30 miles!), involving 5-10 hours of hiking rough mountainous terrain over 4 days at high altitude. While the trail is actually quite flat at times and a good portion of the hike is downhill, make no mistake, this is a difficult hike.

It is recommended to be well prepared and healthy by practicing regular exercise before your trek. You should also spend 2-3 days in Cusco prior to your trek (more if you have the time) to acclimate your body to the altitude. 

This gives you a great opportunity to explore all the fun things to do in Cusco . 

Do I need altitude sickness medication for the Inca Trail hike?

As long as you’ve given your body time to acclimate in Cusco, you should not have the need for any altitude sickness medication while on your trek. The guides will provide you with cocoa tea and cocoa leaves to chew (a very effective natural remedy) if you are feeling any effects while on the trail. 

However, if you would feel more comfortable having medication with you, it’s your choice. 

What if I have dietary restrictions, will my tour be able to accommodate?

If you book your Inca Trail trek with Alpaca Expeditions, you are given the option for specific dietary requirements and they did a great job fulfilling those on my trek. 

Most other tour companies will offer a vegetarian option and will possibly have some gluten-free and dairy-free substitutes, but will not cater to a major life-threatening allergy. However, most meals are served buffet style, so you can pick and choose what you prefer. 

Do you need hiking poles for the Inca Trail hike?

While not required, we think it is absolutely worth it to have hiking poles on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek. That being said, in an effort to keep the trail intact, you are required by law to have rubber stoppers on the ends of your poles. 

If you book using our code TWS with Alpaca Expeditions , they will include trekking poles for FREE with your trek. These are regulation hiking poles with rubber stoppers, and the great news is you won’t have to travel all the way to Peru with them. 

If you bring your own poles, you can purchase these rubber stoppers at many shops in Cusco. You can also rent poles in Cusco if you don’t have your own for about $10 for the 4-day trek.

What are the sleeping arrangements like?

With Alpaca Expeditions, tents are based on 2 person occupancy. If you are traveling solo, you will be placed with another trekker of the same gender, or have the option to pay an extra fee for a single tent.

The tents are set up for you, including sleeping mats, and you’ll duffles will be in your tent when you arrive at the camp. They are pretty basic, but there is plenty of space for 2 people plus your duffles, boots and poles.

Are there toilets on the Inca Trail?

Surprisingly, yes! Well sort of. Let me explain…

On the first day of your trek, there are actually public bathrooms available at regular intervals along the way. These can be pretty rustic, but at least you’ll be able to flush!

There are a few more instances on the second and third days where you’ll have the chance to stop at a bathroom, but for the most part, you may be using the “Inca toilet” aka going in the woods.

At night where you set up camp, Alpaca Expeditions provides private portable toilet tents that are just for the use of your group. 

Be sure to bring your own toilet paper as the public restrooms usually don’t provide it, and pack out your waste if you are going in the woods. 

Are there showers on the Inca Trail?

In short, no. There are no hot showers on the Inca Trail. The campsite you stay in on the 3rd and final night does have showers, but they are freezing cold. 

Instead you will be provided with a small bin of warm water and soap at your tent each night for washing up. You can use this to wash yourself in whatever way you choose, however, I found that wipes and deodorant went a long way on my trek. 

Is there cell service on the Inca Trail?

There is spotty cell reception all throughout the trail, but it shouldn’t be counted on. There are lots of areas where you’ll lose service completely. Even at Machu Picchu the cell service is spotty at best. 

Alpaca Expeditions sends their guides on the trail with satellite phones in case of emergencies. 

For personal use, we recommend taking this time to unplug and disconnect. Let your work colleagues and loved ones know you will reconnect with them once you’ve returned to Cusco after 4 days. 

Alternative hikes

The popularity of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu hike has led the Peruvian government to crack down on tourism. They aim to limit the damage to the trail by limiting the number of people allowed on the trail to 500 per day (which includes nearly 300 porters).

This makes it hard to snag a spot, especially during the peak tourism season from June – August, unless you’re planning your trip months in advance. 

The good news is, the Inca were masters at building trails all throughout the Andes. If you’re heading to Peru and find yourself without an Inca Trail permit, there are some excellent alternative hikes you can do. 

One-Day Inca Trail Trek

Distance: 10 km

Total Trekking Time: 1 day

Peak Altitude: 2,680 meters

For those who want to experience the magic of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu but are short on time, this shortened one-day trek is ideal. The trek starts from KM 104 on the Machu Picchu train route and follows the last steps of the full Inca Trail. You’ll hike to the Inca site known as Wiñay Wayna, then continue on to enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate late in the day. 

Most tours include an overnight in Aguas Calientes, and your official tour of Machu Picchu the following morning. 

Salkantay Trek

Distance: 74 km

Total Trekking Time: 5 days

Difficulty Level: Moderate – Difficult

Peak Altitude: 4,600 meters

Known for its incredible scenery, the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is probably the most popular alternative to the Inca Trail. Mount Salkantay was another one of the holy peaks of the Inca religious pantheon. 

Trek through Mollepata Valley, over the Apacheta Pass and through a subtropical cloud forest as you make your way to the recently rediscovered ruins of Llactapata. From there you can get a unique glimpse of Machu Picchu from across the valley. On your final day, you will make your way to Machu Picchu to explore the famous site. 

The Lares Route

Distance: 34 km

Total Trekking Time: 4 days

Peak Altitude: 4,780 meters

Adjacent to the Sacred Valley is a beautiful valley, untouched by most tourists making their way to Machu Picchu. Daily life for the inhabitants of the Lares Valley is a traditional way of life that has been led for centuries. 

This trek starts in the small village of Lares, which is also home to a famous hot spring. You’ll make your way up Mount Veronica, passing through small villages and around several high-altitude lakes. Your final stop is the historic ruins of Ollantaytambo. From there you’ll hop a 90 minute train to Machu Picchu.

Other epic hikes to add to your bucket list

If you’re reading this article, I imagine you’re a hiking enthusiast. 

• Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand : Widely considered to be the best day hike in New Zealand, this is a can’t-miss if you’re visiting the North Island. 
• Routeburn Track, New Zealand:  If you’re traveling in New Zealand, you’ll want to add this hike to your list as well. This multi-day trek on the South Island is one of the best hikes in the country.
• Fimmvorduhals Hike, Iceland:  This is one of our very favorite day hikes ever, and if you like the Tongariro Crossing, this should also be on your list!
• Old Man of Storr, Scotland:  This hike on the Isle of Skye brings you up close to some otherworldly rock formations.
• Kumano Kodo, Japan:   This multi-day pilgrimage trek in Japan is a perfect blend of adventure, nature and culture.
• Volcan Acatenango, Guatemala:  This overnight hike just outside Antigua allows you front seat views to watch the neighboring Volcan Fuego erupt all night long.
• Ijen Crater, Indonesia:  This classic sunrise hike in East Java ends with epic views over a neon blue crater lake.
• Everest Base Camp :  If you’re looking for a hike you’ll be telling your grandkids about, this is it! Stay at tea houses along the way and make lifelong friends.

Are you planning a trip to Peru?

We have lots of resources on travel in Peru and destinations throughout the country. Check out our  Complete Peru Travel Guide  for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.

• How to Get from Lima to Cusco
• Exciting Things to Do in Cusco
• Best Time to Visit Peru: When to Go & When to Avoid
• Rainbow Mountain Peru: How to Get There & What to Expect

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We want to hear from you!

Have you ever been to Machu Picchu before? What was your experience like? Are you planning to hike the Inca Trail tp Machu Picchu and still have questions? Leave your comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!

Comments (37) on “ Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Hike: Ultimate Guide ”

The Inca Trail taught me that … every challenge has its reward, because during the hike you encounter difficult climbs but once at the top you enjoy amazing views and hidden ancient constructions. It is an experience that I would repeat.

Hi Katie, first of all thank you for your detailed description. My wife and I booked the trail for October, this year. However I didn’t notice when and where to put in the code while booking with Alpaca, i.e. this is useless. All the best Andreas

Hi there, Amazing experience in Machu Pichu, thank you for sharing. I’d just like to update some information. Many visitors expect to add the Huayna Picchu hike to their experience. Nevertheless, I’d like to inform that the Huayna Picchu is still closed until further notice (2021). We hope to be able to hike the amazing Huayna Picchu the following year. Cheers and see you soon in Machu Picchu.

Thank you very much for sharing this information, it is very useful for people interested in coming to Peru. I want to tell you that this beautiful Inca trail is soon to open its doors again since July 2021 after all the difficulties that Covid-19 gave us. Lifexpeditions.com

Friends and I are planning on doing the classic Inca trail in 2021, thank you so much for your post, it is one of the best that I have read so far and breaks things down quite well and explains what to expect. What do you think? about http://www.salkantaytrekking.com

La caminata era muy bonito del Camino Inca y nuestro guía, Edwin estaba muy bien informada. Estuvimos muy bien atendidos, increíble variedad de excelentes platos de nuestro chef cada día y buena calidad y equipo Vamos Machupicchu de viaje son muy amable, empresa muy bien organizado los cuales sin duda utilizar de nuevo. http://www.vamosmachupicchu.com/

Excelente elección. Todo perfecto! El guía Edwin de Vamos Machupicchu fue maravilloso. Nos acompañó en cada paso y nos enseñó mucho. Marcos, el chef, cocinó las mejores comidas que probamos en Perú, siempre con una sonrisa. http://www.vamosmachupicchu.com/

Very good this blog has very good information I thought to do the Inca Trail, I was thinking about doing in September but the availability is very limited recommended the alternative route salkantay trek and I am looking forward to the operator agency that is lets go inca trail me They gave very good recommendations

That’s great Amber. Sounds like you have some awesome travel plans soon. Safe travels.

Very good experience in Machu Picchu Katie and Ben and thank you very much for sharing it with us. It is important to remind everyone who is interested in doing this trek , that there are two basic tours, 4 days (classic) and 2 days (short). The classic one has to book at least 6 months in advance and the short one 2 months in advance. Of course there are more alternatives to get to Machu Picchu as the beautiful Salkantay Trek that I hope you can do soon.

Greetings from Peru!

Thanks for the info!

This sounds like an amazing experience! We are planning a trip to South America in just over a years time but are torn between Buenos Aires and Lima. I would love to visit Machu Picchu and hike the Inca Trail but we would have a 4 and 5 year old along with us. Do you think it would be too difficult for them? We are a very active family and hike/camp often but only in the states.

Thank you very much for the excellent information of the blog and has very good shots, I thought to make the Inca road in July but there is no availability, the good thing is that there are very good alternatives to get to the wonder of Peru are the salkantay trek I found a good price regards

Hey there, glad to hear you’re finding more things to do in Peru. We would love to explore around there again!

My partner and I just completed our vacation in Machu Picchu, and highly recommend this company http://inkatrailexplorer.com/machu-picchu-packages/machu-picchu-travel-full-day-tour/ . We opted for the two day tour, beginning with a day in the Sacred Valley, and a day in Machu Picchu (via train). Months before our trip, the company was very helpful with suggestions. The tour covered us from our landing at the Cusco airport to taking us back to the airport and everything in between. Our guide for the tour, Juan de Dios, was exceptionally knowledgeable and informative – – he’s also a great guy and very personable with a great sense of humor and perfect English speaking skills. We were very pleased with the tour and the accommodations in Cusco that were part of the tour. The price of the tour was very reasonable considering everything that was included. I also want to mention that we are a gay couple, and that everyone associated with Inka Trail Explorer treated us very graciously and made us feel welcome.

Great to hear James, thanks for the additional tips.

There are many alternative routes to Machu Picchu such as the Salkantay trail, Inca Jungle, rainbow mountain, Choquequirao trek, Lares trek, by train and also by bus.

Thank you so much for your additional travel tips in Peru other than Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail.

Another option to travel to Machu Picchu, it is by the Salkantay route. Good landscapes and good experiences. http://www.salkantaytrek.com.pe Salkantay Trek is one of the best routes to Machu Picchu.

Hey Salkantay Treks, Thanks for the comment about your company.

Loved reading your post! My boyfriend and I just planned our trip to Peru! We want to do a 1 day tour to Machu PIcchu (not the hike) since we won’t have enough time. Do you recommend any specific site we should use to get a 1 day tour? Thanks!

Hey Tessa! I’m excited you’re planning on going to Machu Picchu. I can’t think of any one day tour companies off the top of my head, but I when you are searching for a tour make sure to find one that pays its guides well and has good reviews! Happy planning!

First, I love reading your blog! My boyfriend and I booked our Peru trip for two weeks in September. I am so excited to visit this beautiful country! Second, I have a couple questions regarding Machu Picchu: 1. We actually didn’t book with a touring company to hike Machu Picchu with. Do you suggest doing so? We purchased the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket and planned on (hopefully) spending just one day at Machu Picchu if possible. Are the ruins supposed to be a multiple day hike? 2. Sort of goes in ties with the first question, how long did it take for you to reach the peak of Machu Picchu? We are afraid that since we aren’t going through a tour company we will end up being stranded if it takes too long to reach the top and to descend.

Please, all the feedback and tips would be very much appreciated! Thank you!

Hi Kayli, you have a great trip awaiting you! Since the early 2000’s tourists have not been able to hike to Machu Picchu without a guide. This means that if you want to incorporate a hike with your visit to MP, you MUST go with a tour company. There are different types of hikes – from several days to very short – and from the classic Inca Trek (4 days/3nights) to lesser known ones. Easy ones, hard ones, and even hikes that involve mountain biking too!

Alternatively, you can just buy the entrance to MP in advance and wander around the ruins by yourself. It sounds like this is the route you’re taking? If you do this, you cannot hike there, but instead will take a shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes (the closest town).

If you really have your heart set on hiking (I would strongly recommend it!), I would suggest reaching out to a company and telling them you already have your entrance permit. Perhaps then they could work out some kind of discount since you don’t have to get it through them. Typically though, people get all of it through the company, so the package price you’ll see online includes your entrance ticket as well as all food, tent/equipment, guide, porters, transportation.

I hope this helps!

Yes, Hiking in the mountains is an amazing adventure activity and peru is the best destination. But are you planning same experience in Nepal, of course we Nepal Footprint Holiday offers you with the best experience trekking and hiking in Nepal Himalayas. Since 2001 we are operating the trekking in Nepal and its ongoing. Go through our website https://www.nepalfootprintholiday.com for details.

I can see many incredible things that the world hide for us here. but, I would like to recommend you to visit Peru and fine amazing places as worldwide known. choose for a local company who has a responsible tourism in all Peru. http://www.sparrowexplorer.com/

Thanks Mr. Sparrow for your tips.

Hey, Katie! What time of year did you visit?

Hi Anna. We were there in the spring time around mid-April. We would totally recommend that time of year to go!

Im leaving for Peru in a month and your blog has been fantastic to get ideas! what is the company you did this trek with ?

Hey Amanda, thanks for the nice comment! We did our Inca Trail trek through Peru Treks.

http://www.perutreks.com/

We had a great experience and felt like the porters were treated well (better than some other groups we saw). Best of luck planning your trip!

Hey you two – this is Deena from Denver, Colorado. I am so impressed and excited for your world adventures. I started my worldly travels as a solo woman back when it was unheard of and everyone was afraid for me taking off for a year to waunder the globe in my 30s and 40s. I am now 64 and after retiring recently I’m actively looking to go to all the places I haven’t been yet – like Galagapos and Machu Picchu. Your information is wonderful and helpful in getting me back in the saddle. Due to limitations now, I need to either go with a tour or find less rigorous independent travel. Do I need to book M.P. before I leave home? Or, can I arrive in Quito and book something locally in 1-2 days? I like the idea of paying the locals and not the tour companies which I have avoided all my life, but may need to embrace now. Good travels to you.

Hi there Deena, We’re so happy to connect with a like-minded soul! We are always so impressed talking to women who traveled solo a few decades ago, because that would have been such an unheard of thing to do. Good for you to defy what people think is possible!

I would certainly recommend booking Machu Picchu before you leave on your trip. Due to increasing amounts of tourists each year, they are limiting the number of permits for visitors each day. Definitely do a bit of research, because some companies take advantage of the locals. We liked Peru Treks, because although they were a bit more expensive, they focused on treating their porters well. You can even look into some shorter treks if you don’t want to do the full 4-day hike.

I hope this is helpful. Thanks for the kind words – they really mean a lot 🙂

Hey Katie! What was the one day hike you did your first time around called?!

Hey Morgan, It was about 5 years ago, so I had to do a little digging, but I think it was this one (or something similar):

http://www.sastravelperu.com/english/program/344/short-inca-trail-trek-to-machu-picchu-2day1night-group-service

Let me know if you have any more questions. Happy planning!

this site is such an inspiration for me and my husband. We have recently planned a trip to Peru in March for our first inca trail with Alpaca Expeditions Tours

Thank you so much! That’s such a compliment! We hope you have such an amazing time!

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The Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu – How to Plan and Book

The Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu is one of the world’s great multi-day hikes. On this page we will fully prepare you for the trek, including how to book it, how to train for it, and what to expect when you get out onto the trail. 

Covering about 26 miles (41.6 km) over three and a half days through the Peruvian Andes, the trail follows the ancient path of the Incas, who called the region home for hundreds of years. The climax of the hike is arriving at Machu Picchu, one of the most magical ancient cultural sites in the world, nestled in the mountains in all its glory. 

It’s possible to visit Machu Picchu without doing the trek, but hiking really gets you a better sense of Incan culture. I completed the trek in 2012 and it was probably the most rewarding experience of my life up until that point. So read on to have an amazing hike along the Inca Trail in Peru!

The Inca Trail Trek – What You Need to Know

Preparing for the inca trail trek, booking the inca trail trek, a quick word on cusco, an overview of the inca trail trek, machu picchu and the end of the trek, inca trail trek – frequently asked questions.

Note: this article contains affiliate links, which means that should you purchase something or get a quote through them I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps keep the site running with up to date information. I do not represent World Nomads, GetYourGuide, or Booking.com. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy the product mentioned in this article.

Where is Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail?

Machu Picchu is in the Andes Mountains of southern Peru. The closest major city is Cusco. The Inca Trail hike starts from a dead end in a small road known as KM 82, where your tour operator will drop you off at.

How to get there

To make the Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu you’ll have to get to Cusco, Peru. Which means unless you’re taking a bus or driving around South America you’ll have to fly to Lima, the capital of Peru and take the short flight to Cusco from there. 

Lima is well connected to the rest of the world and there are direct flights from many US and European cities. The hopper flights to Cusco run almost continuously and are pretty cheap. It will probably be cheaper to book an international flight to Lima and a separate ticket to Cusco. Just make sure to allow plenty of time to layover. 

If you’re coming from Chile or Bolivia there are flights from Santiago and La Paz as well to Cusco too. From Cusco, transportation to the start of the trail will be handled by your tour company, so you won’t need to worry about that.

Weather and when to do the trek 

Being so close to the equator, the temperature along the Inca Trail doesn’t vary by much year round. It varies mainly with elevation instead. The weather in this part of Peru is characterized by the wet season and the dry season. 

The wet season runs from November to March. Rain can happen any time in the Andes, but it rains much more in the summer (Peru is in the Southern Hemisphere). The rainiest month is January.

For the highest chances of clear skies, the best time to visit Machu Picchu is the dry season, April to October. The number of hikers on the trail is regulated by the Peruvian government so it’s not like any particular month will be more busy than another. 

I went in November at the start of the rainy season and it did rain quite a bit, though usually in the afternoon. So it’s not like summer will be miserable or anything.  Also note that the trail is closed each February for maintenance. You can still visit Machu Picchu in February but you can’t do the trek.

Trail regulation

Whatever your thoughts are on government regulations, we should all agree that regulating the amount of people on the Inca Trail every day is a good thing. The trail is paved with stone, built hundreds of years ago by the ancient Incans. It’s a fragile environment, so the Peruvian government limits the number of people that can be on the trail at any given time. 

500 trekkers – plus maybe 750 porters and guides – are allowed to start the trek each day. Your tour company will arrange your permit to use the trail. You cannot just go out to the Inca Trail and walk on it. If you don’t have a permit, you won’t be allowed past the checkpoint. And to get a permit you need to go with a guide. More on that later.  

Where to stay before and after the trek

On the trek itself you’ll be camping and it will all be organized by your tour provider. But before and after the hike you’ll be staying in Cusco, as the tours start and end there. Lodging in Cusco is not part of the tour and you will be required to secure your own accommodation. 

In order to acclimatize to the high altitude of the Andes, your tour operator will require you to arrive at least 2 nights prior to when you start hiking. Cusco sits at 11,200 ft (3400m) above sea level, making it the ideal place for your body to adjust to the elevation.

You’ll also get back to Cusco pretty late on the last day of the tour, so you’ll likely want to spend at least one night in Cusco at the end too. There are hundreds of lodging options in Cusco, from budget hostels to high end luxury hotels.

For true Peruvian hospitality stay at Antigua Casona San Blas . Or if that’s a bit out of the budget Amaru Colonial is an excellent affordable option in Cusco. You can also check out the full listing of properties on booking.com here .

There are also a ton of hostels in Cusco, which might be attractive due to their price. A word of warning, however: my friend got robbed at the hostel we stayed at in Cusco. The chances of that happening to you is slim, but it’s always a risk when staying in shared dorms in an impoverished nation.

Spanish is spoken in Peru. Knowing some Spanish will be a huge plus on your trip, though you won’t need it when actually on the trek. The trekking guides all speak English. 

Your porters will likely not speak a word of English, however, nor will many hospitality workers in Cusco. Even the tourist police in Cusco didn’t speak any English. You’d think the “tourist police” would be required to speak at least some English, right? Think again! 

So in summary, you don’t need to know Spanish, but it’s a bonus.

While everything is provided for you on the trek, it’s good to have some cash in case you want to buy drinks, snacks, or souvenirs from the locals who seek stuff along the Inca Trail. They don’t accept credit cards. 

The currency in Peru is the Sol, and if you’re coming from a western nation the exchange rate will be favorable to you. Be sure to take out cash before you leave Cusco, as there will be no ATMs once you’ve left the city.

Travel Insurance 

While the tour companies don’t require you to have travel insurance, it’s a really good idea for a trip like this. We use World Nomads when we travel internationally. Word Nomads provides coverage to travelers in over 100 countries. You can search for a coverage plan using the link below.

The Inca Trail is not a walk in the park. I mean, technically it is, but this is no easy feat. You’ll be hiking high in the Andes and gain nearly 10,000 ft (3050m) of elevation over the course of the hike. That being said, anyone can complete the hike with the right attitude and adequate preparation.

Physical preparation

Some basic level of fitness is required to complete the trek. It’s an intense multi-day trek high in the mountains, not a walk through the woods. It’s important to understand the difference between hiking and trekking so you’re not thrown off when you get out there.

You will be on your feet most of the day, climbing up and down stairs through the Andes Mountains. While porters carry your tents and sleeping bags and meals, any clothing and water/snacks you need over the course of the trek you will need to carry yourself. So add a moderately heavy backpack and those mountain stairs become pretty daunting. 

That being said, a friend of mine who was pretty damn out of shape managed to finish it. She looked pretty miserable at the end of each day, but she made it. 

I’d suggest a solid fitness plan in the months prior to the trek to prepare yourself to have the best time possible. This should include practice hikes – or walking on an inclined treadmill if you live somewhere flat – on top of basic cardio training like running and biking. The fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy it.

The altitude can also be dangerous for people with a history of altitude sickness. If you’ve ever had altitude sickness or struggled with high altitudes before, this trek is not something you should consider. 

If you’re worried about the altitude, talk to your doctor before booking. There are high altitude medications that can be taken. I was lucky enough not to need them but some people swear by them. 

Logistical preparation

While the trek itself with the Machu Picchu visit is only 4 days, you’ll need at least 7 days in Peru to make this trip possible. As previously discussed, the tour agencies all require you to spend at least two nights in Cusco before you start hiking to acclimatize. 

I also advise you to spend at least one night in Cusco after you complete the trek instead of trying to fly out late on the day you end the trek. It’s possible to do that but it’s pushing your luck. 

There are plenty of other things to do around Cusco so spending some extra time in the city shouldn’t be seen as a bad thing. One of the most popular activities is to take a day trip to Rainbow Mountain , the famous colorful mountain in the Andes south of Cusco. It will be a long day and you’ll have to wait in line with other tourists for that famous photo . 

There are tons of other amazing alpine regions around Cusco as well. Humantay Lake is one of the most beautiful places in Peru and it’s possible to make a day trip there as well . Cusco is also the starting point for many jungle tours through the Amazon in Manu National Park . 

Another reason it’s a good idea to stay a night in Cusco at the end of the trek is because the hotels and hostels will store your bags/suitcases for you while you’re off on the trek. Whatever you don’t need while hiking can be securely kept at the hotel. Bring all your valuables, but leave anything you don’t want to carry on your back for four days. 

Tourist Visas

Travelers from most western nations are allowed visa-free entry to Peru. This includes anyone from South America, North America, the EU countries, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and a few other countries. If you’re not from a country on this list, be sure to check your country’s requirements early on in planning your trip. 

Packing for the trek

As we’ve already discussed, the weather is unpredictable in the Andes Mountains. You’ll need to come prepared for everything. Here is a packing list that should be sufficient.  

• High quality rain jacket: don’t go cheap on your rain jacket, you need one that will keep you dry in pouring rain.
• Rain poncho: it’s a good idea to have some of these too.
• Gloves: both light and heavy (preferably touch screen). 
• Beanie: it’s cold above 4000 meters.
• Sunscreen: a sunburn on the first day could make the rest of the trek painful. 
• Sunglasses.
• Battery powered charger for your phone: There are very few places to charge your phone on the trail so you’ll have to prepare for not being able to charge it. If you use it for a camera like most people do these days, you’ll want a portable charger and I’d seriously consider bringing more than one. 
• Extra battery for camera: if you are taking a DSL camera you’ll want an extra battery for that too.
• Multiple water bottles: You will get boiled water in the morning and that will have to last you all day unless you purchase bottled water from the villagers. 
• Backpack: you’ll be carrying your own clothing on this trek. Tents and food will be carried by porters, but you’re responsible to carry your own belongings. Make sure to have a decent overnight backpack .

As mentioned before, the Inca Trail is regulated by the Peruvian government in order to protect and preserve it. You can’t just wake up in the morning and go hiking on it. You need permits and these permits are only available through certified trekking guides in Peru. 

So if you’re looking for a cheap vacation this is not it. Going without a guide is not possible and you need to reserve your spot in a guided tour well in advance. Only 500 trekkers are allowed to start the Inca Trail every day, so advanced booking is paramount. 

There are numerous agencies that offer the trek and everything can be booked online or through email. I went with a company called Peru Treks , who was awesome and I highly recommend them. There are tons of other great companies that offer the same experience, though.  

The cost of the trek has been rising steadily over the years and now sits between about $700-$800 per person, depending on the operator. This does not include accommodation in Cusco, but includes transport from and back to Cusco, as well as Inca Trail permits and all your food and services on the trail (but not alcohol). For what you get it’s actually not a bad deal.

Trip group size

Trip groups can be as small as just you if you want to pay for a private tour, or up to 20 or so trekkers. I was in a group of 16, including 4 friends of mine, and found it a perfect group size for comradery and motivation. 

Food on the trek

All meals while on the trail will be provided for you. You’d think it would be simple hiking fare, but the food was exquisite. Our group had two chefs that cooked everything fresh for us, three meals a day. We had all sorts of typical Peruvian food like lomo saltado as well as standard international fare like pizza.

I found the quantity of food quite sufficient, but it’s still a good idea to carry some snacks, as you’re really burning a lot of calories out there and need to remain energized. 

Accommodation on the trek

You will sleep in tents, two to a tent. The tents are large so you have room to stretch out away from your tent partner, whom you might not know personally. If camping isn’t your forte, then you’re probably better off skipping the trek and taking the train to Machu Picchu.

If you’re not spending time in Lima your trip will start and end in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Cusco is as rich in Incan history as Machu Picchu itself is. Being forced to spend two nights here is not something you’ll be angry about.

A full discussion of Cusco is beyond the scope of this post, but there are tons of things to do in and around Cusco . 

One thing I’ll say to definitely not miss, however, is Saqsaywaman . This is a large archaeological site of Incan ruins just at the edge of Cusco. You can walk there from central Cusco and wander the site for an hour or two before heading back into town. You also get a great view of the city and the surrounding valley from the site. 

Saqsaywaman is mostly known for its large masonry structures that were built – amazingly – without any mortar. Giant blocks, all of different sizes, were fit perfectly together and stacked to form these structures that have withstood earthquakes and other natural disasters throughout the years. It’s truly fascinating!

I’ve mentioned day trips from Cusco previously, but there are also a ton of other additional things to do in Cusco itself. For inspiration, check out the options in Cusco on GetYourGuide .

Now let’s talk about what you’re gonna see and do on the trek itself. One thing you’ll be sure to see is beautiful mountain scenery all around. The Andes are some serious mountains. You might be higher than you’ve ever been before on the trail still looking up to snow-capped peaks in front of you. 

The mountains here are simply stunning, and the ruins of ancient Incan cities haunt the landscape. That’s right: Machu Picchu is not the only attraction on the trail. The trail itself is loaded with ancient Incan archaeological sites you can explore.

The whole trek is just awesome.  Check out the trail on AllTrails for a detailed map and elevation guide.

You’ll be awake well before the sun rises in Cusco to be picked up by your tour company. Our bus picked us up just before 6:00. The scenic ride through the mountains takes about two hours and you’ll probably stop for breakfast and to pick up your porters, who typically live in the mountain villages.

There’s a security checkpoint at the start of the trail (checking your permits and passports) and after that you’re off, racing up and down the mountains just like the ancient Incans.

You’ll cover about 7.5 miles (12 km) on the first day, assuming your campsite is in Wayllabamba, where most tours stay the first night. It’s mostly an easy day, with a steady gradual climb of about 2,000 feet (600m). 

The first day is really a warm up for day two. You’ll be in the valley the entire day, looking up to giant Andean peaks covered in snow. You’ll also see your first Incan ruin, Llactapata, on Day 1. 

You won’t be able to walk around this site, as it’s on the other side of the river, but you’ll see it clearly from the trail. It’s a large series of terraces with some buildings atop a hill.  

At the campsites on the trip you’ll find locals selling things like candy bars and beer and water, etc. So if you are hungry or thirsty you are not going to struggle. You’ll probably have sufficient time at the campsites to relax and explore if you want. Get to bed early though, because Day 2 is a beast. 

The second day is the most difficult day on the Inca Trail. You’ll start your day around 6 AM. From the campsite you’ll head straight up all morning to Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point on the trail at 4215m (13,828 ft).

It’s about 1200m (3900 ft) of elevation gain high in the Andes over a distance of barely 3 miles. Saying it is steep is an understatement. There is not a single portion of flat or downhill terrain until you get to the pass. It’s simply brutal. 

If you’re ever gonna feel the altitude, it’s on Day 2. This is where your group will start to separate. If you haven’t adequately prepared for the trek, the morning will not be a whole lot of fun. But eventually everyone makes it to the pass, and the rest of the day is downhill.

At the time, Dead Woman’s Pass was the highest I had ever been. I’ve since hiked to Everest Base Camp and been higher in the US. But in complete contrast to the mountains in the US, up at 13,828 feet you are still well below the tree line in Peru, looking up to the peaks around you. 

From the pass it’s straight downhill 2000 feet in elevation to the campsite at Pacaymayo. You only cover about 6 miles total on Day 2 but you can reasonably expect it to take about 6-7 hours if you’re in shape and considerably longer if you’re not.

We got to camp at about 1:00 PM and after lunch we had a free afternoon to rest and recover, which was vital after a backbreaking day on the trail. 

The third day is the longest on the trail, nearly 10 miles, but it’s not nearly as difficult as Day 2. You start with an early morning climb though, back up about 13,000 feet, where you’ll pass the ruins of Runkuracay before heading back downhill. From here it’s mostly downhill all the way to Machu Picchu. 

You’ll pass the ancient fortress of Sayacmarca before heading down to Phuyupatamarca, one of the most impressive Incan ruins on the trail. The trail goes right through the site so you can get up close and personal with it. You might see llamas roaming around, chomping away on grass.

I got stuck in rain for this portion of the trail, but hopefully you’ll have a nice day and can enjoy the amazing views as you head down to the campsite at Winay Wayna. 

You’ll want to get to bed early tonight – your last night camping in the Andes – because you’ll be up super early tomorrow. And Machu Picchu awaits!

Today’s hike is short, but you’ll be awoken horribly early, like prior to 4 AM early, so you can get onto the trail and pass through the gates to Machu Picchu as soon as possible. The earlier you get there, the more time you have at the site. Waking up early is not that big of a deal when the reward is Machu friking Picchu!

Your guide will tell you that you’re getting up early to get a head start toward Machu Picchu. But the truth is that every other group is getting up at the same time or earlier. We still had to wait an hour at the entrance to Machu Picchu (they check permits again).

Just after the checkpoint you’ll get your first view of the ancient Incan city. I was blown away at first sight of Machu Picchu. You see it in pictures but don’t realize just how massive it is until it’s right in front of you. It’s an incredibly impressive site to behold.

A few minutes later you’ll be standing right in front of Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic places in the entire world. You’ve endured a hell of a hike to get here, but it’s all worth it now!

You’ll only have a few hours to roam Machu Picchu. As I said, it’s a huge site, so there is a lot to see and a lot of paths to turn down. Your guide will also offer a tour of the site if you wish to join. Might as well learn about the history of Machu Picchu while you’re there. You’ll still have time to explore on your own after the tour is over. 

One thing you’ll learn is that the reason the ancient site is in such great shape is because the Spanish conquerors never found it to destroy. It simply sat for centuries while nature took its course. It was “discovered” only in 1911 and beautifully excavated and restored to its original majesty. 

These days it’s solely a site for tourists. And you’ll see plenty of them here. While the Inca Trail has a strict capacity limit, it seems like everyone and their uncle is at Machu Picchu.

The vast majority of visitors to Machu Picchu don’t do the hike, but take the train and/or a bus to the site. You’ll see thousands of tourists from all over the world as you wander the site.

Climbing Huayna Picchu

That steep peak in the background of every Machu Picchu photo you’ve ever seen is Huayna Picchu. If you’d like to hike to the top you’ll need a permit. As with the Inca Trail, there is a strict limit for how many people can climb Huayna Picchu each day (about 400).

Your tour company can arrange the permit, but you’ll need to decide if you want to hike it ahead of time. No game time decisions here. I didn’t do the hike, nor did anyone else in my group.

It’s not a long hike, but it will take about 40-60 minutes to get to the peak, depending on your fitness level. It’s an incredibly steep trail straight up ancient stairs.

You’ll get some different views from the top, Machu Picchu from the other direction. It will take away from your time wandering the site though. I assumed I wouldn’t want to hike any more after 3 days of intense hiking through the Andres. But if I return to Machu Picchu one day I think I’ll do the hike to the peak. 

Machu Picchu without the Inca Trail Trek

This post is about the Inca Trail Trek so I’ve focused on that, but most people visit Machu Picchu without the hike. If after reading through all of this you think the trek might be too much for you, then you’ll have to take the train from Cusco to Aguas Caliente, a little village in the mountains with no cars. Be sure to book your train well in advance though, as they sell out.

I won’t go through the details on how to get to Machu Picchu but there is ample info online about it. To enter Machu Picchu you’ll need to book ahead of time and go with a guide (you can hire one on site if you wish). Check out this website for further information. 

The Lares Trek

Want to hike to Machu Picchu but the Inca Trail is already sold out? Then you might want to consider the Lares Trek .

While the trail itself doesn’t exactly take you to Machu Picchu (you’ll take a bus to Aguas Caliente from the end of the trail), you’ll still get to trek three days through the Andes. And the bonus of the Lares Trek is that it’s far less crowded. A guide is still needed and it will cost almost as much as the Inca Trail.  

It’s actually a more strenuous trek. It’s longer and you’ll go far higher in elevation, up to about 15,420 feet (4700m). I might consider doing this trek at some point in the future!  

Can a beginner hike the Inca Trail?

Anyone can hike the Inca Trail, but the fitter you are the more you will enjoy the experience. If you are overweight and out of shape you will really struggle, but if you have the determination then you will make it, slowly but surely. The biggest thing to consider is the elevation – up to 4215m (13,828 ft) – which many people struggle with. 

Where do you sleep on the Inca Trail? 

On the trek you sleep in tents that are set up by the porters. There are no hotels or anything like that. Tents are also shared, so get cozy!

Do you shower on the Inca Trail?

No, there are no showers along the Inca Trail. If you’re someone who needs a shower every morning to get going then you’re gonna struggle here. You will stink after all the trekking, but that shower when you get back to Cusco will surely be sweet!

How do you use the toilet on the Inca Trail?

There are outhouse style toilets every so often along the Inca Trail. These are squat toilets that are not the most comfortable way to go to the bathroom, but it’s better than going in the rocks. 

What is the hardest day of the Inca Trail?

The second day is the toughest day on the Inca Trail. While it’s the shortest day in terms of distance traveled, it has a serious elevation gain and reaches the highest point you’ll get to on the trek at 4215m (13,828 ft). 

The Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu is an epic multi-day hike through the Andes Mountains that takes you to one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world.

You’ll eat great food and make new friends as you trek up and down the mountains, giant snow capped peaks and ancient Incan villages all around you. It’s a very rewarding experience and I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I did! 

Chris Heckmann

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2-Day Short Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu

2 day inca trail hike to machu picchu.

The 2 Day Inca Trail Hike  is a condensed experience of the Classic Inca Trail , perfect for those with less time but equal enthusiasm. Day one involves a train ride from Cusco to Km 104 , the starting point of the trail. From there, you’ll hike to the archaeological sites of Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna , before reaching . Machu Picchu in the afternoon – a perfect time to capture the first breathtaking views of Sun Gate

After a restful night in Aguas Calientes, day two is dedicated to exploring the Machu Picchu site in depth, learning about its incredible history and soaking in the mystical ambiance, before returning to Cusco by train.

Why you’ll love this 2 Day Machu Picchu Hike?

• Witness the stunning sunrise at Machu Picchu, away from the crowds.
• Enter through the Sun Gate for an exclusive view that others miss out on.
• Trek through diverse landscapes, from ancient ruins to lush jungles and majestic mountains.

Is it possible to do the 2-day hike with camping on the Short Inca Trail?

Of course, one can always opt for the 2-day Inca Trail trek with Camping all-inclusive sleep under the stars at a private campsite.

Short Inca Trail 2 Days Trip Details

This short 2-day Altitude Experience Inca Trail Tour with a hotel stay in Aguas Calientes is perfect for those who want to experience the magic of Machu Picchu in a short amount of time.

During this 2-day tour, you will hike a portion of the famous Inca Trail and arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, just like the Incas did centuries ago. This trekking route offers stunning views and opportunities to learn about the history and culture of the Inca civilization.

You will start your trek from Km 104, where you will hike for approximately 4-5 hours. Along the way, your guide will point out important landmarks and share interesting facts about the Incas. You will also have a chance to see beautiful waterfalls and take in the breathtaking scenery. After arriving at Machu Picchu, you will have some free time to explore the ancient ruins before heading back to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay in a comfortable hotel.

The next morning, you will wake up early and take a bus up to Machu Picchu to watch the sunrise over this majestic site. Afterwards, you will have a guided tour of Machu Picchu, where you will learn about the different areas of the citadel and their significance in Inca society. You will also have some free time to further explore and take photos before descending back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch.

The 2-day Inca Trail trip is a perfect option for those who want to experience the beauty and history of Machu Picchu in a shorter amount of time. It is also suitable for those who are short on time or have physical limitations that prevent them from completing the full 4-day Inca Trail trek.

  Itinerary Overview

• Day 1: Cusco to Km 104 and hike to Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu Day 2: Explore Machu Picchu – Cusco

2-Day Short Inca Trail Maps

Kilometer 104, also known as Chachabamba, is the starting point of the iconic Short Inca Trail route has a total of 12 kilometers or 6 miles in Machu Picchu.

  Hike one day, then visit Machu Picchu the next .

Not only does the short Inca Trail or 2 day Inca Trail offer a condensed yet still fulfilling experience, but it also allows for a more comfortable hiking pace and ample time to fully explore Machu Picchu. This is a great option for those who prefer not to camp or are new to multi-day trekking.

The shorter duration of this trek also means that you will be able to adjust more easily to the high altitude, as you will be spending less time above 3000 meters. This can significantly reduce the chance of experiencing altitude sickness and allow for a more enjoyable trip overall.

However, do not mistake the shorter duration for less of an adventure. The Machu Picchu 2-day hike still offers stunning scenery and fascinating ruins to discover along the way. From spectacular mountain views to ancient Incan sites, you will be immersed in history and natural beauty throughout your journey.

Special Discount – Sacred Valley Tour

Sacred Valley Of the Incas: 110 usd

Live the experience full day in the Sacred valley of the Incas. This is something you may do either before or after your Inca Trail Tour. All you need to do is meet with our sales team for the special discount

Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Km104 – Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes

The first day of the 2-day Inca Trail begins with pick-up at your hotel at 4 a.m. Early in the morning, transfer from your hotel in Cuzco to the Ollantaytambo train station. From there, you will take a scenic train ride through the Sacred Valley until you reach Km 104, the starting point of our trek.

After passing through a checkpoint and showing your entrance permit, you will start walking along a relatively moderate stretch of trail for approximately 3 hours until you reach Wiñaywayna (always young) 2,600 m/8,500 ft, you will have the opportunity to see agricultural terraces, water springs and temples. A great opportunity to learn about the history of the Incas, where you will enjoy a delicious box lunch, you will also have the opportunity to rest a little after lunch.

Continuing along the trail, you will have breathtaking views of the Urubamba River and pass by beautiful Inca ruins until you reach the Sun Gate, this is where you will have the first amazing view of Machu Picchu and the beautiful landscape that surrounds it. After appreciating the unique views of the Peruvian Andes, you will begin your descent to Machu Picchu.

One of the benefits of this trek is that when we arrive at Machu Picchu in the afternoon, the travelers who take the 1 day tour will have already left. It leaves you an opportunity to explore the area without the crowds of travelers and take memorable photos, feeling a deep connection to the past. As the day comes to an end, we will take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night at your hotel and then head to a restaurant for dinner. After dinner, we recommend an early night’s rest to enjoy the next day to the fullest.

First day trekking schedule to Machu Picchu

• 4:15 a.m: You’ll start the day by being picked up from your hotel in Cusco and driven to Ollantaytambo , where you’ll catch a train to Km104 .
• 7:45 a.m After arriving at Km104 , you’ll begin your trek with a checkpoint entrance permit check . You will then hike along an easy section of the trail towards Wiñaywayna , an impressive Inca ruin with terraces and stunning views.
• 12:35 p.m After a break for lunch , you’ll continue on to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) where you’ll have your first glimpse of Machu Picchu . From there it’s a short descent to the ruins where you’ll have a guided tour and time to explore on your own.
• 16:15 p.m In the afternoon, you’ll take a bus down to Aguas Calientes for dinner and rest at your hotel.

Day 2: Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

The second day of the trek starts early, with pick up from your hotel around 5:00 a.m. We will take the first bus at approximately 05:20 a.m. and arrive at the gate of the ruins by 06:00 a.m. This morning hike is well worth it, as you will be able to witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu, an unforgettable experience.

After entering through the gates, your guide will lead you on a two-hour tour of the ruins, explaining the history and significance of each area. After the guided tour, you will have plenty of time to take photos and explore on your own.

Some of the highlights of Machu Picchu include the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana Stone and the famous Inca terraces.

After exploring the ruins, you will take a bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). You will have some free time in this charming village before taking the train back to Ollantaytambo. We will be there to meet you and take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Second day trekking schedule to Machu Picchu

• 5:00am: You’ll start the day early with breakfast at your hotel before taking a bus back up to Machu Picchu.
• 6:10am: Your guide will give you a tour of the ruins, providing insight into the history and significance of this incredible site.
• 9:15am: After the tour, you’ll have some free time to explore on your own before taking a bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch.
• 14:35pm: In the afternoon, you’ll take a train back to Ollantaytambo where a transfer will bring you back to your hotel in Cusco, marking the end of your trek.

What’s Included?

Not Included

Day by Day Inclusion 2-Day Short Inca Trail

Day 1.- inca trail -sun gate – machu picchu, day 2.- machu picchu (you’ll be back in cusco around 8:00 p.m.), what to bring for the 2-day inca trail trek.

• Passport and student cards.
• Backpack (21 liter capacity).
• water storage
• Comfortable hiking boots

For your Backpack

• Trekking Clothing
• Hiking shoes
• Waterproof pants
• waterproof shorts
• light sweater
• Jacket for rain
• face moisturizer
• Handsanitizer
• Toothbrush and paste
• toilet paper
• Personal medication
• First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

Note : Night in Aguas Calientes: Please bring with you a clean set of clothes to wear after the trekking. Also, you can bring along swimwear and towels if you decide to visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.

Important Information

Please read the following information carefully as it will help you answer any questions you may have about our services and the Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu .

Where is the short Inca Trail 2 days hike?

The 2-day short Inca Trail with Altitude Experience takes place in the Cusco region of Peru. The starting point is at Km 104, which can be reached by train from Ollantaytambo. The trek ends at Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a must-visit destination for travelers.

How many miles is the 2-day Short Inca Trail?

Approximately 14 km (8.7 miles) and reaches an altitude of 2,720 meters (8,920 feet).

How difficult is the 2-day short Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail Short 2-day trek covers a distance of approximately 14 km (8.7 miles) and reaches an altitude of 2,720 meters (8,920 feet). However, the trek is well-paced with plenty of breaks and time to acclimatize, making it achievable for beginners. It is important to note that the trek involves some steep climbs and descents, so a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended.

How long does it take to hike the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

The 2-day short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu typically takes around 6-7 hours of hiking first day, with breaks and stops included. The first day covers approximately 11 km (6.8 miles) while the second day covers about 3 km (1.9 miles). The total duration may vary depending on the pace of the group and weather conditions.

What are the best times of year to hike the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

The best time to hike the 2-day short Inca Trail is during the dry season from May to October. During this time, the weather is generally clear and dry, making for better hiking conditions and more comfortable temperatures. The peak months for hiking are June, July, and August, but it can also get crowded during these times. If you prefer to avoid crowds, consider hiking during the shoulder season months of April, May, September, and October. However, it’s important to note that rain can still occur during these months and proper gear should be packed in case of inclement weather.

Are there any dangers I should be aware of when hiking the 2-day short Inca Trail?

While the 2-day short Inca Trail is a popular and well-maintained trail, there are still some potential dangers to be aware of. It’s important to always stay on the designated path and not venture off into unknown areas, as there could be hidden cliffs or unstable terrain. The altitude can also be a factor for some hikers, as Cusco, where the trail begins, is located at 11,152 feet above sea level. It’s recommended to acclimatize for a few days in Cusco before beginning the hike. Additionally, weather can be unpredictable and hikers should always be prepared with proper gear and clothing for changing conditions.

How many days in advance do I have to arrive in Cusco before 2-day short Inca Trail?

It is recommended to arrive in Cusco at least two days before beginning your 2-day Short Inca Trail. This will allow time for acclimatization to the high altitude and also give you some buffer in case of any flight delays or other unforeseen circumstances. It’s important to take this into consideration when planning your trip, as arriving too close to the hike start date can increase your risk of altitude sickness and potentially impact your experience on the trail.

What should I pack for the 2-day short Inca Trail?

If so, congratulations! This is sure to be an amazing and unforgettable experience. But before you set off on your 2-day trek, there are a few things you should pack in your backpack.

Essential: Immigration card, Small backpack), Water bottles, Mountain shoes (light by recommendation), Passport, Student card (if you booked as a student)

Travel bag: Absorbent shirts, walking pants, Warm jacket preferably, feather, Sun hat, Flashlight for personal use, Waterproof jacket, Garbage bag (for garbage), Sleeping bag preferably feather

Toiletries: Repellents, Gel alcohol, Toilet paper, personal medication, Sunscreen

How do I get a permit to hike the Inca Trail 2 days?

In order to hike the 2-day short Inca Trail, you must obtain a permit. These permits are limited and issued by the Peruvian government to protect the trail and its surrounding environment. The best way to secure a permit is by booking through an authorized trekking company, who will handle all of the necessary paperwork and arrangements for your hike. It’s important to book in advance, as permits often sell out months in advance.

Where can i book the Inca Trail 2 days Trek?

FIRST , to book your Inca Trail trek 2 days to Machu Picchu, please fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or by clicking here.

Please have the following information on hand (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We will be unable to purchase an Inca Trail permit unless we have the following information:

Personal data (your full name, exactly as it appears on your passport):

Number on a passport

Date of Birth (dd / mm / yyyy)

Nationality

*** We need copies of each participant’s passport to book Inca Trail permits!

SECOND , in order to purchase a permit for the Classic Inca Trail, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person. You can deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols at the top of our home page, or on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.

Where is the Balance?

If you want to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you can pay in cash at our Cusco office (in US dollars or Peruvian soles). To withdraw money, there are numerous ATMs located throughout the historical district. You can also pay online with Paypal }, but there is a 5.5% service fee charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance via PAYPAL.

Do I need my original passport for the 2 days Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

Yes! You must bring your original passport, with the same passport number that you used to book your Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu permit with us. When you enter Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, and board the train, your passport will be checked. If you are renewing your passport, send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permit, and we will change it once you receive your new passport. If this is the case, please send us a copy of your newly issued passport as soon as possible.

Are tips mandatory in the 2 day inca trail to macho picchu?

If you are satisfied with the services provided, a tip is appreciated, although it is not required. While it may not be customary in your country, it is extremely important for the people who will be looking after you during your journey. It inspires excellent service and is ingrained in the tourism industry in many AltitudExperience Peru destinations. Of course, you are free to tip however much you want, based on your perception of the quality and duration of your trip. Remember that tipping is optional and should only be given when you receive exceptional service.

Price per person

• Tour starting at: $550 per person

Private Tours

• Price per person: By request

Hotels in Machu Picchu

• 3 Star Hotel – Inti Punku Machu Picchu town or Similar
• Discount for groups of 5 or more: Our $25 group discount applies from 4 participants or more .
• Student discount : The student discount applies only to people who present their valid UNIVERSITY CARD. Children under 17 years of age or younger. To grant the discount we need you to send us a copy of the university card. For children 17 and under, we need a passport copy for booking. Discount: $20 off per person

Ticket fee for Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It’s a 45-minute hike to the top. Even when you do this hike on your own your guide will still show you the trail entrance. This trek is an additional entrance ticket that we can secure for you with advance notice. Your tickets will be purchased to coincide with when you need to start the trail. Tickets are either for the First Session from 7-8 AM or Second Session from 10-11 AM. We purchase the Second Session for you to enjoy your tour of Machu Picchu before you begin. This window is only your start time and you can take your time up and down so you don’t rush.

• USD $ 75.00 per person.

Ticket fee for Machu Picchu Mountain

Machu Picchu mountain is the other mountain that stands above the Machu Picchu ruins. It offers even more stunning views than Huayna Picchu but takes an hour and half to reach the top. For this trek it’ll be an additional entrance ticket that we can secure for you.

Vistadome Train Service

The Expedition Train is included in all Altitude Experience excursions. This train generally departs from Aguas Calientes at 4:22 p.m. The Vistadome Train is a more modern train with significantly larger seats, windows, and even entertainment. The Vistadome train is usually scheduled at 4:43 p.m. and travels to Poroy, a train station closer to Cusco. Despite the fact that this is an increased cost, we will still provide transportation back to your accommodation. The cost of this train is

• USD $75.00 per passenger.

2 day Inca Trail Tripadvisor Review

Our 2-day Short Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu consistently receive top reviews from our clients on Tripadvisor. Recent comments talk about the incredible views, knowledgeable and friendly guides, the enjoyable walks and hikes, the amazing campsites and much more. From beginning to end, it’s no surprise that each of our Inca Trail clients leaves feeling they had an unforgettable experience and can’t help but share their positive thoughts with others. Don’t take our word for it- have a look through the reviews yourself! You’ll soon see why we’re one of the highest rated Inca Trail tour companies around.

Altitude Experience

Overall rating of 3rd-party reviews.

Why Choose Us

Altitude Experience is a 100% indigenous Peruvian company . Altitude Experience, distinguishes itself through our commitment to both our customers and our team. We work very hard to ensure that all of our clients’ needs are met throughout their tour with us.

Safety on the Trail

Camping equipment, personal porters, buy one give one, private toilet tents, the best trekking food, altitude experience team.

Everyone on the Altitude Team is from Cusco region, living the traditions and history they share with you while on one of our tours. 

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The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers a breathtaking nature experience and historical history. This famous Short Inca Trail 2 Days walk takes you to Machu Picchu and gives you a brief but interesting look at Inca culture. This guide from Altitude Experience will walk you through this amazing adventure and provide you with all the knowledge you need to plan your own.

Understanding the Shortest Hike To Machu Picchu

The 2-day Shortest Hike To Machu Picchu  is a less demanding alternative to the 4-Day Inca Trail. This hike lets you see the Andes and discover the Inca ruins in less time and effort. The walk usually takes 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) and reaches 2,720 metres (8,920 feet) above sea level. It’s perfect for time-pressed or less physically demanding adventurers.

First day of 2 Day Inca Trail Hike : Journey begins

From lovely Ollantaytambo, you’ll join an early morning train to Km 104, the start of the 2 day short Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu . Prepare your tickets and passports for examination. The train ride’s stunning Andes and Urubamba River sights set the tone for the experience.

After disembarking at Km 104, cross a suspension bridge to reach Chachabamba, your first Inca ruin. Visit this historical place before hiking. The path climbs through beautiful cloud forests and stunning waterfalls, offering many picture possibilities. Your guide will explain Inca history as you go.

Lunch with View

Winay Wayna ruins, atop a hillside, are reached about lunchtime. Your hiking crew will cook a great meal. Winay Wayna’s terraces and buildings showcase Inca architecture and provide a great dining setting. Tour the place and discover its importance.

Sun Gate (Inti Punku) arrival

After lunch, proceed to Machu Picchu. The route becomes more exciting as you reach the Sun Gate or Inti Punku. This viewpoint provides the first stunning vista of Machu Picchu. This famous sight will thrill you. Drop down to Machu Picchu’s main entrance and register.

Day 2: Machu Picchu tour

The second day of your 2 Day Machu Picchu Hike is seeing Machu Picchu. Your guide will explain the site’s discovery and importance as you tour this archaeological treasure. Explore the well-preserved temples, terraces, and plazas to appreciate the Inca civilization’s creativity.

Visit the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana Stone, and Room of the Three Windows. These buildings provide rare insights into the Inca civilization and their superior astronomy and architecture.

Hiking Options

For an added challenge, climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. These extra climbs provide stunning Machu Picchu and surrounding vistas. Access to these summits is restricted, so get your permits early.

Reflecting on Your Trip

After your day on the Shortest hike to Machu Picchu , reflect on your fantastic adventure. The Short Inca Trail gave you a brief but satisfying taste of the Andes and Inca culture. You’ll always remember the beauty and memories you’ve made.

Going back to Cusco and Aguas Calientes

Aguas Calientes awaits your late afternoon descent from Short Inca Trail for 2 days . After relaxing in the hot springs, take the train back to Ollantaytambo. Take a bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco to finish your tour.

The 2 day Inca Trail hike lets you enjoy the Andes and Machu Picchu’s beauty in two days. This walk combines nature, history, and culture for beginners and experts alike. So put on your hiking boots, grab your camera, and prepare for an incredible journey across the Inca Empire.

The Altitude Experience family of trained and professional staff for the Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu are fully committed to developing a personalised service and contributing to the local economy, working hand in hand with our communities for the local and sustainable development of our region, thus improving the quality of life of our community.

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How to Book The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

How To Book The Inca Trail

James Bustamante is Native to New York but born to Peruvian parents. He has been traveling throughout Latin America since early 2003 and finally made his home in Peru. James has made his way by eating and traveling through almost every country in Central and South America.

Last Updated on March 31, 2024 by James Bustamante

So you want to know how to book the Inca trail? Out of all the Machu Picchu Hikes , the one that gets the most attention is the classic 4 day route up to the citadel. 

One of the biggest questions about this hike is precisely how to book the Inca trail.

We don’t always realize how much work goes into making sure the classic four-day Inca trail is a successful one.

From the planning stage all the way to the guided tour of Machu Picchu, there can certainly be a lot to consider. 

So, what are the main sections of booking the Inca trail? Let’s go through each area to make this easy to understand and book as quickly as possible.

Remember that this is one of the premier activities in any Peru Tour Package .

Estimate Cost : USD

Time Needed : 180 days 00 hours 00 minutes

Table of Contents

When to Book the Inca Trail

Choosing Inca Trail Dates in Advance

Inca Trail Group Size Matters

What Is Included When You Book The Inca Trail?

What To Pack When You Book The Inca Trail?

Additions To The Inca Trail Experience

• Computer, Smartphone, Machu Picchu Travel Agent, Calendar. All These Items are for the planning phase.
• Walking Sticks, Tents, Sun Block, For more examples, see the packing list section. All these items and more are for the hiking phase.
• Wifi, Purification Tablets.

If there are other items you’d like to include in your trip make sure to contact us and let us know, as a Peru based Machu Picchu travel agency we love creating a personalized experience for all of our travelers. 

We hope this cleared any doubts on how to book the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

If you need more information on any Peru destination let us know and we will do out best to answer your questions.

US Number:1-424-781-3536

Email: [email protected].

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While on the Inca Trail, every step — past ancient ruins, up stone staircases and over Dead Woman's Pass — brings hikers closer to their final goal: reaching Machu Picchu. Trains and buses drop thousands of visitors off here every day, but hiking in offers an unmatched experience. Hikers get to sit in sacred spaces, sleep under the stars and bond with their fellow adventurers. The promise of being able to reach the Sun Gate and take in that first view of Machu Picchu keeps them motivated.

Planning a hike on the Inca Trail takes time. There are also important factors to keep in mind, like when the dry season is and what time of year the trail is closed for maintenance. Here are some tips to ensure an epic experience.

What is the Inca Trail?

Hikers get to see stunning views from the Inca Trail

The Classic Inca Trail is a 25-mile-long hiking trail in the Andes Mountains that takes four days to complete and ends at Machu Picchu. After starting at KM 82 in the Sacred Valley, hikers will follow the stone paths that wind by sites like the Valley of Llulluchapampa, Sayacmarca ruins and Wiñay Wayna complex. On the final day of the trek, you most likely will rise well before dawn in order to arrive at the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu around sunrise.

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How soon should you start planning a hike?

Running across alpacas is another highlight of the Inca Trail

If possible, think about booking six to nine months in advance. The peak season to visit is June through August, and with the Inca Trail being a popular hike, permits are snapped up quickly. 

What is the best time of year to hit the trail?

One of the many types of flowers that grow along the trail

The trail is open year-round except in February, when it is closed for maintenance. Dry season is May through September, "where temperatures are milder and you can expect bright, sunny days, making for great visibility along the hike," Krissy Concannon, an independent affiliate of Travellustre in Boston, told The Week. The Inca Trail is one direction only, and when the adventure is over you will leave by train or bus.

Do I need to train for the Inca Trail? 

Preparation for the hike should start before you leave home

This is a strenuous hike at a high altitude, traversing different landscapes like cloud forests and grasslands. Travelers should expect to travel six to nine miles a day and can train ahead of time by hiking with a pack or getting regular exercise at home. Julie Sudderth of Vivid Getaways in Dallas told The Week she has seen "hikers from 7 to 70 years old command this trail with no problems." The Inca Trail reaches an elevation of 13,800 feet above sea level, making acclimation critical, especially for those who have experienced altitude sickness previously. Concannon recommends spending at least two or three days in Cusco prior to the hike to acclimate better to the altitude.

What kind of experiences can you have on the trail?

Sunrise on the trail is a beautiful experience

Every trip has one element in common: You must go with an operator and cannot hike on your own. "Normally, the best companies go with the best guides," Sudderth said. "This is invaluable." Good guides "will know when to slow down or quicken the pace as they are actively reading the client’s demeanor," she added, and also "weave the rich history, wildlife and flora and fauna into the hike" while keeping everyone "engaged and motivated. With children especially, this is priceless."

Those who want to go all out can book a private or small group hike, with an expert guide and porters, a well-stocked and clean bathroom tent, gourmet meals and high-quality camping gear, from the pillows to the tents. Midrange experiences are catered toward hikers who do not want a bare-bones trip but also aim to keep costs down, and include nice gear and good food with moderate accommodations.

Concannon warns that when opting for low-cost hiking tours, travelers "need to be cautious to ensure operators are not cutting corners that could negatively impact their experience. Hikers can expect minimal or lesser quality gear and food options to be more minimal. Campsite options could also be less than ideal, with locations lacking in view."

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Catherine Garcia is night editor for TheWeek.com . Her writing and reporting has appeared in Entertainment Weekly and EW.com , The New York Times , The Book of Jezebel , and other publications. A Southern California native, Catherine is a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

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Moscow is a fascinating mix of old and new, East meets West, elegance and kitsch and spirituality and dowdiness. Be inspired to visit by the new edition of City Guide Moscow, a comprehensive full-colour guide to the fascinating capital of Russia. City Guide Moscow: A fully-overhauled edition by our expert Russia author. Stunning, specially-commissioned new photography that brings this intriguing city and its people to life. Highlights of the city's top attractions, including the Red Square, The Kremlin and the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts. in our Best of Moscow. Descriptive accounts of each neighbourhood cover the whole city from the Red Square and Tverskaya and Lubyanka. The Day Trips from Moscow chapter includes the ancient cities of the Golden Ring. Detailed, high-quality maps throughout will help you get around and travel tips give you all the essential information for planning a memorable trip.

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Quick Steps to Book the Inca Trail

• Pick your preferred Inca Trail Tour!
• Check availability!!
• Choose a recognized agency!
• Pick a payment method.
• Pay and Book the Inca Trail
• Sort out your flight to Peru!
• Book a hotel in Cusco.
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6 Tips to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

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Inca Trail Info How to Book

Due to the popularity of this Machu Picchu hike and to protect the area, Inca Trail Permits are very hard to get! Since 2004, the number of Inca Trail Permits is limited to 500 people per day: 200 for hikers and 300 for staff. So if you want to hike the Inca Trail, the key is booking well in advance! The following tips will help you to book the Inca Trail .

When to book the Inca Trail?

For the busy season (May-August), book between 6 – 8 months in advance to be guaranteed a place on the date that you wish to do the hike. Inca Trail permits are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and since 2017, sale for the upcoming year start in October. Once all spaces are booked, NO tour operator or trekking guide in Cusco can still offer permits for the Inca Trail .

Even for the low season, it is suggested to book as far in advance as possible (3-5 months ahead). Please also note that the Inca Trail is closed in February of each year for maintenance.

How to book the Inca Trail

First of all, you have to know that you have to book the Inca Trail with an official Inca Trail operator located in Cusco . Many travel agencies in Peru are Inca Trail operators but not all.

If you book through a travel agency with a good reputation in your home country, for sure they will make the Inca trail reservation through one of those official, licenses Inca Trail Operators in Cusco.

Remember you cannot simply buy an Inca trail permit online and organise the trek by yourself, nor can guides or others (that are not an official agency) buy the Inca Trail Ticket or make any reservations for you.

Steps for booking the Inca trail

• Check availability First, you want to check the date(s) are still available. You can check availability at our home page (or at machupicchu.gob.pe ). The information comes from the Ministry of Culture and is the same for all tour operators. The number of spaces can vary very quickly. Agencies usually book up to 30 spaces at once, so don’t be surprised if suddenly the available spaces are sold out. Once the number of available permits drops under 150, you have to be very quick and might have only 2 – 3 days (or not even) to finalise your booking. Tour operators in Cusco cannot ‘hold’ spaces for you.
• Choose a reliable Travel Agency in Cusco Finding a good and reliable agency in Cusco that is an authorised Inca Trail Operator is not always easy. How do know that you will have a well organized and professionally guided trek and great experience in Cusco? How do you make sure that your money is in good hands and that you will have the service you paid for once in Peru? And that the staff will be paid well?
• Compare agencies We recommend you do a bit of 'shopping' and compare agencies; there is no need to go for the most expensive one (some are very expensive) but don't take the cheapest either. The cheapest company will certainly not be the best, and the most expensive ones might be overcharging. You want an agency that provides a good service and one that suits your budget. Also, be sure that it includes all tickets and services and that there are no hidden costs.
• Note about Inca Trail prices The Inca Trail is not cheap. All Inca Trail Tours included the Inca Trail permits (approx. $ 90), the entrance to Machu Picchu (approx. $ 45), transport to the start of the trek, the train back to Cusco, camping equipment, all meals, porters, a cook, a guide. This means that ones you have a spot, you can forget about all of this and concentrate on the fun part of preparing your trip! Generally speaking, we can say that you are safe when you book the Inca trail between $ 650 and $ 900 (upgraded service) per person, depending on how big the group (or if it is a private service), the camping materials provided, the train etc.
• Responsible Tourism Choose a trekking company that practices responsible tourism and that pays fair wages and gives good treatment to the porters : the people that carry the camping equipment and the food during the hike. Read more about the situation of the porters of the Inca trail here .

Inca Trail permits can only be bought by an official Inca Trail operator in Cusco, with the valid passport of the passenger. The tour operator will use the names and passport numbers that you send with your trek booking application so make sure it’s complete and accurate. We recommend you send a copy of your passport, so there can be no mistakes with the number.

• You must bring the same passport with you to Cusco and take it with you on the Inca Trail as it will be checked on the first day of the hike. If the name or number on your passport do not match with the name and number on the trek permit, you will not be allowed to start the Inca Trai (nor will you be granted a refund).
• In case you need to renew your passport between the booking date and the starting date of the Inca Trail, you must send a copy of your NEW passport to your trek operator and carry the OLD passport with you to Peru. The operator will change the number on your permit before you arrive (there is an extra cost for this).
• Student Card. If you make a booking with a student card, you must send a copy at the moment of booking and bring the original card on the trek. If you don’t, you will not be able to start the trek, nor will you be given the possibility of paying the difference in price. In some cases – especially when there is a time limit due to availability – you might need to forget about the student discount. Not all student cards are recognised so make sure your card meets the requirements.
• Check your payment options Different Inca Trail operators offer different payment methods, and you can choose the one that works best for you. Especially when you are in a rush (due to decreasing availability), make sure you look into this on time and reassure that your credit card has funds, you have the required credit card (in Peru agencies mostly accept VISA), you have opened a PayPal account etc. When there are only a few Inca trail tickets left, a few hours can make the difference.
• Contact a Tour Operator and Book! Once you’ve made your choice and you have picked an Inca Trail operator, like e.g. Dos Manos Peru Travel , and you know there is availability and you have your passport and a valid payment option, you are ready to book the inca trail! Contact the Inca Trail operator of your choice and wait for them to get back to you with the confirmation! Depending on the Inca Trail operator, they will ask you to book online on their website or to send a booking form by email. Some agencies will ask you to give a second date, in case the Inca Trail tickets are sold out for your preferred date.

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Paradise Path

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Paradise path description.

The Paradise Path forms a critical link between the Latah Trail and Bill Chipman Palouse Trail , two long rail-trails on opposite sides of Moscow, Idaho. Winding within Moscow city limits, the Paradise Path closely follows Paradise Creek for most of its route.

The trail's western end passes through the University of Idaho's campus, making it a useful recreation and active transportation amenity for students, staff and visitors. The trail's eastern end opens up into verdant farmland, but not before a scenic pass through shady Berman Creekside Park, where a beautiful collection of trees and flowers awaits. The park is well-used in the winter, too: a sledding hill and outdoor fireplace welcome visitors of all ages.

Parking and Trail Access

Parking for the Paradise Path is available at Berman Creekside Park (382 Styner Avenue) in Moscow.

Paradise Path Reviews

Great trail connecting Latah Trail and Bill Chipman Trail

While short, this is a fantastic trail that I run and bike on all the time. I've rollerbladed on it too, although there are enough tree roots and other challenges that made rollerblading on it a one-time event.

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Latah Trail

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Bill Chipman Palouse Trail

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Ed Corkill Memorial River Trail

Length: 5.3 mi.

Lewiston Levee Parkway Trail

Length: 12.3 mi.

Greenbelt Trail (WA)

Length: 7 mi.

Colfax Trail

Length: 3 mi.

Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail

Length: 236.46 mi.

Great American Rail-Trail

Length: 3743.9 mi.

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Length: 73.2 mi.

Milwaukee Road Rail-Trail (Pearson to Calder)

Length: 36.1 mi.

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When Star Trek: Discovery arrived on screens in 2017, it signaled the start of a new golden age for Star Trek. Go behind-the-scenes in this collector's edition with the cast and crew of the USS Discovery as they navigate a Klingon conflict, a mysterious angel, and go further in time than any man has gone before. Featuring interviews with stars Sonequa Martin-Green (Burnham), Doug Jones (Saru), Michelle Yeoh (Georgiou), Jason Isaacs (Lorca), Anson Mount (Pike), Ethan Peck (Spock), Anthony Rapp (Stamets), Wilson Cruz (Culber) Mary Wiseman (Tilly), and many more. Also including on-set reports, interviews with key creatives, explorations of make-up and prosthetics, and features exploring Discovery's place in the Star Trek canon.  

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Star Trek Shipyards: The Borg and the Delta Quadrant Vol. 1 - Akritirian to Kren im : The Encyclopedia of Starfleet Ships

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Join the crew of the original Starship Enterprise in these all-new adventures near the end of their five-year mission. The Enterprise and her crew finally make it back to Federation space, but the Federation they find isn't quite the same as the one they had left behind! Kirk grapples with a very personal Klingon threat, even as the Enterprise begins its homecoming victory tour, and the Federation's upcoming presidential election is upended when Harry Mudd enters the race! All this against the backdrop of a sinister malaise threatening to rot the Federation from within. Terrible secrets are revealed, among them the origin of Gary Seven and the grand designs of the shadowy AEGIS organization. Can Kirk and the Enterprise crew excise this corruption, or will the five-year mission end in failure? Collects issues #13-19 of the ongoing series by writers Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, Jody Houser, and Jim McCann with artists Angel Hernandez, Silvia Califano, and J.K. Woodward.  

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Star Trek Shipyards: The Delta Quadrant Vol. 2 - Ledosian to Zahl

Profiling more than 50 ships that Voyager encountered in the Delta Quadrant, this is the 2nd of two volumes that profile the ships from STAR TREK: VOYAGER. Featuring the Lokirrim Warship, the Species 8472 Bioship, and the Vidiian Warships, and many more. Including technical overviews and operational histories, the ships are illustrated with CG artwork, created using the original VFX models made for the STAR TREK: VOYAGER TV series. With previously unseen artwork, the two official volumes form the most comprehensive account of ships from STAR TREK: VOYAGER ever produced.  

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Star Trek Designing Starships: Deep Space Nine and Beyond

The inventive concept art behind Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's titular space station, U.S.S. Defiant and dozens more ships comes to life on the page! Deep Space Nine is considered by many Star Trek fans to be the best of all the Trek shows in the franchise's illustrious 55-year history, and Star Trek Designing Starships puts the spotlight on the show's space-faring vessels. The fifth entry in Hero Collector's ongoing series of Star Trek Designing Starships, Deep Space Nine and Beyond delivers original production art and extensive interviews with the award-wining artists who created the ships and helped bring them to the screen over the course of the show's seven-year run (1993-1999) and its 176 episodes.  

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Star Trek: Starfleet Is... : Celebrating the Federation's Ideals

What is Starfleet? It is the universe's most famous and inspirational coalitions of all time. It has boldly gone where no pop culture franchise has gone before. It is the foundation for a thriving community of passionate fans. Creator Gene Roddenberry said Star Trek "was an attempt to say that humanity will reach maturity and wisdom on the day that it begins not just to tolerate but take a special delight in differences in ideas and differences in life forms…If we cannot learn to actually enjoy those small differences, to take a positive delight in those small differences between our own kind, here on this planet, then we do not deserve to go out into space and meet the diversity that is almost certainly out there." After more than 50 years, 11 television series, 13 movies, and countless fan conventions later, Star Trek fans of all ages continue to gather—in person or virtually—and enjoy, share, and live up to Roddenberry's optimistic vision of the future. Fully authorized and filled with full-color images spanning the entire canon, Star Trek: Starfleet is… celebrates of Roddenberry's vision. This commemorative book highlights 50 of the key traits of the Star Trek universe and demonstrates, through memorable images and beautiful artwork, how these ideals are personified by everyone from Kirk and Spock, to Picard and Janeway, to Burnham and Mariner, and their voyages to everywhere from Earth to Vulcan, from Q'onoS to the Delta Quadrant, and even to the Mirror Universe and back in time—and how they are actively and sincerely lived by the Star Trek fans themselves. What is Starfleet? Starfleet is fun. Starfleet is not always logical. Starfleet is adventure. Starfleet is brave. Starfleet is compassion. Starfleet is diverse. Starfleet is evolving. And it is by sharing their passions, supporting one another through difficult times, celebrating one another's successes, and boldly going into a bright and hopeful future that Star Trek fans show that, above all, Starfleet is family. Starfleet is forever. 

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Star Trek: Picard: Last Best Hope

Every end has a beginning…and this electrifying novel details the events leading into the new Star Trek TV series, introducing you to brand-new characters featured in the life of Jean-Luc Picard—widely considered to be one of the most popular and recognizable characters in all of science fiction.

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Star Trek: The Wisdom of Picard : An Official Star Trek Collection

Discover all of Captain Jean-Luc Picard's sage advice, insight, and wisdom from the deck of the U.S.S. Enterprise and beyond in this ultimate collection of wise words from the esteemed Starfleet captain. Any Star Trek fan knows that Captain Jean-Luc Picard is renowned for his impressive oratory skills, preferring negotiation and diplomacy over violence and destruction. Now, you can finally ponder all of his wisdom in one place—from his thoughts on leadership and sense of duty to justice and the limitlessness of exploration—in Star Trek : The Wisdom of Picard. Journey with the Starfleet captain through his seven seasons on Star Trek: The Next Generation to the Star Trek movies to the current series Star Trek: Picard . Star Trek : The Wisdom of Picard boldly goes where no book has gone before to log Picard's timeless advice in one impressive collection, perfect for Star Trek fans everywhere! Make it so!

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Star Trek: Picard: The Dark Veil

A thrilling untold adventure based on the acclaimed Star Trek: Picard TV series! The Alpha Quadrant is mired in crisis. Within the United Federation of Planets, a terrorist strike on the shipyards of Mars has led to the shutdown of all relief efforts for millions of Romulans facing certain doom from an impending super­nova. But when the USS Titan is drawn into a catastrophic incident on the Romulan-Federation border, Captain William Riker, his family, and his crew find themselves caught between the shocking secrets of an enigmatic alien species and the deadly agenda of a ruthless Tal Shiar operative. Forced into a wary alliance with a Romulan starship commander, Riker and the Titan crew must uncover the truth to stop a dev­astating attack—but one wrong move could plunge the entire sector into open conflict!

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Star Trek: Discovery: Wonderlands

An all-new novel based upon the explosive Star Trek TV series! In a desperate attempt to prevent the artificial intelligence known as Control from seizing crucial information that could destroy all sentient life, Commander Michael Burnham donned the "Red Angel" time-travel suit and guided the USS Discovery into the future and out of harm's way. But something has gone terribly wrong, and Burnham has somehow arrived in a place far different from anything she could have imagined—more than nine hundred years out of her time, with Discovery nowhere to be found, and where the mysterious and cataclysmic event known as "the Burn" has utterly decimated Starfleet and, with it, the United Federation of Planets. How then can she possibly exist day-to-day in this strange place? What worlds are out there waiting to be discovered? Do any remnants of Starfleet and the Federation possibly endure? With more questions than answers, Burnham must nevertheless forge new friendships and new alliances if she hopes to survive this future long enough for the Discovery crew to find her....

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Star Trek: Designing the Final Frontier : How Midcentury Modernism Shaped Our View of the Future

Celebrate Star Trek: The Original Series and the show's distinctive Midcentury modern design that would change design– and television–forever. Star Trek: The Original Series (1966-1969) was the first installment of one of the most successful and longest-running television franchises of all time. Today, Trek fans champion its writing, progressive social consciousness, and aesthetic. Designing the Final Frontier is a unique, expert look at the mid-century modern design that created and inspired that aesthetic. From Burke chairs to amorphous sculptures, from bright colors to futuristic frames, Star Trek TOS is bursting with mid-century modern furniture, art, and design elements—many of them bought directly from famous design showrooms. Together, midcentury modern design experts Dan Chavkin and Brian McGuire have created an insider's guide to the interior of original starship Enterprise and beyond, that is sure to attract Star Trek 's thriving global fan base.

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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