Classic 4-day Inca Trail

Explore ancient Inca sites, observe stunning landscapes and trek though the cloud forest to Machu Picchu. One of the world's most inspirational treks.

The Classic 4-day Inca Trail is one of the most incredible hikes in the world, walking cross 43 kilometres of ancient roads built by the Incas hundreds of years ago. You will observe stunning landscapes, snow-capped mountains, jungle, unique flora and fauna, and the archaeological sites Llactapata, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñayhuayna and, of course, Machu Picchu.

Culminating with sun rise at Intipunku, the sun gate overlooking Machu Picchu. The trail is rugged and steep in places, crossing a pass of 4,200m, trekking at this altitude can be tough, requiring acclimatisation and good levels of fitness.

Group Inca Trails

Walk the Inca trail, accompanied by an expert local guide. Porters and cooks, enable you to enjoy the trail without the burden of rucksacks and camping gear. Tents are provided, set up and packed away for you, allowing more time for the walk. You need only to carry your daypack with essentials for a day’s walk. Groups are made up of other travellers.

Tour details

• Duration: 4 days
• Degree of difficulty - medium to hard.
• Includes: 3 nights camping, meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners), porters, full transportation, guide, entrance fees, camping equipment (tents, thin mat) and more.
• Not included: sleeping bag, trekking pole.
• Entrance: Machu Picchu Solo ticket included.
• Group sizes: from 4 to 16 people maximum.
• Maximum altitude - 4,200 metres above sea level
• Minimum altitude - 2,160 metres above sea level
• Maximum temperatures - 20-26 degrees Celsius
• Minimum temperatures - 0-8 degrees celsius

   

  Itinerary:

  Day 1 Cusco to Huayllabamba

  Early in the morning, pick you up at your hotel and take a private bus to Piscacucho located at kilometre 82 (2,800 m / 9,186 ft). On the way we will pass through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, through the towns of Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, here we will make a small stop so that you can visit the local market and buy some supplies for the walk. Then we will continue our journey to Piscacucho and begin with the walk on the banks of the Urubamba River. In this first section of the Inca trail, we will visit the small community of Miskay (2,800 m / 9,186 ft). Later we will begin to ascend towards a small plateau, where we will be able to enjoy an extraordinary Andean landscape and an Inca construction known as Patallacta, located at 2,750 m/ 9,022 ft. After having walked for about 2 hours we will arrive at our first camp located in the Huayllabamba area at 3,000 m/9,842 ft.

  Day 2 - Huayllabamba to Pacaymayo

  Today we ascend towards the Warmihuañusca pass, starting with a 1 hour walk towards the Ayapata valley,   known for having a high Andean valley microclimate. Then we will pass through a narrow path full of vegetation, passing over a small bridge that will take us through a stunning cloud forest. Finally we will reach the highest point, the Warmihuañusca pass, a name in Quechua that means “When the woman dies”. This point has a height of 4,200 m/13,779 ft. Descend through a winding valley and stop for lunch. During this journey it is possible to observe various types of birds. We follow the route until we reach the Pacaymayu River Valley (3,600 m/11,811 ft), where we will have dinner and overnight camp.

  Day 3 - Pacaymayo to Wiñayhuayna

  For many visitors this is one of the longest days, but at the same time one of the most beautiful. We start with a walk ascending a steep path, pass through a second pass where the impressive archaeological remains of Runkuracay (3,800 m/12,467 ft) which takes its name from its unique half-circle shape. Then we will ascend towards the Yanacocha lagoon (black lagoon) and continue until we reach Sayaqmarca (3,600 m/ 11,811 ft), called “The dominant town”, where we will see interesting Inca ruins. Then we continue uphill until we reach the third and last pass, where we will see the ancient town of Phuyupatamarca (3,665 m/12,024 ft), “Town above the clouds”, which is undoubtedly one of the most original citadels along the Inca Trail. It is located on the edge of a ravine. After visiting this site we will descend around 2,000 cobbled stairs until we reach the Wiñaywayna citadel (2,700 m/8,858 ft), which means “Forever young”, the name derives thanks to the typical orchids that can be found throughout the year. After exploring each corner of Wiñaywayna, we make our last camp. This will be the night in which we say goodbye to our porters or excursion staff with a small farewell party.

  Day 4 - Wiñaywayna to Machu Picchu

  After three hours of walking, we will arrive at the Intipunku or Puerta del Sol area (2,490 m/8,169 ft). A small complex of small buildings that apparently appear to have been used as a control. It is an excellent opportunity to take panoramic photos of the citadel of Machu Picchu. We arrive for sunrise, and a special opportunity to observe the majestic splendour of Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. Then we will descend and visit the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. We will have a guided tour of approximately 2 hours. We will also have free time so that you can enjoy this wonder of the world independently you can visit Huayna Picchu (it is not included in the tour). Then we will go down by bus to Aguas Calientes (2,160 m/7,087 ft) where you can visit the thermal baths of the town.

  Extend your stay in Machu Picchu or return to Cusco by bus and train.

Private Inca Trails

A first class version of the Group Inca Trail offering greater levels of comfort,where there are no latrines toilets are provided. Meals are eaten at a table in the mess tent, and sleeping tents come complete with foam mattresses. Designed for those who wish to experience the trail in the greatest comfort possible for this remote area.