All Inca Trail Tours take visitors through the dense jungles of Cusco to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. Our 4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is designed to provide you with a thrilling travel experience. The Inca Trail was once part of the extensive network of roads that connected the old Inca Empire. After the Spanish Conquest, this network of roads largely disappeared. However, following the discovery of ancient Inca cities, some sections of the Inca Trail have been restored to their former glory, including the route to Machu Picchu. This trek offers a unique way to reach the lost city of Machu Picchu, providing a distinct experience compared to taking the train. The classic Inca Trail is a 4-day, 3-night hiking trip, covering approximately 40 km (25 miles). The journey begins at the town of Ollantaytambo and concludes at the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu. Most of the trail is steep and narrow, traversing the high altitudes of the Andean mountains. Key attractions include the lush cloud forests of South America and the ancient remnants of Inca sites. Throughout the hike, local guides and porters will assist you. The Inca Trail passes through a region with diverse climates and wildlife; around 400 species of native plants and exotic bird species like the Cock of the Rock, Green Jay, and Pava de Monte can be spotted. Adventurers will encounter many archaeological sites, starting with Patallacta on the first day, and Runkurakay, notable for its semicircular design. The most impressive structure is the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), located at the end of the Inca Trail, where hikers can witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu. We recommend spending at least two days in Cusco beforehand to acclimate and prevent altitude sickness. At the end of each trekking day, we will rest at designated campgrounds along the Inca Trail, which provide spaces for lunch and toilet tents. Enjoy one of the most thrilling Machu Picchu Tours in Cusco!
Start of the Inca Trail: Patallacta and Wayllabamba
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Our staff will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and transport you by car to the town of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley, where you’ll meet our trekking team. From there, we’ll take a bus to Piscacucho, located at Km 82 of the railway to Machu Picchu, marking the official start of our Inca Trail trek. Before entering the trail, government officials will check documents and trail permits, and all bags will be weighed. This process takes approximately 45 minutes, during which your tour operator will provide additional information. Porters are available to carry personal belongings for an extra fee. We then begin our hike, covering about 12 km (7.5 miles) in 4 to 6 hours. The initial section of the Inca Trail is relatively flat, leading to the village of Miskay. The terrain then changes and becomes steeper until we reach the archaeological site of Patallacta, where we’ll enjoy a warm lunch before continuing to Wayllabamba, our first campsite.
Challenging ascent to Warmiwañusca Pass
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Today is the most challenging day of the trek, covering approximately 16 km (10 miles) over 7 to 8 hours. After leaving Wayllabamba, we’ll head towards Warmiwañusca, also known as Dead Woman’s Pass, situated at an altitude of 4215 m.a.s.l. This segment is considered the most difficult due to its steep terrain but is also incredibly scenic, enveloped by a lush cloud forest. Before reaching the pass, we’ll stop at Llulluchapampa, a campsite nestled in a small plain between two mountain streams, perfect for a refreshing coca tea to help with altitude. After conquering Dead Woman’s Pass, we’ll begin our descent to Pacaymayo, where we will have dinner and rest at our campsite.
Ancient ruins of Runkurakay and Wiñay Wayna
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On our third day, we will trek approximately 16 km (10 miles) for 8 to 10 hours. Starting from our campsite, we’ll ascend towards the Runkurakay Pass, located at 3900 m.a.s.l. We’ll then visit the impressive ruins of Runkurakay, notable for its distinctive semicircular design. The day concludes at Wiñay Wayna, meaning ‘Forever Young’, which features numerous agricultural warehouses and terraces. This will be our final campsite before our anticipated arrival at Machu Picchu. It is customary to prepare a tip jar for the guide, cooks, and porters who have supported us throughout the journey.
Sunrise at the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu
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Today is the most anticipated day as we make our final push to Machu Picchu. We’ll wake up early to hike from Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), arriving just in time to witness a spectacular sunrise over the majestic citadel. After marveling at the panoramic views, we will descend into Machu Picchu for a comprehensive guided tour of this ancient wonder, exploring its temples, terraces, and key structures. Following the tour, you’ll have free time to explore on your own or simply soak in the atmosphere of this incredible Inca city. Later, we’ll take a bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have lunch and some free time before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, and then transfer by bus to Cusco, concluding your unforgettable Inca Trail adventure.
A valid passport is required for all travelers and must match the one used for your Inca Trail permit. Limited permits are issued daily, so early booking is crucial.
Porters will carry the collective camping equipment and food. You are responsible for carrying your personal daypack. If you require assistance with your personal belongings, additional porters can be hired at an extra cost. There are strict weight limits for porters, so it’s essential to pack light.
The Inca Trail is considered difficult, with steep ascents and high altitudes. We recommend at least 2-3 months of cardiovascular training (e.g., running, hiking) before your trip. It’s also crucial to acclimate in Cusco for at least two days prior to starting the trek to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
The dry season, from May to October, is generally considered the best time to hike the Inca Trail due to clearer skies and less rain. However, this is also peak season, so permits sell out quickly. The wet season (November to April) can offer fewer crowds but presents more challenging trail conditions.
While there are no official age restrictions, participants should be in good physical condition and prepared for a challenging trek. We recommend consulting with a doctor if you have any health concerns, especially for younger children or older adults.
During the trek, basic toilet tents are provided at campsites. These are generally simple facilities. There are no shower facilities available on the trail; however, at some campsites, you might find cold water streams to freshen up. For hygiene, wet wipes and hand sanitizer are highly recommended.
Traveler Experiences
Recent comments
A very enriching experience, full of history and good coordination even with changing weather during the route.
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