View All Photos

Inca Trails Treks 48 Reviews

Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights

4 Days / 3 Nights

Cusco, Machu Picchu

Difficulty: Challenging

Max 12 people

Tour Overview

The 4 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of Peru’s most iconic trekking adventures, combining breathtaking Andean landscapes, ancient Inca ruins, rich cultural experiences, and an unforgettable journey to the legendary Machu Picchu. Follow the legendary stone pathways built by the Incas over 500 years ago as you journey through cloud forests, high mountain passes, and remarkably preserved archaeological sites before arriving at the majestic Machu Picchu through the famous Sun Gate.

This unforgettable 4-day, 3-night trek offers the perfect balance of adventure, history, and comfort, making it one of the most rewarding hiking experiences in South America.

Location: Cusco Region, Peru
Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights

From

$ 749 USD

Date

Travellers

Traveler(s) (1)

Adults

Min 1 $749 USD

Students

Student ID $749 USD

Children

2 to 17 years $712 USD

Subtotal US $0.00

TOTAL PRICE US $0.00

This tour requires a manual permit availability check before payment can be processed.

Choose a travel date to enable booking.

Free cancellation up to 72 hrs

24/7 Professional emergency support

Tour Highlights

Experience the 4 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas along one of the world’s most iconic trekking routes. Discover breathtaking Andean landscapes, fascinating archaeological sites, diverse ecosystems, and spectacular mountain views throughout this unforgettable adventure.

From challenging mountain passes to lush cloud forests filled with orchids and native wildlife, every section of the trail offers something unique. Your journey culminates at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll catch your first glimpse of Machu Picchu, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

More than just a hike, the Classic Inca Trail is a once-in-a-lifetime journey through history, nature, and the extraordinary legacy of the Inca Empire.

Tour Highlights

Hike the world-famous Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Trek through breathtaking Andean mountains and lush cloud forests.
Visit impressive Inca archaeological sites, including:
- Llactapata
- Runkurakay
- Sayacmarca
- Phuyupatamarca
- Wiñay Wayna
Cross the legendary Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,828 ft).
Enter Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at sunrise.
Explore the Lost City of the Incas with an expert local guide.
Enjoy freshly prepared Peruvian meals cooked by our professional trekking chefs.
Participate in a fun cooking demonstration featuring traditional Peruvian dishes and cocktails.
Relax with a hot tub experience after the trek (where included).
Enjoy cultural performances and live entertainment.
Camp under the spectacular Andean night sky.

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco - Piscacucho - Wayllabamba

We will leave Cusco and travel to Urubamba, where we will stop briefly in Ollantaytambo, where you can buy last minute equipment and personal needs, then transfer to Piscacucho (Km 82) and the start of the Inca Trail. We will have lunch in Miskay and relax a bit before hiking to our first campsite. Wuayllabamba, On the way we will see the first and largest archaeological site of the Inca Trail Patallaqta.

Day 2: Wayllabamba - Warmiwañusca - Pacaymayo

We will start the day, early in the morning, just to take advantage of the shade of the mountains, it is much better to walk to the highest point of the Inca Trail. Here we can literally see the diverse ecological zones and microclimates that make up the area laid out in front of us as we cross the Warmiwañusca pass at 4,200m/13,780 feet above sea level. After lunch we will continue to Pacaymayo camp, where we will enjoy dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Day 3: Paqaymayu – Chaq’icocha - Wiñaywayna

It begins with a nutritious breakfast and then a 45-minute hike to the second highest pass on the trail (3,850m. / 12,631 ft.), and on the way we will visit the Runcuracay archaeological site during the day hike, we will also visit the Quechua archaeological sites of Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca. After lunch we will head to the Wiñayhuayna site, where we will spend our last night on the Inca Trail.

Day 4: Wiñaywayna - Machu Picchu - Cusco

After an early breakfast, we begin the final stretch of the trek to the lost city of Machu Picchu. First, we will walk to Inti Punku (“Gate of the Sun”), where we will enjoy an inspiring panoramic view of the citadel of Machu Picchu. After a short hike to Machu Picchu, we will check in and then enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of the sanctuary. After the tour of Machu Picchu, we will take the bus or walk to Aguas Calientes, where we will enjoy a buffet lunch and free time to enjoy the town before returning to Cusco by train.

Inclusions

Included

Professional bilingual guide (spanish – english).
Pick up from the hotel.
Bus (Cusco – Piscacuchu).
Entrance fees to the Inca Trail.
A cook to prepare all meals.
Meals: 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners.
Kitchen equipment: dining tent, kitchen with table and chairs.
Camping tent.
Air mattress.
Entrance fees to Machu Picchu.
Train (Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo).
Bus (Ollantaytambo – Cusco).

Not Included

Last dinner.
Cold drinks.

What to bring

Original passport and student card (ISIC) green card.
Essential insurance card.
Walking boots (with ankle protectors).
Waterproof jacket / rain poncho.
Warm jacket, hat and gloves.
Comfortable shirts and pants.
Sun protection cream (factor 35 is recommended).
Insect repellent minimum 30% DEET.
Toiletries.
Personal medications.
Camera.
Flashlight with spare batteries.
Water purification tablets (Micropur recommended).
Toilet paper.
Suggested extra contribution.

Pricing & Dates

Tour PriceAdult (min. 2 participants): USD 349 per person

Children under 9USD 20 discount (must be accompanied by adult)

DeparturesYear-round, flexible

Optional Add-Ons

Tour toolsSleeping bag, air mattress, trekking poles rentals

Sleeping bag, air mattress, trekking poles rentals

Train upgradesVistadome, Observatory, Hiram Bingham

Wayna Picchu mountain ticket

Hotel upgrades

FAQs

1. How difficult is the 4 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

The 4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is considered a challenging trek due to its steep ascents, uneven stone paths, and high altitude. A reasonable level of physical fitness and some hiking experience are recommended to complete the journey comfortably.

How long is the 4-day Inca Trail hike?

The Classic Inca Trail covers approximately 43 kilometers (26 miles) over four days and three nights. Along the route, hikers explore ancient Inca ruins, cross mountain passes, and walk through Andean landscapes before reaching Machu Picchu.

What is the best time to hike the Inca Trail?

The best time to hike the Inca Trail is from May to September, during Peru’s dry season. These months generally offer clearer skies and better trekking conditions. However, April and October are also good alternatives for travelers seeking fewer crowds.

How far in advance should I book the Inca Trail?

We recommend booking your Inca Trail trek at least 3 to 6 months in advance, particularly for departures between May and September. Permits are limited and subject to availability, so early reservations help secure your preferred travel dates.

What is the highest point of the Inca Trail?

The highest point is Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca), located approximately 4,215 meters (13,828 feet) above sea level. This section is one of the most physically demanding parts of the trek, making proper acclimatization essential.

Packing Guide

Essential Documents

Original passport (required to enter the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu)
Valid Inca Trail permit and travel documents (provided by your tour operator)
Travel insurance information (recommended)
Student ID (if you booked with a student discount)

Trekking Essentials

Daypack (20–30L)
Reusable water bottles or hydration bladder (2–3 liters capacity)
Comfortable, broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support
Trekking poles with rubber tips (optional, but highly recommended)
Waterproof rain jacket or poncho
Warm thermal base layers
Fleece or insulated jacket
Hiking pants and moisture-wicking shirts
Hat or beanie for cold mornings
Sun hat or cap for daytime hiking
Lightweight gloves

Personal Items

High-SPF sunscreen
Insect repellent
Lip balm with SPF
Sunglasses with UV protection
Personal toiletries
Personal medications
Basic first-aid essentials (blister treatment, pain relief, bandages)
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Toilet paper or travel tissues

Related Tours

Explore other hand-crafted premium expeditions and hiking journeys curated by our local specialists.

From $749

Book Now

Real stories, true adventures.

Customer Experiences

Memorable trips generate grateful hearts and we are lucky to have received over 8,000 reviews from satisfied customers telling us about their wonderful experiences in their South America journeys thanks to our advice, support, and services. So, be part of them!

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 48 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Clay P 
 
 
 
 Verified Ahead of the crowd and thorough.
My wife and I truly enjoyed the journey Ruben took us on through the Sacred Valley. He was extremely informative, patient and accommodating. We will remember the tour for a long time. Also, Ruben really was ahead of the crowd as he took a route that got us to most of the sites before the crowds formed. So much nicer without the crowds. Thank you Ruben for a wonderful day.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Elisa H 
 
 
 
 Verified Fantastic experience
I wholeheartedly recommend David as a tour guide. He was so funny keeping the morale in the group high through the entire trek. Ha also had so much knowledge that he shared with us. We could not have asked for a better guide!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Liam M 
 
 
 
 Verified Unforgettable experience thanks to David Condori
Having David as my guide back in October was the best experience of my life. David made sure to make a connection with every guest, and I was lucky enough to become good friends with him. He is so fun and youthful, but can also lock in and be serious while spreading his wonderful knowledge about the Inca’s and Peru’s rich history. 10000/10 experience
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Tim 
 
 
 
 Verified Great Salkantay 3 night trip to Machu Picchu
If your looking for a guide for the Salkantay trek, David is your guy!! We did the hike with him in April 2025 (3 nights track) and it was honestly the highlight of our hole trip. David is so knowledgeable about the mountains and really looked after us the entire time. He's such a genuine person and made the hike feel like we were just out with a friend who happens to know everything about the mountains. Make sure you are somewhat fit as the track is partly challenging due to the height.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   James G 
 
 
 
 Verified Awesome guides
This review is a little bit delayed but we are writing it for David, who is an amazing and caring guide. He looked after someone in our group that was unwell and then once he had helped them return he trooped on and still gave us his all. Cheers David!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   sjupp2023 
 
 
 
 Verified You couldn't ask for a better guide!
I went on a 5 day trek on the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu as part of a 4 week expedition with school. I was lead teacher. How lucky were we to have Ruben as our guide! Firstly, he is such a lovely soul and so easy to get along with. Safety was always his priority and we never felt out of our comfort zone. He knows the area like the back of his hand, and his knowledge of the local flora and forna is second to none. Also, he is an accomplished musician, and whipped out a homemade flute which he played along a trail one day. All in all, we couldn't have asked for a better guide. Highly recommended.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Tom B 
 
 
 
 Verified Awesome Time
We had an awesome time with Ruben as our guide, and we’re gonna miss him! He’s always ensuring you’re having a great time, making you laugh & sharing his knowledge about Peru’s flora, fauna and Inca history. Definitely recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Ana 
 
 
 
 Verified Salkantay trek with David
I had such an incredible once in a lifetime experience doing this 4 day salkantay trek with David as our tour guide. The views were absolutely astonishing and we had such good fun as a group. We all really enjoyed the challenge and David was there every step of the way to help us and encourage us. David was so kind, friendly and knowledgeable throughout the whole trip - he really helped to make the trip as amazing as it could be and we all really appreciated his efforts.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Schyler 
 
 
 
 Verified Laguna Humantay with the best tour guide!
I thoroughly enjoyed the Humantay Lake tour with David! The tour actually began the night before, as David called to make sure each passenger felt comfortable and prepared for early pick up the next morning. This especially meant a lot to me as a female solo traveler. The tour was excellently executed and ran very smoothly. After arriving by car to the base of the mountain, we began the lovely hike. David went out of his way to teach us about the animals and plants we went past, as well as telling us about Incan history. He even gave us the opportunity to participate in a small thanksgiving to Pachamama with stones next to the lake. The hike itself was manageable, especially with his expert guidance and flexibility if we needed assistance. And it was so worth it for the stunning view of the lake in the mountains! We were given the perfect amount of time and freedom to admire the scenery at the top and take pictures before heading back down. I highly recommend visiting Laguna Humantay for a day trip with a mix of nature and history/culture, and I recommend booking it with David. Thanks for a great experience!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Austin H 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing trip
It was amazing, super good guide coyote was amazing and the whole experience was perfect. Food was good, had plenty of it, and tents were nice aswell

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 5 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   julieta cecilia belen berrone 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excelente experiencia en Cuzco, hospedajes cómodos y limpios, puntuales en los horarios, cuando se presentaron inconvenientes lo resolvieron con eficiencia, rapidez y mucha amabilidad. Braian y Edson nos guiaron con paciencia y carisma haciendonos conocer cada detalle de la historia y cultura peruana, estuvieron atentos en las excursiones de altura velando por nuestra seguridad.  Mario nos acompañó con vocación también ayudándonos en cada recorrido. Nos vemos la próxima!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Fabiana Vidal 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Agradecida por la atención de la empresa, en particular de Brayan Acuña y de Edson que nos hicieron sentir como en casa. Gracias por el acompañamiento en cada experiencia: Machu Pichu, Laguna Humantay y Montaña de colores.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Silvina Serafini 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Experiencia inolvidable,  acompañamiento incondicional de Braian Acuña y Edsom a mi persona!! Felicitaciones por ese hermoso equipo dd trabajo
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alejandra Sanchez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fueron excelentes guías, tanto Bryan como Edson, siempre dando todo lo mejor,explicando todo,haciendo que estemos cómodos, gracias de corazon por todo los momentos compartidos
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Yaquelyne Patricia Caceres Valdeiglesias 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Muy bonita experiencia  recomendado excelente servicio