“Classic Machu Picchu Trek”
4 Days Tour Highlights
Classic 4 days Inca Trail Trek from Km. 82, Complete Machu Picchu Tour and great scenic train ride
- Tour starts in Cusco and ends in Machu Picchu
- Departs any day
- Inca trail permit included
- Machu Picchu ticket included
- Free luggage storage in Cusco
Overview
Walking from one ancient Inca ruin to the next is a mystical and enigmatic experience you will never forget
Machu Picchu’s peculiar emplacement, high in the emerald green Andes, is characterized by a mystical cloud forest environment. This type of ecosystem is the habitat of unique species of flora and fauna, some of them threatened with extinction.
The invaluable archaeological heritage of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu combines magnificently with the splendid natural surroundings.
- Arrive to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
- Inca Trail permit included.
- We pick you up from your Cusco hotel.
- Expert guides and porters.
- FREE luggage storage while hiking.
Itinerary
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Day 1 (L)(D) : Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Piscacucho, Wayllabamba – “Vamonos!”
The adventure begins today in Cusco, Peru. Before leaving the hotel, make sure you are carrying your original passport and for those with a discount, a valid Student ID card is necessary. Travelers are collected at around 6:00 am from their hotels and start a spectacular scenic drive through the mythical Sacred Valley of the Incas with beautiful views of the Urubamba river, picturesque Andean villages and the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo.
In Piscacucho, kilometer eighty two, you will get acquainted with the rest of the crew and the porters who will be carrying the camping equipment. After clearing the gates and crossing a suspension footbridge across the Urubamba river, the trek begins with a gentle climb. Superb views of the snow-capped peak of Wakay Willka known as Veronica (5,893m) can be observed. After lunch, continue hiking towards the extensive Inca settlement of Llactapata and appreciate the impressive farming terraces. The Inca Trail follows the left bank of the river up to the village of Wayllabamba at 3,000m where you will enjoy dinner and camp for the night.
(about 5 hr. trekking – 12 Km/7.5 miles)
Day 2 (B)(L)(D) : Wayllabamba, Warmi Wañuska (Dead Woman’s Pass), Paqaymayu – “Si se puede!”
Early wake up call, with hot tea brought to your tent. You need to complete a steep ascent reaching an altitude of 4,215m at Warmi Wañuska pass, the highest point of the Inca Trail. The uphill hike through Llulluchapampa will give you the opportunity to appreciate several species of birds. The trail traverses a beautiful cloud forest full of Polylepis or Queñua trees before entering the puna, a zone characterized by treeless grasslands.
The last hard climb takes us right to the highest pass at Warmi Wañuska. Once at the top you will be rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views of the Andes and snow-covered peaks. After a deserved rest, continue traversing the slopes to our campsite in Paqaymayu at 3,600m.
(about 6-7 hr. trekking – 11 Km/7 miles)
Day 3 (B)(L)(D) : Paqaymayu, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñayhuayna – “Que lindo dia!”
Possibly the longest day but one that will bring splendid landscapes. Start with a steady ascent to Runkuracay pass at 3,970m, passing through a circular inca control point. Continue to the ruins of Sayacmarca (“inaccessible town”) perched dramatically on edgy rocks at 3,497m.
The Inca trail continues through cloud forest full of rare orchids, hanging mosses, bromeliads and tree ferns. Past the inca tunnel, reach Phuyupatamarca (cloud-level town) with its five ceremonial baths. Descend through orchid-rich cloud forest to Wiñayhuayna (forever young) at 2,650m, the last campsite before Machu Picchu. Explore the impressive nearby ruins.
(about 7-8 hr. trekking – 16 Km/10 miles)
Day 4 (B) : Wiñayhuayna, Intipunku, Machu Picchu
Today begins at 4:00 AM. We wait at the checkpoint and access towards Intipunku as soon as gates open at 5:30 hrs. The path traverses a lush cloud forest of giant ferns to The Sun Gate (Intipunku) at 2,720m.
Suddenly all efforts are rewarded with an unforgettable sight – the magical city of Machu Picchu framed by forested peaks. Take photos from the classic postcard view before hiking down for a comprehensive 2-hour guided tour of the citadel. Visit the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana sundial, Room of Three Windows, and agricultural terraces.
This marks the end of our services on this tour.
(B)=Breakfast ; (L)=Lunch ; (D)=Dinner
Inclusions
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- Pre-departure Inca Trail tour briefing at our Cusco office
- Hotel pickup in Cusco and transfer to Km. 82 trailhead
- Official Inca Trail permit (government-issued, non-transferable)
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu citadel
- Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
- Assistant guide for groups of 9+ trekkers
- Experienced cook and cooking equipment
- Professional porter team carrying camping equipment
- 3 nutritious breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
- Vegetarian options available
- Hot tea delivered to tent each morning
- Boiled water at every meal
- Spacious Marmot Limestone tents (2 people per tent)
- Double foam sleeping pads
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- 24-hour emergency oxygen supply
- First aid equipment
- Free luggage storage in Cusco during trek
- Inca Trail Survivor Certificate
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Excluded in tour cost
- Bus ticket Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Train Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- International flights to/from Peru
- Travel insurance with emergency evacuation
- Sleeping bag
- Hiking poles
- Single tent accommodation
- Tips for guides, cook, and porters
- Personal trekking gear
- Additional porter service
- Train upgrade
- Huayna Picchu ticket
Price
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2025-2026 Inca Trail Season Pricing
* Valid Student ID required. Expiration within 1 year of trek. ISIC cards not accepted.
Season: March 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026. Closed February for maintenance.
Permits included. Book 4-6 months ahead for peak season (May-August).
