Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Classic Inca Trail: The Legendary Route to Machu Picchu
The Peruvian Andes hold ancient secrets among their peaks and valleys: stone stairways and sacred ruins shrouded in mystery. Among all hiking routes, one reigns supreme as the mother of all adventures: the Classic Inca Trail. Along 43 kilometers (26 miles), living history and wild nature embrace in a harmony that will leave you breathless.
No camera can capture the pure emotion of crossing the Sun Gate at sunrise and seeing Machu Picchu revealed before you for the first time. It is a moment that changes you forever, so do not miss the opportunity to take this historical pilgrimage when traveling to Cusco.
On this journey, you will step away from the noise of the city to immerse yourself completely in the magic of the Andes. It is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the ideal escape into the extraordinary.
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Piskacucho Km 82 – Llactapata – Ayapata
Our adventure begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco to drive you to Km 82, the gateway to the Inca Trail. After a quick checkpoint control (remember to carry your original passport), we will start our hike along gentle trails full of life, until we reach Patallacta, an ancient Inca checkpoint that holds many legends hidden among the mountains.
Surrounded by landscapes that reflect the grandeur of the Andes and the heritage of our ancestors, we will pause to enjoy a lunch prepared in the heart of nature. In the afternoon, we continue our journey passing through picturesque communities until we reach our campsite (3,300 m / 10,826 ft). Here, we will enjoy a hot drink and a comforting snack while resting and watching the beautiful sunset over the Andes until dinner time—the perfect close to a day that will be engraved in your memory. Please try to rest early tonight, as tomorrow will be one of the most challenging days of the trek.
- Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles (6–7 hours)
- Camp Altitude: 3,300 m / 10,826 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Weather: Warm and windy
- Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Tea Time, Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
Day 2: Dead Woman’s Pass – Runkurakay Pass – Chaquicocha
We begin the day waking up with a hot cup of coca tea to fill you with energy, as this will be one of the most challenging and exciting days of the Inca Trail. We will hike for about four hours to reach Warmiwañuska, or Dead Woman's Pass (4,215 m / 13,828 ft), the highest point of the trek, where the views are simply breathtaking.
We then descend for an hour and a half into the Pacaymayo Valley to enjoy a well-deserved lunch. Afterwards, we climb for two hours towards the Runkurakay Pass, visiting the archaeological site of the same name and sighting beautiful waterfalls along the way. From there, we descend for an hour to Sayacmarca, a mysterious Inca city accessible only by this trail.
Finally, we walk 20 minutes to our campsite (3,600 m / 11,811 ft), where dinner awaits. If the sky is clear, we will be able to admire a spectacular display of stars and Inca constellations.
- Distance: 16 km / 9.94 miles (7–8 hours)
- Camp Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
- Difficulty: Challenging (steep ascents and descents)
- Weather: Cold with possible rain
- Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Tea Time, Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
Day 3: Chaquicocha – Wiñay Wayna
This is widely considered the most beautiful day of the Inca Trail. We will hike for about two hours along the famous "Inca Flat," a path that winds through high jungle and cloud forest, offering impressive views of Salkantay Mountain and the Vilcabamba mountain range.
Next, we climb to Phuyupatamarca (3,600 m / 11,811 ft), where we will catch our first glimpse of Machu Picchu Mountain (though not the citadel itself just yet). We then descend for three hours, visiting the ruins of Intipata, before arriving at our campsite near Wiñay Wayna around 1:00 PM.
In the afternoon, your guide will give a final briefing, and we will explore the archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna for about an hour and a half. We end the day with a special farewell dinner with the team, where we will hold an emotional appreciation ceremony for our porters and cooks.
- Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles (5 hours)
- Camp Altitude: 2,600 m / 8,530 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate (mostly descent)
- Weather: Warm and humid
- Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Tea Time, Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
Day 4: Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Today we wake up very early to have breakfast and prepare to be among the first at the checkpoint at 5:30 AM. After saying goodbye to our trekking team, we begin the hike towards the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Here, you will enjoy the very first panoramic view of Machu Picchu illuminated by the morning sun.
We will arrive around 6:30 AM and descend for about an hour to the main entrance. At 7:40 AM, we begin our 2-hour guided tour to uncover the history and secrets of the citadel. After the tour, you will have free time to explore on your own or hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (if booked in advance).
Once our visit to the citadel is complete, we will take the Consettur bus down to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes). There, you can have lunch on your own before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Weather: Warm and very humid
- Area: Subtropical forest and cloud forest
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: None
Photo Gallery
Service Details
What is Included?
- Professional Bilingual Guide.
- Permits and entrance tickets to Machu Picchu (and Inca Trail).
- Pre-trek briefing (Orientation meeting before the hike).
- Porters (They will carry up to 7 kg / 15 lbs of your personal belongings).
- All mentioned transportation.
- Camping equipment (Tents, dining tent, etc.).
- Meals (Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners during the trek).
- First aid kit.
Not Included
Rentals (Available for rent):
- Bolsa de dormir: $ 30
- Colchón inflable: $ 25
- Bastones de caminata (1 par): $ 20
Other Exclusions:
- Extra Hikes: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (Subject to availability and must be booked in advance).
- Snacks.
- Travel Insurance.
- Tips / Gratuities.
Traveler Guide
Packing List
Travel Tips
- Book Early: Please make your reservation well in advance. Inca Trail permits are strictly limited and sell out months ahead (often up to 6 months in advance).
- Extra Hikes: If you wish to include Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you must book them at the same time as your main trek ticket.
- Physical Preparation: We recommend exercising before the trek. You don’t need to be an expert athlete, but a good fitness level will help you enjoy the experience more.
- Acclimatization: Spend at least 2 days in Cusco prior to the trek to adjust to the altitude.
- Diet: Avoid heavy meals and alcohol before the hike to prevent altitude sickness.
- Hydration: Stay well-hydrated throughout the entire journey.
- Enjoy the Journey: The Inca Trail has challenging sections, but it also offers unique landscapes and experiences. Take it slow ("Paso a paso"), enjoy the surroundings, and listen to your guide.
Rates & Booking
Choose the Ideal Experience for Your Trip
We offer flexible rates to suit your budget.
Shared Service Most Popular
Private Service
Private Service (Solo Traveler)
Have questions? Email us at info@auraandina.travel or contact us via WhatsApp for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The trail is rated as Challenging. You will hike 26 miles (42 km) through high Andean passes and cloud forests. The second day is the toughest, as you'll climb to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,828 ft). We recommend at least 2-3 months of cardiovascular training and spending at least 2 days in Cusco to acclimate before starting.
When to Book
- High Season (May - September): Book 6 to 8 months in advance. June, July, and August are the most popular months and tend to sell out first.
- Low Season (November - April): Book at least 3 months in advance, although booking as early as possible is always recommended.
- Closure: The Inca Trail is closed in February for annual maintenance.
Why book so far in advance?
- Limited Spots: The Inca Trail has a total of 500 tickets available per day, which are distributed as follows: 200 permits are for tourists, while the other 300 correspond to guides, porters, and cooks who are part of the authorized groups.
- High Demand: It is one of the most famous hikes in the world, so demand is very high.
You will sleep in high-quality four-season tents (usually 2 people per tent). While there are basic public toilets at the campsites, most premium agencies (like ours) provide private portable chemical toilets for the group, ensuring a much more hygienic and comfortable experience during the trek.
Yes, our professional porters carry all the heavy camping equipment and food. Depending on your package, we often include a personal porter for up to 5-7 kg of your gear. In your daypack, you only carry essentials: water, snacks, rain gear, camera, and sunscreen.
Yes, but it requires an additional permit that must be purchased along with your Inca Trail trek. However, most hikers find that after 4 days of trekking, they are quite tired. If you still have the energy, you would climb it on Day 4 after reaching the citadel through the Sun Gate.
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