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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Choose the ideal experience for your trip
We offer flexible rates tailored to your budget. You can choose between:
Note: All prices listed in the table are per person.
Have questions or special requests?
Email us at info@auraandina.travel or contact us directly via WhatsApp for a custom quote.
| Classic Inca Trail (4 Days) | |
|---|---|
| Group Service | $55 USD |
| Private Service (min. 2 people) | $90 USD |
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
Why book so far in advance?
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.
RUC: 20614621762
Aura Andina Travel Agency S.A.C.
Copyright © 2026. Aura Andina Travel. All Right Reserved
