Inka Trail 4D/3N

4 Days

6 Destinations

12 GUESTS (MAX)

Want to travel this journey privately?

Learn more

Classic Inca Trail: Hike to Machu Picchu Through Inca Sites & Cloud Forests

The impressive 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a cultural spectacle where you can observe and explore Inca cities, exotic mountains, lush primeval vegetation and extraordinary ecological varieties. The “ancient Inca trail” passes through the National Park and the Sun Gate with unforgettable views of Machu Picchu, through a cloud forest and finally to the subtropical vegetation. By taking this route you will have the privilege of visiting the famous Citadel of Machu Picchu twice, at the end of the first day you will enter the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu and the next day we will tour this wonder of the modern world in more detail.

Service Level:

Comfortable camping with private chef and portable toilet. Modern vehicles with private driver.

Difficulty:

Some steep inclines at high altitudes, that can be regarded as strenuous. With sufficient pre-trail training, its easily achievable.

Travel Style:

Hiking, trekking, and camping.

Group Size

Small group experience; Max 12, Avg 5..

Travel Style:

Hiking, trekking, and camping.

Group Size

Small group experience; Max 12, Avg 5..

Itinerary

Cusco – KM 82 – Hatunchaca – Ayapata

We start this great day of adventure on our way to the Classic Inca Trail. We will pick you up from your hotel in our private transportation at 4:30 am. From there, we travel to Piskacucho, also known as kilometer 82, where the Classic Inca Trail begins. Here we will stop for breakfast in Ollantaytambo from 6:30 am – 7:00 am approximately to recharge our batteries for our start of the Inca Trail (breakfast is not included).

Arriving at kilometer 82 (8:30 am) we will make a stop to get ready and prepare to start our adventure, we can also use the bathrooms, we will apply sunscreen, insect repellent, etc.. Once at the Inca Trail checkpoint, we will be asked to present our entrance tickets and passports.

At the beginning of the trail (2,720m / 8,923 ft) we will cross the Urubamba River and follow its course to the right. The first day is relatively easy, where we will observe excellent views of the Inca Fortress (Huillca Raccay), the vast and incredible Inca site of Llactapata (officially called Patallacta), the Urubamba mountain range that divides the jungle, the Andes Cordillera and the beautiful snowy peak of W’akay Willca (5,860m / 19, 225 ft) also known as Veronica where you can also see the lush green valley and a lot of flora and fauna, we will walk for about 3 hours between ascents and descents until we reach our meeting place in the village of Hatunchaca where our chef will be waiting for us ready with our delicious lunch.

After our lunch we will have a few minutes to rest and contemplate the beauty of the area and then continue our hike to our first camp called Ayapata, an hour and a half away from our lunch which is located at (3,300m / 10827 ft) located in the green temperate valley of the same name. The night temperatures are around 5ºC depending on the month so we must be prepared in advance, when we arrive at our camp we will have a delicious dinner prepared by our team there our guide will give you the guidelines for the next day and at night you can see the beautiful starry sky that offers the Inca Trail.

  • Meals included:Lunch, snack, and dinner.
  • Accommodation: camping facilities.
  • Distance: 12kms / 7.5mls (6 hours or so of walking)
  • Difficulty: Easy / Moderate

Ayapata – Dead Woman Pass – Pacaymayo – Chaquicocha

This second day will be challenging, as we will have a steep climb up to the highest peak, Abra de Warmi wañuska or Paso de la Mujer Muerta (4,200 m / 13,779 ft). So we will get up very early 5:00 am – 5:30 am. For this it will be important to be prepared and full of energy. This day, you will feel a real sense of accomplishment when you reach the summit! After a well-deserved rest, we will begin the descent to our lunch spot, which is located at Pacaymayu (3,550 m / 11,646 ft).

On our way to the pass, we will be able to see a great variety of hummingbirds and a combination of other bird species. There will be plenty of time to appreciate the incredible variety of native plants and Polylepis or Q’ueuña trees, which grow in the amazing cloud forest (3,650 m / 11,972 ft).

After finishing our lunch we will have free time to appreciate the beauty of the area. After lunch, you will have another four hours of hiking, interspersed with breaks until you reach the Chaquicocha camp, where you can visit two beautiful archaeological sites; Runku Raccay and Sayacmarka. Finally, you will enjoy dinner and a good rest.

  • Meals incluided: Breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner.
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities.
  • Distance: 16kms / 10mls (9 hours or so of walking time)
  • Difficulty: Moderate / challenging

We will start early again! Our team will wake you up with a cup of hot tea, followed by breakfast and then start your two-hour hike to the last pass of Phuyupatamarca (which means City in the Clouds). Here, we reach the third highest point along the Inca trail (3,680 m / 12,073 ft.) The views of the mountains, canyons and surrounding areas are spectacular!

The Inca site of Phuyupatamarca is just a few minutes walk from the third pass. After visiting this site, we continue walking up 3,000 stairs through the cloud forest to the impressive agricultural Inca site of Intipata. After taking some time to visit this site, we continue until we reach our third camp Wiñay Wayna (2,680 m / 8,792 ft). Today we will only walk for 4 to 5 hours, arriving at the camp at lunch time, where you will enjoy different types of plants, flowers and birds of the forest. After lunch, you can take the five minute hike to the most beautiful Inca site on the Inca Trail, Wiñay Wayna (forever young).

This place is full of impressive buildings and viewpoints along the way. Later around 5:30 p.m., you will return to camp for your last happy hour and dinner. Afterwards, a small celebration, to say “thank you”, and “goodbye” to your amazing porters. If you wish, you can leave a voluntary tip to thank them for their hard work.

  • Meals included: Breakfast,  lunch, snack and dinner.
  • Accommodation: camping facilities.
  • Distance: 10kms / 6.2mls (5 hours or so of walking)
  • Difficulty: moderate

We arrive at the last day of adventure and the most important, for this we will get up earlier than usual around 4:00 am, then we will start our way to Machu Picchu and be able to arrive on time the target at 6:00 am and be able to appreciate the Sun Gate (also known as Inti Punku). At that point, the majestic Citadel of Machu Picchu will be in front of us with its intense beauty, an incredible sight for all to see. Afterwards, we walk downhill to the Machu Picchu Citadel (2,400 m / 7,872 ft). After walking 40 minutes, we enter the citadel from the top through the House of the Guardians. From there, we head towards the checkpoint, where we check in and leave our belongings. The professional guide will lead us through the amazing ruins and its main streets. You can stroll through the city squares and climb the carved stone staircases. Machu Picchu is considered the spiritual center of the world for esoteric wisdom. Once the guided tour is over, you will have time to take pictures of the incredible and majestic Inca citadel.

  • You will also have time to enjoy some of the following activities on your own if you wish (not included in the price):
  1. Climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu from there.
  2. Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the local museum or a visit to the hot springs.

After the visit to Machupichu we will take the bus to the town of Aguas Calientes to have our last lunch (not included). At the end of our lunch we will go to the train station to board our expedition train that will take us to Ollantaytambo station. Here is where you will meet our private transportation and will be transferred to your hotel in Cusco, we will be arriving to the city of Cusco around 8:30 pm and thus we will end our wonderful adventure.

  • Meals included: Breakfast
  • Distance: 6kms / 3.7mls
  • Difficulty: Easy

An unique experience

Inclusions

  • Pick up from your hotel.
  • Private transportation from Cusco to Piscacucho (start of the trek).
  • 7 kgs of your personal items and clothes, sleeping bag to be carried by the porters only.
  • Igloo tents for 4 people (spacious and comfortable) 2 people per tent and inflatable mattresses.
  • Experienced professional guide.
  • Meals according to itinerary (vegetarian meals optional upon request).
  • First aid kit including emergency oxygen tank.
  • Porter to carry tents, food and cooking equipment.
  • Hot water for washing.
  • Boiled water to refill your bottles.
  • Expedition Tourist Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and private transportation to Cuzco.
  • Entrance to the Inca Trail.
  • Entrance to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
  • Guided visit to Machu Picchu
  • 1 bus tickets from Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.
  • Dining room, kitchen, tents with tables and chairs.
  • Chef and cooking equipment.

Does not include

  • Wayna Picchu Mountain: 75 USD and Machu Picchu Mountain: 75 USD. If you wish to add an additional hike, you must book it in advance. Please inform us at the time of booking.
  • First breakfast and last lunch. We will stop in Ollantaytambo for the first breakfast and have the last lunch in Aguas Calientes after the Machu Picchu tour.
  • VISTADOME TRAIN: 67 USD per additional person (RETURN ONLY)
  • Appreciations for the team (tips) .

You can rent or make changes with us, please request it in the briefing or at the time of making your reservation.

Dates & Prices

Recomendations

Inside your backpack

Essential Items

  • Original passport (same one used to book your trek)
  • Valid university card (if you have booked as a student)
  • Good backpack (the smaller the better – 30L OR 35L)
  • Water storage: 2-3 L (Camelbaks recommended)
  • Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support.
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented from META PERU)
  • Headlamp – a must
  • Toilet paper

What to Pack in Your Duffle Bag

As a Direct Tour Operator, we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and we WILL include an additional porter, who will carry up to 7 kgs / 14 lbs, including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mat and extra clothing.

  • 2 T-shirts
  • 2 hiking pants at least
  • 4 sets of underwear
  • 3 sets of socks
  • Thermal jacket
  • Warm clothes, warm jacket
  • Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves)
  • Comfortable shoes for camp.
  • Quick-dry towel. We provide small ones, you may prefer something larger.
  • Small bottle of soap – we provide warm water each day for washing.
  • Battery charger – There is no electricity along the trek
  • Plastic bags will be provided at the office. Please ask for them.
  • Sleeping bag – must be at least -15ºC. Can be rented from us for $20 USD.

Toiletries

  • Facial moisturizer
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Personal medications
  • First aid kit – band aids, etc.

What to put in the backpack

We highly recommend having a small 30-40L trekking backpack for the day. in which you can carry the following things

  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Headlamp: unpredictable
  • Wool hat
  • Rain gear
  • Wool
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dried fruit.
  • Coca leaves
  • Plastic rain poncho
  • Gloves
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste.

Water: Please bring your own water on the first day until the first camp for lunch, then we will provide cold boiled water at each meal. Please bring your water bottle.

More Information

Please read the information provided carefully as it will help answer all your questions about our services.

If you wish, we can pick you up from the airport to give you a warm welcome to the city of Cusco and transfer you to your hotel, so you must inform us of your flight details at least 14 days before your trip. On the day of your arrival, please look for our representative who will be holding a sign with the META Peru logo at the airport (coordinate when making your reservation).

The information talk will take place the night before the trek at 6:00 pm at our office or at your hotel.

FIRST, to book your INCA TRAIL tour to Machu Picchu, we need you to fill out our reservation form by clicking BOOK NOW on our home page as well as to the right side of the tour of your choice or click here on the INQUIRE NOW link to contact us so we can give you the best options during your stay in PERU.

Please note that we cannot purchase your Machu Picchu tickets without the following information:

  • Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport).
  • Gender
  • Passport number.
  • Date of birth (dd / mm / yyyy).

Remember: that during the period of 2025 the tickets to the Inca citadel (MACHUPICCHU) are in high demand so we recommend you make the reservation in advance to guarantee an unforgettable quality experience.

***Copies of the passport of each participant are required in order to reserve the tickets for the visit to the Inca citadel (MACHUPÍCCHU)!

SECOND, we require a deposit of $250.00 USD per person, in order to purchase the entrance tickets to the archaeological park of MACHUPICCHU. You can make your deposit by clicking on the symbols VISA, PAYPAL or the payment method that is enabled when you click on BOOK NOW that is located on the right side of the chosen tour or you can also send us a message to our email to contact you, this link will be found in INQUIRE NOW.

We would appreciate it if you pay in cash at our office (we accept US dollars or Peruvian soles) during your briefing 2 or 4 days before your trip. We have many ATMs in downtown Cusco. You can also pay with VISA or PAYPAL online, but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance via PAYPAL, you must log in to your PAYPAL account using our email address of  metaperutravel@gmail.com.

We recommend you pay in cash at our offices to avoid this charge.

At META PERU your care and experience is the most important thing.

¡Yes! You must bring your original passport and it is very important that it has the same passport number that you sent us to book your permit for the Machu Picchu Tour or package. Your passport will be checked when you enter Machu Picchu and when you board the train. In case you are renewing your passport, please send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permission and be able to change it when you get your new passport. If so, please send us a copy of your new passport as soon as possible.

DISCOUNTS

  • 18-25 years old: 30 USD. Information required on the student card: university name, student name, student photo, expiration date, etc. A copy of the card is required at the reservation and government approval for the discount.
  • Children under 18 years old: 30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
  • Children under 11 years old: 40 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.

In the event that you are unable to finish the trek due to health reasons, our team will take you to the nearest town for assistance with transportation. We always carry oxygen on our treks for any respiratory issues. In extreme cases, we can arrange for a helicopter at your expense. (Travel insurance required, recommended). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.

Generally, those who need help getting off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly they continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by the trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.

Unfortunately, the answer is No. Once the permits have been purchased, the Peruvian government does not allow any changes, so we cannot change any dates after the permit has been purchased. The permits are also non-transferable and non-refundable. If you cancel your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days, the deposit is not refundable at all.

Of course! Round-trip transfer to your hotel is included in all our packages! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley, we will drop you off there and vice versa.

If you are satisfied with the services provided, a tip is appreciated by our staff, although it is not mandatory. While it may not be a custom, it is of great importance to the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires excellent service and is an ingrained feature of the tourism industry in many META Peru destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you like, depending on your perception of the quality and length of your trip. Remember, tipping is not mandatory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

Yes, we are a local, sustainable and responsible tour operator that incorporates universal principles of tourism: protecting the environment and benefiting local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know, respect and understand local places and people in relation to the environment.

  • Walking sticks 15 USD per pair per trek (Professional walking sticks that can be extended)
  • Additional night in Aguas Calientes – From $60 USD (depending on availability)
  • Vistadome Train Upgrade 67 USD per person (RETURN ONLY)

You can rent from us, please request it in the briefing or at the time of making your reservation.

Inka Trail 4D/3N
From $1059

What people say about us

Similar tours that may interest you

Peru Packages

Salkantay And Inca Trail Trek 7d/6n

This trek is spectacular for those travelers who want to get off the beaten track, but still experience a desert hike and the original Inca Trail. It is a wonderful journey that will take you right from the Apurimac River basin to the Urubamba River and around the impressive Salkantay Mountain, which is the second largest mountain in the Cusco region (6,277m/20,577ft). On this spectacular trail of twists and turns, you will ascend through high mountain ranges and descend through pockets of cloud forest. You will experience the wildest landscapes and the wonder of the oldest traditions and finest buildings on the planet, a series of diverse ecological zones filled with a huge variety of plants and birds. The ancient and remote trail passes through archaeological sites, leading you to the architectural and cultural grandeur of Machu Picchu.

Max Altitude: 4215 MSNM- 13,828 FT
Duration: 7 days - 6 nights
Price per person USD $ 1530
View Package
Peru Packages

Inka Trail 5d/4n

Peru’s most well known trek visited by thousands of tourists each year, the Classic Inca Trail 5-day 43km trek combines the visit of mysterious and religious Inca cities, astonishing mountain landscapes and lush cloud forests rich in Andean flora and fauna, culminating in the Sacred Inca City of Machu Picchu. The 5-day program is an excellent alternative to avoid most of the crowds found on the classic 4-day route and to reach the quieter, more distant and beautiful campsites. It is also recommended for families with children and mature adults as it allows for better acclimatization to the altitude and the daily walking distance is shorter than on the 4-day version.

Max Altitude: 4215 MSNM- 13,828 FT
Duration: 5 days - 4 nights
Price per person USD $ 1325
View Package
Peru Packages

Inka Trail 2d/1n

The impressive 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a cultural spectacle where you can observe and explore Inca cities, exotic mountains, lush primeval vegetation and extraordinary ecological varieties. The “ancient Inca trail” passes through the National Park and the Sun Gate with unforgettable views of Machu Picchu, through a cloud forest and finally to the subtropical vegetation. By taking this route you will have the privilege of visiting the famous Citadel of Machu Picchu twice, at the end of the first day you will enter the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu and the next day we will tour this wonder of the modern world in more detail.

Max Altitude: 4215 MSNM- 13,828 FT
Duration: 2 days - 1 night
Price per person USD $ 667
View Package
Peru Packages

Inka Trail Full Day

Discover the fascinating 1-day Inca Trail and explore the majestic Citadel of Machu Picchu in just 24 hours. This Inca trail is a magnificent cultural spectacle that will allow you to admire ancient Inca ruins, impressive mountains, lush vegetation and surprising ecological diversity. The route crosses the National Park and is accessed through the emblematic Sun Gate, offering spectacular views of Machu Picchu.

Max Altitude: 4215 MSNM- 13,828 FT
Duration: Full day
Price per person USD $ 625
View Package

Most important destinations in Peru

Lorem, ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Rem, dolores, placeat pariatur ut, atque sunt aperiam aliquam magnam nihil perspiciatis repellat ratione esse explicabo impedit dolore neque debitis repudiandae totam?

5 tours
5 tours
5 tours