Classic Inca Trail: 4-DAY Trek to Machu Picchu
PRICE FROM:
$ 630,00 USD
Per person
- GENERAL DESCRIPTION
4-Day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu
The 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous and breathtaking trekking routes in the world. This journey offers an unparalleled combination of natural beauty, with majestic views of mountains, lush cloud forests, and vibrant subtropical jungles, complemented by an impressive variety of Inca structures, ancient cobblestones, and mysterious tunnels. Its destination is the extraordinary Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
The route spans approximately 42 kilometers (26 miles) and lasts 4 days, concluding at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you can enjoy a stunning sunrise view over Machu Picchu. Along the way, you’ll discover a series of ancient sites, such as Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, and Phuyupatamarca, immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of Inca history and culture.
To embark on the Inca Trail, it’s essential to be well-prepared physically, acclimatized to the high altitude, and equipped with the appropriate gear for varying weather conditions. Reservations are crucial, as permits are very limited and often sell out months in advance.
4-Day Inca Trail Experience with Machu Picchu Reservations:
Check Availability: Confirm trekking dates.
Explore Additional Options: Enhance your Inca Trail package.
All-Inclusive Trekking Experience: We provide a comprehensive trekking experience, allowing guests to focus entirely on their adventure. Our complete package includes all essentials for a successful hike: high-quality camping gear, nutritious and delicious meals throughout the journey, convenient transport arrangements, and the expertise of professional guides. We also handle all necessary permits and fees, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience. With us, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the hike, knowing every detail has been meticulously planned.
Convenient Pickup and Return Service: To ensure a stress-free start and finish to your tour, we offer direct pickup and return services to your hotel. This means we’ll pick you up at your hotel at the beginning of the tour and take you back directly once it concludes. This service is designed to eliminate any travel-related inconveniences, allowing you to focus on enjoying your adventure.
Personalized Pickup in the Sacred Valley: Considering that some guests may stay in the picturesque Sacred Valley, we expand our pickup services to include key locations within this area: Pisac, Calca, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo. If you are staying in any of these towns, you can enjoy the convenience of being picked up from your accommodation.
Group Size: Our trekking groups typically consist of 8 to 10 participants, with a maximum of 12 people per group. This size ensures that each member receives personalized and efficient attention from the guide and support team throughout the hike. By maintaining smaller groups, we can guarantee a more intimate and fulfilling trekking experience, allowing for individualized attention and interaction with the guide and staff.
100% Local Company: Staff, Ownership, and Operations: Explore Peru 360 is a proudly local company based in Cusco. Our office is conveniently located just half a block from the main square, making it easily accessible and situated in the heart of Cusco. As direct operators, we manage all our own hikes and promise never to transfer you to another operator, ensuring consistency and quality, even for small groups. Our tours are reliable and only subject to cancellation in the event of a natural disaster. All our staff come from Cusco, are extensively trained, and are committed to providing top-notch, responsible, and timely service. Choose us for an authentic experience with a local touch.
Easy and Efficient Reservation System: Our reservation system offers a simple and transparent user experience, allowing you to see real-time availability for the 4-day Inca Trail. The booking process is straightforward and clear, enabling you to comfortably schedule your tour. After completing your reservation, you will receive a detailed email, including permits for the 4-day Inca Trail, all within 24 hours. Additionally, we have a dedicated sales team always ready to answer any questions you may have, ensuring a hassle-free booking process and optimal customer experience.
Included 7kg Duffel Bag and Personal Porter Service: Unlike many competitors, Explore Peru 360 does not charge an extra fee for a personal porter to carry your belongings. Our goal is to make your hike as comfortable as possible, so this service is included in our price. We provide a duffel bag that can hold up to 7 kg (approximately 15 pounds) of your personal items that are not needed during the hikes. This means you only need to carry a backpack with your essentials, keeping it as light and manageable as possible for your convenience.
First Aid Kits and Oxygen Tanks: Our guides are highly trained to handle various safety and health emergencies that may arise during our hikes. They carry a fully equipped first aid kit with legally required medications, thermometers, pulse oximeters, blood pressure cuffs, bandages, and more. While we provide complete first aid supplies, we recommend bringing your own kit with preferred medications and remedies. Additionally, each guide carries a full oxygen tank. Given the altitude, which can exceed 4200 meters and potentially cause shortness of breath, we are prepared to assist anyone who needs it at any time during the hike.
High-Quality Equipment for Maximum Comfort: We are dedicated to providing our clients with only the highest quality gear, ensuring maximum comfort during their journey. Our selection includes spacious Eureka tents, designed to comfortably accommodate two people, offering privacy and space to relax. We also provide Therm-a-Rest air mattresses, known for their superior quality and comfort. These premium amenities are carefully chosen to enhance your outdoor experience, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable adventure.
Pre-Tour Meeting: Book your adventure with us and join a crucial orientation session at 6:00 p.m. the day before your tour begins at the Explore Peru 360 Office in Cusco. Our expert guide will provide detailed information, help you organize your tour, coordinate pickup times, answer any questions, and take care of any luggage you may need during the tour.
Virtual Meeting Option: If you cannot visit our office, we will arrange a virtual meeting. This ensures you receive all essential tour details quickly and conveniently. For more information, please contact us via WhatsApp at +51 982 520 735
MULTI-DAY TOUR
- ITINERARY
Day 1: CUSCO – PISCACUCHO (KM 82) - WAYLLABAMBA
The first day of the 4-day Inca Trail is relatively easy, providing a gentle introduction to the hike. The trek begins early in the morning, with pickup from your hotel in Cusco between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m. The journey to the starting point of the hike, Piscacucho, takes approximately two hours. From there, you will cross the Urubamba River and enter the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
After passing through the checkpoint, the trail will lead you through beautiful Andean landscapes, with snow-capped peaks and lush vegetation. You will also pass by some small Inca ruins, including Llactapata, which serves as a good warm-up for the ruins you will encounter later in the hike.
The trail will continue through the valley until you reach Wayllabamba, where the camp will be set up for the night. This is a great time to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings before continuing the hike the next day.
Early Morning Pickup: Pickup from your hotel in Cusco between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m. and transfer to the starting point of the hike, km 82.
Hike Overview: Begin the trek with a gentle stroll along the Urubamba River, passing by small villages and archaeological sites along the way.
Trail Details: Walk through lush vegetation until you reach the first campsite in Wayllabamba, located at 10,830 feet above sea level.
Total Hiking Distance: 8.7 miles / 14 km (6-7 hours).
Campsite Elevation: 3000 meters (high) above sea level.
Difficulty: Moderate day (acclimatization to the Inca Trail).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Accommodation: Camping in tents.
Weather: Warm and breezy.
Day 2: HUAYLLABAMBA - INCA TRAIL HIGHEST POINT - PACAYMAYO
The second day of the Inca Trail is the most challenging, featuring a steep ascent to Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca), which stands at an altitude of 4,215 meters (13,780 feet). The trail is quite steep and may be challenging for some, but the views from the summit are absolutely breathtaking.
After reaching the pass, you will begin the descent towards Pacaymayo, passing through beautiful landscapes and cloud forests. This part of the trek is particularly interesting as it takes you past several Inca ruins, including Runkurakay and Sayacmarca.
You will arrive in Pacaymayo in the late afternoon, where you will set up camp for the night. This is a great time to rest and recover before continuing the hike the next day.
Today’s Challenge: This is considered the most challenging day of the trek, as you will ascend to the highest point on the trail, Warmiwañusca Pass, at 4,215 meters (13,780 feet).
Trail Overview: Take breaks along the way to rest and enjoy the stunning views of the Andean mountains and valleys.
Descent: Descend into the Pacaymayo valley and set up camp for the night.
Total Hiking Distance: 6.2 miles / 10 km (6-7 hours).
Campsite Elevation: 3,700 meters (high) above sea level.
Difficulty: Challenging day (you will have survived the two highest passes).
Area: Andes and Cloud Forest.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Accommodation: Camping in tents.
Weather: Cold and rainy.
Day 3: PACAYMAYO - PHUYUPATAMARKA - WIÑAYWAYNA
The third day of the Inca Trail is a bit easier than the second, featuring mostly downhill hiking to Wiñay Wayna. This section of the trail is particularly interesting, as it passes several Inca ruins, including Phuyupatamarca, known as the “City in the Clouds.”
You will also encounter beautiful waterfalls and streams, providing ample opportunities to rest and take in the scenery. You will arrive at Wiñay Wayna in the late afternoon, where you will set up camp for the night.
Trail Overview: Today’s hike includes a mix of steep ascents and descents, passing several Inca sites along the way, including Runkurakay and Sayacmarca.
Altitude Challenge: Reach the second highest point on the trail at 3,840 meters (12,630 feet) before descending into the cloud forest and arriving at the final campsite of Wiñay Wayna.
Total Hiking Distance: 9.94 miles / 16 km (7-8 hours).
Campsite Elevation: 2,600 meters (high) above sea level.
Difficulty: Moderate day, short uphill stretch, then – all downhill!
Area: High Cloud Forest.
Weather: Warm and very humid (cool climate).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Accommodation: Camping in tents.
Day 4: MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
The final day of the Inca Trail is the most exciting, as you will finally arrive at Machu Picchu. You’ll start the day early with a short hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), which offers stunning views of Machu Picchu from above. From there, you’ll descend to the ruins for a guided tour.
Machu Picchu is truly breathtaking, with its impressive architecture and stunning vistas. After the tour, you will have free time to explore the ruins on your own before taking the train back to Cusco.
Morning Itinerary: Wake up early to reach Inti Punku (Sun Gate) in time for sunrise over Machu Picchu.
Guided Tour: Descend to the citadel and enjoy a guided visit to the ancient Inca city.
Afternoon Plans: In the afternoon, take the bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and catch your train back to Cusco.
Experience: Considered the most exciting and magical day.
Area: High Cloud Forest and Subtropical Zone.
Weather: Hot and very humid (bring plenty of water).
Meals: Breakfast and lunch included.
Bus: Bus tickets from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes are included.
Train: Train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo are included; train departs at 14:30 or 14:55.
Transfer: Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco is included; approximately 1.5-2 hours by car.
Return to Cusco: You will arrive back in Cusco around 6:30 PM.
- INCLUDES / EXCLUDED
- INCLUDED
The Inca Trail is a popular multi-day hike that leads to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. Our all-inclusive 4-day, 3-night Inca Trail package includes the following services:
All-Inclusive Services
Transportation: Includes transport from Cusco to the trailhead and back after the hike is completed.
Permits: A permit is required to hike the Inca Trail, and this is included in your package through Machu Picchu Reservations.
Entrance Fees: The cost of the Inca Trail hike includes entrance fees to Machu Picchu and other archaeological sites along the way.
Briefing: A detailed briefing will be held at our office in Cusco at 6:00 PM the day before the hike. The tour guide will provide all necessary information about the hike, route, and safety.
Porters: A team of porters will carry most of your gear, leaving you with just a daypack. They will transport your duffel bag (7 kg per hiker), set up your tents, prepare your meals, and carry all camping equipment.
Professional Guide: An experienced and licensed guide will accompany you throughout the trek, providing information about the history and culture of the Inca civilization. Our guides are fluent in English, Spanish, and Quechua.
Meals: All meals are included from breakfast on the first day to lunch on the last day. The food is plentiful and nutritious, providing ample carbohydrates to sustain you during the long hikes:
- 4 Breakfasts
- 4 Lunches
- 3 Dinners
Camping Equipment: You will have a tent and a mattress for 3 nights. We provide 1 tent for every 2 people (Eureka Timberline tents designed for 4 but shared by only 2) and 1 inflatable Thermarest mattress for each participant to ensure a warm and comfortable night’s sleep at the campsites.
Guided Tour of Machu Picchu: Includes a guided visit to the Machu Picchu ruins.
Bus Ticket: From Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
Train Tickets: Expedition or Voyager train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo at 14:30 or 14:55, allowing you to return to Cusco around 19:00.
Transfer Service: Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco is included, returning to your hotel.
Safety Equipment: Oxygen and first aid kits are provided in case of emergencies.
Private Portable Toilets: Available along the route.
Vegetarian Meals: Available upon request at no extra cost.
This comprehensive package ensures a memorable and enjoyable experience on the Inca Trail, allowing you to focus on the adventure and stunning scenery while we handle all the details!
- EXCLUDED
- Sleeping Bags: If you don’t have one, you can rent it from the company.
- Trekking Poles: If you don’t have any, you can rent them from the company.
- Travel Insurance
Tips for the 4-Day Inca Trail:
Tipping is a way to show appreciation for the services provided by the staff and is considered an important part of the trekking experience on the Inca Trail. The amount of the tip varies depending on the level of service provided and the size of the trekking group, but a typical tip for a porter is around 20 to 30 soles per day, and for a guide, it’s around 50 to 100 soles per day.
Tips also encourage good service and can help build positive relationships between hikers and the support staff on the Inca Trail.
It’s important to note that tipping is voluntary and not mandatory, but it is a common practice and an excellent way to acknowledge and thank the hardworking staff that makes the Inca Trail experience possible.
- WHAT TO PACK
If you plan to do the Inca Trail, you’ll need to pack for the 4-day hike. Below are some essential items you should consider bringing:
CLOTHING:
- Comfortable hiking shoes/boots
- Moisture-wicking hiking socks
- Quick-drying pants
- Lightweight t-shirts
- Long-sleeve shirt
- Fleece jacket or sweater
- Rain jacket and pants
- Hat or cap
- Gloves
SLEEPING GEAR:
- Sleeping bag (suitable for cold weather) – if you don’t have one, you can rent one from the company.
- Pillow (optional)
TREKKING GEAR:
- Small backpack (20 to 30 liters)
- Trekking poles – if you don’t have them, you can rent them from the company.
- Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Water bottle or hydration system
- Snacks (energy bars, trail mix, etc.)
- Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, etc.)
MISCELLANEOUS:
- Passport and necessary documents
- Original student ID if requesting a student rate
- Cash for tipping your guides and porters
- Camera or phone with a good camera to capture memories
- Portable charger for electronic devices
- Lightweight towel
It’s important to note that there are strict regulations on what you can bring on the Inca Trail, so make sure to check with your tour operator or guide to ensure you’re not carrying any prohibited items. Porters will likely carry most of your gear, so pack everything in a durable, waterproof duffel bag.
We provide you with a duffel bag so you can pack 7 kilos of your personal belongings. The porter will carry the duffel bags throughout the trek.
- PRICES
PRICES: 4-DAY INCA TRAIL TREK TO MACHU PICCHU – GROUP SERVICE – 2024 AND 2025 SEASONS
Fair and reasonable prices: At Explore Peru 360, we take pride in offering fair and reasonable prices for the 4-day Inca Trail trek. We ensure that each service provided is accurately priced without unnecessary markups. Our goal is to optimize your travel budget so that most of what you pay directly supports the local people who contribute to making your travel experience exceptional.
Price details for 2023 and 2024:
- Adult: $660 USD per person
- Student: $630 USD per person (Valid student ID required)
- Child (minor): $630 USD per person – Applicable for all visitors aged 3 to 17 years
Our prices reflect our commitment to providing you with a high-quality experience, including qualified guides, logistical support, and the necessary permits to ensure a smooth and enriching journey on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Flexible departure dates: We offer the flexibility to start the tour any day of the week, subject to government permit availability. It’s important to remember that permits are only required for the start date of your trek.
STUDENT PRICE
HOW TO ACCESS THE STUDENT PRICE FOR A TOUR TO MACHU PICCHU
The Peruvian government offers discounts for students on Machu Picchu entrance tickets. Therefore, in our Machu Picchu tours, we offer a reduced rate for students. To qualify for this special rate, you must meet the following requirements:
- Student age: You must be under 25 years old at the time of your visit to Machu Picchu. This age limit is intended to benefit undergraduate students.
- Student ID material and format: The ID must be a physical plastic card, similar to a credit card, with all the required information printed on it. Cards made of other materials or with information added via stickers or not printed are not accepted.
- Mandatory information on the card: The card must include the following printed information: university details, personal student details, the student’s photograph, and a validity date that does not exceed one year from the date of your visit. For example, if you plan to visit in 2024, the card must not expire before 2025 and must be valid during your visit.
- Note on the ISIC card: Although the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is recognized in many countries, it is not accepted by the Peruvian government for student discounts at Machu Picchu. Just as a passport cannot be replaced by any other type of identification in international procedures, the student ID cannot be replaced by an ISIC or any other document for discounts in Peru.
The Peruvian government’s policy on student accreditation is strict. It is essential to present a card that meets these criteria to be eligible for student-priced tickets. At the Machu Picchu entrance, you will be required to show your physical student card. If you do not meet these requirements when you arrive at Machu Picchu, there is a significant risk that you will be denied entry and will have to pay the full entrance fee, subject to availability. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your student card complies with Peruvian regulations before booking your trip to Machu Picchu as a student.
- HOW TO BOOK
How to Make Your Reservation:
Booking the 4-Day Inca Trail is very simple. You can use any debit or credit card, with an additional 2.9% fee charged to the customer. For customers in the United States, we offer the option to pay from a bank account with no additional fees.
Before booking, please read the details carefully.
To book:
The 4-day Inca Trail is priced at $660 per adult and $630 per student or child. We require a non-refundable prepayment of $200 per person to confirm your reservation. This amount is used to purchase the Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu tickets immediately. According to Peruvian government regulations, these permits and tickets are strictly personal, non-refundable, and cannot be rescheduled. While the $200 prepayment is non-refundable, it guarantees your visit to Machu Picchu on the reserved date.
Payment of the remaining balance:
If you choose to pay only the prepayment, the remaining balance must be paid upon your arrival in Cusco at our Machu Picchu Reservations office, at least 24 hours before the start of the tour. The balance can be paid in soles or US dollars in cash or by card (with an additional 3.9% fee). You also have the option to pay online on our website with a 2.9% fee.
Full payment option:
You can choose to pay the full cost of the tour online when making your reservation. If you need to cancel for any reason, the total amount will be refunded minus the non-refundable $200 deposit.
Recommendations:
We highly recommend that you fully understand all booking and cancellation policies before making your payment to ensure that your investment is protected and that you have a seamless booking experience for your Inca Trail adventure.
Please follow these steps to make a reservation:
Start your reservation: To book your 4-day Inca Trail experience to Machu Picchu, click the yellow button that says “BOOK NOW.” By doing so, you will be redirected to our booking platform.
Select Date, Number, and Type of Visitor: On the platform, you can select the date on which you want to start the tour. You can also make reservations for adults, students, and children as needed.
Additional Options: You will have the opportunity to add extras to your reservation, such as tickets for Waynapicchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, or the option to enhance your experience with a Vistadome train ride. You can add these services according to your preferences.
Personal Information Form: You will then be asked to fill out a form with your personal details. It is important that each participant provides detailed and accurate information.
Payment Process: Finally, you will be directed to a secure payment form where you can make your online payment using any type of debit or credit card.
Important Note:
We recommend reviewing all details and carefully selecting your options to ensure that your reservation perfectly fits your expectations and needs for this unique adventure on the Inca Trail.
After Booking and Completing Your Payment:
Once you have completed your reservation and payment, you will immediately receive an email confirming the transaction. This email will also contain a link that will allow you to modify specific details of your reservation if needed. Within the next 24 hours, our reservations team will send you a detailed email. This email will provide you with detailed information about your reservation, including your Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu entrance tickets.
Contact our travel advisor to use this itinerary (or others) as a basis for designing your perfect adventure in Peru together!
RELATED TOURS
We offer a variety of additional tours that maintain the same level of excellence and quality you expect. Discover new adventures and possibilities with us without compromising your experience! Our optional trips are designed to enrich your visit to Machu Picchu and other nearby destinations, always guaranteeing first-class service.
BOOK NOW
Reservations on Our Website Are Individual
We do not request any upfront payment until we confirm the availability of your reservation on the selected dates.
Once availability is confirmed, we will send you an email from booking@exploreperu360.com with the link or payment methods available for your country. You can decide whether to cancel the full amount or just a deposit of $200 per person to confirm your reservation.
Once your reservation is confirmed, we will take care of everything. We will be waiting for you on the day of your arrival in Cusco. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.
