The Inca Trail 4 day trek is known as one of the most famous and popular hiking trails, not only in Peru but also worldwide. It consists of a 4 day hike from km 82 to Machu Picchu (43 km/26.719 miles). The main attraction of the Inca Trail 4 day trek is the beautiful combination of Inca ruins, majestic mountains, exotic vegetation, and amazing ecological diversity. The trail leads through high passes with unforgettable views, a cloud forest, and finally down into semi-tropical vegetation.
The highest point above sea level is 4,200 m, so everyone who comes from the coast is advised to spend 2 days in Cusco before traveling to acclimatize to the altitude. The 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu includes a professional tour guide, trekking chef, super porters carrying all high-quality camping equipment, and your personal belongings.
The Machu Picchu sanctuary is home to more than 250 species of orchids and many species of rare birds, animals, and reptiles, as well as some species that are on the verge of extinction. If you want to hike the Classic Inca Trail, we recommend you book in advance, as there are only 500 slots available every day.
Sustainable Tourism: Inca Trail Machu is very keen and happy to promote and practice sustainable tourism by being eco-friendly and supporting local communities and also, this year we has planting more 30´000 native plant in Cusco.
Physical Activity: 3-Moderate to difficult - Some points are high.
Service Level: Friendly Travel Group & All Inclusive.
Age Requirement: 4+. Please note: all participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Permits: Included the Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu ticket.
Accommodation: 3x campsite.
Meals: 3x breakfast, 3x lunch, 3x dinner, 3x afternoon tea.
Transportation: Transportation by private vehicle, 1x train ticket;
Camping equipment: All personal camping equipment include;
Day 01: Cusco - Km 82 - Ayapata
Day 02: Ayapata - Pacaymayu
Day 03: Pacaymayu - Wiñaywayna
Day 04: Hiking to Machu Picchu
Inca Trail Machu has launched the "Follow and Bring Friends" program for all travelers who want to trek the Inca Trail in 2025. This initiative helps you connect with other adventurers who are also planning to hike the Inca Trail, allowing you to save money on your trek to Machu Picchu, make the experience more memorable, and meet new friends along the way.
Book Your Trek: Start by securing your spot on the Inca Trail at the base price listed below.
Invite Others to Join You: Spread the word! Share your trip details on social media, trekking forums, or recommendation pages to find fellow adventurers.
Get Discounts for Your Group: For every traveler who joins your group, we’ll apply a discount to the total group price. The larger your group, the bigger your savings!
Group Size | Base Price Per Person | Discount Per Person | Final Price Per Person |
1Trekker | U$ 2106 | ----- | U$ 2106 |
2Trekkers | U$ 2106 | U$ 891 | U$ 1215 |
3Trekkers | U$ 1215 | U$ 175 | U$ 1040 |
4Trekkers | U$ 1040 | U$ 135 | U$ 905 |
5Trekkers | U$ 905 | U$ 65 | U$ 840 |
6Trekkers | U$ 840 | U$ 25 | U$ 815 |
7Trekkers | U$ 815 | U$ 20 | U$ 795 |
8+ Trekkers | U$ 795 | U$ 15 | U$ 780 |
If you're looking for the best price for the trek, starting at $689, visit Inca Trail Backpacking.
Gather your friends today and start planning the journey of a lifetime! If you have any questions or need assistance, our team is here to help every step of the way.
On the 4 day Inca Trail, the Ministry of Culture and SERNANP are government agencies responsible for managing the trail. At each checkpoint, campsite, and along the route, rangers use radio communication connected to central hubs in Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, and Cusco. Inca Trail Machu coordinates through these same radio networks, ensuring our guides and trekking chefs can stay informed and report any emergencies or natural events on the trail.
During the rainy season, having reliable radio communication is crucial. Satellite phones, while carried by some companies, only allow communication between the guide and their office. However, the rangers of the Ministry of Culture and SERNANP do not have satellite phones, making coordination through this method ineffective.
For this reason, Inca Trail Machu relies on radio communication. It ensures we stay well-informed about any developments on the Inca Trail. Our guides and trekking chefs communicate efficiently, allowing us to prevent or quickly manage any potential issues during your journey. This helps ensure a smooth and safe experience for all our travelers.
If you are planning to hike the Classic Inca Trail 4 Days in 2026, we recommend you book in advance. In mid-October, availability for the Inca Trail 2025 will reopen, and you can secure your permits for the next year. Don’t wait until the last minute; book your Classic Inca Trail now.
Starting the 4 Inca Trail Trek: We will pick you up from your hotel and take you by private van to Ollantaytambo (1 hr 30 min approx). There, you will have breakfast (not included) or you can buy extra snacks. Then, we will drive to the trailhead at kilometer 82 of the Inca Trail. There, you and our guide will need to check in at the control point with your passport and Inca Trail permit. Once that is finished, you will begin hiking on the Inca Trail. There will be a quick briefing at 2,600 meters. Next, we will pass a checkpoint and hike alongside the Urubamba River. We will visit the Wilkarakay archaeological site and the magnificent Inca ruins of Patallacta. Later, we continue up the Cusichaca River Canyon, which offers magnificent views of the Cordillera Oriental, especially of Veronica Mountain (5,850 m). After having lunch in Chamana, we continue following the trail alongside the Cusichaca River and observe several Inca agricultural terraces and irrigation channels. Afterwards, we visit the picturesque village of Huayllabamba. From there, we begin to ascend, appreciating the different ecosystems along the way. In Ayapata, we set up our first campsite at 3,700 meters, enjoy afternoon tea and dinner, and then go to sleep.
Estimated trekking time: 7 hours.
Trekking distance: 14 km.
Max. elevation campsite: Ayapata - 3,850 meters / 12,631 feet.
Min. elevation Start: 2,600 meter / 8530.184 feet.
Meals: 1x Snack, 1x Lunch, 1x Afternoon tea & 1x Dinner.
Water: Our trekking cook will provide cold water for your bottle starting from lunch.
Accomodation: Camping.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Weather in the night: Cold
After wake-up and breakfast, we start hiking up the trail toward the first pass Warmiwañusca (4,200 m) passing through the cloud forest of Yunkachimpa and Corralpunku enjoying excellent views of snowcapped peaks. From the pass, we descend to the Pacasmayo Valley (3,300 m) to have lunch there. We continue hiking through the valley to reach the Inca ruins of Runkuracay where we have another guided visit. Afterwards, we climb up to get over the second pass (3,860 m) and follow the "Royal Inca Highway" down to see the Inca site of Sayacmarca. Then, we pass the Yanacocha lake and camp in Chaquicocha.
Estimated trekking time: 8 - 10 hours.
Trekking distance: 16 km/ 9.94 miles.
Max. elevation: Dead Women´s pass 4,200 meter / 13779.53 feet.
Min. elevation: Pacaymayu campsite - 3,300 meter / 10826.77 feet.
Meals: 01x Breakfast, 01x snack, 01x lunch, 01x afternoon tea, 01x dinner.
Accomodation: Camping
Difficulty: Strenuous/ Challenge
Water: Our trekking cook will provide cold water at each campsite.
We start climbing up the trail and pass through beautiful subtropical vegetation on the route to the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca. There we have lunch at an altitude of 3,600 metres to later steeply descent through a cloud forest having opportunities to see stunning orchids and different varieties of birds before we reach the wonderful Inca remains of Wiñay wayna (2,700 m) where our guide shows us around. We spend the third night near the ruins.
Estimated trekking time: 5 hours.
Trekking distance: 10 km/ 6.2 miles.
Max. elevation: 3,680 meter / 12073.49 feet.
Min. elevation: 2,700 meter/ 8858.27 feet.
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: 01x breakfast, 01x snack, 01x lunch, 01x afternoon tea, 01x dinner.
Accomodation: Camping.
Water: Our trekking cook will provide cold water at each campsite.
Today is the last day of our Inca Trail hike, and we will reach Machu Picchu at the best time.
We wake up early, have a quick breakfast, and begin our hike. During the hike, we will observe beautiful green mountain landscapes overlooking the Urubamba River.
Once we arrive at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), we enjoy the sunrise view of Machu Picchu. Take a moment to take in the view of the Inca citadel and the surrounding mountains, including Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu, and Putucusi Mountain. After taking in one of the trek's most beautiful landscapes, we walk down to the citadel, enter Machu Picchu, and head to the Guardian House for a panoramic view and great photo opportunities.
Then, we walk down to the entrance checkpoint of Machu Picchu.
There, you will have time to get a coffee or use the restroom. Afterwards, we will re-enter the Inca citadel through Gate 3 to begin Circuit 3. This circuit allows you to visit the lower part of the Inca city.
You will then take a guided tour of the citadel and explore sites such as the Andean terraces and the Temple of the Sun. During the tour, you can take photos to remember your experience.
Once the tour is over, we will descend by tourist bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will have time for lunch (not included). Afterwards, you can explore the small village and buy souvenirs.
In the afternoon, we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our driver will be waiting for you with a sign bearing your name. From there, you will be transferred back to Cusco. The driver will drop you off at your hotel or Airbnb according to the information you provided to our Inca Trail Machu department.
Pre-Departure Briefing
Our guide will be meeting in your hotel for an orientation talk prior to the trek. You are provided there with a duffle bag too.
Transport
We picked up from your hotel/Airbnb in the morning and transferred by private vehicle to Km 82 (head trail of the 4 Day Inca Trail).
On the last day of the Inca Trail 4 days, you take a train to Ollantaytambo. There, our driver picks you up taking you to your hotel in Cusco.
Experienced Tour Guides
Our experience tour guide, who is English speaking, with a university background, and is officially licensed. Your guide explains to you the culture and surroundings along the entire route. He/She keeps you safe following the government health and safety protocols, so you can enjoy the trekking without any worries and just focus on the beauty of the trail!
Super Porters
A personal Super Porter is included in the tour and is responsible for carrying a duffel bag filled with your personal belongings (up to 7 kg/11 lbs). There are also other super porters to carry all the camping equipment and tents. Visit the Inca Trail Porter Rules 2025.
Inca Trail Permits and Machu Picchu Tickets
The 4 day Inca Trail includes the Inca Trail Permits and entrance fee to Machu Picchu.
On the last day in Machu Picchu we will visit the Inca site of the Guardian House, where your guide will explain the significance of the Inca citadel. Here you can also take panoramic photos of the citadel. Afterwards you will walk down to the exit and re-enter Machu Picchu.
The Inca Trail permit includes Circuit 3 of Machu Picchu, which allows you to explore the lower part of the Inca citadel.
Note: If you would like to explore the entire citadel, we recommend that you purchase a Circuit 2 Machu Picchu ticket. This ticket allows you to visit the entire Inca citadel in approximately three hours. Please note that this ticket is an additional cost and is not included in the 4 day Inca Trail package.
Eureka Double Personal Tents:
2 people occupy each 4-person tent which allows higher comfort and luggage security. Our tents are of 4 seasons and are always disinfected and highly maintained to ensure excellent performance during the treks. They are of the brand Eureka Mountain.
Camping Equipment for the Hike
All camping equipment during the Inca Trail. Dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs, and all cooking equipment (carried by porters) are included.
Personal Camping equipment
Inca Trail Machu provide the following personal equipment during the hike to the Inca Trail 4 Days
A down sleeping bag for warmth and comfort.
An inflatable mattress with a cover.
A soft sleeping bag liner for added comfort and hygiene.
An inflatable pillow with a removable cover.
A hot water bottle to keep your feet warm on cold nights.
A Duffel Bag for 2 Persons (7 kg per person)
You receive a duffel bag at your briefing (1-2 days prior to the trek) to fill your things in. These bags are carried by our porters during the Inca Trail. But you receive them at each campsite. Every duffel has a maximum weight of 7kg! 5kg of it should be for your personal belongings and the other 2kg are meant for your sleeping bag and pad.
Please note: You do not have access to your duffel bag until you arrive at the evening campsite!
Trekking cook during the hike to Inca Trail
A trekking chef specialized in cooking on the trail along with his/her Assistant prepare all of your delicious meals along the track to replenish your energy. You never go hungry!
Meals
3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, snacks, and 3x afternoon tea.
A vegetarian, vegan, or special diet is available at NO extra cost! Every afternoon before dinner, the trekking chef will provide popcorn, biscuits, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you do not have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up, and enjoy a bite!
Wake-Up Coca Leaf Herbal Tea
Every morning at the campsite, you are wakened up with a cup of coca leaf herbal tea! Our staff brings the tea to your tent so that you can warm up from inside before you start the day. The herbal tea helps to breathe in this high mountain altitude of the Andes.
Water During the Hike
Beginning from your first lunch until your last breakfast, Inca Trail Machu will supply all the water needed. This water will be boiled, and then cooled, before distributing. You must supply your own water bottles or camel back. We recommend carrying about 3 Liters worth. We will refill our waters at each meal.
Tourist Train Ticket
Expedition or Voyager train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
Machu Picchu Bus Ticket
A shuttle bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes Town.
Rain Ponchos
Usually, it is raining on the Inca Trail. Our porters provide a rain-poncho in case you need it.
A Machu Picchu T-shirt of the
It is a special t-shirt to remember your experience and survival of the hike.
Radio Comunication (Walkie-talkie)
This radio communication is connected to the Ministry of Culture and SERNANP.
Medical Kit & Oxygen Bottle
Our crew brings a first-aid kit and an oxygen bottle to be ready in case of an emergency.
Sustainable Travel
When you book the Inca Trail tours with Inca Trail Machu, we are committed to supporting various social projects for porter families and reforestation efforts in the Andean communities. Visit us to Responsible Travel
During the Inca Trail Tours our staff will provide the following:
Local flights: No local flights are included in the trek´s price!
Solo Traveler: Please note that if you have booked the "Solo Traveler" option for this trek, you receive your own single tent for all nights.