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Bus, Train
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big tens
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4226 metres
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cusco
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Mar to Jan
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trekking
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3 breakfast, 3 lunch, 3 dinner
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English, Spanish
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Moderate
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2-15
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7
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70
Overview
The 4D/3N Inca Trail is a guided trek that follows ancient Inca paths through the Peruvian Andes to the breathtaking citadel of Machu Picchu. It’s an experience that combines physical challenge, stunning natural beauty, and a deep immersion in the history and culture of the Inca civilization. The trek begins at kilometer 82 of the railway line to Machu Picchu and covers a total distance of approximately 43 to 50 km.
Highlights
- Dead Woman's Pass (Warmi Wañusqa) The highest point of the entire trek, at 4,215 m above sea level. Reaching the summit is a personal challenge and offers spectacular panoramic views of the mountain range.
- Exclusive Archaeological Sites Along the way, you'll have exclusive access to Inca ruins not visible from the road, such as Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca ("Village Above the Clouds"), and Intipata. Each has a unique history and function.
- Considered by many to be the most impressive archaeological site after Machu Picchu, its imposing agricultural terraces and structures cling to the mountainside, surrounded by a lush cloud forest.
- After an early morning hike, you'll reach this ancient entrance to Machu Picchu. The first glimpse of the sacred citadel from this point, especially at sunrise, is an unforgettable reward and an experience reserved only for hikers.
Itinerary
Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Max Altitude: 3,300 m (10,826 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Camp at Ayapata
Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco (around 4:30 AM) or the Sacred Valley. You'll travel by bus to Piscacucho, also known as Km 82 (2,720m / 8,924ft), the official starting point of the Inca Trail. After crossing the Urubamba River and checking in at the control point (don't forget your original passport!), you'll begin your trek .
The first section is relatively gentle, following the Vilcanota River valley. You'll hike for about two hours to a viewpoint overlooking the extensive Inca archaeological site of Patallacta (Llactapata), an ancient administrative and agricultural center . After another couple of hours of hiking, you'll stop for a freshly prepared lunch.
In the afternoon, you'll continue with a gradual climb to your first campsite at Ayapata (3,300m / 10,826ft), arriving around 5:00 PM. Your tents will be set up, and you'll be welcomed with a warm drink and snacks. A hearty dinner will be served later, giving you a chance to meet your guide, chefs, and porters before resting for the night .
Distance: 16 km (9.94 miles)
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Max Altitude: 4,215 m (13,829 ft)
Difficulty: Challenging
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Camp at Chaquiccocha
This is the most challenging but rewarding day. You'll be woken early with a hot cup of coca tea to prepare for the ascent. After a nutritious breakfast, you'll embark on a steep, 4-hour climb through a high-altitude Andean valley to the highest point of the trek: Warmiwañuska (Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,215m (13,829ft). Reaching the pass is a major achievement, offering spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys .
You'll then descend a long stone staircase into the Pacaymayo Valley for a well-deserved lunch, which helps recharge your energy. The day continues with a second, shorter ascent to the *Runkurakay Pass (approx. 4,000m / 13,123ft), passing a small, circular Inca ruin of the same name. From here, you'll hike to another significant Inca site, *Sayacmarca ("The Dominant Town"), which is dramatically perched on a mountainside .
The final stretch of the day is a gentle walk on original Inca pathways through beautiful cloud forest to your second campsite at Chaquiccocha (3,600m / 11,811ft). You'll arrive in the late afternoon, with time to relax and enjoy the sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range before dinner .
Distance:* 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Max Altitude: 3,600 m (11,811 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Camp at Wiñaywayna
Many consider this the most beautiful day of the trek. You'll walk along relatively flat Inca trails ("Inca flat" involves gradual inclines) through stunning cloud forest, with views of the Salkantay and Vilcabamba mountain ranges. The first highlight is reaching Phuyupatamarca ("Town Above the Clouds") at 3,600m (11,811ft), a complex of Inca baths and structures with breathtaking views .
Distance:* 6 km (3.7 miles)
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Max Altitude: 2,720 m (8,924 ft)
Difficulty: Easy
Meals: Boxed Breakfast
Accommodation: Return to Cusco
The final day starts very early (around 3:30 AM) with a quick breakfast. You'll line up at the checkpoint to be among the first groups to enter the trail at 5:30 AM. The goal is to hike for about 1-2 hours to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) (2,490m / 8,169ft) for sunrise .
[10:48, 22/8/2025] Edwin: This moment is the culmination of your journey. As the morning mist clears, you'll be rewarded with your first iconic, panoramic view of Machu Picchu spread out below, bathed in the morning light—an unforgettable experience .
After taking photos, you'll descend for about an hour to the citadel itself. Once inside, your guide will lead you on a comprehensive 2-3 hour tour of the main sectors of Machu Picchu, explaining its history and significance .
After the tour, you'll take a *bus down to Aguas Calientes town. Here, you can have lunch (not included) and perhaps visit the market. Later, you'll board a *scenic tourist train (Vistadome or 360°) to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, where a private vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving in the evening (around 7:30 PM) .
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Professional Guides: Our guides possess advanced expertise in the history, geology, and archaeology of this region in Peru.
- 7 Kilograms Of Your Personal Belongings: You will have a personal porter, who will carry 7 kilograms of your personal belongings at no extra cost. The 7 kilograms weight limit includes the sleeping bag and sleeping pad.
- A Duffle Bag: We will provide you with a duffle bag where you will put inside your 7 kilograms (14 pounds).
- Pick-Up And Drop-Off At Your Hotel: We will pick you up from your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco to start your Inca Trail. After your hike, we will drop you off in your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco.
- Private Transportation from Cusco to Km 82: Once we pick you up, our drivers will then transport you in our private AB Expeditions van to Km 82 (the trailhead).
- Foam Mattress: You will receive a foam sleeping pad.
- Professional Chef: Our chef creates incredible dishes on the Inca Trail expedition.
- Dining Tent With Chairs And Tables: We will provide you with a dining tent, along with chairs and a table where you enjoy your meals. Meals: We will provide you with 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, and 3 snacks. We also have options for vegetarians, vegans, those who are gluten-free as well as alternative options for those who have any other type of food allergy.
- Tents: We will provide you with a Eureka Timberline 4 Person Tent, which is shared by up to 2 people.
- Inca Trail Permit: The price of the Inca Trail includes the entrance fee as well as visits to the various archaeological sites.
- Porters: Our porters will carry all of your equipment, which means you only need to carry a small daypack.
- Machu Picchu Ticket: With this ticket you visit Machu Picchu with your own private guided tour.
- Bus Ticket: The bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes is also included.
- Train Tickets: We will organize your Expedition Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Transportation To Cusco: The transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco is also sorted for you.
- Oxygen Tank: Our tour guides always bring a tank of oxygen in case of an emergency.
- First-Aid Kit: During the hikes our guides will be equipped with first-aid kits.
- Briefing: The evening prior to your trek at 18:00, you will participate in a briefing at our office alongside our guide and fellow trekkers.
- Hot Water Bowls: Each and every day (before and after trekking), we provide you with hot water so you can properly clean your hands and face.
- Rain Poncho: We provide you a plastic poncho in order to provide additional protection against the rain.
- Guided Tour Of Machu Picchu: You will explore Machu Picchu with our guide, visiting the most important temples and ruins. This also includes a visit to the unique guardhouse platform.
- Water: We supply you with water during every meal. We will properly boil, filter, and cool it to guarantee cleanliness and safety for consumption.
- Daypack Cover: We also provide you with a backpack cover which shields your backpack from rain, dust, and dirt.
- Free Storage For Your Extra Belongings: We keep your extra belongings safe during the trek in our secure storage space in Cusco.
- T- Shirt: Once you finish the Inca Trail, you will then receive our iconic Inca Trail T-Shirt.
- Radio Communications: Our guides and cooks also make frequent radio communication to stay organized.
The Cost Excludes
- Lunch on Day 4.
- Entrance to the Hot Springs in Aguas Calientes town ($5).
- Tips (optional).
- Travel Insurance: It is highly recommended to purchase travel insurance for the Inca Trail to cover any unforeseen circumstances.
- ADDITIONAL OPTIONS TO ADD TO YOUR 4 DAY INCA TRAIL TOUR PACKAGE
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: This has an extra cost of $65.
- Vistadome: This has an extra cost of $50.
- Vistadome Observatory: This has an extra cost of $70
- Sleeping Bag: This has an extra cost of $20.
- Walking Sticks: This has an extra cost of $20.
- Air Mattress: This has an extra cost of $20.
FAQs
The classic inka trail 4 days is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.
On average, you walk about 6 to 10 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 6hrs and one or two days can be as long as 10hrs.
The highest altitude reached is 4225m. This is the elevation of inka trail is the highest we will climb in this trek.
not, you have to bring your power bank. There are not hot shower but we bring portable toilet.
No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash incusco There are a number of ATMs in aguas calientes town. Everything is paid in sol. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.
Yes, a permit is mandatory, as the Peruvian government limits access to only 500 people per day (including visitors, guides, and porters). You cannot purchase it on your own; you must do so through an authorized travel agency. The agency will handle the entire process using your passport information.
Well in advance, as permits sell out quickly. For peak season (May to August), it is recommended to book 5 or 6 months in advance. For off-peak months, such as March or November, 5 to 9 weeks may be sufficient, but it is always best to book as early as possible.
Permits are non-transferable and non-refundable. If you cancel, you will lose the permit fee. Changing the date is very complicated and, if there is availability, involves administrative costs and the purchase of a new permit.
The second day is by far the toughest. You ascend to the highest point, Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215 meters (13,829 feet) above sea level, with many stone steps and steep inclines. But the views make it all worthwhile!
Do cardiovascular exercise (walking, running, swimming) and practice going up and down stairs with a light backpack.
Arrive in Cusco 2 or 3 days before the trek. Rest, drink plenty of water, and drink coca tea to help your body adjust to the altitude.
The dry season, from April to October, is the most popular due to its sunny days and clear skies. May through August are the peak months of this season.
No. The Inca Trail is closed throughout February for government maintenance and cleaning.
The food is one of the biggest surprises of the trip! Professional chefs prepare delicious and nutritious Andean meals: breakfasts with eggs, pancakes, or oatmeal; dinners with hot soups, chicken, pasta, rice, and vegetables.
Yes, we offer options for vegetarians, vegans, and people with allergies or intolerances. It is essential that you let us know at the time of booking.
The porters will carry the group equipment (tents, cooking gear, food). You only need to carry a daypack with the essentials for the trek (water, camera, warm clothing, sunscreen). The rest of your luggage (a duffel bag up to 5-7 kg) will be carried by the porters. You can leave any luggage you don’t need on the trek at your hotel in Cusco or at the agency’s offices.
- Footwear: Comfortable, broken-in trekking boots.
- Layers of clothing: Breathable t-shirts, a fleece or warm jacket, and a waterproof jacket (a must).
- Sun protection: A hat or cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent. · Other: Headlamp, trekking poles (preferably with rubber tips), reusable water bottle (single-use plastic bottles have been banned since 2022), your original passport and some cash in soles.
Yes, it’s possible, but you must book well in advance (months) as spaces are limited and sell out quickly. It has an additional cost on top of the Inca Trail package.
On the last day, we’ll get up early to reach Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) at approximately 7:00 a.m. and get our first spectacular view of Machu Picchu in the sunrise. After a 45-minute walk, we’ll arrive at the citadel around 8:00 a.m., just as the other visitors begin to arrive.
The Inca Trail 4-day permit automatically includes access to Circuit 1 – Route 1C (Sungate) and Circuit 3 – Route 3B (Designed Royalty Route).
Upon arriving at the Sungate, you will continue hiking directly to Machu Picchu for approximately 45 minutes, following Route 1C. Once you reach Machu Picchu, you will proceed to the Upper Terrace, an area that offers the iconic panoramic view of the citadel. Here, your professional guide will provide a comprehensive introduction to the site, including its historical context and cultural importance.
After completing the visit to the Upper Terrace, you will exit the citadel and then re-enter to continue along Route 3B. This circuit leads through some of the most important temples and architectural structures of the ancient Inca city, allowing you to explore areas closely associated with Inca royalty and ceremonial life.
The outstanding balance, you should pay 2 days before your departure at our office (which is located on Marquez Street 250, Second Floor, Office 03, in the Historic Centre of Cusco). Our office hours are in the morning from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm and in the afternoon from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm. You can also pay us with a Credit Card (a 5% service fee applies). Please let us know what you prefer. If you want to pay with Cash, you should pay us 2 days prior to your departure.
