Embark on an epic Inca Trail adventure to Machu Picchu!
The Classic 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a highlight of South America and undoubtedly one of the most famous treks in the world. Hiking on this Classic Inca Trail offers stunning views of the Peruvian Andes while exploring the heart of the fascinating Inca culture. You'll experience incredible biodiversity, cloud forests, and breathtaking views along this ancient path, which at the end will lead you to the enigmatic archaeological site of Machu Picchu.
You’ll be challenged along the way but incredibly rewarded when you enter through the Inti Punku (Sun Gate)on the last day to look over the mystical Machu Picchu for the first time.
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Packing List
- Faqs
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
This Classic Inca Trail 4 Days is just a small part of the thousands of kilometers of trails that the Incas used hundreds of years ago. The trek is 43 kilometers (26 miles), which the government has sanctioned for access to Machu Picchu. It includes three incredible days of hiking followed by a final day exploring Machu Picchu. The Classic Inca Trail is also one of the most regulated treks in Peru and South America. According to government regulations, there are only a limited number of permits available for trekkers, which helps to preserve this rich ecosystem and unique wildlife.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu will surprise you with its fascinating highlights, which include Llactapata, the Dead Woman's Pass, Runkurakay, Sayaqmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Winaywayna, Intipata, and the Sun Gate. These landmarks are found along the trail, and as you pass by, your guide will explain the function of each site to give you a better understanding of the Inca history and the area. Then, at the end of the journey, Machu Picchu emerges among the clouds, surrounded by towering mountains.
Highlight of this Tour: Ancient Inca Trail, Llactapata, Dead Woman’s Pass, Sun Gate, and Machu PicchuHiking distance: 43km / 26miles
Considerations: Permit Required
Season: March through January
Itinerary at a Glance
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Day01
Cusco - Ollantaytambo - KM 82 - Llactapata - Huayllabamba
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure by Hiking the Inca Trail with a final destination in Machu Picchu. Four incredible days await you.
Day02Huayllabamba - Ayapata - Dead Woman’s Pass - Pacaymayu
Discover the most fascinating highlands by hiking up to 4.215 meters in the Andes, surrounded by huge towering mountains, and becoming involved with the mystical energy during the 4-day Inca Trail.
Day03Pacaymayu - Runkurakay Pass - Chaquicocha - Phuyupatamarca - Inti Pata - Wiñaywayna
Hike through the footsteps of the Incas and learn the history, culture, and traditions while enjoying stunning views following the Classic Inca Trail tour that will lead you until the cloudy, humid forest.
Day04Wiñaywayna - Sun Gate - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - Cusco
Arrive at the mystical Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, which offers breathtaking vistas. Explore Machu Picchu, the most sacred place in the entire Inca territory. Its location and architecture will leave you breathless.
Day 01Cusco - Piskacucho Km 82 - Llactapata- Huayllabamba:
Walking distance: 6.7 miles/12 km (6-7 hours)
Campsite altitude: 2,950 meters/9,678 feet above sea level
Considered: Moderate day (getting used to the Inca Trail)
Weather: Warm and windyFor the Classic Inca Trail adventure, Vidal Expeditions team will pick you up from wherever you are staying in Cusco, Sacred Valley (Urubamba or Ollantaytambo). Pickup from Cusco will be at 5:30 a.m., from Urubamba at 6:40 a.m., and if you stay in Ollantaytambo, you get to sleep in a bit with your pick up at 7:30 a.m. At your briefing, these times will be confirmed, as they might fluctuate based on where you are staying. We will then drive to Km 82, arriving at about 9:30 a.m.
After we're ready, we’ll go through the first Inca Trail checkpoint to begin our
trek to Machu Picchu (please make sure you have your original passport with you to enter and the Inca Trail permits which our team will provide you). The first 2 hours of the trek are relatively easy as we make our way to our first Inca site, Patallacta which is an ancient Inca checkpoint for the approach to Machu Picchu. From Patallacta it’s another 30 minutes hike to our lunch stop. After, we will hike for another two hours until we reach the first night’s campsite at Wayllabamba (2950 meters/9678 feet).On this last stretch, we pass through two small communities. If you want to buy any energy drinks or snacks, you can do so here. You can also buy any essential items, such as batteries, that you may have forgotten. We’ll arrive at our campsite by 5:00 p.m., and after settling in for a bit, you can relax and have a hot drink and snack with your team of porters, chefs, and guides. By 7:30 p.m., your dinner will be ready, and afterwards you can get some well-deserved rest.
Lunch & Dinner MealsModerate Difficulty12km/6.7miles Walking Distance7 - 8 hours Walking Time2,709m / 8,887 ft Starting Elevation2,950m/9,678 ft Highest Elevation
Day 02Wayllabamba - Dead Woman´s Pass - Pacaymayu:
Walking distance: 4.94 miles/9km (7-8 hours)
Campsite altitude: 3,600m / 11,811 feet above sea level
Considered: Top day (you will have survived the highest pass Dead Woman's Pass)
Area: Andes and Cloud Forest
Weather: Cold and rainyYour porters will wake you up early with a hot cup of coca tea to get you ready for the second day of the Classic Inca Trail. Today is the most challenging day, and we will start early. We’ll hike for roughly 5 hours to reach the highest pass of the trek, Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 meters/13,829 feet). On reaching the pass, we’ll stop for a short break to enjoy the views before setting off again to descend to the next valley (Pacaymayu Valley—Hidden River).
It’s another hour and a half down the side of the valley to our lunch spot, and we spend the night here. We arrive there in the afternoon, where our delicious lunch is waiting for us. Then, we have free time for 3 hours to rest or play some games with your guide. After dinner, if you’re not too exhausted, we can do some stargazing, and we’ll point out the fascinating Inca constellations. In the magnificent Southern Hemisphere sky, away from all the artificial lighting, this sky is something to behold!
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner MealsChallenging Difficulty9km /4.9miles Walking Distance7 - 8 hours Walking Time2,950m /9,678 ft Starting Elevation4,215 m / 13,828 ft Highest Elevation
Day 03Pacaymayu- Second Pass - Wiñaywayna:
Walking distance: 11.2 miles/16km (10 hours)
Campsite altitude: 2.600 meters / 8,530 feet above sea level
Considered: longest day - all downhill!
Area: High Cloud Forest
Weather: Warm and very humidCompleting Day 2 and beginning Day 3 along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu certainly deserves a pat on the back! We begin early again, waking up at 5:30am to begin what is commonly felt to be the most beautiful day of the whole Inca Trail. We begin ascending again to the second pass of the trek. It’s 2 hours to the pass, and along the way we’ll stop at a small Inca site (Runcu Raccay) and see two huge waterfalls cascading down the opposite side of the valley.
After the second pass, at 3950 meters (1295 feet), it’s another hour's downhill hike to reach the magnificent Inca site, Sayacmarca (an otherwise inaccessible village). We’ll stop here for a rest and have a quick tour of the site and take all the pictures. We keep walking to Chaquiqocha (Dry Lake), where we have lunch.
After we've relaxed, we're hiking for 2 hours along what we like to call "Inca flats" (gradual inclines) and begin to enter the jungle known as the Cloud Forest. As we walk, we will have the opportunity to see the majesty of Salkantay, the second highest snow-capped mountain in the Sacred Valley, and a fantastic panoramic view of the Vilcabamba mountain range. Begin to make our way up to the last peak at Phuyupatamarka (3600 meters), from where we’ll have great views overlooking the Urubamba river. Down the valley, we get our first views of Machu Picchu Mountain, but the site itself is still hidden from view. From Phuyupatamarka, it is a three-hour walk down a flight of steps to our last campsite, close to Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young). Wiñay Wayna is the most spectacular Inca site on the trail after Machu Picchu and the most popular campsite because of its proximity to Machu Picchu.
During the descent, we visit two Inca sites, Phuyupatamarka (Town in the Clouds) and Intipata (Terraces of the Sun). We arrive at our campsite around 4:00 p.m. to have tea time. Afterwards, if you still have energy, we can go to see Wiñaywayna Inca site (Forever Young) or you can just relax and be ready for your final day at Machu Picchu. We like to spoil our guests as we enjoy our last feast with the porters and chefs. It’s an Inca Trail tradition to organize a ceremony in the evening to introduce the team to the tourists once again and to thank them for the great job done (if you wish to provide tips for them, you can do so at this time). It is advisable to go to bed at a reasonable time in order to get up in the early hours of the morning to arrive at Machu Picchu at the crack of dawn in the hopes that the weather will give us a beautiful sunrise over the site at Machu Picchu.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner MealsModerate- Challenging Difficulty16km /11.2miles Walking Distance9- 10 hours Walking Time3,600m / 11,811 feet ft Starting Elevation3,980 m / 13,057 ft Highest Elevation
Day 04Sun Gate - Machu Picchu - The Lost City Of The Incas
Walking distance: 3.10 miles/5km (2 hours)
Considered: The most exciting and magical day (early wake up 3.30AM)
Area: High Cloud and Subtropical Forest
Weather: Hot and very humid (bring lots of water)The wake-up time is 3:30 AM. We’ll eat breakfast at 4:00 AM and wait at the checkpoint to be one of the first to start trekking when they open the gates at 5:30 AM. We’ll wave goodbye to our team of porters and chefs, then it’s "forward on" to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). From here, we have spectacular views of the mountains and Machu Picchu in all its glory. We reach the Sun Gate by 6:30am it’s just an hour trek downstairs to reach the Lost City of the Incas. As we approach Machu Picchu, the views of the city just get better and better! At about 8:40 a.m., we’ll reach the final checkpoint and enter Machu Picchu to begin our 2-hour private guided tour.
After the tour you done with the Inca Trail trek, you’ll be given your bus tickets to make your way down to Aguas Calientes. You’ll have plenty of free time to explore on your own or climb one of the neighboring mountains, Huaynapicchu (which must be arranged ahead of time). Your guide will offer to meet you down in the village of Aguas Calientes to enjoy your last lunch in a local restaurant. This is optional and not included. At lunch, he will hand out train tickets, so if you choose to skip, please arrange to get these before leaving him at Machu Picchu. Unless you arrange for an upgraded train, we will book the Expedition-class train departing Aguas Calientes at 14:55 hrs. Please make sure you are on the platform at least 30 minutes ahead of time. This train will be 2 hours to Ollantaytambo, where our driver will meet you and drive you back to the city in our bus, then we will drop you off at your hotel.
Breakfast and Lunch MealsModerate Difficulty5km/3.10miles Walking Distance2 - 3 hours Walking Time2.600 meters / 8,530 ft Starting Elevation2,708m / 8,884 ft Highest ElevationAt Vidal Expeditions, we are transparent and provide specific details of what is included and excluded in the Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. We know this is very important so that you know exactly what to bring and don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your Machu Picchu trek.
WE INCLUDE
Vidal Expeditions Team Provide
Pre-departure briefing
Once you have booked the Inca Trail tour with us, you will get a notification about the pre-departure briefing, where you will meet with your trekking guide and the tour group in our office the night before your Machu Picchu hike. During this briefing, you will receive important details about what to pack for Inca Trail trek. After this time, you will receive your duffle bag for your extra luggage, which will stay with our porter while you are hiking.
Professional Adventure Guide
All our tour guides have a great reputation for customer service and have years of experience guiding along the Inca Trail. Our tour guides have graduated with a tourism career from the National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. They have also studied English at a private language institute. Through their patience, responsibility, knowledge, passion for trekking, and pride in having been born in the land of the Incas, we ensure our tour guides provide an excellent experience for you when you explore the magical Machu Picchu.
Permits Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
Once we receive your details and the deposit for the tour, we purchase all the necessary tickets for your trek (subject to availability). These Inca Trail permits will be for a specific date and will be in your name. Unfortunately, this information can’t be modified under any circumstance once confirmed. Only your passport number can be updated; however, for this change, you must bring both your old and new passports.
Porters Team
At Vidal Expeditions, we include a personal porter who will be carrying your personal belongings in a duffle bag that we provide during this trek. This duffle bag cannot exceed 7 kg (14 lb). This weight includes the sleeping bag and mattress. You will be responsible for packing your duffle bag with your personal items (including your sleeping bag and mattress) that you will not be using during the day before breakfast. Items that are packed will not be accessible until we reach the final camp for the evening.
Transportations
Private Transport
We include all the transportation during your trek. We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and take you to Piscacucho or the Km. 82 Trail head. At the end of the trek, the bus returning from Ollantaytambo to Cusco will drop you off at your hotel.
Train Ticket
For the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, we include the return train ticket after you have explored Machu Picchu on the last day. The train ticket will be for one of the available trains scheduled for 14:20 hrs., 14:55 hrs., or 16:20 hrs.
Bus Ticket
The bus ticket from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes once you are done exploring Machu Picchu is also included.
Equipment
Camping equipment
Vidal Expeditions leads tours to Machu Picchu with suitable camping equipment to make sure your trek is an experience of a lifetime. Our tents are Eureka or Doite pro Aconcagua for 4 people, which will be shared only with 2 people to ensure your comfort and enough space for your luggage. There will also be a spacious dining tent for you to enjoy each meal on this tour.
Personal Duffle bag
We included a personal duffle bag for your 4-day Inca Trail. You will get this duffle bag at Vidal Expeditions office during your pre-departure briefing the night before your trek. This bag will be carried by our porters during the trek. You will find it in your tent every afternoon when you arrive at the campsite. It can be filled with your personal items, sleeping bag, and mattress, but the maximum allowable weight is 7 kg (17 lb). The duffle bag must be returned to our office no later than one day after your trek.
Medical First Aid Kit
All tour guides at Vidal Expeditions are very well trained in first aid. They received training courses every six months on how to assist someone who is in an emergency situation. Also, they are trained on how to supply balloon oxygen if someone requires it.
Meals
Meals
At Vidal Expeditions, we know food is such an important part of any vacation, and getting the right fuel on an active holiday is crucial. During your Inca Trail trek, we include 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners. We cater to all dietary restrictions. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and others—just let us know your dietary restrictions at the time of your booking. Our team is well-trained to prepare the best food you've ever had with local and organic ingredients.
Water
Vidal Expeditions will provide you with water from the first lunch to the last breakfast. This water will be filtered, boiled, and cooled by our chef. You must bring your own water container, bottle, or camelback that can hold water for hiking for a few hours. We recommend a capacity of 2 liters.
Snacks
Our team will provide a snack every morning before leaving each campsite, so you can enjoy it during your hike throughout the day. There will be many breaks where you can enjoy the delicious local fruits, biscuits, and caramels.
WE NOT INCLUDED
Sleeping bag
Every trekker along the Inca Trail needs a proper sleeping bag, which has to be for -15°C or 5°F. We recommend you bring your own, but if you don’t want to bring your own or don’t have one, you can rent a sleeping bag from us.
Walking Sticks/Trekking Poles
Hiking with trekking poles has its benefits—protect your knees while you are hiking downhill. Especially on the ancient Inca Trail, where there are many stairs up and down, trekking poles help you during the ascent and increase stability. If you don’t have a pair of trekking poles, you can rent them from our office.
Breakfast on the First day
We do not provide breakfast on the day of your departure. However, most hotels offer breakfast during your stay. In case your hotel does not provide breakfast, we will stop at a restaurant near Ollantaytambo where you will be able to purchase breakfast.
Lunch in Aguas Calientes
Lunch on the last day at Aguas Calientes is not included in the trek. However, you and the group can enjoy the last lunch together at a restaurant recommended by your tour guide.
Travel Insurance
We recommend buying travel insurance before leaving your country in case something happens during your visit to Peru.
Tips for our team
Tips are not included. Tipping the team is typical on any excursion to Machu Picchu. Although we pay good salaries to our entire team, tips are welcome as a token of your appreciation for the team's hard work.
Huayna Picchu
Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a really famous hike that normally takes 45 minutes to hike up the narrow, steep steps to the top with a great view of Machu Picchu citadel. If you would like to hike Huayna Picchu after your tour to Machu Picchu, there is an extra cost of USD 75.00. Also, this booking must be done at least 3 months in advance due to its popularity.
CLASSIC INCA TRAIL INFO
At Vidal Expeditions, we focus on making your trip an unforgettable experience, and we want to provide all the details you need to know before leaving your country and starting your life experience along the Classic Inca Trail Trek.
Pre-Departure Briefing.
A briefing is essential before you start your Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. A night before your trip, you need to meet with your trekking tour guide, who will provide you with all the details about this 4-day trek to Machu Picchu. All our briefings are at 6:30 p.m.It can be at your hotel or in our office, and if you are not available at this time, you should coordinate a new time with our office staff.
Duffel bags.
After your briefing, you will be available to receive a duffel bag that you need to fill with your personal items. It has to be a maximum of 7 kg, including your sleeping bag and mattress; without those, you have an extra 4 kg, which is for your personal stuff.
This duffel bag will be carried by our porters during your trek; you should fill it with the items you are using during the day. You can return your duffle bag once you return to Cusco after your trek.
Pickup
All our pickups are from your hotel in Cusco, according to the time your tour guide will tell you during your briefing the night before your tour. In case you are staying in an AirB&B you should explain and provide us the address of it.
We also pickup during our route driving to the trailhead, it can be in Chinchero, Urubamba, Ollontaytambo.
After your trek, our guide will drop you off at the same hotel where we picked you up before your tour. In case you change hotels, please let us know which is your new hotel.
What you need to pack?
Important
- Passport
- Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
- Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)
FOR YOUR DUFFEL:
Porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air mat (if you bring or rent one). From our perspective, these two items weigh 3.5 kg.
- 2-3 wicking t-shirts
- 2-3 hiking pants
- 4 sets of undergarments.
- 1 Fleece
- 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
- 1 Rain jacket and pants
- 1 sun hat
- 1 wool hat
- Headlamp: essential
- Waterproof gloves
- Comfortable shoes for camp or flip flops
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least
TOILETRIES:
- Sunscreen
- Face moisturizer
- Bug spray
- Handsanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Toiletpaper
- Personal medication
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:
A daypack can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, bags larger than 25 liters will not be allowed in. If it is larger, you will need to store it outside the citadel gates. But don´t worry, they have a secure storage facility.
Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won't have time to filter water until your first lunch.
- Sunhat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Camera
- Music (IPhone)
- Handsanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
- Earplugs
PREPARING FOR YOUR CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TREK
Here some frequently asked question about the Inca trail to Machu PicchuAt Vidal Expeditions, we try to make the booking system as easy as possible for you. Once you decide to do the 4-day Inca Trail trek, we will send you a booking form where you need to complete all the required details, which can’t be changed once they are confirmed. We also need a previous deposit of $200 USD per person. As soon as you pay, we immediately book a spot on the Inca Trail. Once we are done with it, we will send you your invoice and confirmation that all the booking processes have been set up satisfactorily.
To book the Inca Trail permit, you should do it in advance because there are limitations on how many people can hike this trail every day; the capacity is 230 tourists per day. Once your permit is confirmed, the start dates and your name cannot be changed under any circumstance. According to government rules, the only information we can change is the passport number, which you should take care of before confirming the booking form.
The government will only allow us to change passport numbers if we have a copy of the new and old passports. If you no longer have your old passport, any government-issued ID will be accepted, as long as the name is the same. Also, make sure your passport does not expire six months or less after your trip.
Cusco is a big enough city to find different categories of hotels, from 2 stars to 5 stars. There are also Airbnb places where you can stay without any problem. Cusco streets are narrow, especially near the main square, and some streets are pedestrian with some stairs. We will send you a notification for the pick-up if it is not possible to access them with our car and arrange another place to pick you up and drop you off. Also, it is possible to stay in the Sacred Valley near Urubamba City or Ollantaytambo, where we can pick you up in 1.20 hours, rather than in Cusco. If you want some recommendations, please ask the Vidal Expeditions sales team.
In case you have extra luggage that you do not need to bring to the Inca Trail, all the hotels in Cusco have storage where you can leave your luggage completely free. If you change hotels after the trek, we have storage available in the Vidal Expeditions office. Get more information from our office team.
The Inca Trail is one of the most famous hikes in South America. For many years, it has been among the top treks in the world. It starts in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, crosses the Andes, and ends in Machu Picchu. This is the only hike that goes directly to Machu Picchu.
This famous trail is located in the Cusco region of the southern part of Peru, and it crosses from the high Andes to the cloud forest area near the high jungle.
Yes, you will find some basic cabins along the trail; on the first and second days, they have proper squat toilets. Most Inca Trail toilets have flooded flushing mechanisms; as you go farther, the toilets degrade and become unclean due to the demand of people.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is not dangerous; the strenuous terrain makes it difficult for those unexperienced hiking in this kind of terrain. However, the trail has some difficult sections where you must be careful and pay attention to where you take the next step. The Inca Trail is full of stairs, and for someone who does have experience hiking in these conditions, it can be a bit dangerous. It is also important to prepare very well, especially with the altitude.
Yes. It is possible, if you are ok with taking the same train out of Aguas Calientes that is part of your original itinerary, which is typically at 14:30 or 14:55 that afternoon, that there is no additional charge to move the train back a day. If you need us to secure your hotel or another visit to Machu Picchu, this will be an additional cost. If you do choose to spend one more night in Aguas Calientes, make sure you tell the Vidal Expeditions office at least one month in advance so your train ticket is purchased for the right day.
Not. The Inca Trail is located in remote places where there is not access to electricity. You should bring an extra battery or power bank for 4 days; you can have change to buy one in Cusco. There is also no cellphone service, so we recommend telling your family you are going to the trail where there is no phone signal.
While you don't need any specific training to do the 4-Day Inca Trail, being fit will help. Along the years, many people have asked, "How dangerous is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu? The best preparation for the trek is treadmill exercise with steep inclines and stairs. With some days of acclimatization in Cusco, you will be fine along the trail. The second day will be your toughest day, as you will climb up to the highest peak, which is called Death Woman Pass (4215 m/13779 ft).
The toughest part along the Inca Trail is the second day, where you'll climb to 4,215 meters (13,828 feet). which is called Death Woman Pass. The climbing normally takes about 4–5 hours, depending on your physical condition. The last two hours are quite challenging because the trail has more stairs of different sizes.
The answer is very simple; just imagine hiking on an ancient path that the Incas had used for many years to connect Cusco's Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. After many years, this section of the Inca Trail is still well preserved and protected by Peruvian regulations. This is the only trek that will take you directly to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. The Inca Trail is a cultural, historical, and religious hike where you will connect with nature and discover incredible biodiversity. Hiking on this trail, you will disconnect from life with no cellphone connection, no electricity, no cars, or any other technology.
The Dead Woman's Pass is also called Warmiwañusqa in the local language because the mountain has a silhouette that looks like a woman laying on top of the mountain. It is located at 4,215 meters and can be reached on the second day hiking along the Inca Trail. For many other locals, this silhouette is of the Pachamama, who protects the access to Machu Picchu.
The Inca Trail starts at km 82 near Ollantaytambo and ends in Machu Picchu. The hike distance during the four days is 42km (26 miles). However, some other people can also do it as a five-day trek..
To hike on the Inca Trail, you will need a small backpack that is light and comfortable. We recommend bringing one of the 30 or 35 litters with an adjustable strap, hip belts, a chest strap, and a water bottle pocket.
Definitely, it is always recommended to wear light hiking boots if possible. Ones with ankle support are extra helpful, especially for the inexperienced hiker. Because you will be climbing and going down so many steps created by the Incas, some of them become slippery as time goes on. Now that they are uneven and at varying heights, the extra support helps prevent twisting your ankles.
Walking sticks are always helpful to trekkers, but particularly on this trek. There are so many stairs that you will walk down, all made by the Incas 600 years ago. They vary in height and are not all straight. Using walking sticks can help take the pressure off your knees while doing this portion of the trail. Plus, they will help you get up the mountain as well. For those who are bringing their own, make sure you have rubber tips, or the rangers will not allow you to use them. Rubber tips can be purchased in Cusco if you forget before you leave, as well as at the beginning of the trail..
The weather in Cusco and parts of the Andes is unpredictable, even if the weather forecast says it’s sunny. We can’t trust it. It is an impossible question for us to answer. Historically, April through September is the dry season; November through February is the rainy season; and March and October are bridge months—a mixture of both. But the clouds have not followed these rules in the last few years. Prepare for sun and rain, no matter when you come. As far as temperatures go, that is consistent throughout the year. Mornings and evenings are always cold. Make sure to bring a fleece jacket for the mornings and a down jacket for the evenings. Once the sun is up, you should be comfortable hiking and touring Machu Picchu in short sleeves. Long pants (for yoga or hiking) are encouraged to protect against the mosquitoes, which can be a nuisance in Aguas Calientes.
From: USD 740.00 per person
Additional Items
*Upgrade the returning train to Vistadome service( with larger windows and more confortable seats: $60US per person *Sleeping bag -15°C / 5°F for the entire trip: $20USD
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Vidal Expeditions. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
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Best SellerTour Price4 Days / 3 Nights
Inca Trail
Price from $ 740 USD Per Person
Group Size Up to 12 People
What's it like
Inca Trail 4 Days / 3 Nights Map
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
At Vidal Expeditions we offer the best service for all our customers and here is what makes us different than others.
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Small groups: Along our excursion group size is a capped at 8 people. This guarantees that you will enjoy every step of our excursion
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Hotel: During our excursion to Machu Picchu, we offer a 3 stars hotel stay for the last night. This ensures you are well rested and ready to explore Machu Picchu.
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Bus to Machu Picchu: To enjoy Machu Picchu, we provide a round trip ticket on the bus from Aguas Calientes to the main entrance of the archaeological site.
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Local Tour guides: Our team consists of 100% local tour guides, who have expert knowledge in our ancient culture.
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Best Camping Equipment: We have the state-of-the-art camping equipment for our excursion. The equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before and after every excursion.
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Best Trekking team: At Vidal Expeditions we focus to create the best experience during our excursions. Our team that consists of tour guides, cooks, porters, horse drivers are handpicked. We train our team to offer you the best service. We take care of our team by providing them with good equipment and paying them fairly.
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