4-Day Classic Inca Trail Availability
Choose your start date. Permits are issued with each traveler’s passport details.
- Available
- Few spaces left
- Sold out
- Contact us
- Closed (February)
Inca Trail permits are limited and sell out fast. Availability can change within minutes and is guaranteed once your booking is confirmed.
Overview Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights
- Duration 4 Days
- Tour type Trekking
- Difficulty Challenging
- Max altitude 4215 m.a.s.l
- Accommodation Campsite
- Group size Minimum 2 people
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: 4 days / 3 nights
The Classic Inca Trail is the original Inca path from Km 82 to Machu Picchu: 42 km (26 mi) in 4 days and 3 nights of camping, over Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215 m (13,828 ft), past Inca sites such as Llaqtapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna, and through cloud forest, until you walk through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) on the last morning. Only 500 permits are issued per day, and that number includes guides, cooks and porters, so dates sell out months ahead. We are a licensed Inca Trail operator based in Cusco: we request your official permit, carry the camp, cook every meal and guide you all the way into the citadel.
- Distance: 42 km / 26 mi · Nights: 3, camping
- Highest point: Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca), 4,215 m / 13,828 ft
- Difficulty: moderate to challenging · Minimum age: 12
- Machu Picchu: two entrances, Circuit 1 (route 1-B) through the Sun Gate and Circuit 3 (route 3-B) for the guided visit at 10:00 a.m.
- Price: US$795 per person if you book by 31 December 2026 (also for 2027 departures); US$820 for bookings from 1 January 2027
- Group: small groups, with two guides when there are more than 8 hikers
Who this trek is for
- Fitness: moderate to challenging. Day 2 climbs about 1,200 m to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,828 ft) and day 3 is the longest stage, with many stone steps down.
- Altitude: spend 2 or 3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley first to acclimatize.
- Minimum age: 12.
- Best for: hikers who want the whole Inca road, three nights camping near Inca sites and the arrival on foot through the Sun Gate. Travelling solo? You join a confirmed group with no supplement.
- Season: the dry season runs from May to October, when nights can drop below 0 °C; the rainy season from November to April, heaviest from January to March. The trail closes every February.
The route at a glance
| Day | Route | Distance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Km 82 – Wayllabamba | 12 km / 7.5 mi | Llaqtapata ruins; camp at about 3,000 m |
| 2 | Wayllabamba – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayo | 11 km / 6.8 mi | Climb to 4,215 m; camp at about 3,600 m |
| 3 | Pacaymayo – Runkurakay – Sayacmarca – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna | 13.5 km / 8.4 mi | Runkurakay pass (about 3,950 m), cloud forest, Inca tunnel |
| 4 | Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu | 5.5 km / 3.4 mi | First view from Inti Punku and guided visit of the citadel |
The elevation profile and the day-by-day table are just below the itinerary. For a deeper look at each stage, read our Classic Inca Trail day by day.
What you get with Terra Quechua
- A licensed Inca Trail operator (GERCETUR Cusco, since 2018) and a local team working in Cusco since 2012.
- Availability checked every 30 minutes against the official permit system, with the time of the latest reading on the calendar.
- A portable toilet tent at every camp, part of the service at no extra cost.
- Porters carry up to 5 kg of your gear (your sleeping bag plus 3 kg of clothes), so you hike with a daypack.
- Clear rules on campsites: the Ministry of Culture assigns them with each permit, and we explain how it works before you book.
- Care for the trail: once a year our team takes part in its maintenance, and SERNANP recognises us as an Ally for Conservation.
IMPORTANT: the 4-day Inca Trail includes two Machu Picchu entrances: Circuit 1 (route 1-B), used as you arrive through the Sun Gate, and Circuit 3 (route 3-B, “Realeza diseñada”) for the guided visit at 10:00 a.m. Campsites are assigned by the Ministry of Culture: night 3 at Wiñay Wayna when available, otherwise Phuyupatamarca.
2027 prices: book by 31 December 2026 and you keep US$795 per person, also for departures in 2027. Bookings made from 1 January 2027 cost US$820 per person (US$790 for under-18s and university students).
Plan your trek: 2-day vs 4-day Inca Trail · how hard it is · 12-week training plan · packing list · Inca Trail cost 2027 · how far in advance to book · altitude sickness · adding Huayna Picchu · bathrooms on the trail · how we care for the Inca Trail.
Prefer a private trek with more comfort? See our Luxury Inca Trail 4 days, with walk-in tents, hot showers and a panoramic train.
Inca Trail booking conditions
These are the questions we are asked most often before booking the Inca Trail. Here are the short answers; the full text is in our Inca Trail terms and conditions.
If I cancel, how much is refunded?
Cancellation requests must be submitted through Terra Quechua Perú’s official channels:
- 30 days or more before departure: 70% refund.
- 8 to 29 days before departure: 50% refund.
- Less than 8 days before departure, no-shows or cancellations during the trip: no refund.
What if my booking has not been submitted to the authorities yet?
A refund may be issued less an 8% administrative and banking fee, with a minimum charge of USD 35.
Can I change my date, the participants or the tour?
Bookings are personal and subject to availability and the regulations of the relevant authorities. Once confirmed, travel dates, participants and tour types cannot be changed. A date change may require a new booking and additional fees. Complimentary options may be changed up to 48 hours before departure, subject to confirmation.
What if you cannot get my date?
If we cannot confirm your booking due to lack of availability, you can choose an alternative date at no additional cost or receive a full refund.
If incorrect information or failure to meet booking requirements prevents us from securing the reservation, we will make reasonable efforts to resolve it; if the booking cannot be completed, the applicable refund policy applies, subject to current law.
What documents do I need?
Accurate personal information and the original passport or identification document used for the booking, as required by the authorities. Travelers receiving student discounts must present valid supporting documentation. Incorrect information, invalid documents or failure to meet official requirements may result in denied entry without a refund when the issue is the customer’s responsibility.
How do prices and payment work?
All prices are in US dollars (USD) and may change without prior notice before payment. Once payment is confirmed, the agreed price remains unchanged. Services are paid in advance using the payment methods available on our booking platform.
Are extra porters or equipment rental included?
No. Additional services, such as extra porters or equipment rental, are charged separately and are subject to availability. Prices and conditions are given at the time of booking.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes. Itineraries are a guide and may be adjusted due to operational requirements, weather, safety, official restrictions or other circumstances beyond our control. Interruptions caused by force majeure are handled according to the specific circumstances and applicable law.
How long do I have to make a complaint?
Within 90 days of the service completion date, through our official channels. Each complaint is reviewed in accordance with the agreed terms and applicable law.
Itinerary Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights
Altitude profile and distances
| Day | Section | Distance | Hiking | Highest point | Up / down | Sleep at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Km 82 → Wayllabamba | ≈12 km 7.5 mi |
6–7 h | 3,000 m 9,840 ft |
+400 / −100 m | 3,000 m 9,840 ft |
| 2 | Wayllabamba → Pacaymayo | ≈11 km 6.8 mi |
7–8 h | 4,215 m 13,830 ft |
+1,215 / −615 m | 3,600 m 11,810 ft |
| 3 | Pacaymayo → Wiñay Wayna | ≈13.5 km 8.4 mi |
7–8 h | 3,950 m 12,960 ft |
+450 / −1,400 m | 2,650 m 8,690 ft |
| 4 | Wiñay Wayna → Machu Picchu | ≈5.5 km 3.4 mi |
2–3 h | 2,720 m 8,920 ft |
+100 / −320 m | Machu Picchu visit |
| Total | — | ≈42 km 26.1 mi | ||||
Approximate distances and times; campsites are assigned with each permit and may vary.
Machu Picchu included: Your permit includes two entrances: you walk in through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) on Circuit 1 · Route 1-B, with panoramic views over the citadel, and the 10:00 a.m. guided visit follows Circuit 3 · Route 3-B “Realeza diseñada”, the route Peru’s RM 306-2025-MC assigns to Inca Trail hikers. Huayna Picchu (route 3-A) is a separate ticket: US$80. See Machu Picchu circuits
-
We pick you up from your hotel early in the morning and drive to Ollantaytambo, where you can buy breakfast, and on to Km 82 (Piscacucho, 2,720 m), the start of the Inca Trail. After the permit control we follow the Urubamba River on an easy path to the Inca site of Llaqtapata (2,750 m), which your guide explains. Lunch is prepared by our cook, and in the afternoon we walk up the Kusichaca valley to our first camp at Wayllabamba (about 3,000 m), where the tents are ready for tea and dinner.
- Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi (6–7 hours)
- Camp: Wayllabamba, about 3,000 m / 9,840 ft
- Level: moderate, a good first day to get used to the trail
- Meals: lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
-
The hardest day. After breakfast we climb steadily through Andean forest to the meadow of Llulluchapampa (about 3,850 m) and then on stone steps to Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca, 4,215 m / 13,828 ft), the highest point of the trek. Go at your own pace: the group waits at the top. From the pass we descend on steep Inca steps to the valley of Pacaymayo (about 3,600 m), our second camp.
- Distance: 11 km / 6.8 mi (7–8 hours)
- Climb: about 1,200 m up, then about 600 m down
- Camp: Pacaymayo, about 3,600 m / 11,810 ft (cold at night)
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
-
The longest and, for many, the most beautiful day. We climb to the round ruins of Runkurakay and the second pass (about 3,950 m), then descend to Sayacmarca, a fortress-like Inca site on a rock spur. The trail enters the cloud forest, passes through an Inca tunnel carved in the rock and reaches Phuyupatamarca (about 3,650 m), the “town above the clouds”, with views of snow peaks on clear days. From there, a long stairway leads down past the terraces of Intipata to Wiñay Wayna (about 2,650 m), our usual third camp.
Campsite note: the Ministry of Culture assigns campsites with each permit. If Wiñay Wayna is full for your date, the system assigns Phuyupatamarca, higher up the trail, and day 4 starts from there.
- Distance: 13.5 km / 8.4 mi (7–8 hours)
- Camp: Wiñay Wayna, about 2,650 m / 8,690 ft (or Phuyupatamarca)
- Level: long day with a steep final descent
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
-
We wake up around 3:30 a.m. to be at the last checkpoint when it opens. About an hour or more of walking along the mountainside brings you to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), with the first view of Machu Picchu below, entering on Circuit 1 (route 1-B). After the photos we walk down into the citadel and, at 10:00 a.m., start the guided visit on Circuit 3 (route 3-B). Then you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, have lunch on your own and board the train to Ollantaytambo, where our transport takes you back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving after dark.
- Distance: 5.5 km / 3.4 mi to Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu: Circuit 1 (1-B) at the Sun Gate and Circuit 3 (3-B) guided at 10:00 a.m.
- Meals: breakfast (lunch and dinner on your own)
- Return: bus down, Expedition train to Ollantaytambo (Vistadome on request) and transfer to Cusco
Includes / Does not include Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights
Includes
- Pre-departure briefing at 6:00 p.m. at our office in Cusco
- Hotel pick-up and private transport to Km 82 (trailhead)
- Inca Trail permit with two Machu Picchu entrances: Circuit 1 (route 1-B) as you arrive through the Sun Gate and Circuit 3 (route 3-B) for the guided visit at 10:00 a.m.
- English-speaking professional guide (two guides for groups of more than 8)
- Porters to carry the tents, food and cooking equipment, plus up to 5 kg of your personal gear
- Personal tents: 2 people in a 4-person, 3-season tent, with room for your backpacks
- One inflatable mattress per person
- Dining tent with tables and chairs, and kitchen tent
- Portable toilet tent, part of the service at no extra cost
- Chef and kitchen equipment
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, a daily snack and afternoon tea (except the last day). Vegetarian or special menus at no extra cost
- A cloth snack bag per person, to avoid plastic bags
- Filtered boiled water from lunch on day 1, and hot water every morning and evening for washing
- Biodegradable hand soap and dishwashing detergent
- First aid kit with emergency oxygen
- Bus from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes
- Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Expedition; Vistadome on request)
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo station to your hotel in Cusco
- Accommodation and meals for all our staff
Not included
- Breakfast on the first day
- Lunch and dinner on the last day (you have free time after the Machu Picchu tour; arrival in Cusco is after dark)
- Sleeping bag rental: US$20 for the whole trek
- Trekking poles (pair): US$20
- Extra porter for the whole trek (half porter for 6 kg or full porter for 12 kg): price on request
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: US$80 each, subject to availability
- Hot springs in Aguas Calientes: S/20, paid in cash
- Vistadome train upgrade: US$50; Vistadome Observatory: US$70
- Tips: optional and for the whole trip; the group usually collects them together for the team (as a reference, US$20–30 per traveler)
- Travel insurance
Packing list Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights
- Original passport, the same one used for your permit (and your valid university card if you booked the student price)
- Daypack (about 25–35 liters) with a rain cover
- Rain jacket or poncho; rain pants in the wet season
- Broken-in hiking boots with good grip, and sandals or light shoes for camp
- Warm layers: fleece, insulated jacket, thermal base layer for sleeping, hat and gloves
- Sleeping bag (or rent one from us for US$20)
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle (single-use plastic bottles are not allowed on the trail) and water for the first morning
- Toilet paper, hand sanitizer and personal medicines
- Trekking poles with rubber tips (or rent a pair for US$20)
- Some snacks you like, small towel, swimsuit for the Aguas Calientes hot springs
- Cash in soles for tips, toilets and extras
Full list, with a printable checklist: Inca Trail packing list 2027.
Prices Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights
Private service
Price per person by group size
- 1 person US$2,400 per person Check dates –1 people
- 2 people US$1,498 per person Check dates –2 people
- 3 people US$1,260 per person Check dates –3 people
- 4 people US$1,150 per person Check dates –4 people
- 5 people US$950 per person Check dates –5 people
- 6 people US$900 per person Check dates –6 people
- 7 people US$870 per person Check dates –7 people
- 8 people US$850 per person Check dates –8 people
- 9+ people Price on request Get a quote –9+ people
Available discounts
-
Under 18− US$30
Children and school students. Passport copy when booking.
-
University students 18–25− US$30
Valid university card with name, university and year. ISIC not accepted.
Discounts are not cumulative and also apply to private departures.
Private group or custom dates? Message us on WhatsApp
2027 prices: book by 31 December 2026 and you keep US$795 per person, also for departures in 2027. Bookings made from 1 January 2027 cost US$820 per person (US$790 for under-18s and university students).
The Classic Inca Trail runs on any date with open permits, with a minimum of 2 people. Check live Inca Trail availability. Travelling solo? You join a group already confirmed for your date, with no supplement. Groups are kept small, with two guides when there are more than 8 hikers.
GROUP SERVICE PRICE
- US$795 per person if you book by 31 December 2026, for departures in 2026 and in 2027.
- US$820 per person for bookings made from 1 January 2027.
- Under 18 and university students aged 18–25: US$30 less (US$765 when you book in 2026).
- Private departures: price per person by group size in the table above; 9 people or more, ask us for a special rate.
- Minimum age: 12 years.
MACHU PICCHU ENTRANCES
Your permit includes two entrances: Circuit 1 (route 1-B), used as you arrive through the Sun Gate on day 4, and Circuit 3 (route 3-B, “Realeza diseñada”) for the guided visit at 10:00 a.m. Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain can be added for US$80 each, subject to availability.
HOW TO BOOK AND PAY
- 30% deposit online by card or PayPal secures your place; we request your permit with it.
- The 70% balance is paid at our office in Cusco (Calle Garcilaso 210) on your first day in Cusco, in cash or by card (6% card fee).
- We email your permit confirmation the same day permits open, or within 2 days at the latest.
- If we cannot confirm your booking due to lack of availability, you can choose an alternative date at no additional cost or receive a full refund.
- Cancellations: 70% refund 30 days or more before departure, 50% from 8 to 29 days before, and no refund with less than 8 days’ notice, no-shows or cancellations during the trip. Bookings are personal: once confirmed, dates, participants and tour type cannot be changed, and a date change may require a new booking and additional fees. Full details in our Inca Trail terms and conditions.
PASSPORT DETAILS
Send your full name, nationality and passport number exactly as they appear in your passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Peru; otherwise immigration can refuse your entry. If you renew your passport after booking, send us the new number and we update it in the system. Bring that same passport on the trek: it is checked at the trail control.
DISCOUNT REQUIREMENTS
Under 18 (children and school students): send a copy of the passport when you book. University students aged 18–25: send a copy of a valid university card showing your full name, your university and the current year. International student cards (ISIC) are not accepted, and if the card is not valid the adult price applies. Discounts are not cumulative and also apply to private departures.
CAMPSITES
Campsites are assigned by the Ministry of Culture with each permit, according to availability, not chosen by the agency. The usual camps are Wayllabamba, Pacaymayo and, on the third night, Wiñay Wayna. Wiñay Wayna goes to the earliest bookings and fills up fast; when it is full, the system automatically assigns Phuyupatamarca. Booking early gives you the best chance of camping at Wiñay Wayna.
EXTRAS
- Sleeping bag rental: US$20 for the whole trek
- Trekking poles (pair, with rubber tips): US$20
- Our porters carry up to 5 kg of your gear: your sleeping bag (about 2 kg) plus 3 kg of clothes. If you need more help, you can hire an extra porter for the whole trek (half porter for 6 kg or full porter for 12 kg); ask us for the price.
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: US$80 each (request it when you book)
- Hot springs in Aguas Calientes: S/20, not included, paid in cash
- Vistadome train upgrade for the return: US$50; Vistadome Observatory: US$70
- Personal tent: US$50 (only for solo travelers)
- Extra night in Aguas Calientes: US$65 (subject to availability)
February: the Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance. Closures can also happen at other times because of bad weather or conditions beyond our control; affected departures do the Lares trek instead.
WEATHER
Cusco has two seasons: the rainy season from November to April (heaviest rain from January to March) and the dry season from May to October, when nights can drop below 0 °C. On the Inca Trail, daytime temperatures are about 15–20 °C in the sun and 5–10 °C without it, and 0–5 °C at night. Machu Picchu, lower down, is usually warmer, although you will still want warm clothes at night.
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Overview
- Duration 4 Days
- Tour type Trekking
- Difficulty Challenging
- Max altitude 4215 m.a.s.l
- Accommodation Campsite
- Group size Minimum 2 people
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: 4 days / 3 nights
The Classic Inca Trail is the original Inca path from Km 82 to Machu Picchu: 42 km (26 mi) in 4 days and 3 nights of camping, over Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215 m (13,828 ft), past Inca sites such as Llaqtapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna, and through cloud forest, until you walk through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) on the last morning. Only 500 permits are issued per day, and that number includes guides, cooks and porters, so dates sell out months ahead. We are a licensed Inca Trail operator based in Cusco: we request your official permit, carry the camp, cook every meal and guide you all the way into the citadel.
- Distance: 42 km / 26 mi · Nights: 3, camping
- Highest point: Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca), 4,215 m / 13,828 ft
- Difficulty: moderate to challenging · Minimum age: 12
- Machu Picchu: two entrances, Circuit 1 (route 1-B) through the Sun Gate and Circuit 3 (route 3-B) for the guided visit at 10:00 a.m.
- Price: US$795 per person if you book by 31 December 2026 (also for 2027 departures); US$820 for bookings from 1 January 2027
- Group: small groups, with two guides when there are more than 8 hikers
Who this trek is for
- Fitness: moderate to challenging. Day 2 climbs about 1,200 m to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,828 ft) and day 3 is the longest stage, with many stone steps down.
- Altitude: spend 2 or 3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley first to acclimatize.
- Minimum age: 12.
- Best for: hikers who want the whole Inca road, three nights camping near Inca sites and the arrival on foot through the Sun Gate. Travelling solo? You join a confirmed group with no supplement.
- Season: the dry season runs from May to October, when nights can drop below 0 °C; the rainy season from November to April, heaviest from January to March. The trail closes every February.
The route at a glance
| Day | Route | Distance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Km 82 – Wayllabamba | 12 km / 7.5 mi | Llaqtapata ruins; camp at about 3,000 m |
| 2 | Wayllabamba – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayo | 11 km / 6.8 mi | Climb to 4,215 m; camp at about 3,600 m |
| 3 | Pacaymayo – Runkurakay – Sayacmarca – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna | 13.5 km / 8.4 mi | Runkurakay pass (about 3,950 m), cloud forest, Inca tunnel |
| 4 | Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu | 5.5 km / 3.4 mi | First view from Inti Punku and guided visit of the citadel |
The elevation profile and the day-by-day table are just below the itinerary. For a deeper look at each stage, read our Classic Inca Trail day by day.
What you get with Terra Quechua
- A licensed Inca Trail operator (GERCETUR Cusco, since 2018) and a local team working in Cusco since 2012.
- Availability checked every 30 minutes against the official permit system, with the time of the latest reading on the calendar.
- A portable toilet tent at every camp, part of the service at no extra cost.
- Porters carry up to 5 kg of your gear (your sleeping bag plus 3 kg of clothes), so you hike with a daypack.
- Clear rules on campsites: the Ministry of Culture assigns them with each permit, and we explain how it works before you book.
- Care for the trail: once a year our team takes part in its maintenance, and SERNANP recognises us as an Ally for Conservation.
IMPORTANT: the 4-day Inca Trail includes two Machu Picchu entrances: Circuit 1 (route 1-B), used as you arrive through the Sun Gate, and Circuit 3 (route 3-B, “Realeza diseñada”) for the guided visit at 10:00 a.m. Campsites are assigned by the Ministry of Culture: night 3 at Wiñay Wayna when available, otherwise Phuyupatamarca.
2027 prices: book by 31 December 2026 and you keep US$795 per person, also for departures in 2027. Bookings made from 1 January 2027 cost US$820 per person (US$790 for under-18s and university students).
Plan your trek: 2-day vs 4-day Inca Trail · how hard it is · 12-week training plan · packing list · Inca Trail cost 2027 · how far in advance to book · altitude sickness · adding Huayna Picchu · bathrooms on the trail · how we care for the Inca Trail.
Prefer a private trek with more comfort? See our Luxury Inca Trail 4 days, with walk-in tents, hot showers and a panoramic train.
Inca Trail booking conditions
These are the questions we are asked most often before booking the Inca Trail. Here are the short answers; the full text is in our Inca Trail terms and conditions.
If I cancel, how much is refunded?
Cancellation requests must be submitted through Terra Quechua Perú’s official channels:
- 30 days or more before departure: 70% refund.
- 8 to 29 days before departure: 50% refund.
- Less than 8 days before departure, no-shows or cancellations during the trip: no refund.
What if my booking has not been submitted to the authorities yet?
A refund may be issued less an 8% administrative and banking fee, with a minimum charge of USD 35.
Can I change my date, the participants or the tour?
Bookings are personal and subject to availability and the regulations of the relevant authorities. Once confirmed, travel dates, participants and tour types cannot be changed. A date change may require a new booking and additional fees. Complimentary options may be changed up to 48 hours before departure, subject to confirmation.
What if you cannot get my date?
If we cannot confirm your booking due to lack of availability, you can choose an alternative date at no additional cost or receive a full refund.
If incorrect information or failure to meet booking requirements prevents us from securing the reservation, we will make reasonable efforts to resolve it; if the booking cannot be completed, the applicable refund policy applies, subject to current law.
What documents do I need?
Accurate personal information and the original passport or identification document used for the booking, as required by the authorities. Travelers receiving student discounts must present valid supporting documentation. Incorrect information, invalid documents or failure to meet official requirements may result in denied entry without a refund when the issue is the customer’s responsibility.
How do prices and payment work?
All prices are in US dollars (USD) and may change without prior notice before payment. Once payment is confirmed, the agreed price remains unchanged. Services are paid in advance using the payment methods available on our booking platform.
Are extra porters or equipment rental included?
No. Additional services, such as extra porters or equipment rental, are charged separately and are subject to availability. Prices and conditions are given at the time of booking.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes. Itineraries are a guide and may be adjusted due to operational requirements, weather, safety, official restrictions or other circumstances beyond our control. Interruptions caused by force majeure are handled according to the specific circumstances and applicable law.
How long do I have to make a complaint?
Within 90 days of the service completion date, through our official channels. Each complaint is reviewed in accordance with the agreed terms and applicable law.
Altitude profile and distances
| Day | Section | Distance | Hiking | Highest point | Up / down | Sleep at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Km 82 → Wayllabamba | ≈12 km 7.5 mi |
6–7 h | 3,000 m 9,840 ft |
+400 / −100 m | 3,000 m 9,840 ft |
| 2 | Wayllabamba → Pacaymayo | ≈11 km 6.8 mi |
7–8 h | 4,215 m 13,830 ft |
+1,215 / −615 m | 3,600 m 11,810 ft |
| 3 | Pacaymayo → Wiñay Wayna | ≈13.5 km 8.4 mi |
7–8 h | 3,950 m 12,960 ft |
+450 / −1,400 m | 2,650 m 8,690 ft |
| 4 | Wiñay Wayna → Machu Picchu | ≈5.5 km 3.4 mi |
2–3 h | 2,720 m 8,920 ft |
+100 / −320 m | Machu Picchu visit |
| Total | — | ≈42 km 26.1 mi | ||||
Approximate distances and times; campsites are assigned with each permit and may vary.
Machu Picchu included: Your permit includes two entrances: you walk in through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) on Circuit 1 · Route 1-B, with panoramic views over the citadel, and the 10:00 a.m. guided visit follows Circuit 3 · Route 3-B “Realeza diseñada”, the route Peru’s RM 306-2025-MC assigns to Inca Trail hikers. Huayna Picchu (route 3-A) is a separate ticket: US$80. See Machu Picchu circuits
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We pick you up from your hotel early in the morning and drive to Ollantaytambo, where you can buy breakfast, and on to Km 82 (Piscacucho, 2,720 m), the start of the Inca Trail. After the permit control we follow the Urubamba River on an easy path to the Inca site of Llaqtapata (2,750 m), which your guide explains. Lunch is prepared by our cook, and in the afternoon we walk up the Kusichaca valley to our first camp at Wayllabamba (about 3,000 m), where the tents are ready for tea and dinner.
- Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi (6–7 hours)
- Camp: Wayllabamba, about 3,000 m / 9,840 ft
- Level: moderate, a good first day to get used to the trail
- Meals: lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
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The hardest day. After breakfast we climb steadily through Andean forest to the meadow of Llulluchapampa (about 3,850 m) and then on stone steps to Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca, 4,215 m / 13,828 ft), the highest point of the trek. Go at your own pace: the group waits at the top. From the pass we descend on steep Inca steps to the valley of Pacaymayo (about 3,600 m), our second camp.
- Distance: 11 km / 6.8 mi (7–8 hours)
- Climb: about 1,200 m up, then about 600 m down
- Camp: Pacaymayo, about 3,600 m / 11,810 ft (cold at night)
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
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The longest and, for many, the most beautiful day. We climb to the round ruins of Runkurakay and the second pass (about 3,950 m), then descend to Sayacmarca, a fortress-like Inca site on a rock spur. The trail enters the cloud forest, passes through an Inca tunnel carved in the rock and reaches Phuyupatamarca (about 3,650 m), the “town above the clouds”, with views of snow peaks on clear days. From there, a long stairway leads down past the terraces of Intipata to Wiñay Wayna (about 2,650 m), our usual third camp.
Campsite note: the Ministry of Culture assigns campsites with each permit. If Wiñay Wayna is full for your date, the system assigns Phuyupatamarca, higher up the trail, and day 4 starts from there.
- Distance: 13.5 km / 8.4 mi (7–8 hours)
- Camp: Wiñay Wayna, about 2,650 m / 8,690 ft (or Phuyupatamarca)
- Level: long day with a steep final descent
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
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We wake up around 3:30 a.m. to be at the last checkpoint when it opens. About an hour or more of walking along the mountainside brings you to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), with the first view of Machu Picchu below, entering on Circuit 1 (route 1-B). After the photos we walk down into the citadel and, at 10:00 a.m., start the guided visit on Circuit 3 (route 3-B). Then you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, have lunch on your own and board the train to Ollantaytambo, where our transport takes you back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving after dark.
- Distance: 5.5 km / 3.4 mi to Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu: Circuit 1 (1-B) at the Sun Gate and Circuit 3 (3-B) guided at 10:00 a.m.
- Meals: breakfast (lunch and dinner on your own)
- Return: bus down, Expedition train to Ollantaytambo (Vistadome on request) and transfer to Cusco
Includes
- Pre-departure briefing at 6:00 p.m. at our office in Cusco
- Hotel pick-up and private transport to Km 82 (trailhead)
- Inca Trail permit with two Machu Picchu entrances: Circuit 1 (route 1-B) as you arrive through the Sun Gate and Circuit 3 (route 3-B) for the guided visit at 10:00 a.m.
- English-speaking professional guide (two guides for groups of more than 8)
- Porters to carry the tents, food and cooking equipment, plus up to 5 kg of your personal gear
- Personal tents: 2 people in a 4-person, 3-season tent, with room for your backpacks
- One inflatable mattress per person
- Dining tent with tables and chairs, and kitchen tent
- Portable toilet tent, part of the service at no extra cost
- Chef and kitchen equipment
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, a daily snack and afternoon tea (except the last day). Vegetarian or special menus at no extra cost
- A cloth snack bag per person, to avoid plastic bags
- Filtered boiled water from lunch on day 1, and hot water every morning and evening for washing
- Biodegradable hand soap and dishwashing detergent
- First aid kit with emergency oxygen
- Bus from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes
- Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Expedition; Vistadome on request)
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo station to your hotel in Cusco
- Accommodation and meals for all our staff
Not included
- Breakfast on the first day
- Lunch and dinner on the last day (you have free time after the Machu Picchu tour; arrival in Cusco is after dark)
- Sleeping bag rental: US$20 for the whole trek
- Trekking poles (pair): US$20
- Extra porter for the whole trek (half porter for 6 kg or full porter for 12 kg): price on request
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: US$80 each, subject to availability
- Hot springs in Aguas Calientes: S/20, paid in cash
- Vistadome train upgrade: US$50; Vistadome Observatory: US$70
- Tips: optional and for the whole trip; the group usually collects them together for the team (as a reference, US$20–30 per traveler)
- Travel insurance
How hard is the Classic Inca Trail?
Moderate to challenging. Day 2 climbs about 1,200 m to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m) and day 3 is the longest stage, with many stone steps down. You need to be in reasonable shape and well acclimatized: spend 2 or 3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before the trek. See how hard the Inca Trail is and our training plan.
How far in advance should I book?
As early as you can. Only 500 permits are issued per day, including guides, cooks and porters, and the most popular months sell out months ahead. Check the live calendar on this page and how far in advance to book.
Which campsites will we use?
The Ministry of Culture assigns campsites with each permit, according to availability; the agency does not choose them. The usual camps are Wayllabamba, Pacaymayo and, on the third night, Wiñay Wayna. Wiñay Wayna goes to the earliest bookings; when it is full, the system assigns Phuyupatamarca.
How much can the porters carry for me?
Up to 5 kg of your gear: your sleeping bag (about 2 kg) plus 3 kg of clothes, in a duffel bag we give you. If you need more help, you can hire an extra porter for the whole trek (6 kg or 12 kg); ask us for the price.
Which Machu Picchu circuits are included?
Two entrances: Circuit 1 (route 1-B) as you arrive through the Sun Gate on day 4, and Circuit 3 (route 3-B) for the guided visit at 10:00 a.m. Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain can be added for US$80 each, subject to availability. More in our Machu Picchu circuits guide.
Can I join if I travel solo?
Yes. You join a group already confirmed for your date, with no supplement. Groups of more than 8 hikers have two guides.
Is there a minimum age?
Yes, 12 years on the Classic Inca Trail. Under-18s and university students aged 18–25 get a US$30 discount.
Can I have vegetarian meals or tell you about allergies?
Yes. Vegetarian and special menus are free; tell us about any allergy and its severity when you book. If you have a medical condition that may affect the trek, let us know before booking and check with your doctor.
How is drinking water supplied?
From lunch on day 1 we give you filtered boiled water every morning and at meals. Bring a reusable bottle and water for the first morning; single-use plastic bottles are not allowed on the trail.
Can I use trekking poles?
Yes, with rubber tips so they do not damage the Inca stone path. You can rent a pair from us for US$20.
Where can I leave the luggage I do not need?
At your hotel in Cusco; most hotels store it for free while you trek. If yours cannot, we keep it at our office.
What happens if I feel unwell on the trail?
Our guides carry a first-aid kit and emergency oxygen. If someone cannot continue, they are escorted back to Cusco, which has the nearest modern medical facilities.
- Original passport, the same one used for your permit (and your valid university card if you booked the student price)
- Daypack (about 25–35 liters) with a rain cover
- Rain jacket or poncho; rain pants in the wet season
- Broken-in hiking boots with good grip, and sandals or light shoes for camp
- Warm layers: fleece, insulated jacket, thermal base layer for sleeping, hat and gloves
- Sleeping bag (or rent one from us for US$20)
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle (single-use plastic bottles are not allowed on the trail) and water for the first morning
- Toilet paper, hand sanitizer and personal medicines
- Trekking poles with rubber tips (or rent a pair for US$20)
- Some snacks you like, small towel, swimsuit for the Aguas Calientes hot springs
- Cash in soles for tips, toilets and extras
Full list, with a printable checklist: Inca Trail packing list 2027.
Private service
Price per person by group size
- 1 person US$2,400 per person Check dates –1 people
- 2 people US$1,498 per person Check dates –2 people
- 3 people US$1,260 per person Check dates –3 people
- 4 people US$1,150 per person Check dates –4 people
- 5 people US$950 per person Check dates –5 people
- 6 people US$900 per person Check dates –6 people
- 7 people US$870 per person Check dates –7 people
- 8 people US$850 per person Check dates –8 people
- 9+ people Price on request Get a quote –9+ people
Available discounts
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Under 18− US$30
Children and school students. Passport copy when booking.
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University students 18–25− US$30
Valid university card with name, university and year. ISIC not accepted.
Discounts are not cumulative and also apply to private departures.
Private group or custom dates? Message us on WhatsApp
2027 prices: book by 31 December 2026 and you keep US$795 per person, also for departures in 2027. Bookings made from 1 January 2027 cost US$820 per person (US$790 for under-18s and university students).
The Classic Inca Trail runs on any date with open permits, with a minimum of 2 people. Check live Inca Trail availability. Travelling solo? You join a group already confirmed for your date, with no supplement. Groups are kept small, with two guides when there are more than 8 hikers.
GROUP SERVICE PRICE
- US$795 per person if you book by 31 December 2026, for departures in 2026 and in 2027.
- US$820 per person for bookings made from 1 January 2027.
- Under 18 and university students aged 18–25: US$30 less (US$765 when you book in 2026).
- Private departures: price per person by group size in the table above; 9 people or more, ask us for a special rate.
- Minimum age: 12 years.
MACHU PICCHU ENTRANCES
Your permit includes two entrances: Circuit 1 (route 1-B), used as you arrive through the Sun Gate on day 4, and Circuit 3 (route 3-B, “Realeza diseñada”) for the guided visit at 10:00 a.m. Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain can be added for US$80 each, subject to availability.
HOW TO BOOK AND PAY
- 30% deposit online by card or PayPal secures your place; we request your permit with it.
- The 70% balance is paid at our office in Cusco (Calle Garcilaso 210) on your first day in Cusco, in cash or by card (6% card fee).
- We email your permit confirmation the same day permits open, or within 2 days at the latest.
- If we cannot confirm your booking due to lack of availability, you can choose an alternative date at no additional cost or receive a full refund.
- Cancellations: 70% refund 30 days or more before departure, 50% from 8 to 29 days before, and no refund with less than 8 days’ notice, no-shows or cancellations during the trip. Bookings are personal: once confirmed, dates, participants and tour type cannot be changed, and a date change may require a new booking and additional fees. Full details in our Inca Trail terms and conditions.
PASSPORT DETAILS
Send your full name, nationality and passport number exactly as they appear in your passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Peru; otherwise immigration can refuse your entry. If you renew your passport after booking, send us the new number and we update it in the system. Bring that same passport on the trek: it is checked at the trail control.
DISCOUNT REQUIREMENTS
Under 18 (children and school students): send a copy of the passport when you book. University students aged 18–25: send a copy of a valid university card showing your full name, your university and the current year. International student cards (ISIC) are not accepted, and if the card is not valid the adult price applies. Discounts are not cumulative and also apply to private departures.
CAMPSITES
Campsites are assigned by the Ministry of Culture with each permit, according to availability, not chosen by the agency. The usual camps are Wayllabamba, Pacaymayo and, on the third night, Wiñay Wayna. Wiñay Wayna goes to the earliest bookings and fills up fast; when it is full, the system automatically assigns Phuyupatamarca. Booking early gives you the best chance of camping at Wiñay Wayna.
EXTRAS
- Sleeping bag rental: US$20 for the whole trek
- Trekking poles (pair, with rubber tips): US$20
- Our porters carry up to 5 kg of your gear: your sleeping bag (about 2 kg) plus 3 kg of clothes. If you need more help, you can hire an extra porter for the whole trek (half porter for 6 kg or full porter for 12 kg); ask us for the price.
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: US$80 each (request it when you book)
- Hot springs in Aguas Calientes: S/20, not included, paid in cash
- Vistadome train upgrade for the return: US$50; Vistadome Observatory: US$70
- Personal tent: US$50 (only for solo travelers)
- Extra night in Aguas Calientes: US$65 (subject to availability)
February: the Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance. Closures can also happen at other times because of bad weather or conditions beyond our control; affected departures do the Lares trek instead.
WEATHER
Cusco has two seasons: the rainy season from November to April (heaviest rain from January to March) and the dry season from May to October, when nights can drop below 0 °C. On the Inca Trail, daytime temperatures are about 15–20 °C in the sun and 5–10 °C without it, and 0–5 °C at night. Machu Picchu, lower down, is usually warmer, although you will still want warm clothes at night.
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
