Classic Inca Trail 4 Days Group Tour
From, per person
US$ 950
- Home
- Machu Picchu
- Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 Days / 4 Nights
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 Days / 4 Nights
Duration5 days / 4 nights
DifficultyModerate
Max. altitude4,215 m
Group sizeMax 16
- Tour type
- Adventure and cultural
- Languages
- EN / ES
- Starts in
- Cusco
- Ends in
- Cusco
Overview
The Inca Trail is the undisputed attraction for most people coming to Cusco and it is by far the most popular trek in the region. There has to be something intrinsically exciting and rewarding about the Inca trail to spend five grueling days walking to Machu Picchu. Passing through outstanding scenery, dramatic landscapes and encounter a series of incredibly spectacular Inca sites. It is in fact a spellbinding way to arrive to Machu Picchu and a walk that is quite rightly considered as one of the finest in the world. The itinerary of the five days Inca trail is different than the classic Inca trail of four days. This hike is for adventure lovers who want to explore more in a longer time. The daily walks are shorter and you will have more time to enjoy each Inca site. Join us now at Machula’s family! Don not think too much, nothing is impossible and we are ready to help you.
- Shorter daily stages
- Quiet campsites
- Afternoon arrival at the Sun Gate
- Hotel night in Aguas Calientes
- Two visits to Machu Picchu
Day-by-day itinerary
-
Day01
Cusco - km 82 - Huayllabamba
We will pick you up from your hotel at 5:00am and drive for 2 hours until you reach the town of Ollantaytambo, where you will have a healthy and energetic breakfast (not included). Here you can also get some stuff for t…
-
Day02
Huayllabamba - Dead Woman’s - Pacaymayu
We will wake you up at 5:30am with a cup of coca tea in your tent and then enjoy our energetic, healthy breakfast prepared for you by our professional chef. After that we will start trekking, for today we will hike for…
-
Day03
Pacaymayu - Chaquicocha - Phuyupatamarca
We wake you up at 6:00am with a cup of coca tea in your tent and then have an energetic healthy breakfast. Today we will only have a short hike but we will visit two amazing archaeological sites and walk through the clo…
-
Day04
Phuyupatamarca - Wiñaywayna - Machupicchu - Aguas Calientes
Today we will try to wake up early at 5:00am in order to enjoy the sun rise and beautiful views. We will enjoy our healthy energetic breakfast and then continue our journey descending for 3 and a half hours until we get…
-
Day05
Machupicchu - Aguas Calientes – Return Cusco
On our last day we have to wake up early in the morning because it is a tradition to go to Machu Picchu very early in order to see the sunrise. We will start the day with a tasty breakfast at the hotel and then head to…
What's included
Included
- Professional English & Spanish speaking tour guide throughout the trek and Machu Picchu visit.
- Official Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entrance ticket (Circuit #3 – La Clásica Diseñada).
- Private transportation from your hotel in Cusco to the Inca Trail trailhead (Km 82).
- Porters to carry camping equipment during the trek.
- All meals during the trek prepared by a professional trekking chef.
- Organic buffet breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
- Snacks and drinking water during the hike.
- Wake-up coca tea served in your tent.
- Camping equipment (tents, dining tent, kitchen equipment).
- Basic sleeping pad (mat).
Not included
- Trekking poles.
- Sleeping bags.
- Air mattresses.
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes on the last day.
- Tips for porters, trekking chef, and tour guide (optional).
- Personal expenses and extra drinks not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Travel insurance (highly recommended).
Packing list and tips
- Original passport (checked at checkpoints, trains and Machu Picchu)
- Broken-in hiking boots with ankle support
- Daypack of 25 to 35 litres
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Warm layers: fleece, down jacket, hat and gloves
- Sun hat, sunglasses and SPF 50 sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal medication and toilet paper
- Some Peruvian soles in cash
- Swimsuit if hot springs are on the route
Recommendations
Arrive in Cusco at least two days before the trek for proper acclimatization.
Bring your original passport, as it is required at checkpoints and Machu Picchu.
Use well-broken-in hiking boots with good grip and ankle support.
Dress in layers to adapt to changing mountain weather.
Carry a rain jacket or poncho, even during the dry season.
Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat due to strong UV radiation.
Stay well hydrated and drink water regularly during the hike.
Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before and during the trek.
Bring a small backpack for personal items and daily essentials.
Carry cash in Peruvian soles for tips and small purchases.
Consider renting trekking poles if you need extra stability.
Purchase travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking.
Respect nature, archaeological sites, and follow your guide’s instructions at all times.
Inca Trail permits for this tour
These are the live permit spaces. Click a date to book it. For combined treks we calculate the trek start date for you.
Inca Trail permits
Live availability
Available
Few spaces
Sold out
Spaces are read from the official permit system. Select a date to start your booking.
Important information and precautions
- Inca Trail permits are limited and non-transferable: we need the full name and passport number of every traveler to buy them
- Once issued, permits cannot change name or date. If you renew your passport, tell us and bring both passports
- The Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance
- Porters carry up to 6 kg of your gear (sleeping bag and mattress included); carry a daypack with what you need during the day
- Train luggage is limited to one small bag of up to 5 kg per person; leave the rest at your Cusco hotel
- Pre-departure briefing in Cusco the day before at 18:00, where you meet your guide and pay the balance
Route map
- 1Cusco
- 2Ollantaytambo
- 3Km 82 (Piscacucho)
- 4Llactapata
- 5Huayllabamba
- 6Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman's Pass)
- 7Pacaymayo
- 8Runkurakay
- 9Sayacmarca
- 10Phuyupatamarca
- 11Wiñay Wayna
- 12Intipunku (Sun Gate)
- 13Machu Picchu
- 14Aguas Calientes
Frequently asked questions
Yes, an official government permit is required to hike the Inca Trail. Access is strictly limited to protect this historic route, and permits often sell out months in advance. When you book with us, the permit is fully included and secured on your behalf. You only need to provide accurate passport information at the time of booking, and you must carry your original passport during the trek.
The Classic Inca Trail is considered moderate, with some challenging sections mainly due to altitude. The most demanding day is Day 2, when you cross Dead Woman’s Pass at over 4,200 meters. The trek is suitable for travelers with good physical condition, and no technical climbing skills are required. Our guides set a comfortable pace and provide full support throughout the journey.
The best time to hike the Inca Trail is from April to October, during the dry season, when weather conditions are more stable and views are clearer. June, July, and August are the busiest months, so early booking is essential. March and November are good alternatives with fewer crowds, although occasional rain can occur. February is closed for maintenance.
You should bring comfortable hiking boots, layered clothing, rain gear, sunscreen, a hat, and a small daypack. Sleeping bags and trekking poles are not included but can be rented if needed. We provide all main camping equipment, meals, porters, and professional support, allowing you to focus on enjoying the experience without carrying heavy loads.
Travel insurance is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. Your policy should cover high-altitude trekking, medical assistance, and emergency evacuation. While our team carries a first-aid kit and emergency oxygen, having travel insurance gives you peace of mind and protection against unexpected situations such as illness, injury, or trip interruptions.
Reviews
No reviews for this tour yet. Be the first to share your experience.
Keep exploring
You may also like
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days
From, per person
US$ 560
Salkantay & Classic Inca Trail Trek 7 Days
From, per person
US$ 1,170
