Permits are capped daily — book ahead of time
The Inca Trail is limited to ~200 tourists per day. Permits sell out months ahead during high season (May–August). Book at least 3–4 months in advance. Contact us now to check availability for your dates.
The Trail the Incas Built
to Reach Machu Picchu
The Classic Inca Trail is, without question, one of the most iconic treks in the world. It's 43 kilometers / 26.7 miles along the very same stone path that Inca messengers and priests walked 600 years ago, passing archaeological sites you can't reach any other way, crossing three distinct ecosystems — Andean highlands, cloud forest and subtropical vegetation — and arriving on the fourth day at sunrise through the Sun Gate, with Machu Picchu unfolding before you.
No other way of reaching Machu Picchu delivers that same sense of emotion and earned reward. The train gets you there in 2 hours; the Inca Trail takes 4 days of walked history.
Sunrise entrance through the Sun Gate — The moment everyone waits for: after three days of hiking, the sunrise on day four reveals Machu Picchu from high above at the Sun Gate. A view that only Inca Trail trekkers get to see.
Exclusive archaeological sites along the way — Runkurakay, Sayaqmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna are Inca sites you can't visit any other way. Your guide brings the context that turns the hike into a living history lesson.
Three ecosystems in four days — From the frozen Andean highlands (4,215 m / 13,829 ft) to the warm, humid cloud forest and on to the subtropical approach to Machu Picchu. One of the most dramatic landscape transitions anywhere, packed into four days of trekking.
Your Itinerary
1
Cusco → Km 82 → Huayllabamba
The start of the original Inca trailEarly departure from Cusco by private transport to Km 82, the official starting point of the Inca Trail. We cross the Urubamba River and begin on the original Inca stone path. A gentle first day: a gradual climb along the riverbank, Quechua communities, and the first archaeological sites. Arrival at Huayllabamba base camp.
2
Warmiwañusca Pass · 4,215 m / 13,829 ft
The hardest day, and the most gloriousThe central day of the trek. A 5-hour climb to Warmiwañusca Pass — "Dead Woman's Pass" — at 4,215 m / 13,829 ft. It's the most physically demanding day, but the views from the top make every step worth it. Descent into the Pacaymayo Valley.
3
Sayaqmarca · Phuyupatamarca · Wiñay Wayna
The day of archaeological sites and cloud forestThe archaeological day, through and through. We visit three spectacular Inca sites only accessible via this trail. The transition from Andean highlands to cloud forest is magical: orchids, giant ferns, hummingbirds. We arrive at Wiñay Wayna — "Forever Young" — the most impressive site on the trail.
4
Sun Gate → Machu Picchu
The most thrilling arrival in the worldWe wake up at 3:30 AM to reach the Sun Gate at sunrise. When the clouds part and Machu Picchu appears for the first time from above, nobody says a word. Afterward: a 2.5-hour guided visit inside the citadel, free time, the bus down to Aguas Calientes, and the train back to Cusco.
43 km / 26.7 mi of Walked History
Every kilometer of the Inca trail is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trail was built more than 600 years ago and remains remarkably well preserved today.
Km 82 · 2,650 m / 8,694 ft
The official starting point of the Inca Trail. Permit checkpoint and crossing of the Urubamba River.
Warmiwañusca · 4,215 m / 13,829 ft
Dead Woman's Pass: the highest and most demanding point of the trek. 360° views of the Andes.
Wiñay Wayna · 2,650 m / 8,694 ft
The most impressive archaeological site on the trail. Perfectly preserved terraces and temples.
Sun Gate → Machu Picchu · 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
The most thrilling arrival anywhere: Machu Picchu at sunrise, seen from the Sun Gate.
What's Included?
Included
- Official Inca Trail permit (non-transferable)
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket, day 4
- Certified bilingual guide for all 4 days
- Cook and support staff (porters)
- Full camping equipment (tents, sleeping gear)
- All meals during the trek (days 1–4)
- Bus down Machu Picchu → Aguas Calientes
- Return train Aguas Calientes → Cusco
- Private transfer Cusco → Km 82 and back
- Emergency oxygen and first-aid kit
Not Included
- Lima ↔ Cusco flights
- Hotel in Cusco before/after the trek
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Tips for guide and porters
- Trekking poles (rental available)
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Tour Photos
Those Who Walked
to the Sun Gate
Verified reviews from real people.
When Machu Picchu appeared through the Sun Gate at sunrise, I broke down and cried. Four days of effort, exhaustion and magic all coming together in that one moment. Our guide is an anthropologist — he knows the trail like it's his own life. I'd do it a thousand times over.
The food at the campsites was surprisingly good — quinoa soup at the top of Warmiwañusca has never tasted so good. Small group, an outstanding guide, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Book well ahead, permits are extremely limited.
