Hiking the Inca Trail

You Must Know Before Hiking The Legendary Inca Trail

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Inca Trail 2020 information – Details You Must Know Before Hiking The Inca Trail – South America’s number one trek to Machu Picchu

Looking for all the essential information to plan and prepare for the Inca Trail hike to Machu Pcchu? You will find it in this article. Everything you really need to know before hiking the Legendary Inka Trail to Machupicchu.

Trekking the Inca Trail is an unique experience which should inspire excitement, invoke a little bit of fear, stoke jealousy amongst your friends, and stir a sense of wonder in your soul & mind.

One of the most popular hikes to do in South America, Peru – and one of the world’s most famous roads – the Camino Inca or Inca Trail is the sort of singular adventures for which you all travel. The hike itself, which brings you along ancient narrow paths deep into the Peruvian countryside and high into the Andean mountains, is gorgeous; perfect Incan sites, cloud forest, and majestic valley views laid out like bread crumbs along the way to perhaps the greatest end-point of any multi-day hike on earth, the symbolic Machu Picchu citadel.

We are Inca Trail specialists since 2015, we want to share our hard-earned insights, advice, and tips to help you plan and prepare for your own successful trek experience – all neatly whittled down into this comprehensive guide.

So, whether you are going there in high or low season and want to understand the camping and accommodation situation better; have no idea what to pack or how to get a permit, are worrying about whether you are fit enough; will get altitude or mountain sickness or if it’s too late to book a spot on a tour, then this post will provide you with all the necessary information answers from experienced companion travelers (and, we hope, quite a bit of excitement and inspiration for the hike itself!).

Ready to read or book? Here’s everything you need to know before doing the Inca Trail hike. Let’s do it now!

Imagine 🙂 – How Mystical is the Inca Trail?

The classic Inca Trail is a well-established and symbolic (4 days – 3 nights) hike which leads hikers from km-82; the start point of the trail 1 hour outside the town of Ollantaytambo. All the way to Machu Picchu via its exclusive sun’s route or Camino del Sol

The good thing is that it’s a lot shorter than you may expect at only 45 kms / 26 miles. The bad thing or perhaps not? A significant chunk of that 45 kms is up steep, narrow Andean mountain paths at altitude.

The Incan Empire (which at its largest joined Peru, large parts of modern Ecuador, western and south central Bolivia, northwest Argentina, north and central Chile and a small part of southwest Colombia) created thousands of kilometres of trails to link its important settlements and centres of civilisation, but it is this specific 4 day trek which is known as the one and only Classic Inca Trail

See our most sold 4 Day Classic Inca Trail hike and what the travelers leave on Tripadvisor.

Why The Legendary Inca Trail Is So Popular?

The Trail is Peru in a microcosm; lush green cloud forest alive with birds, Andean peaks and steep mountain passes, a landscape dotted with centuries old ruins, accessible only to those that follow this most famous pathway.

However, as truly beautiful as the hike may be, the real reason for its popularity lies at the very end of this four day adventure; passing through the Sun Gate for that first magical sighting of Machu Picchu in the distance. Only Inca Trail hikers can access the Gate at sunrise, and it is this crescendo, at one of the new seven wonders of the world which makes this hike a feature on so many ‘South America bucket lists’.

The Inca Trail hike marks your first time visiting Machu Picchu, and arriving via the Sun Gate with sweaty brows and tired feet rather than taking the morning bus from Aguas Caliente with thousands of others clearly underlined to us that it is the best way to arrive at one of the world’s most iconic attractions. 

You will not never ever regret it.

BOOKING THE INKA TRAIL HIKE OR CAMINO INCA

Do you need Inca Trail permits & a guide?

Since 2002, access to the Inca Trail has been limited to 500 people per day (roughly split between 200 tourists and 300 accompanying guides and porters), no matter the time of year. This means it is necessary for everyone to obtain permits in advance to do the hike. 

Securing a permit is only possible with an approved tour provider LIKE US, who buys these daily permits in advance. This means that – although many of Peru’s best hikes, like the Colca Canyon, are possible to do independently – you can only do the Inca Trail with an approved tour company and spaces are capped. 

The best time to hike Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Peru has two seasons – dry and wet – and it is possible to do the Inca Trail in either. Each however, comes with their own pros and cons. 

Dry Season (May – October)

Pros | The chance of rain, as the name would suggest, is significantly reduced and you can expect hot, dry mornings and afternoons. 

Cons | Dry season also coincides with the high tourism season in Peru (June – August), so the Inca Trail will be at full capacity each day. This means fuller camp sites and more traffic along the Trail (although the tours do try and stagger this out). Demand for tours also increases in the dry season, so you really need to book your own tour further in advance (a rule of thumb is six to seven months, but we have met people who booked a year in advance to assure themselves of a place). Lastly, our guide told us that the nighttime temperatures in the dry season drop significantly, so expect cold nights in the tent.

Wet Season (November – April)

Pros | A less popular time to hike, so the number of people you’re sharing the Trail with is notably reduced, as are the crowds at Machu Picchu. Tours are slightly cheaper and easier to book with only a few weeks notice (you can book your place only a couple weeks before the trip begins). Temperatures at night are also less chilly. 

Cons | Hiking and camping in the rain for four days is never fun, so you are increasing the chances of that. If there is notable rainfall, then hiking conditions become slippier and more difficult. 

Note: the Inca Trail is closed in February for everyone in order to allow it to replenish.

If you’re reading the above and thinking that neither sounds appealing now, then please don’t be too despondent – the Inca Trail can be hiked year-round and we’ve just outlined the worst cons of each season so that you don’t have any nasty surprises!

Also, we want to let you know that the classic Inka Trail 4 days is always busy and the same the 2 days Inca Trail.

The Inca Trail must book months in advance

In short, yes. 

If you’re hiking in the dry (high) season, then you should be making a reservation sooner rather than later (i.e. right now).  If you’ll be taking an Inca Trail tour in the rainy season, a little more spontaneity is possible, unless you have very specific dates in mind where it makes sense to get your booking in sooner rather than later. 

Reading this and hoping for a last minute spot? It is certainly possible to find one but your options on tour companies and dates will be severely limited. 

Inca Trail specialist, a local company focused on sustainable small-group adventures, who have also been awarded “Best Inca Trail Tour Operator” by the Regional Direction of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Cusco in Peru – you can check out our best Inca Trail SOLD by clicking here and reviews on Tripadvisor.

Is there age restriction?

There is no minimum or maximum age limit for trekkers on the Inca Trail, but many tour companies operate according to their own guidelines and policies (i.e. Inca Trail specialist  minimum is 8 years old). We have taken our youngest hiker who was 6 years old from Australia and the oldest trekker who was 79 years old from Uk.

If you are a little older in years and need some inspiration, don’t worry! Inca Trail Specialist sends always first aid kits and the super porters are ready to help you.

How much the Inca Trail cost?

All companies operating the Inca Trail must be registered and have a special operators license of Ministerio de cultura and Sernanp, which is renewed annually. A large number of these companies are only established to provide specific private tours in high season, with the rest offering year-round expeditions.  New operators are added to the list each year so, as you can imagine, quality, experience, and equipment offered will vary quite a lot. 

We have been operating since 2015, and you want to know how many companies are operating the Inca Trail in Cusco? There are more than 6,000 travel agencies but Inka Trail operators in 2020; we are only 220 the other ones are illegals.

Inca Trail tours cost from $650 per person up to $1,100; if you see a price any cheaper than the bottom-end of this range, then be very sceptical. If you are seeing a higher price than this, then you will either be on a very very luxury tour or likely booking through a tour agent. Note that, aside from the mark-up on price, Inca Trail tours booked via agencies will often simply place you on an available tour with one of several local operators, so you have very little control on the quality of the ultimate provider and group composition. 

You can see the full Inca Trail specialist Inca Trail tour details and itinerary below.

– Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days

– Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 days

– Salkantay trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 7 days

– Private Inca Trail 5 Days

– Luxury Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 6 days

Note that it’s necessary to pay a deposit in advance to secure your Inca Trail permit, so if you go with a new, non-established, or cheaper provider, make sure you have done enough research into them before paying anything. After all, you don’t want the upfront savings to mean inadequate equipment, poor quality food, or a less memorable experience.

Please also be aware that permits are only issued with a tourist’s name and passport number and, once booked, they are non-changeable and non-transferable. If you happen to change your passport between booking and arriving at the entry checkpoint at Km.82 (where they check your passport), then contact your tour company for advice. 

Booking your Inca Trail with us; you will be in good hands! Hike to Machu Picchu with a local Tour Operator in Peru! Known for friendly local guides, rich culture, porters, high quality equipment and incredible food.

Getting ready for the Inca Trail?

As soon as you book a tour and commit to the hike, there are some key milestones to hit before you get anywhere near South America. Getting ready for the Inca Trail is not only a case of throwing some unworn trekking boots in your rucksack and hoping for the great, but rather doing the necessary to ensure you have a victorious and memorable adventure trek in the Peruvian Andes mountains for all the right reasonableness.

How healthy/fit do you need to be?

Recommendation; the Inca Trail is not just a walk on the stone paved path to the lost capital of the Inkas.

Even though it won’t be by any stretch the most physically challenging hike you will have done in South America; its ascents and conditions provide enough of a task to make you feel it. You do not need to be a vastly experienced hiker, but acquiring a good level of physical fitness prior to arriving in Peru will make everything easier and more pleasant.

Whether you are learning this and don’t fit the description of someone who does a lot of exercise or could do with losing a few lbs – then don’t be too morose. As an alternative, view the Inca Trail as your dare, your motivation, and your deadline to start hiking more, to discard some weight, and to make some positive modifications before you travel to Peru (and if you need some imagination, read our reviews on Tripadvisor).

Inca Trail Packing List

As an Inca Trail expert! Pack light, pack smart, and pack for two totally different temperatures – that’s the key advice for each Inca Trail feel. Nevertheless, there are a few key pieces of equipment to know about how luggage and kit is transported on the hike before you even think about if you really need that extra pair of hiking pants.

First of all, you are going to leave the bulk of your luggage securely in a luggage storage room back at the hotel in Cusco; do not take valuables here though as that’s just silly. You can leave us in our office with your luggage while you hike the Inca trail.

In the second place, for your Inca Trail, trekkers will be each supplied with duffel bags at the hotel after the briefing This duffel bag is allowed to hold up to 7kgs, and is going to be where the majority of the kit plus equipment you bring for the Inca Trail will be stored (i.e. clothes, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, toiletries, etc.). Every Inca Trail tour worth its salt employs and includes an unbelievable crew of support staff who will carry the camping and cooking equipment plus food supplies on the Trail to each campsite.

Inca Trail Specialist company provides all of this equipment, as well as everyone’s 7kg duffel bag.

Our local porters, from fresh-faced 18 year olds to gnarled mountain men, are the unsung heroes of every Inca Trail experience and they will each carry up to 25 kgs on their backs for the group “yeah, and you are worried about how hard the Inca Trail would be for you”!. Your duffel bag will be collected and weighed every morning with our porters to ensure it’s not over the weight limit, and will be waiting for you alongside an erected tent at each campsite. 

Thus, it’s clear that most of the hard work when it comes to carrying things will be done by others and the tour company provides a lot of the key camping equipment. However, you also need to have a small daypack to carry your snacks, camera, water, suncream, and any medication, on the Trail itself – this will be taken by you and only you throughout the trek.

Inca Trail Specialist has covered all the essentials you definitely need to buy and pack for either season in this Inca Trail Packing List article, whilst more details on the camping plus organic Peruvian food on our treks to Machu Picchu.

When to Travel to Peru?

For sure; you can reserve a longer organised Peru tour which includes the Inca tours within it, or to simply include it on your own private Peru adventure. Anyway of which option you go for, all roads will lead to Cusco – the start point for the vast majority of all Inca Trail tours to Machu Picchu.

Cusco, in the south-east of Peru, thankfully doubles up as one of the country’s most popular destinations due to its history and position as an access point to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, so every Peru itinerary is guaranteed to include at least a few nights here. If you haven’t planned your visit yet, then read our guide to the best things to do in Cusco.

The Cusco city is remarkably easy to reach from different parts of Peru, but there are no direct flights to Cusco from the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. Instead, these are your best chances.

Airline Companies – Fly into Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima, Peru’s capital city, and connect onto one of the frequent flights from Lima – Cusco run by various airlines.These are systematically reasonable rates (starting from $70 per person), reliable, and only take 1 hour Lima to Cusco.

Whether you’re already in Peru or elsewhere in South America, then taking a flight from Lima – Cusco is the quickest and easiest option to experience Machu Picchu.

Motorcoach – Whether you’re travelling from Arequipa, then an overnight bus to Cusco is your best chance. Overnight buses in Peru range from basic to an incredibly high standard – we recommend you take a look at the options and book online via Peru Hop bus or redbus.

There is a bus which runs from Lima to Cusco, but it takes 24 hours and these days isn’t worth taking as flights are so pervasive and low-priced. We have worked with them for many years.

Train to Machu Picchu – There is a train which runs from Cusco – Poroy  Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu pueblo, this is really a tourist service and not relevant for reaching Cusco. (You can see our, Machu Picchu day trip Cusco).

Inca Trail specialist requires all participants to be in Cusco for the first night of the 4 day trip, and it’s in the city where you will receive your briefing, rent any additional equipment and meet your tour leader. For everyone planning on the Inca Trail, Inca Trail Specialist recommends arriving into Cusco at least two days before your tour starts so that you can acclimatise to the altitude (Cusco is at 3,350 metres above sea level) and enjoy what the city has to offer without aching limbs. You can read more about altitude sickness in the Health plus Safety while you survive at high elevation.

Arriving at Cusco, all your transport to the Trail and the return trip to Cusco from Machu Picchu will be arranged by us and included in the overall tour price. This will include a private minibus to Ollantaytambo and km.82 (Classic Inca Trail start point) and either a train or minibus back to Cusco.

Is required to have a special Inca Trail Insurance Policy?

Inca Trail Specialist recommends you would never travel without taking out insurance, and having the necessary insurance arrangements in place in advance is a requirement for every Inca Trail tour; you are responsible for buying and purchasing this. 

It’s worth noting that not all standard off-the-shelf travel insurance policies will cover you for activities at altitude, so you need to ensure that this is covered when buying your single or multi-trip policy. Amex insurance and Seven corners are two respected travel insurers which we have used on Inca Trail tours who cover high altitude expeditions. Double check just in case.

Inca Trail Map plus Elevation (Detailed Distance)

We’ve outlined our own route on the Inca Trail below and, in broad terms, this is the sort of the itinerary you can expect (note that this relates solely to the days spent on the hike, not the days of travelling to/from Cusco and Ollantaytambo):

DAY ONE: Travel from Cusco to km.82 in the morning and hike to Ayapata campsite.

→ Distance | Approx. 6.8 miles/ 11 km 

↑ Elevation Gain | 350 metres

▬ Difficulty | Moderate, with a steep tiring section towards the end. 

DAY TWO: Early rise to hike through cloud forest and up to Dead Woman’s Pass and the descent to Chaquicocha campsite.

 → Distance | Approx. 7.5 miles/ 12km 

↑ Elevation Gain | 1,115 metres

▬ Difficulty | High, this is the hardest day of walking but after you reach Dead Woman’s Pass, it’s mostly downhill.

DAY THREE: Early rise to hike the most photogenic section of the Trail and the campsite Wiñay Wayna.

→ Distance | Approx. 9.6 miles/ 15.5km 

↑ Elevation Gain | Minus 1,000 metres

▬ Difficulty | Moderate to a little difficult as there are several steep sections.

DAY FOUR: Very early rise (3 a.m.) to reach the entry check-point and hike two hours to the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu.

→ Distance | Approx. 3.1 miles/ 5 km 

↑ Difficulty | You’re almost at the end and Machu Picchu, you should be hopping, skipping, and jumping all the way there!

▬ The well-established route is outlined in the image below (red line) but do note that your own specific campsites and stops may differ depending on your tour provider.

Inca Trail Map distance and difficulty

How Difficult is the Inca Trail Hike?

The symbolic trail of Peru has in total 45 kilometers or 26 miles which is hiked normally on 4 days from km – 82 to Machu Picchu citadel. As tour guide have done more than 300 times, also know the trail as the palm of my hands and i know places where tourists start strugling with altitude, weather and trail condition. Therefore, all the tour operators must have tour leaders with certification of first aid kit and must take the tangue of oxygen to the inca trail which is mandory and strictly controlled.

Well, the Inka Trail has three passes along the legendary Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Let see the passes from the highest to the shortest, so that you will compare with altitudes where you were.

The highest pass Dead woman’s pass at 4215 meters about sea level

Second highest peak Runkurakay pass at 4000 meters about sea level

Third pass Phuyupatamarka pass at 3850 meters about sea level

Sacred valley Machu Picchu tour

Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour (2 Days)

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Overview Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tours 2 days 1 Night

Experience Sacred Valley Machu Picchu tours 2 days you will get to explore two of the most magical places on the planet, the holly valley of the Incas and the MachuPicchu ruins. You will get to walk through the market of Pisac and its archaeological zone. You will visit the incredible archaeological park of Ollantaytambo and take the train to Aguas calientes, that goes through a unique scenery. The next day you will get to watch the sunrise in Machu Picchu, which is considered to be one of the most fascinating scenes in Peru, and then we will do the walking tour of the citadel.

In this Machu Picchu trip you will travel in a reduced group during all the tours and you will be able to return from Ollantaytambo town to Cusco in private bus or van.

The Amazing view from Sun Gate

Itinerary on the 2-Day Machu Picchu Holiday

First Day: Cuzco – Sacred Valley of The Incas – Conexión to Machu Picchu Pueblo

The trip starts with the hotel pick-up at 08:00 a.m. and then we head on our tourist bus to the northwestern part of the city through picturesque Andean towns until we reach the viewpoint of Corao from where we will have a preliminary view of the whole Sacred Valley and the imposing snows that protect the place. 

The first archaeological centre that we will visit will be Pisac or Pisaq which we will access through a paved road as we ascend, we will be able to appreciate the impressive Inca terraces that border the mountains, giving us the impression of being part of the mountains. The places that we will visit in Pisac will be the religious sector made up of temples, the urban sector, the biggest cemetery of South America and finally the agricultural terraces to then descend to Mercado of Pisac. 

Then we will continue our tour to Ollantaytambo not before making a stop in the province of Urubamba where you can have lunch (not included in your itinerary), before continuing the journey to Ollantaytambo town and called as The Inca city living” since you can still see houses with Inca bases inhabited by the inhabitants, the most important place is the Temple of the Sun which is in the highest part of the archaeological center which is accessed through hundreds of stairs for which.

We will have to make a little effort but it will be worth it since the view from this place is inexpressible. Thus ending the Sacred Valley in Ollantaytambo to connect the Machu Picchu train to Aguas Calientes district.

Train Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo

Where we will stay to board the train at the Ollantaytambo station at 19:00 pm on the way to Machu Picchu Pueblo. We will travel by train for an average of 2 hours to Aguas Calientes town, where the staff of the hotel or the transfer will be waiting for you with your name to take you to the Hotel and the guide will give you the orientation for the next day’s tour in Machu Picchu.

▬ Overnight in Machu Picchu Pueblo or Aguas Calientes town.

Second Day: Machu Picchu Pueblo – Machu Picchu Citadel – Cuzco

The most important day of your journey is to get to visit one of the 7 wonders of the world.

▬ Visitors who want to walk up the Inca Trail, should leave the hotel very early at 4:00 in the morning  to reach the Machu Picchu of the Incas and appreciate the sunrise.

▬ Visitors who want to get by bus will have to take the first bus that leaves at 5:30 am to arrive early at Machu Picchu and be able to appreciate the sunrise that is a unique spectacle, then we can visit the MachuPicchu city of the Inkas for 2 hours approximately accompanied by a specialist guide who will explain you about the historical legacy of the citadel of Machu Picchu, and the full description of this great and impressive attractiveness. 

Subsequently the walking tour and if you have the ticket you can ascend to the mountain of Huayna Picchu or the Mountain of Machu Picchu, at opportune time you must descend from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes by bus or by foot so you can have lunch with calm and board the return train to Ollantaytambo. Thereafter  another 2 hours of travel by train, where our transport awaits you with destination to the Cusco city.

Inclusions on the 2-Day Sacred Valley in Peru

Excursion to the Sacred Valley (we will visit the archaeological site of Pisac and Ollantaytambo) 

Train ticket from Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes at 19:04

1 night in a hotel 3 satrs with breakfast in Aguas Calientes 

Entrance to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu 

Guided 2 hours in Machu Picchu 

Train tickets from Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo. Train Expeditions at 18:20 pm 

Transportation from Ollantaytambo Station to Cusco

Exclusion on the 2 days Sacred Valley Machu Picchu Tours

Entrance to the Sacred Valley. The general ticket costs 130.00 soles and 70.00 soles the partial ticket

Food

Bus tickets up and down Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu 

Entrance to Machu Picchu Montaña 

Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain 

Travel/health insurance

Entrance to the hot springs

Price on the 2 Day Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu Travel

▬ USD315 per person

What you need to take

Original Passport

Small daypack

Sun hat or rain

Sunglasses

→ Sunscreen cream

→ Light and warm clothing

► Camera

→ Bottle of water. 

Simple bag (Soles) 

Hiking boots

Snacks – (cookies, energy bars, granolas, chocolates, dried fruits, etc.)

▬ How long is the Walking tour in Machu Picchu?

If the travelers visit only Machu Picchu ruins, the walking tour is two hours, but if visitors go up to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, the passengers will only have an introduction for an hour at Machu Picchu according the Machu Picchu ticket schedule.

▬ How to book Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu vacation?

You ought to email us a scanned copy or photo of your passport immediately after you have booked your Machu Picchu tour. This is to enable the purchase of your Machu Picchu entrance tickets. It must be the passport you will use to enter Machu Picchu itself. This is a requirement when booking any tour of Machu Picchu from any operator. 

Where Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley starts and finishes?

▬ The tour starts: Pick up at your accommodation around 8:00 AM

▬ The trip ends 8:00 – 10:00 pm in the city center of Cusco; rely on your train schedule from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.

How to get to Machu Picchu Citadel?

In order to arrive Machu Picchu we have two ways to get there:

▬ The first one: Following the legendary Inca trail. This hike is 1 hour thirty minutes of pure climb to Machu Picchu ruins

▬ The second one is by tourist bus; this short trip lasts 25 minutes

Where to buy the tourist ticket?

With respect to entrance to the Sacred Valley, there are two types, the General and the Partial. The difference is that the general ticket costs 130.00 soles and you have 14 places to visit around Cuzco the Sacred Valley and the Southern Valley of Cusco, on the other hand the Partial costs 70.00 soles only allows you to visit 4 places either in Cusco or the Sacred Valley of the Inkas.

▬ Important note that these prices may vary if you decide to take part in any of these extra activities after the tour starts.

We recommend to book your Machu Picchu tour; prior to avoid the possibility of paying increases price for this activity

The perfect way to explore Machu Picchu

Inca Trail Specialist invites you to join to experience our famous destination Sacred valley with Machu Picchu journey.

Hiking the Inca Trail

Private Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (5 Days)

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Overview on the 5 Day Private Inca Trail To Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail is Peru’s number one trail and one of the most well-known and popular treks in South America. Offering 5 days of trekking along legendary paved Inca pathways, a variety of fascinating Inca sites and the beautiful landscapes. The Inca Trail is one of those things that everyone should do once in their lifetime. Our Inca Trail private service is special and perfect for solo travelers, families, group of friends and honeymooners. We offer daily departures on the Inca Trail. It is highly recommended to book your Inka Trail at least 4 or 5 months in advance as Inca Trail permits can be sold out very quickly.

Helpful Information

Trip Type: Hiking, camping, adventure, history, culture

Hiking Distance: 45 km – 27 miles

Good For: Families with children or those who wish to take their time

Starting Altitude: 2720m – 8920 ft.

Highest Altitude: 4217 m – 13,780ft.

Longest Day: Day 2, approximately 16 km – 9.9 miles

Coldest Night: Day 2 and 3 around 0º celsius

Difficulty: Moderate

Recommendation: Permit required

Itinerary on the 5 Day Inka Trail Tour Private Service

Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Llactapata

We pick you up from your Hotel to take you to km-82 the starting point of the hike today is a very relaxed day for Inca Trail hikers. We slowly make our way along the banks of the Willka Mayu River with great views of the snow-capped peak Waqay Willka (5700m / 18500 ft). We’ll have a visit to a small Inca site Willka Raqay that is off a side spur of the main Inka Trail before heading to our main destination; the extensive Inca site of Llactapata is in front of our campsite.

Day 2: Llactapata – Llulluchapampa – Pacaymayo

The porters will wake you up with a nice hot cup of Organic Coca tea very early in the morning, most groups would be powering ahead along the Inca Trail today and would be heading over Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point on the trail, one of the hardest and longest climbs on the Inca Trail. As we climb up to Llulluchapampa we’ll pass through various microclimates including the low sierra, cloud forest and the high puna. Then we get our second campsite which has spectacular view of the sharp Andes Mountains.

Day 3: Pacaymayo – Ayapata – Phuyupatamarca

The second longest day of the trek crosses the last high Summits; the walking is easy with very little ups and downs to contend with. Today you get to see some of the best views and scenery of the whole Inca Trail. Including visiting two Inca sites “Runkurakay and Sayacmarca” with fantastic views of the high snow-capped peaks for most of the day and the cloud forest all around us, today is by far the most enjoyable day!

Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu

Today is all about the Incas; we visit 3 major sites “Phuyupatamarca, Intipata and Wiñaywayna“; before we arrive to Machu Picchu. Itself late in the day with only a short distance left to cover you’ll really have the opportunity to see these sites in detail; learn more about the Inca culture and Machu Picchu in preparation for your visit the following morning.

The last stretch of the Inca Trail is completely deserted this time of the day; our arrival to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate or “Inti Punku” is perfect from there are spectacular views before arriving to Machu Picchu we’ll head down to Puente Ruinas where we spend the last night

Day 5: Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

Your team will wake you up very early in the morning, today is the highlight of the trek we head straight to the Bus Station to take the first bus to Machu Picchu. Once the Citadel opens your Tour Guide will finalize the trek with the walking tour; you’ll have a 2 hour guided tour of the site during this tour you’ll visit the most important sacred temples of the citadel. After your walking tour you’ll have free time to explore the Citadel by yourself and if you have extra ticket to climb up either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. In the afternoon you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo from where you will carry on by bus back to Cusco

Inclusions on the 5 Day Private Inca Trail Tour – Luxury Service

Includes

  • Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
  • Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+
  • Chef
  • Porters to carry cooking and camping equipment
  • Personal Porter to carry 7kg of personal items
  • Pick-up from your hotel
  • Transportation by bus to Km 82
  • Return transportation by train and bus to Cusco
  • Water
  • 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Afternoon Snacks and 4 Dinners
  • Dining tent with tables and chairs
  • 4 man tent for every 2 trekkers
  • Sleeping foam mattress
  • Oxygen bottle
  • First aid kit
  • Entrance ticket to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
  • Return bus from Machu Picchu to Machu Picchu Pueblo

Does Not Include

  • Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us)
  • Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 5
  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu
  • Machu Picchu Mountain
  • Tips
  • Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.

What you need to take

  • Original Passport
  • ISIC card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
  • Walking boots
  • Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
  • Warm jacket
  • Hat and gloves
  • T-shirts
  • Comfortable Trousers
  • Sun hat
  • Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)
  • Insect repellent
  • Toiletries and hand sanitiser
  • Personal medication
  • Camera and film
  • Torch with spare batteries

Price on the 5 Day Inca Trail Tours

  • Minimum Participants 02 persons
  • US$825.00 p/p

Inca Trail Map

On this map you get all details of Inca Train in Peru

Machu Picchu Wonder of the World

Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (Group Service)

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Overview on the 4 Day Classic Inca Trail – Group Service

This Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is considered the best adventure ever – why not do the legendary Inca Trail? Our Group service can be done with any size of group minimum 2 trekkers and we will go out of our way to make it the most special vacation. Classic Inca Trail Trek is Peru’s number one adventure and one of the most well-known and popular treks in the World. Offering 4 day trek along original paved Inca pathways, a variety of fascinating Inca sites and the beautiful scenery of the Machu Picchu National Park; the Inca Tour is one of those things that everyone should do once in their lifetime → Join us in our YOLO Machu Picchu hikes.

Trip Type: Hiking, camping, adventure, history, culture.

Good For: Those who enjoy hiking and have a moderate level of fitness.

Starting Altitude: 2720m – 8920 ft.

Highest Altitude: 4217 m – 13,780ft.

Hiking Distance: 45 km – 27 miles.

Longest Day: Day 2, approximately 16 km – 9.9 miles.

Coldest Night: Day 2 around 0º celsius.

Difficulty: Moderate

Recommendation: Permit required.

Itinerary on the 4 Day Inca Trail Tour

Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Ayapata.

A night before your trek; There will be a pre-trek talk with your tour guide in our office;

We pick you up from regocijo square; then we go driving to the trailhead KM-82. Here is the first checkpoint where you have to show up your passport which has to match your permits; since this place the hike starts along the sacred valley which is a little Inka flat to arrive to the Inca sites of Llactapata. After it will be another two hours to arrive to the first lunch place; where our porters will be waiting you with amazing Organic and fresh food; in the end After lunch come uphill but we’ll get some time for breaks and continues for another 2 hour to reach the first campsite Ayapata.

Meals included: Snack, Lunch, Happy hour and Dinner

Accommodation: A tent for 2 people

Day 2: Ayapata – Chaquicocha

Fresh breakfast in the morning; in order to start climbing for five hours up to the highest point of our expedition; which is the famous “Dead Woman’s Pass” at (4215 meters/13779 feet). Day 2 is going to be memorable and unforgettable as it’s considered to be the most difficult day of the Inca Trail,  after the summit 2 hour downhill through Inca steps which is very steep to arrive to the second lunch spot.

Right after lunch; we are going to hike for two hour uphill and 2 downhill including breaks in each Inca ruins Runkurakay  and Sayacmarca; this Inka ruin is only 30 minutes away to get the campsite at Chaquicocha.

Meals included: Breakfast, Snack, Lunch, Happy hour and Dinner

Accommodation: A tent for 2 people

Day 3: Chaquicocha – Wiñaywayna

After breakfast! we’ll hike for 2 hour to the last Summit Phuyupatamarca; The best area to enjoy the flora, fauna and views. Phuyupatamarca means “City in the Clouds” and Inti Pata ” Sun above the terraces” visited in the morning. Afterward lunch you get to visit Winay Wayña “Forever Young” amazing site. After we will go back to the campsite for dinner and small ceremony to tell thanks; give gratitude and say goodbye to your amazing porters team, your appreciation of some tips and will be the last time that you see them.

Meals included: Breakfast, Snack, Lunch, Happy hour and Dinner

Accommodation: A tent for 2 people

Day 4: WiñayWayna – Machu Picchu

Your team will wake you up early in the morning, today is the highlight of the trek; we head straight to the checkpoint to enter Machu Picchu and once the site opens we hike to the Sun Gate; where you’ll get your first fantastic view of Machu Picchu. On arrival to Machu Picchu you’ll have a 2 hour guided tour of the site; to visit the most important sacred Sectors of the Citadel. In the afternoon you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo from where you will carry on by bus back to Cusco.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch on your own in Aguas Calientes town or Machu Picchu Pueblo

Accommodation: In Cusco on your own

Inclusions on the 4 Day Inca Trail Tours

Includes:

  • Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
  • Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+
  • Chef
  • Porters to carry cooking and camping equipment
  • Pick-up from Main Square
  • Transportation by bus to Km 82
  • Return transportation by train and bus to Cusco
  • Water
  • 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Afternoon Snacks and 3 Dinner
  • Dining tent with tables and chairs
  • 4 man tent for every 2 trekkers
  • Sleeping foam mattress
  • Oxygen bottle
  • First aid kit
  • Entrance to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
  • Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)

Note: If you have a dietary req such as vegetarian food or you are strict vegan; please let us know without cost.

Does Not Include:

  • Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us)
  • Personal Porter
  • Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 4
  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain
  • Tips
  • Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.

What you need to take

  • Original Passport
  • ISIC card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
  • Walking boots
  • Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
  • Warm jacket
  • Hat and gloves
  • T-shirts
  • Comfortable Trousers
  • Sun hat
  • Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)
  • Insect repellent
  • Toiletries and hand sanitiser
  • Personal medication
  • Camera and film
  • Torch with spare batteries

Price on the 4 Day Inka Trail to Machu Picchu

  • Minimum Participants 02 persons
  • US$645.00 p/p
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