▷ Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Cusco
Trip Type: Hiking, adventure, history, culture and nature
Trip Length: 4 Days/3 Nights
Group Size: 2-10 Hikers
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging, but rewarding hike.
Weather: Dry season (Cold & sunny days) – Rainy season (Changeable weather)
Total Hiking Distance: 43 km
Overview
Discover Peru through the eyes of the Incas by hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, one of Cusco’s most scenic natural wonders. Follow the path of Inca pilgrims along the historic Inca Trail, used for centuries to reach the sacred city. On this Classic 4-Day Inca Trail tour, you’ll explore impressive Inca ruins—temples, terraces, portals, and resting sites—nestled above the cloud forest in the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
This world-famous trek, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, offers a deep connection to nature and the rich culture of the Incas. The Inca Trail from Cusco to Machu Picchu includes challenging sections like Dead Woman’s Pass (4,200 masl), making it a moderate to difficult adventure due to steep stone steps.
Ready for the adventure? Book your Inca Trail reservation today and secure your spot!
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Cuzco – Ollanta-km 82-Tarayoc/Hatunchaca- Wayllabamba/Ayapata
Early morning pick up from your hotel or accommodation in Cuzco between 4:15 to 4:45 AM. Then we will transfer you to Ollantaytambo where you will have breakfast here. After a hearty breakfast, you will continue for 1 hour more drive to the trail head in km 82 (Piscacucho village). Here (Inca trail checkpoint for visitors) you will show your passport to park rangers in order to start our hike. The first two hours of hike is easy and along the way you will spot some Incan sites such as: Ccanabamba (an Inca resting place), Patallacta (a multifunctional Inca town). You will also see our variety of flora, fauna and local houses such as our native trees, hummingbirds, butterfly, etc). From these Incan sites to the lunch spot it will take around 2 hours. After lunch it will take another 2 hours more of hiking to the campsite (Wayllabamba/Ayapata) where you will enjoy your happy hour time with hot tea and dinner prepared by our Inca Chef and then it will be time to rest.
Hiking Distance: 12km/14 Km -7/8 miles (6 to 7 hours)
Campsites Altitude: Night 1: 3,000/3300 m (9842/10829 ft)
Day 2: Wayllabamba/Ayapata-Llulluchapampa-Dead Woman Pass-Pacaymayo-Runcuracay Pass- Chaquiccocha
After an early breakfast, you will get ready to test your physical condition, because today is your big day and the day you have to tackle Dead Woman Pass located at a dizzying height of 4,215 m. Take heart, it will take just 4 hours or so to get to the highest pass, then take your time to appreciate the majesty of the snowing mountains, some views of the Andes, and others mountain chains around . After a well-deserved break, we will descend the mountain and Inca stairs slowly until we reach Pacaymayu where you will have lunch nearby. Then you will hike up to the Runcuracay Pass, but before to get there you will explore a small Inca ruin that is at the midpoint of the trail. Then you will head down for 2.5 hours more to hit to the next Inca ruin Sayaccmarca and finally to the campsite Chaquicocha. Note: if you start your day 2 from Wayllabamaba then you will spend the night just in Pacaymayo campsite and it is less challenging day.
Hiking Distance: 11 km/16 km-7/10 miles (7-9 hours)
Campsites Altitude: Night 2: 3,580 /3,600 m (11700/11800 ft)
Day 3: Pacaymayo/ Chaquiccocha-Phuyupatamarca-Wiñaywayna
Today will be the most amazing day because you will be into cloud forest surrounded by lush vegetation and intact Inca trail .After a big breakfast, you will start hiking along the undulated waved trail roughly for 2 hours or so until to reach to the 3rd pass (Puyupatamarca). Here you will see the pick of the Machu Picchu Mountain for first time and also you will explore the Phuyupatamarca Inca ruin. Following, you will just keep going downhill stairs for around 3.5 hours until you hit to the Wiñayhuayna camp where here you will have lunch ( at 1:30 PM) and spend the night., after your yummy lunch you will have plenty of time to take your siesta and take Inca shower. Right after your siesta, you will explore the mini Machu Picchu (Wiñaywayna) for 1 hour or so then during this afternoon it will be the time to have our last dinner and time to say good bye our porters and chef. If you feel that they have done a great job then you can leave tips for them, like Inca tradition, it will be a nice ceremony to introduce the team to you to shake your hand between you all. After this, time to go to bed because next day you will have to get up very early. Note: if you start your day 3 from Pacaymayo then you will have lunch in Chaquicocha/Phuyupatamarca and spend the night in Wiñayhuayna campsite as well and it will be challenging day, because the walking distance is 16 km.
Hiking Distance: 10 km/16 km-6.2/10 miles (5-9 hours)
Campsites Altitude: Night 3: 2,680 m-8792 ft.
DAY 4: Wiñaywayna- Sun Gate-Machu Picchu Tour – Return to Cuzco.
Day 4 will be one of the more remarkable and busy day, because you will visit one of the 7 new wonders in the world and thus, you will need to wake up early ( 3:30 AM) and) and will walk to the Sun gate which will take around 1h25 minutes. From here you will stare a splendid overlooking to Machu Picchu Inca City. After that, we will start going down and getting close to Inca City and where you will take your first post card pictures and right after that we will get out from Machu Picchu in order to re-enter to the same Inca site. You will have a memorable walking tour through the “lost city of the Incas” and let yourself be swept away by the magical landscape that surrounds this important ruin. You will have 3 hours guided tour by your speaking English guide. Finish up with last photos and then return to Aguas Calientes town for the return trip to Cusco. Note: you will take your train at 14:55/15:20 for the return trip with the Expedition train to the Ollantaytambo train station where you will catch our private van back to Cusco and your hotel. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 19:00 pm.
Hiking Distance: 6 km-3.6 miles (2.5 hours) & walking tour in MP for 3 hours
Upgrade options:
Climb Huayna Picchu for views over the ruins or add an extra day in Machu Picchu.
Vistadom train for 14:55/15:48 PM time to return from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo/Poroy.
Included
- Pre-departure briefing in our office or your hotel. Time to be determined by the company.
- Private Accommodation: 3 nights camping on the Inca Trail trek.
- Camping equipment: Dining and kitchen tents with tables and chairs, 4 man tents for 2 people, portable toilet tent and cooking gears (all carried by porters).
- Inflatable mattress: Thermarest air mattresses that are 3 inches thick, which add a lot of comfort to sleep and rest. If you have your own, you may opt out.
- Foam sleeping mat.
- Pillow, rain ponchos, daypack cover and duffel bag.
- Transportation service: (Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel) from Cusco to the trailhead and from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
- The bus ticket is included from Machu Picchu Inca city to Aguas Calientes.
- The train ticket in the PeruRail Expedition service from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo at the end of your journey.
- Professional Guides: English-speaking, professional, university educated guides.
- Trekking Chef Service:A skilled chef and assistant will prepare delicious, energy-boosting meals throughout your trek.
- Porter Service: Our porters will carry all your equipment, allowing you to travel with just a small daypack.
- Seven (7) kg of Your personal Gear & duffel bag: A personal porter will carry up to 7 kg of your belongings at no extra cost, including your sleeping bag and pad. We will provide a duffel bag for you to pack your gear the night before your tour begins.
- Meals: 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners (vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost), 4 Snacks, 3 happy hours. All these meals are prepared by our Chef.
- Water: We will provide you water for your morning hike every day and again during lunch. We suggest to bring your camel bag and extra energy drinks for this trek, because being well hydrated is the key to feeling great in the mountains.
- Products for hygiene: You will be provided with a small towel, soap and hand sanitizer before each meal to clean your hands.
- Hot Water Bowls:Daily hot water is provided to refresh and clean your hands and face before and after trekking.
- Entry ticket to Machu Picchu Archeological Site.
- Inca Trail Permit: The Inca Trail cost includes the entrance fee, granting access to multiple archaeological sites along the trail.
The permit includes an entrance to Machu Picchu as well. - Permits and entrance fee for our porters and cooks
- First-Aid Kit: Our guides have received training in first aid from physicians. Our guides will bring an emergency oxygen bottle and radio communication as well.
- Complimentary Storage for Extra Belongings: We offer secure storage in Cusco for any additional items you wish to leave behind during your trek.
- All taxes and booking Fees covered.
Not Included
- Last Day: Lunch in Aguas Calientes.
- Travel Insurance.
- Tips for our staff: Tipping is of course 100% voluntary and should only be done if you feel like your guide, porters, and Chef have done an amazing job for you.
- Entrance to the Hot Springs in Aguas Calientes town ($5 USD)
Aditional Upgrades
- Sleeping Bags:You can rent one from our company if you do not have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy form and include a sleeping liner. The bags are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips. (Cost: $20 USD).
- Walking Sticks: You can rent a set from us. ( Cost: $15 USD)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: $65 USD per person (2-hour round-trip climb).
- Machu Picchu Mountain: $65 USD per person (3-hour round-trip climb).
- Vistadome Train (one way): $40 USD per person.
- Extra Single Tent: $40 USD
This classic Inca trail is available almost all year, this tour is only closed in February due to preservation and maintenance of the trail. On the other hand, Peru usually celebrates annual festivities, special events, special occasions and activities such as: The Feast of the Sun, Easter Sunday procession, Folkloric Parade, Carnival, Christmas Day, Bullfighting, and so on, occasionally, unforeseen events such as: Solar and Lunar eclipses would be a surprising experience for you. For this reasons, Inca Vision guarantees your departure dates.
Check Here for Availability & Event Dates!
Book Your Inca Trail Adventure to Machu Picchu – 2025! 🌿
Availability is limited—secure your spot today!
Permits sell out fast! Secure your preferred date now and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Machu Picchu. With high demand and limited availability, spots are filling up quickly—reserve yours before it’s too late!
Permit Availability for the Short Inca Trail (2 Days) – 2025
| Month | Availability |
|---|---|
| February | ❌ Closed for maintenance |
| March | ✅ Available except from the 1st to the 15th. |
| April | ✅ Available except on the 14th, 15th, and 16th |
| May | ✅ Available all month |
| June | ✅ Available all month |
| July | ✅ Available all month |
| August | ✅ Available all month |
| September | ✅ Available all month |
| October – December | ✅ Fully available |
Availability Dates: All year around, except (February)
January 1st.
February or March (Variable Sunday)
March or April 1st to 8th.
June 24th
July 28th and 29th.
October 31st.
November 1ST and 2nd.
December 24th and 25th.
This information was updated on February 18th, 2025. 📅 BOOK NOW✨
To book the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, an initial payment of $ 200 USD per person is required. The remaining balance can be paid online or in person at our office in Cusco. The deposit can be made via We Travel, Western Union or MoneyGram. If you rent camping and hiking gear, upgrade tours or receive a discount of the total price our sales team will email you the updated remaining balance payable at our Cusco office.
For Group Tour (Shared Service)
Price per Person:
💰 Adults: From $750 USD
💰 Students and Children: From $710 USD
Note.
- We need a minimum of 3 people to run the tour
- 4+ People, please contact us for a special price
- If you book this tour for more than 2 people, ask for it and get a discount for this tour. “This condition applies only if you are part of a single group (For 3 + people booking at the same time) and does not apply to groups organized by the travel agency.”
- Children 17 years old or less, the discount is $40 USD (To receive the child discount you must send us a copy of the child’s passport).
- For a private tour, please request a quote by emailing incavisiontours@gmail.com or info@incavisiontours.com.
Student Discount:
To qualify for the student discount, one must be 25 years old or less at the time of entering Machu Picchu and you must submit a valid university ID with your booking. The ID must include your name, photo, and expiration date. Cards without an expiration date will not be accepted. Please bring the original student ID with you on the tour to pass the checkpoint.
Payment method
Pay via We Travel
Please note that We Travel charges a fee ranging from 1.5% to 3.9 % (depending on the type of currency used) for online deposits. For payment made via bank transfer a 2% fee will be applied which the client is responsible for. The fee is for the use of We travel’s secure payment gateway. Please, notify incavisiontours@gmail.com or info@incavisiontours.com after payment has made through, We Travel.
Pay via Western Union
Please note that Western Union charges a variable fee for online deposits, depending on your nationality and location. Western union payments should be addressed to the following receiver:
- Full Name: Jaime Cusi Huaman
- Address: APV. Jardines Del Inca C-10, Cusco – Perú
Pay via MoneyGram
Please note that MoneyGram charges a variable fee for online deposits, depending on your nationality and location. MoneyGram payments should be addressed to the following receiver:
- Full Name: Jaime Cusi Huaman
- Address: APV. Jardines Del Inca C-10, Cusco – Perú
Please remember to send us the tracking code (MTCN) in order to pick up the deposit and confirm your booking. Once your payment is made via Western Union or MoneyGram, please notify ours sales team.
In the event you need to cancel your trip, cancellation fees will be assessed as outlined in our cancellation policy. If canceling, you may not transfer your deposit to another person’s trek/tour. See Inca Vision Tours ‘Terms and Cancellation Policy
Optional Upgrades (Need to book in Advance):
There are several optional upgrades you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices.
Huayna Picchu Mountain: $65 USD per person (2-hour round-trip climb).
Machu Picchu Mountain: $65 USD per person (3-hour round-trip climb).
Note: You can only hike one of these mountains, and it must be done after the guided tour of Machu Picchu due to time limitations.
Vistadome Train (one way): $40 USD per person.
Walking Stick: One pair for $15 USD.
Extra Single Tent: $40 USD
Huayna Picchu | Machu Picchu Mountain
Huayna Picchu, the mountain overlooking Machu Picchu, is a 45-minute hike to the top, located next to the Machu Picchu Inca city. The descent can be steep, so it may not be suitable for those afraid of heights. This hike can be done after your Machu Picchu tour.
Machu Picchu Mountain requires a 3-hour round-trip hike. Due to its popularity, reservations should be made at least one month in advance. Please note that weather conditions are beyond our control.
Train: On our four-day Inca Trail journey to Machu Picchu, a return train ticket on the Expeditions Train is included, offering comfort and scenic views. For an enhanced experience, you can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the return trip, which features larger windows, comfortable seating, a glass roof, and onboard entertainment, including shows and a complimentary snack.
Additional Night in Aguas Calientes: Stay an extra night after your 4-day hike to relax, explore Machu Picchu further, or visit the hot springs. Ideal for those planning to climb Huayna Picchu the next day. Contact us at info@incavisiontours.com or incavisiontours@gmail.com for options and prices.
Important Reminder: For this trek you will need one hold-all or duffel bag, which we will provide. However, you will be carrying your small day pack while hiking. Please pack as light as possible. A light backpack is key to feeling great!
- Passport (very important)
- Valid student card (if you booked as a student).
- Good daypack (25-30Lt): The smaller, the more confortable.(very important)
- 2L Camelbaks or reusable water bottles
- At least 1 liter of water for the first day until lunch, and after that we will supply you with boiled water for the rest of the hike.
- One pair of comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles) and a pair of sandals. (very important)
- Wicking/Hiking Breathable T-shirts (2-3 Short Sleeve T-shirts and 1-2 Long Sleeve T-shirts) and 2- Hiking Pants & Leggings– remember you will always treasure these photos, wear something you love.
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho, warm jacket, down jacket, fleece or sweater, scarf, wool hat, sunglasses, gloves and 4 pairs of socks
- Small travel towel & Bathing suits for the hot springs (Optional on your own in Aguas Calientes )
- Sun protection cream and sun hat (very important)
- Insect Repellent
- Camera/ Cellphone with extra Power Bank (very important)
- Ear plugs (optional)
- Flashlight or head lamp with spare batteries (very important)
- Extra Snacks (Energy bars, energy drinks, fruits, electrolytes, etc.).
- Extra Money in Cash & Cards for souvenirs, drinks, meals, tips, and emergency situations (can be in Soles or USD).
Other items
- Sleeping bag (or you can rent one from us)
- Sleeping bag liner and inflatable pillow (optional)
- Large plastic bags to organize your items and keep them clean and dry during your tour.
- Trekking poles with rubber tips (or you can rent a pair from us)
Toiletries
- Face moisturizer, toilet paper
- Hand Sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications prescribed by your doctor (to prevent headaches, stomach issues, heart problems, etc.).
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc
Inca Trail Highlights with Inca Vision Tours
- Discover the classic Inca Trail through the Eyes of the Incas with Us. Check out our reviews on TripAdvisor!
- We are fully licensed by the government to operate Classic Inca Trail hikes.
- Small groups and customized service, from 2 to 10 people maximum.
- Enjoy hotel-to-hotel service, including pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation in Cusco and Aguas Calientes.
- Authentically Peruvian – 100% Locally Owned!.
- We provide premium equipment to ensure a restful and hassle-free adventure.
- Dedicated Porter Included for 7 kg (15 lb) of Your Belongings.
- Inca Trail Trek is known as one of the world’s top ten hikes.
- Starting the Inca Trail at KM 82, you will enjoy multiple Incan sites along the entire trek those which were built by our ancestors in back in the days.
- Conquer the highest Mountain Pass (Dead Woman Pass) surrounded by snowing mountain ranges in the second day of hiking.
- Enjoying panoramic views of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate” and your camping at the foot of Machu Picchu.
- A private guided tour of the key sites of Machu Picchu, with free time to further explore at your leisure.
- Enjoy beautiful and diverse plants (Orchids) and animals along the Inca Trail.
- Explore the astonishing the lost city of the Incas Machu Picchu.
- Create your unforgettable trip to Machu Picchu via PeruRail or Inca Rail Train.
Why choose Inca Vision Tours?
Inca Vision Tours has been founded in the hands of an experienced mountain tour guide who has worked as an official hiking guide for over 8 years with different companies (commented with countless reviews on TripAdvisor by customers) in Cuzco. Likewise, Jaime has graduated with a degree in Tourism from Cusco University and is an active member of the Association/School of Graduates in Tourism of Peru. He has extensive knowledge of all tourist circuits in the region. He is a mountain man, a proactive professional with initiative and good handling of interpersonal skills, solid moral principles and a high degree of responsibility. Jaime, our manager, has gained enough experience to operate tours around Cuzco on behalf of Inca Vision Tours. But as a team, we have more reasons why you should pick Inca Vision Tours to do your memorable treks or tours.
- – Legal and sustainable company
We have legal license permits from our government to operate our day tours and multi-day treks. Also we are a 100% local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator that incorporates universal principles of tourism: Protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion.
- – Cuzco, the land of the Inca Civilization
We own our operational base in Cuzco and you will experience with INCA VISION TOURS what the Incas had envisioned back in their days, the gateway of historical sites into Machu Picchu.
- –Expert office and field team to assist you every day
Our professionals and local expert office staff do all the logistic and operational hard work such as optimizing your time and investment and reducing unnecessary costs, so you get the most of your vacation. Our qualified local tour guides with extensive experience know all the secrets to take you to the most breathtaking places in order to make your vacation unforgettable and take care your safety.
- – Fair salary and care for local people
INCA VISION TOURS employs locals as porters, horsemen, chefs, guides and office staff. You can rest assured that all the money you invest in your tour or treks will go directly to the workers who will take you on day tours or hikes. At Inca Vision Tours, we distribute profits equally amongst our members.
- – Personalized Itineraries and customized service
Inca Vision Tours has handpicked the top local specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements. You also can request to learn Quechua languages, to participate in our social projects in special campaigns, to attend to special events in special occasions such as the feast of the Sun, Holy Week, the day of Dead and Alive and many more.
- – Our Peruvian Cuisine/Gastronomy
Our organic meals from the Andes, coast and jungle of Peru will be prepared by our professional chefs when you participate in our tours and treks (Vegetarian, pescatarian diet and vegan options available.)
- – Guaranteed departures tours
All our tours are guaranteed to depart with small or large group sizes. We have done tours with as little as 2 people so you won’t have to worry about your tour being cancelled at the last minute, unless you do it.
- – Support the local economy
On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies. Our company is especially committed to social projects in the remote villages where there is extreme poverty.
- – Our best hiking gear, equipment and contingency plan
We have comfortable gear and equipment to do our treks and day tours such as: 4-person tents, cooking gear, kitchen tents, toilet tents, trekking poles, air mattresses, sleeping pads, sleeping bags and everything needed to ensure a great adventure.
OUR PROMISE TO YOU
- A qualified local tour guide who cares for your safety with extensive experience, knowledge and professionalism.
- Trip support and emergency assistance from English speaking staff.
- Private experience with all tours, unless otherwise noted.
- Highly Personalized and customizable trip, in any way you want.