Classic Inca trail to Machu- Picchu

Duration

4 days / 3 nights

Location

Cusco

Season

April to October

Difficulty

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Max height

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A Journey That Honors Memory and Awakens the Soul

A sacred journey of culture, spirit, and ancestral wonder.

An unparalleled adventure — cultural, spiritual, and profoundly authentic — invites you to reconnect with one of the most revered destinations on Earth: the legendary Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

Embraced by the Royal Inca Trail, this sanctuary stretches across 32,952 hectares of natural and human wisdom. At its heart pulse ancient Inca routes, dozens of archaeological sites, ten ecological zones, over 450 bird species, and 200 species of orchids that bloom like living verses between mist and sun.

To walk this path is to listen to the whispers of stone and sky.
Each step is an offering. Each gaze, a revelation. Machu Picchu is not simply visited — it is honored, felt, and remembered.

Come with an open heart. The path awaits.

Prices
Classic
USD 675
Price per person

Include:

  • RT – Transport from hotel to Km. 82
  • RT – Expedition train
  • Experienced Tour Guide
  • Entrance to Inka Trail
  • & Machupicchu
  • Consettur bus tickets
  • All meals (Opt.Vegetarian)
  • Transport from Ollantaytambo to hotel in Cusco
Premium
USD 775
Price per person

Include:

  • RT – Transport from hotel to Km. 82
  • RT – Vistadome train
  • Experienced Tour Guide
  • Entrance to Inka Trail
  • & Machupicchu
  • Consettur bus tickets
  • All meals (Opt.Vegetarian)
  • Transport from Ollantaytambo to hotel in Cusco
  • + Extra Porter for
  • Carry Personal Belongs
  • 5kls + OW Expedition
  • Trains Service

Hotel pick-up begins around 5:00 AM. We’ll arrive in Ollantaytambo around 6:30 AM, with about 40 minutes to enjoy breakfast and shop for souvenirs. Then we’ll head toward Piscacucho (KM 82), the official starting point of the Classic Inca Trail, where our sacred trek begins. (Breakfast not included.)

Around 9:30 AM, we’ll reach KM 82, the first checkpoint of the Inca Trail. Be ready to present your entry ticket, passport, and student ID if you’ve booked with a student discount.

At the trailhead (2720 m / 8923 ft), we’ll cross the Vilcanota River and follow its path to the right. The first day is relatively gentle — a ceremonial warm-up along the flat Inca terrain.

You’ll enjoy stunning views of the Inca fortress Huillca Raccay, the vast and awe-inspiring site of Llactapata (officially known as Patallacta), and the snow-capped peak of Wakay Willca (5860 m / 19225 ft), also known as Verónica.

Our first campsite is in Huayllabamba (3000 m / 9842 ft), a temperate green valley that shares its name. Nighttime temperatures hover around 5°C, depending on the season.

After waking around 5:30 AM and enjoying a hot breakfast, we begin a steep ascent toward the highest pass on the trail: Warmiwañusca Pass, also known as the Dead Woman’s Pass, at 4215 m / 13,829 ft. This is a day of true accomplishment — reaching the summit is a moment of pride and awe.

After a well-deserved rest at the top, we descend to Pacaymayo (3600 m / 11,811 ft) where we’ll stop for lunch.

Along the way, you may spot a variety of hummingbirds and other native bird species. You’ll also have time to appreciate the incredible diversity of native plants and trees.

After lunch, we begin a second steep ascent — a two-hour climb to Runkurakay Pass (3750 m / 12,303 ft). We arrive at our campsite around 5:00 PM. Nighttime temperatures at this camp are typically around 4°C.

This is the most breathtaking day of the journey — keep that in heart as you ascend on Day Three!

We’ll rise for breakfast at 6:00 AM and begin the day with a gentle climb to visit the archaeological site of Runkurakay (meaning “Ovoid Site”). Here, we reach the third highest point on the Inca Trail (3750 m / 12,303 ft).

Next, we pass through Sayacmarca (meaning “Dominant Town”), a citadel and ceremonial site located about 20 kilometers from the trail’s starting point. The views of the surrounding mountains and canyons are absolutely spectacular.

The Inca site of Phuyupatamarca (meaning “City in the Clouds”) lies just minutes beyond the third pass. After visiting this sacred site, we descend 3,000 stone steps through the cloud forest to the stunning agricultural site of Intipata.

After taking time to explore Intipata, we continue on to our third campsite at Wiñayhuayna (2680 m / 8792 ft). Today’s hike lasts about 7 to 8 hours, and we arrive at camp just in time for lunch. Nighttime temperatures here are around 12°C.

Just steps from our campsite lies the famous Inca site of Wiñayhuayna (“Forever Young”). Even if you feel tired after the day’s walk, this is a moment you won’t want to miss — it’s one of the most awe-inspiring sites along the Inca Trail.

We begin between 3:00 AM and 4:00 AM, depending on the location of the campsite. It’s time to rise and prepare for Day 4 of the Inca Trail — the final stretch of your sacred journey to Machu Picchu. A box lunch will be provided.

By 6:30 AM, we arrive at Inti Punku, also known as the Sun Gate. Here, the majestic Citadel of Machu Picchu reveals itself in all its radiant beauty — an unforgettable view for all. It’s a powerful moment to imagine what the Incas must have felt after their long and arduous pilgrimage to this expansive temple.

From the Sun Gate, we descend toward the citadel. Upon arrival, we enter Circuit 1. After about an hour of walking, we enter the site from above through the Guardian’s House, where we’ll offer a brief explanation and you’ll have a unique opportunity to capture a photo at one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

From there, we descend to the checkpoint to register and store our belongings, then re-enter the citadel (with a second entrance ticket) to explore the rest of the site (circuit based on availability) with your professional guide, who will lead you through the extraordinary archaeological area — showcasing its main streets, ceremonial plazas, and finely carved stone staircases.

You’ll have the chance to visit the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Royal Tomb, and the Main Square. Machu Picchu is considered a spiritual center, a place of esoteric wisdom for the world.

After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to explore the site at your own pace.

You may also enjoy some of the following optional activities on your own (not included in the price):

  • Climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for elevated views of the citadel’s magnificence
  • Other options in Aguas Calientes include visiting the new local museum or relaxing in the hot springs

Return to Cusco

You will descend to Aguas Calientes and board the Expedition train to either Ollantaytambo or Poroy station.
Please note: train departure times may vary depending on schedule and availability.

At the Ollantaytambo train station, our private transportation will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Include
  • Camping equipment: Dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs, and cooking gear — all carried by our dedicated porters.
  • Inca Trail permits
  • Entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu archaeological site (Circuit 1)
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2 or 3)
    Please check availability with your sales agent.
  • Professional trail chef: A specialized chef, accompanied by an assistant, will prepare delicious meals throughout the journey to replenish your energy each day.
  • Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
    (Vegetarian, vegan, or special dietary menus available at no extra cost)
    Please note: the first breakfast and final lunch are not included.
  • Boiled water: From your first lunch to your final breakfast, Inka Trail Expeditions will supply all necessary drinking water. It will be boiled, filtered, cooled, and distributed.
    You must bring your own water bottles — we recommend carrying about 3 liters.

Morning tea wake-up: Each morning at camp, you’ll be gently awakened with a warm cup of coca tea delivered to your tent — a sacred start to the day.

  • Daily tea time during the trek: Every afternoon before dinner, our cooks will serve popcorn, cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, and hot water. After a long day of hiking, you won’t have to wait until dinner to relax and enjoy a treat.
  • Hygiene products: Bath and toiletry items including shampoo, soap, body towels, robes, and small towels — all refreshed daily.
  • Medical kit and emergency oxygen: Our team carries a first aid kit, including an emergency oxygen bottle.
  • Consettur bus to the Inca city of Machu Picchu: Approx. 30-minute ride.
  • Return transfer to Cusco: Private tourist transportation from the Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco (Day 4).
  • 24-hour guest service: We offer a 24/7 phone line to ensure smooth communication and thoughtful preparation for your journey.
  • Return train ticket
No incluido
  • Additional entrance tickets (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain)
  • First breakfast, final lunch, and dinner
  • Sleeping bag (our mummy-style sleeping bags are designed for very low temperatures, down to -18ºC)
  • Trekking poles
  • Personal gear
  • Travel insurance (our guides are highly trained in first aid and mountain rescue, and we have a comprehensive plan for medical attention, ground and air evacuations)
  • Personal porter for 7 kg of gear (please note: if booking the Classic service, a duffel bag will be provided when hiring a porter)
  • Additional costs or delays beyond our control, such as: natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, itinerary changes due to passenger health issues (illness or medical conditions), pandemics, changes in government policies, political instability, strikes, etc.
USD 880.00 per person
Total: --

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