Trip Overview

The four-day Classic Inca Trail stands among the most celebrated treks in Latin America. Its prestige comes from the blend of natural beauty, living Andean culture, and the extraordinary history that unfolds along the route. Although the trail covers only about 45 km (28 miles), it winds across mountain passes, plunges into valleys, and traverses a wide range of ecosystems—from high alpine landscapes to lush cloud forests. These constant altitude changes make the journey demanding, but also exceptionally rewarding.

As you move along this ancient stone path, you’ll encounter regions rich in biodiversity and remarkable Inca archaeological sites. Orchids, hummingbirds, deer, foxes and, with luck, the elusive spectacled bear inhabit these mountains. Iconic ruins such as Wiñay Wayna and Phuyupatamarca appear along the way, offering a deeper understanding of the Inca worldview long before you reach your final destination: the monumental sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

The citadel itself sits above dramatic cliffs and steep gorges, a masterpiece of architecture and engineering. Instead of trying to summarize its grandeur in words, we invite you to experience it directly—with the support of our guides, porters, and cooks—on this classic Andean pilgrimage.

Your Day-by-Day Adventure

Day 1 – Setting Out on the Inca Trail

Your journey begins very early, with a meeting at your hotel around 4:30 a.m. A brief stop at a local eatery allows you to buy any last-minute essentials (things like snacks, water, ponchos). From there, you continue toward Piscacucho, the official control point at Km 82, where your documents are checked—so your original passport is mandatory.

This is the perfect moment to make final preparations: use the facilities, apply sunscreen, and put on insect repellent. Ahead lies the same valley once used by Inca nobility on their way to Machu Picchu.

The trail begins at 2,720 m / 8,923 ft, crossing the Vilcanota River before climbing gradually into the cloud forest. Along the route, the first major viewpoints appear, including Huillca Raccay, an impressive hillside structure, and the extensive agricultural terraces of Llactapata far below. You’ll also catch sight of the Urubamba mountain range, crowned by the snowcapped peak Wakay Willka (Verónica) at 5,860 m / 19,225 ft.

By late afternoon you’ll reach your first campsite, located roughly two hours beyond Wayllabamba (at 3,300 m / 10,826 ft). The valley here is cool and temperate, with nighttime temperatures often dropping close to 5°C, depending on the season.

Day 2 – Crossing the High Passes

You’ll wake around 5:30 a.m. to a warm breakfast, an important energy boost for the most demanding day of the trek. Today’s route climbs toward the high Andes, following an ancient ceremonial path once associated with the Inca mountain deities, or Apus.

After several hours of uphill hiking, you reach the highest point on the entire trail:
Abra Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,200 m / 13,779 ft.
The ascent is steep and the altitude challenging, so it is normal to take the climb slowly. Once at the top, the sense of accomplishment is enormous, and the views are spectacular.

From the pass, you descend toward Pacaymayu (3,550 m / 11,646 ft) where lunch is served. This stretch is rich in birdlife—hummingbirds in particular—and your guide will point out notable high-altitude plants, including Polylepis trees that thrive only in cloud-forest conditions.

In the afternoon, another ascent leads you to the second pass of the day, Runkurakay at around 4,000 m. Twenty minutes beyond it lies Chaquicocha (“Dry Lake,” 3,600 m), your second campsite. You typically arrive around 5:00 p.m., with time to unwind before dinner and rest.

Day 3 – Toward Wiñay Wayna

After breakfast, the trail becomes gentler as it leads to the high viewpoint and archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca, the “Town Above the Clouds,” situated at roughly 3,680 m. This serene complex features terraces, ceremonial baths that flow in the rainy season, and sweeping views of distant peaks like Salkantay and Verónica.

From Phuyupatamarca, the path begins a long descent via more than 1,000 carved stone steps. Although the altitude drops, these steps can be hard on the knees, so a slow pace is essential. Eventually you pass the terraces of Intipata, an elegant hillside site rarely visited outside the Inca Trail, offering excellent views along the valley.

Continuing onward, you reach the third campsite at Wiñay Wayna (2,680 m / 8,792 ft), arriving around lunchtime after four to five hours of trekking. After eating and resting, your guide will take you to explore the Wiñay Wayna complex itself, known for its sweeping terraces, ceremonial structures, and ritual water fountains. Many historians believe this was a purification point for travelers before they approached Machu Picchu.

Dinner is served at the campsite, and with the sanctuary now very close, the excitement for the final day truly begins.

Day 4 – Arrival at Machu Picchu

The final stretch of the trail covers approximately 5 km and takes about two hours. After a very early breakfast, you set out in the dark with the goal of reaching Inti Punku, the Sun Gate at 2,730 m / 8,792 ft, in time for sunrise.

From this viewpoint, Machu Picchu (at 2,400 m / 7,873 ft) emerges as the first light spills over the surrounding mountains—a moment that many hikers see as the emotional high point of the entire journey.

You then continue along the upper terraces following Circuit 1-B, the panoramic section of the site, until you reach the classic postcard viewpoint. After taking in the scenery and resting for a while, you descend toward Aguas Calientes, where the bus awaits. Lunch in town is at your own pace, and afterward your guide will deliver your train tickets. Once in Ollantaytambo, a private transfer returns you to your hotel in Cusco.

Travelers who wish to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain after the guided visit may do so with an additional entrance ticket, subject to limited availability from the Ministry of Culture.