You jump on the Inca Trail trek and see why it’s a South American favorite. Four days full of history and killer views as you climb high passes, cloud forests, and check out old Inca spots. You wrap up at the Sun Gate, or Intipunku, catching sunrise over Machu Picchu.
The trail drags you along or fights back with steep steps. You’ll stop, huffing, and notice stones fitted perfect. Cusco’s the perfect spot to aclimate and avoid the altitude sickness.
The Inca Trail popped up in the fifteenth century, part of the massive Qhapaq Ñan over thirty thousand kilometers long. Folks used it for prayers or official runs. Hiram Bingham hit Machu Picchu in 1911 and put it on the map.
No fancy tools, yet walls stand tight and water drains smooth after storms. Spanish missed chunks, keeping this bit secret till later.
Your four day Inca Trail trek eases in day one past fields. Day two’s Dead Womans Pass kicks your butt but the view rocks. Day three chills in shade with ruin stops. Day four you’re up dark, rushing the Sun Gate for dawn.
- Hop wobbly stream rocks
- Camps named for sunset steals
- Wiñay Wayna’s giant terrace
- Snacks turn strangers to pals
Chill in Cusco three days, sip coca tea, let thin air settle. Weather flips fast, layer up.
Hit the Inca Trail April to November for dry paths. May or September thin crowds. June to August clear but packed.
January’s rain makes mud mess, skip it. February closes for fixes. Permits go quick, cap’s tight.
This road linked Colombia to Chile, moving goods sans paper. Markers kept folks on track. Permits now guard stones and dirt.
Touch Sayacmarca’s wall, feel old hands. Hike shows smart builds last. Machu Picchu below the Sun Gate ties it all, sweat and centuries colliding.
Group Services
Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu
With Uros Expeditions, you step into the Inca Trail trek and everything clicks together without much fuss. Guides who know these mountains like their own backyard take charge, explaining the old stories while keeping an eye on the group. They sort out the details so you can just keep moving and look around.
The trip sticks to the usual four days on the trail. Porters haul the heavier stuff, food shows up ready to eat, and you finish with a train ride instead of more walking. It all runs smooth enough that you stay caught up in what you are seeing.
DAY 1: CUSCO – PISKACUCHO KM 82 – LLACTAPATA – WAYLLABAMBA
- Distance: 12 km (7.45 miles)
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Early pickup from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley gets things rolling. The bus drops everyone at Km 82 where the Inca Trail starts for real, right after you cross the bridge over the Urubamba River.
The walking stays fairly gentle that first day, good for shaking out the cobwebs. You stop at Patallacta, a farming spot from way back, and then Willkarakay higher up with its wide views. By evening you are in the Wayllabamba Valley setting up camp under a sky that fills with stars pretty quick.
The valley feels quiet once the tents are up, just the river nearby and maybe a few llamas wandering past. You turn in early because tomorrow climbs higher.
DAY 2: WAYLLABAMBA – DEAD WOMEN’S PASS – PACAYMAYU
- Distance: 11 km (6.83 miles)
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Morning comes fast and you are heading toward Dead Womans Pass, sitting up at 4215 meters. The uphill drags on, no way around it, but the trees thin out and suddenly you can see for miles. That pass was part of the old Inca courier route, runners used to sprint sections like this.
You rest at the top, snap a few pictures, then start down the other side. Knees take a beating on the descent but Pacaymayu Valley waits below with flat ground for tents. Camp feels earned after a day like that.
Guides pass around coca tea and keep the pace steady. The air up high makes everything slower, but nobody rushes anyone.
DAY 3: PACAYMAYU – CHAQUIKOCHA – WIÑAYHUAYNA
- Distance: 16 km (9.94 miles)
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate to High
You leave camp and soon reach Runkurakay, a little round building where messengers swapped loads. A bit farther along Sayacmarca sits on its narrow ridge, terraces dropping away on both sides. The spot watched over two valleys at once.
The path slips into cloud forest after that, damp and green, with stone steps cut straight into the slope. Phuyupatamarca shows up next, water still running through the old fountains. You end the day at Wiñayhuayna, a busy complex of houses and fields, perfect for the last night on the trail.
DAY 4: WIÑAYHUAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
- Distance: 5 km (3.10 miles)
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
Headlamps come on long before dawn because the Sun Gate is the goal. You hike the final stretch in the dark until Intipunku opens up and Machu Picchu appears below in the early light. Hard to beat that first glimpse after three days of walking.
A guide leads the tour once you are inside the site, pointing out the farming terraces, living quarters, and main temples. The place went up in the mid fifteenth century and served the royal family along with priests. Later you catch the train down the Urubamba, then a bus back to Cusco to wrap it all up.
Price: From $ 790.00
Tour Duration: 4 days
Tour location: Ollantaytambo, Piscacucho (km 82), Wayllabamba, Pacaymayu, Phuyupatamarka, Wiñayhuayna and Machupicchu.
Nature of the Tour: Bus and train transport, walks of 7 hours a day (at least) with a total route of 29 Miles, elevations during the hike 6600 – 13960 f.a.s.l.
Tour limitations: rugged location, low and high temperature and humidity, steep trails. Good level of physical fitness required.
Itinerary
DAY 1: CUSCO – PISKACUCHO KM 82 – LLACTAPATA – WAYLLABAMBA
You begin the Inca Trail trek with an early pickup from your hotel in Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo. In Cusco the driver arrives between four and five in the morning. For the other locations the exact time is set during the briefing the evening before. You then ride in private transportation for about one and a half hours through the Sacred Valley. The trip ends at Kilometer 82, the official start of the trail. There you meet the support team and cross the bridge over the Urubamba River to begin the four day journey.
The first day is moderate and helps you adjust to the path. You visit Patallacta, an Inca settlement that served administrative, economic, and religious purposes. Above it is Willkarakay, a military post that watched the Cusichaca Valley and guarded the route.
You spend time at both sites before continuing to the Wayllabamba Valley. The trail follows the Cusichaca River, known as the happy bridge, and passes through Andean forest typical of the lower section.
In the late afternoon you reach the Wayllabamba campsite. You set up for the night and rest before the harder days ahead on the Inca Trail trek.
Walking Distance: 12km / 7.45 miles
Starting Elevation: 2720 m.a.s.l / 8923 f.a.s.l
Highest Elevation: 3000 m.a.s.l / 9842 f.a.s.l
Campsite Elevation: 3000 m.a.s.l / 9842 f.a.s.l
Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 2: WAYLLABAMBA – DEAD WOMENS PASS – PACAYMAYU
You start very early on the second day of the Inca Trail trek. The plan is to reach Warmihuañusca Pass, also called Dead Womans Pass, before the afternoon. This pass is the highest point on the trail at four thousand two hundred fifteen meters above sea level. The early start helps you avoid clouds and gives your body time to adjust to the altitude.
The first part of the walk takes about one and a half hours. You move under thick trees until you arrive at Tres Piedras camp. There you stop for a short rest. As you climb higher, the forest changes. You enter the inter Andean forest and see native trees such as the Unca tree. Local people have used this wood for many years.
After another two hours you reach Llulluchapampa. This is a good place to rest longer. You eat snacks and drink hot tea while you look at the valleys around you. When the break ends, you begin the final climb to the pass. The path offers wide views of the mountains and old Inca roads.
You arrive at the top of Warmihuañusca Pass and see the Andes in every direction. Then you start the long walk down to Pacaymayu camp. The descent is hard on your knees, but the camp is waiting below. You set up for the night and rest before the next day on the Classic Inca Trail.
Walking Distance: 11km / 6.83 miles
Starting Elevation: 3000 m.a.s.l / 9842 f.a.s.l
Highest Elevation: 4200 m.a.s.l / 13779 f.a.s.l
Campsite Elevation: 3580 m.a.s.l / 11700 f.a.s.l
Difficulty: Moderate to High
DAY 3: PACAYMAYU – CHAQUIKOCHA – WIÑAYHUAYNA
You leave Pacaymayu and climb forty five minutes to Runkurakay, a round rest stop for Inca travelers. Another forty five minute climb brings you to Runkurakay Pass, the second highest point. Then the trail drops to Sayacmarca, a site on a narrow ridge that watched two valleys. You explore the buildings before following the stone path to Chaquicocha for lunch. The steps and drainage here still work after centuries.
After lunch you enter the cloud forest full of moss and orchids. The path leads to Phuyupatamarca along a ridge with views of the Sacred Valley. The nearby pass gives one of the best lookouts. You visit the ruins, then start the long descent. Along the way you pass a ceremonial spot for mountain offerings. Soon Wiñayhuayna camp appears with its terraces and houses for pilgrims nearing Machu Picchu. You set up for the night before the final day on the Classic Inca Trail.
Walking Distance: 16km / 9.94 miles
Starting Elevation: 3580 m.a.s.l / 11700 f.a.s.l
Highest Elevation: 4000 m.a.s.l / 13123 f.a.s.l
Campsite Elevation: 2680 m.a.s.l / 8792 f.a.s.l
Difficulty: Moderate to High
DAY 4: WIÑAY WAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
You wake up early on the last day of the Inca Trail trek. The trail to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, is short and not hard. This was the entrance the Incas used to see Machu Picchu. If the weather is good you get a full view of the site. You stop to take photos.You walk down from the Sun Gate for about forty five minutes to the upper part of Machu Picchu. This is the place for the standard picture. You go to the main entrance as a group and register. The guided tour starts and lasts around two hours. You see the plazas, temples, terraces, and living areas. The guide explains their purpose in Inca times.
Later in the day you take the bus to Aguas Calientes. You meet the guide for lunch and pick up train tickets. The train runs beside the Urubamba River and shows the valley and hills. It stops at Ollantaytambo where a driver is waiting. From there a bus brings you to your hotel in Cusco. The four day Inca Trail trek is over.
Walking Distance: 5km / 3.10 miles
Starting Elevation: 2680 m.a.s.l / 8792 f.a.s.l
Highest Elevation: 2730 m.a.s.l / 8956 f.a.s.l
Difficulty: Easy
Included/Not Included
Included
- BRIEFING
- 1 or 2 days prior to the trek you will have a briefing, where you will meet your guide to receive key details about the 4-day Inca Trail Tour.
- PROFESSIONAL AND TRAINED STAFF
- Experienced bilingual tour guide
- Assistant tour guide (groups more than 9 people)
- Professional cooks
- Porters (will carry cooking & camping equipment, and your personal luggage)
- EQUIPMENT
- EUREKA and DOITE camping equipment
- Dining tent, well-equipped
- Duffle bag (duffle bag for your belongings)
- Inflatable mattresses or mats/brand: “Therm-A-Rest” or “Rei” (you need to carry)
- Inflatable pillow (you need to carry)
- EMERGENCY KIT
- First aid kit
- Oxygen bottles
- PERMITS AND ENTRANCE
- Inca Trail permits
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (Circuit 3)
- ACCOMMODATION
- 3 nights in comfortable and spacious tents
- FOOD AND WATER
- 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Afternoon Tea-Snacks, and 3 Dinners.
- Boiled water for the trekking (day 1 is on your own) – bring a camelback or a bottle to refill with water.
- If you have a dietary request, such as vegetarian food, please let us know when booking and reconfirm the day of our briefing.
- TRANSPORT
- Pick up from your hotel/Airbnb located around the Historic Center of Cusco.
- Transport to KM 82
- Return train Aguas Calientes — Ollantaytambo (Expedition (Peru Rail) or Voyager (Inca Rail))
- Consettur Bus (Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes)
- Return transport to Cusco
- OTHER
- Personal Porter who will carry your personal items up to 5 kilos (including the sleeping bag + mattress: 2kgs and a half) For this we will provide you with a duffle bag in which you can accommodate your things.
Not Included
- Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us). US$ 25.00
- A Pair of Walking Sticks (Can be hired from us). US$ 15.00
- Breakfast on Day 1/ Lunch and dinner on Day 04.
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain US$ 85.00
- Tips.
- Travel Insurance (Strongly recommend to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip)
Prices
GROUP SERVICE
$ 790 USDincludes personal porter who will carry your personal items up to 5 kilos (including the sleeping bag + mattress: 2kgs and a half)
PRIVATE SERVICE
- 02 people 950 USD
- 03 people 850 USD
- 04 people 800 USD
- 06 – 08 people 790 USD
EXTRA SERVICE
- Hire of sleeping bag 5 season 20 USD
- Walking stick highly recommended! 15 USD
- Single Tent supplement 30 USD
- Additional porter for 5 kg. 80 USD
- Additional night at 3 star hotel 85 USD
Travel Info
HOW TO ACCESS THE INCA TRAIL
If you plan your Inca Trail Hike, you will have to reserve your permit to enter about five months in advance.
“Anyone who hikes along any of the four routes of the Inca trail network to Machu Picchu must have a Inca Trail permit. This includes tourists, tour guides, porters and cooks.”
According to the ‘Master Plan’ of Machu Picchu, prepared by the Ministry of Culture of Peru and Sernanp (National Service of Protected Natural Areas) in 2003, only 500 people a day can access this place, approximately 300 of them are porters and 200 are tourists. Additionally, 300 people per day can enter the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Trekking groups are limited to 10 people plus two tour guides or approximately eight people plus one guide. Only licensed and authorized tour operators can book a travel permit. Each year on October 1, permits go on sale for all tour providers who must compete for these permits on a first-come, first-served basis. To obtain a permit, they must present the necessary personal information of their clients, along with partial payment and those of the porters and cooks who will assist them along the way.
Archaeological Sites Visited on the Inca Trail
Llactapata
- An important Inca ruin that was used for multiple purposes, with a ceremonial center, an urban center and a cemetery, among other things. These ruins were discovered by Hiram Bingham, as was Machu Picchu, but it took him much longer to properly excavate them.
Dead woman step
- This is not a ruin, just the highest point on the trail, and a truly incredible sight to behold. This is an authentic and ethical way to interact with the real people of Peru.
Sayacmarca
- Believed to be both a town and a sacred area, the direct translation of Sayacmarca is ‘inaccessible’ (or a place that cannot be entered). Despite the name, visitors can explore the ruins accompanied by a guide.
Phuyupatamarka
- Also known as the city in the clouds, Phuyupatamarka sits, unsurprisingly, above where the clouds gather. It’s a magical place to spend the night, as the morning will greet you with an incredible view, whether of the surrounding valley and ruins you have yet to visit, or a blanket of clouds covering the landscape.
Intipata
- Previously covered in vegetation, Intipata is the place where the sun hits right (which the name implies, which directly translates as ‘Place of the Sun’) and is located at the top of the descent to Wiñaywayna.
Wiñaywayna
- The purpose of Wiñaywayna is often debated. Regardless of whether it was used as a resting point for visitors to Machu Picchu, or as a religious ceremonial center, these ruins are spectacular, and even more so up close. Just over 3 km from Machu Picchu, they are also the welcome sign of an almost finished hike.
Intipunku
- The entrance gate to Machu Picchu. The Gate of the Sun is widely considered one of the most important sections of Machu Picchu, as it was a checkpoint for those entering and leaving, as well as being a crucial offering to Inti, the Inca sun god.
The inca trail is one of the most extraordinary works of engineering in the world. By the 16th century he had helped transform a small kingdom into the largest empire in the Western Hemisphere.
The Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most popular trekking routes in South America and is consistently ranked among the top 10 treks in the world. During this four days, you’ll explore ancient Inca sites and reach the Sun Gate (Intipunku) before sunrise to enjoy the best view of Machu Picchu.
At Uros Expeditions, we organize premium Inca Trail excursions that include a personal porter, buffet meals and train rides. We have group departures every day.
PACKING LIST
- Original passport (if you have acquired a new one after you made your booking, bring both)
- Down or synthetic feather sleeping bag (can be rented from us)
- Clothes (trekking boots, warm fleece jacket, a few T-shirts, socks, sun hat, warm underwear, light long pants, gloves, rain jacket)
- Toiletries (toilet paper, wet wipes, personal towel)
- Sun protection; Sunscreen (SPF 35+ recommended)
- Headlamp with batteries
- Camera with spare batteries
- Binoculars
- Book to read (you will have some spare time at every camp)
- Trekking poles (recommended especially for the steep descents, can be rented from us)
- Bug repellent
- NOTE: Batteries run down faster at high altitudes
Inca Trail Faq's
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The Inca Trail is the most famous multi-day hike in South America, perhaps one of the best known in the entire world. Found in the Cusco region of southern Peru, it is an authentic Inca trail that passes through multiple Incan ruins and finally reaches Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate.
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The best time to hike the Inca Trail is during the Andean dry season (June to August). At this time of year, there is less chance of rain and the days are clear and sunny. These months are also the busiest on the road. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and still enjoy the good weather, we recommend hiking Inca Trail in May or October.
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Both options follow the same trails, but the 5-day Inca Trail Trek allows for more time at the ruins, more relaxed meals, later starts, and the opportunity to stop, rest, and appreciate the world as it passes around you. Because so many people choose the regular 4-day route, it also means that the 5-day route offers a nearly empty trail, rather than being surrounded by other hikers trying to experience as much as possible, as quickly as possible.
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I’m afraid that the legend that you have to reserve it a long time in advance is true. The Peruvian government has a strict limit for the number of people who can start the trek each day: 500 (200 hikers and 300 porters/cooks/guides). Due to its fame, places are in high demand and sell out quickly, so you have to make a reservation well in advance. Although it is obviously not an exact science and each year it can vary a little, I leave you an indicative idea (at least with the most requested operators):
- To do it in the low season (November, December, January), places usually fill up 4 to 5 months before.
- To do it in high season (July to October) the places usually run out about 6 months before.
- To do it from March to June, given that permits go on sale at the beginning of the year and run out very quickly, it is advisable to reserve them with the chosen agency before December of the previous year at the latest. Key dates like Easter usually end on the first day they go on sale.
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The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is demanding for two reasons: the height (you reach up to 4,200 m.a.s.l. and you walk almost all the time above 3,000 meters) and the fact that there are countless high steps instead of being a path-ramp. The guides don’t rush you, they let you go at a pace that is comfortable for you, no matter how slow it may be, and one of them is always bringing up the rear just in case.
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You sleep in tents that are set up in areas adapted for camping. Each tent sleeps two people, but by paying extra money you can have your own. You have to tell them when making the reservation. The camps have very basic facilities: rather shabby toilets and sinks, especially the first ones. There are no showers or (obviously) hot water, but you can wash yourself in the sinks
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On the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you do not have to carry all your belongings in a large backpack. Each trekker is usually allowed to bring a small daypack (around 5–7 kg) with essentials like water, snacks, a camera, rain gear, extra clothing, and personal items. Your main luggage and heavier items are carried by the porters, who are part of the expedition crew. This system allows you to hike comfortably without being overloaded, while also supporting the local communities who work as porters along the trail.
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The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu cannot be done independently, trekkers must travel with a licensed tour company. This is because the trail requires camping, and the route is regulated by the Peruvian government to protect the archaeological sites and environment.
Group Services
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