Trip Duration: 9 days, 8 nights
Difficulty Level: Advanced
The classic Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous treks in South America. Mixing history, incredible natural landscapes, and adventure is an unforgettable experience with a final destination - Machu Picchu itself - one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The classic Inca Trail leading to Machu Picchu is only about 42 km (26 miles) long, but it goes up and down and along mountains, rising up through three mountain passes, and generally takes a circular route through the terrain of the region. That makes it a more strenuous 42 km than most, but you do not need prior multi-day hiking experience to complete this trek. You will be led through the Trek by professional guides, porters and talented cooks.
In addition to completing the Inca Trail, this trip includes additional excursions to the Sacred Valley and an optional City Tour of Cusco. Please review the complete Itinerary at the bottom of this booking page.
Flights to Peru are not included with your booking. We strongly recommend when selecting flights that you ensure ample time to catch connecting flights to ensure there are no missed flights due to delays. Your booking includes airport transfers from Cusco Airpot to your hotel.
You must arrive at Cusco Airport (CUZ) on Saturday, June 20, 2026, and may depart any time on Sunday, June 28, 2026. You’re welcome to arrive earlier to acclimatize to the altitude, but accommodation and airport transfers before June 20 are not included.
The Inca Trail Trek is a challenging, high-altitude, multi-day hike that involves long hours of trekking, steep climbs, and camping in basic mountain conditions. It is not a leisure trip and requires good physical fitness, preparation, and a flexible mindset.
Participants should be ready for:
4 days of hiking (6–8 hours per day) on uneven terrain
Sleeping in tents and using outdoor toilets
Limited amenities, cold nights, and high elevations up to 13,800 ft
This trek is not suitable for anyone with chronic knee, back, heart, or respiratory conditions, or for those who are pregnant or recovering from recent injuries or surgeries. If you’re unsure whether this trip is right for you, please review our detailed Safety Guidelines before booking.
See "Package" details for all inclusions
If you are not a US Citizen, it is your responsibility to verify visa requirements for entry into Peru
You are STRONGLY urged to secure Travel Insurance for any unexpected medical or personal emergencies, or last minute cancellations
In the event of a serious medical injury, the Local Tour Operator will coordinate with your travel insurance company to arrange evacuation.
Most meals are included with your booking, please review the "Package" details for a complete breakdown of included meals
Gratuity is voluntary but customary, we suggest to bring enough money to tip for guides, drivers, and hotel staff
Upon arrival in Cusco a representative of our Local Tour Operator will be waiting at the airport for you and pick you up in private transport and take you to your hotel where you will spend the night.
Services Included:
Meals: Dinner (Ma'wa Collective Welcome Dinner)
Transport: Cusco Airport – Hotel (20 minutes).
Overnight: Hacienda Cusco Plaza Regocijo Hotel (or similar). Accommodation is in a standard double occupancy room with a private bath.
Services Included:
Meals: Breakfast
Excursion: Full day Sacred Valley tour (8 hours) w/ Tour Guide
Entrance Fees: Included
Overnight: Hacienda Cusco Plaza Regocijo Hotel (or similar). Accommodation in a Standard Double Occupancy Room with private bath.
Day 2: Cusco – Pisac – Urubamba – Ollantaytambo – Chinchero
We’ll begin the morning with pickup from your hotel in Cusco (8:00 AM) and set out on a scenic drive through the Andes into the Sacred Valley. Our first stop is Pisac, where you’ll explore the colorful artisan market and visit the impressive Pisac ruins, perched high above the valley with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
After lunch in Urubamba (not included), we’ll continue to Ollantaytambo, one of the most remarkable Inca towns. Here, we’ll tour the ancient Temple of the Sun, marvel at the massive stone terraces, and see how the town’s original Inca water channels still flow through its narrow streets.
Our final stop is the charming village of Chinchero, home to a beautiful 17th-century colonial church built atop Inca foundations. You’ll also see ancient stone walls with trapezoidal niches and enjoy stunning views of snow-capped peaks like Chicón and Veronica.
Afterward, we’ll return to Cusco in the evening for a well-earned rest before the trek begins.
Total trekking distance: 12 km / 6-7 hours approx.
Highest Altitude: 3,000 m (9,842 ft).
Lowest Altitude: 2,720 m (8,923 ft).
Services Included:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer: Hotel - KM 82 Trailhead.
Tour Guide: Spanish/English (+9 Paxs – 1 Assistant Guide).
Entrance Fee: Inca Trail
Porters: They carry cooking and camping equipment.
Overnight: Wayllabamba (Tent per 2 people).
Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba (9.6 km / ~6 hours)
Our Inca Trail adventure begins early with a 5:00 AM hotel pickup. We’ll drive to Km 82, the official trailhead, stopping in Ollantaytambo for breakfast and any last-minute essentials. Be sure to bring your original passport, which is required for entry at the trail checkpoint.
The trek begins with a gentle 4-hour hike along the Urubamba River, passing small villages and the fascinating Inca site of Llactapata, an ancient agricultural and administrative center. After a scenic lunch in Tarayoc, we’ll continue for about two more hours along the Cusichaca River to reach Wayllabamba, our first campsite.
Upon arrival, your tents will already be set up by our support team. Enjoy warm water for washing, afternoon tea, and a freshly prepared dinner before resting under the stars.
Note: Campsite assignments are managed by the Ministry of Culture and may vary based on availability.
Total trekking distance: 10 km / 7- 8 hours approx.
Highest Altitude: 4200 m (13,779 ft).
Lowest Altitude: 3580 m (11,700ft).
Services Included:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tour Guide: Spanish/English
Porters: They carry cooking and camping equipment.
Overnight :Pacaymayo (Tent per 2 people).
Wayllabamba – Llulluchapampa – Warmiwañusca – Pacaymayo Alto (12 km / ~7–8 hours)
We’ll rise early around 5:30 AM to the aroma of coffee or coca tea, and enjoy a nourishing breakfast before tackling the most demanding section of the Inca Trail: the ascent to Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,200 m (13,779 ft), the highest point of the trek.
The morning begins with a 4-hour hike through diverse micro-climates, including lush cloud forests filled with vibrant flowers and hummingbirds, along the ancient stone-paved Inca Trail. We’ll stop for lunch at Llulluchapampa (3,800 m / 12,467 ft) before continuing on the final 2-hour climb to the summit of Dead Woman’s Pass.
At the top, take a moment to soak in the breathtaking views, celebrate your achievement, and hear about the cultural and spiritual significance of these high-elevation sites. We’ll then descend for about 2 hours to reach our campsite at Pacaymayo Alto (3,580 m / 11,700 ft), where tents are ready, and you can enjoy a warm meal and well-earned rest.
Total trekking distance: 13 km / 7 – 8 hours approx.
Highest altitude: 4,000 m (8,858 ft)
Lowest altitude: 3,680 m (12,073 ft)
Services Included:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tour Guide: Local Tour Guide: English/Spanish.
Porters: They carry cooking and camping equipment.
Campsite: Phuyupatamarca (Tent per 2 people).
After another energy-filled breakfast, we’ll set off on a relatively gentle uphill trek, ascending the second mountain, Runkuraqay, standing at an elevation of 4,000 m (13,123 ft). En route, you will explore the archaeological site sharing the same name, blessed with breathtaking views of waterfalls, lakes, and the majestic Urubamba Mountain range. Upon reaching the summit, take a moment to catch your breath and immerse yourself in the magnificent scenery that surrounds you.
Our journey continues with a descent into the Cloud Forest, where our third campsite, Phuyupatamarca, awaits atop the mountain at 3,680 m (12,073 ft). Along the Inca trail, discover the enchanting sites of Sayamarca and Conchamarca, surrounded by lush vegetation that encapsulates this iconic trekking route. As we reach the campsite, prepare yourself to witness an awe-inspiring sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range. This evening is perfect for stargazing under the clear skies along the Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu.
Total trekking distance: 11 km /5 -6 hours approx.
Highest Altitude: 3,680m (12,073 ft).
Lowest Altitude: 1,900m (6,232 ft).
Services Included:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tour Guide: Spanish/English (+9 Paxs – 1 Assistant Guide).
Overnight: Hatun Inti Boutique. Accommodation in Suite Room (Double Occupancy).
We’ll rise early to catch the sunrise over the Inca Trail before a hearty breakfast. Our trek begins with a visit to Phuyupatamarca (“Town above the Clouds”) at 3,680 m / 12,073 ft, a stunning archaeological site often shrouded in mist.
From there, we descend along the stone pathways to Wiñay Wayna, the trail’s largest archaeological complex after Machu Picchu, with terraces, religious sectors, and an agricultural center. We’ll also stop at Intipata (Terraces of the Sun), offering sweeping views of the Sacred Valley.
Continuing along the trail, we’ll reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where we’ll be rewarded with our first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. From here, we descend to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. Once in town, you’ll have time to relax, explore the markets, or enjoy the thermal hot springs (not included), while preparing for the final day of exploring Machu Picchu.
Services Included:
Meals: Breakfast
Tour Guide: Spanish/English.
Entrance Fee: Machu Picchu City.
Bus Tickets Consetur: Machu Picchu – Aguas Caliente (15 minutes approx.).
Train Tickets: Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (Expedition Train – 2 hours approx.).
Transport: Train Station Ollantaytambo – Hotel in Cusco (2 hours approx.).
Overnight: Hacienda Cusco Plaza Regocijo Hotel. Accommodation is in a standard double occupancy room with a private bath.
Begin your day with a delightful early breakfast at your hotel, setting the stage for the unforgettable visit to Machu Picchu. Catch the first bus to the iconic archaeological site, and ensure you have your original passport on hand for verification at the entrance point. Immerse yourself in the magical energy on a comprehensive guided tour that unfolds the history of Machu Picchu throughout your exploration. After thoroughly exploring the fortress, we will board the bus to descend to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy lunch (not included). To conclude your Inca Trail experience, you will then take the train journey back to Poroy. From there, private transport awaits to transport you comfortably back to Cusco. Anticipate reaching your hotel by approximately 7:30 pm, concluding your remarkable Inca Trail trekking tour.
Services Included:
Meals: Dinner (Ma'wa Collective Farewell Dinner)
Overnight: Hacienda Cusco Plaza Regocijo Hotel. Accommodation is in a standard double occupancy room with a private bath.
After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Cusco at your ease. The capital city of the Inca Empire is now the undisputed archaeological capital of the Americas, as well as the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city. You may visit the local archaeological sites of Saqsaywaman, Tambomachay and Qenqo or you can take part in a Peruvian cooking class or chocolate making class, depending on how you want to spend your free day. We can help arrange and suggest all activities available in this incredible imperial City.
Services Included:
Meals: Breakfast
Regular Transport: Hotel – Cusco Airport (20 minutes)
After breakfast enjoy your last day at leisure before your transfer to the airport for your return flight home, via Lima.