Classic Inca Trail 4D/3N
4 Days
Overview
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is Peru’s most iconic trek and a must-do adventure in South America. This 4-day, 45 km guided hike follows the original Inca path from Km 82 near Ollantaytambo through stunning mountains, cloud forests, diverse wildlife, and impressive Inca ruins, culminating with an unforgettable entrance to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Piskacucho (Km 82) – Wayllabamba – Ayapata
Your Inca Trail journey starts early with hotel pick-up from Cusco (4:30 a.m.) or the Sacred Valley (around 6:30 a.m.). Enjoy a scenic drive through the Andes to Km 82 (Piscacucho), with a stop in Ollantaytambo for breakfast and last-minute supplies.
At the trailhead, meet your expert trekking team before beginning the hike. The first day follows a gentle route through Andean villages to Llactapata, Willkaraqay, and panoramic views of Patallacta. After lunch prepared by our trail chefs, continue to Ayapata Camp, where you’ll relax, enjoy afternoon tea, and prepare for Day 2.
Distance: 14 km (8.7 mi)
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Ayapata – Dead Woman’s Pass – Chaquicocha
Day 2 is the most challenging and rewarding day of the Inca Trail. After an early breakfast, begin the ascent to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,829 ft), the highest point of the trek, offering breathtaking views of the Andes and a meaningful cultural moment led by your guide.
After descending to the Pacaymayo Valley for lunch, continue with a gentler climb to Runkuraqay Pass, exploring the impressive Inca sites of Runkuraqay and Sayacmarca along the way. The day ends at Chaquicocha Camp, where you’ll enjoy a stunning sunset and a peaceful night under the stars.
Distance: 16 km (10 mi)
Hiking Time: 9–10 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
Day 3: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna
Day 3 is one of the most beautiful and relaxing days on the Inca Trail. Enjoy a gentle 5–6 hour hike through changing landscapes, from high Andean terrain to lush cloud forest, with orchids, hummingbirds, and panoramic mountain views.
Visit the impressive Inca sites of Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, and Wiñay Wayna, some of the best-preserved ruins along the trail. Arrive at the final campsite early in the afternoon, where you’ll enjoy lunch and free time to relax before a special farewell dinner with your trekking team.
Distance: 10 km (6.2 mi)
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 4: GUIDED MACHU PICCHU TOUR & RETURN TO CUSCO
Your final day begins before dawn as you hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for a breathtaking sunrise over Machu Picchu, the highlight of the Classic Inca Trail. From here, enjoy panoramic views before descending along the scenic upper trail to the citadel.
With your expert guide, explore Machu Picchu on a guided tour, visiting its most iconic temples, ceremonial areas, and viewpoints. After the visit, take the bus to Aguas Calientes and return by train to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transport back to Cusco, arriving in the evening.
For those seeking an extra adventure, you can climb Huayna Picchu Mountain (advance booking required) for a bird’s-eye view of the entire site.
Distance: 6 km (3.7 mi)
Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Inclusions
INCLUDED
- Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Cusco is optional
- Pre-departure briefing.
- Hotel pick up the first morning of the trek
- Private transportation from Cusco to Piscacucho (in our company van) Km 82
- Extra porter for your belongings (7 kg) you will need only a day backpack to carry what is needed during day.
- 4 season Tents, (large & comfortable).
- Comfortable foam mattresses
- Professional English speaking tour guide who is highly experienced in trekking.
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional: vegetarian or other dietary needs upon request)
- First-aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle
- Porters to carry tents, food and cooking equipment
- Boiled water to fill water bottles or Camelback (the chef will provide clean water after each meal)
- Hot water for washing purposes (in the camp)
- Expedition Tourist Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and private transportation to Cusco (in our company van)
- Permit to the Classic Inca Trail & entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu Archaeological site.
- Private toilet tent, with a normal toilet seat – this is only for our group
- 1 1/2 hour guided tour in Machu Picchu
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes
- Dining and cooking tents with tables and chairs
- Chef and cooking equipment
- All local taxes
NOT INCLUDED
- First Breakfast and last lunch in Aguas Calientes
- Sleeping bag.
- Walking Stick.
- Spending money – allow approximately US$ 35-50 per day to cover meals, snacks, drinks, limited souvenirs, tips and any extras.
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD – This needs to be booked in advance and please let us know at the time of booking (it books out very quickly).
- Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters of Machupicchu Condor trek!
Packing Check List
PACKING LIST TO INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS & 3 NIGHT
WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU
- Original passport required (the same used for booking your trek)
- International Student Card (if you booked as a student)
- Daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2-3 L (Camelbaks are encouraged)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from Machupicchu Condor Trek)
- Headlamp: essential
- Toilet paper
- Good rain gear
- Toilet paper
WHAT TO PUT IN THE DUFFEL BAG
We are direct tour operators, we provide you with a canvas bag at the time of information for the Inca Trail, you will be given more information about an additional porter, who will carry up to (7 kilos), including your sleeping bag, camping mat and extra clothes. We recommend to bring:
- 2 t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants at least
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 3 sets of hiking socks
- Fleece/ Thermals
- Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones; you might prefer something larger
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
- Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
- Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them
- Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us for $20 USD
TOILETRIES
- Face moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DAY BACKPACK
We highly recommend bringing a small daypack (30–40 liters) to carry your daily essentials. the rest of your belongings will be transported in your duffel bag and available at camp.
water: please bring enough water for the first morning. from the first lunch stop onward, we will provide you with freshly boiled and cooled water at every meal. don’t forget your refillable canteen or water bottle.
recommended packing list:
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Headlamp: essential
- Wool hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
- Rain plastic poncho
- Gloves
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
Price
PRICES OF THE INCA TRAIL 4D/3N TO MACHU PICCHU
The 4-Day Inca Trail Tour is available on any date that best fits your schedule, provided there are at least two hikers and Inca Trail permits are available.
PRICE FOR GROUP SERVICE
$798 USD per person Personal porter included!
- Discount of $23 USD per person for groups of 5 or more persons
This price includes the extra porter who will carry your belongings up to 7kgs, we provide you a duffel bag, where you can put your things.
We provide large 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.
PRICES - PRIVATE SERVICE
- 2 – hikers: $1150 USD per person
- 3 – 4 hikers: $1080 USD per person
- 5 – 6 hikers: $950 USD per person
- 7 – 8 hikers: $850 USD per person
- For groups of 9 or more travelers, please contact us for a special group price: info@condortrek.com
DISCOUNTS
- 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD. Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card at booking is required & government approval for discount.
- Under 18 years old: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: $40 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
EXTRAS
- Sleeping Bag –$20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and !warm)
- Walking Poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (Professional poles that can be extended)
- Personal tent- $30 USD- (For solo travelers only)
- Additional Night in Aguas Calientes – From $55 USD per person (depending on availability)
- Vistadome Train Upgrade – $67 USD per person (For the return to Cusco at 4:43pm)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
Huayna Picchu Mountain is optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
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