The Most Iconic Hike in South America
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most famous and popular trek in South America—world-renowned and ranked number one in Peru. This incredible 4-day hike to Machu Picchu combines breathtaking mountain scenery with lush subtropical forest rich in Andean flora and fauna.
Following the original Inca route through the Peruvian Andes, the Classic Inca Trail offers the opportunity to explore ancient ruins, remote villages, high mountain passes, dramatic valleys, and, finally, the unforgettable arrival at the Sun Gate with your first view of the Lost City of the Incas: Machu Picchu.
Classic Inca Trail Highlights
- Stunning Andean mountain landscapes
- The awe-inspiring Dead Woman’s Pass
- Rich Andean flora and fauna
- Visits to impressive Inca archaeological sites
- Hike along the world-famous Inca Trail
- Machu Picchu, the magical city in the cloud forest
Highlights of the The Most Iconic Hike in South America
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most famous and popular trek in South America—world-renowned and ranked number one in Peru. This incredible 4-day hike to Machu Picchu combines breathtaking mountain scenery with lush subtropical forest rich in Andean flora and fauna. Following the original Inca route through the Peruvian Andes, the Classic […]We begin the day with pickup from your hotel at 5:30 a.m., heading toward the Sacred Valley. After a short stop in Ollantaytambo for breakfast and last-minute purchases, we drive to Km 82, the starting point of the trail.
We cross the Urubamba River and follow a gradual uphill path, passing the small village of Miskay and the Inca site of Huillca Raccay. Soon, you'll see the impressive Llactapata ruins, an agricultural center once used to supply Machu Picchu.
The trail continues along the left bank of the river to Huayllabamba (3,000 m), where we camp for the night. This is the last place where snacks and drinks can be purchased.
Meals included: Lunch and dinner.
Overnight: Campsite.
After breakfast, we continue our trek along the Llulluchayoc River, reaching Llulluchapampa, a scenic spot surrounded by native vegetation. We then climb to the highest point of the trail: Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca – 4,215 m).
This part of the hike is the most challenging but also the most rewarding. After celebrating at the summit, we descend into the Pacaymayo Valley and set up camp.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Overnight: Campsite.
We begin the day with an uphill hike to the circular Inca ruins of Runkurakay, followed by a climb to the Runkurakay Pass (4,000 m).
A one-hour descent leads to Sayacmarca, meaning “Inaccessible Town,” dramatically positioned on a cliff. From here, the trail continues past Conchamarca and descends into the beautiful cloud forest, filled with orchids and ferns.
We climb once more to the third pass (3,670 m), with views of snow-capped peaks like Salkantay and Veronica. Just beyond the pass, we visit the stunning ruins of Phuyupatamarca (“Town in the Clouds”).
After a long descent through lush vegetation, we reach Wiñaywayna, the final campsite, located near another impressive set of Inca ruins.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Overnight: Campsite.
We wake at 4:00 a.m. for breakfast and begin the final stretch of the Inca Trail at 5:30 a.m. The trail climbs gradually and then steepens before reaching Intipunku (Sun Gate).
From here, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu bathed in morning light. After photos from the iconic viewpoint, we descend to the main entrance where large backpacks can be safely stored.
Then, your guide will lead a 2-hour guided tour through the most important areas of Machu Picchu.
After the tour, you'll have free time to explore on your own before taking the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy lunch before boarding the Expedition Train to Ollantaytambo.
Upon arrival, our staff will pick you up and transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Meals included: Breakfast.
- Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco.
- Round-trip transport between Cusco and the train station.
- Round-trip Expedition/Voyager train tickets.
- Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary (Circuit 1 or 2).
- Professional bilingual tour guide (English and Spanish).
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
- Breakfast on Day 1, lunch and dinner on Day 4 in Aguas Calientes
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic flights
- Airport departure taxes
- Bottled water
- Personal expenses
- Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional)
- Waterproof rain poncho
- Trekking boots
- Sunscreen
- Extra clothes (layers)
- Original passport
- Mosquito repellent
- Cash in soles and USD
- Sun hat
Frequently Asked Questions
Train companies (PeruRail and Inca Rail) only allow one carry-on bag or backpack not exceeding 5 kg (11 lbs) and 62 linear inches (length + width + height). Larger luggage can be stored for free at your hotel in Cusco.
Yes, all of our standard shared guided tours are conducted with a maximum of 8 to 10 people per guide in Machu Picchu to ensure a close, personalized experience and optimal resolution of your questions.
Government entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and train tickets are personal and non-transferable, and their dates are rigid according to official policies. Therefore, rescheduling is subject to penalties and the availability of new tickets at the time of requesting the change.