Inca Trail Tour Details:

📍 Trip Overview

🏃‍♂️ Tour Type:
Small Group Adventure (Max 8 people)
More personal and social with a smaller group size, better guide interaction and trail pacing.

📅 Duration:
4 Days / 3 Nights
The full Inca Trail experience, ending at Machu Picchu.

🏞️ Activities Included:
High-Altitude Trekking · Cultural Exploration · Scenic Camping
Not just a hike — a once in a lifetime transformative ethical journey through cloud forests, ancient ruins and Andean landscapes.

👥 Group Size:
Average 8-10 people
Good for solo travelers, couples and small friend groups. Enough people for camaraderie without overcrowding.

⛰️ Difficulty Level:
Moderate to Challenging
For travelers with previous hiking experience. Altitude, terrain and elevation gain requires preparation — but the views and sense of achievement are worth it.

🏕️ Accommodation:
Mountain Camping (3 Nights)
Sleep under the stars in high quality tents with full porter support, gourmet meals and eco-friendly setups.

🗣️ Language Options:
Guided in English & Spanish
Bilingual guides offer deep cultural insights and clarity throughout the trek.

📏 Total Hiking Distance:
42 km / 26 miles
Over 4 days with varied terrain, high passes, Inca staircases and jungle paths.

How the Inca Trail Hike Works

Reaching Machu Picchu via the classic Inca Trail involves careful planning but follows a straightforward process:

Step 1: Secure Your Inca Trail Permits
Book at least six months in advance through our Website. We are a fully licensed tour operator. The Peruvian government strictly limits daily access — permits sell out quickly, especially for dry season trekking (May through September). We will manage permit logistics, but early booking is essential.

Step 2: Prepare Your Body for High Altitude
Follow a 12-week training program focusing on cardio and leg strength. Arrive in Cusco 2-3 days early to help your body acclimate. Many trekkers drink coca tea and experience minimal altitude sickness when properly prepared.

Step 3: Trek the Sacred Trail
Stay in the Sacred Valley the night before the trek for strategic purposes. Begin your amazing experience in the Sacred Valley. Over three nights camping, hike ancient terraces, cross the highest point at Dead Woman’s Pass, and visit archaeological sites unavailable to other tour groups.

Step 4: Enter Machu Picchu at Sunrise
Wake before dawn on your final day to reach the Sun Gate as sunlight illuminates the lost citadel. Spend about two hours exploring Machu Picchu before the crowds arrive, then optionally climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain for breathtaking views.

Inca Trail Options & Investment

Select the trek length that fits your schedule and experience:

• 🥾 Classic 4-Day Inca Trail — Complete experience from KM 82 to Machu Picchu
  $990 per person | Includes Inca Trail permits, three nights camping, meals, camping equipment (tents and pads), train ticket return to Cusco
• 👑 Private Tour Option — Customized experience with a dedicated trekking team
  $1,250+ per person | Personal tour guide, flexible pace, premium camping gear.
• 🌄 5-Day Extended Trek — Slower pace with better altitude acclimatization
  $1400+ per person | Extra day helps body adjust, includes visits to additional archaeological sites

INCA TRAIL ITINERARY

Day 1: CUSCO – KM 82 – HUAYLLABAMBA

Cusco to Inca Trail We will depart from Cusco early in the morning (between 4:30 am and 5:00 am) and travel by bus for two hours to KM 82 (Piskacucho), where we begin our Inca Trail trek. Along the way, we’ll see the stunning Urubamba mountain range and the snow-capped Wakay Willca (Veronica) peak, which stands at 5860m/1922ft.

Our hike on the first day covers a distance of 6.8 miles/11 km and takes approximately 5-6 hours. This moderate/easy trek will help you acclimate to the altitude as we climb from 2720m/8923ft to 3000m/8984ft. We’ll stop to enjoy lunch on the way and have dinner at our campsite in the small village of Wayllabamba, where we’ll be camping in tents.

Day 2: HUAYLLABAMBA – DEAD WOMAN’S PASS – PACAYMAYU ALTO

Inca Trail – Hiking On the second day, we’ll wake up early (6:00 am) and hike 7.4 miles/12 km, which takes approximately 6-7 hours. This difficult trek starts with a steep ascent from our campsite at 3000m/10700ft to the highest pass (Abra de Huarmihuañusca/’Dead Woman’s Pass’) at 4200m/13779ft.

After a well-deserved rest, we’ll descend for 2 hours to our campsite at Pacaymayu, located at 3550m/11646ft. Along the way, we’ll see an incredible variety of flora and fauna, including many species of birds and trees such as the ‘Polilepys’ or Q’ueuña tree, which grow in the stunning cloud forest located at 3650m/11972ft.

Day 3: PACAYMAYU ALTO – PHUYUPATAMARKA – WINAYWAYNA

Inca Trail – Hiking On day three, we’ll start our hike at 6:00 am and cover a 9.9 miles/16km distance in approximately 9 hours. This is the most fantastic trek day, as we visit several archaeological sites and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

We’ll climb from 3550m/11646ft to 4000m/13123ft to the second highest point on the trail and then have a steep descent to the archaeological site of Sayacmarca. From there, we’ll ascend further to 3680m/12073ft and visit the Inca site of ‘Phuyupatamarca’ (meaning town in the clouds), before walking through the impressive agricultural Inca site of ‘Intipata’. We’ll be camping in tents at a Wiñay Wayna campsite at 2680m/8792ft.

Day 4: WINAYWAYNA – INTIPUNKU (SUNGATE) – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Inca Trail – Machu Picchu Park – Cusco On the last day, we’ll wake up early (3:30 am) to allow our porters enough time to pack up our campsite and head down to their train stop to catch their train to Cusco. After a quick early breakfast, we’ll head to the last checkpoint of the Inca trail, where we’ll wait for about an hour until the gate opens at 5:30 am. We’ll then hike a moderate one-hour ascent to Inti Punku

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE MACHU PICCHU HIKE

Expert Guides: Our bilingual guides have extensive regional knowledge and will provide informative commentary throughout your trek.

Experienced Crew: Our team of experienced chefs and porters – both women and men – will be with you every step to ensure your comfort and safety.

Entrance Fees: All necessary entrance fees and Inca Trail permits are included in the price of your tour.

Transportation: We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and provide round-trip transportation to Kilometer 82, the trail’s starting point. On day four, you’ll take the Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and then a bus to Cusco.

Food and Drink: We provide three breakfasts, three lunches, three dinners, and various snacks to be eaten throughout the day. Please note that breakfast on day one and lunch on day four in Aguas Calientes are not included. While water is not included for the first 4 hours of the trek, we will provide you with boiled water for drinking for the remainder of the tour.

Equipment: We provide a dining tent with tables and chairs, a cook and assistant cook, a 2-person tent, a basic foam sleeping pads, and a one-way bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. We also provide an oxygen bottle, first aid kit, and safety briefing the day before the tour at 6:00 pm. Video briefing is available. All of our guests receive complimentary luggage storage.

Accommodations: During your trek, you will stay in our state-of-the-art Kelty Dirt Motel, 3-people tents for every two travelers. We also offer a single tent supplement for an additional cost (65USD)

Organic Meals: All meals are prepared with organic, locally-grown ingredients during the trek.

Entrance Tickets: Your tour includes entrance tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu and a bus down to Aguas Calientes from Machu Picchu.

Train Ride: You’ll enjoy a tourist Expedition train ride to return to your starting point.

Emergency Equipment: Our staff is Wilderness first aid trained, and we have a first-aid kit and oxygen tanks for emergencies.

Optional Services for Rent:

• Sleeping Bag (Kelty Synthetic, Comfort Level 20°F / -7°C) – $60

• Walking Sticks (Kelty) – $25 per pair

• Inflatable Trekking Sleeping Pad (Therm-a-Rest Pro Lite Plus) – $50

• Camping Pillow (Therm-a-Rest) – $25

Trekking Comfort Package:

Rent our Trekking Comfort Package (all of the above items) for only $120 USD.

Porter Services:

• Full Porter (up to 14kg or 30 pounds, can be shared between 2 people) – $220

• Half Porter (up to 7kg or 15 pounds) – $120

If you require an extra porter or a half porter, please let us know when filling out the booking form.

Additional Options:

• Single Tent Supplement – $65

• Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets $90USD (subject to availability)

Please Note: Our porters carry cooking and camping equipment only. We recommend hiring an extra porter if you prefer not to carry your belongings on the trail. If you rent sleeping bags and pads, the total weight is approximately 3kg. If you rent camping gear from us, that does not mean we will carry those items. 

At the end of your journey, we will drop you off at your hotel. Book your Inca Trail and Machu Picchu tour with us today for an unforgettable adventure.

🧳 Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Packing List

🎒 Daypack Essentials

(What you carry while hiking)

• Passport (required at checkpoints; Peru requires 6+ months validity at entry).

• Cash in small Peruvian soles (tips, snacks, toilets).

• Refillable water bottle or hydration bladder (at least 2L).

• High‑SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+).

• Lip balm with SPF.

• Insect repellent (DEET 30–100% or picaridin).

• Hats: sun hat or cap with neck protection + warm beanie for cold.

• UV‑protection sunglasses.

• Personal medications (plus altitude medication if prescribed).

• Toilet paper + small hand sanitizer (split a roll: half in your daypack, half in your duffel; keep both in zip‑top bags).

• Camera or smartphone.

• Lightweight rain poncho or waterproof shell (ponchos available at the trailhead if needed).

• Headlamp or small flashlight (with spare batteries).

• Favorite trail snacks (nuts, bars, chocolate, electrolytes).

🏕️ Duffel / Luggage (Carried by Porters)

Check your operator’s exact limit; if you get 10 kg, include sleeping bag weight in your planning.

👕 Clothing

• 2–3 moisture‑wicking t‑shirts (quick‑dry).

• 1–2 long‑sleeve quick‑dry shirts (layering + sun protection).

• 1 light fleece or down jacket.

• 1 waterproof rain jacket or shell.

• 1 set of thermal base layers (sleeping + cold days).

• 2–3 pairs of trekking pants.

• 1 pair of shorts or zip‑off pants (optional, great in warm weather).

• 4–5 pairs of hiking socks (merino preferred).

• 1–2 pairs of thin liner socks (optional, blister prevention).

• 5+ pairs of underwear.

• 1 comfortable sleepwear set (thermals are ideal).

• 1 buff or neck gaiter (dust, sun, and cold protection).

• 1 pair of gloves (fleece or insulated, depending on season).

👟 Footwear

• 1 pair well‑broken‑in hiking boots (water‑resistant, good grip).* 1 pair camp shoes/sandals (for evenings and bathrooms).

• Optional: lightweight gaiters for mud/rain.

🛌 Sleeping & Comfort

• Eye mask and earplugs (for noisy camps or early risers).

🧼 Toiletries

• Toothbrush and toothpaste.

• Quick‑dry travel towel.

• Biodegradable soap/shampoo (only if showers are available).

• Wet wipes/body wipes (your “shower” on most nights).

• Deodorant.

• Nail clippers.

• Small comb/brush.

• Feminine hygiene products (plus a discreet waste bag).

• Zip‑top bags for organizing and for used wipes/trash.

🩺 Personal First Aid

(Guides carry group kits; bring what you personally rely on)

• Blister kit (moleskin, tape, plasters).

• Pain relief (ibuprofen or acetaminophen).

• Anti‑diarrheal tablets.

• Oral rehydration salts or electrolyte tabs.

• Altitude sickness tablets (only if recommended by your doctor).

• Antiseptic wipes or cream.

⚙️ Optional but Very Helpful

• Lightweight book or Kindle.

• Journal and pen.

• Portable charger / power bank (essential if using apps or camera heavily).

• Lightweight binoculars.

• Extra compact travel towel (backup or pillow cover).

🧾 Golden Rule

“Pack light, layer smart, and always choose comfort over style.”

🏞️ Special Considerations for the Inca Trail

☁️ Weather

• Expect hot days (up to ~25–30°C in the sun) and nights close to 0°C at higher camps.

• Rain can appear any month—even in “dry” season—so always hike with a rain layer accessible.

☀️ Sun

• UV is intense at altitude: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm are non‑negotiable.

🏔️ Altitude

• Plan 2–3 nights in Cusco/Sacred Valley before starting to acclimatize.

• Drink water consistently; consider coca tea or prescribed altitude meds if appropriate.

⚖️ Weight Limits

• Porters carry up to 14 kg. A half porter carries 7 kilograms.  in the porter‑carried duffel (including sleeping bag and pad).

• Prioritize versatile, layerable clothing and leave “just in case” extras at your hotel.