Do I need a permit for the Inca Trail?

Yes. All trekkers must have an official permit issued by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture. Permits are limited to 500 people per day (including guides and porters) and often sell out several months in advance. We strongly recommend booking at least 4–6 months ahead, especially during the high season.

Can I hike the Inca Trail without a guide?

No. Independent trekking is not allowed. The trail can only be done with an authorized tour operator and a licensed Inca Trail guide.

What is the difficulty level of the trek?

The Classic Inca Trail is considered a moderate to challenging trek. The highest point is Dead Woman's Pass (4,215 m), and the route includes long hiking days, steep ascents and descents, and high altitude. With reasonable fitness and proper acclimatisation, most travellers complete the trek successfully.

What is the minimum and maximum age to do the Inca Trail?

Minimum age: There is no official minimum age by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture. But, we recommend 16 years old. Maximum age: There is no official limit. Many operators suggest up to 70–75 years, but older travelers may join with a medical certificate and good fitness.

Are porters included?

Yes. Professional porters carry all shared camping equipment, food and tents. You only need to carry your personal daypack. If you require additional assistance, an extra personal porter (up to 7 kg) can be booked as an optional service.

What meals are included?

All meals during the trek are included, except breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 4. Our trekking chef prepares freshly cooked meals every day. Vegetarian, vegan and most dietary requirements can be accommodated upon request.

How do I prepare for the altitude?

Spend at least 2–3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before starting the trek to acclimatize. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and consider coca tea or prescribed medication for altitude sickness.

Passport (required for permit verification) Comfortable hiking boots Warm clothing (temperatures can drop below 0°C) Waterproof jacket Rain poncho Hat and gloves Sunscreen and sunglasses Personal medication Reusable water bottle Small daypack

When is the best time to hike the Inca Trail?

The trail is open from March to January and closed in February for maintenance. The best months are April to October (dry season). June–August is busiest, so book early.

Where can I find general booking and travel information?

Frequently Asked Questions about Peru Tours

Where can I learn about altitude sickness?

Guide to Altitude Sickness in Peru

Can I climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?

Yes. Both hikes require a separate permit and are not included in the standard tour price. As availability is limited, we recommend requesting your preferred permit at the time of booking.

Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Tour Overview

Follow one of the world’s most legendary trekking routes to the Lost City of the Incas. The Classic Inca Trail combines spectacular mountain scenery, ancient Inca archaeological sites and cloud forest landscapes before culminating at the Sun Gate with your unforgettable first view of Machu Picchu.

With only a limited number of permits issued each day, this exclusive trek offers an authentic experience that few travellers have the opportunity to enjoy. Supported by professional guides and porters, you’ll discover Peru’s rich history while hiking one of the world’s most celebrated trekking routes.

Historical and Cultural Background

The Inca Trail was built more than 500 years ago as part of the vast Qhapaq Ñan, the imperial road network connecting the entire Inca Empire. This section was reserved for nobles, priests and official messengers travelling to Machu Picchu, one of the empire’s most important ceremonial centres.

Today the trail remains protected within the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu and passes numerous archaeological sites that can only be visited by trekkers following the original Inca route.

Why Visit?

Hike one of the world’s most famous trekking routes.
Reach Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
Discover exclusive archaeological sites inaccessible by road.
Experience changing ecosystems from cloud forest to high Andes. Enjoy unforgettable mountain scenery and exceptional photography opportunities.

Learn more in our Historic Treks to Machu Picchu guide and Cusco and Machu Picchu history guide.

Guide
included and Porters
Maximum Altitude
4215
Departure City
Cusco
Accommodation
Camp
Private Tour Available
Yes
Minimum Age
16
Maximum Age
75

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Experience Peru’s most iconic trekking adventure along the original Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This four-day journey combines spectacular mountain landscapes, fascinating archaeological sites and centuries of Inca history before arriving at Machu Picchu through the legendary Sun Gate.

More information about our hikes and Machu Picchu are on our ancient trail page.

Highlights

Trek the world-famous Classic Inca Trail.
Visit exclusive Inca archaeological sites only accessible on foot.
Cross Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215 metres.
Arrive at Machu Picchu through Inti Punku (Sun Gate).
Spend three unforgettable nights camping in the Andes.
Explore Machu Picchu with a professional guide.

Day 01 :

Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba

Bus trip Tourist Bus

Hiking Moderate

Private transfer Available

Early morning hotel pick-up in Cusco and transfer to Km 82, the official starting point of the Classic Inca Trail.
Meet your trekking team, including guides and porters, before beginning the hike.
Visit the archaeological site of Llactapata, an important agricultural and ceremonial centre of the Incas.
Continue through the scenic Urubamba Valley, surrounded by impressive mountain landscapes.
Arrive at the Wayllabamba campsite. Dinner prepared by your trekking chef.

7 hours

Campsite

Lunch + Dinner

Day 02 :

Wayllabamba – Warmiwañusca Pass – Pacaymayo

Hiking Challenging

This is the most challenging day of the Classic Inca Trail, but also one of the most rewarding. You’ll climb to the trek’s highest point before descending into a peaceful Andean valley surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.

Wake up early with a freshly prepared breakfast before beginning the day’s ascent.
Hike through beautiful cloud forests and high-Andean landscapes while gradually climbing towards Warmiwañusca Pass (Dead Woman’s Pass).
Reach the highest point of the Classic Inca Trail at 4,215 metres, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Andes.
Take time to rest, celebrate your achievement and capture unforgettable photographs.
Begin the descent through alpine scenery into the tranquil Pacaymayo Valley.
Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch along the trail.
Arrive at Pacaymayo Campsite, where your trekking team will already have prepared camp.
Relax with a hot dinner and enjoy a peaceful evening beneath the stars before another exciting day on the Inca Trail.

7 hours

Campsite

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Day 03 :

Pacaymayo – Wiñay Wayna

Hiking Moderate

Day 3 is often considered the most beautiful day of the Classic Inca Trail. You’ll discover several remarkable Inca archaeological sites while hiking through cloud forests before arriving at the famous campsite of Wiñay Wayna.

Start the day with breakfast before ascending to Runkurakay Pass (3,950 m), where breathtaking mountain views await.
Visit the fascinating archaeological site of Runkurakay, believed to have served as a resting place for Inca travellers.
Continue to the impressive Inca ruins of Sayacmarca, dramatically perched on a rocky ridge overlooking the surrounding valleys.
Hike through beautiful cloud forests filled with native orchids, colourful birds and spectacular Andean scenery.
Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch along the trail before continuing towards Phuyupatamarca, often referred to as the “Town Above the Clouds.”
Descend the original Inca stone stairways to the remarkable archaeological complex of Wiñay Wayna, one of the most beautiful and best-preserved sites along the entire Inca Trail.
Arrive at the nearby campsite, where your trekking team will have everything prepared for your final night on the trail.
Enjoy a delicious farewell dinner while preparing for your unforgettable visit to Machu Picchu the following morning.

9 hours

Campsite

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Day 04 :

WINAY WAYNA TO MACHU PICCHU

Bus trip Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu

Train Expedition Train

Hiking Easy

Private transfer Available

The final day begins before sunrise as you complete the last section of the legendary Inca Trail. Reaching the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at first light and seeing Machu Picchu appear below is an unforgettable reward for your journey.

Wake up before dawn and enjoy an early breakfast before hiking the final section of the Classic Inca Trail.
Arrive at the legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll enjoy your first breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu as the morning light illuminates the ancient citadel.
Continue along the original Inca Trail and enter one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
Enjoy a professionally guided tour of Machu Picchu, exploring its most important temples, terraces and ceremonial areas while learning about the fascinating history of the Inca civilisation.
Free time to explore independently, take photographs or hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional permit required).
Descend by shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes.
Board the afternoon Expedition Train to Ollantaytambo, where your transfer will be waiting.
Return to your hotel in Cusco, marking the end of your unforgettable Classic Inca Trail adventure.