The Inca Trail, known as one of the most sacred pilgrimages around the world, consists of a 4-day trek through the Urubamba Valley towards the citadel of Machu Picchu. This spiritual journey will help you understand the culture of the Incas and the archeological legacy they left behind. Put on your walking shoes and challenge yourself to the sacred route to Machu Picchu!
Note: To avoid disappointment, we recommend you book this Inca Trail tour early, as space is limited and the tour usually sells out well in advance.
Note: To avoid disappointment, we recommend you book this Inca Trail tour early, as space is limited and the tour usually sells out well in advance.
Highlights
- Guided 4-day trek to Machu Picchu
- Hike the famous Inca Trail
- Pass Inca ruins and cities and catch breathtaking views of the Andean mountain range
- All entrance fees, equipment and transportation included
Recent Photos of this Tour
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The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu
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LlamaLlama checking out the scene.Photo by: Rodrigo E12 2011 -
Machu PicchuMachu PicchuPhoto by: Rodrigo E11 2011 -
LunchThis was one of the beast meals we had on the trail.Photo by: Rodrigo E11 2011 -
Machu PicchuGuide explaining some things on Machu Picchu.Photo by: Rodrigo E12 2011 -
IMGP2051.JPGbbsdsdPhoto by: Rodrigo E12 2011 -
RelaxJust taking a snooze on a rock.Photo by: Rodrigo E12 2011 -
LedgePosing on a ledge.Photo by: Rodrigo E12 2011 -
RiverA river flowing through the mountains.Photo by: Rodrigo E12 2011 -
Happy CampersComfortable in our tent!Photo by: Rodrigo E12 2011 -
MeMe again!Photo by: Rodrigo E12 2011 -
MountainsSuch cool scenery!Photo by: Rodrigo E12 2011 -
CampersTaking a short rest to take in the scenery.Photo by: Rodrigo E12 2011 -
Happy CamperMe with mountains in the background.Photo by: Rodrigo E12 2011 -
Trail2Camping out!Photo by: Anonymous12 2011 -
Trail1Beautiful views!Photo by: Anonymous12 2011 -
Machu PicchuMachu PicchuPhoto by: Rodrigo E11 2011 -
Machu PicchuMachu PicchuPhoto by: Rodrigo E11 2011 -
Machu PicchuMachu PicchuPhoto by: Rodrigo E11 2011 -
Machu PicchuMachu PicchuPhoto by: Rodrigo E11 2011 -
Machu PicchuMachu PicchuPhoto by: Rodrigo E11 2011 -
Useful Information
The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu
Take part in a once in a lifetime experience and join a spiritual hiking tour to one of the most sacred places in the world. Explore the Urubamba Valley on foot and walk the same trails used by the Inca people centuries ago.
Your guided hiking tour takes you through the hills and valleys of the renowned Andes mountain range. You'll trek past old Inca ruins and cities along the way and enjoy the diverse flora and fauna, unique to this mountainous region. Your expert guide will share tales of the Inca people with you as well as keep you informed about the various mountains, animals and plants you pass along the way.
Although there is a cook with you on the trail and meals are provided, it is recommended that you bring snacks to keep your energy level high. All tents and sleeping equipment are included in the cost and there are porters who carry the equipment for you.
There is around one guide for every four participants and the guides set the pace depending on group fitness level. Groups can also be split into separate parties if pace level is different amongst the participants.
There is one porter for every two people and the porters carry all the camping equipment. They do not carry backpacks or personal belongings.
Although the entire Inca Trail is only 26 miles (43km) long, the altitude can pose a problem for many people and a strong fitness level is required.
See the itinerary field below for more detailed information.
Please note: Peruvian law limits admission to Machu Picchu to 500 people daily. To avoid disappointment, we recommend booking this Inca Trail tour well in advance, as space is limited.
Your guided hiking tour takes you through the hills and valleys of the renowned Andes mountain range. You'll trek past old Inca ruins and cities along the way and enjoy the diverse flora and fauna, unique to this mountainous region. Your expert guide will share tales of the Inca people with you as well as keep you informed about the various mountains, animals and plants you pass along the way.
Although there is a cook with you on the trail and meals are provided, it is recommended that you bring snacks to keep your energy level high. All tents and sleeping equipment are included in the cost and there are porters who carry the equipment for you.
There is around one guide for every four participants and the guides set the pace depending on group fitness level. Groups can also be split into separate parties if pace level is different amongst the participants.
There is one porter for every two people and the porters carry all the camping equipment. They do not carry backpacks or personal belongings.
Although the entire Inca Trail is only 26 miles (43km) long, the altitude can pose a problem for many people and a strong fitness level is required.
See the itinerary field below for more detailed information.
Please note: Peruvian law limits admission to Machu Picchu to 500 people daily. To avoid disappointment, we recommend booking this Inca Trail tour well in advance, as space is limited.
Itinerary
Day 1
Distance: 7.45 miles / 12km
Estimated time: 5-6 hours
Maximum altitude: 9,850 feet / 3,000m
Campsite: Huayllabamba
Early in the morning, you'll depart to Piskacuchu, a community located on the 82nd km (51 mile) of the Cusco - Machu Picchu railroad. From this point, you'll cross the bridge, walking along the shore of the Urubamba River as it flows north-west along the Sacred Valley. Following the trail along a flat terrain you'll arrive in Miskay before ascending to the tallest part of the overlook, the Inca city of Patallacta.
You'll continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for about 5 hours until we reach the first campsite at the village of Wayllabamba. All along the way, you'll enjoy spectacular views of the Vilcanota ridge on the opposite side of the Urubamba River where the impressive Veronica peak reigns at 19,100 feet (5832m) above sea level. Also, you'll enjoy the diversity of wild flora and fauna found all along the valley.
Day 2
Distance: 6.83 miles / 11km
Estimated time: 6 - 7hours
Maximum altitude: 13,799 feet / 4,200m
Campsite: Pacaymayo
After breakfast, the adventure continues. Surrounded by vegetation, you'll ascend and be exposed to the different ecological levels of Peru. Upon arrival at Warmiwanusqa, the highest point of the trip at 13,800 feet (4200m), you'll see the majestic peak of the snow-covered mountain Huayanay which stands at 17,225 feet (5250m).
You'll pass domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at this high altitude. Cross an area of cloud forest, home to a variety of birds (like hummingbirds and sparrows) and the Andean bear.
It is highly recommended that on this day, your day pack is well stocked with candy, chocolate and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high and help with potential altitude sickness. Immediately after the pass, you'll descend into the Pacaymayo valley, where you'll camp with a spectacular view of snow-covered mountains.
Day 3
Distance: 9.93 miles / 16km
Estimated time: 8 hours
Maximum altitude: 12,664 feet / 3,860m
Campsite: Winaymayna
Today, you'll visit the ruins of Runkurakay and enjoy spectacular views of the waterfalls on the snow-covered mountain Palcay. Trekking along, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the Mountain Range of Vilcabamba and its most important peaks, Pumasillo, Sacsarayoc and Panta. From this area, you'll start a slow descent, crossing the ruins of Sayajmarca, which are still covered with vegetation. On the way down, you'll go through a tunnel formed by a soil slide adapted by the Incas. Keep going until you reach the ceremonial center of Phuyupatamarca where you'll stop for lunch. From here, descend to ruins of Winay Wayna and camp near a hostel for to enjoy hot shower.
Day 4
Distance: 2.48 miles / 4km
Estimated time: 2 hours
Maximum altitude: 8,923 feet / 2,720m
Early in the morning, you'll continue the adventure and head to the Sun Gate (Intipunku). Here, enjoy an incomparable view of Machu Picchu which few people get to experience. You are now just 40 minutes away from the city. Descend to Machu Picchu and enjoy a guided visit of the sacred citadel. After, you'll take the bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes where you'll catch the train for the return ride to Cusco.
Distance: 7.45 miles / 12km
Estimated time: 5-6 hours
Maximum altitude: 9,850 feet / 3,000m
Campsite: Huayllabamba
Early in the morning, you'll depart to Piskacuchu, a community located on the 82nd km (51 mile) of the Cusco - Machu Picchu railroad. From this point, you'll cross the bridge, walking along the shore of the Urubamba River as it flows north-west along the Sacred Valley. Following the trail along a flat terrain you'll arrive in Miskay before ascending to the tallest part of the overlook, the Inca city of Patallacta.
You'll continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for about 5 hours until we reach the first campsite at the village of Wayllabamba. All along the way, you'll enjoy spectacular views of the Vilcanota ridge on the opposite side of the Urubamba River where the impressive Veronica peak reigns at 19,100 feet (5832m) above sea level. Also, you'll enjoy the diversity of wild flora and fauna found all along the valley.
Day 2
Distance: 6.83 miles / 11km
Estimated time: 6 - 7hours
Maximum altitude: 13,799 feet / 4,200m
Campsite: Pacaymayo
After breakfast, the adventure continues. Surrounded by vegetation, you'll ascend and be exposed to the different ecological levels of Peru. Upon arrival at Warmiwanusqa, the highest point of the trip at 13,800 feet (4200m), you'll see the majestic peak of the snow-covered mountain Huayanay which stands at 17,225 feet (5250m).
You'll pass domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at this high altitude. Cross an area of cloud forest, home to a variety of birds (like hummingbirds and sparrows) and the Andean bear.
It is highly recommended that on this day, your day pack is well stocked with candy, chocolate and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high and help with potential altitude sickness. Immediately after the pass, you'll descend into the Pacaymayo valley, where you'll camp with a spectacular view of snow-covered mountains.
Day 3
Distance: 9.93 miles / 16km
Estimated time: 8 hours
Maximum altitude: 12,664 feet / 3,860m
Campsite: Winaymayna
Today, you'll visit the ruins of Runkurakay and enjoy spectacular views of the waterfalls on the snow-covered mountain Palcay. Trekking along, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the Mountain Range of Vilcabamba and its most important peaks, Pumasillo, Sacsarayoc and Panta. From this area, you'll start a slow descent, crossing the ruins of Sayajmarca, which are still covered with vegetation. On the way down, you'll go through a tunnel formed by a soil slide adapted by the Incas. Keep going until you reach the ceremonial center of Phuyupatamarca where you'll stop for lunch. From here, descend to ruins of Winay Wayna and camp near a hostel for to enjoy hot shower.
Day 4
Distance: 2.48 miles / 4km
Estimated time: 2 hours
Maximum altitude: 8,923 feet / 2,720m
Early in the morning, you'll continue the adventure and head to the Sun Gate (Intipunku). Here, enjoy an incomparable view of Machu Picchu which few people get to experience. You are now just 40 minutes away from the city. Descend to Machu Picchu and enjoy a guided visit of the sacred citadel. After, you'll take the bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes where you'll catch the train for the return ride to Cusco.
Recent Reviews of this Tour
Reviewed by Anonymous, December 2011
Viator made booking the 4 day Inca Trail Trek a snap! A lot of hotels and tour companies in Peru don't take credit cards so you end up having to carry around a lot of cash, which isn't optimal. But being able to take care of the booking ahead of time was great.
Also, the 4 day Inca Trail Trek was AMAZING! We were in a small group of 8 people. The porters carried all of our sleeping equipment and cooked us 3 meals a day. The food was delicious and your in the middle of the Andes! The camping gear was quality, sleeping bags with lots of down and sleeping bag liners. Over all 5 star camping.
The hike wasn't as scary as I thought it would be. If you are in relatively decent shape you will have no problem. You are able to hike at your own pace through different ecosystems, some harsh and arid, others lush and almost tropical. The 4 day Inca Trail was definitely the highlight of our vacation. Note, if you have knee problems or even if you don't, get trekking poles they make the thousands of steps bearable.
Reviewed by Rodrigo E, November 2011
This trip was THE HIGHLIGHT of our 3 week trip in Peru. The scenery is unbelievable, the days are tough but everyone in our group of 8 was able to do it (even some people who were really out of shape, albeit with difficulty). The tents and sleeping bags were acceptable. The food was surprisingly very tasty. The porters (I recommend you have them carry your stuff) are amazing!! We made some great friends, got some excellent photos and felt proud of our accomplishment. I recommend it to anyone who is willing to put in a little training time and a few days in Cusco beforehand to acclimate to the elevation. Enjoy!
