Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days, 3 Nights to the Sun Gate
Walk the original Inca road over Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m), past cloud-forest ruins, and enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate at sunrise. Permit, porters and meals included — from $820.
The Classic Inca Trail is the most famous trek in South America and the only one that ends at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. Over four days and about 40–45 km, the original Inca road climbs from the Urubamba valley at Km 82 to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m) and descends through cloud forest past Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and the terraces of Wiñay Wayna — sites that can only be reached on foot.
On the last morning you walk to Inti Punku for your first view of Machu Picchu, followed by a full guided visit and the train back. Porters carry the tents, kitchen and mattresses, a trail chef cooks every meal, and the Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entrance are included for US $820. Permits are limited and personal — check the permit calendar and read our 4-day Inca Trail guide.
The highest point of the trail at 4,215 m, after a steady climb on day two.
Ruins only hikers see
Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna, hidden along the trail.
Sunrise at the Sun Gate
Your first view of Machu Picchu from Inti Punku on the final morning.
From mountains to cloud forest
Alpine grassland, orchids, hummingbirds and misty forest in four days.
Porters and a trail chef
They carry the camp and cook every meal, so you hike with a daypack.
Permit and entrance included
Your personal Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu ticket are part of the price.
Day-by-day itinerary
Four unforgettable days on the original Inca Trail to Machu Picchu — valley paths, the legendary Dead Woman's Pass, cloud-forest ruins and a sunrise arrival through the Sun Gate. Here is your complete day-by-day breakdown.
DAY 1
Cusco to Piscacucho (Km 82) and Wayllabamba
Your Inca Trail trek begins with a pickup from your Cusco hotel between 5:30 and 6:00 am, followed by a scenic two-hour drive through the Sacred Valley to Kilometer 82 (Piscacucho), the official trailhead.
After crossing the Urubamba River checkpoint, you start an easy hike through the valley with sweeping views of snow-capped Andean peaks, lush vegetation and small farming communities. Llactapata, the first Inca site on the route, offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Andean culture.
The trail then climbs gradually toward Wayllabamba, your first campsite at 3,000 meters. It is the perfect place to relax, enjoy the quiet surroundings and prepare for the next stage of the trek.
Distance
14 km / 8.7 mi
Duration
6–7 hours
Campsite altitude
3,000 m / 10,830 ft
Difficulty
Moderate — good for acclimatization
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Comfortable tented camp
Weather
Warm by day, cool at night
DAY 2
Wayllabamba to Dead Woman's Pass and Pacaymayo
The hardest and most rewarding day of the Inca Trail. A steep, steady climb leads to Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman's Pass) at 4,215 meters — the highest point of the trek — where the panoramic Andean views are truly unforgettable.
After the pass, the trail descends into the Pacaymayo Valley through breathtaking landscapes and lush cloud forest, passing the remarkable Inca ruins of Runkurakay and Sayacmarca, showcasing the engineering genius of the Inca civilization.
By late afternoon you reach the Pacaymayo campsite (3,700 m), where you relax, enjoy a hearty dinner and rest for the journey ahead.
Distance
10 km / 6.2 mi
Duration
6–7 hours
Campsite altitude
3,700 m / 12,139 ft
Difficulty
Toughest day of the trek
Terrain
High Andes and cloud forest
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Comfortable tented camp
Weather
Cold, with possible rain at altitude
DAY 3
Pacaymayo to Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna
The third day is much gentler than the second, descending gradually toward Wiñay Wayna, the last campsite before Machu Picchu. This is one of the most archaeologically rich sections of the trail, home to Phuyupatamarca, the famous Town in the Clouds.
You walk through lush cloud forest, crossing clear streams and passing stunning waterfalls, with plenty of stops to admire the scenery and capture incredible photos.
After crossing the second highest point of the trail, you descend into the forest and arrive at Wiñay Wayna (2,600 m) by late afternoon, where you camp and rest before the grand finale at Machu Picchu.
Distance
16 km / 9.9 mi
Duration
7–8 hours
Campsite altitude
2,600 m / 8,530 ft
Difficulty
Moderate — ascents and descents
Terrain
Cloud forest with Inca ruins
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Comfortable tented camp
Weather
Warm and humid by day, cooler at night
DAY 4
Sun Gate, Machu Picchu and return to Cusco
The most rewarding day of all. You wake very early for a short hike to the legendary Inti Punku (Sun Gate) to witness the unforgettable sunrise over Machu Picchu — the first panoramic sight of the citadel is pure magic.
You then descend into Machu Picchu for a complete guided tour, exploring its remarkable Inca architecture, temples and terraces, with free time afterward to wander and take photos at your own pace.
By midday you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch, then board the train to Ollantaytambo (departure 14:30 or 14:55, ticket included) followed by a private transfer back to Cusco, arriving around 6:30 pm.
Highlight
Sunrise at the Sun Gate
Guided visit
Full Machu Picchu tour
Train
14:30 or 14:55 (included)
Return
Cusco around 6:30 pm
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Terrain
Cloud forest and subtropical zones
Weather
Warm and humid — stay hydrated
Good to know: A permit issued under your passport is required and the Ministry caps the Classic Inca Trail, so dates sell out months ahead. Acclimatize in Cusco for 2–3 days before the trek. Permits follow the live availability shown in the calendar.
Inclusions & exclusions
Exactly what is covered in your Classic Inca Trail 4D/3N tour — and what to budget separately.
What's Included
Transport Cusco → Km 82 (Piscacucho).
Inca Trail & Machu Picchu entrance fees.
Professional guide (plus assistant guide for larger groups).
Trail chef & delicious meals with fresh local ingredients.
Porters for camping gear, tents & Therm-a-Rest mattresses.
Campsite facilities, first aid kit, oxygen & radio.
Return train Aguas Calientes → Cusco & station transfer.
Not Included
Sleeping bag (rentable in Cusco).
Walking poles (rentable in Cusco).
Extra porter for personal luggage.
Tips for guides, chef & porters (optional).
Before you go
A few essentials we recommend to make your Classic Inca Trail 4D/3N day the most rewarding possible.
Acclimatize & book early
Permits sell out months ahead and are issued under your passport — book early. Spend 2–3 days in Cusco to acclimatize before the trek. Bring broken-in boots and warm layers; oxygen is carried throughout.
Physical fitness
Challenging. About 40–45 km in four days on uneven Inca steps. Day 2 is the hardest, with a climb of about 1,200 m to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m) and a steep descent. Porters carry the tents and food; you carry a daypack.
Best time to go
Dry season: May to September, with the clearest views from the passes and the Sun Gate; April and October are excellent shoulder months. The Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance, and permits for the dry season sell out months ahead.
Sun & weather
The sun is strong even when it is cloudy. Bring sunscreen SPF 50+, a hat and sunglasses, plus insect repellent and a rain jacket or poncho for the humid cloud forest near Machu Picchu.
Cancellations & weather
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour if a verifiable emergency keeps you from joining — an illness, an accident or a cancelled flight, for example, with a document that shows it. If weather or road conditions make the trip unsafe, we will offer you a new date or a full refund. Machu Picchu tickets, train tickets and Inca Trail permits are personal and cannot be refunded once purchased. See our refund policy.
What to pack
Travel light but smart. Here's exactly what we recommend bringing for a comfortable, safe day at altitude.
Essentials
Passport — required for the entrance ticket.
Hiking boots (broken in) — terrain is rocky & uneven.
Transparent pricing — no hidden fees. The more travelers in your group, the lower the price per person.
Group Type
Group Size
Price / Person
What's Different
Shared Group Most popular
2 – 14 travelers
US $820 / pp
Mixed international group · set departure
Private Group ★ Best experience
2 – 6 travelers
US $1680 / pp
Your group only · personalized pace
Family Package
4+ adults & kids
US $779 / pp
5% discount for adolescents & children
Group of 8+
8 or more travelers
From US $738 / pp
Automatic group discount at checkout
Group discounts apply automatically. Book 4+ travelers and we'll send a custom quote within 2 hours. Larger groups (10+) qualify for additional savings — message us on WhatsApp.
Payment & refund highlights
Secure online payment
Pay with Visa, MasterCard, American Express. All transactions SSL-encrypted via Izipay.
Cancellation policy
We accept cancellations up to 24 hours before the tour when a verifiable emergency prevents you from attending. Machu Picchu tickets, train tickets and Inca Trail permits are personal and cannot be refunded once purchased. Refunds go back to your original payment method and are processed by your bank, not by us: any bank fees are applied by the bank, and the money can take up to 30 business days to reach your account. Thank you for your patience. Read the full policy.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the questions we hear most often. More? See the full FAQ page or reach us on WhatsApp.
Challenging but achievable for people who walk regularly: 40–45 km in four days, with a climb of about 1,200 m to Dead Woman’s Pass on day two. Read our training tips.
Permits sell out months ahead: four to six months for May to September. The trail closes every February.
Transport to Km 82, the permit and Machu Picchu entrance, guide, porters, chef and all trek meals, tents and mattresses, first aid and oxygen, the return train and transfer to Cusco.
Sleeping bag and walking poles (both can be rented in Cusco), an extra porter for personal luggage, and tips.
This trek needs TWO bookings: the government Inca Trail permit (capped at 500 per day and sold out months ahead) and the Machu Picchu entrance ticket. Check both calendars before you book.
