Yes — a permit is required and issued under your passport. Permits are strictly limited and sell out months in advance, so early booking is essential.
The iconic 4-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu — cross Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m), sleep beneath the stars among cloud-forest ruins, and arrive through the Sun Gate at sunrise. Permits, guides, porters and meals all included.
Embark on the iconic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, a top-10 trek for adventurers worldwide. With INKANET ADVENTURE you journey through breathtaking Andean landscapes, misty cloud forests and ancient Inca ruins hidden in the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary — a 4-day, 3-night cultural and spiritual odyssey along sacred Inca paths.
Explore stunning sites like Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), where your first sunrise glimpse of Machu Picchu awaits. Guided by experts, you’ll learn Inca history and Andean traditions and may spot spectacled bears and orchids. We ensure sustainable travel, fair treatment of porters, top-notch gear and delicious Andean-inspired meals throughout.
Cross the trail’s highest point, Warmiwañusca (4,215 m), for sweeping views and a real sense of achievement.
Visit Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca and Wiñay Wayna — sites only trekkers ever see.
Reach Inti Punku for the magical first view of Machu Picchu as the mist clears below.
Pass from alpine tundra to subtropical cloud forest, rich in orchids and hummingbirds.
Learn the trail’s history from professional guides, supported by hard-working local porters and a trail chef.
Sleep in quality tents at beautiful campsites with hot water and Andean-inspired meals.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Exactly what is covered in your Classic Inca Trail 4D/3N tour — and what to budget separately.
A few essentials we recommend to make your Classic Inca Trail 4D/3N day the most rewarding possible.
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.
The hike is rated moderate: 3 hours uphill + 1.5 hours back down. If you can walk steadily for 4–5 hours at home, you'll be fine. Horses are available at the trailhead (~ US $20) if needed.
Dry season: April to October. Skies are clearer, trails firm, colors most vibrant. Avoid the rainy season (Dec–Mar), when colors mute under cloud cover. We run tours year-round but recommend the dry months.
The Andean sun is intense at 5,000 m. Bring sunscreen SPF 50+, a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, lip balm with SPF, and dress in layers. Pre-dawn is below freezing; midday can hit 18°C in the sun.
Free cancellation up to 30 days before the tour. In case of dangerous weather (snowstorms, road closures), we'll offer a free reschedule or full refund. Safety always comes first.
Travel light but smart. Here's exactly what we recommend bringing for a comfortable, safe day at altitude.
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 |
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Full refund for cancellations 30+ days before. 50% refund 15–29 days before. Weather-related cancellations from our side = full refund or free reschedule.
Quick answers to the questions we hear most often. More? See the full FAQ page or reach us on WhatsApp.
Classic Inca Trail 4D/3N guides
