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Legendary Inca Trail

4 days / 3 nights / from: USD 0.00

Legendary Inca Trail
Legendary Inca Trail
Reads 52

Legendary Inca Trail

$0.00 / from

The best season to do the short Inca Trail: From April to October. The Inca Trail is closed for maintenance in February.

Embark on the most famous route in South America, the four-day Inca Trail. This pre-Columbian engineering masterpiece takes you through breathtaking landscapes, hidden jungle ruins, and diverse ecosystems until you reach the magical citadel of Machu Picchu.

Built by the Incas over 500 years ago as part of the expansive Qhapaq Ñan road system, the trail was designed not only for transportation but also as a ceremonial route full of symbolism, spirituality, and connection with the apus, or tutelary spirits of the mountains.

Highlights of this experience:

Unique archaeological remains: such as Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and Wiñay Wayna, where history comes to life amid perfectly carved Inca walls.

The diversity of landscapes: is astounding. The trail crosses different ecological levels, from high Andean punas and mountain passes—such as Warmiwañuska, which sits at an elevation of 4,200 meters—to cloud forests, high jungle, and sacred valleys.

You will also discover exuberant flora and fauna: including more than 300 species of orchids, giant ferns, bromeliads, and exotic birds, such as the cock-of-the-rock and the hummingbird, in a protected environment within the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
 Inca Hydraulic Engineering: water channels, ceremonial fountains, and agricultural terraces demonstrate this civilization's deep ecological knowledge and respect for nature.

Spiritual Connection: Every step is an opportunity to reconnect with the Earth and the ancestral energy that still inhabits these paths. Watching the sunrise at Inti Punku (Sun Gate) as Machu Picchu emerges from the mist is an unforgettable experience.

Why choose the Inca Trail?

  • World Heritage Site
  • 100% guided and authorized route
  • Total immersion in Andean culture
  • Responsible trekking with nature and communities




Overview

  • Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba (2,900 m)
  • Day 2: Wayllabamba – Warmiwañuska – Pacaymayo (3,600 m)
  • Day 3: Pacaymayo – Runkurakay – Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m)
  • Day 4: Wiñay Wayna - Inti Punku - Machu Picchu - Cusco

 

Category Category Adventure
Difficulty Difficulty 1/5
Requirements Requirements Hiking experience required
Type of service Type of service Shared and private



Included & Excluded

You will find detailed information about the services included in our tours and hikes below. Please read the list of inclusions and exclusions carefully.

Safety and high-quality service:

  • Pre-Departure Briefing: Meet with your expert guide and fellow adventurers for a complete briefing     before the trip begins.
  • Expert Guides: Passionate professionals who guarantee a safe, smooth, and unforgettable trek.
  • Dedicated Team: Highly trained cooks, waiters, tent pitchers, and porters provide first-class service.
  • Travel light. You will be provided with a 7 kg (15.4 lb) duffel bag, and any additional luggage will be safely stored at our facilities or your hotel.
  • Premium Camping: Spacious tents, equipped dining areas, sturdy furniture, powerful lamps, and portable toilets ensure your comfort.
  • Additional amenities: - Hot water bottles every night
  • Comfortable pillows
  • Sleeping bag covers
  • Gourmet andean meals
  • Daily snacks
  • Safety and Communication: Guides carry first aid kits, an oxygen balloon, and communication equipment to respond quickly.
  • 24/7 support: Our team is available at all times to ensure a smooth, stress-free adventure.

 

Food

  • Gourmet Meals: Three breakfasts, three lunches, and three dinners prepared by expert mountain chefs are included. Special dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) are accommodated at no extra charge.
  • Snacks en route: Fresh fruits, nuts, cookies, and candy are provided daily in reusable bags to reduce waste.
  • Water on the Trail: Drinking water is available throughout the hike. It is recommended that you bring a 2-liter bottle to refill at the food stations.
  • Morning Wake-Up Drink: Coffee, mate de coca, or hot chocolate will be delivered directly to your tent.
  • Afternoon snacks: Hot drinks, popcorn, cookies, fruit-filled wontons, and more are provided after each hike.
  • Health and Environment: We maintain strict sanitary standards to ensure clean meals and well-maintained trails.

 

Transportation:

  • Private Van Transfers: Enjoy hassle-free pickup from your hotel to the trailhead and from Ollantaytambo back to your hotel.
  • Private Porters: They will carry up to 13.2 lbs (6 kg) of your equipment, allowing you to hike with just a daypack.
  • Consettur Bus: A drop-off bus from Machu Picchu to the train station on day four.
  • Train Service: Expedition panoramic train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. Upgrade available for an additional cost.

 

Lodging on the route:

Camping on the Trail: Three nights in double tents. A single tent is available for an additional $20.

Entrance fees and permits:

Access to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu: All permits and entrance fees are arranged in advance to ensure a smooth entry process.

Commissions: VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, DINERS, and PAYPAL.

  • Other meals: Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 4.
  • Hiking poles: Optional but recommended. Rental available for $5 per pair per day.
  • Gratuities: Voluntary, but appreciated as a token of gratitude. Our team receives fair compensation for their services.
  • Additional expenses: Any expenses not specified in the program, including unforeseen incidents or events beyond our control.

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba (2,900 m)

Distance: 11 km
Altitude of campsite: 2,900 m
Duration: 6-7 hours
Meals included: Lunch and dinner

We will leave Cusco early in the morning and head to Km 82, the official starting point of the Inca Trail. There, we will meet the team of porters and cooks before crossing the Urubamba River and beginning the trek.

During the day, we will visit the Llactapata archaeological site, an ancient Inca agricultural center. The trail passes through fertile valleys and spectacular scenery with views of the snow-capped Veronica (Wakay Willke). We will arrive at the Wayllabamba campsite, a small Andean village surrounded by mountains and nature.

Highlights: First contact with the Qhapaq Ñan, Archaeology in Llactapata, Views of the snow-capped Veronica
Camp: Wayllabamba
Services: Hot dinner, tents, camping equipment, and a secure area.

Day 2: Wayllabamba – Warmiwañuska – Pacaymayo (3,600 m)

Distance: 12 km
Maximum Altitude: 4,215 m (Warmiwañuska Pass)
Duration: 7-8 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

This is the most challenging day, but also one of the most rewarding. We slowly ascend to the highest point of the Inca Trail, the Abra de Warmiwañuska ("Dead Woman"), which sits at 4,215 meters above sea level. From there, enjoy the breathtaking view of the Andes before descending to camp at Pacaymayo.

Highlights: Change of ecosystems (from forest to puna),  Panoramic views of the Andes
Camp: Pacaymayo
Services: Full dinner, tents, and porter assistance. 

Day 3: Pacaymayo – Runkurakay – Wiñay Wayna (3,950 m)

Distance: 16 km
Maximum Altitude: 3,950 m (Abra de Runkurakay)
Duration: 8-9 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

This is the most beautiful and culturally significant day of the tour. We will visit the archaeological sites of Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and Wiñay Wayna, each of which had ceremonial, agricultural, or astronomical functions. The trail winds through cloud forests full of orchids, mosses, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

In the afternoon, we arrive at the last camp: Wiñay Wayna. It is considered one of the most beautiful Inca complexes on the trail because of its perfectly preserved terraces and views of the valley.

Highlights: Original cobblestone paths, Inca tunnels, views of the Urubamba River, and orchids and birds.
Camp: Wiñay Wayna
Services: Farewell dinner and brief ceremony with porters.

Day 4: Wiñay Wayna - Inti Punku - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Distance: 6 km + guided tour
Altitude Machu Picchu: 2,430 m
Duration: 2-3 hours trekking + guided tour
Meals included: Breakfast

We get up before dawn to walk in the dark to the Inti Punku (Sun Gate). From this sacred viewpoint, we contemplate the first ray of sunlight illuminating Machu Picchu, a deeply spiritual moment full of emotion.

We descend to the citadel for a 2-hour guided tour, exploring the temples, terraces, ceremonial fountains, the Intihuatana and the urban and agricultural sectors.

After the visit, we take the bus to Aguas Calientes and then the panoramic train back to Ollantaytambo, with final transfer to Cusco.

Highlights: Sunrise at Inti Punku, complete visit to Machu Picchu
Return: Tourist train and private transportation to Cusco.

Prices / Rates

Hotel Simple Room Double Room Triple Room
Llipimpac / Munay Tika 766 644 616
Munay Wasi / Sol Natura 847 680 680
San Agustin Plaza / Hostal Sauce 926 755 697

Additional Services

  • Huayna Picchu: + USD 20.00
  • Vistadome Train: + USD 60.00
  • Discount ISIC: - USD 20.00

Recommendations

Trekking essentials

Many people assume that South America has a warm climate, but due to the altitude of the Andes, temperatures can be quite cold, especially at night. We recommend carrying a duffel bag or a backpack, depending on your preference. A good-sized daypack is also essential.

Checklist:

  • Passport
  • Local currency (Soles) for souvenirs or other purchases during the trek. In all major cities in Peru, you will find exchange houses that often have better exchange rates than airports. Check with your hotel or guide for more information.
  • Credit card: Most stores accept credit cards, mainly VISA and MasterCard.
  • Camera, GoPro, or other devices for taking pictures
  • Binoculars
  • Reading or writing materials
  • Clothing for the rainy season (November to April):
  • A waterproof cover for your backpack
  • Waterproof poncho
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Waterproof pants
  • Waterproof trekking boots
  • Waterproof gloves
  • A polar fleece or warm jacket and a windbreaker
  • Clothing for the dry season (May to October): - Fleece or thermal jackets
  • Warm jackets
  • Woolen hats
  • Woolen gloves
  • Footwear: Sturdy trekking boots, four pairs of comfortable wool socks, comfortable shoes for after trekking, shower sandals

 

Recommended general clothing:

  • Four shirts or polo shirts
  • One pair of shorts
  • Three pairs of long pants
  • Three pairs of trekking pants
  • Other essential items: Hiking poles, sun hat or cap, sunblock, insect repellent, sunglasses, flashlight or headlamp, canteen or reusable water bottle, clock or alarm clock.
  • Toiletries: - Biodegradable toiletries
  • Personal first aid kit

 

Medical declaration

  • We request a medical statement from guests over 70 years of age, as well as from guests with a history of cardiovascular disease, chronic illness, or other conditions.
  • Please inform your guide if you are taking any medications or have a chronic illness, in order to prevent accidents or emergencies.
  • If you have your own first aid kit, we recommend bringing it with you, as it may be useful for other group members as well.

 

Travel insurance:

For your protection, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. It covers trip cancellations, interruptions, delays, medical expenses, emergency assistance, and lost or delayed luggage. The medical coverage included in your policy meets our mandatory health insurance requirement.

Map of Legendary Inca Trail