The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4-Day
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is South America’s ultimate trekking route. Walk along the ancient path of Inca nobility to the world-famous citadel and unlock its secrets.
Reserved for adventurers, this legendary Machu Picchu hike weaves through stunning Andean landscapes and cloud forests to reach exclusive Inca archaeological sites accessible only on foot. After challenging your limits, receive the ultimate reward: entering through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) to behold the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site at sunrise.
Day 1: Cusco to the Kilometer 82, to begin the Inca trail Hike via: Llactapata Archeological site – Ayapata first campsite.
Day 2: Ayapata – Dead Woman’s Pass the highest point on the Inca Trail (4,215 m) – Sayacmarca Archeological complex– Chaquicocha camping
Day 3: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca & Wiñay Wayna cloud forest Incan Ruins, farewell dinner with the trekking crew.
Day 4: Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate (Inti Punku) to enjoy the Sunrise over Machupicchu – Machu Picchu guided tour – Return to Cusco by train.
Why Travel With Us
Locally Operated
100% local, licensed, better value,
Expert Local Guides
Top native guides are experts & passionate about our culture and history safely.
Fresh Andean Cuisine
Chef-prepared, locally sourced meals tailored to all dietary preferences.
Small Group Adventures
Max 16 travelers per group for an authentic, personalized experience.
Sustainable & Responsible Travel
Eco-friendly tours that support local communities and protect natural heritage.
Top-Tier Expedition Gear
Premium, all-season equipment—including 4-person tents for every 2 guests for maximum space.
Fair Treatment for Porters. Full compliance with Porter Protection Laws, ensuring fair pay, safety, and respect for our mountain team.
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Guaranteed Entry Tickets & Prime Circuits
We secure officially certified Machu Picchu permits and optimal circuit routes well in advance for seamless entry. -
Scenic Expedition / Vistadome Train Journeys
Relax through the dramatic Vilcanota River gorge aboard panoramic trains with floor-to-ceiling Andean windows. -
Expert Academic & Archeological Guiding
Private 3-hour deep dive into Inca masonry, astronomical alignment, and the history of the Sun Temple and Sacred Plaza. -
100% Hassle-Free Door-to-Door Logistics
Complete coordination including private hotel transfers, rail bookings, shuttle buses, and personalized assistance.
Itinerary
Explore your day-by-day journey curated by Edgar Adventures local specialists.
Cusco – KM 82 – Llactapata & Ayapata Campsite
Hotel Pickup & Transport: Early morning pickup in Cusco (4:30–5:00 a.m.), Urubamba (5:30–6:00 a.m.), or Ollantaytambo (6:30–7:00 a.m.). Enjoy breakfast in Ollantaytambo before driving to Piscacucho (KM 82), the official Inca Trail trailhead.
Check-in & Team Introduction: Meet your expert guide, professional chefs, and porters, then clear the official checkpoint (original passport required).
Morning Hike & Ruins: Begin your Machu Picchu trek with an easy 2-hour walk to the Canabamba viewpoint, overlooking Mount Veronica glacier. Continue to Wilkarakay to admire the ancient Llactapata archaeological site across the Urubamba River.
Lunch Spot: Enjoy a freshly prepared gourmet lunch at Tarayoc.
Afternoon Trek: Hike 3.5 hours through local Andean communities—where you can buy last-minute snacks or supplies—and arrive at Ayapata Campsite around 5:00 p.m.
Evening at Camp: Relax with hot drinks and afternoon tea, followed by a delicious dinner before turning in to rest for Day 2.
Technical information on day-1 Hike
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Campsite (Ayapata – 3,300 m / 10,827 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 14 km / 8.7 mi
Walking Time: 6–7 hours
Elevations: Start: 2,700 m | Min: 2,620 m | Max: 3,300 m
Ayapata - Dead Woman’s Pass - Runkurakay Pass – Sayaqmarka – Chaquiqocha camp site
Early Morning Wake-up & Altitude Prep: Start the day early in your tent with a traditional hot coca tea—an ancient Inca remedy to aid altitude acclimation—followed by a high-energy cooked breakfast.
Conquer Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusqa): Hike uphill for 4 hours to reach the highest point on the Inca Trail at 4,215 m / 13,829 ft, offering breathtaking panoramic views across the high Andes.
Descent to Pacaymayu Valley: Hike downhill for 1.5 hours to Pacaymayu camp for a well-earned lunch and water bottle refill station.
Runkurakay Inca Ruins & Mountain Pass: Begin a 45-minute post-lunch ascent to the Runkurakay archaeological site and its neighboring mountain waterfalls, then push uphill for another 45 minutes to cross Runkurakay Pass.
Traditional Andean Earth Ceremony: Take a break at the pass summit to appreciate the final high-Andean vistas and participate in a respectful Pachamama (Mother Earth) ceremony.
Explore Sayaqmarka Fortress: Descend for 1 hour to reach Sayaqmarka, an intriguing cliffside Inca ruin, and enjoy guided insights into its history as sunset illuminates the Vilcabamba Range.
Arrival at Chaquiqocha Campsite & Stargazing: Complete the final 25-minute trek to Chaquiqocha camp (3,600 m / 11,811 ft) for a hot dinner and an evening under the clear mountain sky learning about southern Inca constellations.
Technical information on day-2 Hike
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (plus hot coca tea morning wake-up).
Accommodation: Camp site At Chaquicocha – 3,600 / 11,811 ft
Difficulty Level: Challenging (steep ascents and mountain passes).
Walking Distance: 16 km / 9.94 mi.
Walking Time: 8 to 9 hours.
Elevations: Star 3,300 – Min: 3,300 – Max: 4,215 (13,829 ft)
Chaquiqocha to Wiñay Wayna (via Phuyupatamarka & Intipata)
Highlight: Step back in time at the stunning Wiñay Wayna archaeological complex and celebrate your journey with your local trekking team.
Scenic Cloud Forest & Glacier Views: Enjoy a relaxing 6:30 AM wake-up and breakfast before a 1.5-hour hike through lush cloud forest, taking in dramatic views of the snow-capped Salkantay Mountain and the Vilcabamba Range.
Phuyupatamarka Pass (“Town Above the Clouds”): Ascend to the final summit at Phuyupatamarka (3,650 m / 11,975 ft) to explore ancient Inca ritual baths and soak in cloud forest vistas.
Intipata Terraces & Sacred Valley Overlook: Hike downhill for 2.5 hours to Intipata, an impressive agricultural terracing site offering panoramic views of the Sacred Valley and the winding Urubamba River.
Wiñay Wayna Archaeological Site: Arrive at camp for a hot lunch, followed by a guided tour of Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young”)—one of the most spectacular, well-preserved Inca sites on the entire Inca Trail.
Celebration & Porter Farewell Ceremony: Gather at camp for a special celebration to honor and thank your dedicated local team of guides, Andean chefs, and porters before saying goodbye to your support crew.
Early Evening Rest Before Machu Picchu: Enjoy a relaxing dinner and an early sleep to prepare for a pre-dawn wake-up for the final push to Machu Picchu at sunrise.
Technical information on day-2 Hike
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (plus hot coca tea morning wake-up).
Accommodation: Camp site – Wiñay Wayna – 2,650 m / 8,694 ft
Difficulty Level: Moderate (gradual ascents and downhill cloud forest trails).
Walking Distance: 9 km / 5.6 mi.
Walking Time: 4-5 hours.
Elevations: Star 3,600 m – Max : 3,650 (11,975 ft) – Min : 2,650 m Camp site
Wiñay Wayna to Sun Gate (Intipunku) & Machu Picchu Citadel to Cusco
Highlight: Witness sunrise over the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu from the iconic Sun Gate and enjoy a guided tour of the world wonder.
Itinerary
Early Pre-Dawn Start: Wake up at 3:30 AM for a quick 4:00 AM boxed breakfast and water refill, ensuring early access through the final checkpoint.
Sunrise at the Sun Gate (Intipunku): Hike for approximately 1 hour to reach the Sun Gate (2,720 m / 8,924 ft) for your first panoramic, postcard view of Machu Picchu as the morning sun lights up the Andean peaks.
Guided Citadel Tour: Descend into the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu for a comprehensive 1.5-hour guided tour exploring its iconic temples, stone terraces, residential quarters, and functioning 500-year-old aqueducts.
Optional Mountain Climbs: For travelers with advance permits, embark on an additional hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain or Huchuy Picchu Mountain for dramatic high-altitude views.
Scenic Bus to Aguas Calientes: Board the shuttle bus down the zig-zagging Hiram Bingham Road to Aguas Calientes for lunch at your choice of local restaurants.
Panoramic Train & Private Transfer to Cusco: Catch the afternoon train to Ollantaytambo (standard departure around 2:55 PM, check-in 30 minutes prior), followed by comfortable private transport directly back to your hotel in Cusco.
Technical information on day-2 Hike
Meals: Early boxed Breakfast
Difficulty Level: Moderate (pre-dawn hike, stone stairways, Machupicchu tour
Walking Distance: 5 km / 3.1 mi.
Walking Time: 2-3 hours. + 1.5 hours (guided tour)
Elevations : Star 2,650 m – Max : 2,720 (8,924 ft) Sun gate – Min : 2,040 m Train station
What's Included
INCLUDED IN THIS JOURNEY
Curated signature services included in your tour fare- Permits & Entrance Tickets
- Inca Trail Permits: Personal, non-refundable, and non-transferable permits reserved upon deposit. Passport updates are allowed only for renewals (both old and new passports are required).
- Machu Picchu Ticket (Circuit 1): Grants access to the upper terrace for the classic panoramic photo before exiting to Aguas Calientes.
- Expert Staff & Safety
- Pre-Departure Briefing: A quick check-in via call or WhatsApp the day before your trek to confirm pickup times, packing tips, and details.
- Professional Tour Guide: Certified, bilingual (English/Spanish) guide with expertise in Andean history, flora, and fauna.
- Exceptional chef & cooks: to get the best dishes in the middle of the mountain.
- Medical First Aid Kit: Includes basic emergency supplies and emergency oxygen. Guides are first aid are certified for rapid response and evacuation if needed.
- Private Camping Equipment – carried by our porters’ team
- Tents: Spacious top dining tents to enjoy your meals worry-free.
- Tables, chairs, and cooking equipment
- Portable Travel Toilet
- Sleeping Pads (Foam Mattresses)
- Inflatable Matresses
- One Duffle Bag
- For the trek, you’ll receive a duffel bag to pack your personal belongings, with a maximum weight limit of 5 kg (11 lb), which will be carried by our staff.
- Emergency Satellite Phone
- Although our guides are prepared for emergencies in the mountains, calling a doctor, hospital, or a friend can make you feel more secure. to call any location worldwide and from anywhere on the mountain.
- Medical Kit & First AID assistance
- Our guides have received specialized training in first aid. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit to face basic emergencies (altitude sickness, travelers’ diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the path as quickly as possible and ensure that you arrive at a clinic for treatment.
- Accommodation – 03 nights comfortable tent accommodation
- Top-Tier Brands: High-quality 3-season and 4-season tents from trusted brands including Eureka Timberline, Mountain Hardwear, Doite, and The North Face (or equivalent premium alternatives).
- Route-Specific Gear: Tents are carefully selected based on the specific terrain and weather demands of each trekking route to maximize safety and comfort.
- Double Space & Comfort: Designed for four people, each tent is shared by only two guests, offering extra room for gear, increased privacy, and ultimate comfort.
- Meals: 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, and 3 Dinners
- Gourmet Mountain Cuisine: Freshly prepared, delicious meals crafted by expert Andean chefs right on the trail. This is certainly a highlight on the adventure.
- All Dietary Requirements Covered: Dedicated vegetarian, vegan, and custom menus available at no extra cost (simply note restrictions on your booking form and remind your guide at the briefing).
- Comprehensive Daily Catering: Includes daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus daily trail snacks and hot drinks.
- Water provided on the trail
- Safe, Filtered Drinking Water: We provide boiled, filtered, and cooled water at every meal—from your first lunch to your final breakfast on the trail.
- Eco-Friendly Hydration: Bring a reusable 2-liter water bottle or hydration bladder (such as a CamelBak) to refill throughout your trek and keep plastic waste off the trails.
- Products for hygiene
- We’ll provide you with a small towel and soap to clean your hands before each meal.
- Morning Wake-Up Tea:
- Woken up right in your tent every morning with a hot cup of traditional coca tea to warm you up and assist with altitude acclimation before starting your day.
- Daily Teatime & Happy Hour:
- Relax after your hike with afternoon hot drinks (coffee, tea, hot chocolate) accompanied by freshly prepared popcorn and cookies before dinner.
- Daily Trail Snacks:
- Provided every morning with a varied mix of local fruits, cookies, chocolates, and candies to keep your energy up along the trail.
- Eco-Friendly Snack Bag:
- Includes a reusable cloth bag for your daily snacks, keeping plastic out of your main daypack and helping keep the trails litter-free.
- Trail Hygiene Amenities:
- Clean hand towels and soap are provided before every meal to maintain hygiene throughout the trek.
- Transport, Logistics
- Private Ground Transfers: Hotel pickup from Cusco to Ollantaytambo station, plus return transfer from Ollantaytambo back to your Cusco hotel.
- Train Tickets: Outbound train from Ollantaytambo to KM 104 (trek trailhead) and return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Bus Ticket: Consettur bus ticket down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
NOT INCLUDED IN THIS JOURNEY
Personal & optional items not covered in the fare- Sleeping Bag Rental (US$ 20.00 per person): High-quality mummy-style bags rated to -18ºC (0ºF), thoroughly sanitized and supplied with a sleeping liner for extra warmth and hygiene.
- Trekking Poles Rental (US$ 20.00 per pair): Poles with required rubber tips to improve stability and protect your knees on steep mountain terrain.
- Select Meals: Lunch in Aguas Calientes and dinner in Cusco on Day 4.
- Travel & Medical Insurance: Strongly recommended to cover high-altitude trekking, medical expenses, and trip cancellations.
- Staff Gratuities: Tips for your guide, Andean chef, and porters are optional but highly appreciated for exceptional service.
- Unforeseen Logistics & Force Majeure Costs: Any additional expenses arising from delays or itinerary changes beyond our control (e.g., extreme weather, landslides, strikes, political events, health emergencies, or government policy changes).
Unrivaled Andean Comfort & Private Speedboats
Travel with complete peace of mind. Our signature journeys feature private, modern high-speed boats across Lake Titicaca, climate-controlled vehicles with complimentary bottled water and on-board oxygen, and senior native guides born and raised in the communities you visit.
Enquire About This Tour
From: $700.00 / person • Direct Operator Guarantee
