Let the adventure begin! Today, your expert guide will pick you up from your Cusco hotel at 4:30 am, marking the start of your unforgettable journey along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. We’ll embark on a scenic 2-hour drive to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the day ahead. After breakfast, we’ll continue our journey with a 40-minute drive to Kilometer 82, the official starting point of the Inca Trail.

Before we begin our trek, your guide will introduce you to our dedicated team, including our talented chef and porters. We’ll work together as a close-knit family throughout this incredible expedition. At this point, you’ll hand over your duffle bag to our team, leaving you with only a daypack for the hike.

Upon arrival at the checkpoint, please have your original passport ready for verification by the park rangers. With the formalities complete, we’ll step onto the historic Royal Path of the Inca Trail. As we trek, you’ll witness stunning scenery, diverse flora and fauna, and ancient Inca sites. Your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating insights along the way.

Our pace will be leisurely, with frequent breaks for snacks, photos, and to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. We have the entire day to progress at a steady pace. Lunch will be served around 1,30 pm, providing nourishment for the next leg of the journey. After lunch, we’ll replenish your water bottles with fresh, clean water.

As we approach our final campsite, Huayllabamba, located at an elevation of 3,350 meters (similar to Cusco’s elevation), our support team will have your tents ready for a well-deserved rest. They’ll also offer warm water for freshening up, along with small towels and soap. Afterward, you’ll have some free time for tea before dinner, typically served around 7:30 pm.

This marks the beginning of your Inca Trail adventure, where each step takes you closer to the wonders of Machu Picchu.

• Acomodation: Camping

• Tickets: Included

• Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Day two of your incredible Inca Trail adventure begins with a gentle wake-up call at 5:30 am, when our attentive team delivers a steaming cup of revitalizing coca tea to your tent. Known for alleviating altitude discomfort, this invigorating beverage helps prepare you for the day ahead.

You’ll have plenty of time to organize your daypack and duffle bag before breakfast is served. Additionally, we provide snacks and water to ensure you’re well-fueled for the journey. At 7:30 am, we begin our hike, starting on a gradual ascent without any strenuous climbing. This portion of the trail leads us through a captivating valley, where you’ll have the chance to observe ancient trees, such as Queñas and Uncas, which are native to this unique ecosystem.

Our trek continues into the Highland forest, known for its distinctive vegetation, making this area truly exceptional. After approximately four hours of hiking, we’ll arrive at Llulluchapampa, where our talented chef will have a delectable lunch prepared, offering a well-deserved rest.

After lunch, we’ll face an exhilarating two-hour uphill stretch that will bring us to the trail’s highest point, Dead Woman’s Pass, standing at an impressive elevation of 4,200 meters. From this vantage point, you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramic views, providing the perfect opportunity to capture some of your most memorable photos.

Once you’ve taken in the breathtaking scenery, we’ll descend gently toward our campsite at Pacaymayu Alto, located at an elevation of 3,650 meters. Upon arrival, your tent will be ready for you to relax and rest. A delightful ‘happy hour’ with hot beverages will precede dinner, which is typically served around 7 pm. After a physically demanding day, it’s common to retire early, usually falling asleep by 8:30 pm.

• Accomodation: Camping

• Tickets: Include

• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – dinner

The third day of our Inca Trail adventure is a true testament to the diversity of ecosystems encountered along the journey. It’s a day many consider unforgettable, as nature unveils an extraordinary display of flora, particularly orchids. In this region alone, there are approximately 135 distinct types of orchids, and you’ll have the privilege of encountering many of them during your trek. Where there are blossoms, you’ll also find hummingbirds and various other bird species, adding to the natural beauty that surrounds us.

Our day begins with an early breakfast, providing the energy needed for the day’s explorations. We set off on a challenging two-hour ascent, and halfway up, we’ll arrive at Runcuracay, a small but historically significant Inca site. Here, we’ll take a break to explore, with our guide offering informative insights into its rich history.

From Runcuracay, we continue for another hour until we reach the second highest point of the trek—the summit. From this vantage point, you’ll enjoy panoramic views that are truly awe-inspiring. After taking in the breathtaking scenery, we’ll begin our descent, which lasts about one and a half hours, leading us to the captivating Inca site of Sayacmarka. Often regarded as the most beautiful site of the day, we’ll take time to explore its fascinating features.

As we venture deeper into the lush jungle terrain, the climate grows warmer, and the environment takes on a different character. Be prepared for occasional encounters with mosquitoes in this section. We’ll stop for a nourishing lunch to recharge our energy before continuing.

Our trek resumes with a two-hour hike that brings us to Phuyupatamarca. From this elevated point, we’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of Machu Picchu Mountain and the town of Aguas Calientes—a clear sign that we’re approaching the famous “Lost City of the Incas.” The final part of the trail consists of numerous stairs, which can be challenging. Trekking poles are invaluable here, providing essential support as we descend toward our final campsite at Wiñayhuayna, located at an altitude of 2,650 meters. The descent takes about three and a half hours, and here we’ll spend our last night camping before our grand arrival at Machu Picchu.

• Accomodation: Camping

• Tickets: Include

• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – dinner

Today marks the pinnacle of our journey, as the legendary Machu Picchu lies ahead, beckoning with its timeless allure. Prepare for an early rise at 3:30 am, a tradition shared by all groups embarking on this extraordinary adventure. Breakfast is served promptly at 4 am, and by 5:30 am, we’ll arrive at the checkpoint, eagerly awaiting our momentous entry into one of the Seven New Wonders of the World.

Our journey begins with a one-hour trek to the renowned Sun Gate (Inti Punku), an exclusive privilege reserved for Inca Trail trekkers. Upon arrival at 6:30 am, we’ll witness the captivating sunrise over Machu Picchu—an unforgettable sight that truly must be seen to be believed. This moment is one of the highlights of the trek, setting the stage for the grandeur that awaits. Be sure to capture these precious memories with your camera as you immerse yourself in the magic of the moment.

From the Sun Gate, we’ll continue our descent for approximately 40 minutes, leading us to the magnificent Machu Picchu citadel. This is your chance to take some of the most iconic postcard-worthy photographs of the site. Accompanied by our knowledgeable guide, we’ll embark on a comprehensive Machu Picchu guided tour, delving into the history, significance, and mysteries surrounding this ancient Incan city. The tour lasts approximately three hours, exploring the most significant sites within the citadel.

Once the guided tour concludes, you can choose to bid farewell to this remarkable site. If you’ve secured tickets for Huayna Picchu (tickets must be booked in advance at the time of your reservation), you may embark on a challenging but rewarding hike up this majestic mountain. The ascent and descent typically take about two hours, with only a limited number of tickets available each day, so this is a unique opportunity for those who are up for the challenge.

After your memorable Machu Picchu adventure, we’ll take a bus ride down to Aguas Calientes town, where you’ll enjoy your last group lunch (please note that lunch is not included). Following lunch, we’ll board the afternoon train, usually departing at 3 pm from Aguas Calientes. The train will transport us back to Ollantaytambo, where our dedicated driver will be awaiting your return. From there, we’ll transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco, with an estimated arrival time around 7:30 pm.

• Accommodation: book on your own

• Tickets: Includes

• Meals: only breakfast

The Classic Inca Trail is a 4-day, 3-night trek that leads hikers through stunning Andean landscapes, ancient ruins, and diverse ecosystems, culminating in a breathtaking view of Machu Picchu.

To book your trek, visit our website to check availability, then contact our team to discuss your travel dates and complete the booking process.

The best time to hike the Inca Trail is during the dry season, which runs from April to September. However, the trail can be hiked year-round, and each season offers a unique experience.

Yes, a permit is required to hike the Inca Trail. Only official operators, like Qoricancha Expeditions, can secure these permits on your behalf. Early booking is essential, as permits are limited.

Pack lightweight clothing, a good pair of hiking boots, a sleeping bag, a rain jacket, personal items, and any necessary medications. A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking.

Yes, all meals are included during the trek, starting with lunch on Day 1 and ending with breakfast on Day 4. We cater to various dietary requirements—just let us know in advance.

The Classic Inca Trail involves moderate to challenging hiking, with steep ascents and descents. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended, and training before the trek is beneficial.

Yes, all our treks include an experienced, bilingual guide who will provide valuable insights into the history, culture, and ecology of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.

Yes, there are designated bathrooms along the trail, but they can be limited. Our team will provide toilet facilities at the campsites.

Our cancellation policy will be provided upon booking.  We recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover unexpected cancellations.

There is no official age limit to hike the Inca Trail; however, participants should be physically fit and able to handle the demands of the trek.

Recommendations:

• Children: Young hikers (typically ages 10 and up) can participate if they are in good health and have experience with hiking. Parents or guardians should assess their fitness level and readiness for the challenge.

• Older Adults: Older hikers are welcome (typically ages until 65), but it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional before undertaking the trek, especially if there are pre-existing health conditions.

Upon arriving at Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail, you will be taken directly to the Watch Tower, located in the upper part of the citadel. This vantage point offers some of the best views of Machu Picchu, often referred to as the “postcard picture” spot.

After enjoying the breathtaking scenery, you will continue with a guided tour of Circuit 3. This is part of the official Machu Picchu guided tour regulations, which means that all Inca Trail hikers, whether on the 4-day or 2-day trek, will follow Circuit 3. This circuit allows you to explore significant sites within the citadel while gaining insights into its rich history and cultural importance.