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The Classic four-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is an unforgettable adventure that weaves through the rich tapestry of Incan history, breathtaking Andean landscapes, and vibrant ecosystems. This four-day journey spans approximately 26 miles (42 kilometers) and ascends to altitudes up to 13,800 feet (4,200 meters). The classic hike ends when we enter the iconic Sun Gate, offering the first glimpse of the majestic Machu Picchu.
Embarking on the Classic 4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers trekkers a journey rich in historical significance and natural beauty. Highlights of this iconic trek include traversing the challenging Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusqa), the highest point at 4,215 meters, providing panoramic Andean vistas. Exploring ancient sites such as the circular Runkurakay Ruins and the cliff-perched Sayacmarca offers insights into Incan architectural ingenuity. The trail also leads to Wiñay Wayna, which features impressive agricultural terraces and intricate stone structures. The journey culminates at Inti Punku (Sun Gate), the original entrance to Machu Picchu, where trekkers are rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise view over the majestic citadel.
We begin the Classic Inca Trail early in the morning. Our guides and driver will pick you up from your hotel and head to the train station in Ollantaytambo, an hour and a half away. We’ll take a break to get necessary last-minute gear and personal items. The group will then head to Piskacucho (Km 82) to start our hike. After about 3 hours, the Inca Trail group will arrive at the first Inca site, Patallaqta. Then we will walk for about 30 minutes until our lunch spot, “Tarayoc.” After a deserved break, we ascend for about 2 hours toward our first campsite, Huayllabamba village.
TRAIN STATION – PISKACUCHO : 3 hours approx.
DISTANCE PISKACUCHO – WAYLLABAMBA : 11 km
ESTIMATED WALKING TIME: 6 hours
PISKACUCHO : 2600 m.a.s.l.
PATALLAQTA : 2750 m.a.s.l.
HUAYLLABAMBA : 3000 m.a.s.l. / 9842 feet
We start day 2 of the classic Inca Trail with a healthy and hearty breakfast. Your Inca Trail leaders will also provide snacks to carry during the early part of the hike. Next, we’ll begin the ascend for about 5 hours to the highest point of the Inca Trail, Warmihuañusca Pass (4215 m.a.s.l.). The group will take a short break to take photographs of the landscapes. Then we descend about 1 ½ hours until Paqaymayu campsite, where we have a dinner and a much deserved rest after a full day of hiking.
DISTANCE HUAYLLABAMBA – WARMIHUAÑUSCA : 9 km
ESTIMATED WALKING TIME: 7 hours WARMIHUAÑUSCA: 215 m.a.s.l. / 13828 feet
PAQAYMAYU : 3600 m.a.s.l. / 11811 feet
After a delicious breakfast, we walk about 1 hour until Runkuraqay archaeological site and then 1 hour more until Runruraqay Pass. Afterward, we descend for about 1 hour to visit Sayaqmarka archaeological site, and after 30 minutes, we arrive at Chaquiqocha campsite, where we have lunch. After that, we walk for about 1 ½ hours until the Phuyupatamarka Inka site, which is at the same time as the next Pass. Finally, we descend 3 hours to the Wiñaywayna Inka site, where we spend our last night on the Trail.
DISTANCE PAQAYMAYU – WIÑAYWAYNA : 16 km
ESTIMATED WALKING TIME: 7 hours
RUNRURAQAY: 3760 m.a.s.l. / 12336 feet
SAYAQMARKA : 3620 m.a.s.l. / 11876 feet
CHAQUICOCHA : 3500 m.a.s.l. / 11482 feet
PHUYUPATAMARKA : 3650 m.a.s.l. / 11975 feet
WIÑAYWAYNA : 2650 m.a.s.l. / 8694 feet
The group will get up early and enjoy breakfast before starting the trek’s final leg. After hiking for 2 hours, we’ll reach the famous Inca Sun Gate called “Inti Punku,” where we have the first view of Machu Picchu. After a short hike down the entrance to the Inca citadel, we register and then enjoy a 2 ½ guided tour of the sanctuary. After the guided experience, travelers will have free time to explore independently. By noon, we take the shuttle down to Aguas Calientes town, from where we take the train to return to Cusco.
DISTANCE PAQAYMAYU – WIÑAYWAYNA : 6 km
ESTIMATED WALKING TIME: 2 1/2 hours
AGUAS CALIENTES : 2040 m.a.s.l.
MACHUPICCHU : 2400 m.a.s.l.
HUAYNAPICCHU MOUNTAIN : 2700 m.a.s.l. (2 hours round trip)
MACHUPICCHU MOUNTAIN : 3150 m.a.s.l. (3 hours round trip
Due to this trek’s popularity, it is currently limited to 500 daily spaces. To ensure permits, we recommend you book this trek up to 4 months in advance to secure your spot. Contact us today to reserve your space
