The Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is a demanding trek involving passage through varied landscapes and exploration of Inca archaeological sites. The experience includes Peruvian meals and interaction with fellow travelers. The trek concludes at the Sun Gate providing the initial view of Machu Picchu. TreXperience organizes this hike facilitating group travel for individuals couples or friends. The Inca Trail presents a significant physical undertaking.
Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu – Classic Tour
The Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu is a recognized trek in South America frequently listed among global rankings. This four-day route combines exposure to cultural history and natural environments. The journey starts in Cusco located at approximately 3399 m / 11152 ft passing through valleys Inca sites and temples. On the final morning participants reach the Sun Gate Intipunku (2720 m / 8923 ft) at dawn to observe the sunrise over Machu Picchu (2430 m / 7972 ft).
This operator provides premium Inca Trail tours that include personal porters buffet-style meals and return transport on Panoramic Vistadome or 360 trains. Departures are scheduled daily.
Tour Highlights:
Note: Inca Trail permits are limited. Booking in advance is necessary as availability cannot be guaranteed once sold out.
Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Ayapata Camp
Day 2: Ayapata – Dead Woman’s Pass – Chaquicocha Camp
Day 3: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna Camp
Day 4: Machu Picchu Discovery – Return to Cusco
(B=Breakfast, S=Snacks, L=Lunch, T=Tea Time, D=Dinner)
Pickup from hotels in Cusco occurs at 4:30 am. For those in the Sacred Valley such as Urubamba or Ollantaytambo (approx 2792 m / 9160 ft) pickup is after 6:00 am. The drive is approximately 2.5 hours to Km 82 the village of Piscacucho (approx 2720 m / 8924 ft) marking the Inca Trail start point. A stop is made in Ollantaytambo for breakfast and last-minute purchases.
Arrival at the Km 82 trailhead is around 8:00 am for meeting the chefs and porters. After preparations proceed to the checkpoint for passport verification to begin the trek.
The first day’s hike is rated moderate. It involves a 3-hour walk through villages towards the Llactapata archaeological site. Visits include Willkaraqay and viewing Patallacta from a lookout. A subsequent 1-hour walk leads to Hatunchaca village for lunch prepared with local ingredients.
Post-lunch a 2-hour hike reaches the Ayapata campsite (3300 m / 10826 ft) with arrival around 5:00 pm. Tents will be ready. Hot drinks and time for observing the mountains are provided. Tea time with snacks precedes dinner. Overnight camping in tents.
This day is considered the most demanding. The morning begins early with hot coffee or coca tea served at the tent. Following breakfast a 4-hour ascent leads to Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusqa) at 4215 m / 13829 ft the highest elevation on the trail. At the summit there is a pause for observation and the guide conducts a traditional offering ceremony to mountain spirits the Apus Coca tea is available. Afterwards a 2-hour descent reaches the Pacaymayo Alto Valley for lunch and rest.
The afternoon involves a second easier two-hour climb to Runkuraqay Pass (4000 m / 13123 ft) followed by a 2-hour descent to the Chaquicocha campsite (3600 m / 11811 ft). Two Inca sites Runkuraqay and Sayacmarca are explored during this segment. Arrival at Chaquicocha offers potential sunset views over the Vilcabamba mountains. The location provides clear skies for stargazing post-dinner.
This day involves less strenuous hiking. The route takes approximately 5 hours to the final campsite traversing diverse ecosystems including cloud forest environments. Panoramic views of Salkantay mountain may be visible. Two Inca sites are visited: Phuyupatamarca (City in the Clouds approx 3600m / 11811 ft) offering views of the Urubamba River and Machu Picchu Mountain and Intipata (Terraces of the Sun approx 2650m / 8694 ft).
A rest period occurs at Intipata. Arrival at the Wiñaywayna campsite (2600 m / 8530 ft) is scheduled for approximately 1:00 pm for lunch. The afternoon allows free time for rest relaxation or an optional shower. Later an accompanied visit to the Wiñaywayna Inca site includes explanations from the guide. The evening includes tea dinner and a farewell activity at the campsite.
The final day requires a very early start to reach Machu Picchu. Participants proceed to the checkpoint awaiting its 5:30 am opening. A one-hour walk leads to the Sun Gate (Intipunku). Weather permitting sunrise over Machu Picchu can be observed from this point.
Following the Sun Gate a final 1-hour descent reaches the main entrance control point of Machu Picchu around 8:00 am. A guided tour lasting 2 to 3 hours covers significant sections of the Inca site. Hiking Huayna Picchu is an optional activity requiring tickets booked well in advance.
After the tour participants take a bus from the Machu Picchu site down to Aguas Calientes town (approx 2050 m / 6726 ft) where lunch can be obtained then travel via the panoramic Vistadome or 360° train. Ground transport meets the train for transfer back to hotels in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. Approximate arrival time in Cusco is 7:30 pm.
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