Classic Inca Trail hike 4D Group Tour

Classic Inca Trail Hike 4 days 3 nights – Group Tour

The Classic 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of Peru’s best and most popular hikes; over 4 days and 3 nights, you will explore the iconic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu camping in the mountains with comfortable equipment, excellent meals, and top-rated tour guides. TreXperience organizes small all-inclusive group tours to Machu Picchu with all safety regulations for Covid 19. Book with us and have 100% satisfaction guaranteed.

Inca Trail with TreXperience is discovering a new way of hiking and camping experience. Enjoy this fantastic hike in small group tours with amazing food prepared by our local trekking chefs, top-quality equipment, portable solar showers, and board the Panoramic trains on the last day to come back to Cusco.

During the Inca Trail, we provide:

Food: Your trekking chef will prepare special meals for you every day, starting from the first breakfast until the last breakfast. We use fresh local products to provide the best of Peruvian food. Vegetarian, vegan, GF meals are available.

Equipment: We provide kitchen tents, dining tents, toilets tents, tables, chairs, portable solar showers, EUREKA 4-man tents for every 2 travelers, and Eureka 2-man tents for solo travelers. We do not charge any single supplement.

Transportation: We provide door-to-door service, we will start the tour from your hotel at any location in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, and after the tour, we will transfer you back to your hotel as well. We are the only company that provides panoramic trains on the way back to relax and enjoy the fantastic views.

Safety: All our staff has training in First Aid, Mountain rescue, Covid 19 protocols. We provide an oxygen tank, first aid kit, satellite phones.

TreXperience: For us, Inca Trail is not all about hiking; it is about creating unique and memorable experiences. Discover a new way of camping and responsible travels.

Porters: TreXperience porters have the proper equipment and fair wages; they are the most important staff in the Inca Trail, without them is not possible to arrive at Machu Picchu.

Trip details:

• Duration: 4 Days / 3 nights
• Depart: Km 82 – Piscacucho
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Season: March to January
• Destination: Machu Picchu
• Hiking Distance: 43 km – 26 miles
• Type: Adventure – Camping

Highlights of the Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu

• Book with Confidence and Flexibility, change dates with no fees.
• Travel with the best local Inca Trail Tour operator awarded as TOUR OF THE YEAR 2019.
• Stay in the best and less crowded campsites and arrive at the Inca sites at exclusive hours.
• Enjoy the panoramic trains on the way back to Cusco (Vistadome or 360°).
• Support our social projects and help children’s education in Peru.

Price per person 690.USD:Book Now

To book the Classic Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu, you need to make an initial payment of 140.USD per person, the remaining balance can be paid online, in installments, or Cusco with any credit card with no booking fees at all.

Student Discount:
All travelers under 17 will have a $40 discount. If you are 25 years old or under when traveling, you can get the 40$ discount with your student ID. Please advise by email to give you a code for the discount.

Upgrade to a private Inca Trail Tour or a Private Luxury Inca Trail tour!

Inca Trail 4 days 3 nights – day by day summary

Day 1: Training day!
Cusco – Km 82 – LLactapata – Ayapata (14km, 6hrs).- Depart from your hotel around 4:30 am and drive to Km 82 to start the 6-hour hiking on the first day of the Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu. The first campsite is located at 3300m (10826ft); we spend the night in comfortable tents.

Day 2: The Challenge!
Ayapata – Warmiwañuska – Chaquicocha (16km, 10 hrs).- The most challenging and longest day of the 4 days Machu Picchu Trek, passing two mountains in 10 hours of hiking: The first mountain is Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point of the Inca Trail with 4215m (13829ft). The second mountain is Runqurakay Pass, with 4000m (13123ft).

Day 3: The easy day!
Chaquiccocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna (10km, 6hrs). The most beautiful and relaxing day, hiking is only 6-hours passing through different ecological zones. Today, you will also visit several beautiful archaeological sites, including Wiñaywayna, located at 2600m (8530ft); we camp only 2 hours from Machu Picchu.

Day 4: Machu Picchu!
Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco (6km, 2 hrs), Wake up early and hike for 2 hours to Machu Picchu through the Sungate from where we will have a unique view of Machu Picchu. After exploring Machu Picchu, you will take the Panoramic trains back to Cusco. Drop off back at your hotel around 7:30 pm.

Campsite locations might change depending on availability and final campsite assignment!

Included:

• Safety briefing the day before the tour at 6:00 pm
• Free luggage storage service for all our guests
• Pick up from your hotel on the morning of the tour
• All transportation during the duration of the Inca Trail Trek
• Personal Porter for up to 7 kilos for your belongings
• Professional highly trained mountain tour guides (fluent in English)
• Experience chefs and porters
• 3-nights camping with comfortable equipment
• All meals during the trek with local ingredients
• Entrance ticket to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
• Bus down to Aguas Calientes from Machu Picchu
• Panoramic Vistadome train or 360° train to come back to Cusco. 
• Satellite phones, First Aid Kit, Oxygen tank
• Eureka 4-men tents for every 2 travelers.
• Drop off back to your hotel
• All taxes and booking fees

Not Included:

• Sleeping bags, air mattresses, or trekking poles
• Last day lunch after  Machu Picchu Tour
• Huayna Picchu mountain entrances (optional)
• Montaña Machu Picchu (optional)
• Tips for porters, chefs, guides (optional)
• Travel insurance

Covid-19 measures to keep you safe during traveling

• Temperature checks for all travelers are mandatory.
• Face masks are required for travelers and staff in public areas
• Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff at all times
• High traffic places and equipment are sanitized regularly between use.
• Maximum 12 people per group to reduce crowds during this pandemic
• Transportation and touristic sites capacity will be reduced to 50%
• Printed material such as maps or vouchers will be avoided.
• 100% online payments with no booking fees at all
• Flexible bookings during COVID – 19 pandemic

Why book with TreXperience

• TreXperience is a 100% Peruvian Local Tour Operator based in Cusco.
• Personal Porter Included for up to 7 kilos of your staff
• Panoramic trains Included (Visatdome or 360°)
• Small group tours for personalized service
• Fair treatment to porters with proper wages, we include men a women
• You help us to support social projects in Cusco
• Portable toilets and hot showers are available on all our tours
• No booking fees! no credit card fees

Full Itinerary of the 4 days Inca Trail Trek

Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Hatunchaca – Ayapata

Your Inca Trail trekking team will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco around 4:30 am (depending on your location); if you stay in the Sacred Valley like Urubamba or Ollantaytambo; the pick-up will be after 6:00 am. Then, drive for 3 hours to Km. 82 (Piscakucho) to start the Inca Trail 4 days and 3 nights trekking to Machu Picchu. We will arrive at the trailhead at approximately 8.00 am – First, meet your team of chefs, porters, guides, and enjoy a delicious breakfast with amazing views of the Andes mountains. Next, we will head straight to the control point to show our passports and begin the fantastic trip to the lost city of the Incas.

The first part is a relatively easy two-hour hike to Patallaqta, the first ancient site along the Inca Trail route. From a unique, secluded location, we will enjoy the breathtaking views of this ancient city surrounded by mountains and rivers. Then, it is another two-hour walk to Hatunchaca – located in the Inca Trek’s heart, where the team of porters and chefs will be waiting with a delicious lunch prepared with fresh local products. After enjoying the delicious lunch, we will continue the day for two more hours to the first campsite in Ayapata, arriving at approximately 5:00 pm. Your tent, a snack, and a hot drink will be waiting for you. You will then have some time to rest and enjoy the view of the mountains before dinner.

• Campsite Altitude: 3300m – 10826ft
• Highest altitude: 3300m – 10826ft
• Distance: 14km / 8 miles
• Duration: 6 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, lunch, tea time, dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Ayapata – Dead Woman’s Pass – Chaquicocha

We will wake you up bright and early with a hot cup of coffee or coca tea in your tent. Today will be the most challenging part of the 4-day hike to Machu Picchu, and after breakfast, it will be a 4-hour trek uphill to Dead Woman’s Pass (4215m / 13829ft), the highest point along the Inca Trail Trek. At the summit, we will take time to appreciate the serenity of this location while your guide completes a traditional offering ceremony to the Apus (local Gods). After enjoying the views, we will start a 2-hour downhill trek to Pacaymayu Valley, where we will enjoy a well-earned lunch.

The second mountain is an easier 2-hours climb to Runqurakay Pass (4000m / 13123ft). We will take time to explore two Inca sites along the way; Runqurakay and Sayacmarca. The second campsite is Chaquicocha (dry lake, 3600m / 11811 ft.), where you will be able to admire a beautiful sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range before dinner. With an unobstructed view of the constellations, this is the perfect place to stargaze!

• Campsite Altitude: 3600m – 11811ft
• Highest altitude: 4215m -13829ft
• Distance: 16km / 9 miles
• Duration: 10 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea time, dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

Day 3: Chaquicocha – Intipata – Wiñaywayna

With the hard part of the 4-day Inca Trail tour well and truly over, you can relax and enjoy the easiest and arguably most exciting day of the Inca Trail. Today’s route is extremely varied, and it is only a 5-hour hike to the final campsite. Along the way, you will pass through several different ecosystems, experience the atmospheric cloud forest, and observe the magnificent panoramic view of Salkantay Mountain (the second-highest peak in Cusco). We will visit two Inca sites, Phuyupatamarka (City in the Clouds), with spectacular views of the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu Mountain, and Intipata (Terraces of the Sun).

At Intipata, there will be time to rest and take in your magical surroundings. We will reach the campsite at approximately 1:00 pm to have lunch, and then you can then enjoy some free time to relax, unwind at the camp, chase llamas, or take a refreshing shower. Later in the afternoon, we will visit the important Inca site of Wiñaywayna, where your guide will explain this fantastic location’s history. We will then return to the campsite for tea, dinner, and a special farewell surprise!

• Campsite Altitude: 2600m – 8530ft
• Highest altitude: 3600m – 11811ft
• Distance: 10km / 6 miles
• Duration: 5 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, tea time, dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Difficulty: Easy

Day 4: Discover Machu Picchu – Cusco

On our final day of the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, we have to get up very early to prepare for the highlight of your TreXperience! visiting Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. We will go straight to the checkpoint and wait until it opens at 5:30 am. As the sky brightens, we will walk for one hour to the Sun Gate (Intipunku), taking in the stunning views along the way. You can watch the spectacular sunrise over Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate on a clear day, which is truly an unforgettable sight. We will start our one-hour final descent towards Machu Picchu, arriving at the last control point around 7:30 am.

Your tour guide will take you on a two-hour comprehensive tour of the city before leaving you in Machu Picchu to explore on your own or climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (tickets must be booked as far in advance as possible). Your guide also will explain how to take the bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then take the panoramic train (Vistadome or 360° train) and bus back to Cusco. TreXperience Team will meet you off the train and return you safely to your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. The approximate arrival time back to Cusco is around 7.30 to 8:00 pm.

• Highest altitude: 2700m -8858ft
• Distance: 6km / 3 miles
• Duration of the hike: 2 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, snacks
• Difficulty: Easy

4-Day Inca Trail hike Packing List 

What should I pack for the Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu? This is the most common question asked by the Inca trail hikers.

When traveling to a new faraway destination like South America, you will need to prepare long before, especially when hiking places like Inca Trail or Salkantay trek.

For your trip to Peru, you will bring one or two big pieces of luggage depending on how long you are spending on your vacation, however; to your Inca Trail Hike; you will only take the necessary equipment for the 4 days Inca Trail hike, this means that you will have to store the rest of your belongings in Cusco hotel or at TreXperience storerooms.

For the Inca Trail hike, you must reduce to the minimum the stuff that you will take. We recommend 5 kilos on your daypack and 7 kilos on your duffle bag. Remember that you are responsible for carrying your daypack at all times, and you will need to have all the necessary equipment for the day. Our strong porters will carry the duffle bag, and we can find them only at campsites but not during the day.

Absolute essentials for the Classic Inca Trail hike:

• Valid, original Passport (a copy will not be accepted)
• Passport must be at least 6 months valid to enter and exit Peru.
• Valid Student Card (if you booked as a student)
• Trekking boots (light, comfortable and broken in)
• A good quality daypack (light, small and cozy)
• Water storage for at least 2 liters; either a camel bag or water bottle(s)

What to put in the daypacks:

Below is a list of items that we highly recommend you keep with you at all times in your backpack. Remember, you will be carrying this with you every day of the trek, so we recommend bringing a good quality daypack, light and comfortable.

It is important to note that due to local regulations, your backpack should not exceed 25L. All larger bags can not be taken into Machu Picchu and will need to be stored outside the gates.

• Hat and sunglasses
• Rain gear
• Warm layers (fleece / long-sleeved tops)
• Sun cream, bug spray
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper
• Personal medication
• Band-aids, moleskin
• Camera, extra batteries
• Head Torch
• Additional snacks, power bars, chocolate
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips (small change helps pay to use the villagers’ toilets on the first day)

What to put in the duffle bags:

TreXperience will provide you with a duffel bag to pack any items that you do not need to keep with you during the day. Our porters will carry this bag for you throughout the trek. Please note this bag should weigh a maximum of 7 kg, including your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you bring/rent one). These two items weigh approximately 3 kg together (2 kilos sleeping bag, 1-kilo air pad). During the Inca Trek, you will travel through different temperatures as you climb/descend; it can also be cold at night when at the campsite. Therefore, layers work best!.

Duffle bags will be provided at our office during the safety briefing held the day before; we can also deliver them to your hotel if you need to organize your belongings earlier.

• Sleeping bag for Inca trail (can be rented from us)
• Air mattress for Inca trail (can be rented from us)
• Some light, comfortable shoes for the camp
• Warm jacket, hat, and gloves for Inca trail
• 4 t-shirts (wicking t-shirts are best)
• 1-2 hiking pants/trousers
• 4 sets of undergarments
• 4 sets of hiking socks
• 1 Fleece
• 1 Warm, down jacket for the coldest nights
• Quick-dry towel
• Soap
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush and paste
• Face moisturizer
• Powerbank / battery charger
• Plastic bags to keep wet or muddy clothes separate

Inca Trail FAQs

What is the Inca Trail?

Few places in the world can take your breath away like the Inca Trails. The Inca Empire built these spectacular ancient routes in the XV century as part of an extensive network of roads called Qhapac Ñan (Inca Trails) to maintain communication in such a large empire (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina).

Cusco was the Inca capital; therefore, the Inca empire’s most important city. The Inca Trail departed from Cusco towards the provinces; these roads stretched for over 40,000 Kilometers.

The Classic Inca Trail is a 26 miles/42Km stretch of a stone-paved road to Machu Picchu. This portion of the gigantic Inca Routes got lost together with Machu Picchu during the XVI century. It was recently rediscovered by Hiram Bingham III during his expeditions to Peru, searching for the Incas’ lost cities.

Where is Inca Trail Located?

The world-famous Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is located in the Urubamba Province, Cusco – Peru. During the Inca period, the Classic Inca Trail was used to connect Cusco with Machu Picchu. Over 4 days, you will be exploring ancient archeological complexes inside the Inca Trail until you arrive at Machu Picchu.

How Long is the 4-day Inca Trail?

The Classic Inca Trail, the most popular schedule, is 4 days hiking tour. You can take a 5 days tour if you want to spend more time inside the Inca Trail, explore the Inca site with more time, and hike at a slower pace. The total distance of the Inca Trail is 26 miles or 43Km long.

How High is the Classic Inca Trail?

• Cusco city is located at 3,399 m or 11151 ft.
• The start point of the Inca Trail is KM 82 at 2642 m or 8867 ft.
• The average altitude of the Inca Trail is 3,000 m or 9842 ft.
• The highest mountain is Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215 m  or 13835 ft.
• The second highest mountain pass is Runccuracay at 4,000 m or 13123 ft.
• Machu Picchu, where the Inca Trail ends, is at 2,430 m 7972 ft.
• Aguas Calientes town, where we take the train back to Cusco, is 2,040 m or 6692 ft.

Where Does 4-day Inca Trail Start?

The Classic Inca Trail starts in Km 82, located in Piscacucho (2642 m or 8867 ft), Ollantaytambo district, Urubamba Province. The main checkpoint is located right side of the Urubamba River. Once you cross the river, you enter the Inca Trail protected area.

The Shorter Version of the Inca Trail starts at Km 104, also called Chachabamba. This is the express Inca Trail of only 1 day, and the next day you will visit Machu Picchu.

When is the best time to hike Inca Trail?

This question is often tough to answer, Inca Trail is Inca Trail, and you will be amazed by the sun, rain, wind, cold, or any weather you might encounter on your trip. You just need to have the proper equipment, be always prepared for all types of weather. Inca Trail is located in the cloud forest, and this is famous for having the most unstable weather in Peru and perhaps the world.

• The best months to hike the Inca Trail and visit Machu Picchu are from April to October.
• The Driest months on the Inca Trail are May, June, July, August. However, these are the busiest day in Machu Picchu.
• The rainy season starts in November until March; however, it is possible to have whole weeks without rain.
• February is permanently closed due to heavy rains and maintenance.

When was the Inca Trail Built?

The Inca Trail was built by the Inca civilization somewhere during the XV century by the 9th Inca King Pachacuteq. During this civilization’s height, this Inca trail was used as a pilgrimage route to Machu Picchu.

Why is the Classic Inca Trail Important?

After the Inca Trail’s rediscovery in 1915, archaeologists explored the ancient route. They found many Incan temples, religious sites, and administrative areas such as Llaqtapata and Runcuracay Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamrca, Initipata, Wiñaywayna, and Intipunku.

The vast number of Inca Sites, the very well preserved ancient Inca Trail, the secluded location of the area, the varied landscapes, the fantastic view, endemic flora, and fauna are a few of the reasons why the Inca has become one of the most important hikes in South America.

How many days in advance do I have to arrive in Cusco Before Inca Trail Trek?

We recommend arriving at least 2 days before your trip departure. This way, you will have time to adapt to Cusco city’s altitude and prepare for the Inca Trail.

When is the Classic Inca Trail Closed?

The Inca Trail is closed during the entire month of February due to the heavy rains and maintenance.

Which Inca Trail Trek is the best?

There are 3 ways to make the Inca Trail and arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sungate.

• The Classic Inca Trail 4 days and 3 nights are the most popular, and 90% of travelers will choose this option. Only camping.
• The Inca Trail Slow Version 5 days and 4 nights, 3 nights camping, 1-night hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• The Shorter version of the Inca Trail, 1 day hiking the last part of the Inca Trail and the next day visiting Machu Picchu.

This trek has other variations and extensions, like the Salkantay Inca Trail; however, it is always based on those mentioned above.

Where do I have to book Inca Trail Permits?

Authorized registered tour operators can only book the Inca Trail permits in Cusco City. You can not secure the permits by yourself, and you are required to travel with a tour guide, chef, and porters.

How to get Inca Trail Permits?

The Inca Trail permits are released during the first days of October for the following year. This October 2021, we will book the permits for all 2022 seasons.

Few months may well out fast, like May, June, July, so it is essential to get manual confirmation that the tour operator has secured the permits.

Is the Inca Trail Trek Hard?

Another tricky question and the answer is no! the Inca Trail is challenging but doable. You must be able to hike on uneven terrain for about 8 to 1o hours daily, sleep above 3000 meters, and be able to go up and down the stairs in the trail.

If you are in average physical condition to handle this type of hike, you practice regularly before coming to the Inca Trail, and you will have a wonderful time.

How much does Inca Trail Cost?

There are so many different tour operators with reasonable prices when searching online, and it is always hard to decide which tour company you will be traveling with.

It would be best if you considered the choice that fits best your interests:

• The average price on a 4-day tour is 600 to 700 USD
• The average price on the 5-day tour is 700 to 800 USD
• The Average price on the 2-day tour is 450 to 550.USD

You can find better prices or options but always remember to verify what is included and not. Some tour operators do not include a personal porter, bus from Machu Picchu. TreXperience provides a personal porter and all transportation from start to end.

How To Book Inca Trek?

Booking the Inca Trail is easy with TreXperience; click the BOOK NOW button, select your departure date, fill-up the form with all details requested, including passport information, and finally submit the initial payment required to book the Inca Trail. Due to the permits’ strict booking policy for the Inca Trail administered by the Peruvian Goverment, all Inca Trail bookings must be confirmed manually.

Is the Inca Trail Hike Dangerous?

Any adventure trip you go on, there are always risks involved. Dangerous situations during the Inca Trail could be due to negligence or the force of nature. The best way to stay safe on the Inca Trail is to follow your tour guide’s instructions at all times.

Can I Hike The Inca Trek Without A Guide?

You can not enter the Inca Trail without hiring a registered tour company. You must hike the Inca Trail with a tour guide, chef, and porters.