The Classic 4 day Inca Trail is Peru’s number one trek and one of the most well-known and popular treks in the world. Offering 4 days of trekking along original paved Inca pathways, a variety of fascinating Inca sites and the beautiful scenery of the Machu Picchu national park the Inca Trail is one of those things that everyone should do once in their life. Be you young or old, in good shape or bad, the Inca Trail is for everyone and is a must do if you plan to visit Machu Picchu.
The Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is an unforgettable adventure through stunning landscapes and ancient Inca sites, ending with a breathtaking view from the Sun Gate. With Quinoa Expeditions, you'll join a small group of international travelers—whether solo or with others—and enjoy authentic Peruvian food along the way. It’s a meaningful challenge for those seeking to step out of their comfort zone and create lasting memories.
Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Hatunchaca – Ayapata
Start early with pickup from Cusco or the Sacred Valley, followed by a drive to Km 82. Begin the trek with a scenic 6-hour hike, visiting Llactapata and stopping for lunch at Hatunchaca. Camp overnight at Ayapata (3,300m).
Distance: 14 km | Duration: 6 hrs | Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Ayapata – Dead Woman’s Pass – Chaquicocha
The toughest day begins with a 4-hour climb to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215m), followed by a descent to Pacaymayo for lunch. Continue to Runkuraqay Pass and explore Inca sites before reaching the Chaquicocha campsite.
Distance: 16 km | Duration: 10 hrs | Difficulty: Challenging
Day 3: Chaquicocha – Intipata – Wiñaywayna
An easier and scenic day through diverse landscapes and cloud forests. Visit Phuyupatamarca and Intipata before arriving at the final campsite near Wiñaywayna. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon and a special farewell dinner.
Distance: 10 km | Duration: 5 hrs | Difficulty: Moderate
Day 4: Wiñaywayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Start early for a sunrise view from the Sun Gate, followed by a guided tour of Machu Picchu. Optionally hike Huayna Picchu. After visiting the citadel, travel to Aguas Calientes and return to Cusco by train.
Distance: 6 km | Duration: 2–3 hrs | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.
Included:
- Safety briefing the day before the tour
- Complimentary luggage storage
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- All transportation during the tour
- Professional tour guide
- Return on the panoramic Vistadome Train or 360°
- Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Entry tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
- All camping equipment (carried by the porters)
- Personal porter to carry up to 7kg / 15lb
- Experienced chefs and porters
- 3-night camping in top-end, comfortable tents
- 4-person tents for every 2 trekkers
- All meals prepared with fresh local ingredients
- Drinkable water and daily snacks
- First-aid kit, satellite phones, oxygen supply
- Private portable toilets
- Pillow, sleeping pad, rain poncho, hand towels
- All taxes and booking fees
Not Included:
- Sleeping bag, air mattress, or trekking poles (available for rent)
- Last day lunch after the Machu Picchu tour
- Entry to Huayna Picchu Mountain (optional)
- Travel insurance.
Packing Guide for the 4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Luggage:
Bring one or two large bags for your overall trip, but only pack essentials (max 7 kg) in the duffle bag (carried by porters) and 5 kg in your daypack (carried by you). Store the rest in your Cusco hotel or tour office.
Essentials to Bring:
- Original Passport (no copies, valid for 6+ months)
- Valid Student ID (if booked with student discount)
- Hiking boots (light, broken-in)
- Daypack (25 liters max, comfortable)
- Water storage (2 liters, Camelbak or bottle)
- Trekking poles (highly recommended)
- Sleeping bag (-10°C rating, or rent one)
- Headlamp (or flashlight)
Daypack Items (Carried Daily):
- Sun hat, sunglasses, buff/bandana
- Warm hat/beanie, gloves
- Rain jacket and optional rain pants/gaiters
- Warm layers (base, mid, waterproof shell)
- Sunscreen, lip balm, bug spray (DEET or picaridin)
- Hand sanitizer, toilet paper (in bag), first aid kit
- Camera, extra batteries/power bank
- Snacks (granola bars, trail mix)
- Small cash for tips or purchases
Duffle Bag Items (Carried by Porters):
- Sleeping bag (2 kg if rented), air mattress (1 kg)
- Camp shoes/sandals
- Warm jacket, fleece, down jacket
- 5 moisture-wicking t-shirts, 2–3 hiking pants
- Leggings (for women), 4 sets of underwear and socks
- Sports bra, compression shorts
- Quick-dry towel, biodegradable soap, wet wipes
- Toothbrush/paste, face moisturizer
- Extra plastic bags for dirty/wet clothes
- Power bank (20,000 mAh recommended).
Price for the Classic Inca Trail To Machu Picchu
Price per person:
Group Service:
- Adults: From US$ 770
- Children and Students: From US$ 740 .
Private Service:
- 2 trekkers: $1540
- 3 trekkers: $1360
- 4 trekkers to 7 trekkers: $1100
- 8 or more trekkers: $770
Private tours are priced based on group size, ensuring a more personalized experience for each group.
- Booking: To reserve your spot, an initial payment of US$ 200 per person is required. The remaining balance can be paid online or at the office in Cusco.
Student Discount:
- US$ 30 off per person
- Travelers under 17 or students under 25 can qualify for the discount with a valid student ID. For the discount code, email Info@quinoaexpeditionsperu.com.
Valid Student ID Requirements:
- Must be 25 years or younger at the time of visiting Machu Picchu.
- ID must include the university name, student name, and a photo.
- The ID must have an expiration date.
Invalid Student IDs:
- IDs for travelers over 25 years old.
- Expired IDs.
- IDs without an expiration date.
- ISIC cards are not valid for the discount.
Overview:
- The Inca Trail is part of the Qhapac Ñan, a 15th-century network of over 40,000 km of trails connecting the Inca Empire across South America.
- It begins at Km 82 (Piscacucho) in the Sacred Valley and leads to Machu Picchu, a lost Inca city rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham III.
- Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire and starting point for all major trails.
Key Facts:
- Length: 26 miles (42 km)
- Duration: 4 days (standard), with options for 2-day, 5-day versions
- Elevation Gain: 3,000 ft (914 m)
- Highest Point: Dead Woman’s Pass at 13,828 ft (4,215 m)
- Trail Ends: Sun Gate (Intipunku), with first views of Machu Picchu
Weather:
- Dry Season: April–October
- Wet Season: November–March
- Expect temps from 80°F (27°C) during the day to below freezing at night
Permits & Booking:
- Only 500 permits/day, including hikers, guides, porters
- Must book 6+ months in advance through an authorized agency
- Trail isclosed in February
Difficulty:
- Moderate to challenging due to altitude and terrain
- Preparation and acclimatization in Cusco are highly recommended
Trek Alternatives:
-Salkantay Trek More rugged, fewer people, great mountain views
- Lares Trek: Cultural experience, train to Machu Picchu
- Short Inca Trail (2 Days):** Less strenuous, quicker option
- Quarry Trek: Off-the-beaten-path, great Sacred Valley views
- Choquequirao Trek: Longer, harder, but less crowded and more remote
Inca Trail Marathon:
- Held in May/June
- 42 km route starting at Km 82, ends at Machu Picchu
- One of the toughest marathons due to terrain and altitude
Trail Highlights:
- Inca Stairs: Thousands of steps, steep ascents/descents
- Wiñay Wayna: Beautiful ruins near the end of the trail
- Inca Bridge: Ancient and dramatic structure carved into a cliff
Training Tips:
- Begin training early: hiking, stair climbing, squats, cardio
- Acclimate in Cusco for a few days before starting the hike.
Why Book with Quinoa Expeditions
Quinoa Expeditions is a locally owned company based in Cusco, Peru, committed to providing an exceptional Inca Trail experience. They offer high-quality food, premium camping gear, and door-to-door transportation, ensuring comfort throughout the journey. Quinoa Expeditions is the only company that includes Vistadome panoramic trains on the return from Machu Picchu, enhancing the scenic experience.
The trek goes beyond hiking—it's a cultural and spiritual immersion into Incan heritage, guided by native experts. Quinoa Expeditions practices sustainable tourism, supports porter welfare with fair pay and benefits, and prioritizes safety with trained staff and emergency equipment. With flexible booking policies, over 7,000 positive review, and a strong commitment to excellence, Quinoa Expeditions offers a trustworthy and unforgettable adventure.
