Group Size Max
8 People max
Pice
Price PP $920
Shelter Type
REI Camping Equipment
Hiking Level
Moderate to Challenge
COVID-19
All Tours are Updated
About Inca trail
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5/4 nights Group Service.
Price From
$920 pp
This trekking tour invites you to enjoy the classic 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu a bit slower, spending more time in every archaeological site you visit. This option is ideal for families with younger hikers and for older people who want to enjoy the journey at their own pace. Because this trek is done in smaller groups, this is a great option to avoid most of the crowds found on the Classic Inca Trail.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is considered one of the best treks in the world for the natural beauty of the path. Along the way, you will find different ecological areas, from highlands to tropical Andean forests and Inca archaeological sites that will make you wonder if you have just discovered them.
This Tour gives you Tranquility Avoid Crowds
The Classic Inca Trail is Peru’s number one trek and one of the most well-known and popular treks in the world the 5 day Inca Trail really gives you the opportunity to take in all the sights and experiences of the Inca Trail at your leisure. Staying at campsites that few people use you get to enjoy the beautiful views of the mountains and see the sunsets and sunrises in peace and tranquility. Trekking the Inca Trail is one of those things that everyone should do once in their life and the 5-day version allows you to enjoy it to the full.
Important:
Peruvian government requires permits to hike on the Inca Trail, limited to 500 people per day, which includes support staff. Permits sell out 4-5 months in advance! So book early is strongly recommended to book your Inca Trail at least 4 months in advance as permits can quickly sell out.
The minimum to open the departure is two people and our maximum is eight so if you guys are two we can do it!
Machupicchu (Machu Picchu) Inca Trail to 5 days takes more time to do the traditional Inca Trail to Machupicchu(Machu Picchu), leaving more time to appreciate the nature and archaeology along the way. We spend one long fourth-day visiting Wiñaywayna and Machu Picchu, and on the fifth day, we return to Machu Picchu to see the sunrise from the Sun Gate. We encounter valleys that contain wildlife endemic to high deserts or the tropics, between stretches of puna and cloud forest. We encounter mysterious archaeological sites half-covered by jungle overgrowth, which looks like you are discovering them for the first time. Machu Picchu (Machupicchu) is one of the world’s greatest cultural treasures, and of these is the most enigmatic.
Why you should BOOK NOW!.
the spots for the Inca Trail for next year, have already been opened, and there are limited spaces, so we suggest you make your reservation as soon as possible, we have had many clients who could not go to the Inca Trail because they did not book on time
Starting Altitude
2750m / 8920ft.
Walking Distance
45km / 29 miles
Highest Altitude
4215m / 13,780ft.
Coldest Night
Days 2 and 3 around 0º Celsius
Overall Difficulty
TRAVEL GUIDE
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ITINERARY
Day 1: km 82 – Wayllabamba
We pick you up at your hotel and transfer by car to our trailhead at Piscacucho, km. 82 on the Train route to Machu Picchu a 3-hour drive from Cusco city. After clearing the trailhead control point, we hike along the left bank of Vilcanota River enjoying the impressive snowcapped Veronica ( highest point in the area). The valley is dry walking adjacent to fields of corn In the rapids below the trail, We explore the enormous Inca site of Llactapata, then turn south and begin to gain altitude following the narrow side valley of the Cusichaca River. We camp near the hamlet of Huayllabamba (2,954 m/9,690 ft).
Distance 12km/7.2 miles,
Elevation gain 300 m/984 feet.
Day 2: Wayllabamba – Pacaymayo
Climbing up from Wayllabamba for about 3 hours through steepening woods and increasingly spectacular terrain brings you to the tree-line and a meadow known as Llulluchapampa (3,680m). After this, we will take approximately 2 hours to the first highest pass of the trail Abra de Huarmihuañusca or ‘Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215m. During this part of the trail, hikers are exposed to the Andean elements: first scorching sun and then, closer to the pass, freezing winds. Once at the top hikers can celebrate having completed the most difficult section of the trail.
The descent from the pass is steep although not difficult, following the trail on the left side of the valley to the valley floor and to the 2nd campsite at Pacamayo (3,600m). There are toilet facilities here and also we relax for the rest of the day.
Distance 12km/7.2 miles,
Elevation gain 1,215 m/3,986feet
Day 3: Pacaymayo – Phuyupatamarka
We cross a second pass (3,975 m/13,038’) where we find the first Inca site Runcuracay and follow a fine Inca highway down to the exquisite ridge-top Inca place of Sayaqmarka. Further on, we pass through a tunnel amid luxuriant cloud forest vegetation. Camp at the superb Phuyupatamarka Inca place (3,679m/12,067 ft) overlooking the Urubamba River far below. Phuyupatamarka is Quechua for “City above the Clouds”. The views toward the sacred peak of Salcantay are sublime.
Distance 10 km/ 6 miles,
Elevation gain 315 m/ 1,033feet
Day 4: Phuyupatamarca – Machu Picchu
Today is all about the Incas; we visit 3 Inca sites (Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, and Wiñay Wayna) before we finally arrive to Machu. With only a short distance left to cover you’ll really have the opportunity to see these sites. The final stretch of the Inca Trail is completely deserted at this time of the day, so our arrival to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) is perfect. With good light and very few tourists around, we can get great photos of Machu Picchu from a distance before carrying on down. After we arrive at Machu Picchu, we’ll head down to Puente Ruinas (the campsite near Aguas Calientes) to be greeted by our porters for our last night camping together. We’ve made it!
Distance 11km/ 6.146 miles
Elevation all descent to Machupicchu 2,400 m/ 7,874feet
Day 5: Machu Picchu – Cusco city
We will begin very early to take the first bus to the city of Machupicchu, where we will be the first visitors of the day to enjoy the magic and mystery of one of the wonders of the world. The tour with your guide will take around 3 hours. Then, you will have free time to explore the entire city on your own. In the afternoon, we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to board the train to Cusco.
Note:
The night before your trek there will be a pre-trek talk (briefing) in our office or in your hotel (exact time will be confirmed on arrival to Cusco).
If you are interested in this tour or do you have any questions about it.
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE MACHU PICCHU HIKE
The itinerary and campsites provided by the INC (an institution that runs the Inca Trail) are subject to change depending on the time of booking. It can also vary depending on the climate or the health status of the trekkers. The train (to and from Ollantaytambo) included in every tour is the Expedition Service. Train times will only be confirmed near the time of the trek; thus if you join a group later we cannot guarantee you will be traveling on the same trains as the rest of the group. Train times are also subject to change depending on the train company timetables or availability.100% Operated by Tour Leaders Peru, we never put you with other tour operators.
- Pick up from Airport and Hotel
- Top of the line equipment REI Co-op Half Dome 4 Tent. Only for Two Persons
- 8 kg per person, other companies offer you only 6 kg
- Best English Speakers Tour Leaders, We know Communication is very important in your trip
- Extraordinary Chefs! Don’t get stressed about food and forget your power bar. We serve you a 5-star outdoor restaurant with delicious organic gourmet food in your dining tent.
- Hotel Aguas Calientes with all facilities
- Free and Safe Storage in Cusco and Aguas Calientes while you are hiking and visiting Machupicchu
- Umantay Lake included (most companies skip this wonderful lake)
- Private transportation on each trip
- Perfect Location For Photographers
- Comfortable and Panoramic Train to Aguas Calientes.
- Visit Machu Picchu twice with this tour!
We are excited to be part of your adventure and lead you to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Make sure to book your tour in advance. Only 500 people a day are permitting on the Inca Trail of which 250 are reserved for tourists. Machu Picchu allows 2500 tourists daily. Don’t miss your adventure!
From: $ 920.00 per person Group Service
$1,100.00
Note: An initial deposit of $250.00 is required to reserve your spot. We require this deposit to buy train and bus tickets, entrance fees to Machu Picchu, Inca trail admission ticket, and for your return transportation. The remaining balance is due 21 days prior to your trek. Please see our Terms and Conditions.
Additional Upgrades
Hauyna Picchu
If you want to climb Huayna Picchu make sure to book in advance as there are only 400 permits allowed daily to this location.
$40 per person Please notify us during your booking if you wish to purchase this upgrade.
Vistadome Train
From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo: Prices vary from $57.00 to $73.00 per person one-way.
Machupicchu Mountain
Machupicchu Mountain offers even more magnificent views than Huayna Picchu. There are also only 400 permits allowed daily to this location. A 360-degree view of Machupicchu and the surrounding valley and glaciers are seen from this mountain.
US$35 per person Please notify us during your booking if you wish to purchase this upgrade.
Additional Night in Aguas Calientes hotel
The price depends on the season and Hotel availability.
Inka Bridge
If you did not have the opportunity to book an additional upgrade this one is available for free. It is an hour and a half round trip hike.
Sun Gate
If you did not have the opportunity to book an additional upgrade this one is available for free. It is a two-hour round trip hike.
- Single Tent $40 (if you wish to sleep alone)
- Sleeping Bag $20 per person (minus 5 degrees Celsius)
- Air Mattress $20 per person (REI inflatable mattress)
- Professional Walking Poles $20 per pair
- Backpacks $25
- Head Lamp $10
- Extra kilograms $10/kg (Example 5kg=$50)
- Original passport and (ISIC student card if applicable).
- A comfortable 45 Lt trek backpack if you want to carry all your belongings.
- A small daypack to carry your personal belongings
- Warm sleeping bag Minus 8ºC (You can hire from SAS Travel.)
- Lighter style trekking boots with good ankle support or tough sport shoes, (light sandals or clogs are recommended to rest at campsites).
- Trekking poles with rubber tips. (metal tips are not allowed on the trail).
- Warm clothes, layers for variable temperature especially at night
- Thermal underwear can be worn in the sleeping bag or in cold conditions
- Gloves or mittens, scarf, wool socks, woolen hat for cold nights
- T-shirts and trekking pants that zip off to short pants for comfort
- Flashlight, head torch, and extra batteries
- Camera and extra batteries, – Binoculars
- Wear a hat with a broad visor to keep the sun off your face
- Sunscreen, and sunglasses
- Personal medical kit, insect repellent
- Rain Gear: a good rain jacket, rain poncho
- Toiletries, toilet paper, small towel
- 2-liter water bottle, (disposable plastic bottles are forbidden).
- Bathing suits for hot springs for hikers with a night in Aguas Calientes (5 Day Special Inca Trail)
- Extra money for drinks en route, Machupicchu and Aguas Calientes. ($10-15)
- Tips for (porters, cooks, guides. ($30-40) Not mandatory.
- Emergency money at least 200-300 soles. ($ 120)
- Temperature checks for all traveler are mandatory
- Face masks required for travelers and staff in public areas
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff at all times
- High traffic places and equipment sanitized regularly between use
- Maximum 8 people per group to reduce crowds, for bigger groups we will assign two teams
- 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 outbreak
WHAT INCLUDE?
INCLUDE
- Pre-departure briefing at 7:00 pm the night before your tour in our office or your Hotel.
- Collection from your Hotel in Cusco from (05:30 am) or from Sacred Valley.
- Private transportation (Start of our trek).
- Breakfast in Urubamba in our farmhouse,
- 11 Full meals for the entire tour (4 Breakfast, 4 Lunch 3 Dinner) + snacks (vegetarian, vegan option, gluten, wheat-free, or special diets upon your request.)
- Permit and fees for the Inca Trail Park and Machupicchu Sanctuary.
- Porters to carry (camping equipment: client tents, dining and cooking tents, table, stools, cooking gear, stove, gas container, cutlery, plates, food, and fresh vegetables).
- 7-kilogram duffle bags (per Person)
- 2 Excellent experienced top tour guides (9-16 person / 6-8 with 1 tour guide)
- 2 expert gourmet mountain cooks, assistants.
- Hot drinks every afternoon include popcorn.
- Boiled water provided from 2nd day.
- 2 people per tent, clean, new, spacious (4 people REI Half Dome 4 tents).
- Thick, comfortable sleeping mattress,
- Buckets of hot water for washing in your tent every day.
- Biodegradable soap and hand cleansing gel.
- Emergency First-aid kit and Oxygen assistance.
- 3-4 hours guided tour in Machupicchu
- Round trip Bus Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu.
- Tourist Expedition train return to Poroy Station or Ollantaytambo.
- Bus to Cusco
NOT INCLUDE
- Sleeping bag (4 season -Minus 8ºC)
- Tips for the trekking crew, Guides, Cooks, and porters at your discretion.
- Flight Ticket to Cusco.
- Accommodation in Cusco. (see recommendation)
- Travel Insurance. (check that your insurance covers you for treks above 4,200 masl) and (COVID-19)
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
- Sleeping bag (4 season -Minus 8ºC)
- Tips for the trekking crew, guides, cooks, and porters at your discretion.
- Flight Ticket to Cusco.
- Accommodation in Cusco.
- see recommendation
- Travel Insurance. (check that your insurance covers you for treks above 4,200 masl)
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Call Us
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ALTERNATIVE TRAILS TO MACHU PICCHU
Short Inca trail is the best option if you really want to appreciate the Sun Gate view to Machu Picchu 16 km one day hike.
Short Inca Trail with Hotel 2 Day
Our 2 day Inca Trail starts idyllic by a wake-up early. Then we are taken by our private transport to the railway station at Ollantaytambo to board a train taking us to the starting point of the 2-day trek – so-called Km 104. Then we pass through an Inca Trail checking point and start hiking through the lush vegetation of a cloud forest while greeted by local exotic birds such as Andean guan, grey-breasted mountain tucan, etc. and since we can see various wild orchids and bromeliads along the path too. Our Tour Guide explains to us the Chachabamba ruins that were rediscovered in 1940. Lunch. Our next stop is in Wiñay Wayna, an Inca complex neighboring to Machu Picchu. The complex, which name means “Eternal Youth, can boosts with a stunning view down at the Urubamba River. In the late afternoon, we have descended to the entrance of Machu Picchu – Inti Punku (Sun´s Gate), we continue down to our hotel in Aguas Calientes Town where we have a rest. The following early morning adventure starts with the Machu Picchu hiking tour for two hours. Then we enter the “Lost City of the Incas” and enjoy its guided tour. Hiking the Inca Trail is an unforgettable experience so do not hesitate to join our group.
Price From
$480
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Food & Drink
Healthy Organic Gourmet meals in all of your trips
Daily Seasonal Food on each trip and Tours
Peruvian cuisine has only recently exploded onto the international culinary stage, but Peruvians have always been crazy about their nation’s culinary heritage, and they steadfastly cling to the traditional, multiculti flavors of home. Even in the face of modern gastronomic innovation. A range of climates, from high altitude to low, offers an impressive diversity of produce. Yes, that means potatoes over 3800 kinds but also a variety of corn and other grains, to say nothing of the country’s native aji chilies that are often puréed into sauces.
Coffee, Tea, Water, & Assorted Beverages
Every morning and afternoon, before and after your daily hikes you will find hot drinks and snacks in your dining tent.
*Special Diets Available Upon Request
REVIEWS
Information
Travel Perks when you book with us
Free Storage
Free luggage storage when you are traveling or Hiking with us
REI Camping Equipment for each trip
Private Eco Toilets
We do not share public toilet along the Inca trail we carry our portable ECO Toilets Only for our Groups
Peruvian Gourmet Food on each Tours
Food Include in each Trek, Vegetarian option available. we really take care of your gluten-free food contact with our office for any food restriction.
Private Transportation on each trip
Best Chaskis (Porters)
We do not overbear our staff, they are principal resources in this travel industry
We leave no trace
We carry all our Trash From The begging to the end of each hike keeping clean all our hiking trail
Product Types
- Private and Group Tours
- Small-Group Tours (consisting of 8 people)
- Escorted Bus Tours
- Independent City Stays
- Multi-Destination Rail Packages
- Customized Travel Vacations
- Custom Groups and Individuals Packages
- Group Air Packages
And Much More
Book with Huayna Picchu Mountain
Book with Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Visitor Policy
Have a Question?
Talk With The Experts
Information
INCA TRAIL HIKE FAQ
The trail itself is breathtaking, but the end of the trail is a spectacular sight as you reach the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu at sunrise. The classic Inca trail runs 26 miles (42 km) long, is usually hiked over 4 days and 3 nights and is tucked away in the beautiful Andes mountains in Peru.
HOW MUCH IT ACTUALLY COSTS TO HIKE THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
The price tag for hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu depends largely on the tour company, package, and guide you choose. Here are some of the general costs, plus actual specifics from our own recent treks on 2021.
Doing the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu independently is not an option. The Peruvian government limits the number of hikers on the trails each day. Everyone must have a permit and be accompanied by a licensed guide. And yes, through a series of checkpoints on the trail, they actually enforce it.
The general cost for Inca Trail trek: $600
On average, the classic Inca Trail hike costs around $600/person (this generally includes transportation to the trailhead from Cusco, a guide, porters, three meals a day, hiking permits, entry to Machu Picchu, and tents). You can find it even cheaper. But besides the advertised sticker price, there are a few other things to consider when choosing a tour company: How many hikers are in each group? How often and how much food is provided during the trek? And finally, what’s the reputation for the company’s treatment of its porters?
Even though we tend to focus on budget traveling, it’s good to remember that sometimes the cheapest option isn’t always the best option. Cheaper companies for the Inca Trail often have larger groups (15-25 people), provide smaller meals, and/or no snacks. Some even have a bad reputation for inadequately providing their porters (i.e. lacking rain ponchos, jackets, or even proper hiking shoes). I was surprised by how many people online included snacks as a necessary item to pack and bring along because some companies don’t provide enough food pro by other companies.
How hard is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
One of the most popular things to do in South America – and one of the world’s most famous hikes – the Inca Trail is the sort of singular adventures for which we all travel. The hike itself, which brings you along ancient narrow paths deep into the Peruvian countryside and high into the Andean mountains, is gorgeous; perfect Incan ruins, cloud forest, and majestic valley views laid out like breadcrumbs along the way to perhaps the greatest end-point of any multi-day hike on earth, the iconic Machu Picchu.
After our own hike, we wanted to share our hard-earned insights, advice, and tips to help you plan and prepare for your own successful Trail experience – all neatly whittled down into this comprehensive guide.
So, whether you’re heading there in high or low season and want to understand the camping and accommodation situation better, have no idea what to pack or how to get a permit, are worrying about whether you’re fit enough, will get altitude sickness or if it’s too late to book a spot on a tour, then this post will provide you with all the necessary information answers from experienced fellow travelers (and, we hope, quite a bit of excitement and inspiration for the hike itself!).
Ready? Here’s everything you need to know before doing the Inca Trail hike.
Are there toilets on the Inca Trail?
This is where the bad news begins. Inca Trail toilets are not the most hygienic, clean or private affairs. You’ll be lucky if your toilet has a lock. On the first day the toilets are usually fairly decent and clean. However, as you venture further along the trail the quality rapidly decreases.
Our Inca Trail toilets – Portable option
As a tour operato, the best option on the Inca Trail is to hire a tour company that provides a portable toilet all the way up. These are known as ‘toilet tents’.
Although not as common, this is probably one of the most important things we would recommend when deciding on what tour operator to use. You’ll probably have to book with a western operator and it may cost slightly more, but it’s definitely worth it! The toilet tent is carried up with you by porters.
Our Toilete sit and tent are clean and only used by your group. You’ll be able to sit on a toilet drum within the privacy of a tent, and if there are any issues, we will solve immediately.
WHEN TO BOOK THE INCA TRAIL TREK 4 DAYS
The government has strictly limited the number of people permitted on the Inca Trail (permits are issued to about 200 trekkers per day plus 300 porters this 500 permits include 4 days inca trail). We recommend that you make a trek booking as early as posible we recommend 4 months in advance.
It is recommended to book the tour inca trail to Machu Picchu 2 days in advance, before booking flight tickets and hotels, because there are limited spots to reservation for Inca trail at INC and PERU RAIL (train Tickets).
How Many Miles is The Inca Trail from km 82?
We’ve outlined our own route on the Inca Trail below and, in broad terms, this is the sort of the itinerary you can expect (note that this relates solely to the days spent on the hike, not the days of travelling to/from Cusco and Ollantaytambo):
Day One: Travel from Ollantaytambo to km.82 in the morning and hike to campsite
Distance | Approx. 6.8 miles/ 11 km
Elevation Gain | 350 metres
Difficulty | Moderate, with a steep tiring section towards the end.
Day Two: Early rise to hike through cloud forest and up to Dead Woman’s Pass and the descent to campsite
Distance | Approx. 7.5 miles/ 12km
Elevation Gain | 1,115 metres
Difficulty | High, this is the hardest day of walking but after you reach DWP, it’s mostly downhill.
Day Three: Early rise to hike the most photogenic section of the Trail
Distance | Approx. 9.6 miles/ 15.5km
Elevation Gain | Minus 1,000 metres
Difficulty | Moderate to a little difficult as there are several steep sections.
Day Four: Very early rise (3 a.m.) to reach the entry check-point and hike 1-2 hours to the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu.
Distance | Approx. 3.1 miles/ 5 km
Difficulty | You’re almost at the end and Machu Picchu, you should be hopping, skipping, and jumping all the way there!
Best time to hike Inca Trail
Machu Picchu hike difficulty
First, the numbers: if you tackle the classic four-day Inca Trail you’ll have 24-26 miles to trek (depending on which trailhead you set out from), over 2,000 metres to haul yourself up and level yourself down, and over 3,000 steps to deal with in total.
In terms of fitness and technical challenge, this is considered to be a trek of moderate difficulty. The effort required, though, isn’t evenly distributed across the four days. Rather, the greatest lung-bursting effort is front-loaded into the first day and a half. The high point, Dead Woman’s Pass, is – at 4,198 metres – definitely the toughest of the three passes, both in terms of the potential effects of altitude and the sharpness of the elevation gain. There are, however, a number of campsites on the way to this first pass, and some groups opt to make the second day easier by staying at the highest campsite on the first night.
Due to Coronavirus Machu Picchu Tickets and Inca Trail, Permits can be Changed
This is an unprecedented opportunity to perhaps salvage some of your expenses if you canceled a trip to Machu Picchu. The borders of Peru are closed and train service to Machu Picchu is suspended since March 17, 2020, to limit the spread of Covid19. The Peru government has extended the border closing now until October 30, 2020. However, they announced that international flights to Peru will resume on January 1, 2021.
Our Events
Join us in 2021
04/16/21
INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS
06/12/21
INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS WITH HOTEL
06/16/21
INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
08/02/21
INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS
Visit Cusco – Peru in Style
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Are you ready to cover 26 miles hiking in the Cordillera of the Andes?
CONTACT US FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURE
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1617 Orleans Dr. San Jose, CA &
Wimpillay B-10 CUSCO, PERU
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