Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 7D/6N
Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu 7D/6N bucket list for 2021
Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 7D/6N
This Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 7D/6N; where you’ll see the huge peaks of the Salkantay region which are considered important “Sacred” or spiritual protector to locals. The 7 Days Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu leads you through the “Vilcabamba” mountain range which is formed by the two deepest canyons of the Cusco region: Urubamba and Apurimac. During the first 3 days, you will be surrounded by magnificent snow mountain scenery and rarely see other groups; on the fourth day. We’ll join with the Classic Inca Trail 4 Day/3 nights at Wayllabamba Community and then continue to Machu Picchu over the “Dead woman’s pass (4,200m).
The Inca Trail & Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu seasons extends from mid-March to November. Daytime temperatures can reach 20°C – 27°C at high altitudes in June July nights can drop to below -5°C. Trekking in Cusco during winter, from June to September, offers cool to mild and clear days with often very cold nights. Daytime temperatures around 20°C and at night may drop to 0°C or as low as – 5°C. Occasionally winter storms can bring snow as low as 3,500m.
Salkantay Trek Weather
The weather patterns are not so predictable that you can be absolutely positive about weather conditions in advance. The lower altitude treks experience the forests, village culture, and Fantastic Mountain views and are likely not to experience extremes of weather, but rather mild weather conditions throughout the trekking season. Salkantay Machu Picchu HIke is geographically an outstanding trek to Machupicchu. The highest mountains, tracts of wild forest, the rolling high plateau of the Andes, and the greatest biodiversity are some of these Micriclimes you’ll see along this 7 day Inca Trail Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail 7 Days Map
Inca Trail 7 Days Map: Go to Machu Picchu for a hike in the high Andes, and go to Machu Picchu. Using our illustrated Salkantay & Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu 7D/6N map, discover the attractions and altitudes each day of the classic 7-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail Itinerary
DAY 1 : Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa.
We start the day by picking you up from your hotel at approx 04:00 AM. We will drive for around 4 hours, crossing Anta and Mollepata and ending up at Challancha. Through the windows of the bus, you can clearly see the white, snowcapped mountains of Apus Salkantay and Humantay: two colossal gods of the Incas. You will also see the spectacular scenery of high peaks and low valleys in a colorful and contrasting panorama filling every direction you turn your eyes on! After the first two hours of driving, we will stop quickly in Mollepata to take advantage of the toilet facilities, souvenir shops, and optional, short breakfast.
We will then continue to Challacancha, the starting point for our trek. We will meet our support staff, and they will organize all of the equipment and cargo mules. Around 09:30 AM, we will begin trekking to Soraypampa (3850 MASL – 12631 FASL), the first campsite on our journey.
The first section of the path takes us over a few deep valleys along the side of a mountain. At some parts of the trail, an old aqueduct can still be seen which still supplies water to farmers in the lower valleys. We will travel 7 km (4.35 miles) in 3 hours to Soraypampa where we will have our lunch at the base camp of Salkantay. After lunch and a short rest, we hike up to the unforgettable Humantay Lake (4200 MASL – 13779 ft). This is a 5 km (3.1miles) round-trip which we will walk in a total of 3 hours. This place one of the most beautiful sights in all the Andes with unbelievable blue-green water reflecting the mountain glaciers of Apu Humantay.
It seems like something out of a dream or fairy tale! Back at our camp, the background of the valley at sunset creates the most peaceful scene with an energy that can only be felt and not described! Because Soraypampa (our camp) is located in the middle of the glacier valleys, the sky is so immensely clear at night that you can truly appreciate the stars, constellations, and even comets shooting across the pitch blackness, uninterrupted by the hustle, bustle, or lights of the city. Take a moment this night to re-center your spirit and consider all the deep things of life in the profound silence and tranquility of Soraypampa!
Hiking distance: 13 km / 8.1 miles
Hiking time: 6½ to 7 hours approximately.
Climate: hot in the day and warm at the night.
Accommodation: Camping.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Plus snacks and afternoon tea time)
Maximum Altitude: 4200 Masl / 13779 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 2954 masl / 9694 ft.
DAY 2 : Soraypampa – Inka Chiriasqha Pass – Sisaypampa Camp.
Today will be a beautiful day because we will see the snow mountains of Humantay (5,217 masl), Salkantay (6,271 masl), and Chullunku (5,570 masl). We will start the trek at 07:30 a.m; the trail climbs up gentle to “Pampa-Japonesa” (Japanese Climbers Base-camp set 3 decades ago) then, we’ll continue to the highest pass called Inka Chiriasqha (5,200m / 17060ft) from where one is rewarded with splendid mountain scenery.
The trekking time from the camp to the pass will take us 4 to 5 hours. After we have a rest on the pass, we’ll continue down through old moraine until the Accobamba zone where our lunch will be served. After lunch we will descend until Sisay pampa Camp (3,790 m / 12434ft).
A Sisaypampa section we will be able to fully enjoy and take in the imposing Andean topography, quiet and cozy place where you can see a herd of llamas, alpacas and with luck, we might see the Andean condor consider an important deity among the locals. Our camp will be near the kid’s school. (7-8 hours walking)
Hiking distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles
Hiking time: 6½ to 7 hours approximately.
Climate: cold by day, very cold at night.
Accommodation: Camping.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Plus snacks and afternoon tea time)
Maximum Altitude: 4650 masl / 15255 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 2750 masl / 9022 ft.
DAY 3 : Sisaypampa – Paucarcancha.
After breakfast, we will start the trek at 07:30 a.m; we will walk down in a beautiful valley with native flowers and exciting views; after 3 hours, we will arrive at the Pampaccahuana community near the Inca canal repaired a few years ago by Kendall’s Project (American archaeologist) to help local farmers and shepherds. From Pampaccahuana, it will be 3 hours to Paucarcancha camp where we will find beautiful Inca ruins.
Hiking distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
Hiking time: 7 hours approximately.
Climate: cold by day, very cold at night.
Accommodation: Camping.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Plus snacks and afternoon tea time)
Maximum Altitude: 5000 masl / 16404 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 3750 masl ASL / 12303 ft.
DAY 4: Paucarcancha – Wayllabamba – Llulluchapampa Camp.
After breakfast we’ll continue one hour to the Wayllabamba community; at this place, we will enter the original Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Here is also where our muleteers return home with their mules; fresh porters will welcome us to continue the trek carrying the gear, equipment, and food all the way to Machu Picchu; Horses aren’t allowed on the Inca Trail Trek. From Wayllabamba we’ll continue the gentle climb up to Llullucha camp, along the way we will see a rushing stream, we’ll walk through enchanted native Polylepis woodland.
Distance Travelled: 14 Km. / 8.7 mile
Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours approximately.
Climate: tropical warm.
Logging: Camping.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Plus snacks and afternoon tea time)
Maximum Altitude: 3000 masl / 9842 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 3750 masl / 12303 ft.
DAY 5: Llulluchapampa – Dead Woman Pass – Pacaymayo – Runkuracay – Chakiccocha
Today will be a long day; After breakfast, we’ll climb up for two hours to reach the second-highest pass known as “Warmiwañusqha” or Dead Woman Pass (4,200m / 13779ft), from where one is rewarded with spectacular mountain scenery. After a good rest, we will continue trekking down to Pacaymayu Valley through several Inca steps.
The descend to Pacaymayo Valley will last for two hours; here our lunch will be served. After a good rest, we climb up again for 1 hour to visit the archaeological site of ‘Runkuraqhay’ (round shape balcony) and then continuing one more hour to Runkuraqhay pass at 4,000m / 13123ft; from wherein a clear day you can see on your bag “Dead Woman Pass” and in front of the Pumasillu snow mountain range.
From the pass, we’ll continue descending for one hour through Inca steps until the Inca site of ‘Sayacmarka’ (inaccessible town) which also was discovered by Mr. Hiram Bingam in 1915. We will have a short rest here before we continue walking for 20 minutes to Ch’akiccocha camp.
Distance Travelled: 16 Km. / 9.9 mile
Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours approximately.
Climate: tropical warm.
Logging: Camping.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Plus snacks and afternoon tea time)
Maximum Altitude: 4200 masl / 13776 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 3400 masl / 11144 ft.
DAY 6: Chaquiccocha – Phuyupatamarka – Wiñaywayna.
Toda is another beautiful but short day. You will notice a change in the ecosystem while walking through the tropical forest. After two hours walk, we’ll arrive at the Inca settlement named Phuyupatamarca (Town above the clouds) (3,600 masl/11,811 ft). A well-preserved site with a long chain of Inca baths where one can see impressive Inca engineering. Here you’ll receive an explanation from the tour guide for a half-hour.
From Phuyupatamarca, we will descend approximately 3,200 well-preserved Inca steps (3 hours); we also will pass another Inca Tunnel before we arrive at the Inca ruins of Wiñaywayna (Young Forever) (2,650 m/8,694 ft). Next to the ruins will be set up in our camp. Today’s lunch will be served in the camp so, after lunch, you’ll have time to rest and be ready to start very early the next day.
Distance Travelled: 16 Km. / 9.9 mile
Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours approximately.
Climate: tropical warm.
Logging: Camping.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Plus snacks and afternoon tea time)
Maximum Altitude: 3600 masl / 11811 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 2600 masl / 8530 ft.
DAY 7: Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – “Aguas Calientes” town – Cusco
Today, we will start the tour very early; the breakfast will be served at 04:30 a.m, and we’ll begin to trek at 05:00 a.m to be in time at the Sungate or Inti Punku to get the first glimpse of Machu Picchu and watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu. We will continue with the last triumphal descent to Machu Picchu and you will receive a relaxing tour for two hours approximately.
After the tour, you will have enough time to explore the Machu Picchu site on your own. At around noon, you must take the bus that will take you down to the town of “Aguas Calientes”; Here you will have your lunch in one of the restaurants; in the afternoon at 2.55 pm we’ll take the train to Ollantaytambo train station from where you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Cusco arriving there at 7:30 pm.
Distance Hiking: 6 Km. / 3.7 mile
Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours approximately.
Machu Picchu guided tour: 2½ hour.
Climate: tropical warm.
Shuttle to Cusco:3 hours by train and bus from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast.
Maximum Altitude: 2429 masl / 7972 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 2040 masl / 6692 ft.
Additional Inca Trail Salkantay Info.
- 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.
Included
- 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,
- Full meals for the entire tour (4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunch 3 Dinner) + snacks (vegetarian, vegan option, gluten, wheat-free, or special diets upon your request.)
- Permit and fees for the Inca Trail Machupicchu Sanctuary.
- Inca Trail 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 Included
- Sleeping bag (4 season -Minus 8ºC)
- Hiking Poles
- 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)
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: $ 1,149 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. 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!
CLOTHING:
1st Layer:
- Underwear
- Long-sleeved Thermal Shirt
- Thermal form-fitting pants
2nd Layer:
- Polar Fleece
- Trekking pants
- Thick socks
3rd Layer:
- Waterproof Jacket
- Waterproof pants (optional)
- Insulated Jacket
- Scarf
- Cold weather Hat
- Gloves
- Buff/ handkerchief
- Sun hat
TRAVEL ACCESSORIES:
- Backpack 20-30 L
- Waterproof cover for backpack
- Trekking shoes (waterproof and firm)
- Sport shoes/ sandals for campsites
- Camping pillow
- Sleeping bag liner (optional)
- Sturdy water bottle
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp
- Plastic bags for wet items
- Toiletry kit (toothbrush, wet wipes, etc)
- Swimsuit/ towel
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended)
- Sunscreen lip protector
- Sunglasses
- Insect repellent
OTHER:
- Personal Medications
- Motion sickness tablets for the van ride
- Camera/ Extra battery
- Personal snacks
- Hand warmers (optional)
- Leisure book for evenings
- Cash and small coins
Items for rent
- 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)
Huayna 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.
- 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
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Food & Drink
Healthy Organic Gourmet meals in all of your Salkantay Inca Trail 7 Days
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
Information
Why You Should Travel with Tour Leader Peru?
Free Luggage Storage
We make easy your trip, Free luggage storage when you are traveling or Hiking with us for more details contact us, please.
REI Camping Equipment for each trip
We are not affiliated with this rei.com Brand But as a local Tour operator we support local business and our customer enjoy their private Sleeping tent only for two persons to learn more in our Camping Equipment for Inca trail
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
As a responsible tour operator in Peru, we do not share our mobility with other tourists, all our transportation is only for your group or family members.
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
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1800 Share
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Have a Question to Hike this 7 days Inca trail trek to Machu Picchu? Talk With The Experts
INFORMATION
FAQ’s
Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail To Machu Picchu 7 Days And 6 Nights
The Inca Trail Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu Tours 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 cost 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 the 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?
Budget
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?
Hiking the Inca Trail is an experience that should inspire excitement, invoke a little bit of fear, stoke jealousy amongst your friends, and stir a sense of wonder in your soul.
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 adventure 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.
Back To Cusco
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 rear all our advice, please.
Are there toilets on the Inca Trail?
Inca Trail, toilet quality
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.
By the next day, you will use a squat floor toilet. In which you squat over. The flushing mechanism often floods meaning that toilet waste is on the floor of many Inca Trail toilets. Be sure to wear your hiking boots when going to the toilet.
There is often no light and you’ll want to make sure you bring a headlamp for those night-time toilet visits. We have even seen toilet blocks with no bin or container in which to place used toilet paper. Piles of used toilet paper inevitably build up in a pile in the corner of the toilet.
This does not make for a pleasant experience! you can read How to use toilets on The Inca trail very good information for new outdoor adventures
You will also be lucky to get a sink to wash your hands. Luckier still to get soap. Therefore it is highly recommended that you bring your own hand sanitizer. Most campsites will have a tap where you can wash your hands.
Inca Trail toilets – Portable option
My name is Cesar and as a Tour Guide, I believe 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 I 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.
They 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, your operator will sort them out immediately. Click here for our recommended operator service.
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.
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).
Is The Inca Trail Worth it?
Hiking the Inca Trail is absolutely worth the $180 dollars per day group service or maybe more if you go on a private group. We can assure you will create big memories that will last a lifetime and that alone is worth the money. You will see many ancient Inca remains along the way that rival Machu Picchu in beauty and preservation that you can only see on the Inca trail. On top of that, the sense of accomplishment upon arriving in front of the Sun Gate after hiking for 4 days is gratifying.
However, to travel to this iconic Inka city of Machu Picchu on a bus, skipping the hike when you’re physically able to do it, would be a mistake. All of the magic of the experience would be lost. On the trail, you truly feel connected to the local culture and the Inca history comes alive, which is the best part. If you happen to be in Peru and you aren’t physically able to do a trek to get to Machu Picchu, it’s still magnificent to see and it’s worth the visit. It’s a world wonder for a reason.
Distance for the Inca trail to Machu Picchu 4 days and 3 nights
Is the Inca Trail dangerous?
Like anything in life, the Inca Trail does have risk. But you are far more likely to have an accident on the roads back home, than trekking on the Inca Trail.
There is always a risk of landslides in any mountains. The lifecycle of a mountain involves it gradually eroding and making its way downhill to the sea via the rivers. It is what mountains do. But some parts of a mountain are more prone to landslides than others. In the same way that you are more likely to get mugged in certain areas of California, New York, or the Alpes than others, the key lies in understanding and managing the risks.
Part of managing the risk is making sure everyone involved is aware of the risks, including you our clients. You can read more about our Risk and Safety policies here. And at the bottom of each tour on our websites, is an “F&Q” section, with further details about the risks involved in a particular trip.
Is this the first time someone has died on the Inca Trail or Machu Picchu?
No, this is not the first time someone has died either on the Inca Trail or Machu Picchu. But the figures are very low when you consider up to 7000 people per day visit Machu Picchu and 750 per day trek the Inca Trail (500 on the complete Inca Trail, 250 on the one day Inca Trail).
- 2004 A tourist was struck by lightning on Huayna Picchu and died
- 2010 2 people died in a landslide at Wiñay Wayna campsite
- 2013 A tourist fell and died, on a lower part of Machu Picchu
- 2016 A tourist fell from Machu Picchu Mountain, having crossed the safety barrier to take a jumping selfie
- 2020 A porter was killed in a landslide at Pacamayo campsite
How long does it take to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
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 itinerary you can expect (note that this relates solely to the days spent on the hike, not the days of traveling to/from Cusco and Ollantaytambo):
Day One: Travel from Ollantaytambo to km.82 in the morning and hike to the campsite
Distance | Approx. 6.8 miles/ 11 km
Elevation Gain | 350 meters
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
VIDEO / Machu Picchu Tours.
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Tour Leaders Peru Adventure
Tour Leaders Peru Adventure offers you all-inclusive customized travel packages to visit Machu Picchu, the Amazon rainforest, flights over the Nazca Lines, Lima sightseeing tours, and much more. Whether it’s hiking or glamping the Inca trail, we offer a variety of travel packages that suits everyone’s travel style. Based in both the U.S. and Peru.
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