Visit Cusco and trek the classic 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
PLEASE NOTE: An updated version of our Inca Trail page can be found here.
Inca Trail trek permits are sold on a first come, first served basis. If the Trail is full, you could try the beautiful Lares Trek or the more demanding and stunning Salkantay trek.
We also offer a five star Inca Trail trek.
The Inca Trail
The Inca Trail is one of the worlds greatest treks. On our 4 day trek you will find yourself trekking with a group of like-minded people from all over the world. Please note: group size is up to 16 people.
The Inca Trail formed only a small part of the extensive network of Inca highways. This 'Royal Road' to Machu Picchu, reclaimed from the cloud forest only last century, clearly had important ritual functions. It probably served as a sacred pilgrimage route related to the veneration of natural and celestial phenomena.
Many well-preserved and finely-constructed sites along the trail suggest access it was limited to an elite. Its (and Machu Picchu's) absence from early Spanish chronicles shows that its existence was unknown during colonial times. This helps explain how it escaped destruction.
The Trail is a paradise for botanists and birdwatchers due to the rapid succession of ecological and climatic zones which are crossed. Hummingbirds can be found all along the trail, and typical at high altitude are birds of prey such as puna hawks, harriers, buzzard eagles and sometimes Andean condors. It is also possible to see some of the 60 species of orchid which have been identified and classified in this area.
Trek itinerary – day 1
You are picked up early from your hotel (6:30-7am) and travel by bus, past the picturesque villages of Chinchero, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, for the 2½ hour scenic trip to kilometre 82 (the start of the trail). From the road there are great views of the Cordillera Urubamba (Urubamba mountain range) and the snow capped peak of Veronica 5860m.
You set off walking, crossing the Vilcanota River and follow the trail as it climbs steeply up from the river. After passing through a small village, the ruins of the Inca hill fort Huillca Raccay come into view high above the mouth of the river Cusichaca ('happy bridge'). The Incas, when they conquered the area, built a fort here since the site commanded an excellent view up and down the Urubamba valley and controlled the entrance to the Cusichaca valley.
Descend to the Cusichaca river. From here you'll get a great view over the extensive Inca ruins of Llactapata (also known as Patallacta on some maps). Llactapata means 'upper town' in Quechua and was first discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and was primarily an agricultural station used to supply Machu Picchu with maize, the staple crop of the Incas. The settlement comprised over one hundred buildings, houses for the workers and soldiers, including five baths.
For a further 7 km the path follows the left bank of the river up to the small village of Huayllabamba (3,000m). The name in Quechua means 'grassy plain'. This is one of the camping spots used on the first night. Snacks and drinks available.
Day 2
Heading onwards and upwards from Huayllabamba following the left bank of the Llulluchayoc river for about 1 hour brings you to 'Tres Piedres' (three stones) and a small bridge over the Huayruro river. The stream is named after the Huayruro which is an ornamental tree whose seeds are red and black. Many of the porters from the Ollantaytambo district are also known as Huayruros because of their traditional red and black ponchos! A little further on you come into verdant cloud forest.
A further three hours trek up a steepening path passing through woods and with increasingly spectacular views brings you a grassy meadow known as Llulluchapampa (3,680m). From here it is just a 1½ hour sweaty climb to the first and highest pass of the trail (Abra de Huarmihuañusca or 'Dead Woman's Pass) at 4,200m. It can be freezing on the pass - take adequate clothing with you, as you chill rapidly. Superb views of the path ahead and the way you've already come - you have now completed the most difficult section of the trail.
The decent from the pass is steep but not difficult, following the trail to the valley floor and to the second night's campsite at Pacamayo (3,600m). There are toilet facilities here.
Day 3
From Pacamayo you climb up the Trail to the ruins of Runkuracay. These small circular ruins occupy a commanding position overlooking the Pacamayo valley below. A further climb for 45 minutes will bring you to the top of the second pass: Abra de Runkuracay (4,000m). The Trail here is original Inca paving.
The descent down the steps from this second pass is steep so take care with your knees.
The section of the trail, from here to the Phuyupatamarca ruins is particularly beautiful. It passes through verdant cloud forest, and the Trail itself is of the highest quality original Inca stonework.
Sayacmarca
After about 1 hour below the 2nd pass you get to Sayacmarca by way of a superbly designed stone staircase. The name Sayacmarca means 'Inaccessible Town' and describes the position of the ruins perfectly, protected on three sides by sheer cliffs. No one knows the exact purpose of these ruins.
You rejoin the trail as it passes Conchamarca, a small Inca dwelling situated below Sayacmarca. It was probably a rest house for weary travellers on their way to Machu Picchu.
From then on the path descends into magnificent cloudforest full of orchids, hanging mosses, tree ferns and flowers, passing through an impressive Inca tunnel, carved into the rock, on the way.
The trail climbs slightly to the 3rd pass (3,700m). The view from the pass offers excellent views of several snow-capped peaks including Salkantay (6,180m) and Veronica (5,750m). A few minutes after the pass is Phuyupatamarca, another impressive Inca ruin. The name means 'Town in the Clouds'. Access to the ruins is down a steep flight of stairs passing six 'Inca Baths' probably used for the ritual worship of water.
Leaving the site via an impressive Inca staircase leading from the west side of the ruins (the far end from the baths) you descend a thousand or so steps. Your knees will feel the strain by the end of the day. Please note: trekking poles can be used ONLY if they have rubber tips.
Wiñay Wayna
After an hour descending steeply through cloudforest you will be able to see the tin roof of the Trekkers Hostal at Wiñay Wayna, way below you. This is the last official campsite before Machu Picchu. There is a restaurant where you can purchase drinks and even a cold beer, as well as hot showers and toilets.
A short trail leaves from the southern end of the hostal to the spectacular ruins of Wiñay Wayna. The name in Quechua means 'forever young' and is named after a variety of orchid which grows here and flowers all year round.
The ruins comprise magnificent agricultural terraces set in an impressive location. There are also many buildings of good quality stonework and a sequence of 10 baths, suggesting that the site was probably a religious centre associated with the worship of water. Ritual cleansing may have taken place here for pilgrims on the final leg of the trail to Machu Picchu.
Day 4
The trail from Wiñay Wayna to Machu Picchu is clearly marked and takes about 1½ hours. We'll wake early at 4.30am, have breakfast and set off on the trail to get to Machu Picchu before sunrise. The first rays of the sun reach Machu Picchu at about 7am. The trail contours round the mountainside through cloudforest before coming to an almost vertical flight of 50 steps leading up to the final pass at Intipunku (Sun Gate).
Suddenly the whole of Machu Picchu is spread out before you in all its glory - a fantastic sight for all.
When you arrive at the ruins you have plenty of time to take photos of Machu Picchu from the classic view point. We then descend to the main entrance where you can safely leave your large backpacks. You can also go to the toilet and have a quick coffee in the restaurant just outside the entrance.
Explore the ruins
With just your daypack on the group will re-enter the ruins with the guide for a complete tour of the major sectors. The tour takes about 2 hours so by mid-morning you will be free to explore the ruins alone.
The train back to Cusco departs from Aguas Calientes which is the nearest village to the ruins of Machu Picchu. The train departs at approximately 16:30 (time can vary) and you'll arrive back in Cusco for about 21:00. We include the tourist bus from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes, the backpackers train back to Cusco and a transfer from the station to you hotel.
We suggest that after visiting Machu Picchu that you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes at 15:30 at the latest (assuming train departs at 16:30). Buses depart every 15 minutes. Check with the guide for actual times.
This leaves you plenty of time at the ruins to climb Wayna Picchu (the mountain that you see in the background). It takes about 1 hour to climb and 40 minutes to get back down. You can of course leave the ruins earlier and go to Aguas Calientes for lunch (there is only one restaurant at the ruins and it is very expensive). There are many small restaurants in Aguas Calientes to satisfy all budgets. You may also wish to pay a visit to the town's thermal springs which feel great after finishing the trail (remember your swim suit).
Included Services
Pick up from your hotel in the morning, private bus to the start of the trail, Inca Trail & Machu Picchu entrance fees, English speaking professional guide (two guides for groups over 10 people), dome tents - 2 people per tent with plenty of space for your backpacks, foam mat, cooking equipment, cook, meals (3B,3L,3D) - food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking, hot drinks including coca leaf tea which is excellent for the altitude, afternoon tea every day (tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn), porters (to carry the tents, food, and cooking equipment), dining tent and toilet tent, accommodation for the porters and cooks, first aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle, bus from Machu Picchu ruins down to the village of Aguas Calientes, return ticket on tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco,
transfer from the train station to your hotel.
Not Included
Breakfast on the first morning, lunch and dinner on day 4, entrance to the thermal springs in Aguas Calientes US$ 4, sleeping bags - they can be hired in our Cusco office.
Please note:
Our INCA TRAIL trek includes extra porters to help carry your personal items such as clothes, sleeping bag etc.
An extra night in Aguas Calientes can easily be arranged for you if required. Hotels costs and costs associated with returning to Machu Picchu the second day are additional.
We can provide vegetarian meals – please advise when booking.
NOTE: We have a variety of treks and tours in the Cusco, Inca Trail and Machu Picchu area.
5 days - explore Cusco and take the train to Machu Picchu.
7 days - explore Cusco and trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
4 days - Inca Trail trek (please book at least 3-4 months in advance).
1 day or 2 days - visit Machu Picchu by train.
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