The Classic Inca Trail

4 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
View all 9 photos
Video not provided by operator
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
97%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Small Group Tour
Join the famous Inca Trail on this 4-day journey to Machu Picchu; ranked among the world's best hikes. You’ll cross the most impressive archaeological sites only accessible by foot, such as Runkurakay and Wiñay Wayna, and combine them with the stunning Andean scenery and the lush high-jungle valleys. A challenge rewarded by superb views when you reach the Sun...
26% OFF
$932
From$690
See departure dates

Member Savings

Save up to $700!

Sign in to see which companies give additional
savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)

Unlock Savings

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Wheelchair Accessible
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Enjoy 4 days and 3 nights on the original Inca Path
    • Small-group journey led by a high-rated Guide
    • Watch stunning ancient sites and cross the famous Dead Woman Pass.
    • Enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, only reserved for the Inca Trail hikers
    • Explore the Inca Citadel, Machu Picchu, listening to all about its key and fun facts.
    • Sleep in comfortable campsites, protected by imposing mountains and luscious green hills

What's this trip about?

    Join the famous Inca Trail on this 4-day journey to Machu Picchu; ranked among the world's best hikes. You’ll cross the most impressive archaeological sites only accessible by foot, such as Runkurakay and Wiñay Wayna, and combine them with the stunning Andean scenery and the lush high-jungle valleys. A challenge rewarded by superb views when you reach the Sun Gate or Inti Punku to marvel at Machu Picchu for the first time.

Compare to similar trips

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age range14 years and up
Flights and transport
Start CityCusco
End CityCusco

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Hiking & Walking
  • Education / Learning
  • Photography
  • National Parks
  • High Adventure
  • Trekking & Expeditions
  • Climbing & Mountaineering

Destinations

Activities

  • Adventure & Adrenaline
  • Culture
  • Hiking
  • History
  • Nature
  • Photography
  • Ruins & Archaeology
  • Trekking

Trip includes

    • Pre-departure briefing
    • Small-group tour for up to 10 people
    • Licensed bilingual Guide
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • All transportation and transfers throughout the tour
    • All Camping Accommodation and Equipment (3 nights in high-quality tents for 2 people)
    • Cook, dining tent, and chairs
    • Porters to carry all camping equipment
    • Duffle bag for personal items (up to 7Kg carried by porters)
    • Extras: Bag cover and rain poncho
    • Meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners (open to dietary restrictions)
    • Water and snacks on the trail
    • Tourist Class return train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytmbo
    • All entrance fees (Inca Trail & Machu Picchu)
    • Safety: First aid kit, oxygen supply, and emergency satellite phones

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map
Day 1  Cusco - Piscacucho (KM 82) - Canabamba - Llactapata - Ayapata  Begin with an early pick-up at your hotel in Cusco (3:40 to 4:00 am). You’ll join our Guide on a 2.5-hour drive to the famous trailhead of Km 82. We stop for breakfast at Ollantaytambo and continue to meet the trek crew at the control point. Today’s journey starts on a relatively easy 2-hour hike across the rolling hills to Wilkarakay to see the first Inca site: Llactapata, with stunning views of Veronica Mountain and the Vilcanota River valley. As for lunch, you’ll enjoy a meal on the spot and amidst the mountains at Tarayoc. The last leg is a 3.5-hour hike to the first campsite, Ayapata, where you’ll spend the night. Sip on a drink, grab some snacks, or simply take in the tranquil atmosphere! You’ll dine at around 7:00 pm before heading to bed and preparing for tomorrow’s trek.

Meals
: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Accommodation
: Camp

Difficulty
: Moderate

Walking Distance
: 14 km / 8.7 mi

Walking Time
: 6 to 7 hours

Starting Elevation
: 2,700 m / 8,858 ft

Highest Elevation (Campsite)
: 3,300 m / 10,827 ft

Day 2 

Ayapata - Dead Woman’s Pass - Pacaymayu – Runkurakay Pass – Sayacmarca - Chaquicocha

Today is the most challenging day, as you'll walk up to the trail's highest point, the Dead Woman's Pass (4,215 m / 13,829 ft.) The hike is abo...

Meals
: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Accommodation
: Camp

Difficulty
: Challenging

Walking Distance
: 16 km / 9.94 mi

Walking Time
: 8 to 9 hours

Highest Elevation
: 4,215 m / 13,829 ft

Campsite Elevation
: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft

Day 3

Chaquiqocha - Phuyupatamarka - Intipata - Wiñay Wayna 

After the toughest day, today is filled with mind-blowing views and Inca sites. You'll hike through the lush upper jungle while looking at the Salkantay glacier and the Vilca...

Meals
: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Accommodation
: Camp

Difficulty
: Moderate

Walking Distance
: 9 km / 5.59 mi

Walking Time
: 4 to 5 hours

Highest Elevation
: 3,650 m / 11,975 ft

Campsite Elevation
: 2,650 m / 8,694 ft

Day 4

Wiñay Wayna - Sun Gate - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - Cusco 

Today is the final journey to Machu Picchu. You'll wake at around 3:30 am to beat other hikers and reach the Inca Citadel. You'll walk for about 2 hours to the Sun G...

Meals
: Breakfast

Difficulty
: Moderate

Walking Distance to Machu Picchu
: 5 km / 3.11 mi

Walking Time in Machu Picchu
: 2 to 3 hours

Highest Elevation
: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft

Machu Picchu Site Elevation
: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $690
Price per day$173
Last Updated: 2/23/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Salkantay Trekking.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Salkantay Trekking Reviews & Ratings

4.9/5  Excellent
Excellent
228
Great
3
Average
3
Disappointing
1
Terrible
3
Write a Review

Other Salkantay Trekking Reviews

E

Ebbe Abildgaard Rotbøl

Feb 2025

Written on

Amazing Guide

Marco from Salkantay Trekking was an excellent tour guide. He exceeded all our expectations and more. He did everything he could to help with his expertise and make ...

M

Mhike

Jan 2025

Written on

5/5. Exceptional from start to finish

Impeccable service. Highly recommend. Don’t hesitate to book.

S

Sebastian Galip

Dec 2024

Written on

acompañamiento total

todo fue tal cual lo contratado y varios aspectos superaron mis expectativas

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

What's excluded

    • Sleeping bag, walking sticks, inflatable mattress (available for rent)
    • Meals not indicated
    • Huayna Picchu Montain Ticket
    • Travel Insurance
    • Gratuities for the staff (Optional)

Accommodation

  • 3 Nights of camping with standard facilities
  • 1 Night in a 3-star hotel
Guides
Local Guide(s). Our Tour Guides are professionally trained and certified. We choose them for their experience, responsibility, unbridled passion for exploring, and pride in sharing our culture and history. In every experience, they will keep you safe and comfortable so you can enjoy your time worry-free.
Requirements
,Solo travelers are welcome on this trip. We assign them a group on a date that has reached the minimum number of travelers. The single supplement price is given on request.
Cancellation policy
  • Non refundable
  • Amendments of dates and traveler key data may incur extra fees. These are determined according to the days prior the tour
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • 4 breaskfasts
  • 3 lunches
  • 3 dinners
  • Daily snacks and drinks on the trail
Age Requirements
14 years and up
Elders or people who suffer from any heart dissease or has a medical restriction should not take this activity
Optional Activities
[object Object]
Additional Information
[object Object]
Trip ID
salkan-ClnTr

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!