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Please note that the Inca Trail permit is subject to ticket availability. We therefore strongly recommend booking your Inca Trail trekking tour at least four months in advance. Alternatively, we can arrange the Salkantay or Lares treks, which also lead to Machu Picchu and don't require a permit.
To secure your Inca Trail booking, a non-refundable deposit of USD 250 is required. Neither the date nor the ticket holder's name can be changed.
A unique trek: an unforgettable experience!
Designed by the Incas over 500 years ago, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous trekking routes in the world! It begins in the Sacred Valley and ends deep in the rainforest. The route crosses several climate zones with varied, lush vegetation.
11 km on foot – Minimum altitude 2,700 meters / Maximum altitude 3,100 meters
Your guide will pick you up at your Cusco hotel around 5:00-5:30 a.m. (later if you've booked only the 4-day trek and your hotel is in the Sacred Valley). Private transfer.
Drive to Pisqacucho (also known as Kilometer 82), where the trail begins. At Kilometer 82, you'll need to show your tickets, passport, and student card (if paying a student rate). Crossing the Urubamba River, the trek begins through an area covered by fairly dry forest. The trail then continues for another 6 km before reaching Llactapata, the first archaeological site on our route. After lunch, another 4 km, slightly uphill, crossing various agricultural fields to reach the Wayllabamba camp.
11 km on foot / Minimum altitude 3,100 meters / Maximum altitude 4,220 meters
This section of the trek is the most demanding. An early wake-up and departure along a trail, leaving small villages and farmland behind before entering subtropical forest and arriving at Llulluchapampa for lunch. From here, a steep climb begins toward Dead Woman's Pass, the highest point at 4,220 meters. Reaching the summit will give you an incredible feeling of achievement. You'll then descend 600 meters over more than 3 km through very humid forest to the Pacaymayo campsite, where you'll spend the night.
16 km on foot / Minimum altitude 2,670 meters / Maximum altitude 3,950 meters
After breakfast, you'll begin descending toward the second most important pass on the route, at 3,850 meters. The ascent includes a guided visit to the archaeological complex of Runkurakay and the Inca citadel of Sayacmarca, where lunch will be served.
You'll then continue toward Phuyupatamarka (a town wrapped in clouds), an important archaeological monument. After a short break, the hike continues to Wiñay Huayna ("Forever Young") for a guided visit. This is a major archaeological site with a spectacular view. Dinner and overnight at camp.
Once again, an early departure at dawn for Machu Picchu to arrive in time at Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. From here you'll enjoy a stunning panoramic view.
Upon arriving at Machu Picchu you'll feel a surreal atmosphere, with the sanctuary wrapped in clouds as the sky gradually clears. After this unforgettable sight, you'll tour the citadel for about two and a half hours as your guide tells you about the secrets and architecture of the Lost City of the Incas. Climbing enthusiasts can take on Huayna Picchu. The ascent takes 45 minutes and rewards you with one of the finest views of Machu Picchu. As of this year, new rules require purchasing an extra ticket. After the visit, you're free to explore Machu Picchu on your own before heading back to Aguas Calientes by bus or on foot, from where you'll take the train to Ollantaytambo for the transfer to your hotel.
IMPORTANT: To book, it is mandatory to provide all the traveler's passport details, and the entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary must be paid in full. Rules limit the Inca Trail to a maximum of 500 people per day. You'll therefore need to provide a scanned copy of your passport and pay a non-refundable deposit of USD 450. The booking will only be confirmed once the entrance ticket has been purchased. It's important to report any passport changes promptly to avoid losing your booking. Your passport must be carried with you at all times during the Inca Trail.
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