Permits for this trail are strictly limited to 500 people per day (including guides and porters) by the Peruvian government, meaning booking 5 to 6 months in advance is absolutely essential. If permits are sold out for your desired dates, the Salkantay Trek 5 Days is the best premium alternative, or you can opt for the Short Inca Trail 2 Days.
Join our expert guides and dedicated team of porters on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Andes.
| FEATURE | CLASSIC INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS | SHORT INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS |
|---|---|---|
| Duration & Distance | 4 Days / 3 Nights — 33 km (20.5 mi) full mountain hike | 2 Days / 1 Night — 12 km (7.5 mi) smooth express hike |
| Highest Pass & Highlights | Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,828 ft), Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca & Wiñaywayna | Wiñaywayna archaeological site & direct entry via Sun Gate (Inti Punku) |
| Accommodation | 3 Nights in High-mountain camping tents (comfortable & safe) at SERNANP camps | 1 Night in 3★ Hotel in Aguas Calientes (private bath & Wi-Fi) |
| Permits & Booking | Must book 4 to 6 months in advance (strict 500 slots/day limit) | Must book 2 to 3 months in advance (250 slots/day limit) |
🚶♂️ Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
⏱️ Estimated Time: 5 to 6 hours
⛰️ Max / Min Altitude: 3,000 m (Huayllabamba) / 2,600 m (Km 82)
🍽️ Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
We pick you up at 5:30 a.m. from your hotel in Cusco and travel by private transport to Km 82 (official start). We begin the hike crossing the Urubamba River until we spot the imposing archaeological site of Patallacta (2,650 m) for a guided explanation. We continue ascending gradually alongside the Cusichaca River to the Andean community of Huayllabamba (3,000 m) to dine and rest in our camp.
🚶♂️ Hiking Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
⏱️ Estimated Time: 7 to 8 hours
⛰️ Max / Min Altitude: 4,215 m (Warmiwañusqa) / 3,000 m (Huayllabamba)
🍽️ Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
This is the most demanding day. After an energetic breakfast, we begin a steep ascent through the Llulluchapampa cloud forest to conquer the highest point of the trail: the Warmiwañusqa Pass (Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,215 meters. After celebrating this achievement and taking panoramic photos, we begin a steep descent into the Pacaymayo valley (3,600 m) where our camp awaits with a comforting lunch and well-deserved rest.
🚶♂️ Hiking Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
⏱️ Estimated Time: 8 to 9 hours
⛰️ Max / Min Altitude: 3,950 m (Runkuraqay Pass) / 2,650 m (Wiñay Wayna)
🍽️ Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
The longest but most culturally rich day. We cross the second pass, Runkuraqay (3,950 m), and descend to explore the ruins of Sayacmarca and the impressive semi-circular complex of Phuyupatamarca (Town in the Clouds). As we enter the lush tropical jungle edge, we arrive at our final and most spectacular camp: Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young) at 2,650 m, where we will bid farewell to our team of porters.
🚶♂️ Hiking Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
⏱️ Estimated Time: 2 hours to Intipunku + 2 hours guided tour
⛰️ Max / Min Altitude: 2,730 m (Intipunku) / 2,430 m (Machu Picchu)
🍽️ Meals Included: Breakfast
We wake up at 4:00 a.m. to be the first to cross the control point. We walk for 2 hours towards the Sun Gate (Intipunku) to witness the magical sunrise over the citadel. We then descend into Machu Picchu for an exclusive 2-hour guided tour exploring the most important temples. In the afternoon, you will descend to Aguas Calientes to take the classic train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transport to your hotel in Cusco.
Important details for the Classic Inca Trail tour:
Cusco
6:00 am
Due to the demand of this tour and at the request of UNESCO, the Peruvian government has limited access to 500 people per day among tourists and staff (guides, cooks and porters). For those interested in making the classic Inca Trail between the months of March and November, it is recommended to make a reservation up to 6 months in advance due to the high demand.
Prachtige 4-daagse Inca Trail gehad! De tweede dag was loodzwaar door de hoogte, maar de uitzichten zijn echt bizar mooi. Zeker een aanrader!
El Camino Inca es algo único. Yo fui con mi hermana y las dos quedamos fascinadas.
Tuve un percance porque el bastón que alquilé estaba un poco flojo, pero me lo cambiaron al toque y sin hacer problema.
Eso suma muchísimo. Muy feliz con todo el servicio.
Mi experiencia fue muy buena. La agencia respondió cada duda que tuve antes del viaje, y durante la ruta los guías fueron responsables y tranquilos.
Lo único que podría decir es que el clima estuvo algo pesado el tercer día, pero nada que arruinara el tour.
Hice el tour con dos colegas del trabajo. La organización fue bastante correcta, sin lujos, pero eficiente.
El segundo día fue más duro de lo que esperaba, pero el guía sabía manejar al grupo y eso ayudó.
No soy muy de dejar reseñas, pero este servicio sí lo merece.
Una pasada. Lo mejor no es solo llegar a Machu Picchu, sino los sitios arqueológicos que ves durante los 4 días y que nadie más ve. Wiñay Wayna es espectacular.
El guía Ronaldo explicaba la historia con una pasión que te engancha. Tuvimos suerte con el clima, aunque llovió un poco el tercer día (el poncho que te dan es bastante bueno). Si estáis dudando, hacedlo. Es duro pero brutal.
