Álvaro Mella
1 year ago
The 4-Day Classic Inca Trail is the most famous hiking route in South America and the only one that allows you to walk through the original stone-paved trails built by the Incas to directly enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Intipunku). Spanning 43 kilometers, this elite expedition crosses spectacular mountain passes up to 4,215 m (Dead Woman’s Pass), descends into the lush cloud forest, and explores enigmatic archaeological sites like Wiñay Wayna and Phuyupatamarca, culminating in a breathtaking sunrise view of the sacred citadel.
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.
Join our expert guides and dedicated team of porters on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Andes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
