Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days

The 4-day Inca Trail is the most famous trek in Peru. It is a 4-day hike on the ancient Inca trail that led to Machu Picchu. It includes Andean landscapes, hidden ruins, high mountain passes, and ends with the entrance to Machu Picchu through the Inti Punku (Sun Gate). It is a unique experience that combines adventure, history, and nature.

The Classic Inca Trail is the original Inca Trail route: 4 days, 3 nights of camping, over 40 km (25 miles) of hiking, and direct access to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. It is the most sought-after because it follows the trail built by the Incas over 500 years ago. There is no other like it.

Pick-ups are made directly from your hotel in Cusco, provided it is located in the historic center. The pick-up time depends on the type of tour you book. For tours that include an early train or the Inca Trail, departure is usually between 3:30 am and 4:30 am. For city tours or visits to the Sacred Valley, pick-up is between 7:00 am and 8:00 am. Your guide or coordinator will confirm the exact time with you one day before the tour. It is important that you are ready at least 10 minutes early so as not to delay the group.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu includes: transportation from Cusco, a professional bilingual guide, the official entrance to Machu Picchu, all meals (3 meals per day), camping equipment (tents, sleeping pads), a kitchen crew, assistants, and mules to carry the equipment. You only carry your personal backpack with the essentials.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the English name for the “Camino Inca hacia Machu Picchu.” It is the same 4-day trek that starts at Km 82 and ends at the citadel. It is one of the most popular hikes in the world and requires an official permit months in advance.

The 4-day Inca Trail tour is a complete experience: you not only hike, but you do it with everything organized. It includes a guide, food, tents, a sleeping bag (optional), entrance tickets, transportation, and medical support. It is ideal if you want to do the trek without worrying about the details.

The Inca Trail permit can only be processed by an authorized tourism agency. The Peruvian government does not sell tickets directly to tourists. There are only 200 daily spots for foreigners, and they sell out quickly, especially from May to September. We manage it for you at the time of booking.

The best season for the Inca Trail is from May to October. It is the dry season, with sunny days and clear views. This is when the most tourists go, so you must book 4–6 months in advance. From November to April there is more rain, but fewer people and greener landscapes.

Yes, you can climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, but you must reserve the ticket well in advance because spaces are very limited. Huayna Picchu Mountain is the most requested, with only 400 people allowed per day. It is a steep hike of approximately one hour, but with a stunning view of Machu Picchu from above. Machu Picchu Mountain is less crowded, a bit longer, and offers panoramic views of the valley. Both options require a reservation 4 to 6 months in advance, especially during the high season.

For what to bring on the Inca Trail, you need: comfortable clothing in layers (t-shirt, fleece, waterproof jacket), trekking shoes, a small backpack, a hat, sunscreen, 2 liters of water, snacks, a flashlight, toilet paper, a personal first-aid kit, and your documents. Everything else (tent, food, guide) is included in the tour.

The entrance hours for Machu Picchu are divided into several time slots to control visitor flow and protect the site. The most popular slots are the first ones, starting from 6:00 am. You can enter in time groups such as 6:00 to 7:00 am, 7:00 to 8:00 am, 8:00 to 9:00 am, and so on until 2:00 pm. Your guide will coordinate the entry time according to your tour. Entering early allows you to enjoy Machu Picchu with fewer people and better light conditions for photos.

If you feel sick during the tour, the most important thing is to notify your guide immediately. All our teams are trained to handle basic health situations. We carry emergency oxygen, a first-aid kit, and have contacts with clinics in Cusco, Ollantaytambo, and Aguas Calientes. If the discomfort is due to altitude or fatigue, we can help you rest, descend, or arrange transportation with support. If you take personal medication, bring it with you. We also recommend traveling with travel insurance that covers medical care.

We offer both group tours and private tours, so you can choose the one that best suits your travel style. Group tours are with small groups, usually up to 8 or 10 people, which allows for a more intimate experience and the chance to meet other travelers. They are ideal if you are looking for a more economical option. Private tours are exclusive for you, your family, or your friends, with a dedicated guide and flexible schedules. You can choose this option at the time of booking, depending on your budget and preferences.

Yes, there are alternatives to the Inca Trail such as the Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, or Choquequirao. These are options that don’t require an official permit, have fewer tourists, and offer different landscapes. But none of them involve walking into Machu Picchu via the original Inca trail, which is what makes the Classic Inca Trail unique.

Altitude sickness, also known as soroche, occurs when the body does not adapt quickly to the altitude. Cusco is at 3,400 meters (11,155 feet) above sea level, and this can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, or lack of energy. To avoid it, it is key to spend 1 or 2 days in Cusco before doing any demanding activities. Drink plenty of water, at least 2 or 3 liters per day. Drink coca tea, which helps relieve symptoms. Avoid alcohol, very heavy meals, and intense physical effort in the first few days. If you feel very unwell, rest and let us know; we can help you get medical attention.

The weather in Cusco and Machu Picchu can vary a lot during the day. In Cusco, days are usually sunny with pleasant temperatures between 18 and 20°C (64-68°F), but nights are cold, between 0 and 8°C (32-46°F). The dry season runs from May to October, ideal for visiting. In Machu Picchu, the climate is warmer and more humid, with temperatures between 15 and 25°C (59-77°F), but it can rain at any time, even in the dry season. We always recommend bringing a waterproof jacket, sunscreen, and a hat, because the sun at high altitude is very strong.

The fastest and most comfortable way to get to Cusco is by plane. From Lima, the flight takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. There are direct flights from other Peruvian cities like Arequipa or Juliaca, and also from international destinations like the United States, Spain, or Chile. The Cusco airport is about 20 minutes from the center. Another option is to arrive by bus from Puno or Arequipa, but it takes several hours and can be tiring due to the altitude. Once you arrive in Cusco, we will take care of the pick-up from your hotel.