Classic Inca Trail 4 Days 3 Nights

Four days of hiking on the original Inca Trail: Dead Woman’s Pass at over 4,200 meters, ancient ruins along the way, nights in tents, and arrival at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate at sunrise.

The Classic Inca Trail is one of the most famous treks in the world, following the original Inca stone road all the way to Machu Picchu. Day one starts at Km 82 (Piscacucho), crosses the Vilcanota River, and passes the Huillca Raccay and Llactapata ruins on the way to the first campsite. Day two is the toughest: a long climb to Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusqa, approx. 4,215m), the highest point on the trail, followed by a descent to the second campsite. On day three, trekkers cross a third pass near Phuyupatamarca, the “City Above the Clouds”, descend stone steps through the cloud forest, and pass the Intipata ruins on the way to the campsite near Wiñay Wayna. On day four, trekkers wake before dawn, wait for the checkpoint gate to open, and reach the Sun Gate at sunrise. From there, they descend to the citadel for a guided tour of about two hours, and return to Cusco in the afternoon by train and transfer.

Trip details:

Total distance: approx. 44 km (12 + 16 + 10 + 6)
Highest point: Dead Woman’s Pass, approx. 4,215m
Difficulty: moderate to challenging
Recommendation: 2–3 days of acclimatization in Cusco and basic walking fitness
Accommodation: tents, with porters accompanying the group
The trail is closed in February

Day 1: Cusco → Km 82 → Wayllabamba

Morning hotel pickup in Cusco and transfer to Piscacucho (Km 82)
Checkpoint at the trail entrance and crossing of the Vilcanota River
Hike of about 12 km, approx. 6 hours, with a gentle climb from approx. 2,700m to approx. 3,000m
Lunch on the trail, dinner and overnight in tents

Day 2: Dead Woman's Pass (the hardest day)

Early breakfast
Climb to Warmiwañusqa Pass (approx. 4,215m), passing the Runkurakay ruins (approx. 4,000m)
Descent to Pacaymayu, lunch, then a further descent to the Chaqui Qocha campsite (approx. 3,550m)
Approx. 16 km, about 9 hours
The coldest night on the trail, around 4°C

Day 3: Phuyupatamarca → Wiñay Wayna

Climb to the third pass (approx. 3,680m) and the Phuyupatamarca ruins, the "City Above the Clouds"
Descent on stone steps through the cloud forest, with a stop at the Intipata ruins
Approx. 10 km, about 4–5 hours
Overnight at the Wiñay Wayna campsite (approx. 2,680m)

Day 4: Sun Gate → Machu Picchu → Cusco

Wake-up around 3:30 AM and wait at the checkpoint, which opens around 5:30 AM
Arrival at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) around 6:00 AM, with a view over Machu Picchu
Descent to the citadel (approx. 2,400m)
Guided tour of about two hours
Bus down to Aguas Calientes, train back to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco (evening arrival)
Approx. 6 km, about 3–4 hours of walking

What's Included:

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco
Transfer to the trailhead
Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entrance ticket
Licensed guide, cook and porters
Tents (two people per tent) with foam mattresses, dining tent and toilet tent
All meals from day 1 through breakfast on day 4, including snacks and tea
Boiled drinking water
Duffel bag for belongings (up to approx. 7 kg)
First aid kit and oxygen
Bus down from Machu Picchu, return train and transfer to Cusco

What's Not Included:

Final lunch in Aguas Calientes
Sleeping bag (rated to approx. -15°C), air mattress and trekking poles, available for rent
Tips for the crew
Personal expenses and travel insurance

Good to Know:

Trail permits are limited in number and sell out months in advance, especially between June and August. Passport details must match the booking exactly, and permits are non-transferable.

What to Bring:

Original passport (the name must match the booking)
Daypack (30–50L) with 2–3 liters of water
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Headlamp
Warm layers
Rain gear
Hat and gloves
Snacks
Camera
Toilet paper

In the duffel bag:

Spare shirts
Hiking pants
Underwear and socks
Fleece or thermals
Warm jacket
Waterproof gloves
Camp shoes
Towel
Toiletries