Today the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - which, as part of the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary, has been designated a World Heritage natural and cultural site is the most important and most popular hiking trail in South America, followed by many thousands of ecotourists and modern-day pilgrims in the past 3 decades. Its extreme popularity in recent years -- more than 75,000 people a year hike the famous trail -- has led to concerns among environmentalists and historians that the trail is suffering potentially irreparable degradation.
The National Institute of Culture (INC) and the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Integration, and International Trade (MITINCI), reacting to pressure from groups such as UNESCO (which threatened to rescind Machu Picchu's World Heritage Site status), instituted far-reaching changes in practices designed to limit the number of visitors and damage to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, though these alone may not be enough to forestall the trail's damage.
Preparing with us your Inca Trail Experience
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days route is along hand-hewn stone stairs and trails through sumptuous mountain scenery and amazing cloud forest, past rushing rivers and dozens of Inca ruins. The zone is inhabited by rare orchids, 419 species of birds, and even the indigenous spectacled bear. The trek begins at Qorihuayrachina near Ollantaytambo- more easily described as Km 88 of the railway from Cusco to Aguas Calientes. The 43 km (26-mile) route passes three formidable mountain passes, including the punishing "Dead Woman's Pass", to a maximum altitude of 4,200m (13,800 ft.). Most groups enter the ruins of Machu Picchu at sunrise on the fourth day, although others, whose members are less keen on rising at 3:30am to do it, trickle in throughout the morning.
Hiking the Classic Inca Trail is one of a lifetime experiences, hiking the passage that the Incas walked. People come from all over the world, not only to visit the spectacular Machu Picchu but to hike the renowned Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the most famous trek in South America. Enjoy the wondrous, changing landscapes and scenery like mountains, cloud forest rich in flora and fauna. Be in awe and thrilled every step of the way visiting archeological sites and much more on route to the acclaimed Sanctuary of Machu Picchu to finally bask in its beauty and magic.
6:mm am, early morning departure from Cusco to Piscacucho (2,663mt./8,735ft.) by bus. The trail meanders easily alongside the river with views of snow-capped peaks before reaching the ruins of Llaqtapata. There are views of the Urubamba mountain range and its most spectacular peak, Veronica (5,832mt./19,128ft). Campsite is at Huayllabamba (2,928mt./9,606ft).
Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
Today will be the most strenuous part of the trek going up to Llulluchapampa where the hike becomes truly spectacular with scenery that more than compensates for the effort. Vegetation thins and the day warms on the approach to the highest point of the trail - Warmiwañusqa Pass (4,236mt./13,894ft). Camp on the Pacaymayo Valley (3,526mt./11,566ft).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
The group climbs an Inca stairway to Runkurakay and begins the final push to the Runkurakay pass (3,962mt / 12,996ft.). After visiting the impressive ruins of Sayacmarca (3,657mt. / 11,998ft.), continue on to the Phuyupatamarca Ruins (3521mt. / 11,552ft). The trail becomes increasingly more dramatic as it leads down to the next campsite at Wiñaywayna.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning arrival to the spectacular Machu Picchu. After a professional guided tour, catch a bus to Aguas Calientes where the group boards a train for Cusco; a journey winding through the beautiful Urubamba River Valley. Transport to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Optional: If you would like to spend an extra day in Machu Picchu, please let us know so we can change the date on your return train ticket to Cusco. Inka Trail Expeditions Perú can provide a guide and hotel for the extra day at an additional cost. Please be aware that you will have to pay for a second day entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu Inca City.
End of our Services
For availability of spaces for this service, please contact us info@salkantaytrek.org and we`ll send you detailed information, prices, terms and conditions.
Please keep in mind that significant price reductions are available for groups. All our tours are fully guaranteed, departure every day. Contact us for more information for the tour that you are choosing, or to begin customizing your own itinerary. recommendations:
" Inka Trail Expeditions Perú is a tour operator travel agency in Peru and the city of Cusco, We really know what we do and offer, We are well managed, with several offices in Peru and a long list of travel destinations , offering all travel alternatives in Perú, from family trips, honeymoon trips and luxury travel, including adventure tours and exploring trips to the jungle, for almost any budget”
NOTE: Inka Trail Expeditions Perú, specializes in organizing the ideal travel plan to Peru, with hotels and destinations that you choose, because we have all confidential and promotional rates. For guidance on how to organize your custom package. Please write us.
4 Days / 3 Nights
Every day of the year (please check availability in our groups).
1950 - 4236m. / 6398 - 13894 f.
Cusco, Piscacucho (Km 82), Patallacta, Wayllabamba, Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman Pass), Pacaymayuc, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Wiñayhuayna, Inti Punki (Sun Gate), Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes, Cusco.
- Daily departures are available along the year, the recommended period for this trek is April to October.
- All private service departure dates are adapted to your request any day you choose.
Small groups 10 – 16 people maximun. Average 12 people.
The world opens up a little more for a small group, We have the freedom to move around
due to the altitude of the highest point in Warmiwañusqa Pass (4,236mt / 13,894ft) we recommend a period of at least 2 days for acclimatization in Cusco at 3350m/9840ft.
Vegetarian option at no extra cost. Check our regular menú
DAY 1: easy
DAY 2: challenge
DAY 3: moderate
DAY 4: easy
Get 5% off online all our tours if you book until of December 31st, 2024
5/5 stars
We did the 4D, 3 nights Inca Trail with Jorge the first week of December 2024. The tour was incredible with beautiful views along the way and of course a worthwhile final destination. The Inca Trail team was great and our guide was very knowledgeable the only thing to note was that we wish that the...
5/5 stars
I recently completed the 4-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, and it was an absolutely flawless experience from start to finish. The communication with the company ITEP beforehand was outstanding—every question was answered promptly and clearly, which gave me a lot of confidence heading into the...
5/5 stars
An experience not to be missed. The challenges and beauty of the Inca Trail were enhanced by our guide Iza. Her patience as well as her gentle and encouraging manner were such a blessing during our more trying moments. Her keen eye for the beauty of nature was a gift on this once in a lifetime trek....
