Short Inca Trail
Starting from US$ 720 per person BOOK NOW Challenging 4 Days Up to 12 All weather
- Challenging
- 4 Days
- Up to 12
- All weather
Classic 4-Day Tour
The Inca Trail is a legendary trek that follows the ancient Incan path, leading to the iconic Machu Picchu. Renowned as one of the world’s top hiking routes, it offers a unique blend of breathtaking natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
Journey through diverse ecosystems, from Andean mountains to cloud forests, exploring hidden archaeological sites along the way. The trek concludes with a breathtaking sunrise at Machu Picchu’s Sun Gate. Book the Inca Trail tour up to 6 months in advance during peak season.
Trip Itinerary
DAY 01 - Cusco - Piscacucho (Km82) Huayllabamba
On the first day of the Inca Trail we will pick you up at your respective hotels around 7:00 am. We arrive at Km. 82, where the trek will begin, and after passing the control, we will walk for about 3 hrs, or until we reach the archaeological complex of Llactapata.
Along the way we will have the opportunity to see different archaeological sites, as well as interesting fauna and flora. From this point you can also see the snowy Veronica mountain. Close to Llactapata we will have lunch and then we will walk for about 30 min. more to finally reach the isolated community of Huayllabamba, where we will arrive at around 5.30 pm. At this point we will camp and have dinner around 7 pm.
Includes: lunch and dinner
Maximum height: 2.954 m.s.n.m. / 9694 ft
Minimum height: 2,670 m.s.n.m. / 8761 ft
Height camp: 2.954 m.s.n.m. / 9694 ft
Distance traveled: 12.00 km / 7.47 ml
Approximate walking time: 5 – 6 hours.
Includes: lunch and dinner
Maximum height: 2.954 m.s.n.m. / 9694 ft
Minimum height: 2,670 m.s.n.m. / 8761 ft
Height camp: 2.954 m.s.n.m. / 9694 ft
Distance traveled: 12.00 km / 7.47 ml
Approximate walking time: 5 – 6 hours.
DAY 02 - Huayllabamba - Warmiwañusca - Pacaymayo
Surrounded by birds and other exuberant nature will be the perfect setting to enjoy our breakfast. Then we will continue along the Inca trail ascending for about 4 hrs to the highest point (Warmiwañusca 4,200 m.s.), from where we will have the best panoramic views and we will have the opportunity to observe different ecosystems that go from the dry puna to the high jungle. Around 2 pm, after lunch the group will descend for about 3 hrs until reaching the Pacayamayo valley. In this journey of the Inca Trail we will pass through ancient stone paths, tunnels and wooden bridges. We will camp and have dinner near the river.
Includes: lunch and dinner
Maximum Height: 3974 masl / 13039 ft
Minimum height: 2729 m / 8954 ft
Camp Height: 2650 masl / 8692
Distance Traveled: 16.00 km / 9.94 ml
Approximate Walking Time: 8 hours
Includes: lunch and dinner
Maximum Height: 3974 masl / 13039 ft
Minimum height: 2729 m / 8954 ft
Camp Height: 2650 masl / 8692
Distance Traveled: 16.00 km / 9.94 ml
Approximate Walking Time: 8 hours
Day 03 - Pacaymayo - Puyapatamarka - Wiñayhuayna
After breakfast, we will continue descending for 45 min along the Inca trail. We will explore the archaeological complex of Runkurakay and the Inca city of Sayacmarca, and if we are lucky we could run into some Andean deer and foxes. Later we will go to the town of Puya Patamarka, where we will enjoy a delicious typical lunch and after a break the group will continue walking for 2 hrs approx. until we reach the impressive archaeological complex of Wiñay Huayna and we will camp nearby. Around 7 pm. We will have dinner and enjoy a night full of stars.
Includes: lunch and dinner
Maximum Height: 3974 masl / 13039 ft
Minimum height: 2729 m / 8954 ft
Camp Height: 2650 masl / 8692
Distance Traveled: 16.00 km / 9.94 ml
Approximate Walking Time: 8 hours
Includes: lunch and dinner
Maximum Height: 3974 masl / 13039 ft
Minimum height: 2729 m / 8954 ft
Camp Height: 2650 masl / 8692
Distance Traveled: 16.00 km / 9.94 ml
Approximate Walking Time: 8 hours
DAY 04 - Wiñayhuayna - Machu Picchu - Cusco
Around 5:00 am, on the last day of the Inca Trail, we will have breakfast and then we begin our journey. After 1 hr of trek ascending through the high forest we will arrive at Inti Punku (Puerta del Sol), from where we will have the most impressive view of the sanctuary of Machu Picchu and with a bit of luck we will be able to see the beauty of the sunrise.
After passing the entrance, we will have a guided tour for 2 hours, visiting the main monuments, such as the Main Square, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Solar Clock, the royal rooms, the temple of the Three Windows, among others. After this tour, the group will be able to enjoy the place on their own, always keeping in mind the return time of their train. Later you will go down on foot for about 30 min to the town of Aguas Caliente and then travel by train for 1.45 hr approx. to the town of Ollantaytambo, where the private bus will be waiting to take you back to the city of Cusco. Our Inca Trail tour ends at the main square.
Includes: breakfast
Maximum height: 2,732 m.s.n.m. / 8964 ft
Height Machu Picchu: 2,400 m.s.n.m. / 7872 ft
Distance Traveled: 4.00 km / 2.49 ml
Walking time: 2-3 hours
Includes: breakfast
Maximum height: 2,732 m.s.n.m. / 8964 ft
Height Machu Picchu: 2,400 m.s.n.m. / 7872 ft
Distance Traveled: 4.00 km / 2.49 ml
Walking time: 2-3 hours
Inclusions
Optional
What to Bring
Tips
Inclusions
Included:
- Hotel pickup
- Tent (2 people)
- Sleeping mats
- All meals included
- Experienced official guide
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Round trip transportation to
- Machu Picchu (Train – Bus)
- First aid kit
Not Included:
- Water, snacks, anything else
- Sleeping bag
- Bus Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
- Travel insurance
- Hot springs at Aguas Calientes
- Porter for carrying personal equipment (US$ 160 x 20kg)
- Breakfast on the first day lunch and dinner on the last day
- Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu or Machupicchu Mountain (US$ 70)
Optional
1. Huayna Picchu
Huayna Picchu is the mountain behind Machu Picchu, climbable in 1 hour aprox. While optional, our guide will take you to the entry point. A ticket is required, which we can secure if booked in advance.
Tickets are aligned with your Inca Trail dates. The ticket for Huayna Picchu costs US$ 70.00 per person.
2. Montaña Vieja
Montaña Vieja offers stunning views, even more so than Huayna Picchu, but takes 1.5 hours to reach the top. A ticket is required, which we can secure if booked in advance.
The ticket for Montaña Vieja costs US$ 70.00 per person.
3. Rental Equipment for Inca Trail
A sleeping bag is essential for camping. Our bags are mummy-style, with liners, and protect down to -18ºC (0ºF). Inflatable mattresses and walking sticks (with rubber tips) are optional but recommended.
- Sleeping bag US$ 20
- Walking poles (pair) US$ 15
- inflatable mattress US$ 15
What to Bring
- Valid Passport
- Trekking Clothes (pants, socks, short, t-shirt, jacket)
- Hiking boots or shoes (waterproof)
- Waterproof Jacket and raincoat.
- Hat, sunblock, sunglasses, insect repellent
- Flashlight, camera, batteries, chargers, power bank
- Extra money (soles)
- Personal medication
- Water bottle or CamelBak
- Sleeping bag (-20°C) and Trekking poles
- Medium trekking backpack (25 liter)
- Bathing suit and towel
Tips
Briefing (Informative Meeting)
Join us for a 30-45 minute briefing the evening before your tour at our Cusco office or your hotel. If you can’t make it, please coordinate a different time via email, phone, or in person.
Payment Balance
Please settle any outstanding balance 1 day before your trek to confirm your reservation. Cash payments in USD or Soles are preferred and can be made at our office or during the briefing. ATMs are available nearby. Credit/debit cards or PayPal are accepted with a 5% service fee. Unfortunately, we don’t accept checks.
Can I store my luggage with you?
Yes, you can store your main luggage at our office or your hotel free of charge. For items you won’t need on the trek, check with your hotel—they usually offer storage. Keep valuables in the hotel safe and get a receipt for insurance purposes. For extra security, put valuables in a sealed, signed envelope.
How long should I acclimate in Cusco before the Trek?
To avoid altitude sickness, we suggest arriving in Cusco 2-3 days before your trek. Even if you’ve been at high altitude elsewhere in Peru, it’s best to spend a full day in Cusco to rest and explore before your trek.
Here are some activities to enjoy around Cusco before your adventure begins:
Maras & Moray Tour (half day) US$ 50
Sacred Valley (full day) US$ 60
US$ $720
Travel Consultation
Book an online meeting with one of our travel consultants for free
David Silva
Travel Consultant
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Visiting Peru with CIT was like unlocking a hidden world! From the Andes to Machu Picchu, every detail was so well thought out. Our guide, Alberto, even knew how to say 'llama' in Japanese for our group. It wasn’t just a tour—it felt like a reunion with old friends in the most magical place on earth.
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Who knew I’d make friends from Germany, Japan, and Australia all while hiking the Inca Trail? Each day was a new adventure, and the passion they have for their culture is contagious!
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Never thought I'd be learning Quechua while exploring ancient ruins! By the end, our group felt like a big family from all over the world. It was an unexpected journey in every sense. Peru with them is a game-changer!
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