Highlights
- Follow a route linking Km 82, Llactapata, Warmiwañusca rather than treating each stop as an isolated attraction.
- Continue through Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarka with context on landscape, architecture and local use.
- Finish through Wiñay Wayna, Intipunku, Machu Picchu, where the route’s main physical or heritage goal comes into view.
- Prepare for original Inca paving, long stone stairways, high passes, cloud forest and humid descents, with practical guidance on footwear, weather and pace.
- Follow local guidance in areas associated with communities supplying licensed porters and support staff in the Cusco region, including respectful photography, purchases and private spaces.
- Receive a pre-departure briefing that explains altitude, weather, equipment and the next stage’s physical demands.
- Use a professional guide who can adjust explanations to the group rather than repeating a fixed script.
- Choose private service for more control over stops and rhythm, or group service for a lower per-person rate and a social setting.
Trip details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 days / 3 nights |
| Region | Cusco |
| Start and finish | Begins and ends in Cusco unless the final itinerary states another city |
| Maximum altitude | about 4,215 m / 13,829 ft |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Terrain | original Inca paving, long stone stairways, high passes, cloud forest and humid descents |
| Main transport | road transfer, porter-supported trekking, shuttle bus, tourist train and return transfer |
| Accommodation | three regulated Inca Trail camps |
| Suggested minimum age | Based on route difficulty and a medical assessment for minors |
| Typical group limit | Up to 16 in shared service; private groups set separately |
| Best preparation | Acclimatize when altitude is involved, train for the stated walking level and review equipment before payment |
Trip overview
- Best for: travelers interested in the classic multi-day route to Machu Picchu.
- Main places: Km 82, Llactapata, Warmiwañusca, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Winay Wayna and Machu Picchu.
- Physical demand: challenging, with terrain including stone stairways, high passes, cloud forest and regulated camps.
- Logistics: final pickup time, inclusions and ticket conditions are reconfirmed before the service.
Before departure, the operations team confirms pickup location, start time, required documents and any dietary, medical or mobility notes. Travelers should review the route conditions, bring the essentials listed below and keep the phone number used for booking active on the day of service.
Itinerary
Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Km 82 – Llactapata – Wayllabamba
Pickup takes place before dawn for the drive through the Sacred Valley toward Ollantaytambo and Km 82. Porters join the team, loads are weighed and passports are checked at the trail control. Once inside the regulated route, the path follows the Urubamba valley before turning toward Llactapata. The guide explains how the site relates to farming, settlement and the wider approach to Machu Picchu. Lunch is prepared by the trekking team, followed by a steady walk toward Wayllabamba. The first camp is lower than the next pass, but the afternoon climb begins the adjustment to sustained stone steps and multi-day walking. Day highlight: Reach Wayllabamba after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Walking: about 12 km / 7.5 mi – Walking time: about 5–6 hours – Start altitude: about 2,600 m / 8,530 ft at Km 82 – Camp altitude: about 3,000 m / 9,843 ft – Terrain: rolling Inca path, stone and gradual ascent – Meals: lunch and dinner
Wayllabamba – Llulluchapampa – Warmiwañusca – Pacaymayo
This is the hardest physical stage. The trail climbs through changing vegetation toward Llulluchapampa and then rises on stone steps to Warmiwañusca, also known as Dead Woman’s Pass. The final approach is slow and exposed, and the guide keeps the group together through regular checks. Weather can shift from strong sun to cold cloud or rain. From the pass, a long stone descent leads toward Pacaymayo. Knees often feel more strain during the descent than during the climb. Camp is set in the valley, where temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Day highlight: Reach Pacaymayo after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Walking: about 11 km / 6.8 mi – Walking time: about 7–9 hours – Highest point: about 4,215 m / 13,829 ft – Camp altitude: about 3,600 m / 11,811 ft – Terrain: sustained stone ascent and long stepped descent – Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Pacaymayo – Runkurakay – Sayacmarca – Phuyupatamarka – Wiñay Wayna
The route climbs to Runkurakay and the second pass before entering one of the most architecturally dense sections of the trail. Sayacmarca sits above a steep junction, followed by stone paving, tunnels and cloud-forest vegetation. After lunch, the trail continues through Phuyupatamarka and begins a long descent toward Intipata and Wiñay Wayna. Moist steps can be slippery, and the repeated downhill movement requires patience. The final camp is positioned near Wiñay Wayna when the regulated campsite assignment allows. The guide gives the final briefing for the early approach to Intipunku. Day highlight: Reach Wiñay Wayna after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Walking: about 16 km / 10 mi – Walking time: about 8–10 hours – Highest pass: about 3,950 m / 12,959 ft – Terrain: stone paving, tunnels, cloud forest and many descending steps – Camp: regulated assignment near Wiñay Wayna or the sector confirmed by authorities – Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Wiñay Wayna – Intipunku – Machu Picchu – Cusco
The group wakes early, passes the final control and follows the stone trail toward Intipunku. Machu Picchu appears from the Sun Gate when cloud and light permit. After the descent into the citadel, the group follows the official route linked to the Inca Trail ticket. For 2026, current rules link Inca Trail arrivals with Route 3-B. The guide completes the interpretation within the permitted one-way flow. Travelers then take the shuttle bus to Machu Picchu Pueblo, board the scheduled train and meet the road transfer for Cusco. The return is long, so the final arrival time remains approximate. Day highlight: Reach Cusco after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Walking: about 5 km / 3.1 mi before and within the site – Entry route: current Inca Trail-linked Machu Picchu route – Terrain: stone stairs, humid forest and archaeological paths – Transport: shuttle bus, tourist train and road transfer – Meals: breakfast
Discounts
- 18 to 25 years old: proposed agency reduction of US $30, subject to the official ticket category. A valid physical student card must show the institution, student name, photo and validity period. A clear copy is required at booking.
- Under 18 years old: proposed agency reduction of US $30. A passport copy is required when booking.
- Under 11 years old: proposed agency reduction of US $40. A passport copy is required when booking.
- Government, rail and entrance rules may change. A reduction is not final until Andean Peru Treks confirms the approved ticket and fare class.
Optional Extras and Upgrades
- Sleeping bag (for temperatures of 8 ° C menus) $ 25 for 3 nights
- Ticket to enter at Huayna Picchu Mountain US $ 70.00 (Advance reservation required).
- An extra porter (up to 15 kilos) for personal equipment of passengers $ 150.00 dollars.
- Rental of a $ 25.00 Sleeping Bag all the way.
- Depending on your level of physical fitness, the hike can be strenuous. If you would like to reduce the load you have to carry, you can hire an Extra Porter to carry your belongings. You can hire a Porter to carry 8 kg (18 lb) for $100 or 15 kg (33 lb) for $180. Included in this service are the porter’s salary, entrance fee to Machu Picchu, and his food. If you decide to use this service, the Porter will carry your packs until we reach Aguas Calientes. You must reserve your extra Porter at the same time you reserve the trip because the extra porter is counted as part of the 500-person limit on the trail.
- If you are interested in climbing Huayna Picchu, the mountain overlooking Machu Picchu, there is an additional fee of $70 per person for us to buy your entrance ticket. Spaces are limited, so please let us know when booking whether you would like to hike Huayna Picchu, and we will reserve it for you.
- If you would like to rent a sleeping bag from us, the price is $25 USD per person in total for this 4-day hike.
- We recommend using trekking poles on the hike, especially when hiking downhill. If you would like to rent a pair for the whole hike, the price is $15 per person.
- Our price includes a return train ticket on the Expedition train; however, if you would like to upgrade to the Vistadome train, the price is an additional $55 per person.
- Sleeping bag rental: quoted according to temperature rating and route length
Notes About Our Service
- Hotel pickup and return: Pickup is limited to the confirmed service area. Narrow streets, traffic controls or hotel access rules may require a nearby meeting point. The return time is approximate and can change because of traffic, weather or operations.
- Luggage storage: Large luggage should remain at the hotel or at the Andean Peru Treks storage area when that service is confirmed. Trekking duffels must stay within the stated weight limit.
- Payment conditions: A deposit is used to secure permits, entrances, trains, hotels and third-party services. Once issued, many of these items cannot be transferred, changed or refunded. The balance deadline appears on the booking confirmation.
- Operational changes: Weather, strikes, road blocks, rail instructions, site closures or safety concerns may require a different order, route or cancellation. The operations team coordinates the safest workable option with the traveler.
Availability
Inca Trail permits are limited, personal and issued only through authorized operators. Booking around six months ahead is strongly advised, and high-demand dates may sell earlier. There is no dependable last-minute permit method. The route closes during February for annual conservation work, subject to official decisions.
Health and Travel Restrictions
This route requires preparation and may involve high altitude, steep ascents, long descents, cold, heat, mud or remote terrain. It is not appropriate for an unassessed heart, respiratory, neurological or serious joint condition. Older travelers and anyone with a relevant medical history should obtain approval from their treating doctor. Pregnancy, recent surgery or an injury that changes balance or load-bearing must be reported before booking.
Machu Picchu Circuit Information
The ticket is issued for one official route, entry time and traveler name. It does not allow free movement between all sectors.
Circuit 1 contains panoramic routes; Circuit 2 covers classic upper and lower routes; Circuit 3 covers lower royal sectors and mountain-linked routes. Seasonal routes operate only on dates authorized by the Ministry of Culture.
For 2026, travelers entering through the regulated Inca Trail network are linked to Route 3-B under the current official rule. Other programs use the route confirmed at booking.
Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, Huchuy Picchu, Intipunku, the Inca Bridge or the Great Cavern require the corresponding route and cannot simply be added after entry.
Train Services to Machu Picchu
The standard package may use an Expedition-type or comparable tourist train, depending on the operator and schedule.
Panoramic services such as Vistadome, Vistadome Observatory or a comparable product require an upgrade when not included.
Train schedules, stations and bimodal bus-train operation change by season. The final voucher controls the actual service.
Return from Machu Picchu to Cusco
After the confirmed Machu Picchu route, travelers normally take the shuttle bus to Machu Picchu Pueblo, board the scheduled train and meet a road transfer at Ollantaytambo, Poroy or the station named on the voucher.
Arrival in Cusco is approximate. Rail delays, road traffic and seasonal station changes may alter the final time.
Accommodation
The planned lodging is three regulated Inca Trail camps.
Hotel names and room types depend on the selected category and written confirmation. Basic remote lodges may have limited hot water, heating, electricity or internet.
Single rooms, upgraded hotels and extra nights carry an added cost unless included.
Included Transportation
The route uses road transfer, porter-supported trekking, shuttle bus, tourist train and return transfer.
Seat assignments, vehicle size and exact pickup time depend on the final passenger list and operational plan.
Private service means the vehicle is allocated to the booking group for the stated sector; it does not remove official traffic, rail or site restrictions.
Inclusions
- Pre-departure service confirmation and operations contact
- Professional guide in the language stated in the booking
- Transport explicitly listed in the confirmed itinerary
- Basic first-aid kit and emergency coordination protocol
- Trekking support team appropriate to the route
- Meals stated in the final itinerary, prepared by the trekking cook when applicable
- Group camping equipment: tents, dining shelter, kitchen equipment and basic hygiene setup
- Boiled or treated water from the stated service day onward
- Duffel bag and permitted cargo allowance when stated in the booking
- Machu Picchu entry only when expressly confirmed on the booking voucher
- Train, shuttle bus and road transfers only in the sectors stated in the selected package
- International and domestic flights unless expressly stated
- Travel insurance, medical expenses and evacuation costs
- Tips for guides, drivers, cooks, muleteers, porters, boat crews or host families
- Personal snacks, bottled drinks, alcohol, laundry, phone calls and personal purchases
- Services not written on the final booking voucher
- Personal sleeping bag, trekking poles and inflatable mattress unless the package states otherwise
- Extra porter, pack animal or baggage above the confirmed limit
- Breakfast on the first day and meals after the final included meal, unless stated otherwise
- Mountain routes such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain unless the ticket is named on the voucher
- Train-class upgrades and extra hotel nights
- Meals in Machu Picchu Pueblo unless listed
Upgrades
- Private guide or private transport, subject to availability
- Hotel category upgrades for multi-day programs
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Special entrance, train, meal or activity upgrades when available for the route
Group Price
The group rate is confirmed on request according to date, number of travelers, service type, ticket availability and operational costs. Some routes require non-refundable third-party services once issued. Ask the reservations team for the current rate before making payment.
Private Prices
| Group size | Proposed or reference price |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | US $1554.00 |
| 2 People | US $979.00 |
| 4 People | US $729.00 |
| 6 People | US $714.00 |
| 8 People | US $679.00 |
Why Private Service May Be the Better Choice
- The group walks or tours at one agreed rhythm rather than matching unrelated passengers.
- The guide can spend more time on the group’s main interests and shorten explanations that are less relevant.
- Families and friends keep the same vehicle or guide team through the stated private sectors.
- Meal preferences and rest stops are easier to coordinate, though official schedules and access rules remain fixed.
Custom quote
Based on date, travelers and service level
Recommended for families, private groups, photographers and travelers who want a more flexible pace. Final inclusions are confirmed before payment.
Why choose us
- Route knowledge: The operations team plans around original Inca paving, long stone stairways, high passes, cloud forest and humid descents, not only the names shown in the itinerary.
- Local respect: Staff brief travelers before passing through communities supplying licensed porters and support staff in the Cusco region, including guidance on photographs, purchases and private spaces.
- Clear service limits: Andean Peru Treks states which entrances, meals, transfers and optional activities are confirmed before collecting final payment.
- Professional guiding: Explanations can be adapted to the traveler’s interests, while safety instructions remain direct and practical.
- Equipment chosen for the route: Trekking programs use sleeping, dining, kitchen and emergency equipment suited to the altitude and expected weather; day tours use inspected tourist transport and basic first-aid support.
- Porter welfare: Licensed porter services must follow weight, equipment and labor rules. Passenger duffel weight is checked before departure so staff are not overloaded.
- Trekking meals: The cooking team works with safe food-handling procedures and varied menus. Dietary needs must be reported before departure; extensive private-menu customization may carry an added cost.
Times are approximate and are confirmed according to season, access rules and the selected service type. The guide may adjust the order of visits to reduce waiting time or improve safety. Travelers with medical conditions, reduced mobility or strict dietary needs should advise the agency before payment so the operations team can confirm what is realistic for the route.
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