Daily Breakdown

Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Wayllabamba

• From your hotel in Cusco, you’ll be driven to the town of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. Meet your trek team and then continue by bus to Piscacucho located at Km 82 of the railway where a checkpoint marks the beginning of this Machu Picchu trek.
• Officials will cross-check passports against trail permits and then allow you and your group to cross a bridge that spans the Urubamba River. Everything carried by porters needs to be weighed at the control checkpoint. This process usually takes between 30-45 minutes, during which time your guide will provide additional information about the trail.
• The trail continues along nearly flat terrain until the town of Miskay. After a quick rest, climb up on steeper terrain to Patallacta, the first of many impressive archaeological sites along the trail.
• After replenishing your energy over a warm lunch, it’s a 2 hour hike to the first campsite at Wayllabamba. The day culminates with a spectacular view of the Vilnacota Ridge and its paramount peak, Mt. Veronica.

Hike Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi)
Hike Time: 4 to 6 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 3,000 m (9,842 ft)
Gradient: Moderate

Day 2: Inca Trail – Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo

• Day two of the trek is the most challenging. You’ll make the rigorous ascent to Warmiwañusca, or Dead Woman’s Pass, located at an amazing height of 4,215 m (3,828 ft). The challenging ascent requires focus. Also be observant of the surroundings because impressive wildlife call this mountainous cloud forest home.
• Right before the pass, a campsite called Llulluchapampa sits on a small plain bordered by two streams of crystal clear water. There is a public bathroom here, and this is also a great resting place before the last stretch over the pass. Soak up the great view at the top after the long steep climb!
• Continue to the summit and then descend on an undulating path to your campsite for dinner and well deserved sleep.

Hike Distance: 16 km (10 mi)
Hike Time: 7 to 8 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 4,215 m (13,828 ft)
Gradient: Challenging

Day 3: Inca Trail – Pacaymayo to Wiñayhuayna

• After breakfast, the hike continues along a path rich with archaeological treasures. Don’t underestimate the steep descent into the valley whose path is laid out by seemingly endless Inca stone stairs. The Runkurakay pass 3,900 m (12,467 ft) constitutes over 1,000 m (~3,300 ft) of descent.
• Halfway along the trail, you will encounter the ruins of Runkurakay, an Incatambo, or lodge, of semi-circular design with a view of the Valley of Pacaymayo, or “Hidden River” Valley below. Another steep climb up Incan steps leads to the next pass, which offers spectacular views of the mountain ranges of Vilcabamba and Pumasillo.
• As the day ends, you will head toward the ruins of Wiñay Wayna or “Forever Young,” where you will camp for your final night. The ruins consist of Inca agricultural terraces and are believed to have been a sacred place to pay homage to water. The campsite has hot showers and a simple restaurant where you’ll say goodbye to your trekking team. Keep in mind that it is the norm to create a tip-pool for the guide, cooks and porters that have assisted the hike.

Hike Distance: 16 km (10 mi)
Hike Time: 8 to 10 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 3,900 m (12,467 ft)
Gradient: Moderate

Day 4: Wiñayhuayna – Machu Picchu

• Rise before the sun, eat breakfast and begin the final leg of the trail by 5 a.m. to Machu Picchu. Follow a wide, flat path for about three hours to reach Inti Punku, the Sun Gate entrance to the famous Inca ruins for sunrise. From here, descend to the citadel for a guided tour of Machu Picchu through the 3 zones of this once grand city: the urban, agricultural, and adjacent zones. After the guided tour visitors are free to explore the archeological park on their own.
• If your trek left you craving for even more, you have the option of climbing Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu Mountain, and view Machu Picchu from another angle. Tickets for each of these hikes must be purchased in advance.
• In the afternoon, you will take a comfortable train back to Cusco. If you would like to spend more time at Machu Picchu, this package can be customized to include an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu, allowing for a second visit to the ruins on the following day.

Hike Distance to Machu Picchu: 6 km (3.7 mi)
Hike Time: 3 to 5 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 2,650 m (8,694 ft)
Gradient: Moderate

Note: There is also a shorter 2-day Inca Trail option. The 2-day Inca Trail is ideal for travelers who have limited time or may desire a less physically demanding option than the classic 4-day Inca Trail itinerary. It is also a great option if 4-Day Permits have sold out.

Our 2-day Inca Trail hiking package includes a day of hiking surrounded by the beauty of the Andes, walk past Chachabamba, an archaeological complex believed to have served as a guardhouse to Machu Picchu, and past Wiñay Wayna. Enter the Sun Gate for a first encounter with the “Lost City of the Incas.” Spend the night at a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes and then wake up the next day for a guided tour of Machu Picchu.

Inc Trail Regulations

Inca Trail Permits Are Limited

Each day only 500 permits for the Inca Trail are issued by the Peruvian government. This total includes all the trekkers on the 2-day and 4-day routes as well as the guides, porters and cooks that accompany organized trekking groups. Available permits for the Inca Trail sell out quickly due to high demand, sometimes 5 months in advance for dates during the dry season from May to September, so booking far in advance is a must.

The Trail Closes Every February

The Peruvian government closes the trail in February for annual maintenance, conservation and clean-up. It’s open every other month of the year.

Required Items

Aside from packing list items you will need, here are important items that you must have:

• Documentation. Permission to enter the Inca Trail must be documented and you have to have it paid in full before entry. Only documents given by the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary Management Unit (UGM) are accepted.
• Passport. You need your passport to enter the trek and the ruins. Passport must match the name on your Inca Trail tickets and documentation. Tickets are 100% non-transferable.
• Reusable water bottle. Plastic is not permitted on the trail, so be sure to have a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.

Prohibited Items

Prohibited items include:

• Radios, speakers or other noise makers – you may not alter the natural sounds of the environment
• Fossil fuels such as kerosene, diesel oil, gasoline
• Firearms or compressed air weapons, bows and arrows, hunting and fishing instruments, knives, spikes, shovels, axes, machetes and other tools.
• Wildlife traps
• Stimulants, psychotropic substances, narcotics or illegal drugs that are not allowed by national legislation.
• Domestic animals or exotic species.
• Walking sticks with metal tips – must have rubber protectors.
• Plastic waste like bottles, plastic containers and disposable cups.

Prohibited Activities

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• You may not hike the Inca Trail between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.
• You may not take or destroy any flora and fauna in the area.
• Do not litter
• Do not disturb the animals.
• No campfires allowed
• No damage to trees.
• No destroying the rocks of the ruins or the path.
• No camping within areas of Inca remains. Camping is only permitted in authorized areas.

Travel Tips

Advanced Booking Is a Must

It’s very important to buy your tickets for the Inca Trail trek in advance. Early planning does always not guarantee a spot, but greatly increases your chance of securing the trekking dates you want. During high season, from April through October, permits can sell out 6 months beforehand.

Before the Trek, Adjust to the Altitude

We recommend spending a few days in Cusco before your trek begins to give your body plenty of time to adjust to the high altitude region. Cusco is a city that resides at 11,120 ft (2,400 m) above sea level. The highest mountain pass along the Inca Trail is at a soaring 13,830 ft (4,214 m).

Packing List

• Documentation.
  Bring your original passport. You will need it both to start the Inca Trail and to enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.

• Day Pack
  Bring a comfortable daypack with snug straps to wear while you hike. Unless you hire a private Inca Trail porter , you’re expected to carry both pads and sleeping bags along the trek.

• Reusable water bottle.
  Carry a reusable water bottle in your daypack. Another option is a hydration pack, like a CamelBak, which is a super convenient way to stay hydrated.

• Clothing.
  Layers, layers, layers. You’ll pass through many different climates along the trail and dressing in layers is important. Pack lightweight pants, short- and long-sleeve shirts, a warm fleece jacket, underwear, and socks. Temperatures really drop at altitude when the sun goes down. To stay warm, thermal undergarments, a warm hat, and gloves are recommended.

• Footwear.
  Comfortable hiking boots or walking shoes are a must. Also pack shower sandals.

• Rain gear.
  Be prepared with a rain jacket and pants or poncho. Rainy conditions aren’t to be expected during the dry season, but it’s better to be prepared.

• Sun protection.
  Pack a hat, strong sunblock, and glasses for protection against the sun.

• Flashlight.
  Headlamp (with extra batteries) or small flashlight to use at night while camping.

• Comfort.
  Light-weight travel towel to shower with and a small travel pillow for your sleeping comfort. Some trekkers may prefer to bring walking sticks, they are especially helpful in downhill sections.

• Toiletries.
  Toothbrush, toothpaste, travel shampoo, tissues, toilet paper, wet wipes, insect repellent with deet, and any personal medications.

• Snacks.
  You may want to bring extra (or diet specific) high energy snacks, such as some cookies, protein bars, chocolates, or nuts.

• Money.
  Bring local Peruvian currency (Soles) in your wallet so that you can tip your trekking team.

• Camera.
  Of course, don’t forget your camera, with extra battery packs and memory cards.

Tipping

On the last night of your trek, there is a tipping custom: all the hikers put their tips together and give them to the guide. The guide will then distribute that money between all the Inca Trail personnel. We advise anything from $40 to $60 USD per hiker.

What to Do If Inca Trail Permits Are Sold Out

If permits for the Inca Trail are already sold out for the dates you want, fortunately, there are great alternative treks to Machu Picchu you can also do. The Salkantay, Lares, and Choquequirao are great alternative treks – and just like the iconic 4-day Inca Trail – they are all ancient Inca footpaths that belong to a vast network of roads that once connected the entirety of the Inca Empire whose capital was in Cusco. Talk with your travel advisor about which trek option is best for you.