Classic Inca Trail 4 Days
From US$ 780 / per person
Expert guide · Qhapaq Ñan
Inca Trail
the path of the ancients
Inca Trail tours
Secure your permit
on the Inca Trail
Walk the original Inca path to the Sun Gate. Limited permits sell out months ahead: we help you secure your spot.
Short Inca Trail 2 Days / 1 Night
From US$ 520 / per person
MAX ALTITUDE4,215 m
DISTANCE12 – 42 km
DURATION2 or 4 days
CLOSEDFebruary
PERMITSLimited quota
Expert guide
The Inca Trail: the most epic way into Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail is part of the Qhapaq Ñan, the road network that connected the Inca Empire. Its most famous section covers about 42 km from Kilometer 82 (Piskacucho) to Machu Picchu, passing terraces, temples and ceremonial sites you can only reach on foot: Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna.
The big moment comes at dawn on the last day, when you walk through Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, and see the citadel below you.
Permits: what you need to know
Access is regulated by Peru’s Ministry of Culture with limited daily quotas that include porters and guides. Only licensed agencies can request them and each permit is personal and non-transferable: name and passport number cannot be changed. For high season (May to August) we recommend booking 4 to 6 months ahead. The trail closes every February for maintenance.
Classic 4 days or Short Inca Trail 2 days
The classic Inca Trail includes three nights of camping and Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca, 4,215 m), the highest point. The Short Inca Trail starts at Kilometer 104, covers about 12 km via Wiñay Wayna, reaches the Sun Gate in the afternoon and visits Machu Picchu the next morning — perfect if you are short on time or prefer a moderate hike.
Difficulty and preparation
The classic route is moderate to challenging: day two climbs over 1,000 m, followed by thousands of stone steps downhill. Train on stairs and bring poles with rubber tips (mandatory on site). The short version is moderate and suitable for most active travelers.
Highlights
Arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun GateInca sites only reachable on footWiñay Wayna and its hanging terracesDead Woman’s Pass at 4,215 mPorters, cook and full camping crewPermits handled by our agency
Routes and variants
Compare the options
| Route | Duration | Distance | Max. altitude | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
01Classic Inca TrailFrom Km 82 with three nights of camping. | 4D / 3N | 42 km | 4,215 m | Moderate – challenging |
02Short Inca TrailFrom Km 104, night in Aguas Calientes. | 2D / 1N | 12 km | 2,720 m | Moderate |
03Salkantay + Inca TrailCombo for experienced trekkers (on request). | 7D / 6N | ≈ 70 km | 4,630 m | Demanding |
Preparation
Before
your Inca Trail
Book early
For May–August book 4–6 months ahead. We need your valid passport to process the permit.
Stairs
Train going up and down stairs: the final stretch has thousands of stone steps.
Weight
Porters carry up to 7 kg per person; you carry a daypack with water and layers.
Acclimatization
Two days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before the trek make a huge difference.
Rules
No drones, metal-tipped poles or single-use plastics are allowed.
Weather
Cold mornings and mild afternoons; bring a rain jacket in any season.
Tips from our guides
- Check that your name and passport match exactly: permits allow no changes.
- If you renew your passport, tell us and bring both documents on trek day.
- Carry small bills for tipping the porter team.
- February is closed: if you travel then, consider the Salkantay Trek.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to travel with peace of mind.
01How far in advance should I book the Inca Trail?
For high season (May to August) we recommend 4 to 6 months. In low season there is sometimes space a few weeks ahead, but it is not guaranteed.
02Can I change the date or name on the permit?
No. Permits are personal and non-transferable, and the Ministry of Culture allows no date or name changes.
03Is the Inca Trail open in February?
No. It closes the whole month for maintenance and conservation. We recommend the Salkantay Trek for those dates.
04Are there toilets and showers on the trail?
There are basic toilets at official campsites. There are no showers on the classic route; we provide warm water for washing every morning and evening.
Stories and tips
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Salkantay or Inca Trail? We help you choose your route to Machu Picchu
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