4 days
Classic Inca Trail
Walk the original path to the Sun Gate
Machu Picchu
- Duration
- 4 days
- Physical level
- Challenging
- Max. altitude
- 4,215 m
- Group size
- Private or up to 12
- Accommodation
- Camping
- From
- US$1,150
The legendary 4-day trek along Inca stone paths, ending at the Sun Gate with Machu Picchu at your feet.
Km 82 · Wayllabamba · Warmiwañusca Pass · Pacaymayu · Runkurakay Pass · Sayacmarca · Wiñay Wayna · Sun Gate · Machu Picchu
Permits are limited and sell out months in advance — contact us early.
Highlights
- 01Walking the original Inca stone path to Machu Picchu
- 02Crossing Warmiwañusca, the highest pass at 4,215 m
- 03Lesser-known Inca sites: Runkurakay, Sayacmarca and Wiñay Wayna
- 04Arriving through the Sun Gate at sunrise
Altitude profile of the journey, stop by stop.
The route
Max. altitude: 4,215 m · Warmiwañusca Pass
Day by day
- 1
Day 1Km 82 – Wayllabamba
Start the trail and visit Llactapata.
Overnight: CampsiteMeals: Lunch, dinner
- 2
Day 2Dead Woman’s Pass
The toughest day, crossing 4,215 m.
Overnight: CampsiteMeals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- 3
Day 3Ruins of the trail
Runkurakay, Sayacmarca and Wiñay Wayna.
Overnight: CampsiteMeals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- 4
Day 4Sun Gate & Machu Picchu
Pre-dawn hike to the Sun Gate and guided visit.
Meals: Breakfast
Before you go
- Permits
- Only 500 people a day — including porters — may enter the trail. Permits sell out months ahead for May to September.
- February closure
- The trail closes every February for maintenance. Machu Picchu remains open by train.
- Documents
- Your passport is required to enter Machu Picchu and to board trains. Bring the same passport used in your booking.
- Health & insurance
- Travel insurance covering high altitude and medical evacuation is strongly recommended.
What to pack
Clothing
- ·Thermal base layers
- ·Fleece or down jacket
- ·Waterproof jacket and trousers
- ·Broken-in hiking boots
- ·Warm hat and gloves
Trek gear
- ·Daypack (25–30 L)
- ·Trekking poles
- ·Headlamp
- ·Sleeping bag (−10 °C)
- ·Water bottles or bladder
Personal
- ·Passport
- ·Sunscreen and insect repellent
- ·Personal medication
- ·Snacks and electrolytes
- ·Cash for tips
Traveler stories
What our travelers say
“Fast, honest answers on WhatsApp before we booked and real support during the trip. When a train was delayed, everything was rearranged before we even noticed.”
“Walking the Inca Trail had been on my list for twenty years. The team handled the permits, the porters were incredible and arriving through the Sun Gate was pure emotion.”
“Travelling with three kids could have been stressful, but the pace was just right. The llama trek and the chocolate workshop were the highlights for our children.”
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Giovanni · Founder & Travel Advisor · Speaks English, Español