The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most legendary route in Peru and one of the most memorable experiences in South America, ideal for those seeking to connect with living history, nature, and adventure through a premium service in the Andes. With Vilcabamba Tours, this 42-kilometer, 4-day, 3-night trek will guide you safely and comfortably along original Inca paths, mountains, high passes, and mysterious cloud forests.
Meticulously designed to exceed the expectations of our travelers, the experience includes comfortable campsites with fresh Peruvian food, a personal porter, and all entry fees completely included. All of this culminates with the exciting pedestrian entrance to the citadel through the mystical Sun Gate and an exclusive return on the Vistadome panoramic train, always backed by the world-class support and organization that characterize Vilcabamba Tours.
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1 (Cusco — Km 82 — Patallacta — Ayapata): Early pickup at your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley by Vilcabamba Tours staff, transfer to Km 82 to pass the official checkpoint, gentle 14 km trek (6 hours) visiting the archaeological sites of Llactapata and Willkaraqay, and camping in Ayapata (3,300 m / 10,826 ft ASL).
- Day 2 (Ayapata — Warmiwañusca — Chaquicocha): Challenging 16 km day (10 hours) crossing the Warmiwañusca Pass (4,215 m / 13,828 ft ASL), the highest point of the route, descent to Pacaymayo Alto for lunch, ascent to Runkuraqay Pass (4,000 m / 13,123 ft ASL) with visits to the complexes of Runkuraqay, Sayacmarca, and Conchamarca, and camping in Chaquicocha.
- Day 3 (Chaquicocha — Phuyupatamarca — Wiñay Wayna): Scenic and moderate 10 km stretch (6 hours) through the cloud forest, visiting Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, and the impressive Wiñay Wayna enclosure, arriving early at the last campsite (2,600 m / 8,530 ft ASL) managed by our team to rest.
- Day 4 (Sun Gate — Machu Picchu — Cusco): 6 km sunrise trek (2 hours) to Intipunku (Sun Gate) for the first view of Machu Picchu, panoramic tour and guided visit with our specialist through the central area of the citadel (Circuits 1 and 3), descent by bus to Aguas Calientes, and return to Cusco on the Vistadome panoramic train coordinated by Vilcabamba Tours.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco — Km 82 — Hatunchaca — Ayapata
The journey begins at 4:30 a.m. with pickup at your hotel in Cusco (or after 6:30 a.m. in the Sacred Valley) to transfer you in Vilcabamba Tours’ comfortable tourist transport to Km 82 in Piscacucho, the official starting point of the route, making a prior stop in Ollantaytambo for breakfast. After passing the official checkpoint and presenting your passport, a gentle 14-kilometer introductory walk begins through beautiful Andean landscapes and small communities to the imposing Inca site of Llactapata and the Willkaraqay viewpoint. After a fresh lunch in Hatunchaca prepared by our chef, you walk about two more hours uphill to the Ayapata camp (3,300 m / 10,826 ft ASL), where the tents set up by our porter team, afternoon tea time, and a hot dinner await you.
Day 2: Ayapata — Warmiwañusca Pass — Chaquicocha
The second day presents the greatest physical challenge of the route with a steady 4-hour ascent to the Warmiwañusca Pass (Dead Woman’s Pass), reaching the maximum altitude of 4,215 meters (13,828 ft) amidst cultural explanations and offerings to the local Apus guided by our route specialist. Afterwards, you descend for two hours to the Pacaymayo Alto valley for lunch, continuing the trek with the support of Vilcabamba Tours towards the second pass at Runkuraqay (4,000 m / 13,123 ft ASL) and exploring the historic enclosures of Runkuraqay, Sayacmarca, and Conchamarca. At the end of the 10-hour day, you will camp overnight in Chaquicocha camp (3,600 m / 11,811 ft ASL), an ideal setting for stargazing.
Day 3: Chaquicocha — Phuyupatamarca — Intipata — Wiñay Wayna
The third day stands out for its scenic beauty and an extremely relaxed trekking pace, covering 10 kilometers along original paths immersed in the cloud forest and changing ecosystems with direct views of Salkantay snow peak. Along the way, you explore the notable temples and terraces of Phuyupatamarca («City above the Clouds») and Intipata («Terraces of the Sun»), arriving at the Wiñay Wayna camp (2,600 m / 8,530 ft ASL) around 1:00 p.m. The free afternoon allows for comfortable rest before taking a guided tour of the eponymous archaeological complex, culminating the day with a special farewell dinner alongside the Vilcabamba Tours cooks and porters.
Day 4: Wiñay Wayna — Sun Gate — Machu Picchu — Cusco
The last day begins at dawn, leaving the checkpoint at 5:30 a.m. on an hour-long trek towards Intipunku (Sun Gate) to witness the unforgettable sunrise over the great wonder. From there, you make a gentle descent to the citadel through the upper part of Circuit 1 to take the classic panoramic photographs, then entering through the main checkpoint for a professional guided tour by Vilcabamba Tours through Circuit 3, which covers the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Palace, the Temple of the Condor, and the sacred sectors of the Inca heart. After finishing the experience, you descend by bus to Aguas Calientes for an independent lunch, finally boarding the Vistadome panoramic train for a completely safe return to your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley near 7:30 p.m.
Included
- Informative briefing with the guide the day before departure at the Vilcabamba Tours office in Cusco.
- Direct pickup and return to your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
- Full tourist transport throughout the entire tour.
- Professional bilingual guide service (Spanish and English) during the trek.
- Official authorized permits and entrance tickets for the Inca Trail and the Machu Picchu citadel.
- Tickets for the return Vistadome panoramic train.
- Bus ticket for the descent from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
- Assigned personal porter to carry a duffel bag up to 7 kg / 15 lb.
- Complete high-quality camping equipment (tents, pillow, sleeping pad, hand towels).
- Complete meals on the route (fresh meals, daily snacks, drinking water, and tea time) prepared by the agency staff.
- Cooking equipment and experienced porters under responsible welfare standards.
- Exclusive private portable toilets for the group.
- Vilcabamba Tours safety and assistance elements: Plastic rain poncho, complete first aid kit, emergency oxygen, and satellite phones.
- Free luggage storage in Cusco and taxes included.
Not Included
- Sleeping bag, inflatable mattress, or trekking poles (available for additional rental upon prior request).
- Lunch on Day 4 in Aguas Calientes after concluding the visit to the Machu Picchu citadel.
- Optional entrance tickets to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (subject to strict advance reservation).
- Personal adventure travel insurance.
