1.-  DAY BY DAY BREAKDOWN OF THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL

 DAY 1 CUSCO – KM82 – HUAYLABAMBA

Departure time: 5:00 AM

Hiking distance: 14kM
Trail head elevation: 2720m/8923ft
Campsite elevation: 3000m/9829ft
Hiking difficulty: moderate challenging
Weather: Warm to cold
Inca sites to see / visit: Ccanabamba & Llactapata

DAY 2 HUAYLLABAMBA – DEAD WOMANS PASS – PACAYMAYU

Hiking distance: 16 km
Trail head elevation: 3000m/9829ft
Campsite elevation: 3600M/11800ft
Hiking difficulty: challenging
Weather: cold
Inca sites to see/visit:  NO INCA SITES

 DAY 3 – PACAYMAYU – RUNKURAKAY PASS – WIÑAYWAYNA

• Hiking distance: 16 km
• Trail head elevation: 3600M/11800ft
• Campsite elevation: 2680m/8792ft
• Hiking difficulty: challenging
• Weather: cold
• Inca sites to see/visit : Runkurakay, Sayaqmarca, Phuyupatarmarca, Intipata & Wiñay Wayna

DAY 4 MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Departure train to Ollantaytambo:  13:37 pm, 14:55pm, 15:20 pm (according availability). Journey by train 1h 40 min, bus to Cusco 1h 30 min.

Hiking distance: 6 km
Trail head elevation: 2680m/8792ft
Machupicchu elevation: 2400meters/7873ft
Hiking difficulty: moderate
Weather: warm

2.- HIGHLIGHTS HIKING WITH CUSCO ANDEAN HIKE

• 100% LOCAL COMPANY Cusco Andean Hike, its create by local tour guides, ist the only company create by Inca trail tour guides .
• INCA TRAIL TOUR OPERATOR, We are the official inca trail tour Operator since 2016.
• SMALL GROUPS our maximum per groups 8 people with a minimum of 2 people 100% departures guaranteed. NO 16 PEOPLE LIKE OTHER COMPANYS.
• CAMPING EQUIPMENT. Cusco Andean hike is considered a leading agent of change due to its implementation of top-quality equipment such as.
• FOOD. During your hike with Cusco Andean hike you are guaranteed to put on some pounds. Our chefs have special yearly training to create unique meals while on the trail. Our food is prepared with fresh ingredients, and is served buffet style. Our services includes breakfast, snacks, lunch that will come with soup, main course ad hot drinks, happy hours with hot drinks upon your arrival to each campsite and dinners that include with soup, main course and desserts. We also provide all hikers with potable drinking water while on the trails.
• FREE LUGGAGE STORAGE. Cusco Andean Hike offers free luggage storage and we are available to muve your luggage to other hotel.
• TOP QUALITY SERVICE.

Classic Inca Trail trek 4 Days

Considered the best hike of Peru´ and the world for the beauty and wonderful archeological sites on the mountains. Also you can see different microclimates. we will also see some archaeological centers that are partially covered by the forest and makes it look as if we discovered it for the first time, to finally arrive at the lost city of The Incas, “Machu Picchu“.

It is perfect for those who seek to experience archaeological, cultural treasures and great diversity of native plants of the zone. This is one of the most known hikes in the world and will reward those who are willing to break sweat with an impressive combination of mountains and beautiful trails.

We run our own tours, which guarantees the fair treatment of our porters and quality equipment creating an unforgettable trip for you that will be engraved in your memory and you will not be able to forget it or compare it with others.

FAQs Classic Inca Trail trek 2025

The Inca Trail is one of the most famous and most sought after Trek routes in Perú. Perhaps you are thinking of doing this hike and have some doubts.

Here we have the most frequently asked questions about the Inca Trail, which will help you better plan your adventure.

Is the Classic Inca Trail trek open all year?

The classic inca Inca Trail trek in its various 4-day accesses as well as the short 2-day version are open every day of the year except for the month of February. That month, the rainiest of the year, road maintenance and cleaning work is carried out on the route.

Can the Inca Trail be done without a Tour Guide and Travel Agency?

No, since 2001 it is not possible to do the Inca Trail without the company of an official tour guide.

Therefore, you must contract the services of an official agency that operates the authorized Inca trail.

How long does it take to finish the available spaces?

The 500 permits per day are reserved well in advance. Due to the high demand and therefore it is recommended to book the Inca Trail permits 6 to 5 months in advance, with the most requested dates from May to August.

The 2-day Inca Trail, on the other hand, is 250 permits per day, it can be reserved 1 month or weeks in advance. According to the availability of the one-way train to the starting point.

What to do if I can’t find availability?

In case you do not find availability of the 4-day Inca Trail, in Cusco andean hike you can find different options to do other similar hiking trails, such as Lares trek + short Inca trail 4D-3N.

This very little-known hiking route in Cusco, but you have the option of reaching Puerta del Sol by the short version of the Inca Trail route and observing Machu Picchu from the distance.

Other good options are: the 5-day salkantay trek, the 4-day Huchuy Qosqo trek.

Is there an age limit?

No, anyone can do the Inca Trail, both in its 4-day and 2-day versions. However, both adventures are not recommended for children under 8 years of age and adults over 65 years of age (prior medical consultation).

Can I find Inca Trail permits once in Cusco?

No, the 4-day Inca Trail cannot be booked in Cusco, due to the fact that it takes a long time to plan. On the other hand, the 2-day Inca Trail can be purchased once in Cusco, just a few days in advance. (Previous availability of trains and permits of the Inca trail 2d-1n).

Can I only book the Inca Trail online?

Yes, the 4-day Inca Trail, due to the high demand for permits, can only be reserved online. If you live in the city of Cusco, you can approach an authorized Inca Trail tour operator.

INCLUDED

Acclimatize Tour Explore Cusco (optional)

• We have for you an Optional Walk. If you have time and are interested, we can do the acclimatization tour visiting one of the archaeological centers of Cusco and discover hidden places in the city.
• Professional Tour Guide.
• Approximate tour of 5 hours.
• This is a free activity for travelers who book tours from 2 days and require acclimatization.

Briefing

Informative meeting, one day before the adventure. Once there, you will receive all the pertinent information for your hike and the guide will answer all your doubts.

Transport

• Private bus pick up from your hotel to the starting point of the trek  km 82 or Piskacucho
• Bus ticket down.  Machu picchu to Aguas Calientes.
• Return ticket by train EXPEDITION Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
• Return bus from Ollnataytambo station to your hotel in Cusco.

Accommodation

• Camps for 4 days and 3 nights.

Field Staff

• Professional travel Guide in Spanish and English with many years of experience in adventure tourism
• Professional chef
• Porters  to carry the necessary equipment and the personal effects of the passengers of up to 7 kg

Water

• Cusco Andean Hike will provide you with boiled water (previously filtered and cooled) from your first lunch, last breakfast and for your bottles before each walk (you decide how many liters you need each day).
• Drinking enough water and hydrating is very important to be able to feel good in the mountains and thus avoid altitude sickness.

 Food

• Breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners (breakfast on day 1 and lunch, dinner on the last day are not included).
• Option Vegan, vegetarian.

DUFFEL BAG

• You have included 7 kg so you can carry your personal belongings (be careful with the fragile items)

Tickets and Permits

• Entrance to Machu Picchu
• Inca trail Permits

Camping equipment

• High mountain tent for 4 people, but we use it for 2 people (more comfort for you). If you want a personal tent  we also have personal tents (you must inform us in advance).
•  The best Mattress, we use therm-a-rest sleeping pad.

NOT INCLUDED

• Classic Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days: Breakfast not included first day, lunch and dinner of the last day.
• Sleeping bag.
• Walking sticks.
• Ticket HUAYNA PICCHU and MOUNTAIN MACHU PICCHU (if you want any of the tickets you must inform us in advance to be able to make the reservation – any of the tickets has an extra cost)
• Extra Porter to carry personal belongings of customers more than those already included (for 7 kilos to 14 kilos).
• Tips for staff.

Huayna picchu and Machu picchu mountain both must be previously reserved more information: info@cuscoandeanhike.com

INCA TRAIL TREK AVAILABILITY

The Inca Trail is a protected area. To avoid environmental and archaeological damage, the Peruvian Ministry of Culture only allows the entry of a maximum of 500 people per day, including (porters, cooks and guides).

Due to the high demand, the spaces for the Inca Trail trek are sold out every minute, so we strongly recommend that you confirm your reservation as soon as possible.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Small Groups 2 to 8 pax
• 24/7 assistance by our Whatsapp ✆+51 944363112
• Extra porter 7Kg
• Food Options  – best Chef – Vegan, vegetarian.
• Sleeping pad included Therm a rest 
• Professional tour guide English speaker from the beginning to end
• 100% Quality service.

INCA TRAIL PRICE 2025

Group service from 2 pax

• US$ 780 per person.

Private service from 2 pax

•   US$ 860 per person.

• US$ 1150 One person

EXTRAS

• Huayna Picchu Mountain –    US$ 70.00 per person.
• Machu Picchu Mountain   –    US$ 70.00 per person.
• Sleeping Bag – US$ 25 per person.
• Walking Poles – US$ 20  a pair  of walking poles.

Huayna picchu and Machu picchu mountain both must be previously reserved more information: info@cuscoandeanhike.com

INCA TRAIL DISCOUNTS

• STUDENT DISCOUNT  US$ 35.00 (Valid studend card at the time of the trek  or under 17 years old, we need to see the copy of the card for receive the discount).
• KIDS ON THE INCA TRAIL US$ 40.00 (Just we need the copy of the passport).

How to book

For any of our services, you must send your personal information and a deposit of US $ 200 per person, the rest may pay at our office in Cusco two days prior to your trip, to get the student discount you must send your ISIC card original by means of a photo to our mail info@cuscoandeanhike.com:

• Name and surname
• Passport number
• Gender
• Birthday date
• Student Card (ISIC if you are a student Yes or No)
• Nationality
• Email – Phone number
• Food preferences

Classic Inca Trail Trek Packing List

Packing list Make sure to pack only what is strictly necessary for the hike to Machu Picchu itself, and leave your other belongings at the hotel.

What to pack for the Classic inca trail trek?

Important items to pack for the Classic Inca Trail trek 2024.

• Original Passport (the same name and number passport that you booked).
• Back Pack (capacity of 36 liters).
• Sleeping Bag that resists up to -5° celsius (23° fahrenheit) in case you are not bringing your  own, you can rent one from Cusco Andean Hike.
• Clothes for Trekking: Hiking boots, waterproof clothes (short, pants, rain jacket), T- shirt, and light sweaters. also bring clothes and a warm sweater to change into when we rest at the campsite, preferably made of cotton to keep you warm, especially for the first two nights. when you are hiking it is best to use your waterproof gear.
• Hiking Poles. In case you do not own any, you can rent
• Rubber tip.
• 3 plastic bags to be able to keep your clothes separatein these 3 categories: clean, wet and dirty
• Toiletries: Ensure you bring enough of everything you will need for the entire trek: soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, a towel and antibacterial gel.
• Medication: If you are currently taking specific medication, please bring enough with you for the duration of your sta. We recommend you pack some altitude sickness prevention tablets such us aspirine, coramina diamox, sorochipills or acetazolamina, anti-blister gel is also a good idea to avoid getting excessive blisters on your feet from the uphill hiking, since if this gets out of hand it could compromise your participation in the trk.
• For those who are staying over in Aguas Calientes: Remember to bring clean clothes for your stay after the hike ends. In case you would like to visit the relaxing hot springs in Aguas Calientes. do not forget to bring swimwear and a towel.
  

  

• Camera.
• Flashligh and Extra Battery
• Sun cream.
• Sunglasses.
• Insect Repellent.
• Canteen or Camel bak.
• Swiss army knife (optional)

you can also bring some small change Peruvian soles to buy beverages or somethin along the hike, but this is optional. If you are going to stay in the town of Aguas Calientes an extra night, we recommend you to bring enough cash with you.