Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2025 4-Day Classic Trek

Overview

Embark on the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous treks in the world, leading adventurers through stunning Andean landscapes and ancient Inca ruins. This 4-day trek is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the rich history and breathtaking beauty of Peru. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers a challenging yet rewarding journey, culminating in a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu.

Day 1: Cusco to Wayllabamba

Your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu adventure begins with an early morning transfer from Cusco to the trailhead at Km 82. The first day’s trek takes you through the Sacred Valley, passing small villages and ancient ruins. You’ll camp overnight at Wayllabamba, surrounded by the tranquility of the Andes. For more details about this experience, visit Leading Peru Travel.

Day 2: Trek to Pacaymayo

The second day of your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most challenging, as you ascend to the highest point of the trail, the Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,200 meters (13,776 feet). After reaching the pass, you’ll descend into the Pacaymayo Valley, where you’ll set up camp for the night.

Day 3: Trek to Wiñay Wayna

On the third day of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you’ll trek through cloud forests and past several Inca ruins, including Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, and Phuyupatamarca. The day ends at the beautiful site of Wiñay Wayna, where you’ll spend your final night on the trail.

Day 4: Arrival at Machu Picchu

The highlight of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the fourth day, when you’ll arrive at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at sunrise, with your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. After descending to the citadel, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of this ancient wonder, exploring its many mysteries and marvels. After your visit, you’ll return to Cusco, concluding your unforgettable journey. For more information about Machu Picchu, visit Leading Peru Travel.

Why Choose the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for 2025?

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is ideal for travelers from the USA, Brazil, Colombia, and Latin America who seek a once-in-a-lifetime trekking experience. This trek combines history, culture, and natural beauty, offering a truly unique adventure.

Book the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for 2025 and walk in the footsteps of the Incas. Visit our website at Leading Peru Travel for more information, or contact us via WhatsApp at +51 984 509 207.

Itinerary

Get out of your comfort zone and explore the iconic Inca Camino; enjoy natural wonders, visit ancient Inca sites, interact with our local patrons and try the best Peruvian food while meeting new friends and arriving at Machu Picchu across the mountains.

Day 1:CUSCO – PISCACUCHO (KM 82) – WAYLLABAMBA

The first day of the Inca Trail is relatively easy, providing a gentle introduction to the trek. The trek starts early in the morning, with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco from 5:30 to 6:00 am The drive to the starting point of the trek, Piscacucho, takes about two hours. From there, you will cross the Urubamba River and enter the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

After passing through the checkpoint, the trail will take you through beautiful Andean scenery, with snow-capped peaks and lush vegetation. You’ll also pass by some small Inca ruins, including Llactapata, which is a good warm-up for the ruins you’ll encounter later on in the trek.

The trail will continue through the valley until you reach Wayllabamba, where you’ll set up camp for the night. This is a good time to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings before continuing the trek the next day.

Early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco 5:30 to 6:00 am and drive to the starting point of the trek, km 82.

Begin the hike with a gentle walk along the Urubamba River, passing small villages and archaeological sites along the way.

Hike through lush vegetation and up to the first campsite at Wayllabamba, which is located at 10,830 feet above sea level.

Total hiking distance: 8.7 miles / 14 km (6-7 hours).
Campsite altitude: 3000 meters (high) above sea level
Considered: Moderate day (getting used to the Inca Trail)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Accommodation: Camping in tents
Weather: Warm and windy

Day 2: HUAYLLABAMBA – INCA TRAIL HIGHEST POINT – PACAYMAYO

Day two of the Inca Trail is the most challenging, with a steep ascent to Dead Woman’s Pass, which sits at an elevation of 4,215 meters. The trail is quite steep and can be a bit of a challenge for some, but the views from the top are absolutely stunning.

After reaching the pass, you’ll begin the descent to Pacaymayo, passing through beautiful landscapes and cloud forests. This part of the trail is particularly interesting, as it passes by several Inca ruins, including Runkurakay and Sayacmarca.

You’ll arrive at Pacaymayo in the late afternoon, where you’ll set up camp for the night. This is a good time to rest and recover before continuing the trek the next day.

Today is considered the most challenging day of the trek, as you will climb up to the highest point of the trail, Warmiwañusca Pass, which stands at 13,780 feet above sea level.

Take breaks along the way to rest and enjoy the stunning views of the Andean mountains and valleys.

Descend into the Pacaymayo valley and set up camp for the night.

Total hiking distance: 6.2 miles/10km (6-7 hours).
Campsite altitude: 3700 meters (high) above sea level
Considered: Top day (you will have survived the two highest passes)
Area: Andes and Cloud Forest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
Accommodation: Camping in tents.
Weather: Cold and rainy

Day 3: PACAYMAYO – PHUYUPATAMARKA – WIÑAYWAYNA

Day three of the Inca Trail is a bit easier than day two, with a mostly downhill trek to Wiñay Wayna. This part of the trail is particularly interesting, as it passes by several Inca ruins, including Phuyupatamarca, which is known as the “Town in the Clouds.”

You’ll also pass by some beautiful waterfalls and streams, providing plenty of opportunities to rest and take in the scenery. You’ll arrive at Wiñay Wayna in the late afternoon, where you’ll set up camp for the night.

Today’s hike is a mix of steep climbs and descents, passing through several Inca sites along the way, including Runkuracay and Sayacmarca.

Reach the second highest point of the trail at 12,630 feet above sea level before descending into the cloud forest and arriving at the final campsite of Wiñay Wayna.

Walking distance: 9.94 miles/16 km (7-8 hours)
Campsite altitude: 2.600 meters (high) above sea level
Considered: Moderate day, short uphill, then – all downhill!
Area: High Cloud Forest
Weather: Warm and very humid (chilly weather)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
Accommodation: Camping in tents

Day 4: WIÑAY WAYNA – MACHU PICCHU- CUSCO

The final day of the Inca Trail is the most exciting, as you’ll finally reach Machu Picchu. You’ll start the day early, with a short trek to the Sun Gate, which provides stunning views of Machu Picchu from above. From there, you’ll descend to the ruins themselves, where you’ll have a guided tour.

Machu Picchu is truly awe-inspiring, with its stunning architecture and breathtaking views. After the tour, you’ll have some free time to explore the ruins on your own before taking the train back to Cusco.

Wake up early to arrive at the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) in time for sunrise over Machu Picchu.

Descend into the citadel and enjoy a guided tour of the ancient Inca city.

In the afternoon, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and a train ride back to Cusco.

Considered: The most exciting and magical day
Area: High Cloud and Subtropical Forest
Weather: Hot and very humid (bring lots of water)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, included
Bus: Tickets for the bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes included
Train: Train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo included; train at 14:30 or 14:55
Transfer: From Ollantaytambo to Cusco included 1.5-2 hour’s car ride
Back in Cusco: You will be back in Cusco around 6:30 pm

Includes

Included Inca trail To Machu Picchu 4Days / 3Night

Transportation: Include transportation from Cusco to the trailhead and back again after the trek is complete.
Permits: A permit is required to hike the Inca Trail, and this is included by Machu Picchu Reservations as part of the package.
Entrance fees: The cost of the Inca Trail trek includes entrance fees to Machu Picchu and other archaeological sites along the way.
Briefing – to get all the trek details, duffle bags, printed tickets, etc. Presented by the tour guide in our office in Cusco located downtown at 6:00 pm a day before the trek. Briefing provided by the tour guide to give you with all the necessary information about the hike, the route, and safety.
Porters: A team of porters will carry the bulk of your gear, leaving you with only a day pack to carry. They will carry the duffle bags with 7 kilos of each hiker and set up your tents, cook your meals, and carry all camping equipment.
Professional guide: A licensed and experienced guide will accompany you throughout the trek, providing information about the history and culture of the Inca civilization. Our guias are fluent in English, Spanish and Quechua
Meals: All meals are included in the trek, from breakfast on the first day to lunch on the final day. The food is typically enough and nourishing, with plenty of carbohydrates to sustain you during the long hikes.
04 breakfasts
04 lunches
03 dinners
Camping equipment: For 03 nights You will have a tent and sleeping mat. 01 Tent for every 02 people (Eureka Timberline 4-person tents shared by only 2. + 01 Sleeping Mat for each participant: We provide you with inflatable Thermarest mattresses which guarantee a warm, comfortable night’s sleep on camps of the trail.
Machu Picchu guided tour.
Bus ticket: From Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes town
Train tickets: Expedition or Voyager Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo at 14:30 or 14:55 to be back In cusco around 7:00
Transfer service: From Ollantaytam to Cusco back to the hotel
Safety equipment: Oxygen and first-aid kits are provided in case of emergencies.
Private portable toilets
Vegetarian food: Available on request with no extra charge.

Not Included

Sleeping Bags, If you do not have one, You can rent from The company.
Trekking poles, If you do not have one, You can rent from The company.
Travel insurance

Recommendations

Tips:

Tipping is a way to show appreciation for the services provided by the staff, and it is considered an important part of the trekking experience on the Inca Trail. The amount of the tip varies depending on the level of service provided and the size of the trekking group, but a typical tip for a porter is around 20-30 soles per day, and for a guide is around 50-100 soles per day.
Tipping also encourages good service and can help to build positive relationships between trekkers and the staff who support them on the Inca Trail.

It’s important to note that tipping is voluntary and not mandatory, but it’s a common practice and an excellent way to recognize and thank the hard-working staff who make the Inca Trail experience possible.

What to Pack:

If you’re planning on doing the Inca Trail, you’ll need to pack accordingly for the 4-day trek. Here are some essential items to consider bringing

CLOTHING:

Comfortable hiking shoes/boots

Moisture-wicking hiking socks

Quick-drying pants
Lightweight t-shirts
Long-sleeved shirt
Fleece jacket or sweater
Rain jacket and pants
Hat or cap
Gloves

SLEEPING GEAR:

Sleeping bag (rated for cold weather) if you do not have you can rent one from the company
Pillow (optional)

TREKKING GEAR:

Samall backpack of 20 to 30 liters
Hiking poles, if you do not have you can rent from the company
Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Water bottle or hydration system
Snacks (energy bars, trail mix, etc.)
Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, etc.)

MISCELLANEOUS:

Passport and necessary documents
Original student card if you apply for the student price
Cash for tipping your guides and porters
Camera or phone with a good camera for capturing memories
Portable charger for electronic devices
Lightweight towel

It’s important to note that there are strict regulations on what you can bring on the Inca Trail, so be sure to check with your tour operator or guide to ensure that you are not bringing any prohibited items. You’ll likely have porters carrying most of your gear, so pack everything in a durable and waterproof bag or duffel.

We provide you with a duffle bag to pack 7 kilos of your personal stuff. The porter will carry the duffle bags during the whole trek

Price

The cost of this Tour is expressed in American dollars and is per person, the cost will depend on the hotel accommodation you choose, we work with hotels from 2** to 5**** stars, it will also depend on the type of room required : single (1 person), double (2 people) and triple (3 people). You can request the list of hotels we work with for your choice.

Important – In the months of January – April the services of the companies Inka Rail and Peru Rail leave and arrive at the stations of Ollantaytambo or Pachar (2 hours from the city of Cusco). – The prices of our Tours include transfers to these stations