- Trekking
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days
- 4 days
- Classic excursion to Machu Picchu
Maximum 8 persons
Challenge
Trekking
4 days
Discover the wonders of an ancient civilization on the world-renowned 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Travel through breathtaking mountain scenery, enchanting cloud forests and amazing ruins for 4 unforgettable days. This original Inca Trail has been traveled for centuries, and now you can live the adventure of a lifetime. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the magic of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Book your adventure today and join the ranks of those who have experienced this unforgettable journey.
Overview
Highlights of the 4-day Inca Trail
Experience the adventure of a lifetime on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, a 15th century route built by the mighty Inca Empire. The trail is a masterpiece of engineering, requiring the use of meticulously carved rocks transported from nearby quarries, and offers hikers a glimpse into the ancient world of the Incas. Travelers along the Inca Trail will pass through diverse microclimates, from high-altitude puna to lush jungle, and enjoy breathtaking views and stunning natural beauty. In addition to its natural wonders, the Inca Trail also provides access to a wealth of archaeological sites, such as Patallacta/Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Inti Pata, Winay Wayna and Intipunku (Sun Gate). These sites offer a fascinating insight into the history and culture of the Inca Empire. But the real highlight of the Inca Trail is Machu Picchu, one of the most famous and impressive historical sites in the world. After three days of trekking through valleys and mountain passes, hikers reach Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, an important construction of the citadel of Machu Picchu.
Highlights of the hike with Visit Machu Picchu
Visit Machu Picchu is the ideal partner to explore the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. As a 100% local company in Cusco, Peru, they offer a unique and authentic experience of the trail, backed by top quality equipment and services. Camping Equipment: The implementation of top quality equipment, such as tents, mats and sleeping bags, guarantees a comfortable and enjoyable trekking experience. Food: Chefs receive special annual training to create unique and delicious meals along the route, prepared with fresh ingredients and served buffet style. Services include breakfast, snacks, lunch and happy hours with hot drinks upon arrival at each camp, as well as dinners with soup, main course and dessert. We also provide drinking water to all hikers while on the trail. Portable Toilets: We provide portable ecological toilets for the private use of our clients at each of our campsites, ensuring that their experience on the trail is comfortable and hygienic. Personal Porter: All of our hiking services include porter service, allowing you to carry the essentials of personal belongings on the trail. All your belongings are transported by our porters, providing you with a comfortable and hassle-free experience. Hotel to hotel service: Services begin with a direct pick-up from your hotel in Cusco or Urubamba and end with a direct drop-off in Cusco, providing you with a seamless experience. Free luggage storage: We offer free luggage storage for all extra bags and personal belongings, ensuring you can travel light and enjoy your trekking experience. Superior service: With over 1k excellent reviews on TripAdvisor, we work directly with local operators providing top quality service, ensuring that your Inca Trail trekking experience is unforgettable. Join us and discover the wonders of the Inca Trail with Local Operators.
Breakdown by days of the 4-day Inca Trail
Day 1: Cusco to Ayapata 14km hike Beginning at 2,720m/8,923ft and ending at the camp elevation of 3,300m/10,829ft, Day 1’s 14km hike to Ayapata will present a moderate challenge. Be prepared for warm to cold weather as you explore the Inca sites of Ccanabamba and Llactapata.
Day 2: Ayapata to Chaquiccocha 16km hike From Ayapata to Chaquiccocha, the 16km hike will present a greater challenge, taking you to elevation 3,300m/10,829ft and ending at the camp elevation of 3,600m/11,800ft. Be prepared for cold weather as you visit the Inca sites of Runkuraccay and Sayacmarca. Day 3: Chaquiccocha to Wiñay Wayna 5km hike On the last day, a 5km hike from an elevation of 2,680m/8,792ft will take you to majestic Machu Picchu at 2,400m/7,873ft. This moderate hike will take you to the end of the Inca Trail, but the breathtaking views and rich history of the Sacred City of the Incas will remain with you forever.
Day 4: Machu Picchu, The Sacred City of the Incas 5km hike On the last day, a 5km hike from an altitude of 2,680m will take you to the majestic Machu Picchu at 2,400m. This moderate hike will take you to the end of the Inca Trail, but the breathtaking views and rich history of the Sacred City of the Incas will remain with you forever.
When is a good time to hike the Inca Trail?
The ideal time to hike the Inca Trail in 4 days is during Peru’s dry season, from April to early October. Here’s how it breaks down:
April-May (low season)
- Less crowds than in peak months
- Lush green landscapes thanks to the late rains
- Cooler mornings, warming up at midday.
June-August (high season)
- Clearer and sunnier skies; excellent visibility at high passes.
- Warmer daytime temperatures (12-18 °C / 54-64 °F)
- Cold nights (near 0 °C / 32 °F)
- Increased demand for permits: book at least 6 months in advance.
September – early October (low season)
- Dry and sunny days
- Fewer hikers than in June-August
- Trails and ruins still green from the dry season.
Avoid the months of November through March, as the rainy season brings heavy downpours, muddy trails and frequent closures (the trail is completely closed in February for maintenance).
A tip: if you want to see the classic “cloud forest” covered with fog on the lower slopes, the months of April and October are especially beautiful.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco - Piskacucho Km 82 - Llactapata - Camp
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime with Visit Machu Picchu & Local Operators! We will start our day very early, picking you up from your accommodation in Cusco, Urubamba or Ollantaytambo. Don’t worry about the time, we will make sure to confirm the exact pick-up time during your briefing. After enjoying a delicious breakfast prepared by our talented cook, we will take you to the Ollantaytambo porter’s lodge, where you will meet your amazing team of porters and your expert guide.
We will then head to Km 82, passing through the first checkpoint of the Inca Trail to begin our hike. Be sure to bring your original passport with you to enter the Inca Trail. For the first 2 hours, we will make a relatively easy hike to our first Inca site, Patallacta, an ancient Inca checkpoint for the approach to Machu Picchu.
From Patallacta, we will continue walking for another 2 hours to reach our lunch stop. After refueling, we will embark on a 2.5 hour hike to reach our first overnight camp in Ayapata, at 3300 meters above sea level. On the way, we will pass through 2 small communities where you can buy any energy drinks, snacks, or basic necessities you may have forgotten, such as batteries.
We will arrive at our camp at 17:00, where you can relax and enjoy a hot drink and snack with your team of porters, cooks and guides. At 19:30, we will enjoy a delicious dinner and then enjoy a well-deserved rest.
Today’s hike covers a distance of 8.7 miles/14 km and will take about 6-7 hours. It is considered a moderate day, perfect for getting used to the Inca Trail. The weather will be warm and windy, making it an unforgettable day of adventure. Be prepared for tomorrow, because we will continue our journey to Machu Picchu! –
- Walking distance: 8.7 miles/14 km (~7 hours).
- Camp altitude: 3300 meters (high) above sea level.
Considered: Moderate day (getting used to the Inca Trail).
Weather: Warm and windy.
Day 2: Dead Woman's Pass - Runcuraccay Pass - Chaquiccocha
The second day of your adventure with Local Experts is going to be epic. Your porters will wake up early to greet you with a steaming cup of coca tea, which will give you the energy you need to face the day ahead. We have a long hike ahead of us, so we’ll need to get going as soon as possible.
Our destination is the Paso de la Mujer Muerta, the highest point of the route, at 4215 meters above sea level. It will take about 4 hours to reach the top, but trust us, the views will be worth it! Once there, we will take a short break to catch our breath and enjoy the incredible scenery before continuing on to the next valley.
From there, we will descend for about an hour and a half until we reach our lunch spot, where you will have the opportunity to refill your water bottles and replenish your strength with some delicious food prepared by our expert chefs. After lunch, we will begin the ascent to the second pass of the route. It is another 2 hour hike over the pass, where we will stop at a small Inca site called Runcu Raccay to enjoy the views of two magnificent waterfalls cascading down the opposite side of the valley.
Arriving at the end of our hike, we will come across the impressive Inca site of Sayacmarca. Here, we will take a moment to rest and enjoy a quick visit before enjoying the stunning sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range. From there, it is only a short 20-minute hike to our second campsite at Chaquicocha, located next to a beautiful dry lake at an altitude of 3600 meters. After dinner, we will take some time to stargaze and discover the fascinating Inca constellations. Believe us, the sky in this part of the world is a spectacle to behold.
This is considered the summit day of the route, and you will be able to say that you have survived the two highest passes. The hike on this day is 16 km and will take between 7 and 8 hours to complete. Remember to dress warmly and be prepared for the cold and rainy weather that can be encountered in the Andes and the Cloud Forest – get ready for an unforgettable day with Local Experts!
- Walking distance: 9.94 miles/16 km (~8 hours).
- Camp altitude: 3600 meters (high) above sea level (cold weather).
- Considered: Summit day (you will have survived the two highest passes)
- Area: Andes and Cloud Forest.
- Climate: Cold and rainy.
Day 3: Chaquiccocha - Wiñaywayna (Near the Sun Gate)
Day 3 of your Inca Trail adventure with Local Experts is where the real magic begins. After completing Day 2, it’s time to pat yourself on the back and prepare for the most scenic day of the entire trek. Rise and shine at 6:30 am, as we begin with a 2-hour hike along the gentle slopes of what we call “Inca flat”, before making our way into the Cloud Forest.
On the way, we will have the pleasure of witnessing the grandeur of Salkantay, the second highest mountain in the Sacred Valley, and the impressive Vilcabamba range. As we approach the end of the Inca plains, we begin our ascent to the last peak, Phuyupatamarka (3600 meters), from where we can marvel at the beauty of the Urubamba River below us. Here, we will have our first glimpse of Machu Picchu mountain, but the site itself remains hidden. After Phuyupatamarka, we will descend a flight of stairs on a 3-hour hike to our last campsite, located near Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young). This site is the most notable Inca ruin on the trail after Machu Picchu, making it the most popular campsite due to its proximity to the world-renowned attraction.
As we descend, we will visit two Inca ruins, Phuyupatamarka (Village in the Clouds) and Intipata (Terraces of the Sun). We will arrive at our campsite around 1:00 PM and have lunch, followed by a well-deserved rest to recharge our batteries for the next day’s adventure in Machu Picchu. Around 4:30 PM, our expert guide will give you a brief orientation, and we will visit the Inca ruins of Wiñay Wayna for an hour and a half, where you will learn about its historical significance and piece together all the information gathered during the hike. This will give you a complete overview of what awaits you on your visit to Machu Picchu the following day. We love to treat our guests to a farewell banquet and celebrate with our amazing team of porters and cooks.
It is customary to organize a ceremony in the evening, reintroducing the team to the guests and thanking them for a job well done. If you wish to tip the team, you may do so at that time. We recommend that you go to bed early so that you can get up early and arrive at Machu Picchu at dawn, in the hope of contemplating a breathtaking sunrise over the ruins.
- Walking distance: 10 km (~5 hours).
- Camp altitude: 2,600 meters (high) above sea level (cold weather).
- Considered: An easy day walking downhill.
- Zone: High cloud forest.
- Climate: Warm and very humid.
Day 4: Sun Gate - Machu Picchu - The Lost City Of The Incas - Cusco
Get ready for the most exciting and magical day of your trip with Local Experts! We will wake up early at 3:30 AM, have breakfast at 4:00 AM and wait at the checkpoint to be one of the first groups to enter the Inca Trail gates when they open at 5:30 AM. After saying goodbye to our team of incredible porters and cooks, we will depart for the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
As we hike, we will be greeted with spectacular mountain views and a breathtaking view of Machu Picchu in all its splendor. We will arrive at the Sun Gate at 6:30 in the morning and witness an incredible view of the Lost City of the Incas. Then, it is only an hour’s walk down to Machu Picchu. The closer we get to the city, the more breathtaking the views will be!
At 7:40, we will arrive at the last checkpoint and enter Machu Picchu to begin our 2-hour private guided tour. After the tour, you will have the option to explore the city on your own or climb one of the neighboring mountains – Huaynapicchu (arrangements must be made in advance)..
Your guide will offer to meet you in the town of Aguas Calientes for lunch at a local restaurant. This is optional and is not included. During lunch, your guide will give you train tickets, so be sure to make arrangements to get these before leaving Machu Picchu. We will book the Expedition class train departing Aguas Calientes at 14:55 or 15:20 (unless you have booked a higher class train). Please be at the platform at least 30 minutes in advance. The train ride will take 2 hours to Ollantaytambo or Poroy (depending on which train you take), where an Alpaca driver will pick you up and take you back to town in our bus, and then drop you off at your hotel.
Be prepared for a hot and very humid day, so be sure to bring plenty of water. This day will truly be a once in a lifetime experience, and we can’t wait to share it with you!
- Considered: The most exciting and magical day (wake up early at 3.30 AM).
- Zone: High clouds and subtropical forest.
- Weather: Hot and very humid (bring lots of water).
Inclusions
Includes
- Professional Guides: We work with guides who studied English and tourism at the National University of Cusco. They have grown up in the region and are passionate about teaching others about their heritage. They are fun, but professional, and guarantee the safety and happiness of their clients.Permits and Machu Picchu: To enter the Inca Trail you need a permit, which can only be obtained by authorized Inca Trail tour operators. Once the operator receives the client’s information and deposit, the permit will be purchased. These permits are issued for a specific date and in the client’s name. The permit includes entrance to Machu Picchu and cannot be changed once confirmed, except to update the passport number. Briefing: The night before the trek a briefing will be held at the tour operator’s main office with the guide and other members of the trekking group. The client will receive a duffel bag, which should not exceed 7 kg/14 lbs and should include a sleeping bag and air mattress if rented or brought by the client. Warm clothing is recommended.
- A porter for personal belongings: Visit Machu Picchu provides a personal porter who carries the client’s duffel bag. There is no additional charge for this service. The client will not have access to the duffel bag until arriving at the overnight camp. The duffel bag should not exceed 7 kg, which includes 4 kg of clothing and 3 kg for the sleeping bag and mat.Green Machine Porters: Visit Machu Picchu’s team of porters are the most loyal and hard-working on the planet. They carry all the camping equipment and food, set up and take down the camps and help the chef prepare the food. By law, they can carry up to a maximum of 20 kg, which is strictly enforced. For a group of 8 hikers, there will be 15 porters. Trekking and food chef: Visit Machu Picchu chefs prepare amazing meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner on the mountainside. Meals usually begin with a nutritious soup and are served family style, including a protein, salad, assorted side dishes and desserts. They take into account all dietary restrictions and make sure everyone has enough to get up the mountain. Clients should inform the Visit Machu Picchu reservation agent of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking.
- Water: Hydration is essential for trekking, and VMP provides water at every meal, boiled, filtered and cooled to ensure that it is clean and ready to drink. The client should bring something that can hold at least 3 liters of water. Water will not be provided until the first meal, so the client should bring enough water for the first morning on the trail.Equipment: We use the best equipment on the market, including 4-person Eureka Timberline tents shared by only 2 people. Individual tents are available for 30 USD. The company provides large dining tents, pillows, foam sleeping pads, chairs and tableware.Hotel to hotel service: VMP picks up clients from their hotels on the morning of the trek and takes them to KM 82 in their comfortable van. After the hike, clients are driven from the train station back to their hotel or Air BNB.
Transportation and train service: VMP includes all logistics, including the bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes and the tourist class train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
First Aid: At Visit Machu Picchu, your safety is our number one concern. All of our guides receive training every year from a doctor. They also carry first aid kits and full oxygen tanks to make sure you are well cared for. In the rare case of an emergency, we will get you off the trail as quickly and comfortably as possible and take you directly to a clinic for treatment.
Extras: We pride ourselves on the small details that set us apart from other tour companies. Each hiker receives a small sleeping pillow, an insulating foam mattress, a backpack cover to protect their belongings during the hike and a rain poncho. We also provide buckets of hot water every day to keep our guests feeling cool and clean at night. And, each evening, we enjoy a happy hour to relax and unwind while we discuss the day’s events. We are dedicated to working hard to make your vacation the best experience possible.
Taxes and fees: At VMP, we believe in transparency. That’s why all taxes and permit fees associated with this hike are included in our price. There are no hidden fees, so you can rest easy knowing exactly what you are paying for.
Satellite phones: Our guides carry fully charged satellite phones during the trek for emergency situations. This ensures that we can be connected to doctors, hospitals or friends at all times, giving you peace of mind. The phones can also be used for non-emergencies. Although they are not cheap to use, they are available in case you need to know how your pet is doing at home.
Inclusion on a daily basis
Day 1:
- Briefing at our office the night before and duffel bags provided
Hotel pick up and start of the trek
Extra luggage storage available
Breakfast included
Travel to Km 82 in our bus
Porters bus to transport your gear
Inca Trail entrance ticket provided
Porters carry your camping gear
Snack provided for the trek
Lunch with appetizers, main course and hot drinks
Happy hour with hot drinks
Two-person tents with foam pads provided.
Day 2:
- Wake-up call with coca tea in your tent
Breakfast included
Snack included for the hike
Lunch with soup, main course and hot drinks
Drinking water in the morning, lunch and dinner
Happy hour with hot drinks on arrival at camp
Dinner included
Day 3:
- Alarm clock with hot drinks
Breakfast included
Snack included
Drinking water available
Our team carries 7kg of your laundry
Lunch and happy hour included
Visit to Inca sites
Happy hour and dinner included
Day 4:
- Early breakfast provided
Snack provided
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu provided
Guided tour of Machu Picchu
Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
Expedition class train with excellent views
Bus transfer back to your hotel in Cusco.
Not included
Additional items that are not included in the tour package are rentals and entrance fee to Huayna Picchu. If you need a sleeping bag, inflatable air mattress or walking sticks, they are available for rent. It is recommended to bring a sleeping bag when camping. Rental prices are $20 for a sleeping bag, $15 for an inflatable air mattress and $15 for a pair of poles with rubber tips. Huayna Picchu is a mountain next to Machu Picchu that offers a 45-minute hike to the top. If you wish to climb it after your Machu Picchu excursion, you will need to pay an additional fee of $75. Be aware that the descent can be steep and scary for those with a fear of heights. Due to its popularity, it is necessary to arrange it at least one month in advance. Please note that the weather is not under our control.
Prices & Upgrades
- Price per person: $779
Student discount: $35 discount per person for those with a valid university student ID or under 17 years of age. To receive the student discount, we need to see a copy of the university student card or passport at the time of booking.
Additional items & upgrades
Huayna Picchu Mountain: An additional entrance ticket that costs $75 per person and offers a 45-minute hike to the top. Tickets can be purchased for the first session from 7-8 AM or the second session from 10-11 AM. We purchase the second session for our clients, allowing them to enjoy their tour of Machu Picchu before starting the hike.
Machu Picchu Mountain: An additional entrance ticket costing $75 per person, which offers even more impressive views than Huayna Picchu, but it takes an hour and a half to reach the top. The ticket is only valid for a specific time slot between 9am and 10am, and you cannot hike the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Mountain on the same day.
Vistadome Train: An upgraded train with larger seats, windows and entertainment that costs $75 per person. The train departs at 4:43 PM and travels to Poroy, a train station closer to Cusco. Transportation back to your hotel is included. Our excursions usually include the Expeditionary Train, which departs at 4:22 PM from Aguas Calientes.
Packing list
To travel
- Passport
- Valid student ID (if applicable)
- Immigration card (issued on the plane when entering Peru)
- A good backpack (if small, the better)
- Water storage (such as a Camelbak) with at least 2-3 liters of capacity
- Comfortable hiking boots with good soles
For your travel bag
2-3 waterproof T-shirts
2- 3 hiking pants
4 sets of underwear
4 sets of hiking socks
1 fleece jacket
1 warm down jacket (it gets very cold at night)
1 rain jacket and pants
1 sun hat
1 wool hat
Headlamp
Waterproof gloves
Comfortable footwear for camping Hiking boots Waterproof jacket or rain poncho Quick drying towel Small bottle of soap Battery charger (no place to plug it in during trekking) camping
Hiking boots
Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
Quick drying towel
Small bottle of soap
Battery charger (no place to plug it in while trekking)
Large plastic bags to organize and keep things clean
Sleeping bag rated for at least – 10C
Toiletries
Sunscreen
Facial moisturizer
Insect spray
Hand sanitizer
Moist towelettes
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Toilet paper
Personal medication
First aid kit (band-aids, moleskin, etc.)
Inside the backpack
Water (you are responsible for your first morning’s water only)
Sun hat
Rain gear
Fleece
Camera
Music player
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper and a small plastic garbage bag
Extra money for souvenirs, drinks and tips
Earplugs
Travel Info
Information
On the eve of the excursion, at 6:30 p.m., you will have a briefing session. It will last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. If you are unable to attend, please arrange another time with a member of the Expeditions office staff. You will receive your duffel bags during the briefing.
For the 2-day Inca Trail trek with hotel, the briefing is not included. Our office staff will review all details during your check-in.
Travel bags
The duffel bags will be given to you during the briefing. The porters will transport them and return them to you at each camp. They measure 66 cm long x 36 cm wide. Each bag has a maximum weight of 7 kg. Remember that 4 kg will be for your clothes and other personal items, while the remaining 3 kg will be for your sleeping bag and sleeping pad.
Recollections
Local Expers is one of the few companies that will pick you up directly from your hotel. If your hotel is located in Cusco city center, we will coordinate a pick-up time based on a time that your guide will discuss during the briefing. Depending on traffic conditions and previous pick-ups, pick-up times can vary between 30 – 45 minutes.
It is important to note that smaller hotels and Airbnbs are often located on streets that cars cannot pass. They are also often on hillsides with long steep climbs, making it difficult to transport luggage. We strongly recommend that you book accommodations with better access. You can check our list of hotels to find comfortable accommodations with easy pick-up and drop-off access.
Return to Cusco
When leaving Machu Picchu, you will take a 25-minute bus from Machu Picchu Picchu to the town of Aguas Calientes. Buses are on a first-come, first-served basis and run all day. From there, you will take a train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, depending on your itinerary. You will be given your train tickets during the briefing. Be sure to arrive at the platform 30 minutes in advance.
Once at the train station, look for a man dressed in green with a Local Expers sign. He will take you to the San Francisco Plaza in Cusco. The van ride from Ollantaytambo to nearby San Francisco Plaza takes 2 hours, while the van ride from Poroy to nearby San Francisco Plaza takes 30 minutes.
Once in San Francisco square, you will be separated in cabs for a fee and taken back to the hotel.
Machu Picchu Entrance Hours
Machu Picchu now has two visiting hours: morning or afternoon. Your entrance ticket will be valid for one session only. The morning session is from 6 AM to 12 PM, and the afternoon session is from 12 PM to 5:30 PM. However, if you have tickets to hike Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu mountain, you will have extra time until 2:30 PM.
Senderismo Huayna Picchu o montaña Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is a beautiful place, and many people enjoy hiking up one of the mountains near the ruins after their visit.
Huaynapicchu is the most popular mountain and tends to sell out quickly, so it is best to book in advance. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the top and another 45 minutes to descend. Tickets are sold by session, and you can choose between the first session, from 7am to 8am, or the second, from 10am to 11am. We usually reserve the second session so that you can enjoy the hike with your guide beforehand. You will do this hike on your own, but your guide will show you where to start.
Machu Picchu Mountain is a bit longer and less popular than Huaynapicchu. It takes an hour and a half to reach the top and another hour and a half to descend. Again, there are two time windows for this hike, 7-8 AM and 9-10 AM, and usually buy the second time window.
If you do a 4 or 7 day Inca Trail trek, you will need to book Huaynapicchu Mountain for the second day of your visit to Machu Picchu. If you do the 2-day Inca Trail trek, you will need to reserve Machu Picchu Mountain for the second day of your visit to Machu Picchu.
Salud
Be sure to inform your guide of any health problems or concerns you may have. Although our guides are not medical professionals, they are trained in first aid. You are responsible for assessing whether a trip is right for you. We recommend that you consult your doctor to confirm your fitness for the trip, participation in planned activities, and any vaccinations or medical precautions you may need. If you develop extreme altitude sickness or any other illness that prevents you from trekking, we will help you coordinate a visit to Machu Picchu by train.
Group visits.
When booking a group hike, keep in mind that everyone has different hiking abilities and ages. Your guide will work with the group to make sure everyone has fun. If necessary, the guide will modify the hike to suit the group’s needs.
Strikes
Strikes are frequent in Peru and can disrupt travel. We will make every effort to ensure that your trip continues as planned, but tours may have to be cancelled under certain circumstances. Your safety is our top priority.
Lost and found
You are responsible for your belongings throughout the tour. Remember to be diligent about where you leave your things, and do not leave anything unintentional behind during your excursion.
Tips
Tipping is part of the tradition of any trek to Machu Picchu. We recommend tipping porters and cooks between 50 and 200 soles, depending on the trek. For the guide, it is more personal and should be decided based on your relationship with them. You can tip with US dollars, Peruvian soles or even with your credit card.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended, as adventure travel involves more risks than normal travel. If needed, we can recommend an agent to advise you on this type of insurance.
Weather
The weather in Cuzco is unpredictable. Even during the dry season, from April to October, it can rain. Bring rain gear including a raincoat, pants, poncho and waterproof gloves. Layers are essential to adapt to different temperature changes. Be prepared for cold temperatures at night with a down jacket that you can carry in your backpack.
Altitude
Altitude sickness is a problem when traveling to high altitudes. Spend at least two days in Cuzco before starting any excursion in the Andes so that your body adapts to the lower amount of oxygen in the air.
How to avoid altitude sickness?
To avoid altitude sickness in Cuzco, it is recommended to take it easy and give your body time to adapt to the altitude. It is also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol and coffee, which can dehydrate you. Coca tea can be helpful in preventing altitude sickness and is a traditional remedy used in the region.
Also, avoid smoking and sleeping pills, which can make it difficult for your body to get the oxygen it needs. If you plan to take medication to prevent altitude sickness, it is recommended that you start taking it a couple of days before arriving at altitude and continue taking it while you are there.
Remember that the trek to Machu Picchu is not a race, so go slowly and enjoy the trip. If you experience any symptoms of altitude sickness, report them immediately to your guide, who is trained to help you overcome them.
How to get to Cusco?
To get to Cuzco, you can take a plane or a bus. The Cuzco airport is for domestic flights only, so international travelers must first fly to Lima and go through customs. Even if your flight to Cuzco is the same day with the same airline, you will need to pick up your bags in Lima and check them in again.
The best way to get to Cuzco is by plane, and there are many airlines to choose from. LATAM has the most options, but it is usually the most expensive and flights can be delayed or cancelled due to Cuzco’s high altitude and weather. If coming from a city closer to Cuzco, such as Puno, taking a bus is a good option, although the trip can be long, especially from Lima. Buses in Peru are comfortable and well maintained, but the trip from Lima will take 20 hours or more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How physically demanding is the 4-day Inca Trail?
Do I need previous altitude experience?
When should I reserve my Inca Trail permit?
What does the authorization fee include?
What equipment should I bring?
How much does my backpack weigh?
What are the camping conditions like?
Is drinking water supplied?
What meals are served on the route?
Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain?
What happens in bad weather or when the wind stops?
What tip should I give to the guide and the porters?
Is travel insurance necessary?
What if I suffer from altitude sickness?
How do I return from Machu Picchu to Cusco?
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days
- Small business & 100% local
Why choose Visit Machu Picchu?
At Visit Machu Picchu (VMP), we take great pride in being a 100% local company, with a team of knowledgeable and experienced locals who are passionate about sharing the beauty of our country with visitors from all over the world. Our commitment to our community and the people who call it home is at the heart of everything we do. When you choose to travel with us, you’re not just experiencing the best of what our country has to offer, you’re also helping to support our local economy and provide job opportunities for the people in our community.
We believe that travel is about more than just sightseeing – it’s about creating meaningful connections with the places and people we encounter along the way. As a locally-owned and operated company, we have deep roots in our community and are committed to responsible and sustainable tourism that gives back as much to our community as it does to our clients. By choosing to travel with Visit Machu Picchu, you’re not just getting a great travel experience – you’re also making a positive impact on the people and places you visit.
Similar tours that you may like
- Half day
- Maximum 16 persons
- 2 days / 1 night
- Maximum 8 persons
