4D/3NClassic Inca Trail
The classic 42 km route over Dead Woman's Pass, arriving through the Sun Gate at dawn.
from $932 USD
See trek details Short on time, but not on wonder. In one unforgettable day you walk the most beautiful final stretch of the Inca Trail — orchids, waterfalls, the hidden terraces of Wiñay Wayna — and arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, just like the Incas did. About 12 km on the trail, with a highest point of 2,720 m, permit and entrance included. A real bed in Aguas Calientes, then a full guided morning in the citadel. You carry only a day pack; we take care of the rest.
Trip highlights
- Walk into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate
- Wiñay Wayna, the most beautiful ruins on the Inca Trail
- No camping: hotel night in Aguas Calientes
- Full guided tour of the citadel
- Daily departures, ideal for families and tight schedules
Why book direct with a local operator
Our own crew
Guides, chefs and crew are our team in Cusco — no middlemen, no resold departures.
Fair pay
Porters and horsemen are paid fairly, carry legal weights and get proper gear and meals.
Best trail food
Our trail chefs cook fresh Andean dishes three times a day.
Low-impact trekking
Leave No Trace camps, waste carried out, community projects supported.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Cusco → KM 104 → Wiñay Wayna → Sun Gate
Walking time
6–7 h
Distance
12 km
Climb
+650 m
Descent
−680 m
Highest point
2,720 m
The train rattles along the Urubamba until it stops in the middle of the jungle, at KM 104. You cross the swinging bridge, show your passport, and you're on the real Inca Trail. The path climbs past the temple of Chachabamba and along a cliff-side of orchids and waterfalls. Then Wiñay Wayna appears: terraces cascading down the mountain, empty and silent. In the afternoon you walk the same final stretch as the Classic hikers and step through the Sun Gate — and there it is, Machu Picchu, glowing below you. You'll stand there longer than you planned. Then down to Aguas Calientes for a hot shower and a real bed.
Meals: Breakfast, box lunchOvernight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Departure dates
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Available Few spaces left Sold out No departure
Daily departures (closed in February). Tap a green date to book it.
What's included
- Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entrance
- Professional bilingual guide
- Train to KM 104 and return train to Ollantaytambo
- Bus Machu Picchu ↔ Aguas Calientes
- Hotel night in Aguas Calientes
- Transfers from and to your hotel in Cusco
- Box lunch on day 1, breakfast on day 2
Not included
- Travel insurance (required)
- Hotels in Cusco
- Airport transfers
- Tips for the crew
- Meals not listed
- Sleeping bag and trekking poles (available to rent)
Trail chefs and the people behind your trek
Our chefs cook three hot meals a day — quinoa soup, lomo saltado, fresh trout, Andean herbal teas — with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Our crew are Quechua men and women from the communities around Cusco. We pay them fairly, respect legal load limits and support their families through our community program.
How hard is it? Level 2 of 5 — Moderate
Moderate. One day of 6–7 hours on stone paths and steps, with a steady climb of around 600 m and no high passes. Anyone who walks regularly can do it. Spend at least a day in Cusco or the Sacred Valley first.
Our difficulty scale
Every trek we run is rated from 1 (easy) to 5 (hard). This one is a 2.
- 1Easy
Gentle walks of 2–4 hours, little climbing. Anyone in normal health.
Unique City Tour: Inca Trail, Alpacas & Ruins
- 2Moderate
4–6 hours a day with some climbs, mostly below 3,500 m. Regular walkers.
Short Inca Trail (Express) · Inca Jungle Trek
- 3Active
5–7 hours a day, steady climbs and passes up to around 4,000 m. Good basic fitness.
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu · Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu · Rainbow Mountain Trek · Salkantay & Humantay
- 4Challenging
6–8 hours a day on steep stone steps, one or more passes above 4,000 m. Fit hikers who train beforehand.
Classic Inca Trail · Lares Fusion Inca Trail · Salkantay Fusion Inca Trail · Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu · Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
- 5Hard
Long, remote days, big daily climbs and high passes near 5,000 m. Experienced, very fit trekkers.
Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu · Ausangate Trek
Best time to go
Open every month except February. Permits sell out in the dry season, so book early.
Best (dry season)Good (shoulder)Rainy, still openClosed
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
- Jan
- Peak rainy season. Green, quiet and dramatic, but expect daily showers and muddy steps. Permits are easy to get.
- Feb
- Closed. The Ministry of Culture closes the Inca Trail every February for maintenance. Try the Salkantay or Inca Jungle trek instead.
- Mar
- Trail reopens. Still wet, but lush cloud forest, orchids and few hikers.
- Apr
- Rains fade, landscapes are at their greenest. A great shoulder month.
- May
- Dry season begins. Clear skies, green valleys — one of the very best months.
- Jun
- Dry and sunny days, cold nights (near 0 °C at Pacaymayo). Inti Raymi festival in Cusco on 24 June.
- Jul
- Peak season: the most reliable weather. Permits sell out months ahead.
- Aug
- Dry, clear and busy. Book 5–6 months in advance.
- Sep
- Still dry with warmer nights. Excellent views and slightly fewer hikers.
- Oct
- Mostly dry with the first afternoon showers. Good value and fewer crowds.
- Nov
- Mixed weather — sun in the morning, showers some afternoons. Greener trail.
- Dec
- Rainy season returns. Fewer hikers and festive Cusco, pack good rain gear.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Short Inca Trail?
The final 12 km of the Inca Trail, from KM 104 to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, visiting Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna on the way.
Is the Short Inca Trail worth it?
Yes — it covers the most beautiful ruins of the trail and you still arrive through the Sun Gate. Perfect if you're short on time or don't want to camp.
Do I need a permit for the 2-day Inca Trail?
Yes. It has its own daily permit quota, and only licensed operators like us can buy it with your passport details.
Do we camp?
No. You sleep in a hotel in Aguas Calientes after the walking day.
When does it depart?
Every day of the year except February, when the Inca Trail closes for maintenance.
Short or Classic Inca Trail?
The Classic is 4 days, 42 km and a pass at 4,215 m. The Short is one day of walking at lower altitude. Both enter through the Sun Gate.
How do I avoid altitude sickness?
Spend at least 2 days in Cusco (3,400 m) before the trek, drink lots of water, avoid alcohol the first days and walk slowly. Our guides carry emergency oxygen and a first aid kit.
Who carries my things?
You only carry a light day pack. Our crew (porters on the Inca Trail, horsemen and mules on Salkantay and Lares) carries the tents, kitchen, food and up to 5–7 kg of your personal gear.
What food is served?
Three hot meals a day plus snacks and tea, cooked fresh by our trail chefs. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets are available on request.
Is drinking water provided?
Yes, boiled and filtered water from the first lunch onwards. Bring a 1–2 litre bottle.
What should I pack?
Broken-in hiking boots, rain jacket, warm layers, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, headlamp, water bottle, personal medication, passport and some cash.
Is travel insurance required?
Yes. It must cover hiking at altitude, medical evacuation and trip cancellation.
How much should I tip the crew?
Tips are optional but appreciated. Many hikers give around 40–80 USD per person in total, shared between the crew.
What age range joins your treks?
Most of our hikers are between 25 and 60. Fit hikers older than that walk with us every month — pace matters more than age.
Can I extend my stay or add Huayna Picchu?
Yes. Ask us when booking and we'll add the ticket or move your return train.
Why book with a local operator?
We are based in Cusco and run every trek with our own guides, chefs and crew. No middlemen: your money goes to the people who make your trip.
