The Classic Inca Trail is the most famous hiking route in Peru and one of the best hikes in the world. This 4-day ancestral journey takes you through stunning landscapes, cloud forests, and hidden archaeological sites until you reach Machu Picchu, the jewel of the Andes.
To undertake this journey, it is mandatory to have a permit for the Inca Trail network, whether in its 2-day or 4-day version. Spaces are very limited, which makes many people book up to a year in advance. It is recommended to secure your spot 6 to 8 months ahead, especially during high season.
But what makes this route so special? Unlike other pre-Hispanic trails, the Inca Trail is the only one that leads directly to Machu Picchu through the mystical Gate of the Sun (Intipunku). During the conquest era, this path was hidden, preserving its magic and authenticity.
Today, this journey remains a unique connection to the history and culture of the Incas. Walking these trails means following in the footsteps of a millennial civilization, surrounded by towering mountains and archaeological remains that tell the story of the Incans.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure with spectacular landscapes and an epic arrival at Machu Picchu, the Classic Inca Trail is the best choice. Get ready to discover a journey that will be forever etched in your memory!
This exclusive 4-day tour takes you along the legendary Inca Trail, crossing Andean landscapes, cloud forests, and hidden archaeological sites. You’ll start at Kilometer 82, trekking through mountains to the campsite at Wayllabamba. On the second day, you’ll tackle the highest point of the journey, the Warmiwañusca Pass, with spectacular views before descending to Pacaymayo.
On the third day, you’ll explore ancient Inca sites like Runkuraqay, Sayaqmarka, and Phuyupatamarka until reaching Wiñay Wayna, where you’ll rest before the grand finale. On the final day, you’ll enter Machu Picchu through the mystical Sun Gate (Intipunku), enjoying a unique view at sunrise. After a guided tour, you’ll return to Cusco with unforgettable memories. Below is the detailed itinerary.
Start of the Inca Trail: The adventure begins towards Wayllabamba
Our expedition begins early with pick-up from your hotel in Cusco to head to the picturesque village of Ollantaytambo, where we will enjoy an energizing breakfast. Here, you will have the opportunity to meet your expert guide and fellow travelers who will accompany you on this unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu.
Next, we continue in our private transportation for approximately 40 minutes to Kilometer 82, the starting point of the hike. At this location, we will meet our support team, made up of porters and cooks, who will be a key part of the expedition.
Before starting the hike, we will go through the main Inca Trail checkpoint, where it will be mandatory to present the official permits and tickets. Our guide will handle the process, but each participant must show their original passport. It is crucial that the details provided at the time of booking exactly match those in the passport, as any mistake could invalidate the permit and lose the right to hike.
With all the documents in order, we will begin our journey by crossing the Urubamba River, advancing along a path surrounded by stunning landscapes. After about 2 hours of walking, we will reach the first archaeological site of the route: Patallaqta, an ancient Inca citadel with spectacular agricultural terraces and buildings that reveal the grandeur of this civilization.
After exploring and capturing the beauty of this place, we will continue for 30 more minutes to our lunch point at Tarayoc, where we will enjoy a comforting meal and a short break.
In the afternoon, we resume the hike, ascending the valley to our first camp at Wayllabamba, a peaceful Andean village surrounded by mountains and nature. Here, we will settle in for the night, enjoying a delicious dinner prepared by our team and recharging for the challenges of the next day.
And thus concludes the first day of one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life!
Challenge in the Heights: Conquest of the Warmiwañusca Pass
The second day of the expedition begins with a nutritious and energizing breakfast, prepared by our chef to tackle the most challenging day of the hike. Additionally, we will receive some snacks to replenish our energy during the journey.
We will begin the ascent from Wayllabamba, crossing a spectacular cloud forest while gaining altitude progressively. After approximately 5 hours of walking, we will reach the Warmiwañusca Pass, the highest point of the entire Inca Trail, with an impressive altitude of 4,215 m.s.n.m. (13,828 feet).
From this point, we will enjoy an unparalleled panoramic view of the Peruvian Andes, a reward for our effort. We will take some time to rest, capture photographs, and absorb the majesty of the landscapes before starting the descent to Pacaymayo.
The descent will take approximately 1.5 hours, a stretch that requires concentration and control due to the incline of the path. Finally, we will reach our camp in Pacaymayo (3,600 m.s.n.m. – 11,811 feet), where we will enjoy a well-deserved lunch and dinner, as well as a much-needed rest amid the mountains.
Although this day may seem short in distance, it is undoubtedly the most demanding of the entire hike due to the altitude and slope of the terrain. Overcoming it will be an unforgettable achievement and a key step toward the ultimate reward: Machu Picchu.
Among Ruins and Clouds: Discovering Phuyupatamarka and Wiñay Wayna!
The third day of our expedition starts with a comforting breakfast, perfect for recharging energy before a day full of history and stunning landscapes.
We will begin the hike by ascending for 45 minutes to the enigmatic archaeological site of Runkuraqay (3,760 m.a.s.l. – 12,336 feet), an ancient Inca watchtower with a unique semicircular structure. After exploring this fascinating place, we will continue ascending to the Runkuraqay Pass, where we will enjoy spectacular views of the Peruvian Andes.
From here, we will start a descent of approximately 1 hour to the archaeological site of Sayaqmarka (3,620 m.a.s.l. – 11,876 feet), one of the best-preserved Inca cities on the Inca Trail. Its strategically located buildings on a cliff offer an unparalleled panoramic view. We will take some time for a guided tour and photos before continuing our journey.
We will continue walking on the ancient Inca Trail for 2 hours, passing through lush landscapes until we reach the Phuyupatamarka Pass (3,650 m.a.s.l. – 11,975 feet), where we will stop to enjoy a well-deserved lunch.
Just 10 minutes from the lunch stop, we will find the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarka, known as “The Town Above the Clouds” due to its strategic location and the impressive agricultural terraces surrounding it. After a brief guided visit, we will embark on the final stretch of the day.
The final descent will take approximately 3 hours, following a winding path until we reach Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m.a.s.l. – 8,694 feet), one of the most beautiful archaeological sites on the Inca Trail. Here, you will find perfectly preserved agricultural terraces and an incomparable natural setting.
At Wiñay Wayna, we will set up camp for the third night, enjoying a special farewell dinner with our guides and support team. This is the perfect moment to share experiences before the big day: the arrival at Machu Picchu.
The Grand Revelation: Intipunku and the Majesty of Machu Picchu!
This day will begin very early with a hike of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the ancient ceremonial entrance to Machu Picchu. From here, we will enjoy the sunrise and our first panoramic view of the Inca citadel.
For many, this is the most special moment of the trip, as after four days of effort, we will finally be able to see Machu Picchu from an exclusive vantage point. This unique experience is only possible for those who walk the Classic Inca Trail (either 2 or 4 days), as no other tourists have access to this viewpoint. It is, without a doubt, one of the major differences between this expedition and other tours.
After enjoying the scenery and taking photographs, we will descend to the most famous viewpoint of Machu Picchu, known as the Guardian’s House. From here, you can capture the classic photo of the citadel, the same one you’ve seen in countless publications and social media.
After some time for photographs, all Inca Trail hikers will be required to exit the citadel and cross through the main entrance to Machu Picchu. Upon re-entering, we will embark on a guided tour of approximately 2 hours, exploring the temples, sacred enclosures, ceremonial fountains, and agricultural terraces.
After the tour, you will have free time to continue exploring Machu Picchu. If you wish to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, it is important to know that an additional entry ticket is required, and reservations must be made in advance as spaces are limited.
Finally, we will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy lunch (not included) before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo. There, our private transport will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in the city of Cusco, thus concluding one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life.
Important: Access to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain requires an additional ticket and must be reserved in advance.
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US$1100
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Discover the perfect blend of culture, history, and adventure with this 3-day tour that combines the Sacred Valley of the Incas with the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Exploring these impressive archaeological sites before the trek not only helps with acclimatization, but also offers a deeper understanding of the greatness of the Inca Empire and the importance of its ancestral routes. The classic Inca Trail is one of the most famous hiking routes in the world and the most sought-after experience in Peru. Due to high demand, it is essential to book at least 6 to 8 months in advance, as permits are limited and can sell out up to a year ahead. This 2-day Inca Trail tour is the only one that allows you to visit Machu Picchu twice. On the first day, you’ll enter through Wiñayhuayna and Intipunku (Sun Gate), offering a unique panoramic view and the iconic photo of the citadel. The next day, you’ll ascend from Aguas Calientes to explore Machu Picchu through the assigned circuit, fully enjoying this wonder of the world. Live a unique experience in the Peruvian Andes, walking the same paths the incas used centuries ago to connect their vast empire.
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The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most spectacular hikes in South America and one of the best alternatives to the Inca Trail. This 5-day route is internationally recognized for its stunning diversity of landscapes, ranging from towering snow-capped mountains to lush tropical jungles. If you’re looking for an authentic trekking experience filled with challenges and unforgettable views, this adventure is for you. Throughout this journey, hikers have the chance to explore the majestic Humantay Lake, conquer the challenging Salkantay Pass, and walk along ancient Inca paths until reaching Machu Picchu. Unlike the Classic Inca Trail, this route does not require limited permits, making it an excellent option for those seeking an unrestricted alternative. Lorenzo Expeditions, unlike many other agencies, remains true to the essence of traditional trekking. Our camps are located in strategic spots, using tents and mountain equipment to ensure a more authentic experience. While some companies have chosen to install domes and lodges along the way, we prioritize pure adventure, avoiding crowded areas to enjoy a real connection with nature. If you’re an adventure lover seeking a challenging trekking experience with unmatched views, the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is the best choice for you. Embark on this incredible journey and discover the magic of the Andes at its finest.
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The ancient city of Cusco invites you to experience a unique adventure at Humantay Lagoon, located at over 4,200 meters above sea level. This full-day tour combines the majesty of the Andean snow-capped mountains with the lagoon’s turquoise waters, creating an unforgettable landscape. Perfect for trekking lovers in Cusco, this journey allows you to admire the imposing Apu Salkantay, a sacred mountain for the Incas, and capture stunning photographs. Whether you’re looking for a Humantay Lagoon tour from Cusco or a stop along the Salkantay route, this destination is ideal for connecting with nature and experiencing an unforgettable adventure.
Discover why our adventurers always return with unforgettable stories and recommend our expeditions. Enjoy a unique experience full of adrenaline and fun.
My fiancée and I did the 5-day trip that included Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain. It was amazing!! Our tour guide, Wilbert, was so knowledgeable and took care of everything…
We did a five day tour with Lorenzo and had multiple amazing guides. Bryan took us on a day trip to Rainbow Mountain and it was amazing! His car was clean and comfortable and he was...
The trip was really very good. It was 4 days and 3 nights where I ate very well, we were in amazing places, we slept in nice places and we were tired ...
What an amazing experience, I would absolutely recommend it (and have already done so to friends). The tour guides deserve a special mention, Bryan and Wilbur who were just great at giving...
Lorenzo and his agency were very attentive on our trip. I would especially like to praise the guide Abel who took us to Laguna Humantay and Montan̈a 7 Colores...
Excellent travel agency, especially the work done by the guide Wilbert! He guided us for two days on an unforgettable trip from Cuzco to Machu Picchu, showing great care and attention in...
