CLASSIC INKA TRAIL 4 Days

The Classic Inca Trail 4 days adventure is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the adventure-seeker wanting to hike a famous trek in Peru. Each day brings something new as you travel from Andean tundra to cloud forest, passing incredible Incan sites along the way.

$ 829 GROUP SERVICE

REGULAR PRICE $ 890
DIFFICULTY - DEMANDING
TRIP CODE (VJCIT4D)

ON SALE

Journey Style

ACTIVE/TREKKING

Service Level

STANDART

Effort Level

CHALLENGING

Group Size

FROM 1 TO 12

Travel Type

SMALL GROUP

CLASSIC INKA TRAIL 4 Days

The Inca Trail, one of the most popular treks in the world, allows you to explore and follow the paths of the ancient Inca Empire. It is a religious and sacred trail that takes you to the most sacred site of the Inca era, Machu Picchu, which you will reach through the Sun Gate.

On this journey, you will learn about the Inca legacy and their great development in engineering, which allowed them to create roads and constructions that still amaze us. It is an unsolved mystery how such great technological advancement was achieved more than 500 years ago, without the tools that allow for this type of architectural work.

A 4-day, 3-night journey that takes you to Machu Picchu. Along the way, you will discover many other archaeological attractions and, above all, the great diversity of flora and fauna that extends into the jungle.

CLASSIC INCA TRAIL – Culture and Adventure in the Andes

The 4-day/3-night Classic inka trail to MACHUPICCHU is one of the most famous treks in South America, and for good reason. Combining history, wildlife, and spectacular scenery, this four-day/three-night adventure is an unforgettable experience. The final destination is Machu Picchu, which ranks among the world’s most impressive archaeological sites.

The classic Inca Trail is only about 45 km (28 miles) long, but it rises and descends along mountain passes. The trail rises up through two mountain passes and generally takes a circuitous route through the tricky terrain in this part of Peru. That makes it a more strenuous 45 km than most, but also one with spectacular scenery, passing through various Andean environments, including cloud forest and alpine environments.

Along this iconic hike, you’ll be trekking through regions of great biodiversity. At any moment, you could come across orchids, foxes, «Gallito de las Rocas» (Peru’s national bird), spectacled bears, deer, and many more species of flora and fauna. As you trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you’ll also pass by impressive Inca sites, such as Wiñay Wayña and Phuyupatamarca. This world-famous trek is an incredibly rich trekking experience, in many ways, and that’s before you even reach your destination! The sublime mountaintop Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

It’s impossible to overstate the beauty of Machu Picchu. Ranging from its incredible architecture to the surrounding mountains and mist-filled gorges. But we won’t describe it all here. It’s so much better if you join us on the Classic inka trail and experience this trekking experience for yourself! Complete with our professional guides, porters, and talented chefs, discover this magical Peruvian trek for yourself.

Why Should You Join Our Inca Trail To Machu Picchu 4 Days?

Our Porters Are Treated Well – They receive their high-quality equipment for free from Vibe Journeys in order to safely work on route. We provide them with a fair salary, a quality tent with a pad, proper meals, trekking shoes, hiking pants and a winter hat.
Small Groups from 1 – 12 people MAX – This fact sets us apart from other companies that often take bigger groups. You are guaranteed both an intimate and high-quality experience.
Top-notch Equipment – We only use top brands and quality to guarantee ache-less nights.
Emergency Phones – We will always have Emergency phones on us at all times for emergencies and non-emergencies.
Portable Toilets – We provide you with environmentally friendly, comfortable & clean portable toilets.
Hotel To Hotel Service – We will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel in Cusco. We will never leave you stranded before or after our Inca Trail tour!
We Are a Reliable Tour Company – Our marketing is word-of-mouth, based on recommendations from our travelers.
100% Local Company – We are 100% locally owned Travel Company and fully-licensed Inca Trail operator.
Highly Trained Guides – Our Tour Guides pride themselves on being up-to-date and have a comprehensive program of continual professional development.
Ground Logistics – You will have all of your transportation, Machu Picchu tickets, Inca Trail permits, train tickets and bus tickets all sorted for you.
We Pay On Time – Our porters, guides, driver, and Cooks receive their salaries as soon as they finish their job.
We Don’t Share Our Groups – Our tours remain authentic and intimate, meaning we don’t share with other companies, or transfer our travelers to other operators. We also assure our clients that we won’t cancel your Inca Trail booking due to low sign-ups or limited participation on the departure date.

CLASSIC INCA TRAIL – Culture and Adventure in the Andes

Day 1: Cusco - Piskacucho Km 82 - Llactapata - Tarayoq - Wayllabamba

Vibe Journeys will pick you up from wherever you are staying in Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo. Pick-up from Cusco will be from 4 to 4:30 AM, from Urubamba from 5:30 to 6 AM, and if you stay in Ollantaytambo, you get to sleep in a bit with your pick-up from 6:30 to 7 AM. These times will be confirmed at your briefing, as they might fluctuate based on where you are staying. We will take you to the Sacred Valleys to enjoy a delicious breakfast.

We will then drive to Km 82, we’ll go through the first Inca Trail checkpoint to begin our trek. Please make sure you have your original passport with you to enter the Inca Trail. The first 2 hours of the trek are relatively easy as we make our way to our first Inca site. Patallacta is an ancient Inca checkpoint for the approach to Machupicchu.

From Patallacta it’s another 2-hour hike to our lunch stop. After lunch, we will hike for another 2½ hours until we reach the first night’s campsite at Wayllabamba (3100 meters). On this last stretch, we pass through 2 small communities. If you want to buy any energy drink, snacks, or essential items you may have forgotten such as batteries you can do so here. We’ll arrive at our campsite by 5:00 PM. After settling in for a bit, you can relax and have a hot drink and snack with your team of porters, chefs, and guides. By 7:30 PM, your dinner will be ready, and after you can get some well-deserved rest.

Total Walking Distance: 11km (6.8 mi)
Total Walking Time: 5h
Minimum Altitude: 2700m (8858 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 3000m / (9842 ft)
Altitude of camp: 3000m (9842 ft)
Approx. night temperature: 7˚C (45˚F)
Considered Training day: Moderate day (getting used to the Inca Trail)
Weather: Warm and windy

Day 2: Wayllabamba - Ayapata - Llullucha - Dead Woman´s Pass - Pacaymayo

After a good night’s rest, we will get started on what is generally considered the most challenging day of the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. We wake early in order to get a good start on the day, but we typically leave later than other groups to make sure we’re warmed up and ready to tackle the highest point on the trail.

Leaving pastoral villages and farmland behind, we enter the subtropical forest, stopping for an early lunch around Llulluchapampa (3780m / 12,402 ft). It’s 3.5 km (2.2 mi) from the campsite at Wayllabamba to Llulluchapampa, it is about 2 hours of trekking.

From here we will start a steep ascent towards the highest pass on the classic Inca Trail 4 days route: the Abra de Warmihuañusca, or “Dead Woman’s Pass,” coming in at an impressive 4220m (13,845 ft). While it’s just 1.5 km (0.9 mi) to the pass, it takes us 2 hours as we climb upwards steeply – yes, it’s difficult! One of the advantages of our slower paced day is that the porters shouldn’t be racing past you as you take on the pass. You’ll feel an amazing sense of achievement upon reaching the top!

After a short rest, we continue downwards 600m (1968 ft) over 3 km (1.8 mi) through very humid forest to the evening campsite of Pacaymayo (3620m / 11,876 ft).

Total Walking Distance: 7.5 km (4.6 mi)
Total Walking Time: 6h
Minimum Altitude: 3000m (9842 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 4215m (13,828 ft)
Altitude of Camp: 3620m (11,876 ft)
Approx night temperature: 7˚C (45˚F)
Considered: Top day (you will have survived the two highest passes)
Area: Andes and Cloud Forest
Weather: Cold and rainy

Day 3: Pacaymayo - Sayakmarka - Phuyupatamarca / Wiñay Wayna

For many people, Day 3 of the 4 day Inca trail trek is by far the best. After another early breakfast, we walk to the beautiful Inca site of Runkurakay (3960m / 12,992 ft), one of the checkpoints and the beginning of the original Royal Inca trail to Machu Picchu, known as Qhapaq Ñan.

We continue on to Sayakmarka from here, one of the most beautiful Inca ruins on the Classic Inca Trail. From last night’s campsite to Sayacmarca (3620m /11,877 ft) it is about 3.5km (2.2 mi), but there is plenty of up and down. After our tour of these ruins, we will continue onto Chaquicocha (“dry lake,” in Quechua) where we will have a proper break.

After break you are in for a big treat as you hike the best section – in our humble opinion! – of the Inca trail to Machu Picchu 4 days. The hike from Chaquicocha to Phuyupatamarca takes about 1.5 hours, as you stop to take pictures, discover beautiful orchids, see hummingbirds, and again have a view of the Sacred River, the Willka Mayu, or Urubamba River (also known as the Vilcanota). We can also see caves and a tunnel near the trail.

An hour later we arrive at Phuyupatamarca (“town in the clouds”), the third highest point on the trail (3680m / 12,073ft) where, if you’re lucky, you may see breathtaking views of Salkantay mountain. here we will have lunch.

After lunch, feasting our eyes for a moment, we continue downhill through the cloud forest. After the first 20 minutes, we will see one of the steepest staircases on the entire Inca Trail, carved into the rock. In total we descend about 3 hours until we reach Wiñay Wayna (‘forever young’), our campsite for the evening.

Near the campsite is the truly stunning Winay Wayna ruins, arguably the most beautiful ruins on the trail and certainly with some spectacular views. No matter how tired you are, don’t miss out on seeing this wonder.

Total Walking Distance: 15km (9.3 mi) to Phuyupatamarca; or 16km (9.9 mi) to Wiñay Wayna
Total Walking Time: 9h
Minimum Altitude: 2670m (8760 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 3960m (12,992 ft)
Altitude of Camp: 3680m (12,073 ft) at Phuyupatamarca / 2670m (8760 ft) at Wiñay Wayna
Approx night temperature: 9˚C (48˚F)
Considered: Easy day – all downhill!
Area: High Cloud Forest
Weather: Warm and very humid

Day 4: Wiñay Wayna - Inti Punku - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - Cusco

With Vibe Journeys is the only one travel company, that allows your final morning begins in peace 5:00 am — not too early, but just in time to feel the magic rise with the sun. As you enjoy a light breakfast, gather your energy and your spirit, because today is the big day — the day you finally walk through the Sun Gate and behold the sacred city of Machu Picchu. We start our hike in order to arrive at Inti Punku (the Sun Gate; 2730m/8,956ft). This morning hike is the final part of the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and from the Sun Gate you have your first view of the enigmatic Machu Picchu. If we’re lucky, we may be able to spot the sun rising over Machu Picchu from where we stand!

After some time there, we will walk down the last part of the trail to the spot where you can take the classic shot of this ancient city (yes, you might encounter others hiking up to this spot from the ruins below!) From Inti Punku, we descend into Machu Picchu through the control point where we register ourselves and leave our backpacks and then we enter this famous city. Finally, we visit Machu Picchu itself! Your guide will give you a 2h walking tour of the historic citadel.

After our Machu Picchu tour, we exit the site and take the bus down to Aguas Calientes (walking is an option, but the bus ticket is already included). There, we will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before heading to the train station with plenty of time to catch our train.

At this point, you will return to Aguas Calientes, either on foot or by bus (bus fare is included in the price of your trek). Here you might want to explore the extensive Aguas Calientes markets, but note, some prices may be double what you would find in Cusco for the same thing.

Alas, your Classic Inka Trail journey comes to a close, but not before you enjoy spectacular views of the river and surrounding mountains as you journey from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo by train. The train trip takes about 2 hours, and arriving in Ollantaytambo, you will be greeted by our private car to take you the rest of the way back to Cusco, where we will leave you at your hotel.

Here Photo GALLERY

INKA TRAIL CAMPSITE

THE BEST VIEW OF MACHUPICCHU

HAPPY FAMILY IN MACHUPICCHU

VIEW POINT TO LLAQTAPATA

VIEW OF PATALLAQTA

CIRCUIT 3 IN MACHUPICCHU

MACHUPICCHU TERRACES

CIRCUIT 3 IN MACHUPICCHU

GOING UP TO DEATH WOMAN PASS

INKA TRAIL

CLASSIC INKA TRAIL

ORCHIDS ON THE INKA TRAIL

SAYAQMARKA

CLASSIC INKA TRAIL

GOING TO PHUYUPATAMARKA

INKA TRAIL KM104

CLASSIC INKA TRAIL VIEW

INTI PATA

TRAVELERS IN INTIPATA

INTI PATA ARQUEOLOGICAL SITE

GOING TO WIÑAYWAYNA

ORCHIDS ON THE INKA TRAIL

CLASSIC INKA TRAIL

INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU

RAIN IN MACHUPICCHU

TRAVELERS WITH RAIN PONCHO

WhatsApp Image 2025-04-24 at 11.54.32 AM

CLASSIC INKA TRAIL

VIEW FROM THE SUN GATE

GOING TO PHUYUPATAMARKA

HIKIING IN THE MUNTAINS

MACHUPICCHU GUIDING TOUR

MACHUPICCHU 2025

It is INCLUDED

Pre-departure Classic Inka Trail briefing, presented by the tour guide a day before your departure.
Pick up and drop off at your hotel.
Private tourist transport Cusco – km82 (the starting point of the hike).
Emergency oxygen bottle and first aid kit.
Communication radios for all the Trek.
A duffle bag, where you put your 6 kg / 12 pounds of personal items (personal care, personal items and camping gear (sleeping bag, air mattress, etc).
Support staff (super porters) to carry all the camping gear and food supplies.
Professional English-speaking guide, Professional mountain adventure chef and support staff.
Food at the campsites and lunch spots(4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, 3 snacks). With options for vegetarians, gluten-free, lactose Intolerance and any food allergy.
4 season Tents for two people (tent with capacity for 3 people used as doubles and Foam mattresses).
kitchen tent and a large dining tent with chairs, tables and all cutlery.
Portable environmental biodegradable toilet tent.

Wake-up tea. Hot coca tea is brought to your tent, each morning before breakfast.
We provide hot water bins each day to help our travelers clean up and feel good at night.
Boiled water to fill in your water bottles or Camelback (your adventure chef will provide drinking water after each meal).
Expeditions trip train From Aguas Calientes (Machupicchu town) -> Ollantaytambo
Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu.
Two-hour guided tour in Machu Picchu
Private transportation from Ollantaytambo train station to Cusco.

It is NOT INCLUDED

The last lunch on day 4th in aguas calientes (Machupicchu town)
Walking sticks (price 10 USD a pair for the entire journey)
Sleeping bag (price 15 USD for the entire journey)
Air Mattress (price 15 USD for the entire journey)
Gratuity for Adventure guides, Adventure chefs and support staff.
Travel Insurance

IN CASE OF AN EVACUATION (All expenses generated in)

Accommodation
Transport
Food
others

VibeJourneys will give one staff to support you during the evacuation.

$ 890 Regular Price

GROUP SIZE 12 PEOPLE
DIFFICULTY - DEMANDING
TRIP CODE (VJSCIT4D)

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PACKING LIST - Essentials for a great journey

Clothing & Footwear:

Rain Gear: Pack rain gear, including a jacket and pants if possible, or a rain poncho. Plastic ponchos are available for purchase in Cusco.
Footwear: Strong, waterproof trekking boots are recommended. Additionally, bringing sandals or jogging shoes for added comfort at camp comfort is crucial, so choose lightweight footwear.
Warm Clothing: Bring warm clothes such as a jacket and fleece, as well as thermal clothing for sleeping.
Hat or Cap: Pack a hat or cap for sun, rain, and cold protection. Due to the intense sunlight in the Andes, a hat will provide essential protection.
Rain Pants: These should be lightweight to ensure they dry quickly after getting wet.
Gloves: Weather conditions can change rapidly, and it may snow in the passes. In winter, it can also get quite cold.
Swimsuit: Include a swimsuit in your gear.
Small Towel: Pack a small towel.

Essential Accessories:

Backpack: Carry a backpack with a change of clothes for the entire trek.
Sun Cream: Pack hydrating cream or after-sun lotion for your face and body.
Sunblock: Use sunblock to protect your skin.
Insect Repellent: The valley is known for its many mosquitoes. Use a repellent with a minimum of 20% DEET. Note that there is no reported risk of malaria.

Food & Drinks:

Snacks: Bring personal snacks like biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, fresh fruits, or muesli. Although we provide a daily morning snack and a comprehensive meal service, personal preferences might not always align with our offerings.
Water Container: Bring a water container and water for the first morning. Note that plastic water bottles are no longer permitted at Machu Picchu; opt for plastic or metal containers instead.

Documents & Money:

Original Passports: If you have changed your passport since booking the tour, bring both the old and new passports.
Student Identity Card: If you have applied for a student discount, bring your original International Student Identity Card.
Cash: Carry cash in soles. you can change in Cusco City.

Other Essentials:

Sleeping Bag: A high-quality sleeping bag rated for -10°C is recommended. Alternatively, you can rent one from our office for $15 for the duration of the trip.
Air Mattress: inflatable mattress for greater comfort, you can rent one from our office for $15 for the duration of the trip.
Walking sticks: Highly recommended for better support and stability while hiking, you can rent a pair from our office for $10 for the duration of the trip.
Handkerchiefs and Toilet Paper: Bring these for personal use.
Flashlight/Headlamp: Include a flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries, as batteries deplete faster in cold weather.
Camera: Bring a camera along with extra film and batteries, as cold conditions can reduce battery life.
Camping Pillow: For a comfortable sleep
Basic Medicine: Always carry a basic first aid kit that includes items such as Panadol, medicated plaster, and medicated oil.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW TO BOOK THE CLASSIC INKA TRAIL 4 Days with VIBE JOURNEYS?

In order to book your Classic Inka Trail 4 Days with us, Click on the BOOK NOW button above, then select the day of your departure, then fill out all your personal information of each participant and the last step is the payment which you can do with PayPal or Payment Link.

WHAT CIRCUIT IS INCLUDED TO VISIT MACHU PICCHU IN YOUR LARES ANDES TREK 4 DAY?

Circuit 1 and 3 – For the Classic Inka Trail 4 Days, so you will visit with our guide the upper part and lower part of Machu Picchu. This circuit is recommended because you will visit more sections of the citadel.

WHAT HAPPENS WITH THE OUTSTANDING BALANCE?

The Outstanding balance can be made in cash one day earlier on your trip in USD or soles or if you prefer PayPal OR Payment link at least one week prior to your trip (a 6% service fee applies). Also, you can pay us with a Credit card only Visa (6% service fee applies).

Please let us know what you prefer. Cash payment MUST be paid 1 day prior to your trip.

HOW HARD IS THE CLASSIC INKA TRAIL TREK?

We categorize The Classic Inka Trail as ‘demanding’ mainly due to its elevation rather than challenging terrain. Although it’s not a stroll in the park, the ascents and descents are more gradual in comparison to alternative treks to Machu Picchu, offering a relatively challenging trekking experience.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?

¡Yes! During the Classic Inka Trail 4 Days to Machu Picchu, you can store your luggage at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you. Please bring what you will only need during your Classic Inka Trail 4 Days to Machu Picchu.

HOW ABOUT THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?

According to Peruvian Law, you have to be under 18 years old at the time of your Classic Inka Trail 4 Days (if you are 18 or over, you need to have valid student cards).

All students from 11 to 17 years old have a discount of $30 USD.

For children from 2 to 11 years old, a discount is $40 USD.

All students have to send a copy of their passport and student card at the time of their booking to get the student discount.

HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR HEIGHT AND AVOID ALTITUDE SICKNESS?

In order to avoid the altitude sickness, we highly recommend you to arrive in cusco at least 2 days in advance. The first day, walk around the city visiting some museum, local market or you take a City tour to visit some inca site located outside of Cusco. The second day, you can hike to Cristo Blanco. It is 3 km from Cusco and it is uphill there you will see how fit you are or you can take the Sacred valley to visit some inca site.

Also on the first day, try to eat soft food, not heavy food. If you eat a lot, instead the oxygen goes to your brain, it will go to the stomach then you might get altitude sickness.

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE PERMITS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?

Yes it is possible. However we have to buy another Machu Picchu ticket and we have to pay a penalty to change train tickets. The extra cost to change the departure date is $140 per person.

I SEE THERE ARE MANY ITINERARIES. COULD YOU ARRANGE A DIFFERENT ITINERARY BASED ON THE OPTIONS ON YOUR WEBSITE?

Yes, we can arrange your trip based on the different itineraries. However, you need to let us know when you make your booking because each itinerary requires us to hire horsemen from different towns. There are more than three itineraries for hiking the Lares trek, and each one follows a unique trail and offers different landscapes.

DO I NEED TO BRING MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE CLASSIC INKA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?

¡Yes! You must bring your original passport and it is very important that it should be the same passport you sent us to reserve your Classic Inka Trail 4 days permit. Your passport will be checked at the Machu Picchu checkpoint, and when you board the train.

VERY IMPORTANT ABOUT YOUR PASSPORT

If you are renewing your passport, go ahead and email us a copy of your old passport to book your Classic Inka Trail 4 days permits. If you no longer have your old passport, any government issued ID will be accepted, as long as the name is the same. Once you receive your new passport. Please email us a copy of your new passport ASAP to change the information on your permit.

CAN I STAY IN THE SACRED VALLEY FOR MY CLASSIC INKA TRAIL 4 Days?

Yes, you can stay in the sacred valley. We recommend Pisac or Calca.But, if you stay in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo, there will be an extra cost of $30 total.

IF I CANCEL MY CLASSIC INKA TRAIL 4 Days. DO I GET ANY REFUND?

In case our country closes its borders, we refund you all the deposit. But if you don’t arrive in our country for whatever reason, you get sick or miss your flight or there is a strike or natural disaster. You will lose USD $190 automatically. Once the Machu Picchu permit is bought they become non-refundable or transferable, The entity in charge of issuing the Machu Picchu permits is the Ministry of culture of Peru, and Peru Rail which is in charge of train tickets. They don’t provide any refund.

We understand that nothing is for granted and things may change in a minute, therefore we will do our best to be reasonable and charge you only for the necessary things.