Inca Trail: The Ultimate Guide to Hike to Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail is more than just a trek; it’s a transformative journey through history, nature, and personal endurance. Whether
Lares trek & Short Inca Trail
US$ 750 per person
- Moderate
- 4 Days
- Up to 12
- All weather
The Ultimate Andean Journey
Ditch the crowds and take the ultimate route to Machu Picchu. The Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail combo immerses you in stunning Andean landscapes, vibrant local culture, and ancient Inca paths. Hike past glaciers, turquoise lakes, and remote villages before stepping onto the legendary Inca Trail. Your journey ends at Machu Picchu’s Sun Gate—an epic reward for an unforgettable adventure.
Trip Itinerary
DAY 01 - Cusco – Lares Hot Springs – Wacawasi
We start our journey from Cusco at 6 am, picking you up from your hotel in a private bus. Traveling through the stunning Sacred Valley, we arrive at the Lares Hot Springs to relax in the soothing waters before enjoying a delicious lunch. From there, a two-hour hike takes us to our campsite in Wacawasi, where we settle in and share a hearty dinner under the Andean sky.
DAY 02 - Wacawasi – Condor Pass – Epsaycocha
After breakfast, we explore a traditional alpaca weaving demonstration before ascending to Condor Pass (4,100 m / 13,451 ft), where breathtaking views of Mount Veronica (5,750 m / 18,865 ft) await. We then hike down to Epsaycocha Lake for a scenic lunch. In the afternoon, we continue to Yanahuara, where we set up camp and enjoy a well-earned dinner.
Day 03 - Epsaycocha - Wiñay Wayna - Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, we take a bus to Ollantaytambo and board the Expedition Train to KM 104 at 6:10 am. Our trek begins at Chachabamba, passing a scenic waterfall before reaching the stunning terraces of Wiñay Wayna.
After lunch, we continue to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) for our first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. From there, we take a bus to Aguas Calientes, where we rest and prepare for the next day’s adventure.
DAY 04 - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
After breakfast, we take a bus to Machu Picchu for a 2-hour guided tour through its most fascinating sectors. You’ll then have free time to explore before heading back to Aguas Calientes to catch the return train to Ollantaytambo and then to Cusco.
Note: To climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, book at least 3 months in advance ($70).
Inclusions
Optional
What to Bring
Tips
Inclusions
Included:
- Pre-tour briefing
- Hotel pickup
- Tent (2 people)
- Sleeping mats
- 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners
- Experienced official guide
- Chef and assistants
- 2 nights camping
- 1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes town
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Round trip transportation (Train – Bus)
- First aid kit
Not Included:
- Water, snacks, anything else
- Sleeping bag
- Walking poles
- Bus Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
- Travel insurance
- Hot springs at Aguas Calientes
- Porter for carrying personal equipment (US$ 160 x 20kg)
- Breakfast on the first day lunch on the last day
- Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu or Old Mountain (US$ 70)
Optional
1. Huayna Picchu
Huayna Picchu is the mountain behind Machu Picchu, climbable in 1 hour aprox. While optional, our guide will take you to the entry point. A ticket is required, which we can secure if booked in advance.
Tickets are aligned with your Inca Trail dates. The ticket for Huayna Picchu costs US$ 70.00 per person.
2. Montaña Vieja
Montaña Vieja offers stunning views, even more so than Huayna Picchu, but takes 1.5 hours to reach the top. A ticket is required, which we can secure if booked in advance.
The ticket for Montaña Vieja costs US$ 70.00 per person.
3. Rental Equipment for Inca Trail
A sleeping bag is essential for camping. Our bags are mummy-style, with liners, and protect down to -18ºC (0ºF). Inflatable mattresses and walking sticks (with rubber tips) are optional but recommended.
- Sleeping bag US$ 20
- Walking poles (pair) US$ 15
- inflatable mattress US$ 15
What to Bring
- Valid Passport
- Trekking Clothes (pants, socks, short, t-shirt, jacket)
- Hiking boots or shoes (waterproof)
- Waterproof Jacket and raincoat.
- Hat, sunblock, sunglasses, insect repellent
- Flashlight, camera, batteries, chargers, power bank
- Extra money (soles)
- Personal medication
- Water bottle or CamelBak
- Sleeping bag (-20°C) and Trekking poles
- Medium trekking backpack (25 liter)
- Bathing suit and towel
Tips
Briefing (Informative Meeting)
Join us for a 30-45 minute briefing the evening before your tour at our Cusco office or your hotel. If you can’t make it, please coordinate a different time via email, phone, or in person.
Payment Balance
Please settle any outstanding balance 1 day before your trek to confirm your reservation. Cash payments in USD or Soles are preferred and can be made at our office or during the briefing. ATMs are available nearby. Credit/debit cards or PayPal are accepted with a 5% service fee. Unfortunately, we don’t accept checks.
Can I store my luggage with you?
Yes, you can store your main luggage at our office or your hotel free of charge. For items you won’t need on the trek, check with your hotel—they usually offer storage. Keep valuables in the hotel safe and get a receipt for insurance purposes. For extra security, put valuables in a sealed, signed envelope.
How long should I acclimate in Cusco before the Trek?
To avoid altitude sickness, we suggest arriving in Cusco 2-3 days before your trek. Even if you’ve been at high altitude elsewhere in Peru, it’s best to spend a full day in Cusco to rest and explore before your trek.
Tour Consultant
David Silva
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Travel Tip
Testimonials
Visiting Peru with CIT was like unlocking a hidden world! From the Andes to Machu Picchu, every detail was so well thought out. Our guide, Alberto, even knew how to say 'llama' in Japanese for our group. It wasn’t just a tour—it felt like a reunion with old friends in the most magical place on earth.
Who knew I’d make friends from Germany, Japan, and Australia all while hiking the Inca Trail? Each day was a new adventure, and the passion they have for their culture is contagious!
Never thought I'd be learning Quechua while exploring ancient ruins! By the end, our group felt like a big family from all over the world. It was an unexpected journey in every sense. Peru with them is a game-changer!
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Related Tours
If you weren’t able to book the classic 4-day Inca Trail, you can choose other adventure tours that also follow parts of the ancient Inca road network leading to Machu Picchu.
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Inca Jungle
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