Peru

Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 4 Days

Hike the Classic Inca Trail and arrive at Machu Picchu for sunrise

Itinerary

Day 1: Start the Inca Trail

Your guide will collect you from your hotel in Cusco at 04:30 am or in the Sacred Valley. From here you'll drive to the start of your trek. Along the way, you'll pass ancient Inca sites such as Llactapata, and take in some incredible views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. In the afternoon, arrive at your campsite where a fresh meal has been prepared by your chefs.

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Day 2: Hike through Dead Woman's Pass

After a well-deserved breakfast, start the 4-hour ascent to the highest point on the Inca Trail - Dead Woman's Pass (4200m / 13779ft), also know as Warmiwañuska pass. Throughout the day, you'll experience fantastic views of the Vilcanota and Vilcabamba mountain ranges. In the evening you'll stay at your campsite in Chaquicocha - a perfect place for stargazing.

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Day 3: Hike along the Cloud Forest

Wake in your tent with a cup of freshly brewed coffee and get ready for the most beautiful day of hiking along the Classic Inca Trail. The day starts with an easy hike along the cloud forest to the misty Inca ruins of Phuyupatamarca (3,650m / 11,972 ft). From here, you'll catch a glimpse of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu Mountains.

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Day 4: Machu Picchu

An early start as you head to the gates of Machu Picchu for sunrise. You'll have a tour around this world heritage site, learning about its history and taking in the surrounding views. Before heading home you'll have a chance to explore or go an optional, hike to Huayna Picchu mountain. Later in the afternoon, board the Vitsadome train back to Ollantaytambo and a bus back to Cusco. Arrival at your hotel around 7:30 pm.

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Have a question?

If you have any questions about this trip or want to speak with an expert, get in touch.

We're ready to help.

Team Images
Team Images
Team Images

FAQs

Included

  • Pick up from your hotel in the morning of the tour
  • All transportation during the Trek
  • Personal Porter for up to 7 kg of your belongings
  • Professional mountain guides
  • Chefs
  • Accommodation (camping)
  • Meals during the Trek with organic ingredients
  • Entrance ticket to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
  • Panoramic Vistadome train on the last to come back to Cusco 

Not Included

  • Sleeping bags, air mattress, and trekking poles
  • Huayna Picchu mountain entrance
  • Tips for porters, chef, guides 
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa (if applicable)

Travellers do not need hiking experience. However, you can expect to hike for around 7 hours in uneven terrain, stairs, and narrow paths. Once you make the booking, it's recommended that you start training regularly by going on short hikes.

The minimum age for this trek is 18, or 16 with a parent/guardian. 

Cusco is at 3400m / 11,150ft, so you will feel some of the effects of altitude straight away. If you can arrive a few days earlier, then this will give your body more time to adapt. You will need to book any extra nights accommodation. 

The host provides Eureka Timberline 4-person tents to every two travellers. If you want your private tent, you will get one at no extra charge.

Day 1: 8 miles / 13.5 km, 6 hours

Day 2: 9 miles / 16 km, 10 hours

Day 3: 6 miles / 10 km, 6 hours

Day 4: 3 miles / 6 km, 2 hours 

They will carry all equipment and food needed for the 4 days hike. Also, you'll be given a duffle bag, which you can put your sleeping bags, clothes, and all hiking gear necessary for the Inca Trail. This bag will be carried by the porter, with a maximum of 7 kg per person.

Tickets need to be booked in advance and cost an additional $75 per person. You can request this when completing your participation form. This will be available to you after booking on your Skyhook dashboard. Your host will charge you directly for this upon arrival.

The average group size is 8 people, with a maximum of 10. Currently, the group sizes are a maximum of 8 people due to the COVID pandemic.

• Valid, original Passport (a copy will not be accepted)

• Trekking boots (light, comfortable and broken in)

• A good quality daypack (light, small and cosy)

• Water storage for at least 2 litres; either a camel bag or water bottle(s)

Below is a list of items that we highly recommend you keep with you at all times in your backpack. It is important to note that due to local regulations, your backpack should not exceed 25L. All larger bags can not be taken into Machu Picchu and will need to be stored outside the gates.

• Hat and sunglasses

• Rain gear

• Warm layers (fleece / long-sleeved tops)

• Sun cream, bug spray

• Hand sanitiser

• Toilet paper

• Personal medication and first aid

• Camera, extra batteries

• Head Torch

• Additional snacks, power bars, chocolate

• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips

You'll be provided with a duffel bag which you can pack any items that you do not need to keep with you during the day. The porters will carry this bag for you throughout the trek. Please note this bag should weigh a maximum of 7 kg, including your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you bring/rent one). During the Inca Trek, you'll travel through different temperatures as you ascend/descend; it can also be cold at night when at the campsite. Therefore, layers work best!

• Sleeping bag for Inca trail (can be rented from your host) - this should keep you warm down to -10 degrees celsius. 

• Air mattress for Inca trail (can be rented from your host)

• Some light, comfortable shoes for the camp

• Warm jacket, hat, and gloves for Inca trail

• 2-3 t-shirts (not cotton)

• 1-2 hiking pants/trousers

• Four sets of undergarments

• Four sets of hiking socks

• 1 Fleece

• 1 Warm, down jacket for the coldest nights

• Quick-dry towel

• Soap

• Wet wipes

• Toothbrush and paste

• Other personal toiletries

• Powerbank / battery charger

Dry bag to keep muddy clothes separate

The winter season and driest time of year in Peru are May - Sept. The summer season is Nov - Mar, which is the warmest, but wettest time. During the summer season, it does not rain every day, but can often have a downpour in the afternoons. Apr and Oct can sometimes see some small rain showers. 

It is worth checking on your government's website. British citizens can check here.  

Start: Your guide will collect you at 04:30 am from your hotel in Cusco, on day 1 of the itinerary. Pick-up is also available from the Sacred Valley.

End: Your guide will drop you back off at your hotel at 7:30 pm.

Sleeping bag: $20

Inflatable air mattress: $15

Trekking poles: $15

You can request rental items when completing your participation form. This will be available to you after booking on your Skyhook dashboard. Your host will charge you directly for this upon arrival.  

Day 1: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea and Snacks

Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea and Snacks 

Day 3: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea and Snacks 

Day 4: Breakfast and Snacks

While the itineraries are designed to allow for adequate acclimatisation you are likely to feel the effects of altitude sickness and oxygen deprivation whilst on this trek. Please be aware that your guide may deem it unsafe for you to continue trekking at any time and arrange for you to descend to a lower altitude.

When you go above altitudes of 2,500m, you need to allow your body time to acclimatise properly. We advise that you move slowly, don’t rush and ensure you protect yourself from the weather. Ensure you stay hydrated and eat plenty to keep your energy levels up.

The currency used in Peru is Nuevo Sol (PEN) You will need to ensure that you withdraw enough PEN for your trip to the airport or in Cusco.

You'll have some professionally trained chefs on the trek with you. They will prepare fresh food each day. Most dietary requirements are catered for e.g. vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, food allergies etc.

The guides will provide you with clean water throughout the whole trek. This water is collected from each campsite, boiled and filtered.

When travelling in countries such as Peru, it's important to maintain vigilance with hygiene and food safety. Bring plenty of hand sanitiser.

Yes - there will be a group of trained chefs joining you. Just let us know your requirements before you arrive. 

  • Temperature checks for all traveller are mandatory
  • Face masks required for travellers and staff in public areas
  • Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff at all times
  • High traffic places and equipment sanitised regularly between use
  • Maximum 8 people per group to reduce crowds
  • Transportation and touristic sites capacity will be reduced to 50%
  • Printed material such as maps or vouchers will be avoided
Your head guide is Juan

All trips on Skyhook are run by small, hand-picked local guiding companies. For this trip your guides run TreXperience, based in Cusco.

By booking through Skyhook you'll be joining a small-group trip. This can make it nice and sociable (you'll be added to a group chat after booking), and guarantees great value for money!

Juan