Follow the footsteps of the ancient Incas on the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most iconic treks. Over 4 unforgettable days, you’ll hike through stunning Andean landscapes, cloud forests, and well-preserved archaeological sites such as Runkurakay, Phuyupatamarca, and Wiñay Wayna, before arriving at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) to witness your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu at sunrise.
At Machu Picchu Trekking, we take care of every detail: experienced local guides, delicious meals prepared by our chefs, and high-quality camping equipment to ensure your comfort and safety on the trail.
This diverse region is teeming with life, including over 450 species of birds and 200 species of orchids. It is also home to the elusive spectacled bear and, of course, the legendary Machu Picchu citadel!
High-quality Equipment: Our hikers are provided with high-quality camping equipment to make them comfortable during the trip; Eureka tents for 4 people to occupy 2 people, also kitchen tents, dining tents, tables, chairs.
Return Panoramic Train: The return trip from Machu Picchu has fantastic views of the Urubamba River valley and the Andes Mountains. We are the only company offering Vistadome Scenic Trains to return.
Sustainable Practices: We are a company committed to sustainable and responsible tourism practices, we aim to minimize environmental impact and maximize positive contributions to local communities.
We are a 100% locally owned tour company: Machupicchu Trekking Peru E.I.R.L. is a licensed direct tour operator of the Inca Trail and hikes to Machupicchu. Machupicchu Trekking, was started by Carlos Becerra, he is from Pisac located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas - Cusco - Peru. Our office is two blocks from the Central Plaza of Cusco.
Today marks the beginning of your long-awaited adventure on the Classic Inca Trail! Your journey begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 a.m., where you’ll board a comfortable tourist van for the scenic drive to Ollantaytambo and onwards to the Huilloc-Patacancha farming community. Here, you’ll be welcomed by a local family that preserves their ancestral Inca customs and knowledge. This unique cultural exchange offers an incredible opportunity to share a traditional Inca breakfast and experience the vibrant traditions of the community.
After this heartwarming encounter, we’ll make our way to the starting point of the Classic Inca Trail, Kilometer 82 Piscacucho (2,700 m.a.s.l / 8,850 ft). We’ll pass through the first checkpoint before embarking on a 2-hour hike to Patallacta (2,750 m.a.s.l / 9,020 ft), a fascinating Inca archaeological site where your guide will provide insight into the history and significance of this ancient location.
Following our visit to Patallacta, we’ll continue our trek for 45 minutes before stopping for lunch at a scenic spot, where our expert team will serve a delicious meal. After lunch, we’ll press on for an additional 1.5-hour hike to the Wayllabamba campsite (3,000 m.a.s.l / 9,800 ft). Here, you’ll have time to relax and enjoy a refreshing afternoon snack before a satisfying dinner, rounding off the day’s adventures.
Start your day with an early breakfast at 5:30 a.m. before embarking on a 45-minute trek to the second checkpoint at Wayllabamba. This marks the beginning of a gradual ascent, taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes (4 km) to reach Llullucha Pampa, located at 3,800 m.a.s.l. (12,460 ft).
After a brief rest, continue your journey with a 1 hour and 45-minute hike (4 km) that will take you to Warmiwañusca Pass, the highest point on the Inca Trail at 4,215 m.a.s.l. (13,800 ft). This section is one of the most challenging parts of the trek but also offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Once you’ve reached the pass and marveled at the scenery, descend towards Pacaymayo campsite at 3,600 m.a.s.l. (11,800 ft). Here, enjoy a well-deserved lunch, followed by afternoon tea and dinner. Rest up for the next day's adventure, as you spend the night in the tranquil campsite.
After a hearty breakfast, you'll begin today’s hike along a beautiful trail surrounded by lush jungle vegetation and several important Inca archaeological sites, each with a distinct historical significance. The first site you'll visit is Runcurakay (3,750 m.a.s.l. / 12,300 ft), a fascinating complex of circular turrets that once functioned as strategic surveillance points, offering stunning views over the eastern valley.
From Runcurakay, you’ll ascend to the Runcurakay Pass (3,900 m.a.s.l. / 12,800 ft), where you’ll pause to relax, take in the breathtaking scenery, and listen as your guide provides insight into the rich cultural and historical context of the Inca civilization. After the rest, continue your hike for about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the second archaeological site, Sayacmarka, a challenging yet rewarding site, accessible via steep stone steps.
Following your exploration of Sayacmarka, enjoy a short 25-minute walk to Chaquicocha, where you’ll stop for a well-deserved lunch prepared by our talented chef. This meal will recharge you for the next leg of the journey. After lunch, you’ll continue your hike for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach Puyupatamarca (3,750 m.a.s.l. / 12,300 ft), an impressive archaeological site offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
From Puyupatamarca, the trail descends for about 3 hours through ancient stone steps, leading you to the final campsite of the day, Wiñaywayna. At the campsite, you’ll be treated to tea and a delicious dinner, marking your final evening with the trekking team and providing an opportunity to say farewell to the porters who have been with you throughout this unforgettable journey.
Today marks the highlight of your Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. You’ll start your day early, waking up at 3:30 a.m., enjoying a delicious breakfast, and preparing for the exciting journey ahead. After breakfast, you’ll descend to the control point, where you’ll wait for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes until the gates to Machu Picchu open.
Once the gates open, embark on a thrilling 1.5-hour hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll be treated to your first breathtaking views of the iconic ancient city of Machu Picchu. This moment is one of the most anticipated of the entire trek, offering an unforgettable panoramic view of the citadel and the surrounding Andean mountains.
Following the Sun Gate, we’ll continue with a 40-minute descent to the Machu Picchu citadel, where you will embark on a 2-hour guided tour of this awe-inspiring archaeological site. During the tour, your guide will share fascinating insights into Inca history, the significance of the site, and the mysteries surrounding this UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the main temples, terraces, and other notable structures within the citadel.
Once the tour concludes, you’ll have free time to explore the site further at your own pace. If you’ve purchased permits in advance, this is the perfect opportunity to climb either Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for a more panoramic view of the ruins.
In the afternoon, you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo, and from there, transfer by car back to Cusco.
TRANSFER FROM THE AIRTPORT TO YOUR HOTEL:
The day of your arrival in Cusco we will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel.
BRIEFING:
Safety information prior to departure you will have a meeting with your guide in our office to go over all the details regarding your tour. The orientation will be at 6:00 pm the night before your trip.
EXPERIENCE OF OUR GUIDES :
All of our guides have a minimum of 3 years of guiding experience. They are professional, responsible, and all have a deep love and respect for mother nature and her mountains. They will make sure your trip is safe and enjoyable.
SATELLITE PHONES:
Our top priority will always be the safety of our clients and our team. While all our guides are prepared and trained to deal with most issues clients have on the mountain. Being a phone call away from any doctor, hospital, or friend helps everyone feel assured that they are safe. Radios, which all our guides have, are limited in how far they can reach, so Machupicchu Trekking Peru has added Satellite Phones to every trek. Every guide will have a fully charged phone that can be used anywhere on the mountain to connect us anywhere in the world. And they can be used by our clients for non-emergencies as well.
PORTERS
Machupicchu Trekking Peru ensures that our porters are equipped with the necessary gear and receive fair wages. They are the backbone of the Inca Trail experience, without whom reaching Machu Picchu would be impossible."
PERMITS:
When we receive your data and permits, we will buy your permits (depending on availability, ask us about our Inca trail availability). These permissions are for a specific date and in your name, they cannot be changed once confirmed. The update of the passport number is allowed, this permit includes the entrance to Machu Picchu.
FIRST AID:
All of our guides are certified in high mountain first aid training. They always carry a first aid kit on our treks (including pills for altitude sickness, diarrhea, vomiting, cuts, and cream for muscle aches). They also carry extra oxygen in cases of emergency, Oxygen bottle.
TRANSPORTATION:
ENTRANCE TICKETS:
FOOD
CAMPING EQUIPMENT
DUFFLE BAG
EXTRA THINGS
Acclimatize min. 2 days to the altitude of Cusco city before doing the walk. Thus, the symptoms of altitude sickness will be avoided.
Packing List.
Please read carefully the following information as it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and the Classic Inca Trail.
You will be welcomed at the Cusco airport by one of our team and taken to your hotel (private services). Please ensure that you inform us of your flight details at least 14 days prior to your arrival. Look for our representative holding an dark blue board Machupicchu Trekking Peru at the arrival terminal. You must exit the terminal, in order, to find our representative (they cannot enter inside).
Of course! During the Classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you. Please only pack what you will need for the trek!
FIRST, To book your adventure to Machu Picchu, select the tour or trek you would like to do and click BOOK NOW. Fill out a form with your personal information, after completing the form click on SENT YOU RESERVATION button, then we will send you by e-mail a payment link of US$ 200 plus the 5% commission per bank transaction.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase to Machu Picchu permits and entrance tickets without the following information:
Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
Gender
Passport number
D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
Nationality
*** We require clear photos of each participants’ passport at the booking.
SECOND, we require a deposit of US$ 200 per person in order to purchase permits for the Tour or Trek to Machu Picchu.
the fastest ways to send and receive money with fairly low fees, are through:
machupicchutrekking.pe@gmail.com
The balance, to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay IN CASH at our office with (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATM within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by your CREDIT CARD but you will have to pay a 5% service fee, to the iZipay collection company.
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number, you sent to us to book your Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu permit. Your passport will be checked when you enter Machu Picchu , the Inca Trail and when you board the train. In case, you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permit and we can change it when you get your new passport. If so, please send us a copy of your new passport as soon as possible.
We look forward to meeting you.
This walk has no age restriction, however, it is recommended for parents to take into account the travel of children under 8 years of age and also for older people.
The dry season between April and October, with sunny days, cold nights with frost and an average temperature of 13 ° C. The rainy season, between the months of November to March, the average temperature in this season is 12 ° C. On sunny days the temperature reaches 20 ° C, although the light mountain wind is usually cold.
The greatest influx of people to the Inca Trail occurs during the dry season between the months of May to September, however, July and August are the months that the Inca Trail receives the most visitors. It is important to make reservations in advance because although it is true there are 500 spaces for the Inca Trail Tour, these spaces include the porters and guide staff.
The season with the least influx of visitors on the Inca Trail, occurs between the months of October and April.
NOTE: During the month of February, the entrance to Machu Picchu is restricted due to problems of the rainy season, others that are used this month for the respective maintenance of the seventh wonder of the world.
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number, you sent to us to book your Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu permit. Your passport will be checked when you enter Machu Picchu , the Inca Trail and when you board the train. In case, you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permit and we can change it when you get your new passport. If so, please send us a copy of your new passport as soon as possible.
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you plan to always dress in layers to facilitate adjusting to the quickly changing weather conditions.
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimate normally. It usually take between 24 hours to 2 days.
The recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN, IF NEEDED. Our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. See our detailed information about Altitude Sickness under FAQS.
The maximum group service size is 16 persons. Our private groups are usually between 2-10 persons. Machupicchu Trekking Peru specializes in SMALL and PRIVATE groups and provides personalized service.
You will have 1 cook per group. The number of porters will depend on the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, there will have 4 porters, 4 trekkers will have 6 porters, 6 trekkers will have 9 porters, 8 trekkers will have 12 porters, 10 trekkers will have 15 porters.
FIRST, To book your adventure to Machu Picchu, select the tour or trek you would like to do and click BOOK NOW. Fill out a form with your personal information, after completing the form click on SENT YOU RESERVATION button, then we will send you by e-mail a payment link of US$ 200 plus the 5% commission per bank transaction.
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 5kg/13lbs. Your team of porters will carry your duffel bag, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you will need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 30 to 50L backpack is sufficient. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters and animals. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. In this 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad (foam or air). This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear.
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a 42km (24.4 mile) hike through the Andes within the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is at (4,217m/13,907ft). On the second day of the trek, we will climb two mountains. The trail is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and take regular exercise. In preparation: try walking 15kms/9 miles in a day or working out in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3,350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
Along the Inca Trail and in the places designated for camping, the Ministry of Culture enabled bathrooms, for the exclusive use of tourists.
In the scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to health reasons, Machupicchu Trekking Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on our treks for any respiratory problems. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance is required and recommended). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Generally, those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly they continue the journey towards Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.
Absolutely!! Hotel pick ups and drop offs are included with all of our packages! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley, we will drop you off there and vice versa.
It will depend on the train availability but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco while on the train. Therefore, you will take the train at 14:55 or 15:20, depending on availability.
The Vistadome train service has nicer seats, panoramic windows and ceiling. You will be offered snacks and a dance show will take place on board. You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for $67 USD. These trains run from Aguas Calientes to Poroy. We will you up in Poroy and drive you back to Cusco, which takes about 25 minutes. Please request in advance.
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Machupicchu Trekking Peru destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you want, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator that incorporates universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Trek is available on any date that is best suited to you as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers.
door to door sevices
from US$ 790 - Panoramic Train
from US$ 780 - Expedition Train
Groups of 5 or more receive a $20 USD discount per person.
Personal Porter (half) to carry 5kg of personal items is included in the price!
door to door sevices - paoramic train
US$ 2400 per person – 1 person
US$ 1300 per person – 2 persons
US$ 1150 per person – 3 persons
US$ 1050 per person – 4 persons
US$ 950 per person – 5 persons
US$ 880 per person – 6 persons
US$ 850 per person – 7 persons
US$ 800 per person – 8 persons
US$ 780 per person – + 9 persons
To book the 4-day Classic inca trail, you need to make an initial payment of $400 USD per person, the remaining balance can be paid online, in installments, or at our Cusco office with any credit card.
DISCOUNTS
Wayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
BOILED WATER – for drinking included the days 3th & 4th of the inca trail.
PLASTIC RAIN PONCHO – is included
SMALL GROUPS – average group 4 to 10 with a maximum of 14 hikers
DUFFEL BAG – You will receive a small duffel bag at the time of your briefing to pack 5 Kls. your clothes and sleeping bag for 4 days.
There are several extensions you can include to your Inca Trail Tour. (group services)
It is important to acclimatize for at least 2 days and for this we recommend the following tours:
Day tours to do before your inca tail tour
"If permits Inca Trail Trek are unavailable on your preferred date, there are plenty of alternative trekking options that will still allow you to enjoy the Andes en route to Machu Picchu. These alternative treks offer the same breathtaking beauty as the Salkantay & Inca Trail Trek but with fewer crowds, as we take you off the beaten path in the Andes and ensure you don't miss any highlights on your journey to Machu Picchu."
Machupicchu trekking Peru requires only a 2 participant minimum for our departures! You can choose any day that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 trekkers.
If you are a solo traveler and are flexible with your start date, we will make sure you have a group to travel with and you won’t miss out on any of the fun.
GENERAL CONDITIONS
Machupicchu Trekking Peru E.I.R.L. Tour operator travel agency, friendly with our customers. From the moment you contact us, during your stay and during the walk or tour, you will receive personalized advice and an unforgettable trip.
1.- Machupicchu Trekking Peru rates do not include:
In some locations, the services of a representative are not included, and, particularly if you have so requested, you may have only a driver who speaks a little English.
CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY
The 50% down payment
Important: services, tours, treks and packages booked with Machupicchu Trekking Perú is non-refundable, but could be changed of date without any administration charge.
DEADLINE TO CHANGE TOUR DATE
Tour date changes will be subject to availability of income to the Inca Trail, Machupicchu and hotels, without any administration charge, in the following time frame:
Inca Trail – at the latest 20 days prior to the departure date.
Tour with hotel – at the latest 15 days prior to the departure date.
Tours without hotel – at the latest 10 days prior to the departure date.
Important: Third party administration fees have to be paid at the moment of the date change (airline fees, transport companies, hotels, partner agency charges & entrance fee)
• If the client wants to change the date tour within the days timeframe prior to departure, the client will be charged an Administration Fee.
DEADLINE OF CANCELLATION
** In case of cancellation due to a serious illness or another serious situation, the following procedures are applicable (situations will be judged at the discretion of the Machupicchu Trekking Perú reservations department):
In case of cancellation due to a serious illness or another serious situation (measured by the Machupicchu Trekking Perú reservations department), the following procedures are applicable:
Machupicchu Trekking Perú Travel Agency will refund the respective amount at the latest 30 days after the date it received the written cancellation statement, in most cases by wire transfer.
BOOKING AND PAYMENTS
FIRST, To book your adventure to Machu Picchu, select the tour or trek you would like to do and click BOOK NOW. Fill out a form with your personal information, after completing the form click on SENT YOU RESERVATION button, then we will send you by e-mail a payment link of US$ 200 plus the 5% commission per bank transaction.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase to Machu Picchu permits and entrance tickets without the following information:
Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
Gender
Passport number
D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
Nationality
*** We require clear photos of each participants’ passport at the booking.
SECOND, we require a deposit of US$ 200 per person in order to purchase permits for the Tour or Trek to Machu Picchu.
the fastest ways to send and receive money with fairly low fees, are through:
machupicchutrekking.pe@gmail.com
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
The balance, to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay IN CASH at our office with (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATM within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by your CREDIT CARD but you will have to pay a 5% service fee, to the iZipay collection company.
ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY FOR CHANGES
• There will be no cost of the Administrative Penalty in the date changes of a tour, walk or package in the indicated periods.
• Administrative fees charged by third parties such as (airlines, transport companies or associated providers, entrance fee) will be paid by the passenger, at the moment of the date chage.
The client will be charged an Administration Fee of US $20.00 Fee for all changes in bookings before the days frame time.
INSURANCE
We recommend that all customers obtain a travel or medical insurance policy in their home countries.
VISAS
PRIVACY POLICY
Machupicchu Trekking Perú Tour Operator is committed to maintaining your confidence and trust concerning the privacy of the personal information you give us and/or we collect from you. Your email address nor any other data will never be given to a third party.
COPYRIGHT
Machupicchu Trekking Perú Tour Operator reserves the right to use all possible photos taken during the passenger’s program unless the passenger refuses permission.
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