Classic Inca Trail Adventure
Hike the legendary 4-Day Classic Inca Trail through spectacular Andean landscapes, ancient ruins, and lush cloud forests on your journey to Machu Picchu.
Cusco
Lima South Cusco
Peru
The 4-Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of Peru’s most iconic trekking experiences, combining breathtaking Andean landscapes, ancient Inca history, and unforgettable adventure. Over four days, you’ll follow the original Inca pathways through mountain passes, cloud forests, and impressive archaeological sites, experiencing the incredible diversity of the Andes along the way.
The journey reaches its highlight arriving to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), offering your first spectacular view of the ancient citadel. More than just a trek, the Classic Inca Trail is a journey through history and culture, following in the footsteps of the Incas on a trail that has inspired travellers from around the world.
Hike the legendary 4-Day Classic Inca Trail through spectacular Andean landscapes, ancient ruins, and lush cloud forests on your journey to Machu Picchu.
Follow centuries-old stone paths and discover fascinating archaeological sites that reveal the ingenuity and legacy of the Inca civilisation.
Challenge yourself at 4,215 m (13,828 ft) as you conquer the highest point of the Classic Inca Trail, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.
Experience an incredible variety of ecosystems, from rugged high-altitude mountains and valleys to misty cloud forests filled with unique flora and fauna.
Reach Inti Punku (Sun Gate) and enjoy your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu—a truly unforgettable moment after completing the trek.
Explore the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu and immerse yourself in one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological and cultural wonders.
Activities
We will pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco at approximately 7.00a.m. (please ensure to have a good breakfast at your hotel before leaving) and begin our journey to the town of Ollantaytambo. Here, you will have the opportunity to purchase any last-minute essentials, including water, snacks, trekking gear, or personal items before continuing by vehicle to Piskacuchu (Km 82), the official starting point of the Classic Inca Trail.
Today marks the beginning of your Inca Trail adventure, with approximately 6–7 hours of hiking through beautiful Andean landscapes. After around two hours of trekking, we will reach Patallacta, the largest archaeological complex along the Inca Trail. Your professional guide will provide a detailed explanation of this impressive site, its historical significance, and its role within the ancient Inca road network. We will then continue hiking for approximately two more hours before stopping for a well-deserved lunch.
After lunch and some time to rest, we will continue trekking for another 2½–3 hours until we reach our assigned campsite for the evening being Wayllabamba (3,000 m / 9,843 ft). Here our team will prepare a delicious dinner before we head to our tents for a well deserved sleep.
Timing
10-12 hours
Meals
Transport
• Hotel pickup in Cusco
• Transfer from Cusco to Piskacuchu (Km 82)
Accommodation
Camping (2 people per tent)
Altitude / Distance
• Distance: 14KM/8.7 MILES
• Highest point: 3,000 masl/10,827 fasl
Activities
Your day begins early, at approximately 5:00 a.m., when your cook will wake you with a warm cup of coca leaf tea. After a nutritious breakfast, we will set off early to take advantage of the cool morning temperatures and the natural shade provided by the surrounding mountains.
For most trekkers, today is considered the longest and most challenging day of the Inca Trail, as we ascend toward Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass) at approximately 4,200 m / 13,780 ft above sea level. As we climb, the landscape transforms dramatically, allowing us to observe the different ecological zones and microclimates characteristic of the Andes. Reaching the summit is a rewarding achievement, and we will take some time to rest and appreciate the spectacular panoramic views.
From the pass, we descend into the beautiful Pacaymayu Valley, where the dramatic scenery of the Peruvian Andes truly comes to life. Along the way, you will encounter mountain streams and small waterfalls before stopping to enjoy a well-deserved lunch.
After lunch, we continue our trek toward Runcuraccay Pass, located at approximately 4,000 m / 13,123 ft. Along the route, we will visit the fascinating Runcuraccay archaeological site, where your guide will share insights into its history, purpose, and importance along the Inca Trail. We then continue toward Chaquiccocha campsite, where a warm dinner and a well-deserved rest await you after an unforgettable day of trekking.
Timing
8-10 hours
Meals
Transport
None
Accommodation
Camping (2 people per tent)
Altitude / Distance
Notes
[Important guest information]
Activities
We begin the day early once again with a nutritious breakfast before setting off on what many trekkers consider the most beautiful day of the Classic Inca Trail. We hike for approximately two hours along a section known as the “Inca Flat,”a relatively gentle stretch of trail offering spectacular views of Salkantay Mountain and the breathtaking Vilcabamba mountain range, with its impressive snow-capped peaks.
At the end of the Inca Flat, we begin our third and final ascent toward Phuyupatamarca, meaning “Town in the Clouds,” located at approximately 3,650 m / 11,975 ft above sea level. As we reach the summit, the landscape transforms into a lush cloud forest. Along the trail, you may encounter mountain streams and waterfalls, as well as native vegetation including palms, orchids, and bromeliads. The area is also home to a variety of birdlife, including parrots and parakeets, and an abundance of flora and fauna adapted to this unique environment.
After lunch, we continue toward Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young”), one of the most spectacular archaeological sites on the Inca Trail and, after Machu Picchu, one of the most impressive Inca sites along the route. Its terraces, ceremonial structures, and dramatic mountainside setting make it a truly unforgettable stop.
We will spend our final night at a campsite near Wiñay Wayna, preparing for the exciting final morning and our arrival at Machu Picchu. This evening, we will also say farewell and express our gratitude to our porters and cook, whose dedication and hard work have played an essential role in making your trek a memorable experience.
Note: the campsite on the 3rd night are assigned by the Peruvian Government – SERNAMP and depends on availability on the time of booking. Our campsite on the final day may be at Phuyupatamarca or at Wiñaywayna.
Timing
7-9 hours
Meals
Transport
None
Accommodation
Camping (2 people per tent)
Altitude / Distance
Distance: 10KM/6.21 MILES
Highest Point: 3,650 masl/11,975 masl
Notes
[Important guest information]
Activities
Today is the highlight of your journey as we visit the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu! After breakfast, we begin the final section of the Inca Trail toward this legendary ancient city. Our first destination is Inti Punku (Sun Gate), where you will enjoy your first spectacular and panoramic view of the Machu Picchu citadel—a truly unforgettable moment after completing the trek.
From the Sun Gate, we continue downhill toward Machu Picchu, where we will enter the sanctuary and begin an approximately two-hour guided tour. Your professional guide will introduce you to the history, architecture, and fascinating mysteries of this extraordinary Inca site.
After the guided tour, we will make our way to the main entrance. From there, you may choose to take the shuttle bus or walk down to Aguas Calientes. Once in town, you will have free time to enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants and explore Aguas Calientes at your own pace before beginning the journey back to Cusco.
In the afternoon, you will board your tourist-class train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, with the journey taking approximately two hours. Upon arrival, our transportation will be waiting to take you back to Cusco, where you will be dropped off at your hotel or near the city center.
Train schedules depart from Aguas Calientes between 2:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Your specific return train time will be confirmed according to availability at the time of booking.
Timing
5-6 hours
Meals
Transport
Accommodation
None
Altitude / Distance
Distance: 7KM/4.3 MILES
Highest Point: 2,730 masl/8,956 fasl
Notes
[Important guest information]
A reservation for the Classic Inca Trail is confirmed once we receive the required deposit and all necessary passenger information. The remaining balance must be paid by the deadline specified at the time of booking.
As Inca Trail permits are limited and issued by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture, permits are subject to availability and are purchased under the traveler’s registered passport details.
All cancellations must be made in writing to info@bloodybuenperu.com
The Peruvian Ministry of Culture, the authority responsible for Machu Picchu entrance tickets, only permits changes to the entrance date when supported by a valid Peruvian medical certificate, subject to the applicable government regulations and availability.
Any applicable fees or additional costs associated with changing the entrance date will be the responsibility of the Client.
Changes and/or cancellations of train tickets may be permitted depending on the applicable conditions of the railway operator and the type of ticket purchased. Such changes or cancellations may be subject to fees or fare differences, which will be the responsibility of the Client.
Refunds will be issued to the original method of payment, unless an alternative method is requested by the Client and agreed upon in writing.
Processing times may vary depending on the payment processor, banking institution, and transaction method. Refunds may take between 3 and 21 business days to be processed and reflected in the Client’s account.
Any fees, charges, or transaction costs imposed by payment processors, banking institutions, credit card companies, or other payment methods shall be borne solely by the Client. Such fees may be deducted from the refund amount or invoiced separately, where applicable.
Once a refund has been processed by Bloody Bueno Peru, we are not responsible for delays caused by third-party financial institutions, payment processors, or banking institutions. Should you require confirmation or further assistance regarding your refund, our team will be happy to assist.
A valid passport is required for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. The passport number and personal information provided at the time of booking must correspond with the documentation presented during the trek.
Travellers are responsible for providing accurate and up-to-date information and must notify us immediately of any passport renewal, replacement, or change to their personal information.
The Classic Inca Trail operates under regulations established by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture and SERNANP, including daily visitor limits, designated campsites, entrance schedules, and access regulations.
We cannot guarantee a specific campsite or entrance time, as these are subject to official availability and regulations. Once permits are issued, any changes are subject to the rules and conditions established by the relevant authorities.
The Classic Inca Trail is a physically demanding trek involving steep ascents and descents, uneven terrain, and high-altitude conditions. Participants must be 12 years of age or older to take part in the trek.
All participants should have a good level of physical fitness and be prepared for several consecutive days of hiking at high altitude. Participants between 12 and 17 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who assumes responsibility for their participation.
Travellers are responsible for assessing their ability to undertake the trek. If you have any concerns regarding your physical condition or ability to participate in a high-altitude trek, we strongly recommend consulting a qualified medical professional before traveling.
We strongly recommend spending at least 3–4 days at high altitude, preferably above 3,000 m / 9,842 ft, before undertaking the Classic Inca Trail. Spending time in Cusco or another high-altitude destination before the trek can allow your body more time to acclimatise and may help reduce the risk and severity of altitude-related symptoms.
During the acclimatisation period, we recommend staying well hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet with adequate carbohydrates, and allowing your body sufficient time to rest and adjust to the altitude. We also recommend avoiding or limiting alcohol and smoking during the acclimatisation period.
Coca leaf tea is a traditional beverage commonly consumed in the Andes and may be enjoyed as part of the local experience. However, it should not be considered a medical treatment for altitude sickness.
If you are considering medication such as acetazolamide (Diamox) for altitude acclimatisation or altitude sickness prevention, please consult your doctor or another qualified healthcare professional before traveling. Do not take medication without appropriate medical advice.
We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, and trip interruption.
Travellers are responsible for ensuring that their insurance provides adequate coverage for all activities included in their trip.
Itinerary times, campsites, train schedules, transportation, and other services may be modified due to weather conditions, operational circumstances, government regulations, strikes, natural events, or other circumstances beyond our control.
We will make every reasonable effort to provide the services described while prioritising the safety and well-being of our travellers.
By booking the Classic Inca Trail, the Client acknowledges and accepts these terms and conditions and understands that the trek involves physical exertion, high-altitude conditions, uneven terrain, and variable mountain weather.