Login

Sign Up

After creating an account, you'll be able to track your payment status, track the confirmation and you can also rate the tour after you finished the tour.
Username*
Password*
Confirm Password*
First Name*
Last Name*
Birth Date*
Email*
Phone*
Country*
* Creating an account means you're okay with our Terms of Service and Privacy Statement.
Please agree to all the terms and conditions before proceeding to the next step

Already a member?

Login

Classic Inca Trail 4 Days to Machu Picchu

Walk the famous ancient trail of the Incas through breathtaking mountain passes, cloud forests, and historic ruins directly to Machu Picchu.

  • 2 Days / 1 Nights
  • Express Trek
  • Humantay Lake
  • Moderate to Challenging
Check AvailabilityRequest a Private Quote
  • Duration4 Days / 3 Nights
  • Difficulty Moderate–Challenging
  • Max. Altitude 4,215 m
  • Distance Approx. 45 km
  • Starting Point Cusco (Km 82)
  • Final DestinationMachu Picchu

Service: Private | Best For: Couples, Families, Friends & Adventure Travelers

DetailItineraryPhotosReviewsPlanning TourRelated Tours
THE 4-DAY ITINERARY

Why The Classic Inca Trail 4 Days?

The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is world-famous as one of the top trekking adventures on earth. Hike along original stone paths constructed by the Incas, passing through diverse ecological zones—from snow-capped peaks to sub-tropical cloud forests—and discover exclusive Incan archaeological sites accessible only on foot before entering Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku).

  • Breathtaking Landscapes
  • Expert Local Guides
  • Private/ GroupPersonalized Service

The 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco → Pískacucho (Km 82) → Wayllabamba

  • Trekking: Approx. 12 km
  • Walking Time: Approx. 5–6 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Maximum Altitude: Approx. 3,000 m
  • Accommodation: Wayllabamba Campsite

Early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco to drive to Km 82 (Pískacucho), the official checkpoint of the Inca Trail. After meeting our team of porters and guide, begin trekking along the Urubamba River with views of snow-capped Mount Veronica. Visit the Incan site of Patallacta before continuing up to our campsite in the village of Wayllabamba.

Highlights

  • Morning pickup and drive to Km 82 starting point
  • Panoramic view of Mount Veronica (Wakay Willka)
  • Exploration of the Incan site of Patallacta
  • First night of camping along the historic trail

Day 2: Wayllabamba → Dead Woman’s Pass → Pacaymayo

  • Trekking: Approx. 11 km
  • Walking Time: Approx. 6–7 hours
  • Difficulty: Challenging
  • Maximum Altitude: Approx. 4,215 m
  • Accommodation: Pacaymayo Campsite
  • Rise early for the most challenging day of the trek. Hike uphill through changing landscapes toward the high mountain pass of Warmiwañusqa (Dead Woman’s Pass), reaching the highest elevation of the trail at 4,215 meters. After celebrating at the summit and taking in the panoramic views, descend into the Pacaymayo valley for lunch and camp.

Highlights

  • Ascent to Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusqa, 4,215 m)
  • Reaching the highest point on the Inca Trail
  • Spectacular high Andes mountain vistas
  • Camping in the quiet Pacaymayo valley

Day 3: Pacaymayo → Runkurakay → Sayacmarca → Phuyupatamarca → Wiñay Wayna

  • Trekking: Approx. 16 km
  • Walking Time: Approx. 8–9 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Maximum Altitude: Approx. 3,950 m
  • Accommodation: Wiñay Wayna Campsite

A scenic and culturally rich day crossing the second mountain pass at Runkurakay (3,950 m). Explore the Incan ruins of Runkurakay and Sayacmarca before continuing through lush cloud forest into Phuyupatamarca (“City above the Clouds”). Finish the day descending stone staircases to the campsite at Wiñay Wayna, located right next to the impressive archaeological terraces.

Highlights

  • Second pass summit at Runkurakay (3,950 m)
  • Guided visits to Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca ruins
  • Passage through Andean cloud forest and stone Inca stairs
  • Final night camping near the terraces of Wiñay Wayna

Day 4: Wiñay Wayna → Sun Gate (Inti Punku) → Machu Picchu → Cusco

  • Trekking: Approx. 5 km
  • Walking Time: Approx. 2–3 hours
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Maximum Altitude: Approx. 2,720 m
  • Accommodation: Return to Cusco (Hotel not included)

Early morning start to reach the control point and trek toward Inti Punku (The Sun Gate). Arrive at the Sun Gate as morning light reveals the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. Walk down to the citadel for a comprehensive guided tour of the key temples, terraces, and plazas. Afternoon return by train to Ollantaytambo/Poroy, followed by private transport to Cusco.

Highlights

  • Early morning hike to Inti Punku (Sun Gate)
  • Dramatic first view of Machu Picchu citadel
  • Comprehensive guided tour of Machu Picchu
  • Return train trip through the Sacred Valley and transfer to Cusco
Accommodation

Where You'll Stay

Rest in comfortable accommodations selected for their location, comfort and unique experience along the route.

Mountain Lodge / Premium Camping

Comfortable accommodation surrounded by the Andes.

Cloud Forest Accommodation

A relaxing overnight stay as the landscape transitions into the high jungle.

Aguas Calientes Hotel

Rest comfortably before your Machu Picchu visit.

What's Included

  • Official Inca Trail permit & Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
  • Private transportation from Cusco to Km 82 and return transfer from train station.
  • Professional English-speaking trekking guide.
  • Porters to carry camp equipment and personal belongings (up to permitted weight limit).
  • All meals on the trail (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners).
  • High-quality camping equipment (tents, dining/kitchen tents, foam pads).
  • Return train ticket from Aguas Calientes (Expedition / Voyager).
  • First aid kit and emergency oxygen.

Not Included

  • Breakfast on Day 1 & Lunch/Dinner on Day 4.
  • Personal sleeping bag and trekking poles (available for rent).
  • Travel / medical insurance.
  • Tips for guide, cook, and porters.
Difficulty

How Difficult Is the 2-Day Salkantay Trek?

This short trek is rated as moderate to challenging due to the rapid ascent to high altitude at Humantay Lake (4,200 m) and Salkantay Pass (4,650 m).

  • Fitness: Good physical condition required
  • Altitude: Up to 4,650 m (Salkantay Pass)
  • Hardest Section: Day 2 (Ascent to Salkantay Pass)
  • Best Preparation: Acclimatize in Cusco for at least 2–3 days prior to departure
Your Adventure Awaits

Ready to Walk the Trek to Machu Picchu?

    [phonetext* tel-wp placeholder "Phone contact*"]

    Your Adventure Awaits

    Book Trek Now

    • $ 140.00per person
    • Local Experts
    • Private/ Group Trek
    • Security Travel
    • Official Permits Included
    Check Availability

    What Makes This a Private Trek?

    More Than a Trek. Your Own Salkantay Experience.

    • Private Guide
      Travel with a dedicated guide focused on your group.
    • Flexible Pace
      Enjoy the trail according to your physical condition and interests.
    • Private Transportation
      A more seamless journey from Cusco to the trail and back.
    • Personalized Service
      Accommodation, logistics and additional services can be adapted to your preferences.
    • Machu Picchu Experience
      Complete your trek with a carefully planned visit to Machu Picchu.
    Learn More
    BEST TIME

    When to Trek the Salkantay Route

    • Dry Season May – September
    • Green Season October – April

    Closure Note: The Inca Trail is closed every February for annual maintenance and conservation.

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    Your Questions, Our Answers

    How difficult is the 4-Day Salkantay Trek?

    An accordion content area

    How many kilometers is the 4-Day Salkantay Trek?

    An accordion content area

    What is the highest point of the Salkantay Trek?

    Does the 4-Day Salkantay Trek include Machu Picchu?

    Read More