A four-day, guided hike along the classic Inca Trail from Km 82 to Machu Picchu with camp accommodations, chef-prepared meals, porters and return transport. Expect high-altitude passes, cloud-forest descent and a sunrise arrival at the Sun Gate.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Dawn breaks over the high Andes and the trail ahead is a ribbon of stone and mist. On day one hikers leave Cusco before sunrise, moving through the Sacred Valley toward Km 82, where the Inca Trail threads forested gullies and stepped terraces toward a horizon of cloud-scrubbed peaks. The path pushes upward, and the air grows thinner; the mountains seem to watch, their ridges daring you past ancient walls and highland watercourses.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
4 days
Fitness Level
Good cardiovascular fitness with experience in multi-day hiking; able to handle long ascents and high altitude.
Wildlife
History
The Inca Trail was an imperial route used for transport, pilgrimage and administrative control, linking the Sacred Valley to the citadel of Machu Picchu.
Conservation
Strict permit limits and guided-only access are designed to protect fragile archaeological sites and fragile cloud-forest ecosystems; stick to established trails and avoid single-use plastics.
Reserve your spot on the 4-Day Inca Trail with Transfers from Cusco today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize in Cusco
Spend 48–72 hours in Cusco before the trek to reduce altitude sickness risk; avoid heavy exertion those days.
Break in your boots
Stone stairways and wet trails demand sturdy, well-broken-in waterproof hiking boots to prevent blisters.
Pack light for the trail
You get a porter for 6 kg; use the supplied duffel and limit your daypack to essentials — water, layers, camera.
Start early on day four
Wake-up around 4:00 am for the sunrise hike to Inti Punku; headlamp and insulated layers help in pre-dawn temperatures.
Waterproof hiking boots
Support and traction on long stone staircases and muddy sections.
3-season sleeping bag (rated to ~0°C/32°F)
Nights at 3,300–3,600 m can be cold; tents are shared and ground insulation is limited.
Lightweight waterproof shell
Quick storms in the cloud forest demand a breathable rain layer.
summer
1.5–2 L reusable water bottle with filter or purification tablets
Refillable and purifiable water reduces plastic waste and keeps you hydrated between crew refills.