A four-day, 43 km classic trek that climbs to Dead Woman's Pass and winds down into cloud forest to reveal Machu Picchu at Inti Punku. Expect long days on stone staircases, dramatic microclimates, and managed camps with porters handling your heavy gear.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You wake before dawn in Cusco, the city still cool and quiet, and the minibus threads through high Andean light toward Km 82. The trail opens with terraced hills and ancient stone work, then pushes up into a hard, thin air that forces a steady pace and steady breathing. Over four days you'll cover roughly 43 km of trail, climb to the high point at Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman's Pass, ~4,215 m) and descend through cloud forest to arrive at the Gate of the Sun with Machu Picchu spread below.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
4 days (approx. 48–60 hours walking)
Fitness Level
You should have a good aerobic base and be comfortable hiking 6–8 hours on uneven terrain at altitude.
Wildlife
History
The Inca Trail is a segment of the Qhapaq Ñan, the imperial road network that linked administrative centers and sacred sites across the Andes.
Conservation
Daily visitor limits and strict permit rules protect archaeological sites and fragile cloud-forest ecosystems; follow Leave No Trace and avoid single-use plastics.
Reserve your spot on the Classic Inka Trail: 4-Day, 3-Nights 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.
Bring a refillable bottle
Boiled water is supplied for refills but bring your own bottle to avoid plastic; water purification is helpful.
Use trekking poles
Poles reduce knee strain on steep stone descents and improve balance on wet steps.
Pack rain and cold layers
Mountain weather shifts fast—carry a waterproof shell and an insulated midlayer for evenings at camp.
Waterproof trekking boots
Support and traction for long days on stone steps and muddy trails.
Insulated midlayer (down or synthetic)
Cold nights at camps and high passes demand a warm layer.
winter
Lightweight rain jacket & waterproof pants
Essential during the wet season when downpours turn paths slick.
summer
Trekking poles
Help with balance on steep ascents and protect knees on long descents.