Cusco · Machu Picchu · Peru
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Four days on the original Inca road, past ruins that you can only reach on foot, over Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215 m and in through the Sun Gate at dawn. Permits are limited and sell out months ahead, so plan early.
From US$690 per person
Photo: Steve FUNG, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Is the Inca Trail for you?
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu follows about 42 km of stone road built by the Incas, from Km 82 near Ollantaytambo to the Sun Gate above the citadel. Along the way you pass Inca sites with no road access, such as Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna, and cross Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215 m on the second day. The trail is moderate rather than extreme; what makes it hard to do is the permit system.
Only licensed operators can sell Inca Trail tours, permits are tied to your passport, and the daily limit of 500 people includes porters and guides, which leaves about 200 places for trekkers. June to August can sell out within days of release. If your dates are gone, the Salkantay trek needs no permit and also ends at Machu Picchu. Compare all the routes in our Peru trekking guide.
Book early, and sleep lower first
Two things decide how your Inca Trail goes. The first is the permit: we need your passport details to request it, and for May to September that means booking four to six months ahead. The second is altitude: Cusco is at 3,400 m and the pass at 4,215 m on day two. We recommend two nights in the Sacred Valley (around 2,800–2,900 m) before the trek, which is why our 6-day version exists. One more honest note: the Machu Picchu circuit you enter by depends on availability, so we do not promise a specific one.
Your itinerary
The classic 4-day Inca Trail
Transfer to Km 82 (about 2,700 m), permit check and an easy first day past the Patallacta ruins to camp near Wayllabamba (about 3,000 m).
The hardest day: about 1,200 m of climbing to Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215 m, then down to camp at Pacaymayo (about 3,600 m).
The longest and most beautiful stage: Runkurakay, Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca (about 3,650 m), then down the stone steps to Wiñay Wayna (about 2,650 m).
A pre-dawn start to the Sun Gate, the walk down into Machu Picchu (2,430 m), a guided visit and the train back to Cusco.
Other versions
Two nights in the Sacred Valley with an easy hike before the 4-day trail. Our recommendation for most people.
From Km 104 past Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate, a night in Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu the next morning. A separate, smaller quota.
Over the Salkantay Pass first, then the Inca Trail to the Sun Gate. See the Salkantay trek page.
Inca Trail altitude profile
One big climb on day two, then a long staircase down past the ruins to Machu Picchu:
- Km 82: 2,700 m
- Wayllabamba: 3,000 m
- Dead Woman's Pass: 4,215 m
- Pacaymayo: 3,600 m
- Phuyupatamarca: 3,650 m
- Wiñay Wayna: 2,650 m
- Machu Picchu: 2,430 m
Prices
- 4 days: classic Inca TrailFrom US$1,190
- 6 days: with Sacred Valley acclimatisationFrom US$1,690
- 2 days: short Inca TrailFrom US$690
Per person in US dollars, based on 2 travellers sharing. Groups of 4 or more pay less per person; solo travellers pay a supplement. We confirm the exact price for your dates and group. Peru prices are based on current market rates for this trek; we confirm the final price with our local partner operator for your dates.
What's included
Included
- Inca Trail permit and licensed guide (through our licensed partner operator)
- Porters, cook, camping equipment and all meals on the trail
- Machu Picchu entry and guided visit
- Bus down to Aguas Calientes and train back to Cusco
- Transfer to the trailhead
Not included
- International flights and Cusco hotels
- Travel insurance (required)
- Sleeping bag and pole rental
- Tips for guides, cooks and porters
Gear
Typically provided
- Tents, mess tent and sleeping mats
- Porters for group gear
- Cook and all trail meals
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen
You bring
- Passport (the same one used for the permit)
- Broken-in boots
- Warm layers and a rain jacket
- Poles with rubber tips (metal tips are banned)
- Headlamp for the pre-dawn start
Safety on the mountain
- Licensed Inca Trail operator and guide (required by law)
- Porters' load limit of 20 kg respected and checked
- Acclimatisation days before the pass on our 6-day plan
- Small groups
Inca Trail FAQ
How far in advance should I book the Inca Trail?
For April to October, book four to six months ahead; for June to August, as early as possible, since those dates can sell out within days of release. Permits are released once a year, usually in October or November for the following season.
Can you hike the Inca Trail without a guide?
No. Only licensed operators can buy Inca Trail permits, and a licensed guide must accompany every group. The permit is tied to your passport and cannot be transferred.
Is the Inca Trail closed in February?
Yes. The trail closes every February for maintenance and reopens on 1 March. Machu Picchu itself stays open.
Does the Inca Trail permit include Machu Picchu?
Inca Trail tours include entry to Machu Picchu at the end of the trek. The circuit you enter by depends on availability that day, so we do not promise a specific one.
Short Inca Trail or 4 days?
The 2-day short trail gives you the last stretch, Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate, with a night in Aguas Calientes. The 4-day trail adds Dead Woman's Pass and the high ruins. If you have the time and fitness, the 4-day trail is the real thing.
What if Inca Trail permits are sold out?
Take the Salkantay trek, which needs no permit and also ends at Machu Picchu, or the quieter Choquequirao route. The short Inca Trail has a separate quota and is sometimes still available.
How much does the Inca Trail cost?
From US$1,190 per person for the 4-day trek, US$1,690 for the 6-day version with acclimatisation and US$690 for the 2-day short trail, for two travellers sharing. We confirm the final price with our licensed partner for your dates.
Plan your Inca Trail
Send us your preferred dates and how many of you are travelling. We will check permit availability with our licensed partner and come back with options, including alternatives if your dates are sold out.