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Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: Our most recommended tours and activities

Cusco: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4-Day Trek

1. Cusco: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4-Day Trek

Tackle the unforgettable Inca Trail, and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime hike to Machu Picchu. Departing from Cusco, discover one of the world’s oldest pilgrimages on this 4-day trip and explore a cloud forest. Depart from your Cusco hotel early in the morning and drive 82 kilometers to the starting point in Llactapata. Begin your guided hike to the first campsite in Ayapata, located 3300 (10826 feet) meters above sea level. In the morning, make your way to Warmiwañuska, passing two mountains for a total of 10 hours of hiking. Traverse Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point of the Inca Trail at 4215 meters (13829 feet). Then, cross the Runqurakay Pass, with 4000 meters (13123 feet) to Chaquicocha. After a good night's rest at Chaquicocha, take on the 6-hour trek to Phuyupatamarca and finally the archaeological site of Wiñaywayna at 2600 meters (8530 feet). Pass through a number of ecological zones, home to a diversity of flora and fauna. Spot orchids and bromeliads, as well as hummingbirds, foxes, and deer. Wake up early and hike for 2 hours to Machu Picchu through the Sungate, and enjoy a unique view of Machu Picchu. After exploring Machu Picchu, board the Panoramic train back to Cusco and be dropped off at your hotel in the evening.

From Cusco: 4-Day Inca Trail Guided Trek to Machu Picchu

2. From Cusco: 4-Day Inca Trail Guided Trek to Machu Picchu

Walk the world-famous Inca Trail on this guided trek over 4 days and 3 nights. Follow an ancient footpath through the Sun Gate and into Machu Picchu, passing magical cloud forests on the way. Enjoy scenic camping, tasty meals and the expertise of local guides and porters. Day 1 Start with pickup from your hotel in Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo on the first morning. Enjoy a hearty breakfast and meet your team of guides and porters before an 82km drive to the trail’s starting point. Hike in 2 hour intervals, with regular stops to eat and take a break. The first night’s campsite will be at Ayapata with an elevation of 3300 meters. Relax here with a hot drink, dinner and a well-deserved rest. Day 2 Wake up early for the trek’s longest day which will include the trail’s highest point, Dead Woman’s Pass, at 4215 meters. Stop here to enjoy the spectacular views before you descend into the Pacaymayu Valley in time for lunch. Next, climb to the Inca site of Runcu Raccay where you can admire two huge waterfalls across the valley before another descent to the remote site of Sayacmarca. After a quick tour, take a short walk to the second campsite, where you can watch the sun set over the Vilcabamba mountains before dinner. Day 3 Start early again for the trail’s most beautiful day. Walk along gradual inclines as you approach the Cloud Forest and Salkantay, the second highest peak in the Sacred Valley. Then, begin the climb to the final peak, Phuyupatamarka, where you’ll get your first views over Machu Picchu. From here, it’s a 3-hour walk down a flight of steps to Wiñay Wayna, where you’ll camp in close proximity to Machu Picchu. Share a relaxed final evening with your guides and porters, and get an early night before your final day of exploring. Day 4 Get up at the crack of dawn to catch a stunning sunrise over the ruins of Machu Picchu. Trek down to the Sun Gate and make your way into the Lost City of the Incas, where your private tour of the ruins will begin. After the tour, head down to Augas Calientes by bus. Take a few hours here to explore the city, or optionally to climb Huayna Picchu, before catching the train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy. From here, a driver will transfer you back to your hotel by bus.

Machu Picchu: Inca Trail 2-Day Overnight Guided Tour

3. Machu Picchu: Inca Trail 2-Day Overnight Guided Tour

Day 1: Hiking to Machu Picchu Your short Alpaca Expeditions Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu starts with you being picked up from your hotel from 4 to 4:30 AM. Next, we’ll go to the train station and leave on the 6:40 a.m. train from Ollantaytambo. The trail follows the Urubamba River until we reach Km 104, where we’ll begin our trek. Along the way, you’ll see spectacular views of farmlands, snow-capped mountains, and the mighty Urubamba River. After hiking for three hours we’ll reach the most beautiful Incan site on the Inca Trail Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young) at 2,600 m/8,500 ft. Few people get the opportunity to see these elaborate water fountains, temples and agricultural terraces. A few minutes of walking from there and you’ll arrive at the Alpaca Expeditions campsite used by hikers who have chosen to do the Classic Inca Trail. Here you’ll be able to enjoy the hot homemade lunch that’s been freshly cooked by Alpaca Expeditions’ chefs. From Wiñay Wayna, we’ll walk to the Sun Gate. After taking photos and exploring the area, we’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and head to your hotel. After that, we’ll head to the restaurant for dinner (included). After dinner, we recommend going to bed early to make the most of the next day. Day 2: Visit Machu Picchu “Lost City of the Incas” and return to Cusco We’ll wake up early so that we can catch one of the first busses so that we can catch the striking sunrise at Machu Picchu. You’ll have a two-hour guided walking tour by your private English-speaking Alpaca Expeditions guide. After that, you’ll have time to explore Machu Picchu by yourself. Those who have tickets to Huayna Picchu will have time to climb the mountain, which takes approximately an hour and a half round-trip. After exploring you can either take a bus or walk down to Aguas Calientes for a free afternoon. You’ll need to remember to catch your train, which will depart that afternoon to Ollantaytambo. Once you arrive at the station in Ollantaytambo we will be there to meet you and drive you back to Cusco and we will drop you off at your hotel.

From Cusco: 2-Day Trip to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu

4. From Cusco: 2-Day Trip to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu

DAY 1: We will start this great adventure with the pick up from your hotel at 8:00 am to go to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Pisac, Colonial Inca, discover one of the Inca archaeological sites, on top of the mountain with impressive stone walls, agricultural terraces, irrigation systems and the largest cemetery of the Inca Empire. Time to shop at the craft market, where artisans sell their ceramics, textiles, jewelry, Andean instruments, alpaca products, and souvenirs. We will continue our trip of approximately 1 hour through the Sacred Valley to Urubamba where we will have time to have lunch in one of the local restaurants that offers several traditional dishes, made with fresh products. In the afternoon, visit the archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo, where you can appreciate the technique with which the Incas worked the stone, the last Inca citadel standing. The city is built on ancient Inca buildings. Explore the archaeological site of the city that has temples, terraces, warehouses and a large Inca monolith. Next, we will depart by train from the Ollantaytambo station, we will arrive at the Aguas Calientes station, where our staff will assist you to stay in one of the hotels in Aguas Calientes. (Select between a tour with or without accommodation). DAY 2: In the morning the guide will pick you up at the hotel to board the transport that will ascend an intricate path giving us a spectacular view of the Urubamba River that shapes the famous canyon. The Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, will welcome you with its incredible terraces, stairways, ceremonial precincts and urban areas where energy emanates from all over the place. After a guided tour, you will have the opportunity to have lunch in one of the restaurants in the area. At the coordinated time, we will return by train and we will be transferred to the hotel in Cusco, ending with a great experience.

Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu 2-Days | Night in Machu Picchu

5. Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu 2-Days | Night in Machu Picchu

Day 01: Cusco - Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes • Breakfast at the hotel. • Pick up from the hotel (7:30 -8:00 hrs) • Will visit: Pisac, Urubamba Ollantaytambo. • Buffet lunch in Urubamba. • Ollantaytambo tourist train – Machu Picchu Town. • Hotel night in Machupicchu Town. Day 02: Machupicchu - Cusco • Breakfast at the hotel. • Bus to the archaeological center from Machupicchu (round trip) • Guided in Machu Picchu • Lunch at MachuPicchu town. • In the afternoon return by train to Ollantaytambo. • Transport Ollantaytambo - Cusco • Hotel night in Cusco.

Machu Picchu: 2-Day Group Tour of the Inca Trail

6. Machu Picchu: 2-Day Group Tour of the Inca Trail

Day 1: Cusco to Machu Picchu Pueblo Start your adventure bright and early and meet your guide at your accommodation. After a short drive to Ollantaytambo, you will set off on a 1.5-hour train ride to Chachabamba, taking in the scenery of the Urubamba river along the way. From the checkpoint at Chachabamba, you will start your trekking experience. Visit the archaeological sites of Chachabamba and Wiñay Huayna and take in the variety of flora and fauna.  Enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, and from here, you can take in one of the most spectacular views of the Lost City of the Incas. Arrive in Machu Picchu late in the afternoon and have the unique opportunity to see the city almost empty. After a short bus ride to your hotel, you can enjoy a relaxed end to the day with dinner and a night of comfortable sleep.   Day 2: Machu Picchu to Cusco After another early start, you will prepare to visit Machu Picchu, the tour's highlight. Board your bus just as the sun rises. Your guide will take you on a 2 to 3-hour comprehensive tour of the city before leaving you in Machu Picchu to explore independently. You also have the option to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.  Your guide will explain how to take the bus from Machu Picchu back to Aguas Calientes and then take the Panoramic Vistadome train and bus back to Cusco. After a full day of sightseeing, you will be conveniently shuttled back to your accommodation for a relaxing end to your Inca exploring adventure. 

From Cusco: Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2-Day Tour

7. From Cusco: Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2-Day Tour

Visit the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu and the unique Rainbow Mountain across 2 days. Benefit from convenient transportation throughout 2 days, and discover 2 of Peru's most cherished landmarks seamlessly. Day 1: Start with pickup early in the morning from your hotel within the Historic Center of Cusco. Travel by bus to the town of Ollantaytambo, where you will board the train to the town nearest Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes. Relax and enjoy the wonderful scenery throughout the journey. Arriving at the train station in Aguas Calientes, the activity provider's representative will be waiting for you with a sign and your name for easy identification. Feel the excitement and anticipation as you hop on the bus which will take you up to Machu Picchu. Meet your guide by the entry gate of Machu Picchu and set off on your guided exploration of this fascinating ancient city perched atop a steep mountain. Take in the scenic vistas all around you, and learn more about the fascinating and mysterious history of one of the great wonders of the world. After about 3 hours in Macchu Pichu, head back down to Aguas Calientes for a tasty lunch. Afterward, enjoy some free time to explore the town of Aguas Calientes, before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo followed by a bus transfer back to Cusco. You will arrive at approximately 8:30 PM. Day 2: The next day, rise early once again with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. Travel south of Cusco by bus to the town of Tintinco in the Cusipata district, where you will stop for some breakfast. Arrive at the entry point to the trailhead, and hike along the path to Rainbow Mountain. Upon arrival, be amazed by the vibrant colors of the mountain, and learn a bit about its formation with your guide. Enjoy some free time to stroll around and take some fantastic photos. After the excursion, travel back to the town of Tintinco for a delicious buffet lunch in a picturesque restaurant. Relax on the journey back to Cusco, with drop-off near the main square in the early evening.

4-Day Inca Jungle Adventure with Mountain Biking and Rafting

8. 4-Day Inca Jungle Adventure with Mountain Biking and Rafting

Experience the thrill of adventure, the breathtaking natural beauty of the Inca Trail, and the marvel of Machu Picchu on a 4-day tour from Cusco. Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Cusco – Santa Maria (Bike and Rafting) Travel by bus to the high mountain pass of Malaga, where you’ll start your descent on a mountain bike to the town Huamanmarca. The bus will take you to the town of Santa Maria, where you’ll have a short break before beginning a rafting adventure on class III and IV rapids. Overnight at a home stay in Santa Maria. Day 2: Santa Maria – Santa Teresa (Trekking) Begin your trek with an ascent, stopping along the way to learn about the local flora and fauna. Enjoy a rest stop to resupply with water and taste regional tropical fruit. Cross a section of the Inca Trail that historically connected Machu Picchu with the city of Vilcabamba. Take in impressive views of the Huancarccasa Canyon. Descend to the small town of Quellomayo for lunch and a rest in a hammock. Continue to the thermal baths of Cocalmayo. Overnight in a home stay in Santa Teresa. Day 3: Santa Teresa – Aguas Calientes (Trekking and Zipline) Begin your trek to Aguas Calientes after breakfast. Walk through the Aobamba Valley, stopping for lunch along the way. See a series of waterfalls and admire the majesty of the mountains surrounding Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. Overnight at the Hatun Samay Hotel or similar. Day 4: Machu Picchu – Cusco Get an early start and board one of the first buses to Machu Picchu. See the sun rise over the Incan city and have plenty of time to take photos. Enjoy a guided tour of the site and hear about the history of Machu Picchu and its most important structures. From the top of Huayna Picchu take in breathtaking view of the complete Machu Picchu area. Take a bus down to the village of Aguas Calientes for lunch before heading back to Cusco.

Cusco: 4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Small Group Trek

9. Cusco: 4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Small Group Trek

Day 1: Cusco to Wayllabamba After pick-up Cusco, drive for 1.5 hours by bus to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where the trek begins. The walking on the first day is relatively easy. Along the way you will visit the ruined city of Patallacta, and Willkarakay, a military post located above Patallacta. Then enter the lush valley of Wayllabamba, walking along the banks of the Cusichaca River. The trail continues gradually upward through dense Andean forest, to the first campsite in Wayllabamba. Day 2: Wayllabamba to Pacaymayu You will start early, as the walking is physically intense for those who are not accustomed to high altitudes. Trek through the densely vegetated Andean forest until you arrive at a campsite, where you will take a short rest. Continuing your ascent in the afternoon, the habitat will begin to change. After another rest, with snacks and hot drinks, begin the final ascent to a 4,215 meter pass, the highest point of the trek. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys below, then descend to the campsite in Pacaymayu for the night. Day 3: Pacaymayu to Wiñay Wayna  Visit the archaeological site of Runkurakay, a former resting lodge for ancient pilgrims. Then after a 45-minute ascent, you will reach the second highest pass of the Inca trail. Descend to the archaeological site of Sayacmarca. After visiting the site, continue down the beautifully paved road to the lunch stop. From here you will enter the high Andean cloud forest. The trail continues along a narrow ridge, arriving at a natural viewing area, where it is possible to see the Sacred Valley and numerous mountain peaks, as well as Machu Picchu. From here, descend to the campsite at Wiñay Wayna, passing an important archaeological site and a temple where offerings are made to the sacred mountain spirits. Day 4: Wiñay Wayna to Machu Picchu Rise early to complete the final stretch of the Inca Trail. After about an hour you will reach the Sun Gate, and see the sunrise over the Andes (weather permitting). A 45-minute walk will take you into the higher area of Machu Picchu. Take a 2-hour tour to learn more about this magical place, and then you will have time to explore the citadel by yourself. The climb to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain is optional (at additional cost and must be booked in advance). In the afternoon you will descend by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you will receive your train tickets for the return journey to Cusco. The train will arrive to Ollantaytambo, where you will be picked up and driven by bus back to your hotel in Cusco.

From Cusco: Machu Picchu Private Day Trip with All Tickets

10. From Cusco: Machu Picchu Private Day Trip with All Tickets

Make the most of your stay in Cusco with a full day private visit to the world wonder, Machu Picchu. On this exclusive tour, manage your own time and enjoy every moment. After being picked up at your hotel, we will head to Ollantaytambo to board the train to Aguas Calientes. On the way, you will enjoy panoramic views of the Andes and the lush jungle from the train window. Upon arrival, your guide will be waiting for you at the train station exit. Together, you will board the bus that will take you on a 30-minute ride to Machu Picchu. Enjoy a self-paced tour of this historic citadel, exploring each highlight such as the Main Plaza, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Temple of the Condor, the Intihuatana, among others. Don't miss the classic photo at the lookout point while contemplating the breathtaking scenery! After the visit, you will have free time in Aguas Calientes to explore the town or enjoy lunch before taking the train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

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What people are saying about Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 200 reviews

I would give this 6 starts if I could. I highly, highly recommend this for any traveler with adequate fitness. While Machu Picchu feels a bit crowded and touristy to me, the Inca trail is incredibly serene and wonderous. The views are unequivocally in the top 5 most beautiful natural(ish) wonders I have seen. This is bolstered by the incredible paved trails, including 10+ meter retaining walls and various empty Inca sites along the way. Are main guide was very knowledgeable, spoke solid English and had a (IMO) big heart. The food spread was also excellent (like many freshly cooked dishes not like the backpacking food I am used to in the USA). We did not encounter rain during the day during this mid November trip though that's invariably a dice roll at that time of year. Do be sure to prep for the altitude though the guides do have coca leaves and other (more Western) medications to help with that or other similar issues.

We just had the most incredible trip with treXperience. We did the 4 days Inka Trail with our Guide Willian! It was one of the best experiences in my life! Not only because of the breathtaking views and nature, but also because of our team! The Porter under the lead of Juvenal were sooo incredible!! You could not ask for more. The food from chef Walter was from another world! Never would I‘ve thought, that we would be so spoild! All in all a lifetime experience and recommendable to everyone!!

Great experience, with Monica being an amazing guide, full of knowledge, answering every question and guiding us through the Inca history! We had the luck to be in a private group, so I haven't experienced the potential challenges of a big group, but the small group helped us go in our own pace. The food was unexpectedly great, with Oscar showing his skills and surprising us every day.

Amazing food all the way through! Quite challenging but the views you see along the way are incredible. Great organization - very happy with the experience

It was an amazing hike through the Andes. Going solo with a guide made the experience rich.