Compare 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu from our trusted local partners and book with Wander Free Peru – fast replies, personal and honest support, and no extra cost. We reserve your Machu Picchu ticket and permit right away to avoid sold-out dates.
KB Adventures
Price including Machu Picchu ticket (adult) and return by train: $660
PREMIUM
TOUR OPERATOR
TreXperience
Price including Machu Picchu ticket (adult) and return by Vistadome train: $790
Why book your 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with Wander Free Peru?
When you compare 4-day Inca Trail options through Wander Free Peru, you’re not just choosing between experienced local partners. You also benefit from our expert guidance, fast and honest answers, and personal support to help you prepare for your Inca Trail experience with total confidence.
Booking through Wander Free Peru costs the same as booking directly with the operator — but you receive additional service, honest advice, and dedicated local support at no extra charge.
We’re based in Peru, we’ve hiked the Inca Trail ourselves, and we know the route and regulations. That means smooth logistics, realistic expectations, and helpful tips from real local experience.
You’ll get clear, friendly answers to all your questions — quickly. We’re here to support you before, during, and after your trek — in English, Dutch, or Spanish.
As soon as your permit is confirmed, we secure your Machu Picchu entrance. Since daily permits are limited, this is essential to avoid disappointment.
We work with carefully selected Inca Trail operators who offer great value, experienced guides, and well-organized tours. You choose the tour that fits your style — and we take care of the rest.
- Smaller groups (8–12 people for a more personal experience)
- Expert guide and a second assistant guide
- Return with the Vistadome train (more comfortable and scenic)
- Strong focus on sustainable tourism and care for the environment
- Professional chef and a wide variety of fresh, delicious meals
- Snacks on the trail: fruits, chocolate, cookies, caramels
- All drinking water included during the trek
- Hand towels and a rain poncho provided
- Emergency satellite phone carried by the team
- Better working conditions:
- Fair salaries for porters, guides, and cooks
- Health insurance and proper equipment provided for all staff
Frequently asked questions about the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The 4-day Inca Trail is popular because it follows the original Inca route to Machu Picchu, combining incredible mountain scenery with ancient ruins and a dramatic finish at the Sun Gate. Many travelers choose this route for its history and beauty. If you’re planning your trip, you can compare 4-day Inca Trail tours to find the experience that suits you best.
The trail was used by the Inca civilization over 500 years ago. It connected cities across the empire and led spiritual pilgrims to the sacred city of Machu Picchu.
The classic 4-day Inca Trail is the most popular choice. You can compare 4-day Inca Trail options based on group size, included services, and return train type to find the best tour for your needs. Our premium partner offers smaller groups, better food, and added comfort.
The Inca Trail is in southern Peru, running through the Andes Mountains and ending at Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites.
It begins at Kilometer 82, near Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. From there, the trail takes 4 days to reach Machu Picchu.
The trail passes through the Sacred Valley and the high Andes, in the region of Cusco, Peru.
The best time to hike the 4-day Inca Trail is from April to October, during the dry season. Clearer skies and stable trail conditions make for a better trekking experience.
The trail is closed in February each year for maintenance and conservation. No treks are allowed during this time.
Bring layered clothing, a rain jacket, hiking shoes, a daypack, refillable water bottle, headlamp, snacks, and personal medication. On our tour pages we provide a full packing list.
Dress in layers. You’ll need breathable hiking clothes for the day, and warmer gear for cold nights. Good footwear and waterproof items are essential.
It’s a multi-day hike through the Andes, following ancient Inca roads to Machu Picchu. It’s considered one of the world’s most beautiful and historical treks.
It’s a UNESCO World Heritage trail built by the Incas, known for its historical ruins, high mountain passes, and rich natural beauty.
It’s a 42 km (26 mile) trekking route that takes you through Inca ruins, cloud forests, and mountain passes — ending at Machu Picchu’s Sun Gate.
Permits are booked through our partners. You cannot buy one yourself. Book 4–6 months in advance, especially in the high season (May till August).
The 4-day Inca Trail is moderate to challenging. You’ll hike for several hours a day at high altitude, so a basic level of fitness is recommended.
The classic Inca Trail is 42 km (26 miles) and usually takes 4 days to complete. There is also a shorter 2-day short Inca Trail option.
No. It’s required by law to hike with a licensed guide and authorized company. Our partners are authorized companies to this the Inca Trail and only work with licensed guides. You can’t do the 4-day Inca Trail independently.
No. Since 2001, hiking the Inca Trail without a guide is not allowed. All treks must be organized through licensed operators.
The Inca Trail is safe when done with a professional guide. There are some steep and narrow sections, but serious accidents are rare. The biggest risks are related to altitude and weather — which your guide will help manage.
Overall itinerary for the 4-day Original Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, 3 nights
Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Hatunchaca – Ayapata/Wayllabamba
- Morning:
- Early morning hotel pickup at 4:30 a.m. in Cusco or 6:00 a.m. if in the Sacred Valley (Ollantayambo).
- Drive to Km 82 (Piscacucho) with a stop in Ollantaytambo for breakfast and supplies.
- Meet porters and chefs at Km 82, pass through the trail checkpoint, and start the hike.
- Afternoon:
- Hike 3 hours to Llactapata Inca Site for exploration and views.
- Continue 1 hour to Hatunchaca for a lunch.
- Trek 2 more hours to Ayapata/Wayllabamba campsite, arriving by 5:00 p.m.
- Evening:
- Tea time with snacks and a dinner.
- Overnight in comfortable tents.
Day 2 of 4-day original Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: Wayllabamba/Ayapata – Dead Woman’s Pass – Chaquicocha/Pacaymayo
- Morning:
- Wake-up tea and hearty breakfast at 5:00 a.m.
- Begin a 4-hour uphill hike to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,829 ft), the highest point of the trail.
- Pause for views and a traditional mountain offering ceremony.
- Descend 2 hours to Pacaymayo Alto Valley for lunch.
- Afternoon:
- Hike 2 hours uphill to Runkuraqay Pass (4,000 m / 13,123 ft).
- Continue downhill for 2 hours, visiting the Inca sites of Runkuraqay and Sayacmarca.
- Evening:
- Arrive at Chaquicocha/Pacaymayo campsite around sunset for dinner.
- Overnight in tents.
Day 3: Pacaymayo/Chaquicocha – Intipata – Wiñaywayna
- Morning:
- Enjoy breakfast and begin a 5-hour hike through cloud forests and diverse ecosystems.
- Marvel at panoramic views of Salkantay Mountain and the Urubamba River.
- Visit Phuyupatamarca (City in the Clouds) and Intipata (Terraces of the Sun).
- Afternoon:
- Arrive at Wiñaywayna campsite by 1:00 p.m. for lunch.
- Free time to explore, relax, or take a shower.
- Visit the Wiñaywayna Inca site with your guide.
- Evening:
- Dinner at the campsite.
- Overnight in tents.
Last day of 4-day original Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
- Early morning:
- Wake up early and head to the trail checkpoint at 5:30 a.m.
- Hike 1 hour to the Sun Gate (Intipunku) for a spectacular sunrise over Machu Picchu.
- Descend 1 hour to Machu Picchu’s main entrance.
- Morning:
- Guided 2-3 hour tour of Machu Picchu’s key sites.
- Optional hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (advance tickets required).
- Afternoon:
- Take a bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included).
- Board the train to Ollantaytambo, then transfer by car to Cusco.
- Evening:
- Return to your stay in Cusco around 7:30 p.m.