Beyond the Path: Master the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

After an early breakfast, continue your Machu Picchu hike, ascending to the highest point of the trail: Abra Warmiwañusqa (Dead Woman's Pass), which sits at 4,200 meters. Pass through the cloud forests of Yunkachimpa and Corral Punku, which offer excellent views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. From Warmiwañusqa, you will descend to the Pacaymayo Valley (10,830 feet), where you will have a lunch break. Then, you will walk along the Inca Trail through the valley until you reach the Inca ruins of Runkuracay, where a guided tour will follow. Afterwards, you climb up to the second pass, Abra Runkurakay (12,664 ft), and walk on the "Royal Inca Highway" down to the next Inca site, Sayacmarca. Along the way, you will pass Yanacocha Lake. Finally, you will arrive at your second campsite, Chaquicocha (11,978 ft).

Estimated trekking time: 7-8 hours
Trekking distance: 12 km
Max. elevation: 4,200 m (12,630 ft)
Min. elevation: 3,500 m (11,480 ft)
Difficulty: Challenging

Today, we will begin our hike, passing through beautiful subtropical vegetation and many significant archaeological sites. Before reaching the first site, we will cross Phuyupatamarca Pass (11,980 ft), where we will be able to see the Phuyupatamarca Inca complex (11,780 ft) just behind it. This is one of the best-preserved and most complete sites of the five-day Inca Trail. The complex is located atop a mountain, which corresponds with its Quechua name meaning "Town above the Clouds." After a guided tour, we will have lunch there. Then, we will begin a steep descent through a cloud forest, where we will have the opportunity to see beautiful orchids and different bird species on our way to our final campsite at Wiñay Wayna (8,858 ft). There, we will take a guided tour of the impressive Wiñay Wayna archaeological complex, which consists of a religious sector, an urban sector, and an agricultural center with many stepped terraces. Afterwards, we are served dinner, and then we go to sleep, ready to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu the next day!

Estimated trekking time: 5-6 hours
Trekking distance: 10 km
Max. elevation: 3,670 m (12,040 ft)
Min. elevation: 2,700 m (8,860 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate

Today is a special day on the Inca Trail Trek.

We will wake up early to enjoy our last breakfast before continuing our hike to Machu Picchu. Along the way, you will see beautiful Inca sites, such as Wiñaywayna and Intipata. Then, we will climb ancient stone steps to Inti Punku, also known as the Sun Gate, where we will witness the sunrise over the long-awaited citadel of Machu Picchu!

Take advantage of this magical moment to capture panoramic photos. From this vantage point, you can see the surrounding mountains, including Putucusi and Wiñaywayna, as well as the stunning landscapes surrounding Machu Picchu.

Afterwards, we will walk down to the entrance of Machu Picchu and enter the site for one last panoramic view of the Inca citadel. Once the visit is complete, we will exit through the main gate and board a shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes.

Our guide will accompany you to your hotel, where you will spend the night. You have the rest of the day to explore the village of Aguas Calientes or relax in the local hot springs. Please note that the 10-sole entrance fee is not included in any of our Inca Trail packages. You will stay in a comfortable hotel where you can enjoy a hot shower. Later in the evening, you will enjoy a farewell dinner.

Estimated trekking time: 3 hours
Trekking distance: 4 km
Max. elevation: 2,700 m (8,860 ft)
Min. elevation: 2,400 m (7,875 ft)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate

There is no Inca Trail hike today, just a walk and a ride!

After an early breakfast, we take a shuttle bus to Machu Picchu. The bus will drop us off right at the gates of this mysterious Inca city. We will enter for an early-morning guided tour based on the circuit you booked. This is also the perfect time for photo opportunities!

The tour lasts about 2.5 hours and covers the highlights of the "Lost City of the Incas."

After the tour, if you reserved in advance for an additional cost, you can climb either Huayna Picchu (about 45 minutes up and down) or Machu Picchu Mountain (approximately 1.5 hours round trip). Both offer stunning panoramic views of Machu Picchu.

The tour concludes with an afternoon descent to the town of Aguas Calientes, where we will board a train back to Cusco. You will arrive in Cusco in the evening.

Service ends here! We hope you enjoyed one of the most unforgettable Inca Trail experiences!

• Pre-trek briefing with your tour guide (our guide will visit your hotel the day before the trek).
• Transfer by private vehicle to the starting point of the trail at km 82.
• Accommodations: camping (three nights) and a hotel in Machu Picchu (one night).
• Inca Trail permit.
• Entrance fees to Machu Picchu.
• Meals: Four breakfasts, four lunches, four dinners, three snacks, and three afternoon hot beverages. If you are a vegetarian, please advise us in advance. There is no extra cost for a vegetarian meal option!
• Experienced bilingual tour guide: A group of up to 10 participants has one tour guide, and groups of over 10 participants have two tour guides.
• A professional trekking cook
• Super porters to carry food, camping and cooking equipment, and up to 7 kg of each passenger's belongings
• Camping equipment: - Eureka Mountain Personal Double Tent (three-person tent for greater comfort and backpack storage)
• Inflatable mattress (Therm-a-Rest mattress) with cover
• Sleeping bag (for temperatures up to -5°C) and liner for inside of sleeping bag
• Pillow and cover
• Pair of hiking poles
• Duffel bag for personal belongings
• Rain poncho
• Machu Picchu T-shirt
• Tables and chairs
• Cooking tent with cooking equipment
• Dining tent
• Toilet tent
• Bottled gas
• Shuttle bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes on day four
• Shuttle bus up from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu on day five
• Tourist train from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) to Ollantaytambo
• Tourist bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
• A first aid kit including an emergency oxygen bottle

Additional Equipment:

Portable two-way radio communication

Throughout the trek, our guide and trekking chef will use two pairs of radios to communicate with each other. These radios are connected to the Ministry of Culture and SERNANP. If you would like to learn more about the importance of radio communication, please visit our "Radio Communication vs. Satellite Phone" page.

Sustainable Travel

When you book an Inca Trail tour with Tierras Vivas, you can rest assured that we are committed to supporting various social projects for porter families and reforestation efforts in Andean communities. Visit us, Responsible People!

During the Inca Trail tour, our staff will provide the following:

• Water: Our trekking cook will provide hot water for you to refill your water bottle.
• Our staff will provide biodegradable soap.
• Every morning, our trekking chef will provide hot water for personal cleaning.
• You will receive small towels to clean your hands.
• Our trekking cook will provide hot water bottles each night for you to put inside your sleeping bag in case you get cold.

• Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
• A shuttle bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes on the last day ($12 one way)
• Peru travel insurance
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu ($80)
  Tips for local staff. Please note that it is customary to give tips in Peru; however, it is not obligatory.
  Other extras not mentioned.

Solo Traveler: If you booked the "Solo Traveler" option for this trek, please note that you will receive your own single tent.
Local Flights: No local flights are included in any of our Inca Trail packages.

At Tierras Vivas, we are committed to ensuring that your Inca Trail trekking tour begins smoothly and is filled with unforgettable experiences.
Although we follow a carefully designed itinerary, we allow for flexibility in case of changes due to weather, road conditions, or local events.

Should any unexpected changes occur, our team will act promptly to provide the best possible solution and minimize disruption to your journey.

Please note that the itinerary is a general guide. Wildlife sightings in the Andes are not guaranteed, as they depend on nature and seasonal conditions.

Your comfort, safety, and satisfaction are our top priorities throughout your adventure in Peru.

Arrival and Communication

To ensure a smooth departure for your five-day Inca Trail tour, please inform us of your accommodations in Cusco. One or two days before the trek begins, our guide will visit your hotel to provide a detailed briefing.

If your arrival is delayed or your hotel changes, please contact us immediately. We recommend downloading WhatsApp to stay connected with our 24/7 support team throughout your trip.

Altitude and Acclimatization

Because the Inca Trail reaches elevations of up to 13,940 feet (4,250 meters), it is important to allow your body time to acclimate.

Anyone can experience altitude sickness. If you feel unwell, please notify our staff immediately. We work with trusted clinics and hospitals throughout Peru.

In the event of an emergency while on the trail, our guides, cooks, and porters are fully trained in first aid and emergency procedures.

Inca Trail Tours: Important Notes:

1. Inca Trail Regulations:
The Peruvian government establishes the rules and availability of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, which are subject to change. For the most current information, please review our Inca Trail booking policies.

2. Machu Picchu Entry
Accurate passport details are required at the time of booking. Machu Picchu now has timed entry and designated circuits to manage visitor flow. Tickets are limited and subject to availability.

We will do our best to keep your group together. However, depending on ticket availability, travelers may be assigned to different circuits. Those completing the five-day Classic Inca Trail will enter via Circuits 1 or 3.

3. Inca Trail Closures
The Inca Trail is closed each February for annual maintenance. Unexpected closures may also occur due to weather. If necessary, we will replace this portion of the trip with an alternative trek, such as the Lares Trek.

4. Porter Welfare
To ensure fair working conditions, porters may carry a maximum of six kilograms (or seven kilograms on alternate treks) of personal items. This includes your sleeping bag, clothing, and toiletries. You can securely store extra luggage in Cusco.
Tipping is appreciated if you feel that our team has provided excellent service.

5. Rainy Season Notice:
From January to April, heavy rains may impact the trails or campsites. To ensure your safety and the success of your tour, we may adjust the itinerary as needed.

6. Acclimatization Days:
Your Inca Trail trek will begin on your reserved date. To reduce your risk of experiencing altitude sickness, we recommend that you rest and acclimate to the altitude upon your arrival in Cusco.

7. Flexible Itinerary Options
Some travelers may choose alternative experiences, such as touring the Sacred Valley en route to Machu Picchu instead of hiking the Inca Trail. You may be paired with other Tierras Vivas travelers with similar schedules.

8. Tour Pick-Up Times
Your guide will confirm the pickup times in Cusco and send them to you via WhatsApp.

9. Wi-Fi and Connectivity
Wi-Fi and mobile service will be limited or unavailable during parts of the Inca Trail. Please plan accordingly.

10. Extra Battery
There is no electricity along the Inca Trail. If you want to capture the best moments during the hike, bring extra batteries or a portable charger for your camera or phone.

11. Hot Water and Showers
From day two to the last day of the trek, hot showers are generally unavailable. However, on Day 1, you may find local communities offering hot showers for an additional fee.

Starting on day two, only cold showers will be available.

Porters Working Conditions

Every year, thousands of people hike the Inca Trail. They typically finish the 26.6-mile trail in four days. For most, the trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the fulfillment of personal ambitions. The satisfaction of completing the trek and visiting the spectacular Incan city of Machu Picchu is unparalleled. This feeling is even better when you know that all the porters who helped you along the way were treated well and with respect.

Tierras Vivas does not permit this exploitation! We guarantee that our porters carry only the amount permitted by Peruvian law. 

Inca Trail Alernative treks

If the Inca Trail hike is fully booked, you can still enjoy one of our amazing alternative treks!

Inca Trail Tour Travel Advisor

• Inca Trail Frequently Asked Questions
• Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
• Camping equipment included
• Food on the Inca Trail (If you are vegetarian, let us know please)
• How to book and send payment?
• Inca Trail Booking Policies
• Why choose Tierras Vivas Tour Operator
• Inca Trail Responsible Travel

All Inca Trail trekking tours include a professional guide, a representative from Tierras Vivas, and other support staff who will accompany you throughout your hike. They will help you complete the trail successfully and without complications, ensuring you have an unforgettable experience.

Our tour guides are trekking specialists with years of experience hiking to Machu Picchu. They studied professional guiding and English in college. Each guide has extensive knowledge of the route, local culture, traditions, and history of the beautiful places visited during the trek. They are also very knowledgeable about the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and will share fascinating insights with you. Additionally, your guide can recommend the best restaurants and places to explore before the trek begins. You will meet your guide one or two days before your Inca Trail hike begins.

Our Tierras Vivas representative is a dedicated team member who will make sure your trip goes smoothly. He or she will collaborate with our local operations and transportation teams to confirm your pickup, guarantee that your guide arrives at your hotel on time, and verify that all aspects of the trek are proceeding as planned. Your representative is a trained professional who speaks English fluently. When you meet, he or she will ask for your WhatsApp number, which will be the main way to contact you during your trip. Your representative will be available to assist you in case of emergencies or if you have any questions or concerns.

The Inca Trail tour includes a trekking cook who prepares all meals with fresh, natural ingredients sourced from local farmers. Our cooks specialize in preparing delicious Andean dishes along the way. Our super porters will support your journey by carrying your personal and camping equipment. These enthusiastic team members will provide the strength and motivation you need to complete the trek.

Our Tierras Vivas representative is a dedicated team member who will make sure your trip goes smoothly. He or she will collaborate with our local operations and transportation teams to confirm your pickup, ensure your guide arrives at your hotel on time, and verify that all aspects of the trek are proceeding as planned. Your representative is a trained professional who speaks English fluently. When you meet, he or she will ask for your WhatsApp number, which will be the main way to contact you during your trip. Your representative will be available to assist you in case of emergencies or if you have any questions or concerns.

The Inca Trail tour includes a trekking cook who will prepare all your meals with fresh, natural ingredients sourced from local farmers. Our cooks specialize in preparing delicious Andean dishes. Our super porters will support your journey by carrying your personal and camping equipment. These enthusiastic team members will give you the strength and motivation you need to complete the trek.

Each year, our guides, trekking cooks, porters, and Tierras Vivas representatives receive training in first aid, mountain emergencies, guiding, and group management. The cooks receive additional training in food handling and preparing traditional Andean cuisine with natural ingredients. The porters receive training in first aid and transporting patients in mountain emergencies.

We are proud to work with the Responsible People Foundation, a project committed to improving the lives of our porters and trekking cooks.

During the three-night Inca Trail hike, we will camp in a fully serviced campground. This means that our camp staff will set up and take down the tents, cook, and do all the camp chores for you. You only need to carry your day pack. There will also be dining and toilet tents, and bowls of warm water will be provided in the mornings and evenings for washing. On the last night, you will stay in a small hotel in Machu Picchu. All of the hotels we use in Aguas Calientes are within walking distance of the train station.

EUREKA TENT & MOUNTAIN PASS 3XTE - Personal Tents:

Simplicity of design meets expedition standards. The best features of Eureka's backcountry and expedition tents are combined to create an extremely durable tent that sets up quickly. It is designed with a focus on weather resistance and durable coatings, making it ideal for frequent use in cool, wet environments and during the shoulder seasons of late fall and early spring.

Our MOUNTAIN PASS 3XTE and DOITE EXPEDITION tents are designated for four seasons. Although our tents have a three-person capacity, only two trek participants use them! This provides more space and comfort. For single travelers, we provide a two-person tent. After each trek, we carefully inspect our tents and repair them if necessary.

You will spend the night at the best campsite on the Inca Trail hike.

• First Night: Ayapata or Llulluchapampa; 
• Second Night: Chaquicocha;
• Third Night: Phuyupatamarca or Wiñaywayna;
• Fourth Night: Aguas Calientes town, please check the information in the "Accommodation in Machu Picchu" 

Personal camping equipment included in the 5 Day Inca Trail

Accommodation during the 5 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The following hotels will be used to accommodate you during your tour:

Hotel Casa de Luz Machu Picchu

Address: Avenida Hermanos Ayar 703, Aguas Calientes 08681, Peru
Phone: +51 84 211047

Please Note: The hotel in Aguas Calientes is not a three-star hotel, but it is clean, safe, and comfortable, with friendly and helpful staff. They have private twin, double, and triple rooms with small private bathrooms and a hot gas water system. The hotel has one of the best locations in town. It's only a few blocks from the train and bus stations, so you won't have to hike uphill anymore to get to your room! It is about 10 minutes from the hot spring pools. We try to include an economical accommodation option for this trek to make it accessible to everyone, but we recommend upgrading your accommodations in Aguas Calientes to celebrate completing the trek.

We recommend booking single supplements and pre/post-tour accommodations early. Single accommodations can be arranged for an additional fee, subject to availability. Please request this when you book.

HIKING THE INCA TRAIL UPGRADE HOTEL:

If you would like to upgrade your accommodations, you will receive a $20 discount per person for a double or single room. We can recommend a hotel in Machu Picchu for you, or you can choose and book a hotel yourself and receive a discount on your accommodations.

Santuary Lodge Machu Picchu: The accommdation is Standard Patio

Casa Andina Machu Picchu: The accommdation is Standard Traditional

Tierra Viva Hotel Machu Picchu: The accommodation is Standard

Ferre Machu Picchu Hotel: The accommodation is Standard

Solo Traveller: If you are traveling alone and would prefer to share a tent, we will pair you with another trekker of the same gender at no extra cost. If you prefer to have your own tent, a surcharge of USD 50 will be required. If you would like to upgrade any service, such as the train or accommodations, or if you would like to stay an extra night in Machu Picchu, please contact us directly at info@tierrasvivas.com.

IMPORTANT TO ACCOMMODATION: You must present your passport and a copy of your TAM immigration slip to all hotels. A national sales tax of 18% is charged to all Peruvian citizens and foreigners staying 60 consecutive days or more. If a taxable and non-taxable guest share a room, the sales tax will be applied to the entire room. Please take every precaution to avoid losing this document. You must bring it to the Cusco office for verification.

Backpacker for your trek

In general, you should pack as lightly as possible. If you have an extra porter, they will carry your luggage from Km82 (the first day) to Wiñay Wayna campsite (the third day). If you don't have an extra porter, We recommend keeping the weight under 5 kg (10 lb). You will need to carry clothes and a sleeping bag.

It is very important that you take the best rain gear because the weather on the Inca Trail changes every day and we can’t predict whether it will rain. If you don't have one, we recommend putting your clothes, sleeping bag, and other personal equipment in a plastic bag.

Bring appropriate clothing for this hike

During the day, it is recommended to wear hiking pants and T-shirts, along with sweaters, fleeces, and waterproof jackets. It is convenient to keep light rain gear in your daypack, such as a rain poncho, rain jacket, and/or rain pants, as the weather can change suddenly and it can rain unexpectedly. At night, you will need warm clothing. Down jackets are useful, or you can wear a fleece and a jacket. On the third day, if it is sunny, convertible hiking pants are useful because they can be switched into shorts if necessary. Machu Picchu has a warm climate and only gets cold at night. The rest of the necessary items are included in the "What we recommend that you bring" list.

What to bring to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu?

• Passport original
• Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount)
• Cash in soles
• A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
• Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
• Sandals or jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for Sleeping
• Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
• Camera and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
• Sun block
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
• Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported
• Handkerchiefs
• Toilet paper
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in our selection
• Water container and water for the first morning. Important notice: plastic water bottles are no longer allowed into Machu Picchu. Plastic water containers (ie. Nalgene) or metal ones are recommended
• Optionally: water- sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far
• Small towel
• Swimsuit (if you wish to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
• Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Inca Trail)

During the briefing the night before your tour begins, Tierras Vivas will provide you with a porter duffel bag for your belongings and equipment. Each duffel bag has a 7 kg weight limit, including your sleeping bag. You will receive your sleeping bag at KM 82 before hiking to Machu Picchu.

Our trekking cook will also provide you with hiking poles and a rain poncho. Our porters will carry your sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, and mattress cover, as well as the tents and other shared equipment used during the trek.

Personal Shared Porter
We recommend hiring a personal half porter if you need to carry additional equipment on the Inca Trail or if your duffel bag exceeds 7 kg. The cost is $75 USD for the entire trek. If you wish to arrange for additional porters, our representative will be available to assist you.

Important note:
You must reserve personal shared porters in advance when booking your trek.

Extra information

On day four, the camping equipment for the Inca Trail will be returned to Cusco. You will need to give the sleeping bag and mattress to the chef.

A double tent will be provided for the first three nights, and a hotel will be provided for the fourth night.

The Inca Trail hike includes an extra porter. You will only need to carry a daypack with your camera, water bottle, snacks, and a poncho in case of rain (though this is unlikely during the dry season from May to October). Our porter will carry all of your camping equipment.

Important note: You must reserve a personal porter in advance when booking your trek.

Tipping & extra money

It is very important to bring extra money. You should bring at least 200-300 soles for emergencies.

• The local people built small markets along the route where you can find water, snacks, chocolate, cola, etc. Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day are not included.
• Tipping on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: If you felt that your trekking guide(s) and staff did an outstanding job at the end of your trek, tipping is appreciated.
• The amount is entirely up to you; however, as a guideline, we suggest that each hiker contribute $50 USD per person to a collective tipping pool. More is always appreciated.

Departure Point: Cusco - We pick you up from your hotel.

Departure Time: 05:30

Briefing Point: Our guide will visit your hotel 2 or 1 day before the trek 

Briefing Time: Between 17:00 - 18:00

Return Point: Cusco - Our driver will drop-off in your hotel or Airbnb department

Inca Trail Avalaibility & How to Book

If you would like to book the five-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu, we recommend contacting us via WhatsApp at +51 984004472. Our staff will provide information on Inca Trail availability. Once you have confirmed your departure date, our sales department will send you an email with a payment link. You can then pay online. 

Once your payment is confirmed, our information department will send you an email confirming your Inca Trail tour. That's it! Are you ready to book?

Inca Trail News: On October 15, 2025, the Peruvian government's Ministry of Culture made Inca Trail permits available for 2026. There are 500 spots available each day for travelers, professional guides, chefs, and porters.

If you would like to book the five-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu, we recommend contacting us via WhatsApp at +51 984004472. Our staff will provide information on Inca Trail availability. Once you have confirmed your departure date, our sales department will send you an email with a payment link, and you can pay online. 

Once your payment is confirmed, our information department will send you an email confirming your Inca Trail tour. That's it! Are you ready to book?

Inca Trail News: On October 15, 2025, the Peruvian government's Ministry of Culture made Inca Trail permits available for 2026. There are 500 spots available each day for travelers, professional guides, chefs, and porters.