Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu 

Arrive in the storied city of Cusco, where ancient Incan stonework meets colonial charm. After a warm airport welcome and a chance to settle into your boutique hotel, you’ll gather with your guide and fellow travelers for an intimate trip briefing. The evening wraps up with a welcome dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants - the perfect start to your Peru trekking adventure. 

Meals Included: Dinner

Overnight: Cusco – Hote

Today, we step back in time as we explore the architectural marvel of Sacsayhuamán, where 120-ton stones are so perfectly placed they defy logic. Wander through the ancient temples of Q’enqo, the Temple of Mother Earth. Afterwards, we will visit a farm where we will meet the 4 varieties of the South American camel family: llamas, alpacas, guanaco, and vicunas. After a delicious lunch in Cusco, we will dive into the bustling San Pedro Market — a feast for the senses, brimming with color, tradition, and local flavor. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Cusco – Hotel

Venture into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Explore the village of Chinchero, where ancient traditions of weaving and dyeing continue today. Marvel at the surreal salt terraces of Maras, cascading down the mountainside, and learn about the Incas’ experimental agricultural site at Moray. In the evening, settle into a comfortable hotel in the Sacred Valley to prepare for the start of your Inca Trail trek.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Sacred Valley – Hotel

The adventure begins at Km 82, the traditional starting point of the Classic Inca Trail. Follow the Urubamba River through farmland, cloud forest, and snowcapped peaks, passing hidden ruins and vibrant hummingbirds along the way. By afternoon, you’ll reach camp, greeted with warm drinks and a freshly prepared dinner. Drift off under a starlit Andean sky.

Distance: 7.4 miles

Elevation: 8,858 ft to 10,168 ft

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Camping

Wake early for the most challenging, but most rewarding, day of the trek. Ascend steadily through cloud forest to Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point on the Inca Trail at 13,776 ft. From here, the panoramic views are nothing short of spectacular. Descend into a quiet mountain valley where camp, hot soup, and rest await.

Distance: 7 miles

Elevation: 10,168 ft to 13,776 ft

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Camping

Today is both the longest and most beautiful section of the trail. Trek through mist-shrouded ridgelines and orchid-filled paths, pausing to explore ancient ruins like Sayaqmarca, perched dramatically on a cliff. End the day at one of the most scenic campsites along the Inca Trail trek, surrounded by sweeping mountain views.

Distance: 6.2 miles

Elevation: 11,975 ft to 12,959 ft

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Camping

Enjoy a magical sunrise as you descend past the terraces of Wiñayhuayna, a remarkable Inca archaeological site. After a final trail lunch, bid farewell to your porter team and continue to the famed Sun Gate (Inti Punku). From here, Machu Picchu emerges in the golden afternoon light — a breathtaking reward for days of trekking. Celebrate with dinner and a hot shower in the town of Aguas Calientes.

Distance: 7.4 miles

Elevation: 12,139 ft to 7,874 ft

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Aguas Calientes – Hotel

Return to Machu Picchu at sunrise to experience the citadel with fewer crowds. Wander among temples, plazas, and terraces as your guide reveals the mysteries and history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a morning of exploration, board the scenic Vistadome train back to Cusco for your final evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Cusco – Hotel

Share one last breakfast before heartfelt farewells and airport transfers. Depart Cusco for home - or continue your travels in South America - with memories that will last a lifetime.

Meals Included: Breakfast

The Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu is a strenuous, high-altitude adventure. Over four consecutive trekking days, you’ll cover roughly 30 miles while ascending and descending thousands of stone steps built by the Incas centuries ago. The most demanding section is Dead Woman’s Pass (13,776 ft / 4,200 m), which involves a steep, sustained climb followed by a long descent. Other days also include challenging ascents, rugged downhill sections, and full days on your feet.

Altitude is a major factor. You’ll spend much of the trip above 10,000 ft (3,000 m), beginning in Cusco and peaking near 14,000 ft. Even well-prepared hikers often find that thin air magnifies the difficulty of the climbs. To enjoy this trek, it’s essential to be in excellent physical condition, train ahead of time, and allow for acclimatization.

This trip is right for you if you:

• Have strong trekking experience or are very physically fit.
• Are comfortable carrying a daypack with water, clothing, and personal items for 6–8 hours of hiking each day.
• Embrace the challenge of high-altitude mountain passes and camping under the stars.

If the physical demands or camping aspect don’t feel like the right fit, you may want to consider our Machu Picchu Lodge-Based Trek with the Short Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain. It includes cultural exploration, hiking at altitude, and Machu Picchu - but with comfortable lodge accommodations every night instead of multi-day camping and without the long, difficult passes.

• Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu Entrance tickets
• Airport transfers between Cusco Airport and Cusco hotel
• Private transportation provided for duration of trip 
• Experienced and medically-trained guides with over 500 trips on the Inca Trail
• All meals from dinner on the first day through breakfast on the last day 
• Train tickets for Vistadome Train ride from Aguas Caliente to Ollantaytambo 
• All hotel and camping/lodging for duration of trip (5 nights lodging / 3 nights camping) 
• All necessary gear: backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, trekking poles, and a duffel bag for you to pack your personal items to be transported by the team of porters 
• Porters who will be responsible for transportation of all food, gear and up to 8 pounds of your personal items. 
• Gratuity for Porters, Chefs, Waiters, and Drivers. *Please Note: Gratuities for Guide(s) are not included in trip rate.
• Upon booking you will receive a detailed trip information packet with packing list, travel guidance, and training information for how to properly prepare for this adventure

• Flights to and from Cusco, Peru
• Trip Insurance (essential for international trips) 
• Clothing, raingear, and footwear
• Personal toiletries, sunscreen
• Water bottles/hydration bladder 
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Guide gratuity (Suggested 15% of trip cost)

Our Peru trekking tours can accommodate up to 12 people but will operate with as few as 2 people. Larger groups can occasionally be accommodated. Please contact us for details.

Participants must be 12 years of age or older.

In order to confirm a reservation, we require an initial deposit of $300 per person, with the final balance due 90 days prior to the trip’s departure. If you book a trip within 90 days of the trip’s scheduled departure, then full payment is due at the time of booking.

Once we confirm availability, you will be provided with an online registration link. Your deposit is payable online by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or ACH transfer.

This trip will begin/end in Cusco, Peru. You will likely need to fly into Lima, Peru and transfer to Alejandro Valasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, where you will be met by our team to transport you to your hotel in Cusco. Please plan your arrival to Cusco prior to 3:00 PM as this will allow for you to attend the pre-trip orientation meeting. 

For post-trip travel, your flights can be scheduled for any time on the last day of the trip. 

For your Peru adventure, you’ll need to arrive in Cusco prior to 3:00 PM on Day 1 of the trip. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to our hotel in the heart of Cusco. That evening, we’ll host a short orientation meeting to go over details of your upcoming trek, followed by a welcome dinner. Lodging is included on this first night. 

On the final day of the tour, you may schedule your return flight from Cusco at any time.

Flights to and from Cusco are arranged individually. Most international travelers first fly into Lima, Peru, which is easily accessible from many major U.S. and European cities. U.S. departure options include Miami, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, and more, with nonstop flights ranging from 5 to 9 hours. From Lima, it’s just an 80-minute domestic flight to Cusco.

A passport is required for travel to Peru and needs to be valid for at least 6 months past the planned date of departure. A Visa is issued at the port of entry into Peru. 

Travelers will need to show proof of departure from Peru to customs and immigration upon arrival in the country (i.e. a return airline ticket). 

Due to the remote and challenging nature of international trekking, we strongly recommend that all guests purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes medical treatment, emergency evacuation, and repatriation coverage (minimum $200,000 USD).

While not mandatory, please note that Four Season Guides cannot assume financial responsibility for costs associated with medical care, evacuation, repatriation, or trip interruption. Guests who choose to travel without insurance acknowledge and accept full responsibility for these risks.

We recommend IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel LX plan or a comparable policy from another provider. If using another insurer, please confirm your coverage meets the minimum recommended limits.

If you're interested in learning more about the iTravelInsured Travel LX policy—what it covers, daily pricing options, and how to enroll - please click here.