The Ultimate Guide to Hiking the 4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Considered one of the best hikes in the world, the Inca Trail awaits you in Peru. Starting in Cusco, the trail is 4 days of hiking through the Andes Mountains passing snowcapped peaks, cloud forests, a plethora of wildlife and Inca ruins all ending in the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. Make new friendships, take amazing photos all on the challenging but rewarding Inca Trail.
History
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is part of an extensive Inca system of trails of more than 23,000 kilometers that integrated the Inca Empire of Tahuantinsuyo that covered big part of Latin America: from Colombia, the west of Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia, to the center of Chile and the north of Argentina. These trials were mainly on the coast or in the mountains, but sometimes even reached the tropical edge of the jungle. The ancient trails varied in size but were generally narrow. In the mountainous regions of the Andes, trails rarely exceeded 1m in width. The trails, particularly in the mountainous region, are steep, stepped and high.
When to go?
The Peruvian high Andes have 2 distinct seasons, the Wet Season and the Dry Season. The Wet Season covers October to April, expect rain and cloud cover most days, the upside being that there will be less people and more time to take your wonderful photos. The Dry Season is from May to September, the skies will be clearer but there will be large crowds at all the major places in Machu Picchu. The trail is closed in the month of February for maintenance, so no Inca Trails.
What you will see on the 4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
1. Patallacta (Llactapata)
Llactapata means “high town” or “town on the hill” in Quechua. The complex sits at an altitude of 9,318 feet (2,840 meters) and contains massive terraces and hundreds of housing structures. It is believed this was a common stopping point for Incas traveling from Cusco to Machu Picchu. From your vantage point across the valley, appreciate the site’s beauty and expanse.
2. Runkurakay Ruins
These ruins are a small circular complex, a design not common in Inca architecture. Experts believe this site was a tambo, most likely served as an inn. Runkurakay was primarily a resting, refueling and relay station for messengers. Refueling stations like this were vital for maintaining communication across the Inca Empire. Messengers were specialized runners who dashed along Inca roads, carrying important messages.
3. Sayacmarca
Known as the “Inaccessible Town,” this site is barricaded on three sides by steep drop-offs. No one is sure how the Incas used this site, but it was originally built by the Colla civilization. Sayacmarca sits on the edge of a cliff, giving visitors a panoramic view of the scenic Aobamba Valley. The site is divided into two main parts: the Sun Temple and the residential section. The Incas improved upon the Colla construction by building an elaborate water canal to supply the temple and houses with water.
4. Phuyupatamarca
These ruins cling to a ravine overlooking the Urubamba Valley, surrounded by large and lush terraces. The site is often half covered in a mist that rises from the forests below, creating the impression that it is floating on top of the clouds. This mystical place is full of ceremonial baths, plaza, buildings, and bridges.
5. Wiñay Wayna
On the last day of the trail, arrive at Wiñay Wayna archeological site. Built on the side of a mountain, the terracing and the buildings are an impressive sight indeed. The purpose of the ruin is not known but there are several theories that your guide will explain.
6. Sun Gate (Inti Punku)
After Winay Wayna walk for around an hour to the gateway to Machu Picchu, the Sun Gate or Inti Punku as it is known. The views from the gate are spectacular, seeing Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, the Vilcanota river and the town of Aguas Calientes.
7. Machu Picchu
And last but certainly not least is Machu Picchu. On your fourth and final day on the Inca Trail reach the magnificent Machu Picchu. Words cannot express the euphoria you will experience at the sight of this Inca city.
Machu Picchu
4 Days / 3 Nights
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days
Inca Trail 4 days to Machu Picchu – One of the World’s Top 10 Hikes
The 4 day Inca Trail Hike is famous for being one of the world’s best hikes, discover the pathways of the Inca and be as ....
Tickets to Machu Picchu are limited and must be purchased in advance. During the peak season from May to November it is a must if you plan to do the Inca Trail, you will need to book and pay for your Inca Trail up to 6 months in advance as there are only 500 entrances a day to hike the Inca Trail, this includes porters, guides and cooks. If you plan to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain you must book these tickets early as the government of Peru only releases 400 tickets a day and these sell out quickly.
Times
An entry ticket to Machu Picchu is valid for 4 hours, so you have 4 hours in the site.
An entry with a Huayna Picchu ticket gives you 6 hours to go on a Machu Picchu tour and do the hike.
An entry with Machu Picchu Mountain ticket gives you 7 hours to take a guided tour and do the hike. This hike is longer than Huayna Picchu hence why you have more time in Machu Picchu.
Walking Circuits
Walking circuits around Machu Picchu help control foot traffic.
Route 3 is an alternative walking route so visitors with hiking permits can do Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. You will do route 3 when finishing the Inca Trail. If you wish to do either Routes 1 or 2 you will need to buy a new entrance ticket and hire a guide.
Bus, Train and Transfer
After you have finished your Inca Trail hike and your guided tour at Machu Picchu you will need to get back to Cusco. Firstly, from Machu Picchu take the bus down the zigzag road to the town of Aguas Calientes. This charming town is a great place to have lunch with many delicious restaurants from which to choose. Later take the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. Your tour package will include the bus, train and transfer. You have options at to what train you choose to return, tourist class or luxury class, luxury being at an extra cost. On arrival into Ollantaytambo transfer back to Cusco and arrive into Cusco early evening.
FAQs to Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
If hiking to Machu Picchu, you should be in good physical health and have a taste for adventure. The level of enjoyment that you get out of this trek depends on numerous factors, the amount of time you have had to acclimatize to the altitude, your age, your general fitness level and your previous trekking experience. We recommend you arrive to Cusco at least two to three days in advance to help with the altitude.
The classic 4-day Inca Trail is 31 miles (50 kilometers) from start to finish.
We recommend that you make a reservation for the Inca Trail as far in advance as possible.
For trips from November to March, we suggest booking 1 to 3 months in advance.
In the high season from May to October tickets should be bought 2 to 6 months in advance.
The Inca Trail rules are designed to protect the route, limit the number of trekkers to 500 per day, including guides, porters, and cooks. As such, the trail usually gets fully booked far in advance.
No, it is not possible to hike the trail independently. Access to the Inca Trail is strictly controlled and your trek must be organized through a tour operator. Only specific licensed companies are permitted to lead groups on the 4 day Inca Trail and 2 day Inca Trail routes.
There is a toilet tent. Some campsites have public toilets you can use. All campsites also have cold showers for public use; only the last campsite at Wiñay Wayna has warm showers that can be used for an additional cost. During the day hikes, you will pass a number of sites where you will find toilet facilities available.
Each tour is accompanied by a chef who will prepare all meals for you. The food is hearty, plentiful and filling to keep you energized for the journey. Please notify us if you have any special requirements or diet restrictions, such as requiring vegetarian meals. You will enjoy breakfast, as well as a hot lunch and dinner every day. You will also be served snacks in the morning and afternoon, including hot drinks in the afternoon.
Packing List
On any trekking holiday there are essential items that you will need to take with you for a comfortable and rewarding journey.
What to put in your DUFFEL BAG?
2 t-shirts
2 hiking pants at least
4 sets of undergarments
3 sets of hiking socks
Fleece/ Thermals
Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
Comfortable shoes for camp
Quick dry towel. We provide small ones; you might prefer something larger
Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to line your duffel
Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us for $20 USD
What to put in you DAY PACK?
Passport or Identification (you will not be allowed to enter the Inca Trail without this)
Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring your canteens.
Sun hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Headlamp
Wool hat and gloves
Wet Weather clothes
Fleece or warm layer
Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
Personal First Aid kit and personal medications
Camera
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
Valuables
Headlamp
Travel Tips to Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Advanced Booking Is a Must
It’s very important to buy your tickets for the Inca Trail trek in advance. Early planning does always not guarantee a spot, but greatly increases your chance of securing the trekking dates you want. During high season, from April through October, permits can sell out 6 months beforehand.
Before the Trek, Adjust to the Altitude
We recommend spending a few days in Cusco before your trek begins to give your body plenty of time to adjust to the high-altitude region. Cusco is a city that resides at 11,120 ft (2,400 m) above sea level. The highest mountain pass along the Inca Trail is at a soaring 13,830 ft (4,214 m).
Tips for your tour staff
The guides, porters and chefs on the Inca Trail work very hard to give you the best Inca Trail experience. They are paid for the work but if you feel you have had a good experience it is your choice to whether you tip or not. A general guide for tipping is $50 to $70 per person, which will include all the Inca Trail staff.
If you love adventure and a challenge the Inca Trail is certainly for you. Finish at the magnificent Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu is your reward for a job well done. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary hike in the middle of the Peruvian Andes.
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Independent reviews from guests who explored Peru with our local team.
slamice
Aug 2026, 2026 · Solo
5 out of 5
Excellent experience on 2 day tour
A friend recommended me to Sam’s. It was a great experience. After making it to Cusco they walked me through everything at the office.
We were a small group which was great for faster pacing the tour guide Israel was a very nice and knowledgeable guy. He is also very patient and relaxed, which helped a lot. I think he knows every tour guide in Machu Pichu.
Everything Sam’s provided, including the food and accommodations was much appreciated. I took the two day Machu Pichu tour. The weather was bad for the 4 -5 day Inca trail but Sam’s made our tour work. 100% would recommend.
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DianaFran72
Apr 2026 · Couples
5 out of 5
Great 3-day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour
Henry shared a wealth of historical and cultural information during our first day in the Sacred Valley. Cristian then guided us patiently and cheerfully on the hike to the Sun Gate and around Machu Picchu. His love for his heritage made two long days especially memorable.
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Elisa Yaeger
Aug 2026 · Solo
5 out of 5
Salkantay Trek 4 days
SAME Travel is an incredible tour group. Saul responded to me immediately & took a phone call to answer any questions I had. Jose was my guide & wow was he amazing. The best smile, the most positive attitude, & the most encouraging (especially during the 9 hours of hiking in the snow & rain). I could not have asked for a better guide! The chefs were great & accommodated my vegan needs. & the horseman made sure our luggage arrived safely & dry! & another great aspect of this tour group is that the groups themselves are small, making it feel more personalized. I would definitely book another tour with SAM!
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19_traveler15
Aug 2026· Couples
5 out of 5
Short Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu
I contacted SAM Travel directly approx 8 months in advance to book the short Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu for my 50th birthday.
The typical tour is a return from Cusco, but we were staying in Ollantaytambo so I requested to join the tour from Ollayantambo and finish in Cusco.
Booking went very smoothly and over the coming months both Nicole and Edison were very responsive to any questions I had such as how my main luggage would be collected from Ollantaytambo and be ready for our return to cusco.
The night before our tour, our guide Juan contacted me to discuss the logistics for the following day. Upon arrival at the train station Juan recognised us immediately (I sent him a picture of us) and ensured that we were comfortable with the itinerary.
We were booked onto a group trip but to it turned out to be just my husband and I. Juan was absolutely amazing, He made our trip an unforgettable experience and we could not have asked for a better guide.
During the trek, Juan allowed us to walk at our own pace so that we could enjoy the scenery and manage the altitude. He explained the history of the Incan ruins and Machu Picchu in great detail and was very attentive to our needs.
He made sure that our overnight bags were waiting at the hotel in Aguas Calientes for our arrival after the trek and he also ensured that our main luggage was collected from Ollantaytambo and was on the bus with us back to Cusco.
Upon arrival in Cusco, Juan even made sure that we got checked into our hotel ok before eventually we had to say our sad goodbyes.
We cannot thank Juan enough for giving us the best experience and we would highly recommend him as a guide.
“Tupananchiskama, Juan! Sulpayki por todo”
.
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Eleonora T
Aug 2026 • Couples
5 out of 5
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
We did the 3-day and 2-night tour, the first day tour of the Sacred Valley (truly incredible places) with explanations of the various sites of interest, day 2 short Inca Trail, the guide (Israel) was excellent with us, he set a good pace and breaks to explain some little curiosities. Lunch is included and is very good. Finally, the last day visit to Machu Picchu, exhaustive and interesting. The transportation is excellently organized, and the luggage delivery system was also very convenient for us! We highly recommend Sam Travel :)
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Daniel A
Aug 2026 • Friends
5 out of 5
Classic Inca Trail
We booked the 4 day Inca Trail during which we unfortunately encountered freak weather with torrential rain meaning parts of the trail were closed by the government due to mud slides after our first day forcing us to turn back the next day. Despite this our guides Ray and Jimmy immediately contacted the office and organised alternative routes, trains, busses, and accommodation allowing us to then complete the alternative trek starting from km 104 on day 3, enter Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate and return on Day 4 for a brilliant guide through Machu Picchu itself by which point the weather was brilliant again.
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Daniel Austin
Aug 2026
5 out of 5
What an experience of a lifetime. Our travel guide, Joseph, and our chef, Andres, both went above and beyond to make our trek incredible.
Joseph is a true master of the mountain trails. He is articulate, friendly, and encouraging to hikers on his care. He always makes sure you know the plan. A truly fun guy to hang out with, too. When a couple hikers in our group got sick, one of them on Sankaltay Pass trail, he put many extra steps in going back and forth to make sure the fellow hiker got to safety by horse, and he was in total confidence the whole time. You're in good hands with Joseph.
Now, regarding food, I am 20+ years vegan, and I fully expected to have a hard time when it came to the catering on the trail. Chef Andres not only fully understood what vegan means, he made every meal a culinary work of art, and the fellow hikers in my group were in awe of the dishes Andres made just for me. And he never made a mistake on vegan ingredients, always confident in what he made. Keep in mind, Andres and his crew made the hike with us every day, which usually kicked our asses, but Andres and his team made incredible dishes 3 times a day after hiking. It was just unbelievable how hard this crew works and how passionate they are about their work.
It was a great fortune to have booked through Sam Travel and to have gotten Joseph and Andres taking care of us out there.
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Yasamin Vafai
Aug, 2026
5 out of 5
Elias Usca was an amazing guide for our 4 day hike for our honeymoon. Originally we were going to do the Inca Trail, but then we had to reschedule into this trek because there was a landslide on the Inca Trail. Elias make sure that this experience was unforgettable, even if it wasn’t what we had originally planned for, we were happy that we ended up doing the Salkantay with him! When I was struggling with the altitude, he helped me, and even helped carry my bag and arrange a horse for me. He was great at thinking on his feet and even helped our group with having different schedules for the third day based off of everybody’s preferences and abilities. Every night the accommodations were so comfortable and even had hot showers! I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the food, with multiple delicious dishes for every meal prepared by our chef Evereth. Elias was very knowledgeable and shared great facts about the nature and the history of the Inca people during our time with him. He and our group were also super fun, and I was so sad when the trip was over! The vibes were the best.
This was definitely worth the money, with everything smoothly planned from the first hotel pickup to the final meal! I can’t recommend it enough!.
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Omid Boozarpour
Aug 24, 2026
5 out of 5
We had an amazing time on our salkantay trek with Elias Usca as our guide! We actually were supposed to be doing an inca trail trek with SAM travels, but a landslide caused the trail to be closed! They contacted us promptly and helped us find an alternate trek immediately that would still get us to machu picchu. We were worried about the difficulty, and although it was certainly tough, our guide went above and beyond to help us all the way. Got us horses for the harder bits, even offered to carry our packs when things got tough. The whole while he was encouraging and so friendly. Cracking jokes and keeping our spirits up. He knew so much about the sites and was always offering information and pointing out interesting things. Cant say enough good things about him. We wouldnt have made it without him as well as Eberth and our cook/porter team who kept us well fed and happy! Another thing was sam travels as a whole was always looking for ways to tailor the trek to us and they helped find alternate paths when some in our group were unable to continue as planned. Definitely will be recommending to others!.
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Alice
Aug 21, 2026
5 out of 5
amazing hike, amazing guides, amazing group, amazing everything !! despite the rain and the closing of the trail, our great guides Jimmy and Ray still found a way to let us safely experience this hike while enjoying the food Edison cooked for us.
we’ll never forget this experience and the stunning inka trail :)
(and also a special thanks to the team of porters who hiked and set up camp in the rain, you’ve been amazing)
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Elisa Yaeger
Aug 20, 2026
5 out of 5
SAME Travel is an incredible tour group. Saul responded to me immediately & took a phone call to answer any questions I had. Jose was my guide & wow was he amazing. The best smile, the most positive attitude, & the most encouraging (especially during the 9 hours of hiking in the snow & rain). I could not have asked for a better guide! The chefs were great & accommodated my vegan needs. & the horseman made sure our luggage arrived safely & dry! & another great aspect of this tour group is that the groups themselves are small, making it feel more personalized. I would definitely book another tour with SAM!.
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Cecilia Castelli
Aug 19, 2026
5 out of 5
We had an absolutely amazing time with Chris and Daniel during our three-day Sacred Valley experience, including the Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, followed by a trip to Pallay Punchu.
Every single place we visited was absolutely stunning, and the service throughout the entire trip was exceptional. Everything was perfectly organized, which allowed us to simply enjoy the experience and take in the incredible scenery.
Chris was absolutely the best! He is incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and passionate about what he does. He had an answer to every question we asked and shared so much interesting information along the way. Beyond his knowledge, he is simply a wonderful person who made the experience even more special.
Daniel, our driver, was also fantastic. He was so kind, warm, and professional, and always made us feel comfortable and well taken care of. Honestly, it felt less like touring with guides and more like traveling with close friends or family. Both Chris and Daniel were incredibly sweet, welcoming, and genuinely cared about making our trip memorable.
I cannot recommend this company highly enough, and I would especially recommend Chris and Daniel to anyone visiting Peru. They made an already incredible trip truly unforgettable!
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Carolyn
Jun 29, 2026
5 out of 5
Rainbow Mt and Lake Titikaka
For the second part of our Classic Inca Trail package, we hiked Rainbow Mountain and then toured the islands of Lake Titikaka. On this portion of our trip package, we were able to spend a day/night/morning with a local family on Isla Amantaní. What an incredible experience to really got to understand the culture! Our guide Christian (Chris) from Sam’s Travel was an incredible resource helping us to not only navigate where to be, but also helped us converse with the local community. In addition to being an excellent guide and very knowledgeable, Christian was an AMAZING photographer for our group so we are all in all of the photos!.
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Joann Campos
Apr 24, 2026
5 out of 5
The Ultimate Birthday Bucket List Experience – The Dream Team of Liz and Abdul!
I recently checked a major dream off my birthday bucket list with an incredible 3-day tour of the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain. This experience was everything I hoped for and more, largely because of the outstanding duo of Liz Montesinos and Abdul. If you are booking with SAM Travel, I cannot recommend this pair enough—they work so perfectly together as a team that it made our entire journey feel seamless and special.
Liz Montesinos is an absolutely wonderful guide who brought so much heart to our experience. What stood out most was her intense passion for her culture and her country; she doesn’t just share facts, she shares her heritage with a deep pride that makes the history of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu truly come alive. She was also incredibly attentive, always making sure we were comfortable and helping us capture the most stunning photos of our milestone trip.
While Liz provided the incredible storytelling and cultural depth, Abdul was the perfect partner behind the wheel. He is a fantastic driver who made us feel completely safe and relaxed, even on the winding mountain roads. Seeing them work in tandem allowed us to just focus on the magic of Peru. They truly operate as a "dream team," and their combined energy and professionalism made this a birthday I will never forget. If you want the best experience possible, be sure to ask for Liz and Abdul together!.
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Susan
Oct 9, 2025
5 out of 5
The Inca Trail with the best guide.
We did the 3 night, 4 day Inca Trail with Sam Travel Peru and our guide and organiser was Josep Quiñonez Alvarez. It was a fantastic experience and Josep made it extra special. He is extremely experienced so was able to read the group very well and make adjustments to the route when necessary. His knowledge of the Incan civilisation was excellent and he was able to convey it in superb English with passion and enthusiasm. Despite the ardours of the trail we had a great 4 days, which undoubtedly was definitely down to Josef.
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Jen Thomas
Oct 3, 2024
5 out of 5
An amazing adventure
Sam Travel Peru were brilliant from start to finish on the 4 day classic Inca Trail. They were well organised which made for a smooth and enjoyable experience. The guides Henry and Jimmy were amazing, so fun and helpful. They were informative about Inca history and really knew how to keep the group energised and having a good time. The chef (Mario) came up with some delicious food, pretty incredible at such remote locations. So thankful for the porters too, who made the experience so much more enjoyable by carrying everything to make camp each night (as well as our duffle bags). An all round spectacular experience, so grateful to a wonderful team.
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Isabel Batteria
Apr 17, 2024
5 out of 5
Patient and supportive guide
Raymier respected my pace on the Short Inca Trail, never rushed me and supported me throughout. He was knowledgeable, funny and knew the best places for photos.
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