Overview
The Classic Inca Trail is one of the world's great treks, and this itinerary gives you time to acclimatise properly before starting it — three nights in Cusco and the Sacred Valley first, with gentle ruins and markets to explore.
The trek itself is four days over three passes, with porters and a chef, arriving at the Sun Gate at dawn on the final morning. Permits are limited and released months in advance.
Trip highlights
- Classic four-day Inca Trail with permits arranged
- Sunrise at the Sun Gate above Machu Picchu
- Sacred Valley markets at Pisac and Chinchero
- Weaving demonstration in a Quechua community
- Porters and trek chef — you carry a daypack only
Day by day
10 days1Day 1Arrival in Cusco
Met at Cusco airport and transferred to your hotel. Rest and coca tea — altitude acclimatisation starts now.
Boutique hotel, Cusco
2Day 2Cusco city
Gentle walking tour of Sacsayhuamán, Qorikancha and the cathedral, with a free afternoon.
Boutique hotel, Cusco
3Day 3Sacred Valley — Pisac
Drive into the valley to Pisac's ruins and market, then on to Urubamba for the night.
Valley hotel, Urubamba
4Day 4Ollantaytambo and weaving
Explore Ollantaytambo fortress and visit a Quechua weaving cooperative in Chinchero.
Valley hotel, Urubamba
5Day 5Inca Trail day 1
Trek from Km 82 along the Cusco river to Wayllabamba. Around six hours of easy walking.
Camp, Wayllabamba
6Day 6Inca Trail day 2
Cross Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215m — the high point of the trek — and descend to Pacaymayo.
Camp, Pacaymayo
7Day 7Inca Trail day 3
Over two more passes past Runkurakay and Sayacmarca, with cloud-forest views, to Wiñay Wayna.
Camp, Wiñay Wayna
8Day 8Sun Gate and Machu Picchu
Pre-dawn start to reach the Sun Gate as the sun rises over Machu Picchu, then a guided tour of the citadel. Train to Ollantaytambo and Cusco.
Boutique hotel, Cusco
9Day 9Free day in Cusco
A well-earned rest day. Optional cooking class or a visit to the San Pedro market.
Boutique hotel, Cusco
10Day 10Departure
Transfer to Cusco airport.
What's included
- Hand-picked accommodation as listed
- Private airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Daily breakfast, plus meals shown in the itinerary
- Local English-speaking guides throughout
- All entrance fees for included activities
- 24/7 support from your dedicated travel planner
Not included
- International flights (we can quote these separately)
- Travel insurance
- Visa and entry fees where applicable
- Personal expenses, drinks and gratuities
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Departures & availability
Gallery
Traveller reviews
Write a reviewThe trek of a lifetime, superbly supported
The porters and chef on the trail were phenomenal. Reaching the Sun Gate at dawn with nobody else around, because we had started early, made all the difference. The acclimatisation days in the Sacred Valley are essential — do not skip them.
Oliver Bennett
Auckland, New Zealand
Good to know
Best time to visit
May–September (dry season)
Currency
Peruvian Sol (PEN)
Language
Spanish, Quechua
Time zone
America/Lima (UTC-5)