The classic route · 4 days / 3 nights

4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: The Classic Hike

Cross Dead Woman's Pass, follow original Inca stonework and arrive at the Sun Gate as Machu Picchu reveals itself below you.

44 km / 27 miTotal distance
4,215 mDead Woman's Pass
4 days3 nights camping
ChallengingMountain hike at altitude
The original Machu Picchu trek

The trail is
the destination.

The 4-day Inca Trail is the most iconic way to reach Machu Picchu. From the Sacred Valley, you climb through high mountain passes, cloud forest and remarkable archaeological sites.

With Wayki Trek, you’ll travel with a local team of guides, chefs and porters who know the route intimately and care about the communities they come from.

Llactapata, Runkurakay & Wiñay Wayna
Expert guides, chefs & porters
Small groups or private treks
Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate

Compare 4-Day
Inca Trail Options

CATEGORY & PROFILE
GROUP SIZE & PRIVACY
PACING & FLEXIBILITY
SPECIALIZED GUIDE
EXCLUSIVE HIGHLIGHTS
INVESTMENT (USD)
ACTION
Shared GroupBest for: Solo travelers & social explorers

4–6 Travelers Max

(Ultra-small shared)

Balanced Pace

Set by group harmony

Senior Lead Guide

(WFR / WAFA certified)

  • "Wayki Experience" community immersion.
  • Early Wiñaywayna camp reservation.
  • Personal porter included (6 kg).

Adult: $1,200

Student: $1,111

Couples ExplorersBest for: Honeymooners & ultimate intimacy

100% Private

(Just the 2 of you)

Fully Custom Pace

Walk at your own speed

Exclusive Private Guide

Dedicated 1-on-1 attention

  • Private romantic dining setup in tents.
  • Tailored surprise celebrations in route.
  • Maximum mountain privacy & comfort.

Adult: $2,282

Student: $2,193

For FriendsBest for: Adventure squads & reunions

100% Private

(Your private group)

Adaptable Squad Pace

Tailored to group energy

Exclusive Private Guide

Focus on group dynamics

  • Private camp area for your group.
  • Tiered group pricing discounts.
  • Custom group briefing & celebration.

Adult: $1,234 (5+ pax)

Student: $1,145

For FamiliesBest for: Parents, kids & teens

100% Private

(Your family unit)

Kid-Friendly Pace

Frequent breaks & zero rush

Family Specialist Guide

Trained in child engagement

  • Child-adapted gourmet mountain menus.
  • Enhanced safety protocols for teens/kids.
  • Interactive Andean storytelling.

Adult: $1,469

Student/Kid: $1,380

Your Journey

Four unforgettable days
in the Andes.

Day 0

Pre-Trek Briefing in Cusco

Meet your lead guide and porters for an essential briefing: final kit check, trail conditions, altitude tips, and what to expect. Spend the evening packing light and preparing mentally for one of the world's great walks.

Day 1

Cusco → Km 82 → Wayllabamba

~12 km · 5–7 hours
Km 82 → Llactapata → Wayllabamba

Early morning transfer to Km 82 — the official trailhead. Trek through subtropical valleys, past the first Inca ruins at Llactapata, and camp in the village of Wayllabamba at 3,000 m.

Moderate
Day 2

Wayllabamba → Dead Woman's Pass → Pacaymayo

~11–12 km · 7–9 hours · 4,215 m
Wayllabamba → Warmiwañuska → Pacaymayo

The hardest and most iconic day. The relentless climb to Dead Woman's Pass (4,215 m) is a rite of passage — breathtaking in every sense. Descend steeply to Pacaymayo camp for a well-earned rest.

Challenging
Day 3

Pacaymayo → Runkurakay → Sayacmarca → Wiñay Wayna

~16 km · 8–10 hours
Second Pass → Third Pass → Wiñay Wayna

The most archaeological day. Pass through three Inca sites — Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, and Phuyupatamarca — before the cloud forest descent to the spectacular terraces of Wiñay Wayna, your last camp.

Moderate-hard
Day 4

Wiñay Wayna → Sun Gate → Machu Picchu

~5 km · 2–3 hours
Wiñay Wayna → Inti Punku → Machu Picchu

Pre-dawn departure to reach the Sun Gate at sunrise. Your first sight of Machu Picchu from Inti Punku — the moment every step was worth. Descend to explore the citadel with your guide, then transfer to Cusco.

Moderate
How hard is the 4- day inca trail?

Challenging, but not
technical.

4,215 m
Altitude

Most of the trek is above 3,000 m, and altitude affects everyone differently.

7–9 hrs
Long days

Days 2 and 3 are the longest, with sustained climbs and descents.

Stone steps
Original Inca trail

Tall, uneven steps make the descents especially demanding on the knees.

Prepare before you arrive

  • Acclimatize for 2–3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
  • Train with hills and stairs for 6–8 weeks.
  • Aim to walk 5–6 hours with a light pack comfortably.

Support on the trail

  • Trekking poles are included.
  • Guides are trained in first aid and high-mountain rescue.
  • Satellite phone and oxygen/first-aid kits are carried on the trek.
  • The team keeps the pace slow and steady.
What's included

Everything
you need,
nothing you don't.

Prices include permits, team, food, gear and transport.
Not included: sleeping bag rental, Day 1 breakfast, Day 4 lunch, Huayna Picchu/Machu Picchu Mountain ($75), tips, travel insurance.

  • Official Inca Trail permit + Machu Picchu entrance ticket
  • Pre-trek briefing in Cusco
  • Professional bilingual guide (12+ years' experience, first aid and mountain rescue trained)
  • Specialist mountain chef (10+ years' experience)
  • Local porters, paid fairly and carrying legal load limits
  • Personal porter allowance of 8 kg for your own gear
  • 3 breakfasts, 3–4 lunches, 3 dinners, daily snacks and afternoon tea
  • Buffet lunches with 3–4 main dishes, cooked for energy at altitude
  • Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other diets at no extra cost
  • Safe drinking water from Day 1 lunch
  • 4-season mountain tents
  • Therm-a-Rest inflatable mattresses
  • Trekking poles (1 pair per person)
  • Dining tent, kitchen tent and eco-friendly portable toilet
  • Satellite phone, radios and full first-aid/emergency kit
  • Private transport from Cusco to Km 82
  • Bus from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes
  • Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
  • Private transfer back to your Cusco hotel
Permits

500 permits.
~200 for
hikers like you.

Sell out

Months ahead for May–October. June–August goes fastest.

Non-transferable

Government rules: no refunds, no transfers, no date changes.

Passport-linked

Bring the same passport you booked with — checked at Km 82.

Our advice

Book 6–10 months ahead for high season, 3–4 months for other times.

To secure your permit, send us:
Full name · Passport number & expiry · Date of birth · Nationality · Student ID (if applicable)50% deposit secures permits. Balance due 15 days before your trek.
What to go

Best time to
hike the trail

SeasonMonthsTrail Conditions & Highlights

Peak Dry

May – Sep

Clear skies and sunny days, but very cold nights (can drop below 0°C). Highest crowd levels; permits sell out months in advance.

Shoulder

Apr & Oct

Green landscapes and pleasant weather with significantly fewer hikers. Ideal balance of conditions and crowd size.

Rainy

Nov – Mar

Regular afternoon showers and lush, green cloud forests. Lowest crowd levels and easiest permit availability.

Closed

February

Trail Closed: Annual conservation and trail maintenance month.

Investment

What does it
actually cost?

Industry Range
$800–
$2,500+

per person with licensed operators

Wayki Trek — Shared Group
from $1,200

Small group, all inclusions


Private group pricing drops per person as group grows.

Discounts
  • Students with valid university ID
  • Groups of 5 or more
  • Early bookings 6+ months ahead

Add-ons: Huayna Picchu ($75), train upgrades, extra porter, extra night in Aguas Calientes.

Why not the cheapest? Very low prices usually mean overloaded porters, large crowds, worn gear and poor food. Our prices include fair wages and a team large enough to look after you properly.
Pack List

What to Bring.

Waterproof hiking bootsRain coverThermal baseWaterproof shellGlovesDown jacketSwimsuitSleeping bag rated to −10 °CHeadlampSunglasses2 L reusable bottlesSun hatQuick-dry towelSpare batteriesSPF 50+FleecePersonal medicationWarm hatInsect repellent for cloud forestOriginal passport
Why travel with us

Local roots.
Thoughtful trekking.

Cusco-based

Our office is at Calle Quera 239, and we answer our own phones.

Porters first

Fair pay, legal loads, proper gear. Meet the team's families on Wayki.

Lower impact

Waste control, biodegradable products and community reforestation support.

Safety first

Satellite phone, radios, first-aid kits and guides trained in mountain rescue.

Mountain cuisine

Andean and international dishes cooked fresh at every camp.

Quick Answers

Questions travelers ask most

The classic 4-day Inca Trail is about 44 km (27 miles). It starts at Km 82 near Ollantaytambo and ends at Machu Picchu. Most hikers walk 5–9 hours on each of the first three days and 2–3 hours on the last morning.
Book 6–10 months ahead for May–October and at least 3–4 months ahead for other months. Only about 200–250 hikers get permits each day, and permits can't be changed after they are issued.
No. Peruvian law requires every Inca Trail hiker to go with a licensed operator and a certified guide. Permits can only be bought through licensed operators.
In tents at official campsites. With Wayki Trek these are near Wayllabamba, Pacaymayo and Wiñay Wayna. We supply 4-season tents and inflatable mattresses, and our porters set up camp before you get there.
Yes. Active children and teenagers complete it every season. Our 4-Day Inca Trail with Kids is a private trek with a flexible pace, a guide who specializes in families, and a personal porter allowance for each family member.
Our guides are trained in first aid and high-mountain rescue. They carry a first-aid kit and a satellite phone and check on every hiker throughout the day. Acclimatizing in Cusco before the trek is the best way to prevent problems.
Official campsites have basic toilet blocks. Wayki Trek also brings a private eco-friendly portable toilet tent for our groups.
Yes. Active children and teenagers complete it every season. See our 4-Day Inca Trail for Families: a private trek with a flexible pace and a family-specialist guide. Not sure about four days? The 2-Day Inca Trail is a shorter, lower option.
Your adventure starts here

Ready to walk the classic Inca Trail?

Choose your group type, check permit availability and start planning your journey to Machu Picchu.

Check Inca Trail Availability

VOICES OF OUR EXPLORERS

Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Dan D profile picture
Dan D
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Amazing Experience We hiked 4D/3N starting on May 13th. It was an amazing experience, Josce was patient, kind and so passionate. He was so patient while we walked at our pace, we weren't rushed at all, which we had heard was a challenge with some other companies. He was kind and attentive with every member of our group of four, checking on everyone even when we went on separately a little bit as we went at our own pace. The passion he showed in the history of the trail, of the people and the country was very contagious. It made me want to learn more. The best thing I can say is my wife and I felt safe and taken care of on the trail, which allowed us to enjoyed it all so much. Josce's team was fantastic to deal with the porters were amazing with how quickly they moved on the trail. They would break down the camp after we left, pass us on the trail, meet us at a fully set up camp with food waiting for us. Yet they cheered when we made it to camp like we did something great while they did all the work. They aren't appreciated enough no matter how much we appreciate them. The chef's were great, the food was always good and there was always so much of it. We watched a few hikers being escorted off the trail for medical reasons which made the risks a little more real to us. It made us so happy we went with a smaller group and were lucky enough to have Josce and his team lead us. Thank you for making a great experience even better!
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shirleya1976 profile picture
shirleya1976
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Our trek to Machu Picchu was an incredible experience Our trek to Machu Picchu was an incredible experience, and a huge part of that was thanks to our guide, Jose. He was extremely attentive throughout the entire trek, always checking in on how everyone was doing. My husband was having issues with his knee, and Jose frequently made sure he was okay and able to continue comfortably. Jose was also incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about the history of the Incan sites. His enthusiasm made the experience even more meaningful and engaging. Beyond that, he was very friendly, joked around with the group, and helped ease some of the “torment” of the trek with his sense of humor and encouragement. The porters were absolutely amazing. They worked so hard to ensure everything arrived at camp on time and that camp was fully set up and ready for us each day. Their effort and dedication were truly impressive. The food throughout the trek was excellent — always tasty, well prepared, and there was plenty to choose from. I especially want to give a huge shoutout to the chefs. I have Celiac disease, and they took such great care with my meals that I made it through the entire trek without becoming ill from gluten exposure or cross-contamination. That level of care meant so much to me and allowed me to fully enjoy the experience without worry. Overall, this was an unforgettable adventure, made even better by the incredible team that supported us every step of the way.
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Nicole L profile picture
Nicole L
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Wonderful adventure My friend and I hiked the 5d/4n Inca trail starting on May 1. We booked months in advance and had an excellent experience. The booking was straightforward and I got quick responses to email and WhatsApp messages. My questions were answered and I felt like we were well prepared for the trek. Since we booked just two of us, we expected to get put with other hikers, but that is not the case and we were so pleasantly surprised and delighted. We were happy not to have to hike with strangers where we could potentially have to modify our pace or have personality conflicts. We really appreciated that it was a private experience. We did a day trip with a different company that felt much more like a churn out machine, so we really liked the personal experience we got with Wayki. Our guide Miguel, has been doing this a long time and was extremely knowledgeable and supportive (especially through some tears on day 2 which is known to be the hardest day). He shared information about the sites along the way, plants and animals, the trek, and culture. We really felt like it gave us an greater appreciation of the entire experience and we learned so much! Our cooks, Andres and Lorenzo (Orenzo?), were top-notch, how they make so much amazing food is beyond me, but every bite was delicious and we felt well fueled every day. The porters (Fernando, Marcello, Julian, and Herman aka Chino) were so kind and attentive, you can’t help but being so so impressed by how fast they move carrying much heavier loads than we had. The tent was plenty spacious and kept us warm and dry even on a couple of rainy nights. I loved getting the surprise t-shirt at the end! The overall experience was once in a lifetime and I’m so glad we chose Wayki for it! The only points of feedback would be that I didn’t know that all the trail hikers do circuit 3 so I wish that had been gone over at the beginning. Because of the way the trail approaches Machu Picchu, it doesn’t matter because you still get to do essentially circuit 1 and still experience the panoramic views on the way in. It’s really the best because you get to experience Machu Picchu twice! We were booked on a train that was leaving at 4:30pm even though we were done at Machu Picchu by 9:30. It’s a long time to hang around the town and since transport from Ollantaytambo takes so long (nothing to be done about traffic, it just is) we were lucky to be able to switch to an earlier train and they helped change the transport, but was a little hectic to do once we got to town. My friend’s sleeping bag had a feet smell that was unpleasant. Even with the above, which are all honestly so minor in the grand scheme of things, we had a really truly wonderful experience and I’ll be forever grateful to Wayki for facilitating it.
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Sara Z profile picture
Sara Z
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Amazing Salkantay trek We had the most amazing trek on the Salkantay trek with Wayki! The guide, Josce, was wonderful, shared so much valuable information, and made sure each of us were successful in the hike. The three meals provided each day were above and beyond excellent and it was so nice to walk into camp with our tents set up for us. I can’t express how thankful I was for the entire Wayki team!
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Laura G profile picture
Laura G
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Salkantay 5 day — Amazing!! Amazing company. Small groups. Fantastic service. Great tents. Great food! Great guide and cooks!
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Kaylee D profile picture
Kaylee D
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Best Adventure Guiding Company Ever!!!! We booked both the Rainbow Mountain full day and the Machu Picchu/Huayna Picchu full day tours/hikes. Wayki trek has been incredible from the beginning. Quick to answer emails regarding any questions my group had, very upfront about the pricing and the details of the days we had planned. We had Domingo as our guide for Rainbow Mountain and Miguel as our guide for Machu Picchu — could not recommend either one of them more!! They were both phenomenal and so informational about the cultures and sights. The guides always had our tickets and everything prepared and ready to go. Traveling to the sites was seamless, and the communication the days before the trip was very helpful to help know what to pack for the treks. Will absolutely be back to book another tour with this company the next time we are back in Peru!
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David I profile picture
David I
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Unforgettable 4-Day Inca Trail Experience with Wayki Trek Planning the Inca Trail can be challenging, especially when choosing an operator due to mixed online reviews about porter conditions and overall quality. I can confidently say that choosing Wayki Trek was one of the best decisions we made. From the very beginning, communication with the office was quick, clear, and professional. On the trail, everything was exceptionally well organized, from the quality of the camping equipment to the meals and daily logistics. One aspect we truly appreciated was being part of a small group. It made the experience far more personal, relaxed, and immersive, and allowed the days to be paced perfectly without feeling rushed or crowded. Our guide, Josce, was outstanding. He shared his deep passion and knowledge of Inca history, took the time to explain sites in detail, and perfectly paced each day so that it felt like we had the whole trail to ourselves. His attention to detail and care for the group truly elevated the experience. The entire crew deserves enormous respect. The porters were incredibly strong, kind, and clearly well looked after, something that really mattered to us when choosing an operator. Special mention to Andres, the chef: the food was exceptional and among the best we had in all of Peru, with generous portions and even insights into traditional cooking methods. We did the 4-day small group Inca Trail in January, during the rainy season, which meant the trail was quieter and the experience felt more personal, something we absolutely appreciated. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience made unforgettable by a passionate, professional, and caring team. Wayki Trek looked after us incredibly well, and we feel very lucky to have experienced the Inca Trail with them. Highly recommended.
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Paul F profile picture
Paul F
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Great low season cultural experience and trek in Jan 2026 I did the 4 day small group Inca Trail in January with the Wakyi Experience at the beginning. Our guide was Jose. The trail was not busy as January is the rainy season. We were advised to prong a poncho as well as our quality rain coats. However, we were lucky with the weather, it was mainly raining at night. I highly recommend the Wayki Experience. We visited the village, stayed with one of the team, and had direct interaction with the culture through food, digging potatoes and daily ceremonies. We also got to know our chefs and porters. Jose was very knowledgeable and diligent in imparting that knowledge on the Inca, Quecha culture and modern Peru. I overhead some other groups and got the impression we were getting much more detail. The pace was entirely manageable for our group who were fairly fit and ranged from 27 to 63 years old. I highly recommend Wayki if you are looking for culture and history in a small group.
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Excursion58292454432
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Los mejores Desde el primer contacto, vía Email, la empresa Wayki me pareció muy profesional. Atenta, organizada e informativa. El Camino Inca junto al equipo Wayki lo recomiendo 100%. Nos sentimos parte del equipo, como una familia. El trato, la comida, la organización y todo lo demás fue excepcional.
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Phillip H profile picture
Phillip H
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Trip of a lifetime We did the 4 day Inka trek with Wayki Trek and I can't recommend them highly enough. The trek was simply amazing and something we will never forget. Wayki were incredible from start to finish. The communication from our initial enquiries right through to the conclusion of the trek was perfect. Wayki provided the perfect environment for us to just relax and enjoy this incredible experience. We can't thank them enough. From the staff, to the chefs, the porters and our guide Joyce, everyone was brilliant. The food was amazing and Joyce's knowledge of the Inkas was second to none. And the sight of Macchu Picchu after four days hiking was just incredible!!