Join us on the iconic 4-day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu a journey through breathtaking landscapes, ancient Inca ruins, and high mountain passes. Starting at Kilometer 82 (mile 51), you’ll hike alongside our expert guides and dedicated team, experiencing the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of the Andes. This unforgettable trek culminates with a sunrise view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Each day along the trail reveals a new glimpse into the ancient Inca Empire from hidden agricultural terraces to archaeological sites like Wiñay Wayna and Runkurakay, surrounded by lush vegetation and spectacular views. Our camps are set up to provide comfort in the heart of nature, with nourishing meals prepared by our camp chefs and moments for rest and reflection. More than just a hike, this journey is a chance to reconnect with yourself and the ancestral wisdom of the Andes, always supported by a team committed to your safety and well-being.
We will begin our Classic 4 Days Inca Trail adventure with Mother Earth Treks by taking a scenic drive from Cusco to Ollantaytambo. From there, we’ll continue to Mile 51 (Km 82), the official starting point of the legendary trail to Machu Picchu.
Upon arrival, you’ll meet our dedicated Mother Earth Treks team of professional guides, porters, and cooks, who will be with you every step of the way. After a quick permit check, we’ll set off on our first hike along the beautiful Urubamba River, venturing deep into the heart of the Sacred Valley.
We will explore Huayllabamba and ascend toward the famous Warmiwañuska Pass at 13,828 feet (4,215 meters). These will be our most challenging hours of the trek, but we will take it slow. Using trekking poles will help us maintain balance and preserve our energy. After reaching the summit, we will descend into the cloud forest to sleep at Pacaymayu.
On the third day, we will cross Runcuracay and pass multiple Inca ruins hidden in the mist. We will hike past Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and eventually Wiñayhuayna, one of the most beautiful archaeological sites. This section of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is full of terraces, tunnels, and panoramic mountain views. These final hours of hiking to Machu Picchu will inspire deep admiration for the ancient builders.
We will wake early and walk the last stretch of the Inca Trail to Inti Punku, or the Sun Gate. From here, we will witness our first magical view of Machu Picchu at sunrise. As we arrive at Machu Picchu, our guide will lead us through every Inca site and structure. After our visit, we will return by train and vehicle to Cusco.
This classic Inca Trail offers four unforgettable days of hiking, culture, and nature. We will sleep in tents, share meals under the stars, and follow the footsteps of Inca royalty. Every step along this Inca Trail trek will connect us deeper to history and the Andes. Let’s hike the Inca Trail together and create memories that will last a lifetime.
We will begin our day’s tour at 6:00 A.M from our hotel in Cusco (11,155 feet / 3,400 meters). A scenic drive will take us to Ollantaytambo (9,121 feet / 2,780 meters), where we can enjoy breakfast. This traditional town offers a last chance to buy snacks or rent sleeping bags before the trek.
After breakfast, we will drive to Mile 51 (Km 82) (8,924 feet / 2,720 meters), the official starting point of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. At the checkpoint, we must present our original passports and trail permits. Our guides will introduce the porters and explain the route and safety procedures before we begin walking.
We will hike through the beautiful Cusichaca Valley, surrounded by snowcapped peaks and native flora. On the way, we will pass Canabamba and admire Llactapata from a distance. We will arrive at Wayllabamba (10,170 feet / 3,100 meters), where our crew will prepare dinner. Tents and sleeping bags will be ready for our first night under the stars.
After a warm coca tea served in our tents, we will prepare our gear and sleeping bags. A hearty breakfast will fuel us for the day. We will leave camp around 7:30 A.M. to begin the climb toward Llulluchapampa (12,631 feet / 3,850 meters).
From Llulluchapampa, we will ascend the steep trail to Warmiwañuska Pass (13,828 feet / 4,215 meters), the highest point of the Inca Trail. We will take time to breathe, hydrate, and enjoy views of the rugged Andean landscape. Our guides will explain the history and purpose of the mountain passes used by the Incas.
After photos and rest, we will descend a steep path into the Pacaymayo Valley (11,811 feet / 3,600 meters). Our team will greet us with snacks and hot drinks. Dinner will be served early, and we can share stories with fellow trekkers during this guided tour experience. We will rest early after this physically demanding day.
We will wake to birdsong and mist rising over the mountains. Our breakfast will prepare us for a day full of wonders. At 6:30 A.M., we will start hiking uphill toward the second pass, Runcuracay (12,959 feet / 3,950 meters).
Along the way, we will explore Inca sites like Runcuracay and Sayacmarca, perched above cloud forest cliffs. After visiting Conchamarca and Phuyupatamarca (11,975 feet / 3,650 meters), we will enjoy lunch in Chaquicocha. Our guides will share details of Inca engineering and spiritual beliefs during the tour.
In the afternoon, we will descend through lush vegetation, spotting orchids and hummingbirds. If lucky, we might see Andean deer or a spectacled bear. We will reach Wiñayhuayna (8,858 feet / 2,700 meters) in the late afternoon. There, we will enjoy a special farewell dinner and rest with our sleeping bags already set.
We will wake up very early at 3:30 A.M to pack and prepare. Our porters must catch their train from Aguas Calientes. With boxed breakfast in hand, we will queue for the final checkpoint at 5:00 A.M.
We will walk 1:30 hours to reach Inti Punku, the Sun Gate (8,924 feet / 2,720 meters). From here, we will see Machu Picchu for the first time. A final short descent brings us to the classic viewpoint (7,874 feet / 2,400 meters) for pictures.
Our guided tour of Machu Picchu will last around 2:30 hours. We will explore temples, terraces, and sacred sites with our guides. Afterward, we will take the bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Later, we will board the train to Ollantaytambo and drive back to Cusco by evening.
Tip: Keep your daypack light, safe, and well organized. You’ll carry it all day during the trek.
This will be transported by your porter (max weight: 6 kg / 13 lb, including sleeping bag and sleeping pad which weigh ~3 kg). Pack:
If you don’t hire a porter, you’ll need to carry everything yourself.
Hiking the Classic Inca Trail with Mother Earth Treks was a life-changing experience. The trail was stunning from start to finish—lush cloud forests, epic mountain passes, and ancient ruins around every corner. Our guide, Edwin, was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and passionate about Inca history.
The porters were heroes—always smiling and working so hard behind the scenes. The food? Better than most restaurants! I still can’t believe they cooked gourmet meals on a mountain. If you’re thinking about this trek, do it—and go with Mother Earth Treks!
