Inca Trail 4 days
Discover the mystical paths of the Incas, where every step tells a story of courage, tradition, and unparalleled architecture.
Discover the Trail Get your Trail proposal
The most iconic version of the Inca Trail is the 4-day trek, which starts at kilometer 82 near Cusco...
Walking this Trail lets you relive the ancient Inca culture while passing through one of the most beautiful protected natural areas of the Andes.
Every step you take following in the footsteps of the Incas brings the excitement of approaching the Inca Citadel, Machu Picchu.
If you want to experience the most famous Inca Trail, this is the Trail for you. It is suitable for anyone with a basic level of fitness and some experience with long hikes or mountain walking.
Each day, only 500 tickets are available, and people from all over the world compete for them. Do you already have plans to visit Peru and know when you want to start the 4-day Inca Trail? Reserve your date now so we can secure your preferred spot. Due to its popularity, we recommend booking at least six months in advance.
Please note: This Trail is not available in February due to maintenance on the path.
Good to Know:
- Arrival: Through the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu
- Guided Tour: This Trail includes a standard guided tour of Machu Picchu via Circuit 3B
What to expect?
- Duration: 4 days
- Total Distance: 42 kilometers
- Average Hiking Time per Day: 7 hours
- Highest Pass: 4,200 meters
What We Provide for You
- Briefing 1–2 days before the Trail
- Transportation to the starting point of the Inca Trail
- Entrance tickets for Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail
- English-speaking guide for 4 days
- Transportation back from Machu Picchu to Cusco
- Cooked, clean water with every meal where bottled water is not available for purchase
- Cook who prepares all meals during the Trail
- Camping equipment: double tents, sleeping mats, and a dining tent with chairs and a table
- Porters who carry shared camping and cooking gear, as well as your sleeping mat and sleeping bag
- 1 bus transfer from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
What Is Not Included?
- Breakfast (day 1) and lunch (day 4)
- Sleeping bags (available for rent at an additional cost)
- Entrance to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes
- Personal expenses
- Tips
Preparation
Everything you need to know before your Inca Trail adventure
Proper preparation is the key to an unforgettable journey. That’s why we help you take the right steps from the moment you book, guiding you toward your ultimate Inca Trail experience!
- How can I best prepare physically for the Trail?
- What is the ultimate packing list for my Trail?
- Reserve your mummy sleepingbag now!
Check out the day-by-day program here
Numbers
De Inca Trail in numbers and challenges
Explore the legendary Trail that has challenged adventurers for generations
4200
Meters
Highest mountain pass on the Trail
4
Day hike
Full Trail from start to Machu Picchu
42
Kilometers
Total Trail distance
"Dear Jorge and Jessie, As we write this review, we are still reliving the memories of the Inca Trail. This experience was truly unforgettable. We want to sincerely thank you for organizing this trip. From the very beginning, everything felt right. Communication was always pleasant, and emails were answered promptly. You provided thoughtful guidance and honest advice. Upon arriving in Cusco, we had a briefing where everything was clearly explained. The equipment rental process also went very smoothly. When we arrived at the campsite, there was even a little gift waiting for us—so thoughtful! Thank you again for this unforgettable experience. Best regards, Nick and Emmily"
Nick and Emmily
The Netherlands
Why travel with Machu Picchu Travel?
Discover an unforgettable travel experience designed by local experts who know the Andes inside out. Our Trails are not just hikes—they are immersive journeys filled with stories, culture, and adventure.
- Benefit from years of hands-on Inca Trail guiding experience
- Book with confidence through a trusted European travel organization
- Enjoy competitive pricing through direct partnerships with experienced local operators in Peru
- Travel on fully organized private tours tailored to your needs
- Support fair wages and responsible employment for all staff in Peru
Peruvian
Expert local guides
Our expert guides know every Trail, every stone, and every hidden path in the Andes. They bring the landscape to life with stories you won’t find in any travel guide. All of our guides are based in and around Cusco, with years of specialist experience in the region. And our porters? They are proudly from the surrounding Andean communities, sharing an authentic connection to the mountains they call home.
Adventure
Dedicated personal guidance
More than a route, we create a journey tailored to you. Whether you prefer private travel or an international group, everything is possible. We carefully plan every step with your adventure in mind.
Our guarantee
Trusted & Reliable
Our experienced guides are local experts as well as certified first aid professionals. Your safety is our absolute priority. As a European-based travel company, we offer you the reassurance of booking with a trusted partner.
Book your trip
Ready for the 4-Day Inca Trail?
Ready to follow in the footsteps of the Incas? We turn your dream trip into reality.
How to Book your 4-Day Inca Trail?
- Fill in the form below
- We’ll email you as soon as possible to let you know if tickets are available for your preferred date.
- We’ll send you a booking confirmation with payment details.
- Once your deposit is made, we’ll secure the highly sought-after tickets for you!
You are interested in the following Trail or day trip/tour:
Inca Trail 4 days
FAQ
The best time to book the Inca Trail naturally depends on your travel schedule. However, it’s important to book well in advance – ideally about six months before your preferred date. Important to know: Every year, around October, central ticket sales for the following year begin.
Booking guide:
- Hiking the Inca Trail from May to September (High Season): book 6–8 months in advance
- Hiking the Inca Trail from October to April (Low Season): book 1–3 months in advance
Note: Every year in February, the 2-day and 4-day Inca Trail routes are closed for maintenance.
The Inca Trail is world-famous and therefore extremely popular. There are 500 spots available per day, which are shared between tourists, guides, cooks, and porters (who carry equipment and luggage). In practice, only 150–200 spots per day are available for tourists.
The 4-Day Inca Trail is manageable in terms of distance, as you’ll walk about 12 kilometers per day. The challenge comes from hiking high in the mountains, reaching altitudes over 4,200 meters (13,780 feet). For many travelers this is unfamiliar! The air contains less oxygen at these heights, so it’s important to acclimatize beforehand to prevent altitude sickness.
Some days also involve climbing a lot of stairs in addition to hiking. The second day is the most challenging. A good basic level of fitness is essential. You can prepare by walking as many stairs as possible in your daily life and doing regular long hikes.
Only on the 2-Day and 4-Day Inca Trail will you reach the Sun Gate. The Sun Gate is the name given to the ruins at a prominent point on the Trail – it’s the first spot where you can see Machu Picchu in the distance. From the Sun Gate, it’s still about a 35-minute walk to Machu Picchu.
On the Lares Trail, Inca Jungle Trail, and also the Salkantay Trail, you do not enter via the Sun Gate. If you hike one of these Trails, at the end of the third/fourth day you travel to Aguas Calientes (the town at the foot of Machu Picchu), and on the fourth or fifth day you take the bus up to the Machu Picchu entrance.
