Classic Inca Trail 4-Day Trek with Panoramic Train from Cusco

Classic Inca Trail from Km 82

The Classic Inca Trail is the most famous trek in South America: about 42 km of stone paths, stairways and tunnels built by the Incas to link the Sacred Valley with Machu Picchu. Permits are strictly limited each day and must be booked months ahead with passport details, and the trail closes every February for maintenance. Our trek begins with an early pickup in Cusco and breakfast in Ollantaytambo, the living Inca town at the end of the Sacred Valley.

From the checkpoint at Km 82 the first day is a gentle warm-up along the Urubamba river, passing farming villages and the large Inca site of Patallacta, also called Llactapata, with its terraces above the valley. The day ends at Ayapata campsite, where tents, a dining tent and toilets are already set up by the porters. It is the best introduction to an Inca Trail tour from Cusco.

Dead Woman's Pass, Runkuraqay and Sayacmarca

Day 2 is the hardest. The trail climbs steadily through cloud forest and high grassland to Dead Woman's Pass, or Warmiwañusca, at about 4,215 metres, named for the shape of the ridge seen from below. Reaching the top is the proudest moment of the trek, with views back over the valleys and ahead to the next pass. Your guide sets a steady pace, and porters carry the heavy gear.

After a steep descent, the path rises again to Runkuraqay, a round Inca lookout and rest house, then crosses a second pass before reaching Sayacmarca, a fortified site perched on a rocky spur, whose name means the inaccessible town. The day ends at Chaquicocha campsite with a warm dinner and, on clear nights, a sky full of stars far from any city lights.

Phuyupatamarca, Intipata and Wiñaywayna

Day 3 is often called the most beautiful on the Inca Trail. The path follows the ridge on original Inca paving, passing through a short Inca tunnel and changing from high Andean grassland to dense cloud forest full of orchids, bromeliads and hummingbirds. Phuyupatamarca, the town above the clouds, has a chain of ritual baths still fed by spring water and wide views of snowy peaks.

A long stone staircase then descends to Intipata, a broad sweep of farming terraces facing the sun, and to Wiñaywayna, whose name means forever young. Its curving terraces and stone houses cling to a steep slope above the Urubamba river, and many hikers say it rivals Machu Picchu itself. After lunch at camp you have time to rest before a special farewell dinner with the team of chefs and porters.

Sun Gate and Machu Picchu

On day 4 you rise before dawn and walk to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, the original Inca entrance to Machu Picchu. When the morning light breaks over the mountains, the citadel appears below with the green peak of Huayna Picchu behind it. Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

You follow Circuit 1 along the upper path, the classic postcard viewpoint, then enter through the main gate for a guided tour on Circuit 3 through other sectors of the citadel. Your guide explains the temples, the stonework and how the city was used. Entry to Huayna Picchu mountain is not included and must be booked separately well in advance. The best time to visit Machu Picchu is the dry season from April to October.

Aguas Calientes and the panoramic train

After the visit, a short bus ride of about 30 minutes winds down the mountain to Aguas Calientes, the small town at the foot of Machu Picchu, beside the Urubamba river. You have free time to rest and find lunch, which is not included on the last day. The town is full of cafés and markets, and many hikers enjoy simply sitting by the river after four days on the trail.

In the afternoon you board the panoramic train with large windows and roof glass, following the river canyon to Ollantaytambo while snowy peaks and the Sacred Valley pass by. From Ollantaytambo our driver takes you back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving in the evening. Many people ask how to get to Machu Picchu: this route combines the most rewarding way in, on foot, with the most comfortable way out.