Classic Inca Trail & Machu Picchu - 4 Days

Moderate to good physical fitness is required. The trail includes steep ascents, high altitudes (up to 4,215m), and long trekking days. While no technical skills are needed, preparation with hiking and cardio training is highly recommended.

The highest point is Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215m (13,829ft). Many travelers experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness. Spending a few days in Cusco (3,400m) before the trek helps your body acclimate. Guides monitor your condition and offer support.

Accommodation is tent camping for three nights, set up by the trekking team. Campsites are scenic and remote. Tents, sleeping mats, and meals are included, but you can usually rent sleeping bags or upgrade to thicker mats and pillows if desired.

Yes. All meals, snacks, and hot drinks during the trek are included and prepared by a dedicated trekking cook team. Clean drinking water is also supplied daily. Dietary requirements, including vegetarian and gluten-free, can be accommodated with advance notice.

You’ll only carry a daypack with essentials (water, snacks, rain jacket, camera). The majority of your gear is carried by porters. There is typically a weight limit of 6–7kg per person for your duffel bag, including sleeping gear.

Wi-Fi and mobile signal are extremely limited or unavailable during the trek. This is an opportunity to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature, though some campsites closer to towns may occasionally offer weak signals.

Essentials include:

Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots

Warm layers (especially for high altitudes)

Rain gear (poncho or waterproof jacket)

A headlamp or flashlight

Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder

Sunscreen, insect repellent, personal medications A full packing list is typically provided by the operator before departure.

You'll need to get to Cusco, ideally a minimum of 2 days before the trip starts. Most people will fly to Lima and join a connecting flight. Our team can assist or even book flights for you.

You'll be picked up from your accommodation in Cusco on the morning of day one and taken to the start point where you'll meet the group and guides. It is vital to arrive before the trip however as a pre-trip briefing is held the evening before the trip stats. We also strongly recommend staying in Cuzco, or somewhere at similar altitude (3000 metres ASL) for at least 2 days prior to acclimatise to the altitude.

After reaching the Sun Gate at sunrise, you’ll enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu. You then have free time to explore on your own or hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (must be booked well in advance, not included). The day ends with a train and bus transfer back to Cusco.

Food on the trek is included so this would just be for your souvenirs and and optional soft drinks available on the trek. This can vary greatly, but if you are a fan of souvenirs we'd suggest around £120 just in case. Bear in mind that for tips for your crew would be typically given out on the morning of the last day, before you can access an ATM after the trek in Cuzco. More advice in this is in our PDF.

Yes. We'll make a note when you make your booking and / or before you go but there are always vegetarian options!

The trek isn't technically difficult at all. What makes this a challenge is the altitude you're trekking at. The terrain is not too difficult, there are some steep(ish) bits and steps but the average person could manage with no problems.

If you experience difficulty due to altitude, illness, or injury, guides will arrange safe evacuation or alternative transport to meet the group. While rare, contingency plans are in place and the crew is trained in first aid and emergency response.

The tent and a basic foam sleeping mat will be provided, but you will need to bring a sleeping bag and pillow.

We can add Huayna Picchu on for a local payment of $75USD (this must be requested via your agent in advance, and depends on permit availability).

It is possible to add Machu Picchu Mountain also, however this will involve extending your stay by a night in Aguas Caliente. The tour operator does not recommend adding Machu Picchu Mountain onto this itinerary, however, as it is basically retracing your steps back to the Sun Gate.

There is also a new trek called Huchuy Picchu which your guide can help organise locally. This is not a long hike. It runs only 1 kilometre via sections made of stone built by the Incas.

Tents are normally shared between two and generously sized, but if you are a solo traveller we can request a solo tent if you would prefer this. It depends on availability but a majority of the time this is free.

Approx USD $20 for the trip in total.

USD $15 for the trip in total.

The last day the group arrives in Cusco around 08:00 pm