The Classic Inca Trail
Inca Trail 4 Days: The Original Path to Machu Picchu, All-Inclusive
The Inca Trail 4 Days is the most famous trek in South America: four days on the original stone paths built by the Incas, from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, arriving through the Sun Gate.
This Classic Inca Trail 4 days costs USD 740 per adult (students USD 710, children 8 to 17 USD 700). It covers 45 km in 4 days from Km 82, crossing Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215 m, with 3 nights of camping, 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners, porters for 7 kg, your permit, two Machu Picchu entries, the bus down and the train back. You are back at your hotel in Cusco around 7:00 PM on Day 4.
Everything is included, from your hotel door and back, in small groups of 8 to 10 travelers (maximum 12). Only 500 permits are issued per day (about 200 for travelers), so book 3 to 6 months ahead.
Duration4 days / 3 nights
PriceFrom USD 740
Highest point4,215 m (13,829 ft)
Distance45 km (28 mi)
DifficultyChallenging
Dead Woman’s Pass
Cross Warmiwañusca at 4,215 m, the highest point of the Inca Trail, with 360° mountain views.
Inca Sites Along the Trail
Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna, reachable only on foot.
Sunrise at the Sun Gate
Your first view of Machu Picchu from Inti Punku, the way the Incas arrived.
All-Inclusive, Small Groups
Permits, porters, camping, meals and train included, in groups of 8 to 10 (maximum 12).
Read the full Inca Trail 4 Days description
Day 1 starts at Km 82, following the Urubamba River on a gentle trail to the Wayllabamba campsite. Day 2 is the big climb to Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215 meters, then down to Pacaymayo.
Day 3 is the most beautiful day, through cloud forest and the Inca sites of Runkurakay, Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca, ending at Wiñay Wayna.
On Day 4 you walk to the Sun Gate at sunrise, enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu and return to Cusco by train and private transfer.
Short on time? See the Short Inca Trail 2 Days. No permits left? Try the Salkantay Trek 5 Days.
Availability & Booking
How to Book Your Inca Trail 4 Days
01
Contact us to check live permit availability for your dates in the official system.
02
Book online and pay the $200 USD deposit per person.
03
We buy your Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu tickets right away.
04
Receive your confirmation and attend the 6:30 PM briefing the day before.
Inca Trail 4 Days Permits: Book Early
Only 500 permits per day are issued by the Peruvian government, and only about 200 are for travelers (the rest are for porters, cooks and guides). Permits often sell out within hours of their release, and when a date is sold out, it is sold out with all operators.
May to SeptemberBook up to 6 months aheadHigh season
Rest of the yearBook 3–4 months aheadOctober, November, December, January, March and April
FebruaryClosed for maintenanceTry the Salkantay Trek instead
1
New permits every year
Permits for the next year are usually released in early October. For example, 2027 permits are released around October 2026.
2
Only through a licensed operator
You can’t buy Inca Trail permits on your own. They must be booked through a government-licensed operator like Machu Picchu Team.
3
Passport details must match exactly
Send us your full name, passport number, date of birth, gender and nationality exactly as they appear on your passport. Permits are personal, non-transferable and can’t be changed once issued.
4
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
Your Machu Picchu Entry: Two Visits Included
1
Arrival Visit Upper section, Circuit 1
You arrive from the Sun Gate to the classic panoramic viewpoint, with a short introduction by your guide.
2
Main Guided Tour Lower section, Circuit 3
A guided tour of the citadel of about 1.5 to 2 hours, on the circuit assigned by the government.
Check availability in real time. Online calendars are only a guide. Contact us before booking and we’ll check live availability for your dates in the official government system: WhatsApp +51 974 217 700.
