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Experience the historic stone paths of the Andes on a guided trek to Machu Picchu. Choose from classic four-day adventures or condensed two-day hikes, complete with professional guides, camping equipment, and scenic train returns.
Hike the Inca Trail with dedicated safety support, professional catering, and in-depth historical education.
A four-day trek through Andean landscapes and ancient ruins, entering Machu Picchu via the historic Sun Gate.
Likely to Sell Out Hike from KM104 through the cloud forest to the Sun Gate, with a full guided tour of Machu Picchu the following day.
Hike the Short Inca Trail to reach the Sun Gate by sunset and return for a sunrise tour of the ruins.
A 4-day multi-sport trek to Machu Picchu featuring downhill biking, hiking, and optional rafting through the high forest.
Free Cancellation A 4-day trek and mountain bike descent through the Andes and jungle, ending with a sunrise view of Machu Picchu.
Free Cancellation A two-day trek from KM 104 to the Sun Gate, including visits to Wiñay Wayna and a guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Follow the ancient 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu through Andean peaks, cloud forests, and ruins.
A 4-day multi-sport trek to Machu Picchu featuring downhill biking, jungle hiking, and optional rafting from Cusco.
Free Cancellation Hike through cloud forests to the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu on a 2-day trek with hotel lodging and no camping.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Machu Picchu — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is an unforgettable journey through the dramatic peaks of the eastern Andes. You will hike along ancient stone pathways, transition from high-altitude mountain passes down into lush cloud forests, and explore well-preserved archaeological ruins before finally arriving at the legendary 15th-century citadel.
After days of hiking, you will arrive at this iconic entry point. It offers the breathtaking, classic first view of the entire Machu Picchu citadel as the morning mist clears.
A major highlight on the trail, especially the 2-day routes. You will explore these beautifully preserved agricultural terraces and stonework built into the steep mountainside.
The trek takes you through incredibly diverse microclimates. You will hike from cold mountain passes down into humid, vibrant jungle environments home to hundreds of bird species.
Once inside the citadel, this vantage point provides the famous postcard-perfect panoramic view of the ruins framed by the towering Huayna Picchu mountain.
Inside the urban sector, you will see masterfully carved stonework at the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Three Windows, showcasing deep astronomical knowledge.
If you opt for the alternative Jungle Trail, your journey will include an adrenaline-pumping 60km downhill mountain bike ride from the Abra Malaga pass.
Planning an Inca Trail trek requires careful preparation and early booking. Here is what you need to know to choose the right tour and ensure a smooth experience.
You can choose the classic 4-day camping trek, a shorter 2-day hike starting at KM 104 with a hotel stay, or the 4-day Inca Jungle Trail which swaps some hiking for downhill mountain biking.
Permits for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are strictly capped (4,500 people per day in high season). You must book your tour four to six months in advance, especially for the dry season (May to October).
Most guided treks include your entrance tickets, train rides (like the Vistadome or Expedition), meals, and purified water. Multi-day camping tours typically provide Eureka tents and porters to carry up to 7kg of your personal items.
These treks require a moderate to high level of physical fitness. You will be navigating steep, uneven stone steps at high elevations. It is highly recommended to spend 2-3 days acclimatizing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley beforehand.
Because permits and train tickets are purchased immediately under your name, the vast majority of Inca Trail tours have a strict 'All sales are final' policy with no refunds available for cancellations.
You must provide your exact passport details at the time of booking. On the day of the tour, you are required to present your original physical passport at the entrance gate—digital copies are not accepted.
Inside the Machu Picchu citadel, backpacks cannot exceed 40x35x20 cm. On the trail, you will only carry a daypack with essentials, while porters or transfer vehicles handle your main duffle bag.
| Classic 4-Day Inca Trail | Short 2-Day Inca Trail | 4-Day Inca Jungle Trail | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 4 Days / 3 Nights | 2 Days / 1 Night | 4 Days / 3 Nights |
| Best for | Avid hikers wanting the traditional camping experience | Travelers short on time or preferring a hotel bed over camping | Adventure seekers looking for variety and lower altitudes |
| Includes | Porters (7kg), Eureka tents, meals, trail permits, train return | KM 104 entry, 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, guided tour, train tickets | Mountain biking gear, hostel/hotel stays, hot springs visit, meals |
| Price from | $798 USD | $585 USD | $430 USD |
Machu Picchu Citadel: The archaeological site is open daily from 06:00 to 17:30. The final entry slot of the day begins at 15:00.
Time Limits: General visits are limited to a maximum of 2.5 hours per ticket. Exceptions are made if you have a combined ticket for surrounding peaks like Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Site Museum: The 'Manuel Chávez Ballón' on-site museum is open daily from 09:00 to 16:00.
Entry Tolerance: Visitors have a 30-minute tolerance period to enter during their timed slot in the low season, extended to 45 minutes during the high season.
By Train: PeruRail and Inca Rail operate trains from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. The journey takes about 3.5 hours. Standard tickets cost $140-$180 round-trip, while luxury options like the Hiram Bingham can exceed $500.
Shuttle Bus: From Aguas Calientes, Consettur operates shuttle buses up the steep dirt road to the main entrance. Buses run every 5-15 minutes from 05:30 to 15:30. Tickets are $24 USD round-trip for foreign adults.
Budget Route: Shared vans drive 6-7 hours from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica ($20-$30 USD). From there, travelers hike 10km (3-4 hours) along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes.
Dry Season (May to October): This is the most popular and best time to hike the Inca Trail. The weather is mostly dry with clear, sunny skies, making the stone steps less slippery and offering ideal conditions for photography.
Wet Season (November to March): Characterized by heavy rainfall, which can obscure views with heavy mist. The wet stone steps become hazardous, and there is a higher risk of travel delays or landslides in the Andes. Note that the Inca Trail is completely closed for maintenance every February.
Wheelchair Access: While the Inca Trail itself is not wheelchair friendly, about 60% of the main Machu Picchu citadel is accessible via designated routes. Specialized companies like Wheel the World provide all-terrain 'joelette' wheelchairs and trained porters.
Elderly Visitors: The site involves numerous steep inclines and uneven stone steps. Seniors are encouraged to pace themselves and use rubber-tipped walking poles (metal tips are strictly banned).
Children: Strollers and baby carriages are strictly prohibited inside the ruins; infants must be carried in baby carriers. Children under 12 receive discounted bus tickets.
Restrooms: There are no bathrooms inside the archaeological site. You must use the facilities located outside the main entrance before scanning your ticket, as re-entry is strictly prohibited under any circumstances.
Luggage Storage: Lockers are available at the entrance gate for bags that exceed the maximum allowed dimensions of 40x35x20 cm.
Food and Drink: Large food containers and eating utensils are banned inside the citadel. You may only bring light, sealed snacks and water in reusable bottles (disposable plastic bottles are prohibited).
Photography: Handheld cameras and smartphones are fine, but tripods, selfie sticks, monopods, and gimbals are strictly banned without a special commercial permit.
Drones: Drones are completely prohibited over the entire Historic Sanctuary. Violators face immediate equipment confiscation and fines up to $10,000 USD.
Code of Conduct: It is illegal to climb on ruins, move stones, or leave the designated paths. High-heeled or hard-soled shoes are prohibited. You must present your original physical passport to enter.
Yes, all guided Inca Trail treks include your entrance fee to the Machu Picchu archaeological site. Depending on the tour, this usually covers Circuit 1 or Circuit 3, allowing you to see the main highlights after your hike.
No. Multi-day camping tours provide porters who carry the communal camping equipment, food, and up to 7kg (15 lbs) of your personal items in a provided duffle bag. You only need to carry a small daypack with daily essentials.
Trekking guides are trained in first aid and carry emergency equipment, including oxygen tanks and satellite phones. To prevent altitude sickness (soroche), it is highly recommended to spend at least two days acclimatizing in Cusco before starting your trek.
Absolutely not. Drones are strictly banned throughout the entire Historic Sanctuary to protect wildlife and visitor safety. Flying a drone will result in equipment confiscation and a fine of up to $10,000 USD.
Because trail permits and train tickets are purchased immediately in your name and are non-transferable, almost all Inca Trail tours have a strict 'All sales are final' policy. No refunds are available for cancellations.
Yes, the 2-Day Short Inca Trail begins at KM 104 and condenses the experience. You hike for one day past the Wiñay Wayna ruins to the Sun Gate, spend the night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, and tour the citadel the next morning.
Yes, but they must have protective rubber tips. Walking sticks with bare metal tips are strictly prohibited to prevent damage to the ancient stone pathways and agricultural terraces.
Yes, guided treks include meals prepared by a dedicated trail chef. You will be provided with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and purified drinking water. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if requested at the time of booking.
No, the site has a very strict no re-entry policy. There are no restrooms inside the citadel, so you must use the facilities outside the main gate before you scan your ticket to enter.
You are only allowed to bring a small backpack or daypack with maximum dimensions of 40 x 35 x 20 centimeters. Any bags larger than this must be left in the storage lockers at the entrance.
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Our trekking teams prioritize safety by ensuring a guide always stays at the rear of the pack, providing constant support so no hiker is left behind. This approach allows everyone to move at their own pace while remaining under professional supervision throughout the journey. We maintain high standards for trail meals by following rigorous hygiene practices, such as separating raw and cooked foods, thorough cooking, and using only treated water. These protocols are strictly enforced; should a guest experience a food-related illness due to a lapse in these standards, we provide full compensation. Education is a core part of the experience. Our guides are extensively trained in Inca history and provide detailed lectures at various sites during the trek. To help you revisit the details of your trip, we send a written copy of all lecture materials to your email after the expedition.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English, Spanish
This four-day trek follows the historic stone paths of the Incas, passing through various archaeological sites and diverse ecosystems before reaching Machu Picchu. You will enter the citadel through the Sun Gate for a first look at the ruins, followed by a detailed guided tour of the site. The journey includes three nights of camping with high-quality tents and equipment provided by a local team. As a locally-owned operator, TreXperience ensures that all porters and staff receive fair wages and proper working conditions. Your booking also contributes to social projects focused on improving education for children in the region. To conclude the trip, you will travel back through the Sacred Valley on a Vistadome or 360° train, both of which feature large windows designed for sightseeing.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English, Spanish
This two-day trek provides a condensed version of the classic Inca Trail, beginning at KM104. Led by indigenous guides, you will spend the first day hiking through the high-altitude rainforest and visiting the archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna. The trail leads directly to the Sun Gate, offering your first view of Machu Picchu from above before you head down to your hotel in the town below. On the second day, you will return to the citadel for a detailed tour with a professional guide. This allows you to explore the history and architecture of the site in depth after having experienced the physical challenge of the trail the day before.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English, Spanish
This two-day trek begins with a train ride to Km 104, where you start your hike at the Chachabamba archaeological site. The trail leads up to the Wiñaywayna ruins, where our kitchen team prepares fresh meals on-site. You will reach the Sun Gate (Intipunku) in the late afternoon, providing a view of Machu Picchu as the daytime crowds leave. After seeing the citadel at sunset, you will head down to Aguas Calientes for dinner and a night at a 3-star hotel. On the second morning, you will return to Machu Picchu early for a guided tour during sunrise. This itinerary is designed by our local team to show you the ruins at two different times of day. Following the tour, you will travel back to Cusco on the Vistadome train, which uses panoramic windows to provide views of the Urubamba River and the mountains.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English, Spanish
This four-day alternative to the classic Inca Trail offers a more active route to Machu Picchu. The journey transitions from high mountain passes into the lush cloud forest, combining traditional trekking with various adventure sports. The itinerary includes a downhill mountain biking descent and sections of hiking along original Inca stone paths. Participants also have the option to include white-water rafting and zip-lining during the trip. This route is designed for those who prefer a diverse range of activities while exploring the natural landscape leading to the citadel.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English, Spanish
This four-day, three-night route to Machu Picchu combines mountain biking and trekking through diverse landscapes. The journey begins at the high mountain pass of Abra Malaga, where you will descend 60 kilometers by mountain bike. This downhill ride transitions from the cold mountain peaks into the lush valleys and jungle surroundings near Santa Maria. As the trip continues on foot, you will walk along recently discovered sections of original Inca paths and visit various archaeological ruins. The route focuses on the natural transition from high-altitude terrain to tropical forest, eventually concluding with a dawn view of the valleys surrounding Machu Picchu.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This two-day hike is a shorter alternative to the classic four-day trek, starting at KM 104 along the Urubamba River. The route climbs past the archaeological sites of Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna, where you can see well-preserved Incan terraces and stonework. It is the only short-duration trek that allows you to enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, providing a view of the ruins from above in the late afternoon. After reaching the citadel on day one, you will take a bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes to rest for the night. On the second day, the itinerary includes a comprehensive guided tour of the main sectors and plazas of Machu Picchu before you return to Cusco by train.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This four-day trek follows the historic stone paths laid by the Incas, leading directly to the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu. Along the route, you will pass several major archaeological sites that are only accessible by foot, offering a deeper look into the region's history before you reach the final citadel. The trail crosses through diverse ecosystems, from high-altitude mountain passes with views of snow-capped peaks to humid cloud forests. You will follow mountain rivers and observe a wide variety of local flora and wildlife throughout the journey, ending with a comprehensive tour of the Machu Picchu ruins.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English
This four-day expedition begins with a drive from Cusco to the Abra Málaga pass, where you will descend by mountain bike from the high Andes into the cloud forest. The route continues on foot through jungle trails and preserved Inca paths, offering a more varied landscape than traditional high-altitude treks. Along the way, you have the option to include white-water rafting on the Vilcanota River or ziplining in Santa Teresa. After relaxing in the Cocalmayo hot springs, the journey concludes with a guided tour of Machu Picchu to explore its history and architecture. We travel in small groups led by local guides and provide all necessary equipment, lodging, and transport, including a return train option to Cusco. This itinerary is designed for travelers who prefer a mix of cycling and hiking over a standard four-day walking trek.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English, Spanish
This two-day trek offers a condensed version of the classic Inca Trail, focusing on the final stretch of the route. You will descend from the Andean highlands into the cloud forest, passing several archaeological sites along the way, including the ruins of Wiñay Wayna. Because the trail stays below 2,650 meters and avoids high-altitude passes, it is a practical choice for families with children or those who prefer not to camp. The first day ends with an arrival at the Sun Gate for a view of the citadel before heading down to Aguas Calientes for the night. Instead of camping, you will stay in a hotel with an ensuite bathroom. The following morning involves a half-day guided tour of Machu Picchu, where you will visit the main temples and terraces while learning about the history of the site.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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