In short: choose the Short Inca Trail (2 days) if you have little time or prefer a one-day hike; the Classic (4 days) if you want the full experience with 3 nights of camping and the 4,215 m pass; and the 5-day version if you want that same route at a calmer pace and to see Machu Picchu twice: on arrival through the Sun Gate and on the guided tour at sunrise the next day. All three require a permit and must be booked in advance.
Quick comparison
| Short 2 days | Classic 4 days | 5 days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hike starts at | Km 104 (2,000 m) | Km 82 | Km 82 |
| Hiking days | 1 | 4 | 4 (+1 day at Machu Picchu) |
| Highest point | Sun Gate (2,720 m) | Warmiwañusca (4,215 m) | Warmiwañusca (4,215 m) |
| Nights | 1 in a hotel (Aguas Calientes) | 3 camping | 3 camping + 1 in a hotel |
| Machu Picchu | Sun Gate on day 1, guided tour on day 2 | Sun Gate and guided tour on day 4 | Sun Gate on day 4, guided tour on day 5 |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Moderate to challenging | Moderate to challenging, with stages spread out |
| Price from (group) | USD 510 | USD 790 | USD 948 |
2-day Short Inca Trail
You take the train to Km 104 and hike along Inca paths, cloud forest and waterfalls to Wiñay Wayna (2,600 m). You continue to the Sun Gate, where you see Machu Picchu for the first time, and go down to Aguas Calientes to sleep in a hotel. The next day you have a private guided tour of the citadel and return by Expedition train to Ollantaytambo and private transport to Cusco.
Ideal for: those with few days, looking for a gentler hike or who prefer not to camp. It includes the permit and entrance ticket, train, box lunch, one hotel night with breakfast, 3 bus tickets and an official guide. See the Short Inca Trail.
4-day Classic Inca Trail
The most famous route in South America. You start at Km 82, cross the Warmiwañusca Pass (4,215 m) on day 2, walk through Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Intipata and Wiñay Wayna, and on day 4 you reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. It includes a personal porter (up to 7 kg), a private toilet tent and a cook.
Ideal for: those who want the full experience and are in good shape. We cover everything in the 4-day Inca Trail guide.
5-day Inca Trail
The same trail from Km 82, at a calmer pace and with different camps: Patallacta (day 1, after about 3 hours of hiking), Llulluchapampa (3,800 m) on day 2 and Phuyupatamarca (3,650 m) on day 3, with views towards Machu Picchu. On day 4 you descend through Intipata and Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate, walk down to the Guardhouse for the classic photo and sleep in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. On day 5 you return to Machu Picchu at sunrise for the guided tour.
Ideal for: those who want the Inca Trail without rushing and more time at Machu Picchu. See the 5-day Inca Trail.
2026 prices in detail
| Service | Classic 4 days | 5 days |
|---|---|---|
| Group | USD 790 | USD 948 |
| Private, 2 people | USD 995 | USD 1,225 |
| Private, 3 people | USD 995 | USD 1,075 |
| Private, 4 people | USD 895 | USD 1,075 |
| Private, 5 to 6 people | USD 895 | USD 995 |
| Private, 7 to 8 people | USD 775 | USD 875 |
Prices per person. In both cases the personal porter (up to 7 kg) is included. The Short Inca Trail starts from USD 510 per person.
What they have in common
- A permit issued by name with your passport, a limited daily quota and closure in February. Book months ahead (we need at least 30 days).
- Entry to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, something no other route offers.
- Optional extras: Huayna Picchu (USD 75) and the Vistadome return train (USD 67).
Still undecided between the Inca Trail and another route? Read Inca Trail vs. Salkantay or tell us your dates and we will recommend the best option.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the 4-day and the 5-day Inca Trail?
They follow the same trail from Km 82, but the 5-day version spreads the stages over more days, reaches Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate on day 4, sleeps in a hotel in Aguas Calientes and does the guided tour of the citadel at sunrise on day 5.
Does the 2-day Inca Trail need a permit?
Yes. The Short Inca Trail is also a regulated route: it requires a permit issued by name with your passport and must be booked in advance.
Which is the easiest Inca Trail?
The 2-day Short Inca Trail: you hike a single day from Km 104 (2,000 m), passing Wiñay Wayna, and you do not cross the Warmiwañusca Pass (4,215 m).
How much does each version cost?
With Condor Trek, in a group service: Short Inca Trail from USD 510, 4-day Classic Inca Trail from USD 790 and 5-day Inca Trail from USD 948 per person.