In short: the Classic Inca Trail is the 4-day, 3-night hike that starts at Km 82, crosses the Warmiwañusca Pass (4,215 m), passes Inca sites that cannot be seen from anywhere else and enters Machu Picchu through Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) at sunrise. It can only be done with an authorized agency and a permit issued by name, which has a daily quota and sells out. It closes in February. With Condor Trek it costs from USD 790 per person, with a personal porter included.
Key facts
| Duration | 4 days and 3 nights (3 nights camping) |
|---|---|
| Start | Km 82 (Piskacucho), with pickup in Cusco at 4:30 a.m. |
| Highest point | Warmiwañusca Pass, 4,215 m |
| Arrival | Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, on day 4 |
| Difficulty | Moderate to challenging (many stone steps) |
| Permit | Mandatory, issued by name, with a daily quota; closed in February |
| Price | From USD 790 per person (group), personal porter included |
How permits work
Access to the Inca Trail is regulated: a limited number of people enter each day and every permit carries the traveler’s name and passport. That is why:
- Book months in advance, especially for May to September. We need at least 30 days before your date to process it.
- Your passport details must be exact: the permit cannot be transferred or put in another name.
- Bring the original passport you booked with (and your valid university card if you booked as a student).
- The Inca Trail closes in February for maintenance. If you travel that month, look at Salkantay.
4-day Inca Trail itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Patallacta – Ayapata
Pickup at 4:30 a.m., breakfast in Ollantaytambo and start of the hike at Km 82. We follow the Urubamba river to the archaeological site of Patallacta, have lunch in Hatunchaca and reach the first camp at Ayapata.
Day 2: Ayapata – Warmiwañusca – Chaquicocha
The big day: we climb to the Warmiwañusca Pass (4,215 m), the highest point. We descend to Pacaymayo for lunch, cross the second pass of Runkurakay (4,000 m) and visit Sayacmarca before camping at Chaquicocha.
Day 3: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna
For many, the most beautiful stretch: Inca stairways and tunnels with views of the snow-capped peaks, and the sites of Phuyupatamarca, Intipata and Wiñay Wayna. Farewell dinner with the porter team.
Day 4: Inti Punku – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Before sunrise we walk to the Sun Gate to see Machu Picchu from above. Guided tour of the citadel, bus to Aguas Calientes, train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
What Condor Trek includes
- Briefing the evening before, hotel pickup and private transport to Km 82.
- Personal porter for your things (up to 7 kg): you only carry your daypack.
- Porters for tents, food and kitchen equipment; cook.
- Large tents, inflatable mattresses, dining tent with tables and chairs, and a private toilet tent just for the group.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English).
- Meals as per the itinerary (vegetarian or other diets on request), boiled water and warm water for washing.
- First-aid kit with an emergency oxygen tank.
- Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu ticket, guided tour, bus down to Aguas Calientes.
- Expedition train to Ollantaytambo and transport to Cusco. Taxes.
Not included
- First breakfast in Ollantaytambo and last lunch in Aguas Calientes.
- Sleeping bag (rental USD 25).
- Huayna Picchu (USD 75; tell us when you book, spaces sell out).
- Vistadome return train (USD 67 extra).
- Tips for the guide, cook and porters.
4-day Inca Trail price 2026
| Service | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Group | USD 790 (USD 20 discount per person for groups of 5 or more) |
| Private, 2 to 3 people | USD 995 |
| Private, 4 to 6 people | USD 895 |
| Private, 7 to 8 people | USD 775 |
How to prepare
- Arrive in Cusco 2 days before to acclimatize (tips here).
- Train by climbing stairs: the Inca Trail has thousands of stone steps.
- Pack with our list of what to bring on the Inca Trail.
- Pick the right season: read the best time to hike.
4 days or another version?
If you are short on time there is the 2-day Short Inca Trail, and if you want a calmer pace, the 5-day Inca Trail. We compare all three in Inca Trail in 2, 4 or 5 days. To see dates, visit the Classic Inca Trail or check permit availability.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I book the Inca Trail?
Inca Trail permits are limited and issued by name, and they sell out first in high season. We recommend booking several months ahead; Condor Trek needs at least 30 days before the start date to process the permit.
Is the Inca Trail open all year?
No. The Inca Trail closes every year in February for maintenance. The rest of the year it operates with a daily permit quota.
What is the highest point of the Inca Trail?
The Warmiwañusca Pass, at 4,215 m, crossed on the second day. It is the most demanding climb of the route.
How much does the 4-day Inca Trail cost?
With Condor Trek, from USD 790 per person in a group service, with a personal porter included. Private service: USD 995 (2 to 3 people), USD 895 (4 to 6) and USD 775 (7 to 8) per person.
Can I change the name on the permit?
No. The permit is issued with the name and passport number of each traveler, and you must show the original passport you booked with.