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Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Inkayni Peru Tours

Heritage route · Machu Picchu

Choose your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Compare the Short 2-day, Classic 4-day and 5-day routes, then choose group or private service with permit timing visible from the start.

Compare route optionsCheck availability
+4,000traveler review references*
3 route familiesShort, Classic and 5-day
Classic route high point4,200 m
Detailed routeClassic 4D
Route choice2D · 4D · 5D
ServiceGroup or private
Permit cueConfirm before dates
Permits + availability

Entry is capacity-controlled. Confirm space before committing to dates.

Check permit availability

Choose by time and trail depth

Which Inca Trail fits your journey?

Short 2D gives a compact trail approach with a hotel night. Classic 4D is the flagship camping route. The 5D format distributes the full trail over a longer rhythm.

See the comparison
01

Short 2D

Best for limited time and a shorter hike to the Sun Gate approach.

02

Classic 4D

Best for the complete historic trail, camping and archaeological sequence.

03

5D

Best for travelers who prefer a more distributed full-trail rhythm.

04

Group or private

Choose a scheduled group departure or a private service for your party.

Route family first · service second

Six direct ways to walk the Inca Trail

Filter by route and service to find the Inca Trail experience that fits your journey.

Heritage expedition

The trail is an archaeological journey, not only a hike

The Classic route links mountain passes, cloud forest and Inca sites before the first approach to Machu Picchu through Inti Punku.

Inca Trail route to Machu Picchu

CLASSIC TRAIL

Camp along the historic route

The 4- and 5-day routes use trail camps. The Short route uses a hotel night; confirm the exact format on the selected product.

3

Three routes. Your own pace.

Choose a short introduction, the Classic 4-day journey or a more relaxed 5-day trek.

ARCHAEOLOGY

Sites shape the rhythm

Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Wiñay Wayna and Inti Punku belong to the route story.

  • Route context, not a second itinerary

TRAIL TEAM

Porters support the full trail

Porter and camp logistics apply to the camping routes; verify inclusions on the selected product.

  • See the dedicated porter guide

ARRIVAL

Approach through Inti Punku

The trail culminates in the Sun Gate approach and Machu Picchu visit.

  • Subject to route and operational conditions

Use the product page for current operational inclusions and the supporting guides for detailed preparation.

Meet our porters

Decision support

The difference is in route depth and service style

Compare duration, overnight stays and service style, then explore the full itinerary.

The difference is in route depth and service style
OptionDurationStyleGroup sizeOvernightGearReturnDetails
Disfruta del tour 02 días Camino Inca Corto a Machupicchu02 Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Group Service2 daysGroupGroup departureHotel nightConfirm on trip pageIncluded route return · confirm productView trip →
Short two-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu02 Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Private Service2 daysPrivatePrivate serviceHotel nightConfirm on trip pageIncluded route return · confirm productView trip →
Hikers walking the Inca Trail beside stone terraces near Machu Picchu in Peru04 Day Classic Inca Trail To Machu Picchu – Group ServiceFlagship4 daysGroupGroup departureTrail campsConfirm on trip pageIncluded route return · confirm productView trip →
04 días Camino Inca Clásico a Machupicchu04 Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Private Service4 daysPrivatePrivate serviceTrail campsConfirm on trip pageIncluded route return · confirm productView trip →
Camino Inca Tour05 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Group Service5 daysGroupGroup departureTrail campsConfirm on trip pageIncluded route return · confirm productView trip →
caminos inca tour-5 day inca trail trek05 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Private Service5 daysPrivatePrivate serviceTrail campsConfirm on trip pageIncluded route return · confirm productView trip →

Availability and operational details must be reconfirmed before booking.

Traveler trust

+4,000

4,000+ traveler review references across the journey.

Read traveler experiences on Tripadvisor, TourRadar, Google and WeTravel.

★★★★★
Inca Trail landscape and archaeological sites on the route to Machu PicchuClassic Inca Trail landscape and archaeological context

Qhapaq Ñan · living heritage

Stone path, cloud forest and an archaeological sequence

Walk through mountain landscapes and cloud forest, discovering Inca archaeological sites on the way to Machu Picchu.

  1. 01 · Llactapata

    An early archaeological landmark on the Classic route.

  2. 02 · Runkurakay and Sayacmarca

    High-route sites encountered as the trail crosses its central passes.

  3. 03 · Wiñay Wayna

    A major late-route site before the final approach.

  4. 04 · Inti Punku

    The Sun Gate frames the trail arrival toward Machu Picchu.

Classic Inca Trail · 4 days

Understand the flagship route day by day

Explore the Classic 4-day journey below. For the Short 2-day or 5-day route, view the corresponding itinerary above.

Trail entryHigh passArchaeologyArrival

Conceptual route · hiking section

1234
Km 82Dead Woman’s Pass · 4,200 mMachu Picchu

Day 1 · Llactapata

Cusco – Km 82 – Llactapata – Wayllabamba

Enter the historic trail at Km 82, pass Llactapata and continue to the first camp.

Movement
Transfer + hike
Effort
Moderate
Sleep
Wayllabamba camp · 3,000 m
Highlight
Llactapata

Day 2 · Dead Woman’s Pass · 4,200 m

Wayllabamba – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayu

Climb to Warmi Wañusqa, the route high point, then descend toward Pacaymayu.

Movement
Hike
Effort
Challenging
Sleep
Pacaymayu camp · 3,580 m
Highlight
Dead Woman’s Pass · 4,200 m

Day 3 · Runkurakay · Sayacmarca · Wiñay Wayna

Pacaymayu – Runkurakay – Sayacmarca – Wiñay Wayna

Follow the archaeological spine of the route through high passes, cloud forest and Inca sites.

Movement
Hike
Effort
Moderate
Sleep
Wiñay Wayna camp · 2,680 m
Highlight
Runkurakay · Sayacmarca · Wiñay Wayna

Day 4 · Inti Punku · Machu Picchu

Wiñay Wayna – Inti Punku – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Approach Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, complete the guided visit and return by the planned rail connection.

Movement
Hike + guided visit + return
Effort
Easy
Sleep
Return to Cusco
Highlight
Inti Punku · Machu Picchu

Elevation profile

The pass changes the rhythm

Classic route high point · 4,200 m

Day 1Day 2Day 3Day 4

Classic 4D at a glance

Day by day

  1. 01
    Key momentLlactapata
    EffortModerate
    SleepWayllabamba camp · 3,000 m
  2. 02
    Key momentDead Woman’s Pass · 4,200 m
    EffortChallenging
    SleepPacaymayu camp · 3,580 m
  3. 03
    Key momentRunkurakay · Sayacmarca · Wiñay Wayna
    EffortModerate
    SleepWiñay Wayna camp · 2,680 m
  4. 04
    Key momentInti Punku · Machu Picchu
    EffortEasy
    SleepReturn to Cusco

Porters · camps · logistics

The trail team makes the full route possible

Classic 4D and 5D products use trail camps and porter-supported logistics. Short 2D follows a different hotel-based overnight model. Confirm current inclusions on the chosen product.

  1. Day 1Wayllabamba camp · 3,000 mTrail camp
  2. Day 2Pacaymayu camp · 3,580 mTrail camp
  3. Day 3Wiñay Wayna camp · 2,680 mTrail camp
  4. Day 4Return to CuscoNo trail camp

Camp assignments and operating details are confirmed for the selected departure.

Classic four-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Classic route logisticsSupport details remain product-specific and should be reconfirmed.

Plan the regulated trail

Availability first. Preparation second.

Check current permit availability, then confirm season, equipment and logistics for the exact route and service.

ALTITUDE

Acclimatize before the trail

The Classic route reaches 4,200 m at Dead Woman’s Pass. Plan acclimatization before departure.

Read hiking FAQs
Classic route high point4,200 m

SEASON

Conditions change across the Andes

Use the current product and planning guidance for seasonal conditions.

May–SepDrier tendency
Nov–MarWetter tendency

TRAIL FLOW

From confirmation to the return connection

Final timing and transport depend on the selected product.

  1. 1Confirm route and permits
  2. 2Prepare and acclimatize
  3. 3Trail entry and guided route
  4. 4Machu Picchu and return

PACKING

Pack for route, altitude and overnight style

Explore our Inca Trail packing list and confirm the equipment and luggage allowance for your selected tour.

Open packing list
  1. Trail essentialsFollow the current checklist
  2. Personal allowanceConfirm for the selected service

Why Inkayni

Local route knowledge and support along the trail

Compare the routes with Inkayni and find detailed prices, inclusions and departure information on each tour page.

  1. 01

    Direct route choice

    Six current products grouped by route and service.

  2. 02

    Permit cue up front

    Availability is visible before the user commits to dates.

  3. 03

    Dedicated trail team

    Learn about the people and camp logistics that support your trek.

Inca Trail trekking experience with Inkayni Peru Tours
Choose the route first. Confirm availability. Then plan the trail with the local team.

Current Inkayni support

Continue with the right source

Explore our guides to availability, packing, porters and hiking preparation.

Permits and dates

Inca Trail Availability 2026

Check availability →Preparation

Inca Trail Packing List: Pack Smart, Avoid Mistakes

Open packing list →Trail team

OUR INCA TRAIL PORTERS

Meet our porters →Planning

HIKING FAQs

Read hiking FAQs →

Inca Trail essentials

Questions before you choose

Use this summary to choose; confirm current operational details on the direct product page.

Which Inca Trail route should I choose?

Choose Short 2D for a compact trail approach, Classic 4D for the flagship full route, or 5D for a more distributed full-trail rhythm.

Do I need to confirm permits before booking?

Yes. Capacity is controlled, so current availability must be checked and reconfirmed for your dates.

Do all options camp?

No. The Short 2D route uses a hotel night, while the Classic 4D and 5D routes use trail camps. Confirm the exact product format.

Are porters included on every route?

Porter support applies to the camping routes according to the selected product. Do not assume the same model for the Short route.

Which route is shown in the interactive day view?

The Classic 4D route is the canonical detailed route/elevation model on this hub.

Choose with confidence

Find your Inca Trail route

Compare the direct products, check permit availability and talk with Inkayni about the route that fits your time and travel style.

Compare routesTalk to a specialist

Availability, prices and operating details are confirmed on the selected product.