Rainbow Mountain Trek
Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. Experience the breathtaking colors of the Andes...
The 4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the ultimate trekking experience in Peru, combining breathtaking landscapes, ancient history, and a deep cultural connection. This all-inclusive journey follows original Inca stone paths through high mountain passes, cloud forests, and remarkable archaeological sites such as Wiñay Wayna. The adventure culminates at the Sun Gate, where you’ll witness your first unforgettable sunrise over Machu Picchu. Guided by local experts and supported every step of the way, this trek offers a perfect balance of challenge, comfort, and discovery an experience designed for travelers seeking something truly extraordinary.
Your Inca Trail adventure begins early with hotel pickup in Cusco and a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo and onward to KM 82, the official trailhead. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of Andean landscapes, ancient terraces, and traditional villages.
At KM 82, you’ll meet our support team and enjoy a nourishing Andean breakfast before beginning the trek. After a permit check, you’ll start hiking along a relatively gentle trail to Patallacta, an important Inca checkpoint with impressive ruins and historical significance.
The trail then ascends gradually toward Llactapata, known as the “High City,” offering insight into Inca architecture and daily life. After lunch prepared by our trekking chefs, the hike continues through small Andean communities before reaching Ayapata campsite, where you’ll relax with hot drinks, snacks, and a hearty dinner under the stars.
Hiking summary:
Day two is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. After an early breakfast, you’ll climb through cloud forest to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,828 ft), the highest point of the Inca Trail. The ascent is demanding, but the panoramic views make every step worthwhile.
After a well-earned rest at the summit, you’ll descend into the Pacaymayo Valley for lunch before continuing to Runkurakay Pass. Along the way, you’ll explore the circular ruins of Runkurakay, believed to have been a resting point for Inca messengers.
The trail then leads to the impressive site of Sayacmarca, perched dramatically on a mountainside. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Chaquicocha campsite, where you’ll enjoy a warm drink, sunset views, and a well-prepared dinner.
Hiking summary:
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles) | Time: 8–9 hours | Difficulty: Challenging
Overnight: Camping at Chaquicocha
Day three offers a more relaxed pace as the trail descends through lush cloud forest. Shortly after leaving camp, you’ll visit Phuyupatamarca, the “Town Above the Clouds,” one of the most scenic sites on the trail, with fountains, terraces, and breathtaking views.
Continuing downhill, you’ll reach Intipata, an impressive agricultural complex overlooking the Urubamba River, showcasing the Incas’ advanced farming techniques. The hike then continues to Wiñay Wayna, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved sites on the Inca Trail.
After lunch, you’ll explore the ruins of Wiñay Wayna before enjoying a special farewell dinner at camp, celebrating the journey with your guides, porters, and trekking crew.
Hiking summary:
Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles) | Time: 5–6 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
Overnight: Camping at Wiñay Wayna
The final day begins before sunrise as you hike the last section of the trail to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). From here, you’ll enjoy your first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu as it emerges from the morning mist.
After descending into the citadel, your expert guide will lead a comprehensive tour of Machu Picchu, visiting its most important areas and explaining the history, engineering, and spiritual significance of the site. You’ll then have free time to explore on your own or relax before descending to Aguas Calientes.
In the afternoon, you’ll board the train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer back to Cusco, marking the end of an extraordinary Inca Trail experience.
Hiking summary:
Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles) | Time: 2–3 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
Highlight: Sun Gate & Machu Picchu
Pre-Trek Orientation: Meet your expert guide the evening before departure at our office for a full briefing and final details, so you start the trek fully prepared and confident.
Hotel-to-Hotel Service: Enjoy a seamless start to your adventure with early morning pickup from your hotel and private transport to KM 82, the official trailhead.
Extra Porter Service: Each traveler is assigned an additional porter to carry up to 7 kg (15 lb) of personal belongings in a duffel bag, allowing you to hike comfortably with only a daypack.
Inca Trail Permits & Machu Picchu Entry: All required government permits and entrance tickets are secured in advance through our licensed operation—no stress, no hidden steps.
Professional Local Guides: Our certified guides are passionate storytellers with deep knowledge of Inca history, culture, and the landscapes you’ll explore.
Fresh Organic Peruvian Cuisine: Our trekking chefs prepare delicious meals even in remote locations, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available at no extra cost.
Safe Drinking Water: Clean, boiled, filtered, and cooled water is provided daily to keep you hydrated throughout the trek.
High-Quality Camping Equipment: Spacious Eureka 4-person tents shared by only two hikers, ensuring comfort and rest each night.
Safety First: Guides carry a complete first-aid kit and oxygen tanks at all times for your peace of mind.
Satellite Communication: Emergency satellite phones with global coverage are included for added safety in remote areas.
Return Transportation: Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, train to Ollantaytambo, and private transport back to your hotel in Cusco.
Extra Comfort Touches: Daily hot water for personal washing and a relaxed happy hour each evening before dinner—small details that make a big difference on the trail.
Travel and personal health insurance
Tips for guides, porters, and trekking staff (optional but appreciated)
Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 4
Sleeping bag, inflatable mattress, and trekking poles (available for rent upon request)
Huayna Picchu Mountain ticket (optional upgrade – USD 75 per person)
Passport
Bag
Bottle Water
Money Cash in Soles
Rain jacket or rain poncho
long-sleeve trekking shirts
short-sleeve shirts
Pants
Deport Pants
Rain Jacket
Hat
Sunglasses
Beanie
Gloves
Short
Shoes
Sunscreen
Insect Repelent
The Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are regulated by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture and SERNANP. To hike the Classic Inca Trail, every traveler must hold an official permit issued in their full name, passport number, nationality, and age.
Only 500 people per day are allowed on the Inca Trail, including guides, porters, and cooks. Once permits sell out, the trail closes for that date. Permits are limited, non-transferable, and cannot be changed, so early booking is strongly recommended—especially for peak season (May to August).
Only licensed tour operators are authorized to secure permits. If permits are sold out, we can help you arrange excellent alternative treks such as Salkantay, Lares, or Inca Quarry.
Your booking details must exactly match your passport.
Name changes are not allowed once permits are issued (passport number updates are possible).
Original passport is mandatory at Km 82 checkpoint—without it, entry is denied.
No departures in February due to annual trail maintenance.
Daily departures operate with a minimum of 2 travelers.
The Inca Trail is a moderate to challenging trek, covering approximately 40 km (24.8 miles) at high altitude. A good level of physical fitness is required. Not recommended for travelers with serious back problems.
The Andes feature unpredictable weather and multiple microclimates. Even during the dry season (April–October), rain is possible. We strongly recommend:
Waterproof jacket or poncho
Warm layers for early mornings and evenings
Trekking shoes with good grip
Sun protection and insect repellent
We provide duffel bags (7 kg / 15 lb max) for porters to carry.
4 kg for personal items
3 kg for sleeping bag and mattress
You will only access your duffel at campsites. Essentials like water, snacks, rain gear, and personal items should be carried in your daypack.
Discounts are available for:
Students aged 18–25 with a valid physical student ID
Minors aged 3–17 with a passport
Student cards must:
Be plastic (credit-card style)
Show photo, university name, and expiration date
Be valid at the time of the trek
⚠️ ISIC cards and certificates are not accepted. Incorrect documentation will result in denied entry with no refund.
A mandatory briefing takes place at our Cusco office one day before departure at 6:00 PM. You’ll meet your guide, review logistics, receive duffel bags, and clarify any final questions.
All return logistics are fully organized:
Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
Train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy
Private transfer back to your Cusco hotel
Tipping is customary but never mandatory. Most groups pool tips together:
Porters: 50–90 soles per porter
Cooks: 120–150 soles per cook
Guide: Based on your experience (recommended higher than cook)
Cell phone signal is limited and intermittent along the trail
Solo travelers share tents with same-sex hikers
Only small backpacks are allowed inside Machu Picchu
Llamas and wildlife may be seen along certain sections of the trail
Click the BOOK NOW button on our website, choose your departure date, and complete the booking form with each traveler’s details. Payment can be made securely by credit or debit card. Once permits are confirmed, your departure date is fully guaranteed.
Optional add-ons include Huayna Picchu Mountain, Vistadome Train, trekking poles, sleeping bags, and air mattresses. Huayna Picchu and Vistadome must be booked together with your Inca Trail permit due to limited availability. Other equipment can be rented in Cusco one day before departure.
The best months are May to August (dry season). April, September, October, and November offer fewer crowds. The Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance.
Our trek includes Circuit 1 (Upper Terrace) for classic panoramic photos and Circuit 3, which covers the main temples and ceremonial areas of Machu Picchu.
Yes. You may store extra luggage safely at our office in Cusco. Only items needed for the trek should be carried on the trail.
Yes. Occasionally, permits become available 2–5 days before departure due to last-minute cancellations. Availability is not guaranteed but possible.
The outstanding balance must be paid 2 days before departure at our Cusco office or by credit card (5% service fee applies).
📍 Garcilazo street 210 – Main ,Square Cusco
📞 +51 992 881 899
📧 info@salastravelperu.com
Yes. We can adjust your return logistics at no extra transport cost. You may book your own hotel or request our 3-star hotel option for an additional fee.
Yes, subject to availability. A new permit must be purchased, and train tickets adjusted. A USD 100 per person change fee applies.
Yes. Your original passport is mandatory and will be checked multiple times along the trail and at Machu Picchu.
Porters transport duffle bags to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll collect them after visiting Machu Picchu before boarding the train back to Cusco.
Return trains are usually booked between 2:55 pm and 3:20 pm, arriving in Cusco around 7:30 pm.
You must purchase water for Day 1 only. From Day 2 onward, we provide boiled and filtered water three times a day.
Reusable water bottles or hydration bladders are required. Single-use plastic bottles are prohibited on the Inca Trail.
There is no official age limit, but we recommend a minimum age of 8 years due to steep sections and altitude.
No vaccines are required. A yellow fever vaccine is not necessary for the Inca Trail.
No. Tipping is optional but appreciated. Most groups tip porters, cooks, and guides based on service quality.
Sometimes yes, if permits become available due to cancellations. However, last-minute availability is rare and not guaranteed.
Yes. Groups of 4 or more travelers receive special discounts. Private tours are available for groups of more than 10 people.
Porters must catch the only early train available. For this reason, all hikers wake up around 3:30 am on the final day.
You will arrive at the Sun Gate around 6:50 am. While you may see early morning light, the actual sunrise usually occurs before arrival.
No. Machu Picchu Mountain cannot be combined with the guided Inca Trail visit due to timing restrictions. It can be arranged separately upon request.
There is no size limit on the trail, but only small backpacks are allowed inside Machu Picchu. Larger backpacks can be stored outside the entrance.
The estimated price for the 2027 season is USD 830 per person.
Absolutely incredible experience! The guide was so knowledgeable about the Inca history. The train ride through the Sacred Valley was breathtaking. Highly recommend Salas Travel.
Everything was perfectly organized from start to finish. We didn't have to worry about a single ticket or transfer. Machu Picchu is stunning!
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