Hike the most historical trek to Machu Picchu
Hikes one of the world’s most famous trekking tours to Machu Picchu, a short but tough hike of 43 km/26.6 miles through the undulating Andes mountains.
Our Favorite TourWhat is the Inca Trail treks? It is an experience you don’t want to miss. It should inspire some excitement and stir a little sense of wonder in your soul. It is one of the popular things to do in South America and the world’s most famous hikes. The hikes bring along ancient paths into the Peruvian villages through the Andean highlands. It’s a multi-day hike of 4 days 3 nights to the greatest endpoint of the iconic Machupicchu.
Experience the famous Inca Trail for 1, 2, 4 or 7 amazing days, and pass through the Sun Gate for that first magical sighting of Machu Picchu Inca city! This itinerary is the perfect combination of history and beauty: visiting amazing Inca ruins along the way while you take in the lush green cloud forest, Andean mountain passes and vast landscape.
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The Classic Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that every adventure seeker needs to journey. This iconic 4-day hike leads to one of the most beautiful wonders and archeological sites of the world: Machu Pichu. Trek back in time as you walk in the footsteps of the Inca and discover astonishing ecological diversity and gain appreciation for the rich history and traditions of the Incan people. Witness first hand the incredible engineering feats of the historic sanctuaries: Runcuracay, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñayhuayna, and Machu Picchu itself.
The Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary covers 32,952 acres and accompanies 10 diverse ecological zones from glacial peaks to tropical forests. It also homes over 450 species of birds and 200 species of orchids!
Along the 42-kilometer or 26-mile trail, you’ll walk along the original cobblestone path and staircases the ancient Incan kings walked nearly 500 years ago. Experience altitudes of up to 4,200 meters, famous archeological sites, diverse landscapes, and an array of plants and wildlife. This challenging hike never has a dull moment and is perfect for any adventurer looking for a rewarding and illuminting experience.
USD 697
4Days - 3Nights
Adventure, Trek
The Lares Valley Trek + Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the best trek for someone looking to experience the rich culture and unforgettable views of Peru. The first stage of your trek is a complete cultural experience in the imposing mountain peaks of the Andes. Trek through glacial peaks, stunning turquoise glacial lakes, waterfalls tumbling down the mountain side and herds of llamas and Alpacas peacefully grazing. Spend your nights in isolated communities, where the way of life hasn’t changed since the time of the ancient Incas. Your next stage is the awesome privilege to follow the original footpath of the Incas as they made their way to the Inca City of Machu Picchu. Along the way explore the ancient Inca religious cities and enter through the infamous Sun Gate directly to the Machu Picchu Citadel. Our final stage is a day completely dedicated to the Citadel, where you will receive a personalized and unique tour of the majestic archeological site. This trek offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Peru while exploring its breathtaking natural wonders.
The fast trekked 1 Day Inca trail hike is perfect for those who are short on time but still want to experience the world-famous Inca Trail and the marvel of Machu Picchu. Starting from KM104, you will embark on a hike along the Inca trail passing by various archaeological sites and encountering unique mountain and rainforest flora and fauna. Along the way, you will be treated to breathtaking views of snow-capped mountain peaks, lush valleys, and the tranquil Urubamba River from the top of the awe-inspiring ancient site, Wiñay Wayna. As you continue your journey, the Sun Gate will unveil your first breathtaking view of the magnificent Inca City of Machu Picchu. From this vantage point, you will be able to admire the unobstructed views of the citadel and be captivated by its sheer size and architectural marvel. For anyone with limited time, this trek is the perfect opportunity to embark on an unforgettable adventure.
The Classic Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that every adventure seeker needs to journey. This iconic 4-day hike leads to one of the most beautiful wonders and archeological sites of the world: Machu Pichu. Trek back in time as you walk in the footsteps of the Inca and discover astonishing ecological diversity and gain appreciation for the rich history and traditions of the Incan people. Witness first hand the incredible engineering feats of the historic sanctuaries: Runcuracay, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñayhuayna, and Machu Picchu itself.
The Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary covers 32,952 acres and accompanies 10 diverse ecological zones from glacial peaks to tropical forests. It also homes over 450 species of birds and 200 species of orchids!
Along the 42-kilometer or 26-mile trail, you’ll walk along the original cobblestone path and staircases the ancient Incan kings walked nearly 500 years ago. Experience altitudes of up to 4,200 meters, famous archeological sites, diverse landscapes, and an array of plants and wildlife. This challenging hike never has a dull moment and is perfect for any adventurer looking for a rewarding and illuminting experience.
The short hike of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, will provide you with views of impressive Inca ruins, expansive mountains, lush subtropical vegetation and extraordinary ecological varieties. The ancient and original Inca Road goes through the National Park and takes you through the Sun Gate with unforgettable views of Machu Picchu! People hiking the short Inca Trail Trek will have the privilege of seeing the famous Machu Picchu Citadel in the afternoon on the first day and also visiting it again for a guided tour the next morning! This trek was designed for those with little travel time or who prefer hotel rooms to camping, yet still want to experience part of the Historic Inca Trail and walk the magical wonder of the world that is Machu Picchu!
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu has been coined in many guidebooks as the ‘best trek in the world’ and with a bit of training, almost anyone can walk the Inca Trail, but only with a permit.
Specialising in high quality treks along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for more than three decades, here’s everything you need to know about hiking the Inca Trail, with bonus tips from our adventure experts.
The Inca Trail is considered a difficult trek because of its high elevation and sections of steep stone steps. However, the diverse landscapes and stunning views make this trek a worthwhile challenge!
The Inca Trail is the only hiking option that ends directly at the Machu Picchu citadel. The Inca Trail is available as a 4 day trek as well as a 2 day shortened version. Alternative hiking options to the Inca Trail also include a tour of Machu Picchu on the last day, however they do not end at the Machu Picchu ruins. For example, the Salkantay trek ends in Aguas Calientes while the Lares trek ends at the Ollantaytambo train station.
The 2 day and 4-day Inca Trail use the same trail, just with different starting points. The 4 day option starts at KM 82 near Ollantaytambo while the 2 day version starts at KM 104. The 2 day version bypasses Dead Woman’s Pass and the other more difficult spots, making it a more moderate trek. Both options still take you directly to the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu.
| 2-Day | 4-Day |
| Overnight in hotel in Aguas Calientes | 3 overnights camping |
| Trailhead at KM 104 | Trailhead at KM 82 |
| Difficulty: Moderate | Difficulty: Hard |
| One day of hiking & one day of touring Machu Picchu | 3-days of hiking & one day of touring Machu Picchu |
Packing essentials for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchuare:
Six months in advance. Inca Trail permits go on sale at the end of each year for the following year. For high season dates from May – September, permits can sell out six months in advance. If you are flexible with your travel dates and don’t mind hiking during the shoulder seasons (March/April, October/November) or rainy season (December/January), less advanced planning is required.
Also, If you wish to hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain once you are within Machu Picchu, be sure to bring this up to your travel advisor. These hikes have limited availability and a permit must be purchased about six months in advance for these hikes as well.
The 4 day Inca Trail tour with SAM Corp will include plenty of food to keep you fueled for this grueling hike. Breakfast will be a big spread, while lunches and dinners include soups, chicken and rice, fried fish, veggies, french fries, beans and more.
Tell your Travel Advisor in advance if you have any dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. Dietary restrictions are easily accommodated and will have just as much nutritious food.
Yes. Peru’s Ministry of Tourism has made it mandatory to be accompanied by a registered tour guide to hike the 4 day and 2 day Inca Trail.
A private Inca Trail tour is best for those concerned about their experience level affecting the rest of the group or for those simply wanting to do the trail with fewer people. On the other hand, a group Inca Trail tour allows travelers to share their hiking experience with new people.
SAM Corp groups Inca Trail tours have a maximum of 8 people per guide so that even in a group tour, you will feel well looked after.
For the most affordable Inca Trail hike, opt for a group tour instead of private. Tips for porters and chefs can be split between larger groups, making total costs per person cheaper. We ensure that our tours offer the best quality and value, while also providing fair wages to porters, guides and chefs.
It is recommended to do some physical activity prior to your trip so that you’re in good physical condition to hike for multiple days. Walk or jog in your neighborhood, go on hikes in your region, do cardio exercises at the gym, and/or practice yoga or other physical activities. Also, prior to the hike, allow yourself the time to acclimate in Cusco for at least two days.
The best time to hike the Inca Trail is during the dry season from May to September. Nights will be chillier, but you are unlikely to have rain during your trek. The next best time is during the shoulder seasons, March – April and October – November.
The rainy season from December to January isn’t recommended unless you really prefer few people and don’t mind the rain. Note that the Inca Trail is closed during the entire month of February for maintenance and safety reasons.
Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness, occurs in 40-50 percent of people who live in low elevation areas traveling to an elevation of 10,000 feet or more. It occurs in 25 percent of people traveling to a destination of 8,000 feet or more. It is a temporary condition characterized by slight headache, shortness of breath when walking, fatigue, minor dizziness and loss of appetite. Symptoms develop between 6 to 24 hours of being at higher elevations, and last one to three days. It is typically mild and no need for alarm.
There are many ways to combat altitude sickness, like drinking lots of water, avoiding heavy and fatty foods, no smoking or drinking alcohol, eating whole grains and veggies and taking it slow the first couple days. Do not begin a challenging hike the first two days at high elevation, start your trek on day three the earliest.
We do not directly offer travel insurance but can provide recommendations. Insurance companies such as itravelinsured, World Nomads, insuremytrip, and SquareMouth are good options. Please note that SAM Corporations does not have any affiliation with the listed travel insurance companies. For a free quote and policy options you will need to contact the companies directly. It will be important to select a company and policy that fits your needs, even if not one listed there.
Contact Us today to cross the Inca Trail off your hiking bucket list!
Sam Corporations is a 100% Peruvian family-owned company with no shareholders. We offer a highly exclusive personalized service of the highest quality. Our treks are operated by our regularly trained and highly experienced SAM CORPORATIONS staff and guides. We strive to be environmentally sustainable and a responsible tour operator by incorporating the most important universal principles of tourism. Our team has been trained within these principles.
We have put together packages that include locations that we have personally experienced. Traveling the great length of our country we have compiled the most compelling, must visit location in Peru. Sam Corporations will take you on an unparalleled journey in our modern vehicles, in small intermate groups, whilst upholding our reputation as an outstanding service provider.
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