Classic Inca trail – 4 days

The sooner, the better. Ideally, book about 8 months in advance and, in high season (April to October), at least 6 months ahead. The government limits Inca Trail access to just 200 hikers per day, not counting support staff and porters.

That is why we recommend booking as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.

The Andes have two seasons: the dry season, from April to October, and the rainy season, from November to March. Even in the rainy season, a single day can bring cloudy skies and plenty of heat. The Inca Trail opens on March 1 and stays open until the end of January; the busiest months are April to September. Machu Picchu lies in the cloud forest, with a warm, humid climate and temperatures between 8 °C and 20 °C (46 °F and 68 °F), so bring clothes for both cold and warm weather.

The Classic Inca Trail follows one of the best-preserved sections of the original Inca road. Because of high demand and limited permits, not every traveler gets a spot.

It is a hike for couples, friends and families, but it requires prior physical preparation, good fitness, a real desire to hike and the ability to move on your own throughout the route. We recommend spending one or two days in Cusco before the hike to acclimatize to the altitude.

The Inca Trail requires permits booked in advance, because daily spots are limited; that makes it a more exclusive and sought-after route. Salkantay does not need a special permit, so it has more availability and flexible dates.

Salkantay also offers better lodging and toilet facilities at the campsites, and includes a hotel night in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu. On the Classic Inca Trail, by contrast, you reach the citadel directly from the campsite.

The Inca Trail costs more because of the permit price, while Salkantay is more affordable without losing quality. The Inca Trail is slightly more demanding, although both routes require good fitness and prior acclimatization in Cusco. Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain entry is paid separately and requires its own tickets.

We recommend the hike for children aged 8 and over who are used to walking and outdoor activities. There is no maximum age for adults: many travelers in their 60s and 70s, and even older, complete the route without problems. Even so, we advise a medical check-up beforehand and travel insurance covering hiking and medical emergencies.

More than age, what matters is being able to walk for several hours. If you are traveling with children or older adults, we suggest the private service: you will go at your own pace, have more time with the guide and be able to stop longer at the places that interest you most.

We work with groups of 8 to 16 travelers, so the Inca Trail is a unique experience. Departures are guaranteed from 4 people and, even if there are no other travelers on your date, the departure goes ahead: we never share or transfer groups to other agencies.

If you are traveling solo or in a group of 2 or 3, you can ask to join an already scheduled shared group, subject to availability. Email us at info@sakuraexpedition.com for more information.

As such a busy route, the Inca Trail needs maintenance every year. This work is done in February, the month with the heaviest rains, and the trail reopens on March 1.

To enjoy the adventure and avoid altitude sickness, we recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days in advance. During that time you can acclimatize with activities such as a half-day city tour or a full-day trip to the Sacred Valley.

If you are coming from another high-altitude area of Peru, 1 full day in Cusco to rest before the hike may be enough.

Its difficulty is high. The most demanding day is the second, because of the climb to Warmiwañusca Pass, at over 4,200 m (13,780 ft) above sea level. With good acclimatization and a steady pace, most travelers complete the route without problems.

The full route is about 45 km (28 miles), spread over days of 5 to 7 hours of hiking, depending on the group’s pace, the weather, and stops to rest and visit the archaeological sites.

The hike starts at Piscacucho (Km 82), at 2,720 m (8,923 ft) above sea level. The highest point is Warmiwañusca Pass, or Dead Woman’s Pass, at 4,200 m (13,779 ft), reached on the second day.

It is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended. Good insurance gives you support with unforeseen events such as lost luggage, cancellations, illness, tourist services missed due to delays, strikes or natural disasters during the trip.

Yes. One day before, your guide will give you a detailed briefing, in a group or in person, at your hotel.

Only if you provide a copy of both the new and the old passport, as required by the government. If you no longer have the old passport, any official ID with the same name is accepted. Also check that your passport does not expire within six months before or during the trip.

Most travelers arrive by plane. Cusco airport only receives domestic flights, so if you are coming from abroad via Lima, you must collect your luggage in Lima and check it in again for the flight to Cusco. Several airlines fly the Lima – Cusco route with similar schedules.

No, the first breakfast is not included. You can ask your hotel for a box breakfast or have breakfast at our stop in Ollantaytambo, before continuing to Piscacucho (Km 82).

Comfortable, light clothing suited to the Andean climate. The essentials: trekking shoes with good support and grip, quick-dry pants, rainwear or a poncho, a suitable backpack, a hat or cap, poles for the climbs and descents, insect repellent, sunscreen and a camera with a charged battery.

Yes. Our porters carry up to 5 kg of personal luggage per traveler, sleeping bag included. This luggage travels with the porter team and will be available to you at each campsite.

If you want to bring more luggage for your own use during the hike, you can hire a personal porter for up to 14 kg for US$ 160. Book it in advance to make sure it is available.

If you prefer to carry your clothes, personal items and sleeping bag yourself, we recommend a 50 to 65 liter trekking backpack with good lumbar support and adjustable straps. Pack only what you need, because you will carry it along the whole route, including the climb to Warmiwañusca.

For more comfort, you can hire a porter: US$ 90 for 7 kg or US$ 160 for 14 kg. Your things will then travel with the camping equipment.

We have tents for 2 and for 4 people. If two travelers want a tent to themselves, just ask when booking, at no extra cost. Single tents are available on prior request at an additional cost.

They are very useful and we recommend them. Along the route you will go down many stairs carved by the Incas, of different heights and not always straight; poles relieve pressure on your knees and give you support on the climbs. If you bring your own, they must have rubber tips or the park rangers will not let you use them.

Drones are not allowed: Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail are protected by the Peruvian government and UNESCO. GoPro and small cameras are allowed.

Yes. Our kitchen team prepares vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options at no extra cost. Just tell us your preferences or restrictions when booking, so we can plan the meals properly.

The guided visit lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours on Circuit 3B. Along the way, the guide will share the history, architectural details and secrets of the Inca citadel.

Yes. The main campsites and checkpoints have toilet facilities managed by the Ministry of Culture, and we also set up a portable toilet exclusively for our travelers at authorized campsites. Some campsites have cold-water showers and, for your comfort, the team will give you hot water every day for personal hygiene.

Signal is limited. On the first day, most carriers usually have coverage until about 10:30 a.m.; after that it is lost for much of the route. In higher areas and at campsites such as Wayllabamba and Llulluchapampa, some carriers may have signal, although it is not guaranteed. We recommend letting family and friends know you may be out of contact for much of the hike.

There are no charging points on the route. Bring a fully charged power bank to keep your phone, camera or other devices running during the four days.

Strikes, demonstrations or roadblocks may change schedules or services in the itinerary. Our operations team monitors the situation constantly to give you timely solutions.

If something unexpected happens, we coordinate alternatives, schedule changes, alternative routes or rescheduling according to the Ministry of Culture’s rules, always with your safety in mind. Since some changes may involve additional costs, we recommend having travel insurance.

If you feel unwell because of the altitude, fatigue or another cause, the guide will assess your situation immediately and assist you. Depending on your condition and where you are on the route, we will coordinate your return by the safest route or help from the authorities: the Ministry of Culture, SERNANP and the High Mountain Division of the Peruvian National Police.

Yes. If you take the train the next day at the same time as in your original itinerary (usually 6:20 p.m.), there is no additional charge. If you need us to book your hotel or another visit to Machu Picchu, there is an additional cost.

Let us know at least one month in advance, so we can buy your train ticket for the correct date.

Permits are allocated in order of purchase and usually sell out months in advance. If there is no space on your preferred date, we will offer you other dates or alternative treks to Machu Picchu, such as Salkantay or the 2-Day Short Inca Trail.

1. Availability check: Email us at info@sakuraexpedition.com to check dates. We will send you a booking form for each participant.

2. Traveler details: To process the permits, we need each traveler’s full name, gender, passport number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and nationality, exactly as they appear on the passport. Without these details we cannot buy permits or tickets.

3. Deposit: Once the forms are complete, we will ask for a deposit of US$ 300 per person to buy the permits.

4. Confirmation: Once the permits are secured, you will receive the official confirmation invoice and your booking will be 100% guaranteed.

Unfortunately not. The Inca Trail requires buying permits, tickets and train tickets in advance, so the deposit to confirm the booking is non-refundable and non-transferable. Before making any changes, check the cancellation conditions and deadlines with your sales executive.

Yes. During the hike, you can store your main luggage free of charge at our office or at your hotel.

Yes, tipping is part of the tradition of hikes to Machu Picchu. Although our team receives fair pay, any extra gratuity is always appreciated. It is not mandatory and should never feel like an obligation.