Inca Trail Tours to Machu Picchu – The Ultimate Peru Hiking Adventure
Looking for the best trek to Machu Picchu? The Inca Trail is one of the most iconic hiking routes in South America, combining breathtaking Andean landscapes, ancient Inca ruins, and the unforgettable arrival at the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu.
Join Tunqui Expeditions on a 4-day Inca Trail tour and walk in the footsteps of the ancient Inca civilization. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and natural beauty.
Hiking the Inca Trail is more than just a trek — it’s a journey through history. Along the way, you’ll explore hidden archaeological sites, cloud forests, and panoramic mountain views that make this route one of the top hikes in the world.
At Tunqui Expeditions, we offer a safe and comfortable trek with everything included:
Whether you’re an experienced trekker or a first-time adventurer, our Inca Trail packages are designed to give you the best possible experience.
Looking for an Authentic and Adventurous Hike to Machu Picchu?
Our 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour is the perfect choice for small groups seeking a genuine and unforgettable experience. Join like-minded travelers from around the world on the journey of a lifetime. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or with a small group of friends, this package is an excellent option.
As you begin your 4-day adventure through the mountains and lush jungle, you’ll feel the excitement of discovering breathtaking views and ancient history. Your trek starts in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, in the charming community of Piscacucho (Km 82), about 2.5 hours from Cusco. Along the way, you’ll explore fascinating archaeological sites such as Llactapata.
You’ll ascend to the highest point of the trek, Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca), before descending into the vibrant cloud forest — the final stretch that leads to the wonder of the world: Machu Picchu.
Highlight of the Day: Explore archaeological sites and take in the breathtaking Andean landscapes.
Take your first steps on the ancient Inca Trail
Your adventure with Tunqui Expeditions begins with a hotel pickup from Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo. Pickup times vary:
Cusco: between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m.
Urubamba: between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m.
Ollantaytambo: between 6:30 and 7:00 a.m.
These times will be confirmed during your briefing the day before, depending on your accommodation. We will drive to Piscacucho (Km 82), where our porters will welcome you with a delicious breakfast prepared by our trekking chef. Your guide will introduce the team of porters who will be supporting you throughout this unforgettable journey.
We then head to the first checkpoint of the Inca Trail to officially begin our trek.
Today, you’ll walk through stunning landscapes and visit impressive archaeological sites like Canabamba and Llactapata. Feel the magic of the Inca presence as you follow their ancient path. Your expert guide will share the fascinating history of the region along the way.
After lunch in Tarayoc, we continue walking for approximately 3.5 hours to reach our first campsite in Ayapata (3,300 m / 10,827 ft). Along the route, you’ll pass by small communities where you can buy snacks or extra batteries if needed.
We’ll arrive at the camp around 5:00 p.m. Relax your tired legs, enjoy a hot drink and snacks, and reflect on your first full day on the trail. Dinner will be served around 7:30 p.m., followed by a well-deserved rest under the Andean sky.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Campsite
Difficulty: Moderate (Getting used to the Inca Trail)
Hiking Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
Hiking Time: 6 – 7 hours
Highest Altitude: 3,300 m / 10,827 ft
Campsite Altitude: 3,300 m / 10,827 ft
Highlight of the Day: Reaching the highest point of the Inca Trail and enjoying spectacular views of the Andean mountain range.
Enjoy incredible views from the heart of the Andes
Get ready for the most challenging day of your trek. You’ll start the morning with a gentle wake-up call in your private tent and a hot cup of coca tea — a traditional remedy to help combat altitude sickness and energize for the day ahead.
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast, as today’s trail leads to the highest point of the Inca Trail: Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca) at 4,215 m / 13,829 ft. The steep ascent takes about 4 hours, but your efforts will be rewarded with the most breathtaking panoramic views of the towering Andes. Take a moment at the summit to connect with nature and feel the presence of the ancient Inca spirits who once walked this sacred path.
After resting at the pass, we descend for 1.5 hours into the Pacaymayu Valley, where we’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch. Don’t forget to refill your water bottles — we do this every day after lunch.
Following lunch, we begin a moderate 45-minute ascent to the Runkurakay archaeological site, a small but important ruin with views of two beautiful waterfalls cascading down the mountainsides. We’ll take our time exploring the site before continuing the climb for another 45 minutes to the second pass, Runkurakay Pass.
Here, you’ll have time to rest and take in your last panoramic views of this section of the Andes. It’s a perfect place to hold a small ceremony and express gratitude to Pachamama (Mother Earth) by offering a small tribute to the mountains.
The descent continues for about an hour toward the next site, Sayacmarca, a fascinating Inca settlement perched on a steep ridge. Though almost inaccessible, the views and history are worth every step. Your knowledgeable guide will bring the ancient site to life as the sunlight casts golden hues on the Vilcabamba mountain range.
From Sayacmarca, it’s just 25 more minutes of walking to reach our camp for the night in Chaquicocha (3,600 m / 11,811 ft). After dinner, enjoy the serenity of the high Andes and look up — the night sky is a spectacular display of stars, and your guide can share the Inca constellations and myths that fill the cosmos.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Campsite
Difficulty: Challenging
Hiking Distance: 16 km / 9.94 miles
Hiking Time: 8 – 9 hours
Highest Altitude: 4,215 m / 13,829 ft
Campsite Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
Highlight of the Day: Travel back in time at Wiñay Wayna and celebrate with your trekking team.
Feel the magic of the Incas as you visit ancient sites
Congratulations! You’ve completed the hardest part of the Inca Trail. Today brings a well-earned reward with a more relaxed pace and some of the most beautiful scenery of the trek.
After a great night’s sleep, we’ll wake up around 6:30 a.m. so you can take your time enjoying breakfast and soaking in the peaceful morning. The hike begins with a 1.5-hour walk through lush vegetation and stunning scenery as the cloud forest begins to thicken. Along the way, you’ll get breathtaking views of the Salkantay Glacier on one side and the jungle-covered mountains of the Vilcabamba Range on the other.
Next, we ascend to the final high point of the trail, Phuyupatamarca (3,650 m / 11,975 ft), a mystical Inca site often above the clouds. From here, we descend for about 2.5 hours down a stone path with impressive stairways and tropical views until we reach Intipata, an important agricultural site. Here you can rest and admire the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Urubamba River winding through the valley like a serpent.
After soaking in the views, we continue walking 30 more minutes to reach our final campsite near Wiñay Wayna — a name that means “Forever Young” in Quechua. This beautiful archaeological complex is considered one of the highlights of the Inca Trail.
We’ll enjoy lunch and then explore Wiñay Wayna with your guide, who will bring this ancient place to life with stories and history that will stir your imagination. You’ll walk through terraced fields and temples, feeling deeply connected to a time long gone but never forgotten.
Back at the campsite, you’ll enjoy a special farewell celebration with your trekking group, porters, and cooks — the team that made this journey possible. It’s the perfect moment to express your appreciation with a tip if you wish, and say goodbye to the incredible support crew.
Tonight, we go to bed early to be ready for the most magical part of the trek: Machu Picchu at sunrise.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Campsite
Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking Distance: 9 km / 5.6 miles
Hiking Time: 8 – 9 hours
Highest Altitude: 3,650 m / 11,975 ft
Campsite Altitude: 2,650 m / 8,694 ft
Highlight of the Day: Exploring legendary Machu Picchu and uncovering its secrets.
Visit the Lost City of the Incas: Machu Picchu
Today, all your hard work over the past days will be rewarded with the most incredible prize — your first view of Machu Picchu at sunrise.
We’ll wake you up at 3:30 a.m., provide your packed breakfast, and prepare to head out early. Around 4:00 a.m., we’ll be among the first groups to line up at the final checkpoint. After a brief wait, we’ll hike for about an hour along a narrow trail toward the Sun Gate (Intipunku).
As the morning light begins to illuminate the sky, you’ll catch your first magical glimpse of Machu Picchu — a sight that will take your breath away.
Congratulations! You’ve made it! After days of trekking through mountains, cloud forests, and ancient ruins, you’ve arrived at one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Take a moment to honor this sacred site that has patiently awaited your arrival for centuries. You’ll feel something stir deep within — a connection to the wisdom and spirit of the Inca civilization.
Your guide will lead a 1.5-hour tour through the most important sections of the citadel, including the Temple of the Sun, the Main Plaza, ceremonial fountains, agricultural terraces, and more. Along the way, you’ll learn about the advanced engineering, astronomy, and spirituality that made Machu Picchu one of the most remarkable creations of the ancient world.
If you’ve booked additional tickets in advance, you can also climb Huayna Picchu or Huchuy Picchu for panoramic views.
After the tour, we’ll take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll enjoy lunch at a restaurant of your choice. Later, you’ll board the train to Ollantaytambo — tickets are usually scheduled for 3:20 p.m. or 4:22 p.m., depending on availability.
Once you arrive at the train station, a member of our team will be waiting to drive you back to your hotel in Cusco in a private vehicle, marking the end of your unforgettable journey.
Meals: Breakfast
Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
Hiking Time: 2 – 3 hours
Sun Gate Altitude: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft
Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
Huayna Picchu Altitude: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft
Machu Picchu Mountain Altitude: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft
At Tunqui Expeditions, we clearly specify the services included and not included in all of our tour itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all logistics to ensure a smooth and safe experience, but please pay close attention to the details so you don’t miss anything important.
Some elements may vary depending on the specific program, so be sure to read carefully before booking with us.
All camping gear will be carried by our team of porters and includes:
We believe that attention to detail is what sets us apart from other local tour companies.
Our guides carry a fully charged satellite phone at all times to ensure connectivity with doctors, hospitals, or family — even in remote areas. It’s also available for non-emergency use if needed.
At Tunqui Expeditions, we aim to provide a complete and worry-free experience on the Inca Trail. However, there are some items not included in the standard package. Below is a detailed list of what’s not covered and may require an additional fee or personal preparation.
If you don’t have your own, you can rent a high-quality sleeping bag from us. Our sleeping bags are mummy-shaped, include a clean sleeping liner, and are rated to withstand cold temperatures as low as -18°C / 0°F. Each bag is sanitized after use and limited to 30 total trips to ensure quality.
Rental fee: US$ 20.00 per person
Trekking poles with rubber tips are highly recommended for uneven terrain and for extra support during steep climbs and descents. You can rent a set from us if needed.
Rental fee: US$ 20.00 per person
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and unexpected delays during your journey.
While our porters, chefs, and guides receive fair wages, tipping is customary and always appreciated for the hard work and dedication of the team. Most groups pool their tips to distribute fairly among the porters and kitchen crew.
Unpredictable factors such as landslides, severe weather, health issues, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, or other force majeure events may affect the itinerary. These are not the responsibility of Tunqui Expeditions and may lead to extra costs.
Huayna Picchu is the iconic peak located to the north of Machu Picchu, famous for its steep stairs and stunning panoramic views of the citadel below. The hike takes about 45 minutes and is ideal for adventurous travelers who are not afraid of heights.
Important:
At Tunqui Expeditions, we want your journey to Peru to be as memorable and stress-free as possible. In this section, you’ll find answers to the most common questions about traveling with us — all in one place.
Please read the following information carefully, as it will help you prepare for your adventure and understand the details of our services.
Still have a question that’s not listed here?
Send us a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
¡Perfecto! Continuamos con la traducción detallada de cada bloque de la sección de Preguntas Frecuentes, manteniendo un tono profesional, claro y optimizado para SEO. Aquí va:
It’s very important to be properly acclimatized to the altitude before attempting any strenuous trekking. We highly recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 to 3 days before your Inca Trail tour to give your body time to adjust and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
If you’ve already spent time at high altitude in another region of Peru, we still suggest taking at least one full day in Cusco to rest, recover from travel, and enjoy the city before your hike.
Here are a few recommended activities near Cusco to enjoy before your adventure:
All tour briefings are held at our main office in Cusco (or at your hotel upon request) at 5:00 p.m. the day before your trek begins. The briefing lasts approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
If you are unable to attend at that time, please contact us by email, phone, or in person to reschedule your briefing.
If you have a remaining balance for your trek, it must be paid at least 2 days before your departure date, otherwise your reservation cannot be confirmed.
We appreciate payments made in cash (either in US dollars or Peruvian soles) at our office in Cusco. You can withdraw money from various ATMs along Avenida El Sol.
We also accept credit/debit cards or PayPal (online or in person), but please note that both Niubiz and PayPal charge a 5% service fee.
We do not accept personal checks or traveler’s checks.
You’ll receive a duffel bag during your pre-trek briefing. Our porters will carry this for you and deliver it to each campsite.
The bag measures 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 inches) and has a weight limit of 7 kg / 15.4 lb, including your sleeping bag, inflatable mattress, clothes, and personal items.
Absolutely! You may leave your extra luggage at our office in Cusco or at your hotel — both options are free of charge.
Most hotels offer storage services, but we recommend not leaving valuables inside your luggage. Instead, store them in the hotel’s safe and request a detailed receipt in case of loss or theft (many travel insurance companies require it).
For extra peace of mind, seal sensitive items like credit cards in a signed envelope.
Here’s a complete checklist to help you prepare for your adventure. Please read carefully and pack accordingly to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trek.
Note: Porters will carry up to 7 kg / 15.4 lb of your personal belongings. This includes your sleeping bag and inflatable mattress (together they weigh approx. 3.5 kg if rented or brought).
The 4-Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu can depart on any day of the week from March through January.
Note: We do not operate this itinerary in February due to the rainy season and trail maintenance closures.
This small-group tour is guaranteed with just 2 participants.
Important:
PayPal charges a 5% service fee, which is the client’s responsibility for online deposits. The remaining balance can be paid in cash in Cusco with no additional fees.
Enhance your trip with any of the following add-on experiences:
Rainbow Mountain: US$ 100.00 → Special offer: US$ 80.00
Sacred Valley Tour: US$ 100.00 → Special offer: US$ 80.00
Cusco City Tour: US$ 50.00 → Special offer: US$ 40.00You may add the following items to your booking:
Enhance your experience with these popular options:
Once your reservation is confirmed, your price is locked in — guaranteed. No matter what changes occur, we won’t increase your rate.
Before booking, please make sure to read all important information about this tour.
Please email it to: info@tunquiexpeditions.com
