Peru · Trekking

6-Day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu with Cusco City Tour

6 Days Round trip from Cusco Challenging pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Begin the Inca Trail with stunning views of Llactapata ruins
  • 02 Conquer Dead Woman's Pass, the highest point on the Inca Trail
  • 03 Discover the remarkable Wiñayhuayna ruins nestled in the cloud forest
  • 04 Arrive at the Sun Gate for your first unforgettable view of the lost Inca city

Explore the historic city of Cusco before setting out on the famous 4-day Inca Trail through mountains, valleys, cloud forest, and ancient ruins. Along the way, discover remarkable Inca sites such as Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, and Wiñayhuayna. The journey ends with your unforgettable arrival at the Sun Gate and a guided tour of the amazing Machu Picchu. It is a perfect mix of culture, nature, and adventure.

We will reach Intipunku (the Sun Gate) by 6:30 a.m. and enjoy the breathtaking view of Machu Picchu.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Challenging
Accommodation Included · Budget
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Cusco, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Wiñay Wayna
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Cusco and Afternoon City Tour

  • When you arrive at the airport, our driver will meet you and take you to your hotel.
  • You will have a welcome coca tea to help you adjust to the altitude.
  • In the afternoon, we will start our tour.
  • First, we will visit the Cathedral in the main square.
  • Then, we will go to the Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha) and Sacsayhuamán, a large stone fortress built by the Incas.
  • After that, we will visit Qenqo, with its tunnels and canals, Puca Pucará, an old storage site, and Tambomachay, known for its water rituals.
  • We will then return to Cusco.

Meals included: -/-/-

Accommodation: Cusco

2
Day 02

Classic Inca Trail from Cusco to Wayllabamba

  • Hotel pickups start at 5:00 a.m., and we will arrive in Ollantaytambo around 6:30 a.m. for a 40-minute breakfast break.
  • Afterward, we will head to Piscacucho (Kilometer 82), the starting point of the Classic Inca Trail.
  • Our hike begins at 9:30 a.m. from Kilometer 82, where we cross the Vilcanota River and follow the flat terrain, offering great views of Huillca Raccay fortress, the Llactapata site, and the snowy Wakay Willca peak.
  • The first day is easy, and we will camp in Huayllabamba, a green valley at 3000 meters. Nighttime temperatures can drop to around 5°C.
  • Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles (approximately 6 hours of walking)
  • Difficulty: Easy / moderate
  • Walking time: Approximately 6 hours (including a luxury picnic lunch along the route)
  • Hike and terrain: Walking on open and steep paths

Meals included: B/L/D

Accommodation: Wayllabamba (Camping)

3
Day 03

Climb to Dead Woman's Pass and Camp at Pacaymayo

  • We will wake up around 5:30 a.m. and have a hot breakfast before starting a steep climb to the highest point, Abra de Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman's Pass), at 4215 meters (13829 feet).
  • Reaching the top will give you a great sense of achievement!
  • After a break, we will descend to Pacaymayo (3600 meters or 11811 feet) for lunch.
  • During the climb, we might see hummingbirds and other birds, and you'll have time to enjoy the many native plants and trees.
  • After lunch, we will face another steep climb to the Runkurakay Pass at 3750 meters (12,303 feet).
  • We will reach our campsite by 5 p.m., where it can be around 4°C at night.
  • Distance: 16 km / 10 miles (approximately 9 hours of walking time)
  • Difficulty: Moderate / Challenging

Meals included: B/L/D

Overnight: Pacaymayo (Camping)

4
Day 04

Inca Sites and Cloud Forest to Wiñay Huayna

  • We will wake up at 6:00 a.m. for breakfast and start the day with an easy climb to visit Runkurakay, an Inca site at 3750 meters (12,303 feet).
  • Afterward, we will pass Sayacmarca, a religious site with amazing views of the mountains and canyons.
  • Next, we will visit Phuyupatamarca, "City in the Clouds," just a short walk from the third pass.
  • After exploring this site, we will descend 3,000 steps through the cloud forest to the Inca agricultural site of Intipata.
  • After exploring this site, we will continue to our campsite, Wiñayhuayna, at 2680 meters (8792 feet).
  • We will walk for about 7 to 8 hours and arrive at camp by lunchtime.
  • Nighttime temperatures will be around 12°C. Near our campsite is the famous Inca site of Wiñayhuayna ("Forever Young"), which is a must-see, even if you're tired from the hike. It is one of the most impressive sites on the Inca Trail.
  • Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles (approximately 5 hours of walking)
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Meals included: B/L/D

Overnight: Wiñay Huayna (Camping)

5
Day 05

Sun Gate Arrival and Guided Tour of Machu Picchu

  • We will wake up at 4:00 a.m. and have a box breakfast to start the final part of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
  • We will reach Intipunku (the Sun Gate) by 6:30 a.m. and enjoy the breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. It's a powerful moment to imagine what the Inca people felt when they arrived at this sacred place.
  • From there, we will walk downhill for about 40 minutes to the Machu Picchu Citadel at 2430 meters (7972 feet), entering through the "House of the Guardians" and reaching the platform.
  • After registering and leaving our belongings at the checkpoint, your guide will take you on a tour through the amazing ruins and main streets.
  • You'll have time to explore the city's plazas and climb the stone steps. Machu Picchu is believed by many to be the spiritual center of the world.
  • After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore on your own.
  • Later, we will descend to Aguas Calientes and take the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo.
  • From there, we will meet our transport and take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
  • Distance: 8.9 km / 5.5 miles above sea level
  • Difficulty: Easy

Meals included: B/-/-

Overnight: Cusco

6
Day 06

Departure from Cusco

  • Our mobility will pick you up from the hotel to transfer you to the airport so you can make your journey back home filled with unforgettable memories.

Meals included: B/-/-

Accommodation: -

Llactapata ruins, Dead Woman's Pass, Intipunku (the Sun Gate), Machu Picchu

Where this trip takes you

Llactapata ruins, Dead Woman's Pass, Intipunku (the Sun Gate), Machu Picchu

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Cusco 4 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Standard category hotels (2.5 - 3 stars)
  • Campsite
  • All guided tours (English-speaking guide)
  • According to the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
  • Private transportation (Airport - Hotel - Airport)
  • Peru Rail train ticket in Expedition class: Aguas Calientes / Poroy
  • Group tour activities with shared transportation

What's Not Included

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional excursions and activities not mentioned in the program
  • Meals not mentioned in the program
  • Personal expenses and tips
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • International airport fees, if applicable

What to bring

  • Passport (original, required for Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entry)
  • Travel insurance (with trekking coverage)
  • Copies of passport and travel documents
  • Lightweight trekking pants and t-shirts (quick-dry)
  • Warm layers: fleece jacket or down jacket
  • Waterproof jacket and rain poncho
  • Thermal underwear (nights can be cold)
  • Comfortable hiking socks (multiple pairs)
  • Sturdy, worn-in hiking boots
  • Sandals or camp shoes (for evenings)
  • Hat or cap (sun protection)
  • Warm hat and gloves (for higher altitudes)
  • Sleepwear suitable for cold nights
  • Small daypack (for daily essentials)
  • Large backpack or duffel (carried by porters, if applicable)
  • Sleeping bag (rated to at least 0°C / 32°F)
  • Trekking poles (recommended, with rubber tips)
  • Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)
  • Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder
  • Lightweight towel
  • Personal toiletries (eco-friendly if possible)
  • Sunscreen (high SPF)
  • Lip balm with SPF
  • Insect repellent (with DEET)
  • Basic first aid kit (include blister care)
  • Altitude sickness medication (consult your doctor)
  • Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper (carry your own)
  • Sunglasses (UV protection)
  • Snacks and energy bars
  • Camera or smartphone (plus power bank)
  • Ziplock bags (for electronics or valuables)
  • Travel pillow and earplugs (optional but helpful)

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, Avenida Velasco Astete, Cusco, Peru
Tour start
Cusco, Peru
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 6 days finish where they began, in Cusco.

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Starting from

USD 1,520 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $1,520.00 — $1,795.00
Double Sharing $1,520.00

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