Classic Inca Trail 4 Days Group Tour
From, per person
US$ 950
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- Salkantay Trek
- Salkantay & Classic Inca Trail Trek 7 Days
Salkantay & Classic Inca Trail Trek 7 Days
Duration7 days / 6 nights
DifficultyChallenging
Max. altitude4,650 m
Group sizeMax 16
- Tour type
- Adventure and cultural
- Languages
- EN / ES
- Starts in
- Cusco
- Ends in
- Cusco
Overview
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 7 days is the perfect Peru adventure for travelers who want to combine culture, history, and one of the world’s most iconic hikes in a single unforgettable journey. This carefully designed experience allows you to explore Cusco, discover the beauty of the Sacred Valley, and complete the legendary Inca Trail before arriving at Machu Picchu.
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 7 days is ideal for travelers who want more than a standard trekking program. Instead of focusing only on the trail, this itinerary creates a deeper connection with the heart of the Inca world by including time to experience the region before the hike begins.
As the journey unfolds, you will discover why the Inca Trail remains one of the most desired trekking routes in South America. The route is known for its ancient stone paths, mountain scenery, cloud forest sections, archaeological sites, and the unforgettable arrival through the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu. The classic version of the Inca Trail itself is generally recognized as the traditional 4-day / 3-night trek covering roughly 44 kilometers, which is why 7-day versions usually add broader touring elements around Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
- Humantay Lake at 4,200 m
- Salkantay glacier and the Inca Chiriasca pass
- Classic Inca Trail over Dead Woman's Pass
- Arrival through the Sun Gate
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day01
Challacancha - Humantay Lake - Soraypampa
We will be pick you up from your hotel at 4:30 am and take by our private van for 3 hours to the village of challacancha (3750m/12303ft), from where we start our hike. Our hike Begin for 3 hours following along an Inca…
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Day02
Soraypampa - Inca Chiriasca Pass - Huanomachay - Inca Canal
We will wake you up early in the morning with a cup of hot coca tea in your tents. Once enjoyed an energetic healthy breakfast we will start hiking for 1 and a half hours until we reach Salkantay Pampa (4100m/13451ft).…
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Day03
Inca Canal - Paucarcancha - Huayllabamba
We will wake you up early in the morning with a cup of hot coca tea in your tents and then have an energetic healthy breakfast. We will start our journey for 3 hours until we get to the beautiful Inca site of Paucarcanc…
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Day04
Huayllabamba - Dead woman’s - Pacaymayu
You will be woken up with hot drink (coca tea) and enjoy our energetic healthy breakfast prepared by our master chef. Then we will start our 4 hours climb until we get to the dead woman’s pass (4215m/13828ft). Along the…
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Day05
Pacaymayu - Chaquicocha - Phuyupatamarca
We wake you up at around 7:00 am with a cup of coca tea in your tent and then have an energetic healthy breakfast. Today we will only have a short hike but we will visit two amazing archaeological sites and walk through…
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Day06
Phuyupatamarca - Wiñaywayna - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes
Today we will try to wake up early at around 5:00am in order to enjoy the sun rise and beautiful views. We will enjoy our healthy energetic breakfast and then continue our journey descending for 3 and a half hours until…
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Day07
Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - Cusco
Today is very important, today you'll get up early morning, your breakfast will be at the hotel normally pick up time from the hotels is around 5:00am in order to catch up the first buses, because the first buses are le…
What's included
Included
- Professional English & Spanish speaking tour guide throughout the entire trek and Machu Picchu visit.
- Muleteer drivers and horse mules during the Salkantay section (Days 1–3).
- Porters to carry camping equipment during the Inca Trail section (Days 4–6).
- Official Salkantay Path permit.
- Humantay Lake entrance ticket.
- Official Inca Trail permit.
- Machu Picchu entrance permit (Circuit #3 – La Clásica Diseñada).
- All meals during the trek prepared by a professional trekking chef.
- Organic energetic breakfasts, organic buffet lunches, and organic buffet dinners.
- Snacks and drinking water during the hiking days.
Not included
- Trekking poles.
- Sleeping bags.
- Air mattresses.
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes town on the last day.
- Tips for muleteers, porters, trekking chef, and tour guide (optional).
- Personal expenses and extra drinks not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Travel insurance (highly recommended).
Packing list and tips
- Original passport (checked at checkpoints, trains and Machu Picchu)
- Broken-in hiking boots with ankle support
- Daypack of 25 to 35 litres
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Warm layers: fleece, down jacket, hat and gloves
- Sun hat, sunglasses and SPF 50 sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal medication and toilet paper
- Some Peruvian soles in cash
- Swimsuit if hot springs are on the route
Recommendations
Arrive in Cusco at least two to three days before the trek to properly acclimatize to the altitude.
Bring your original passport, as it is required for permits and Machu Picchu entry.
Use well-broken-in hiking boots with good traction and ankle support.
Dress in layers to adapt to cold mornings, warm afternoons, and changing mountain weather.
Carry a waterproof jacket or poncho, even during the dry season.
Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat due to strong UV radiation at high altitude.
Stay well hydrated and drink water frequently during the trek.
Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before and during hiking days.
Bring a small daypack for personal items such as water, snacks, camera, and sunscreen.
Carry cash in Peruvian soles for tips and small personal expenses.
Consider renting trekking poles for better stability on steep sections.
Bring a warm sleeping bag suitable for cold nights in the Andes.
Purchase travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and outdoor activities.
Respect local communities, archaeological sites, and follow your guide’s instructions at all times.
Inca Trail permits for this tour
These are the live permit spaces. Click a date to book it. For combined treks we calculate the trek start date for you.
Inca Trail permits
Live availability
Available
Few spaces
Sold out
Spaces are read from the official permit system. Select a date to start your booking.
Important information and precautions
- Inca Trail permits are limited and non-transferable: we need the full name and passport number of every traveler to buy them
- Once issued, permits cannot change name or date. If you renew your passport, tell us and bring both passports
- The Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance
- Porters carry up to 6 kg of your gear (sleeping bag and mattress included); carry a daypack with what you need during the day
- Train luggage is limited to one small bag of up to 5 kg per person; leave the rest at your Cusco hotel
- Pre-departure briefing in Cusco the day before at 18:00, where you meet your guide and pay the balance
- This route goes above 4,000 m: spend at least two nights in Cusco before departure
- Tell us about any medical condition when you book; consult your doctor if you have heart or respiratory problems
- Weather in the high Andes changes quickly: the guide may adapt the route for safety
- Pickup is in the historic centre of Cusco; the exact time is confirmed at the briefing
Route map
- 1Cusco
- 2Mollepata
- 3Soraypampa
- 4Humantay Lake
- 5Salkantay Pass
- 6Paucarcancha
- 7Huayllabamba
- 8Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman's Pass)
- 9Pacaymayo
- 10Runkurakay
- 11Phuyupatamarca
- 12Wiñay Wayna
- 13Intipunku (Sun Gate)
- 14Machu Picchu
- 15Aguas Calientes
Frequently asked questions
This trek combines two iconic routes. The first part follows the Salkantay Path, known for its dramatic high-mountain scenery, glaciers, and remote landscapes, using muleteers and horse mules for logistics. The second part connects with the Classic Inca Trail, the historic stone pathway built by the Incas, leading directly to Machu Picchu. This combination offers both natural wilderness and archaeological heritage in one unforgettable journey.
This trek is considered moderate to challenging due to its length, altitude, and consecutive hiking days. The most demanding sections include high passes such as Salkantay and Dead Woman’s Pass. It is recommended for travelers with good physical condition and some hiking experience. Our guides maintain a steady pace, include rest stops, and provide full support to ensure safety and enjoyment throughout the trek.
The best time to hike this combined route is from April to October, during the dry season, when weather conditions are more stable and views are clearer. June to August are the busiest months and require early booking. March and November are good alternatives with fewer crowds, though occasional rain may occur. February is not recommended due to heavy rains and Inca Trail closure.
You should bring well-broken-in hiking boots, layered clothing, rain gear, a warm sleeping bag, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a small daypack. Trekking poles, sleeping bags, and air mattresses are not included but can be rented locally. All main camping equipment, meals, permits, guides, and logistics are provided, allowing you to hike comfortably without carrying heavy loads.
Travel insurance is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. Your insurance should cover high-altitude trekking, emergency medical assistance, and evacuation if necessary. While our team carries a first-aid kit and emergency oxygen, having proper insurance provides additional security and peace of mind, especially for a multi-day trek in remote mountain areas.
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